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WO2025164781A1 - Article absorbant de type culotte et article absorbant - Google Patents

Article absorbant de type culotte et article absorbant

Info

Publication number
WO2025164781A1
WO2025164781A1 PCT/JP2025/003285 JP2025003285W WO2025164781A1 WO 2025164781 A1 WO2025164781 A1 WO 2025164781A1 JP 2025003285 W JP2025003285 W JP 2025003285W WO 2025164781 A1 WO2025164781 A1 WO 2025164781A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
absorbent article
absorbent
pants
leg gather
region
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/JP2025/003285
Other languages
English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
秀晃 槇
広嗣 中島
桂人 小泉
時希 米澤
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Unicharm Corp
Original Assignee
Unicharm Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP2024013774A external-priority patent/JP2025118453A/ja
Priority claimed from JP2024013772A external-priority patent/JP2025118451A/ja
Priority claimed from JP2024013773A external-priority patent/JP2025118452A/ja
Application filed by Unicharm Corp filed Critical Unicharm Corp
Publication of WO2025164781A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025164781A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/45—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
    • A61F13/49—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers, nappies
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/45—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
    • A61F13/49—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers, nappies
    • A61F13/494—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers, nappies characterised by edge leakage prevention means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/45—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
    • A61F13/49—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers, nappies
    • A61F13/496—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers, nappies in the form of pants or briefs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A61F13/534—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A61F13/534—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad
    • A61F13/535—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad inhomogeneous in the plane of the pad, e.g. core absorbent layers being of different sizes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A61F13/534—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad
    • A61F13/535—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad inhomogeneous in the plane of the pad, e.g. core absorbent layers being of different sizes
    • A61F13/536—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad inhomogeneous in the plane of the pad, e.g. core absorbent layers being of different sizes having discontinuous areas of compression

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to pants-type absorbent articles and absorbent articles.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses a pants-type diaper that has a pair of extension portions (equivalent to leg gathers) that extend outward in the width direction from both side edges of the absorbent body, and that makes it possible to provide a wide fit of the extension portions (leg gathers) around the wearer's legs by making the length of the extension portions in the width direction greater than the height of the leakage prevention cuffs.
  • Patent Document 2 discloses an absorbent article that includes an absorbent body having a laminated structure in which a first layer in which a water-absorbent polymer is carried in a stack of fiber material and a second layer in which a water-absorbent polymer is disposed between two base sheets, and in which the first layer has a larger basis weight of water-absorbent polymer than the second layer in the crotch area, and the second layer has a portion in which the water-absorbent polymer density is higher than the first layer.
  • Patent Document 3 also discloses a pants-type absorbent article comprising an absorbent main body including an absorbent core and an outer body located on the non-skin-contacting side of the absorbent main body.
  • the absorbent core has a block structure consisting of multiple high-basis-weight sections with a relatively high basis weight and low-basis-weight sections with a relatively low basis weight.
  • the waistband section of the outer body has a waistband elastic member extending in the width direction arranged in a stretched state. The waistband elastic member is arranged to cross the entire width of the absorbent core and overlap the block structure of the absorbent core.
  • JP 2017-12459 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-37758 JP 2013-255561 A
  • the present invention aims to solve at least one of the following problems.
  • the first problem in a pants-type absorbent article with wide leg gathers as described in Patent Document 1, by making the elasticity of the leg gather elastic members (e.g., rubber threads) arranged on the inner side in the left-right direction (width direction) stronger than that of the outer side, it is possible to improve the fit of the wearer's legs and make it easier to prevent side leakage of urine, etc.
  • the elasticity of the leg gather elastic members on the inner side in the left-right direction is strong, there is a risk that the absorbent body will be easily deformed by the action of the elasticity.
  • the absorbent body may deform and protrude forward, creating a gap between the excretion opening and the article, which may result in poor absorbency or a poor appearance when worn.
  • the absorbent in Patent Document 2 has a crotch extension portion in the crotch area where the second layer extends laterally outward from the side edge of the first layer.
  • the absorption capacity of the first layer is improved, enhancing overall absorption performance.
  • the second layer swells after absorption, improving cushioning, leading to an improved wearing comfort of the absorbent article.
  • the absorbent in Patent Document 2 has multiple laminated layers, the absorbent as a whole is rectangular in plan view, and the crotch area is not designed to be narrow, which may cause it to get caught when pulled up, making it difficult to pull up.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide an improved pants-type absorbent article and an improved absorbent article.
  • the present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its primary objective is to provide a pants-type absorbent article that provides a good fit around the leg openings and has good appearance and absorbency when worn.
  • the present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its second objective is to provide an absorbent article that is thin and easy to put on, while ensuring absorbency in the crotch area corresponding to the wearer's crotch.
  • the present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its third object is to provide a pants-type absorbent article that is highly flexible while suppressing shrinkage of the absorbent core.
  • the main invention for achieving the first objective is a pants-type absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that intersect with one another when unfolded, comprising an absorbent main body, a front waistband portion, and a rear waistband portion, and having a pair of leg gather portions on both sides of the absorbent main body in the width direction, wherein the leg gather portions are provided with three or more leg gather elastic members that stretch along the longitudinal direction, and in the width direction, the region between the innermost leg gather elastic member and the outermost leg gather elastic member is defined as a leg gather elastic region, and when the leg gather elastic region is divided into two equal parts in the width direction, the region located on the inner side is defined as an inner leg gather elastic region, and the region located on the outer side is defined as an outer leg gather elastic region, the length in the width direction of the leg gather elastic region is is 10 mm or more; the average length of the portion of the leg gather elastic member arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region where a stretchable force is applied in the longitudinal direction is
  • the main invention for achieving the second object is an absorbent article having an absorbent core which, in an unfolded state, has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction which are orthogonal to one another, and which contains liquid-absorbent fibers and a superabsorbent polymer, wherein the absorbent core has a plurality of layers stacked in the thickness direction, the plurality of layers having a constricted layer with a constricted portion in a crotch region corresponding to the crotch of a wearer, the width of the constricted portion being narrower than the maximum width of one end of the longitudinal direction of the constricted layer, the constricted layer containing the liquid-absorbent fibers, the plurality of layers having extension layers different from the constricted layer, the extension layers having portions which extend outward in the width direction beyond the side ends of the constricted portion, and in at least one of the extension layers, the volume occupied by the superabsorbent polymer is greater than the volume occupied by the
  • the main invention for achieving the third object is:
  • the vertical direction, the width direction, and the front-rear direction are perpendicular to each other,
  • a pants-type absorbent article having an absorbent core containing liquid-absorbent fibers and a superabsorbent polymer In a torsion test in which the pant-type absorbent article is gripped at the center portions in the up-down direction at both end portions in the width direction and twisted around an imaginary axis along the width direction, and the pant-type absorbent article is gripped at the center portions in the width direction at both end portions in the up-down direction and twisted around an imaginary axis along the up-down direction, the torque value of the pant-type absorbent article before absorption is 23.4 mN m or less,
  • the pants-type absorbent article is characterized in that there is no elastic member that continuously crosses the absorbent core in the width direction from one end to the other end in the width direction of the absorbent core.
  • the main invention for achieving the first objective makes it possible to provide a pants-type absorbent article that has a good fit around the leg openings, and has good appearance and absorbency when worn.
  • the main invention for achieving the second objective makes it possible to provide an absorbent article that is thin and easy to put on while ensuring absorbency in the crotch area corresponding to the wearer's crotch.
  • the main invention for achieving the third objective makes it possible to provide a pants-type absorbent article that is highly flexible while suppressing shrinkage of the absorbent core.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a pants-type disposable diaper 1.
  • FIG. FIG. 1 is a plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state.
  • 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 2.
  • 1A and 1B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view of an absorbent body 10 in a stretched state.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an absorbent body 20.
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view of absorbent cores 21 to 23 stacked one on top of the other.
  • FIG. 7A is a plan view of the skin side layer 21 and the intermediate layer 22, and
  • FIG. 7B is a plan view of the non-skin side layer 23.
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of region E in FIG. 4.
  • FIGS. 9A to 9C are diagrams illustrating a method for evaluating the relationship between the average effective length of the LG elastic members 17 and the amount of protrusion of the diaper 1 (absorbent body 20) toward the front (ventral side).
  • 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for measuring the stretching force (contraction force) of the inner leg gathered elastic region ERi.
  • 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the shape of the leg gather portion LG.
  • 17 is a table showing the results of measuring the leg gather outer height L17o and leg gather inner height L17i for a plurality of types of diapers based on the measurement method described with reference to FIG. 11.
  • 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a method for placing a weight W on the diaper 1 in a folded state.
  • FIG. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating measurement of a folded portion F. 15A and 15B are explanatory diagrams of the "torsion test.”
  • FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a modified example of the absorbent main body 10.
  • 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the non-skin side layer 23 of the absorbent body 20.
  • FIG. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating modified examples of the leakage preventing wall portion LSG.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a diaper 1001.
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view of a diaper 1001 in an unfolded and stretched state, viewed from the skin side.
  • 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 20.
  • FIG. 10A and 10B are plan and cross-sectional views of an absorbent body 1010 in an extended state.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an absorber 1020. This is a plan view of absorbent cores 1021 to 1023 stacked together.
  • FIG. 25A is a plan view of the skin side layer 1021 and the intermediate layer 1022, and
  • FIG. 25B is a plan view of the non-skin side layer 1023.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a weight W is placed.
  • 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating measurement of a folded portion F. 28A and 28B are explanatory diagrams of the torsion test.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the process for achieving an absorbing state.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of the absorbent body 1020 as seen from the skin side.
  • FIG. 10 is a plan view of a portion of a diaper 1001 in an unfolded and stretched state.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a diaper 1001 as viewed from the front (ventral side).
  • FIG. 10 is another schematic plan view of the diaper 1001 as seen from the front (ventral side).
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a diaper 1001 in an unfolded and stretched state, viewed from the non-skin side. 1 is an example of the measurement results of particle size distribution of SAP.
  • FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating the areas of the core wrap sheet 1026 where SAP particles and adhesive are provided. This is a photograph taken at 40x magnification of a portion of the skin side of the core wrap sheet 1026 in the inner region IR. This is a photograph taken at 40x magnification of a portion of the skin side of the core wrap sheet 1026 in the outer region OR.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the non-skin side layer 1023.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a diaper 2001.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the diaper 2001 in an unfolded and stretched state, as viewed from the skin side.
  • FIG. 43 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the center line CL in FIG. 42.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an absorber 2020 according to the present embodiment. This is a plan view of absorbent cores 2021 to 2023 stacked on top of each other.
  • FIG. 46A is a plan view of the skin side layer 2021 and the intermediate layer 2022
  • FIG. 46B is a plan view of the non-skin side layer 2023.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the absorbent body 2020 as seen from the skin side.
  • 48A and 48B are explanatory diagrams of the "torsion test.”
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the diaper 2001 in an unfolded and stretched state, as viewed from the non-skin side.
  • FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the diaper 2001.
  • FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the diaper 2001.
  • FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the diaper 2001.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the absorbent body 2010.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the non-skin side layer 2023.
  • a pants-type absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction which intersect one another in an unfolded state, comprising an absorbent main body, a front waistline portion, and a rear waistline portion, and having a pair of leg gather portions on both sides in the width direction of the absorbent main body, wherein the leg gather portions are provided with three or more leg gather elastic members which stretch along the longitudinal direction, and when the leg gather elastic region is divided into two equal parts in the width direction, the region located on the inside is defined as an inner leg gather elastic region, and the region located on the outside is defined as an outer leg gather elastic region, the length of the leg gather elastic region in the width direction is 10 mm or more a leg gather intermittent portion where a portion where a stretchable force of the leg gather elastic member arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region is applied in the longitudinal direction overlaps with a portion where a stretchable force of at least a part of the leg gather elastic member arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region is not applied in the longitudinal direction, and
  • the leg gather elastic region has a width of 10 mm or more, which makes it easier for the stretching force of the LG elastic member to act over a wide area of the leg gather portion, making it easier for the leg gather portion to fit snugly around the wearer's legs. Furthermore, by providing a portion in the inner leg gather elastic region where the average effective length of the LG elastic member is 10% or more shorter, the stretching force (contractile force) of the LG elastic member acting on the absorbent body can be weakened. This prevents excessive deformation of the absorbent body and reduces the risk of body leakage while maintaining a good fit of the leg gather portion.
  • the stretching force of the LG elastic member is less likely to act on the front side of the absorbent body. Furthermore, since fewer LG elastic members are arranged in the intermittent leg gather portion, its rigidity is reduced. As a result, the leg gathers become more likely to tuck and deform as the LG elastic members contract, and the stretching force of the LG elastic members is cushioned, thereby suppressing deformation of the absorbent body.
  • Aspect 2 The pants-type absorbent article according to Aspect 1, wherein the front waist portion and the rear waist portion are each provided with waist elastic members that stretch along the width direction, and at the front side in the longitudinal direction, the leg gather elastic members arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region and the waist elastic members intersect, and there is a portion where the leg gather elastic members arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region and the waist elastic members do not intersect.
  • the elastic forces of each interlock making it easier for the absorbent main body and the front waist portion to fit the wearer's body.
  • this interlocking is less likely to occur, and the inner leg gathered elastic region folds up, making it easier to buffer the elastic forces acting on the absorbent body. This prevents the absorbent body from deforming in a way that causes it to protrude forward.
  • the inner leg gathered elastic region folds in the width direction due to the stretching force of the front waist elastic members, making it easier to cushion the stretching force acting on the absorbent body. Furthermore, as the number of LG elastic members decreases, the rigidity of the inner leg gathered elastic region decreases, making it easier for deformation to occur, resulting in a greater cushioning effect. This makes it easier to prevent the absorbent body from protruding forward.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein all of the leg gather elastic members arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region intersect with the waist elastic members on the rear side of the central position in the longitudinal direction.
  • the stretching force of the LG elastic member and the stretching force of the rear waist elastic member work together to improve the fit of the absorbent main body (absorbent body) around the wearer's buttocks. Furthermore, the inner leg gathered elastic region is less likely to curl up around the buttocks, making it easier to achieve a snug fit over the wide buttocks, preventing rear leakage of body waste.
  • a pant-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein when a portion where a stretching force of all of the leg gather elastic members arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region acts and a portion where a stretching force of all of the leg gather elastic members arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region acts are overlapped in the longitudinal direction to define a leg gather overlapping portion, a force required to stretch the inner leg gather elastic region by a unit length from a natural state in the longitudinal direction at the leg gather overlapping portion is greater than a force required to stretch the outer leg gather elastic region by a unit length from a natural state in the longitudinal direction.
  • the fit of the inside of the leg gather portion to the wearer's leg movements is improved, making it easier to suppress side leakage of body exudates. Furthermore, even if the contractile force of the inner leg gather elastic region is increased in the overlapping parts of the leg gathers, it is unlikely that a force will act to deform the absorbent body so that it protrudes forward, and problems such as a decrease in absorbency or a poor appearance when worn are unlikely to occur.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein in the leg gather intermittent portion, a force required to stretch the inner leg gather elastic region from its natural state by a unit length in the longitudinal direction is smaller than a force required to stretch the outer leg gather elastic region from its natural state by a unit length in the longitudinal direction.
  • the intermittent leg gather portions of the inner leg gather elastic region fold making it easier to cushion the stretching force of the LG elastic member, and making it easier to suppress deformation of the absorbent body.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein a value obtained by dividing the stretchable force acting in the longitudinal direction of each of the leg gather elastic members disposed in the outer leg gather elastic region by the length of the leg gather elastic member is greater than a value obtained by dividing the stretchable force acting in the longitudinal direction of each of the leg gather elastic members disposed in the inner leg gather elastic region by the length of the leg gather elastic member.
  • the stretching force (contraction force) per unit length of the LG elastic member tends to be weaker in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi than in the outer leg gather elastic region ERo. Therefore, the force acting on the absorbent body on the inside in the width direction is less likely to become excessively large, and deformation of the absorbent body (such as protruding forward) is more likely to be suppressed.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7, wherein the absorbent main body comprises a liquid-absorbing absorber, a non-skin-side sheet provided on the non-skin-side side of the absorber in the thickness direction, and a leak-proof film provided between the absorber and the non-skin-side sheet in the thickness direction, and the outer edge of the leak-proof film is located outside the midpoint between the outer edge of the absorbent main body and the outer edge of the leg gathered portion in the width direction.
  • the leak-proof sheet is provided over more than half of the width of the leg gathers, which increases the rigidity of the leg gathers and makes it easier to maintain a flat shape. Therefore, when the absorbent article is worn, the wide leg gathers fit more closely to the wearer's skin (leg openings), making it easier to prevent side leakage of body exudates, etc.
  • the pants In a pants-like state in which the front waistline portion and the rear waistline portion are joined at a pair of side joining portions at both ends in the width direction, the pants have a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a front-to-rear direction that intersect with one another, and when an intersection point between the leg gather elastic member provided on the outermost side in the horizontal direction and the lower end edge of the front waistline member is taken as an upper end point and an intersection point between the leg gather elastic member and the lower end edge of the leg gather portion is taken as a lower end point, the longitudinal length between the upper end point and the lower end point is the inner upper end point is a point obtained by moving the upper end point 20 mm inward in the left-right direction, the inner lower end point is a point obtained by moving the lower end point 20 mm inward in the left-right direction, and the intersection of the extension of a straight line connecting the inner upper end point and the inner lower end point with the lower edge of the leg gathered portion is a second lower end point, and the distance in
  • the difference between the vertical length (height) of the leg gathers on the outer widthwise side and the vertical length (height) of the leg gathers on the inner widthwise side is small, so the leg gathers tend to extend outward in the widthwise direction at an angle close to horizontal. This makes it easy for the user to recognize at a glance that the leg gathers are formed to be wide. This gives the user a sense of security that side leakage is unlikely to occur.
  • the leg gathers tend to maintain a flat shape, making it easier for them to fit smoothly along the wearer's leg contours.
  • the rising starting point of the leakage preventing wall portion is offset from the leg gather elastic region, so when the leakage preventing wall portion rises toward the skin during wear, the expansion/contraction (shrinkage) of the leg gather portion in the leg gather elastic region is prevented from being affected by the leakage preventing wall portion. This makes it easier for the leg gather portion to fit snugly against the wearer's skin.
  • the leakage preventing wall portion has one or more leakage preventing wall elastic members that expand and contract along the longitudinal direction, A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10, wherein the elongation ratio of each of the leakage barrier elastic members is greater than the elongation ratio of each of the leg gather elastic members.
  • the contractile force of each of the leakage barrier elastic members is set stronger than the contractile force of each of the LG elastic members, which makes it easier for the leakage barrier walls to fit more closely to the wearer's skin when the absorbent article is worn. This makes it easier to prevent the upright leakage barrier walls from collapsing or from shifting position and becoming pinched between the leg gathers and the wearer's skin. This makes it easier to maintain the fit of the leg gathers and also reduces side leakage of body exudates.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11, wherein in a stretched state, the shortest distance in the width direction from the outer end of the leg gathered portion in the width direction to the rising starting point of the leakage preventing wall portion is longer than the shortest distance from the rising starting point of the leakage preventing wall portion to the tip of the leakage preventing wall portion.
  • the tips of the leakage preventing wall portions are prevented from protruding outward beyond the outer edges of the leg gather portions in the width direction. This makes it less likely that the fit of the leg gather portions against the wearer's skin will be impaired.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, wherein, in a pants-type state in which the front waistband and the rear waistband are joined at both ends in the width direction by a pair of side join portions, the pants-type absorbent article has a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a front-to-rear direction that intersect with each other, and when placed flat in a natural state, the intersection of the outer edge of the absorbent main body in the horizontal direction and the lower edge of the front waistband is located inside in the horizontal direction of the intersection of the outer edge of the absorbent main body in the horizontal direction and the lower edge of the rear waistband.
  • the width of the absorbent main body at the front side is narrower than the width of the absorbent main body at the rear side (dorsal side). Therefore, when worn, the absorbent main body does not become excessively wide at the front side (ventral side), and the external shape of the crotch area is neat and tidy, resulting in a good appearance.
  • the absorbent main body at the rear side (dorsal side) is wider than the front side, it is easier to cover the buttocks securely.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 13, wherein, when an average value of lengths of portions of a plurality of the leg gather elastic members to which a stretchable force is applied in the longitudinal direction is defined as an average effective length, the number of the leg gather elastic members to which a stretchable force is applied in the longitudinal direction is longer than the average effective length is greater than the number of the leg gather elastic members to which a stretchable force is applied in the longitudinal direction is shorter than the average effective length.
  • the greater the number of LG elastic members with long effective lengths the wider the range (range with long effective lengths) in the leg gather elastic region over which the stretching force of the LG elastic members acts, making it easier to improve the fit of the leg gather portion as a whole.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 14, wherein all of the plurality of leg gather elastic members are arranged continuously across a central position of the pants-type absorbent article in the longitudinal direction.
  • the LG elastic member is provided continuously along the longitudinal direction at a central position in the longitudinal direction that is located in the crotch area of the wearer when worn, and the application of an elastic force makes it easier to prevent the absorbent body from sagging. This improves the fit of the absorbent main body and prevents the absorbent body from sagging downward, which can lead to a poor appearance when worn.
  • (Aspect 16) 16 The pant-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 15, wherein, in a pant-type state in which the front waistband and the rear waistband are joined at both widthwise ends by a pair of side join portions, the pant-type absorbent article has a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a front-to-rear direction that intersect with one another, and in a torsion test in which central portions of both left-to-right direction ends in the vertical direction are gripped and twisted around an imaginary axis along the horizontal direction, and central portions of both left-to-right direction ends in the vertical direction are gripped and twisted around an imaginary axis along the vertical direction, the torque value of the pant-type absorbent article before absorption is 23.4 mN m or less.
  • the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 16 has a low bending resistance and can easily deform to fit the contours of the wearer's body, improving the fit and preventing the absorbent body from popping out to the front.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 16, wherein the absorbent main body has an absorbent core containing liquid-absorbent fibers and a superabsorbent polymer, the absorbent core has a low basis weight region having a basis weight lower than that of the surrounding area, and has a portion in the longitudinal direction where the intermittent portion of the leg gathers and the low basis weight region overlap.
  • the intermittent leg gathers suppress deformation of the absorbent body, and the low basis weight region induces deformation of the absorbent body, interacting to more easily prevent the widthwise center of the absorbent body from popping out to the front. This improves the appearance and absorbency when worn.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 17, wherein the absorbent main body has an absorbent core containing liquid-absorbent fibers and a superabsorbent polymer, the absorbent core has a low basis weight region having a basis weight lower than that of a surrounding area, and the absorbent core does not have a portion in the longitudinal direction where the intermittent portion of the leg gathers and the low basis weight region overlap.
  • the low basis weight region has the function of quickly drawing excrement into the absorbent body. If the excrement drawn in by the low basis weight region spreads to both sides in the width direction, and LG elastic members are disposed on both sides of the low basis weight region, the diffusion of the excrement can be blocked by the LG elastic members, thereby preventing side leakage.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 18, wherein the absorbent main body has an absorbent core including a skin-side layer, an intermediate layer, and a non-skin-side layer laminated at least in the thickness direction, and the intermediate layer does not include a nonwoven fabric.
  • the skin-side layer and intermediate layer of the absorbent core are laminated adjacently in the thickness direction without any intervening nonwoven fabric, which prevents the adhesive or nonwoven fabric from interfering with the transfer of excreted fluid from the skin-side layer to the intermediate layer. This increases the rate of absorption by the intermediate layer.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 19, wherein the layer of the absorbent core closest to the skin does not contain a water-absorbent resin powder.
  • the layer closest to the skin does not contain water-absorbent resin powder such as SAP, so it is less likely to give a granular, gritty feeling to the wearer's skin, reducing discomfort when worn.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 19, wherein the superabsorbent polymer in the layer closest to the skin of the absorbent core has a liquid permeation rate under load of more than 10 seconds.
  • the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 21 by ensuring that the liquid permeation rate under load in the layer closest to the skin exceeds 10 seconds, the water retention of the absorbent core is improved and localized thickening of the absorbent core can be suppressed compared to the opposite case.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 21, wherein the leakage preventing wall portions are constituted by a sheet member different from the sheet member constituting the leg gathered portions, the absorbent main body has a liquid-absorbing absorber and a top sheet provided on the skin side in the thickness direction of the absorber, and the leakage preventing wall portions stand up on the skin side from a base point where the sheet member constituting the leakage preventing wall portions is fixed to the skin side of the top sheet in the thickness direction.
  • the top sheet is interposed between the leakage barrier wall portion and the leg gathered portion in the thickness direction, so the rigidity of the leg gathered portion is increased by the top sheet, making it easier for the leg gathered portion to maintain a flat shape. Therefore, when the absorbent article is worn, the leg gathered portion tends to fit snugly against the wearer's skin (leg openings).
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 21, wherein the leakage preventing wall portions are constituted by a sheet member different from the sheet member constituting the leg gathered portions, and the leakage preventing wall portions stand up on the skin side from a base point at which the sheet member constituting the leakage preventing wall portions is fixed to the skin side in the thickness direction of the sheet member constituting the leg gathered portions.
  • no other sheet member e.g., a top sheet
  • the overall thickness of the absorbent body is thinner than when a top sheet or the like is interposed, resulting in a neater external appearance of the absorbent article.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 21 and 21-2 to 21-3, wherein, when an average value of the lengths of the portions of the plurality of leg gather elastic members to which a stretchable force is applied in the longitudinal direction is defined as an average effective length, the number of the leg gather elastic members to which a stretchable force is applied in the longitudinal direction is longer than the average effective length is smaller than the number of the leg gather elastic members to which a stretchable force is applied in the longitudinal direction is shorter than the average effective length.
  • the range in the leg gather elastic region where the LG elastic member is not provided (the range with a short effective length) is widened, which reduces the rigidity of the leg gather portion and makes it more susceptible to flexural deformation. This buffers the stretching force of the LG elastic member and weakens the force acting on the absorbent body. This makes it easier to prevent the absorbent body from deforming in a way that causes it to protrude forward.
  • Aspect 21-5) The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 21 and 21-2 to 21-4, wherein, among the plurality of leg gather elastic members, of two of the leg gather elastic members arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction, the length in the longitudinal direction of a portion on which an elastic force acts of the leg gather elastic member arranged on the inner side in the width direction is shorter than the length in the longitudinal direction of a portion on which an elastic force acts of the leg gather elastic member arranged on the outer side in the width direction.
  • the effective length of the LG elastic member gradually increases from the inside to the outside in the width direction, which makes it easier for the leg gathers to fit closely to the skin in accordance with the shape of the wearer's groin, further improving the fit.
  • An absorbent article having an absorbent core which, in an unfolded state, has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction which are orthogonal to one another, and which contains a liquid-absorbent fiber and a superabsorbent polymer, wherein the absorbent core has a plurality of layers laminated in the thickness direction, the plurality of layers including a constricted layer having a constricted portion in a crotch portion corresponding to the crotch of a wearer, the width of the constricted portion being narrower than the maximum width of one end of the constricted layer in the longitudinal direction, the constricted layer including the liquid-absorbent fiber, the plurality of layers including an extension layer different from the constricted layer, the extension layer having a portion which extends outward in the width direction beyond the side ends of the constricted portion, and in at least one of the extension layers, a volume occupied by the superabsorbent polymer is larger than a volume occupied by the liquid
  • the constricted layer has a constricted portion that corresponds to the shape of the crotch area, which reduces snagging when pulled up and makes it easier to pull up. Furthermore, the presence of this constricted portion allows the garment to fit closer to the wearer's crotch when put on, improving the fit and reducing the need to readjust the crotch area after putting on.
  • the constricted portion contains liquid-absorbent fibers, which helps prevent the constricted shape from collapsing.
  • the extension layer extending from the constricted portion ensures absorbency in the crotch area, while its thin thickness makes it easy to put on.
  • Aspect 23 is an absorbent article according to aspect 22, wherein in a torsion test in which the central portions of the longitudinal direction at both widthwise ends of the absorbent article in the folded state are grasped and twisted around an imaginary axis along the width direction, and the central portions of the widthwise ends of the absorbent article in the folded state are grasped and twisted around an imaginary axis along the longitudinal direction, the torque value of the absorbent article before absorption is 23.4 mN ⁇ m or less.
  • Aspect 24 is the absorbent article according to aspect 22 or 23, wherein the absorbent core has a low-basis-weight region in the crotch region that has a lower basis weight than the surrounding area and that extends along the longitudinal direction.
  • the low basis weight region allows the crotch area to deform more easily when pulled up or while being worn, reducing snagging when pulled up. Furthermore, the low basis weight region allows excreted fluid to be more easily dispersed, improving absorbency.
  • Aspects 22 to 24 is an absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 22 to 24, wherein the absorbent core has a portion where the number of layers stacked is small at least on one of the longitudinal end portions and the other longitudinal end portion.
  • areas with fewer layers are thinner, and by having such areas at one or the other end of the absorbent core, the thickness is reduced when worn, making it less likely to get caught when pulled up and easier to pull up.
  • Aspect 26 An absorbent article according to any one of aspects 22 to 25, wherein one of the plurality of layers has a first low basis weight region having a basis weight lower than that of the surrounding area, and a layer of the plurality of layers other than the layer having the first low basis weight region has a second low basis weight region having a basis weight lower than that of the surrounding area, and the first low basis weight region and the second low basis weight region have an overlapping portion in a planar view.
  • the overlapping allows the absorbent core to deform more easily when pulled up, reducing snagging when pulled up and making it easier to pull up. Furthermore, the overlapping low basis weight regions in multiple layers creates a path for excreted liquid, making it easier for excreted liquid to migrate from one layer with a low basis weight region to another layer with a low basis weight region. This helps prevent leakage.
  • Aspect 27 is the absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 22 to 26, wherein the maximum width of the constricted layer and the maximum width of the extension layer in the width direction are different.
  • the widthwise ends of the absorbent body are thin and have low rigidity. If such a low-rigidity area is in the crotch area, it will be easier to pull up as it will be less likely to get caught on something. Even if the low-rigidity area is in the groin area or the area extending from the crotch area to the buttocks, the widthwise ends will feel better against the skin and will be less likely to get caught on something.
  • Aspect 28 is the absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 22 to 27, wherein in the constricted portion, the maximum width of the constricted layer in the width direction is larger than the maximum width of the extension layer in the width direction.
  • the extension layer has a portion that extends in the width direction from the constricted portion, but when viewed as a whole, the maximum width of the constricted layer is greater than the maximum width of the extension layer, and there are constricted portions from which the extension layer does not extend. This prevents the portion of the extension layer that extends in the width direction from being excessively positioned, which could cause it to get caught, and maintains ease of lifting.
  • Aspect 30 is the absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 22 to 29, wherein the absorbent core has a plurality of compression portions formed so as to compress the absorbent core in the thickness direction.
  • the presence of a compression section allows the absorbent core to be deformed due to differences in rigidity, reducing snagging when pulled up. Furthermore, this deformation guidance due to differences in rigidity makes it easier to conform to the shape of the wearer's body, reducing the need for adjustment after wearing.
  • the absorbent article is a pants-type absorbent article having an absorbent main body including the absorbent core and a pair of waistband portions joined by a pair of side joining portions at both side portions in the width direction, the absorbent main body having a pair of leg gather portions on both sides in the width direction and having a vertical direction perpendicular to the width direction, and the leg gather portions are provided with three or more leg gather elastic members that stretch along the vertical direction, 31.
  • a region between the innermost leg gather elastic member and the outermost leg gather elastic member in the width direction is defined as a leg gather elastic region
  • the inner region of the leg gather elastic region when the leg gather elastic region is divided into two equal halves in the width direction is defined as an inner leg gather elastic region
  • the outer region of the leg gather elastic region is defined as an outer leg gather elastic region
  • the average value of the length of the portion of the leg gather elastic member disposed in the inner leg gather elastic region where a stretchable force acts in the longitudinal direction is shorter by 10% or more than the average value of the length of the portion of the leg gather elastic member disposed in the outer leg gather elastic region where a stretchable force acts in the longitudinal direction.
  • the transverse elastic member does not continuously straddle the absorbent core in the width direction, thereby suppressing deformation of the absorbent core.
  • the absorbent body is shrunk, it becomes thicker due to wrinkles and is more likely to get caught, but by suppressing shrinkage, it becomes easier to pull up, improving fit.
  • the absorbent article is a pants-type absorbent article having an absorbent main body including the absorbent core, a transverse elastic member that stretches in the width direction, and a pair of waistband portions joined by a pair of side joint portions on both sides in the width direction, and is an absorbent article described in any of aspects 22 to 32, in which the transverse elastic member continuously traverses the portion of the absorbent main body where the absorbent core is not present in the width direction from one end to the other end in the width direction.
  • the horizontal elastic members arranged continuously in the width direction of the absorbent main body transmit the pulling force to the absorbent main body, making it easier to pull up.
  • the absorbent article is described in any one of aspects 22 to 33, wherein the multiple layers include a skin-side layer having a first thickness and in which the volume occupied by the superabsorbent polymer is larger than the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber, an intermediate layer having a second thickness and in which the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber is larger than the volume occupied by the superabsorbent polymer, and a non-skin-side layer having a third thickness and in which the volume occupied by the superabsorbent polymer is larger than the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber, and the intermediate layer is located on the non-skin-side side in the thickness direction of the skin-side layer, and the non-skin-side layer is located on the non-skin-side side in the thickness direction of the intermediate layer.
  • the absorbent core is constructed from layers that are, for example, a mixture of superabsorbent polymer and liquid-absorbent fiber
  • the layers with a high volumetric occupancy of superabsorbent polymer and layers with a high volumetric occupancy of liquid-absorbent fiber are constructed as separate layers, making each layer more easily deformable and the absorbent core as a whole more easily deformable. Therefore, the number of areas that are easily deformed when pulled up increases, making it easier to pull up.
  • An absorbent article described in any of aspects 22 to 34 which has a core wrap sheet arranged on one side of the absorbent core in the thickness direction, and a strip of adhesive on the other side of the core wrap sheet in the thickness direction, the average width of the strip of adhesive being smaller than the average particle size of the superabsorbent polymer, and when the area of the other side of the core wrap sheet that is located outside the outermost end of the absorbent core in the width direction is defined as an outer region, and the area of the other side of the core wrap sheet that is located inside the outermost end of the absorbent core in the width direction is defined as an inner region, the number of intersections of the strip of adhesive per unit area in the outer region is smaller than the number of intersections of the strip of adhesive per unit area in the inner region.
  • a strip of adhesive is provided with a width narrower than the particle size of the superabsorbent polymer, which allows the adhesive to easily penetrate into the gaps between the superabsorbent polymer particles, fixing the superabsorbent polymer particles together and preventing deformation. Furthermore, in the core wrap sheet, the number of intersections between the adhesive is greater in the inner widthwise region where the superabsorbent polymer particles are arranged than in the outer widthwise region where the superabsorbent polymer particles are not arranged, which means that the area where the absorbent core is arranged is firmly fixed, preventing uneven deformation and preventing poor fit and leakage.
  • (Aspect 36) 36 The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 22 to 35, wherein the absorbent core has a density of 0.2 g/cm 3 or more.
  • the thickness is less likely to change and wearability is less likely to deteriorate than when the density of the absorbent core is less than 0.2 g/cm 3.
  • the high density makes it less likely for the absorbent core to lose its shape, preventing wearability from deteriorating.
  • the absorbent article is a pants-type absorbent article having a pair of waistband portions joined by a pair of side joints on both sides in the width direction, and has a transverse elastic member that stretches in the width direction, and when the portion of the absorbent core where the constriction layer and the extension layer are stacked in the thickness direction is defined as a stacked portion, a portion of the transverse elastic member is located at the end of the stacked portion in the width direction, which is an absorbent article described in any of aspects 22 to 36.
  • the laminated portion is a highly rigid portion, and the force of the lateral elastic member is applied to such a highly rigid portion, making it easier for the force to be transmitted when pulled up.
  • the absorbent article is a pants-type absorbent article having an absorbent main body including the absorbent core, a pair of leg openings, and a pair of waistbands joined by a pair of side joints on both sides in the width direction, the pants-type absorbent article having a vertical direction, with the pair of waistbands on the upper side and the pair of leg openings on the lower side, the absorbent main body has a pair of leg gathers on both sides in the width direction, the leg gathers are provided with leg gather elastic members that stretch along the vertical direction, and the length of a line connecting the intersection of the leg gather elastic members and the lower end of the waistband and the lower end of the leg gather elastic member in a natural state is 45% or more of the vertical length from the intersection to the lower end of the leg gather elastic member when the leg gather elastic member is at its maximum stretch.
  • (Aspect 39) a pair of leg openings, and a front waistline portion and a rear waistline portion joined by a pair of side joining portions at both sides in the width direction, the pants-type absorbent article having a vertical direction, with the front waistline portion and the rear waistline portion being the upper side and the pair of leg openings being the lower side, the pants-type absorbent article having a vertical direction, and a dividing line dividing a line segment connecting an intersection point between one side end of the absorbent main body in the width direction and a lower end of the front waistline portion and an intersection point between the other side end of the absorbent main body in the width direction and the lower end of the front waistline portion into four equal parts, the dividing line extending from the line segment to the lower end of the pants-type absorbent article along the vertical direction from the line segment to the lower end of the pants-type absorbent article; 39.
  • the average length of the widthwise side portions, L2 and L3, is shorter than the centerline length, L1, so that the shape of the lower end (crotch portion) of the article is rounded with the center being more convex downward, making it easier to fit under the wearer's crotch.
  • the absorbent article is a pants-type absorbent article having an absorbent main body including the absorbent core, a horizontal elastic member that stretches in the width direction, and a pair of waistband portions joined by a pair of side joint portions on both sides in the width direction, and the pants-type absorbent article has a vertical direction perpendicular to the width direction, the absorbent main body has a pair of leg gather portions on both sides in the width direction, and the leg gather portions are provided with leg gather elastic members that stretch along the vertical direction, and the absorbent article is described in any of aspects 22 to 39, having a portion where the horizontal elastic member and the leg gather elastic member intersect when viewed in the thickness direction.
  • the force generated when the waistband portion is pulled up is easily transmitted to the crotch area, making it easier to pull up the absorbent article.
  • the absorbent article is a pants-type absorbent article having a pair of waistbands joined by a pair of side joints on both sides in the width direction, and the pants-type absorbent article has a vertical direction, and when the pair of waistbands is defined as the upper side and the other side is defined as the lower side, and when the region above the lower end of the side joint of at least one of the pair of waistbands is divided into four in the vertical direction from the top into a first region, a second region, a third region, and a fourth region, the magnitude of the force required to stretch the first region by a unit length in the width direction is smaller than the magnitude of the force required to stretch the second region by a unit length in the width direction, and the magnitude of the force required to stretch the fourth region by a unit length in the width direction is smaller than the magnitude of the force required to stretch the third region by a unit length in the width direction.
  • the tightening force at the upper end of the waistband (first region) is weak, so it is less likely to get caught on the protruding buttocks when pulled up. Also, the tightening force at the crotch side of the waistband (fourth region) is weak, so it is easy for the legs to pass through when pulled up.
  • the absorbent article is described in any one of aspects 22 to 41, wherein the absorbent body has an absorbent core having a skin-side layer, an intermediate layer, and a non-skin-side layer laminated at least in the thickness direction, and the intermediate layer does not include a nonwoven fabric.
  • the skin-side layer and intermediate layer of the absorbent core are laminated adjacently in the thickness direction without any intervening nonwoven fabric, which prevents the adhesive or nonwoven fabric from interfering with the transfer of excreted fluid from the skin-side layer to the intermediate layer. This increases the rate of absorption by the intermediate layer.
  • Aspect 43 is the absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 22 to 42, wherein the layer of the absorbent core closest to the skin does not contain a water-absorbent resin powder.
  • the layer closest to the skin does not contain water-absorbent resin powder such as SAP, which makes it less likely to give a granular, gritty feeling to the wearer's skin, reducing discomfort when worn.
  • water-absorbent resin powder such as SAP
  • Aspect 44 The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 22 to 43, wherein the superabsorbent polymer in the layer closest to the skin of the absorbent core has a liquid permeation rate under load of more than 10 seconds.
  • a pants-type absorbent article having a vertical direction, a width direction, and a front-to-back direction that are perpendicular to each other, and having an absorbent core containing liquid-absorbent fibers and a superabsorbent polymer, wherein in a torsion test in which the vertical center of both widthwise ends of the pants-type absorbent article is grasped and twisted around an imaginary axis along the width direction, and the widthwise center of both widthwise ends of the pants-type absorbent article is grasped and twisted around an imaginary axis along the vertical direction, the torque value of the pants-type absorbent article before absorption is 23.4 mN ⁇ m or less, and there is no elastic member that continuously crosses the absorbent core in the width direction from one end to the other end of the absorbent core in the width direction.
  • the absorbent core is more easily twisted and flexible (supple) before absorption than when the torque value is greater than 23.4 mN ⁇ m. This makes it easier to deform along the wearer's body and follow the wearer's movements. Furthermore, the absence of an elastic member spanning the entire width of the absorbent core prevents the flexible absorbent core from shrinking in the width direction due to the elastic member, which could cause wrinkles. Furthermore, the SAP that makes up the absorbent core ensures the water retention capacity of excrement, while the liquid-absorbent fiber prevents excessive loss of flexibility of the pants-type absorbent article after absorbing excrement.
  • the pants-type absorbent article according to aspect 45 an absorbent body including the absorbent core and a transverse elastic member that stretches in the width direction, The transverse elastic members extend continuously across the region of the absorbent main body where the absorbent core is not present, from one end to the other end in the width direction of the region.
  • the transverse elastic member can suppress shrinkage of the absorbent core in the width direction while allowing a portion of the absorbent main body to fit closely to the wearer's body.
  • the pants-type absorbent article according to aspect 45 or 46 has transverse elastic members that stretch in the width direction, and a portion of the transverse elastic members is located at an end of the absorbent core in the width direction.
  • the stretched lateral elastic members pull the absorbent core outward in both width directions during wear, making it easier to maintain the flatness of the absorbent core.
  • the absorbent pack has transverse elastic members that stretch in the width direction, and the transverse elastic members are positioned outside the outer periphery of the absorbent core.
  • the contractile force of the lateral elastic member is less likely to affect the absorbent core, thereby suppressing shrinkage of the absorbent core in the width direction.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 45 to 48,
  • the garment has a front waist portion, a rear waist portion, horizontal elastic members that stretch in the width direction, and an absorbent main body including the absorbent core, and in an unfolded and stretched state, the front waist portion and the rear waist portion each have a non-stretchable region where the horizontal elastic members are not located at the portion that overlaps with the absorbent main body in the thickness direction, and the widthwise length of the non-stretchable region of the front waist portion is shorter than the widthwise length of the non-stretchable region of the rear waist portion.
  • the fit of the front waistband is improved, making it easier for the front waistband to fit closely to the wearer's rounded abdomen. Meanwhile, the fit of the rear waistband and absorbent main body to the wearer's buttocks is moderately controlled, ensuring sufficient space for storing feces.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 45 to 49, The garment has a front waistline portion and a rear waistline portion joined by a pair of side joints, and when at least one of the front waistline portion and the rear waistline portion is divided into four portions in the vertical direction, the contractile force of the lowest region is smaller than the contractile force of the second lowest region.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 45 to 50, A pair of leg gathers are provided along the legs of the wearer, The leg gathers are provided with leg gather elastic members along the stretch direction thereof, and the stretch ratio of the leg gather elastic members is 2.4 times or less.
  • the contractile force of the leg gather portion can be reduced compared to when the elongation ratio of the leg gather elastic member is greater than 2.4 times, and shrinkage of the absorbent core can be suppressed.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 45 to 51,
  • the garment has a pair of leg gather portions that fit around the wearer's legs and an absorbent main body including the absorbent core, the absorbent main body having a pair of leakage prevention wall portions that can stand up on the skin side on both sides in the width direction, the leg gather portions having leg gather elastic members along their stretch direction, the leakage prevention wall portions having leakage prevention wall elastic members that stretch along the up-down direction, and the contraction force of the leg gather portions being smaller than the contraction force of the leakage prevention wall portions.
  • shrinkage of the absorbent core due to the leg gathers can be suppressed. Meanwhile, by increasing the contractile force of the leakage prevention wall, which is less affected by the shrinkage of the absorbent core, side leakage of body exudates from around the legs can be suppressed.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 45 to 52,
  • the garment has a pair of leg gather sections that fit around the wearer's legs, and the leg gather sections are provided with a plurality of leg gather elastic members along their stretch direction, with the contractile force of the leg gather elastic member provided on the innermost side being greater than the contractile force of the leg gather elastic member provided on the outermost side.
  • the contractile force of the innermost leg gather elastic member allows the pants-type absorbent article to fit tightly around the wearer's legs, preventing side leakage of body exudates.
  • shrinkage of the absorbent core can be prevented.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 45 to 52,
  • the garment has a pair of leg gather sections that fit around the wearer's legs, and the leg gather sections are provided with a plurality of leg gather elastic members along their stretch direction, with the contraction force of the leg gather elastic member provided on the innermost side being smaller than the contraction force of the leg gather elastic member provided on the outermost side.
  • the contractile force of the leg gather elastic member closest to the absorbent core is reduced, thereby further suppressing shrinkage of the absorbent core.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 45 to 54,
  • the absorbent body has an absorbent main body including the absorbent core, and the absorbent main body has a pair of leg gather portions on both sides in the width direction, and the leg gather portions are provided with leg gather elastic members that stretch along the up-down direction, and when in an unfolded and stretched state, the leg gather elastic members are not provided in the innermost region when the region from the end of the absorbent core to the end of the absorbent main body in the width direction is divided into three.
  • the contractile force of the leg gather elastic members is less likely to affect the absorbent core, further suppressing shrinkage of the absorbent core in the vertical direction.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 45 to 55, the leg gather elastic member is provided on one side of the inner leg gather elastic member and the leg gather elastic member is provided on the other side of the outer leg gather elastic member; the leg gather elastic member has a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the width direction in an unfolded and stretched state; the leg gather elastic member is provided on the other side of the inner leg gather elastic member and the leg gather elastic member is provided on the other side of the outer leg gather elastic member; the leg gather elastic member is provided on the other side of the inner leg gather elastic member; ...
  • leg gather elastic member is provided on the other side of the inner leg gather elastic member; the leg gather elastic member is provided on the other side of the outer leg gather elastic member; the leg gather elastic member is provided on the other side of the outer leg gather elastic member; the leg gather elastic member is provided on the other side of the outer leg gather elastic member; the leg gather elastic member is provided on the other side of the inner leg gather elastic member; the leg gather elastic member is provided on the other side of the
  • shrinkage of the absorbent core in the vertical direction can be suppressed compared to when the average length of the leg gather elastic members arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region is longer than 90% of the average length of the leg gather elastic members arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 45 to 56,
  • the absorbent core has a skin-side core wrap sheet portion that covers at least a portion of the skin-side side of the absorbent core, a non-skin-side core wrap sheet portion that covers at least a portion of the non-skin-side side of the absorbent core, a top sheet that is located closer to the skin than the skin-side core wrap sheet portion, and a back sheet that is located closer to the skin than the non-skin-side core wrap sheet portion, and has a portion where the top sheet and the back sheet are adhered.
  • the rigidity around the absorbent core can be reduced by the amount that the topsheet is not folded over, and the torque value of the pants-type absorbent article can be reduced. Furthermore, the thickness around the absorbent core can be reduced by the amount that the topsheet is not folded over, giving the pants-type absorbent article a neater appearance similar to that of underwear.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 45 to 57,
  • the absorbent garment has a front waistband, a rear waistband, horizontal elastic members that stretch in the width direction, and an absorbent main body including the absorbent core, wherein the absorbent core has a low basis weight region having a basis weight lower than that of the surrounding area, and in an unfolded and stretched state, the front waistband and the rear waistband each have a non-stretchable region where the horizontal elastic members are not located at a portion that overlaps with the absorbent main body in the thickness direction, and at least one of the non-stretchable regions of the front waistband and the rear waistband overlaps with the low basis weight region in the width direction and extends outward in the width direction beyond the low basis weight region.
  • the contractile force of the lateral elastic member is less likely to reach parts of the absorbent core that are prone to deformation due to the low basis weight region. This makes it possible to suppress shrinkage of the absorbent core in the width direction.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 45 to 58, In the crotch portion, which is located between the legs of a wearer when worn, the absorbent core has a constricted portion constricted on the inner side in the width direction.
  • the flexibility of the absorbent core is increased, and the torque value of the pants-type absorbent article before absorption can be reduced.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to aspect 59, The garment has an absorbent main body including the absorbent core, and in an unfolded and stretched state, the front waistband and the rear waistband each have a non-stretchable region where the lateral elastic member is not located at a portion where the non-stretchable region overlaps with the absorbent main body in the thickness direction, and the outer widthwise end of at least one of the non-stretchable regions of the front waistband and the rear waistband is located outside the narrowest point of the waistband in the width direction or coincides with the widthwise position of the narrowest point.
  • the contractile force of the lateral elastic member is less likely to reach the constricted portion of the absorbent core.
  • deformation of the absorbent core sandwiched between the wearer's legs along the constricted portion is less likely to be hindered by the lateral elastic member.
  • the pants-type absorbent article according to aspect 59 has an absorbent main body including the absorbent core, and in an unfolded and stretched state, the front waistband and the rear waistband each have a non-stretchable region where the lateral elastic member is not located at a portion where the non-stretchable region overlaps with the absorbent main body in the thickness direction, and the outer end of the widthwise direction of at least one of the non-stretchable regions of the front waistband and the rear waistband is located widthwise inside the narrowest point of the constricted portion.
  • the lateral elastic member when the wearer's legs exert a strong clamping force, the lateral elastic member can pull the constricted portion outward in the width direction. This prevents the absorbent core from being distorted uncontrollably by the legs being clamped.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 45 to 61,
  • the absorbent core has a plurality of compressed portions formed to partially compress the absorbent core in the thickness direction thereof.
  • the rigidity of the absorbent core is appropriately increased, and shrinkage of the absorbent core can be suppressed.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 45 to 62,
  • the absorbent core has a plurality of absorbent layers, each of which has an SAP layer formed only from the superabsorbent polymer, the SAP layer being laminated on a base sheet and having a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the width direction in an unfolded and stretched state, the SAP layer sheet in which the SAP layer is laminated on the base sheet has high basis weight regions having a basis weight higher than that of the surrounding areas, the high basis weight regions being arranged so that points of maximum thickness are located intermittently in the longitudinal direction and the width direction, the maximum thickness is within 3 mm, and the distance between adjacent points of maximum thickness is 5 times or less the maximum thickness.
  • the low basis weight regions surrounding the high basis weight regions act as folding points, making the absorbent core (SAP layer sheet) more easily deformable and increasing flexibility. This allows for a lower torque value for the pants-type absorbent article before absorption. Furthermore, the thickness of the absorbent core can be made thinner than when the maximum thickness is greater than 3 mm. Furthermore, since multiple high basis weight regions are arranged at closer intervals than when the distance between the points of maximum thickness is greater than five times the maximum thickness, the flexibility of the absorbent core is further increased.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 45 to 63,
  • the absorbent core has a plurality of absorbent layers stacked in its thickness direction, the plurality of absorbent layers having a first absorbent layer and a second absorbent layer, and in an unfolded and extended state has a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the width direction, and in the longitudinal direction, the rear end of the first absorbent layer is located closer to the center than the rear end of the second absorbent layer.
  • the number of layers in the rear absorbent core is reduced, reducing rigidity. This prevents the absorbent core from feeling stiff when the user is lying on their back.
  • the large number of layers in the front absorbent core allows for more effective absorption and retention of excreted urine, reducing leakage.
  • the pants-type absorbent article according to aspect 64 It has a transverse elastic member that stretches in the width direction, and in an unfolded and stretched state, at the rear end of the absorbent core in the longitudinal direction, in a region where the first absorbent layer is not present, a portion of the transverse elastic member is located at the end of the absorbent core in the width direction.
  • the thin portions of the absorbent core due to the absence of the first absorbent layer can be efficiently pulled outward in the width direction by the transverse elastic member. This ensures the flatness of the second absorbent layer.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 45 to 65,
  • the absorbent core has a skin-side layer in which the volume occupied by the superabsorbent polymer is larger than the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber, an intermediate layer in which the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber is larger than the volume occupied by the superabsorbent polymer, and a non-skin-side layer in which the volume occupied by the superabsorbent polymer is larger than the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber, and the intermediate layer is located on the non-skin side in the thickness direction of the skin-side layer, and the non-skin-side layer is located on the non-skin side in the thickness direction of the intermediate layer.
  • the liquid-absorbent fibers in the middle layer allow excreted liquid to be quickly drawn into the absorbent core.
  • the excreted liquid then migrates to the non-skin-side layer, where it can be firmly retained by the superabsorbent polymer.
  • the superabsorbent polymer in the skin-side layer prevents excreted liquid from flowing back.
  • a pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 45 to 66,
  • the absorbent core has a plurality of absorbent layers stacked in its thickness direction, and one or more of the absorbent layers located closer to the skin than the absorbent layer located closest to the skin in the thickness direction do not contain nonwoven fabric.
  • the number of absorbent layers can be reduced and the thickness of the absorbent layers can be made smaller while maintaining absorption performance using absorbent layers that do not contain nonwoven fabric. This makes it possible to reduce the torque value of the pants-type absorbent article before absorption.
  • the absorbent core can be used more effectively in the planar direction. Therefore, the number of absorbent layers can be reduced and the thickness of the absorbent layer can be made smaller while maintaining absorption performance. Therefore, the torque value of the pants-type absorbent article before absorption can be reduced.
  • a pants-type disposable diaper 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "diaper 1") will be described.
  • pants-type absorbent articles are not limited to disposable diapers, and can also be used as sanitary shorts or other pants-type absorbent articles.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a pants-type disposable diaper 1.
  • Fig. 2 is a plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state.
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Fig. 2.
  • the diaper 1 In the pants-type state shown in Figure 1, the diaper 1 has a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a front-to-back direction that intersect with one another, and is formed with a waist opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH. In the vertical direction, the waist opening BH side is the upper side, and the crotch side is the lower side. In addition, in the unfolded and stretched state shown in Figure 2, the diaper 1 has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction (directions that penetrate the paper in Figure 2) that intersect with one another.
  • the longitudinal direction in the unfolded state is the direction along the vertical direction in the pants-type state ( Figure 1), and the width direction in the unfolded state is the same direction as the left-to-right direction in the pants-type state ( Figure 1).
  • One side of the longitudinal direction corresponds to the ventral side (front side), and the other side corresponds to the dorsal side (rear side).
  • the direction in which the materials constituting the diaper 1 are layered is referred to as the thickness direction
  • the side in the thickness direction that comes into contact with the wearer's body (skin) is referred to as the skin side
  • the side that does not come into contact with the wearer's body (skin) is referred to as the non-skin side.
  • the "stretched state" of the diaper 1 refers to the state in which the entire diaper 1 (the entire product) is stretched without wrinkles by stretching each of the elastic members of the diaper 1 (for example, the LG elastic member 17 and waist elastic members 33, 43, etc., described below). Specifically, it refers to the state in which the dimensions of each of the components constituting the diaper 1 (for example, the absorbent body 10 and waist elastic members 30, 40, etc., described below) are stretched to the same dimensions as or close to the dimensions of the individual components.
  • the state of the diaper 1 after it has been left for a predetermined period of time is referred to as the "natural state.”
  • the diaper 1 in its finished state is removed from the package, and the waistbands 30, 40 are pulled outward in both the left and right directions to create a "stretched state.” After this stretched state is maintained for 15 seconds, the diaper 1 is released and placed on a flat surface such as a desk.
  • the state after 5 minutes of being left in this flat state is referred to as the natural state.
  • the diaper 1 has three components that are rectangular in plan view: an absorbent main body 10, a front waistband section 30, and a rear waistband section 40.
  • an absorbent main body 10 When the diaper 1 is worn, the front waistband section 30 (ventral waistband section) is placed against the wearer's abdominal region, and the rear waistband section 40 (dorsal waistband section) is placed against the wearer's dorsal region.
  • the front waistline section 30 and the rear waistline section 40 are arranged so that their longitudinal directions are aligned with the width direction (left-right direction) of the diaper 1.
  • the end of one longitudinal side (front side) of the absorbent main body 10 is joined to the center of the front waistline section 30 in the width direction (left-right direction), and the end of the other longitudinal side (rear side) of the absorbent main body 10 is joined to the center of the rear waistline section 40 in the width direction (left-right direction).
  • the absorbent body 10 is folded in half at a predetermined longitudinal position CL, and the front waistband portion 30 and the rear waistband portion 40 are joined at both left and right ends using joining means such as thermal welding or ultrasonic welding to form a pair of side joining portions 2, 2.
  • the predetermined position CL is the bottom end in the vertical direction and the center in the front-to-back direction of the diaper 1 in the pants-type state.
  • the absorbent main body 10 comprises an absorbent body 20, a top sheet 12 arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent body 20, a leak-barrier film 13 arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent body 20, an exterior sheet 14 arranged closer to the skin than the leak-barrier film 13 and forming an exterior of the absorbent main body 10, and a pair of side sheets 15, 15 provided on the skin side of the top sheet 12 at both widthwise ends of the absorbent main body 10.
  • the exterior sheet 14 forms a pair of leg gathers LG, LG, and the side sheet 15 forms a pair of leak-barrier walls LSG, LSG.
  • the leak-barrier walls LSG do not necessarily have to be provided in the diaper 1.
  • the absorbent body 20 has an absorbent core that absorbs and retains excretory fluids such as urine.
  • the specific configuration of the absorbent body 20 will be described later.
  • the top sheet 12 is a liquid-permeable sheet member that covers the absorbent body 20 from the skin side, and is made of, for example, a hydrophilic air-through nonwoven fabric or a spunbond nonwoven fabric.
  • a second sheet (not shown) equivalent to the top sheet 12 may also be provided between the top sheet 12 and the absorbent body 20.
  • the leak-proof film 13 is a breathable, liquid-impermeable sheet member that is placed on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 20.
  • a microporous, breathable resin film with multiple tiny holes in a sheet made primarily of resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene can be used.
  • the outer sheet 14 is a sheet member that is provided on the side of the absorbent body 10 closest to the skin and forms the outer covering of the absorbent body 10.
  • air-through nonwoven fabric or spunbond nonwoven fabric can be used.
  • the outer sheet 14 extends outward in the width direction (left-right direction) beyond the outer ends 20es, 20es of the absorbent body 20, and this extended portion is folded inward in the left-right direction and toward the skin in the thickness direction, with the outer ends 10es, 10es in the left-right direction of the absorbent main body 10 as the folding position, forming a folded portion 14f.
  • the unfolded portion of the outer sheet 14 and the folded portion 14f are then joined together in a state where at least a portion of the leakproof film 13 is sandwiched between them in the thickness direction, thereby forming a pair of leg gathers LG, LG.
  • a plurality of leg gather elastic members 17, 17... such as rubber thread are provided at predetermined intervals in the width direction (left-right direction) between the outer sheet 14 and the folded-over portion 14f, which form the leg gather portion LG, and are each stretched in the longitudinal direction at a predetermined stretch ratio.
  • LG elastic members 17 By arranging the multiple LG elastic members 17 side by side in the left-right direction, the leg gather portion LG has a wide planar shape that protrudes outward from both left and right sides of the absorbent main body 10, as shown in Figure 1.
  • the LG elastic members 17 provide stretchability in the longitudinal direction (up-down direction) to the leg gather portion LG.
  • each of the leg gather portions LG on both the left and right sides six LG elastic members 17 are provided in each of the leg gather portions LG on both the left and right sides. Specifically, six LG elastic members 17 are provided, numbered first leg gather elastic member 17a through sixth leg gather elastic member 17f, from the inside to the outside in the width direction.
  • Each of the LG elastic members 17a through 17f exhibits stretchability at least in the portion indicated by the solid lines in the plan view of FIG. 4 (a range of a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body 10). In other words, the stretchability of the LG elastic member 17 is active in the portion indicated by the solid lines.
  • the arrangement and number of the LG elastic members 17 are not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate.
  • the LG elastic members 17 are primarily provided closer to the skin than the leak-barrier film 13, but the LG elastic members 17 may also be provided closer to the skin than the leak-barrier film 13.
  • the side sheet 15 is a substantially rectangular sheet member, and is made of, for example, the same air-through nonwoven fabric or spunbond nonwoven fabric as the top sheet 12 and outer sheet 14.
  • the side sheet 15 is folded back at the inner widthwise edge 15ei and overlapped in the thickness direction, and joined with the leakage preventing wall elastic member 16 sandwiched between the layers in the thickness direction. It is then attached to the skin-side surface of the leg gather portion LG and the top sheet 12 via the leakage preventing wall joining portion 18.
  • the inner widthwise edge 15ei of the side sheet 15 is the part that becomes the tip of the leakage preventing wall portion LSG when it stands up.
  • the leak preventing wall elastic members 16 are made of, for example, rubber thread and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction (left-right direction) while stretched in the longitudinal direction at a predetermined extension ratio. This gives the leak preventing wall portion LSG stretchability along the longitudinal direction (up-down direction).
  • two leak preventing wall elastic members 16 are provided: a first leak preventing wall elastic member 16a arranged near the inner end 15ei in the width direction, and a second leak preventing wall elastic member 16b arranged at a predetermined interval widthwise outward from the first leak preventing wall elastic member 16a.
  • the arrangement and number of the leak preventing wall elastic members 16a are not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate.
  • Each of the leakage preventing wall elastic members 16a, 16b exhibits stretchability at least in the portion shown by the solid lines in the plan view of Figure 4 (within a predetermined length range in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 10).
  • the stretching force exerted by these leakage preventing wall elastic members 16 causes the leakage preventing wall portion LSG to rise toward the wearer's skin.
  • the position of the inner end 18ei in the width direction of the leakage preventing wall joint 18 becomes the rising base point of the leakage preventing wall portion LSG. Therefore, in the cross-sectional view of Figure 4, the distance in the width direction from the inner end 18ei of the leakage preventing wall joint 18 to the inner end 15ei of the side sheet 15 becomes the rising height of the leakage preventing wall portion LSG.
  • the side sheet 15 and the leakage barrier elastic member 16 are not required. Furthermore, as described below, if the leakage barrier wall portion LSG is formed by the outer sheet 14, the side sheet 15 is not required.
  • the front waistband portion 30 includes a non-skin-side waistband sheet 31, a skin-side waistband sheet 32, and multiple front waistband elastic members 33. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the non-skin-side waistband sheet 31 and the skin-side waistband sheet 32 are each rectangular in plan view and are laminated and bonded together in the thickness direction. Examples of materials that can be used for the non-skin-side waistband sheet 31 and the skin-side waistband sheet 32 include SMS nonwoven fabrics (spunbond, meltblown, and spunbond nonwoven fabrics), spunbond nonwoven fabrics, and air-through nonwoven fabrics.
  • a plurality of front waistband elastic members 33, 33 are provided between the non-skin-side waistband sheet 31 and the skin-side waistband sheet 32 in the thickness direction, stretched in the width direction (left-right direction) at a predetermined stretch ratio, and spaced apart in the vertical direction.
  • the elasticity of the front waistband elastic members 33 provides the front waistband portion 30 with elasticity in the left-right direction.
  • some of the multiple front waist elastic members 33 are cut in the center in the width direction (left-right direction) (see Figure 2), and in the parts of the front waist portion 30 where the front waist elastic members 33 are cut, it is difficult for an elastic force to act along the width direction (left-right direction).
  • the non-skin-side waist sheet 31 is folded back at the top end 30et in the vertical direction of the front waist portion 30, and the folded back portion is joined to the skin-side surface of the skin-side waist sheet 32. This prevents the end edges (top edges) of the waist sheets 31, 32 from being exposed to the outside, preventing these end edges from digging into the wearer's skin or causing discomfort when the diaper 1 is worn.
  • the front waistband portion 30 may also have a skin-facing sheet 35.
  • the skin-facing sheet 35 is a sheet member arranged to cover the upper end of the absorbent body 10 from the skin side, and functions as a cover sheet. This prevents the upper end edge of the absorbent body 10 from digging into the wearer's skin when the diaper 1 is worn.
  • the skin-facing sheet 35 is formed from a sheet member such as a nonwoven fabric, similar to the waistband sheets 31, 32. However, the skin-facing sheet 35 is not necessarily provided.
  • the rear waistline portion 40 has substantially the same configuration as the front waistline portion 30.
  • the rear waistline portion 40 includes a non-skin-side waistline sheet 41, a skin-side waistline sheet 42, and multiple rear waistline elastic members 43.
  • a plurality of rear waistline elastic members 43, 43, such as rubber thread, are provided between the thickness of the non-skin-side waistline sheet 41 and the skin-side waistline sheet 42, stretched in the width direction (left-right direction) at a predetermined stretch ratio, and spaced apart in the vertical direction.
  • the rear waistline portion 40 may also include a skin-contact sheet 45 substantially similar to the skin-contact sheet 35.
  • Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent body 20 of this embodiment.
  • Fig. 6 is a plan view of the absorbent cores 21 to 23 stacked together.
  • Fig. 7A is a plan view of the skin side layer 21 and the intermediate layer 22, and
  • Fig. 7B is a plan view of the non-skin side layer 23.
  • the absorbent body 20 has absorbent cores 21-23 between the core wrap sheet 25 on the skin side and the core wrap sheet 26 on the non-skin side.
  • the absorbent cores 21-23 are components that absorb and retain excrement such as urine, and include liquid-absorbent fibers 201 and superabsorbent polymers.
  • the liquid-absorbent fibers 201 and superabsorbent polymers (hereinafter also referred to as SAP) are not particularly limited as long as they can be used as absorbent cores in absorbent articles.
  • liquid-absorbent fibers 201 include wood pulp fibers, non-wood pulp fibers such as bagasse, kenaf, bamboo, hemp, and cotton, regenerated cellulose fibers such as rayon fibers, and semi-synthetic fibers such as acetate fibers.
  • SAP include starch-based, cellulose-based, and synthetic polymer-based polymer absorbents.
  • the core wrap sheets 25, 26 are liquid-permeable sheets, examples of which include tissue and nonwoven fabric.
  • the absorbent cores 21-23 each include a skin-side layer 21, an intermediate layer 22, and a non-skin-side layer 23.
  • the intermediate layer 22 is located closer to the skin in the thickness direction than the skin-side layer 21, and the non-skin-side layer 23 is located closer to the skin in the thickness direction than the intermediate layer 22.
  • the skin-side layer 21 has a first thickness t1, and is a layer in which the volume occupied by SAP is greater than the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fibers 201.
  • the intermediate layer 22 has a second thickness t2, and is a layer in which the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fibers 201 is greater than the volume occupied by SAP.
  • the non-skin-side layer 23 has a third thickness t3, and is a layer in which the volume occupied by SAP is greater than the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fibers 201.
  • the absorbent body 20 of this embodiment may further include a skin-side upper layer 24, which has a fourth thickness t4 thinner than the first thickness t1 of the skin-side layer 21, and is provided closer to the skin in the thickness direction than the skin-side layer 21.
  • the skin-side upper layer 24 is a layer in which the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 201 is greater than the volume occupied by the SAP.
  • the skin-side upper layer 24 of this embodiment is composed only of the liquid-absorbent fiber 201.
  • the skin-side upper layer 24, which is the layer closest to the skin among the multiple layers constituting the absorbent core does not contain water-absorbent resin powder such as superabsorbent polymer (SAP).
  • SAP superabsorbent polymer
  • the layer closest to the skin does not contain water-absorbent resin powder such as SAP, it is less likely to give a granular, gritty feel to the wearer's skin, reducing discomfort when worn.
  • the skin-side upper layer 24 is not necessarily provided in the absorbent body 20 of this embodiment.
  • the skin-side layer 21 and the intermediate layer 22 are integrally formed, so that the volume occupancy of SAP decreases and the volume occupancy of liquid-absorbent fiber 201 increases from the skin-side layer 21 toward the intermediate layer 22.
  • Such an absorbent core can be manufactured, for example, by adjusting the order, amount, timing, etc. of feeding the SAP and liquid-absorbent fiber 201 into a mold (recess) that corresponds to the shape of the absorbent core and is provided on the outer surface of a rotating drum.
  • the skin-side layer 21 and the intermediate layer 22 are integrally laminated, i.e., the skin-side layer 21 and the intermediate layer 22 are laminated adjacently in the thickness direction without any adhesive or nonwoven fabric. This prevents the adhesive or nonwoven fabric from interfering with the transfer of excreted fluid from the skin-side layer 21 to the intermediate layer 22, and increases the rate of absorption by the intermediate layer 22.
  • the non-skin side layer 23 is not formed integrally with the intermediate layer 22, but is laminated adjacent to the intermediate layer 22 in the thickness direction, with the non-woven fabric 27 interposed between them.
  • the presence of the non-woven fabric 27 allows the excreted liquid to diffuse in the planar direction on the non-woven fabric 27 before migrating from the intermediate layer 22 to the non-skin side layer 23. Therefore, the excreted liquid diffused in the planar direction can be transferred to the non-skin side layer 23, allowing the absorbent cores 21-23 to be effectively utilized in the planar direction.
  • the absorbent core is provided with a skin-side layer 21, an intermediate layer 22, a non-skin-side layer 23, and an upper skin-side layer 24, but the total water retention capacity of the SAP present in the skin-side layer 21 is different from the total water retention capacity of the SAP present in the non-skin-side layer 23. Specifically, the total water retention capacity of the SAP present in the non-skin-side layer 23 is greater than the total water retention capacity of the SAP present in the skin-side layer 21.
  • Excreted liquid that is quickly absorbed and diffused in the skin-side layer 21 quickly permeates into the intermediate layer 22. Furthermore, since the intermediate layer 22 has a high volume occupancy rate of liquid-absorbent fibers 201, the excreted liquid is temporarily stored in the intermediate layer 22 and then transferred to the layer with a higher total water retention capacity, i.e., the non-skin-side layer 23, which is the layer that ultimately retains water. Furthermore, since the skin-side layer 21 has a low total water retention capacity, the total volume of SAP after absorbing water is small, so the wearer is less likely to feel uncomfortable with the gritty feel of SAP. Therefore, while the non-skin-side layer 23, which has a high total water retention capacity, ensures absorbency, the uncomfortable feel can be reduced even after the absorbent cores 21-24 have absorbed excrement.
  • the skin-side layer 21 has a lower total water retention capacity than the non-skin-side layer 23, it has a high volumetric occupancy rate of SAP, and therefore has adequate water retention. Therefore, if excreted liquid from the intermediate layer 22 or non-skin-side layer 23 attempts to return to the skin side, the SAP in the skin-side layer 21 absorbs and retains the excreted liquid, preventing it from rewetting.
  • the total water retention capacity of the SAP present in the skin-side layer 21 and the non-skin-side layer 23 can be measured by the following measurement method.
  • 0.9% saline solution (enough to fully immerse the sample) is prepared in a water tank.
  • a test piece is prepared.
  • one absorbent body 20 having a width of 120 mm is cut into 50 mm pieces in the longitudinal direction. Note that when the absorbent body 20 is cut into 50 mm pieces, the length of the last test piece in the longitudinal direction does not have to be less than 50 mm.
  • each test piece is separated as follows. (Layer separation method 1) 1) Peel off the core wrap sheet 26 from the non-skin side.
  • samples X1 to X4 are each placed in a mesh plastic bag, sealed, and the weight (A) before water absorption is measured.
  • each sample X1 to X4 is immersed in saline for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, each sample is removed from the water bath, and with the core wrap sheet side of each sample facing downwards, an acrylic plate (320 x 545 mm, thickness 3-5 mm, weight 400-600 g) and a 5 kg weight are placed on top, and left for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, the weight and acrylic plate are removed, and the weight (B) of each sample is measured.
  • Weight (B) - weight (A) is the amount of water absorbed.
  • each sample is dehydrated using a centrifuge at 75G for 90 seconds. After dehydration, the weight (C) of each removed sample is measured. Weight (C) - weight (A) is the water retention capacity. Note that dehydration using a centrifuge can remove water adhering to the liquid absorbent fiber 201, core wrap sheet, and nonwoven fabric, and only the amount of water chemically retained by the SAP can be determined. Therefore, the water retention capacity calculated by the above "weight (C) - weight (A)" is the water retention capacity of the SAP present in each sample.
  • the water retention capacity of sample X2 is the water retention capacity of the SAP present in the skin-side layer 21, and the water retention capacity of sample X3 is the water retention capacity of the SAP present in the non-skin-side layer 23.
  • each test piece cut into 50 mm pieces was measured as described above, and the sum of the water retention capacity of X2 for each test piece was the "total water retention capacity of SAP present in the skin-side layer 21," and the sum of the water retention capacity of X3 for each test piece was the "total water retention capacity of SAP present in the non-skin-side layer 23.”
  • the water retention capacity of the above X2 (one sample) was 25.4 g, and the water retention capacity of the above X3 (one sample) was 41.1 g.
  • the water retention capacity of the SAP present in the non-skin side layer 23 is clearly greater. Therefore, it can be seen that in the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the total water retention capacity of the SAP present in the non-skin side layer 23 is greater than the total water retention capacity of the SAP present in the skin side layer 21.
  • the comparison of the volumes occupied by the liquid absorbent fiber 201 and the SAP in each of the skin side layer 21, the intermediate layer 22, the non-skin side layer 23, and the skin side upper layer 24 can be confirmed by the following method.
  • the diaper 1 in a natural, dry state without any external force acting on it, the diaper 1 (absorbent body 20) is cut widthwise at any position in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 20, specifically at a position where the four layers 21 to 24 are stacked and away from the product folding position.
  • the cut surface is magnified (e.g., 30 to 100 times) and photographed using an optical microscope (e.g., Keyence Digital Microscope VHX-7000 or equivalent).
  • the liquid-absorbent fiber 201 and the SAP are identified. Then, in the cross-sectional image, it is confirmed that the following layers are stacked in order from the skin side in the thickness direction: a skin-side upper layer 24 in which the area occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 201 is larger than the area occupied by the SAP; a skin-side layer 21 in which the area occupied by the SAP is larger than the area occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 201; a middle layer 22 in which the area occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 201 is larger than the area occupied by the SAP; and a non-skin-side layer 23 in which the area occupied by the SAP is larger than the area occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 201.
  • the four layers 21 to 24 of this embodiment are identified.
  • Cross-sectional images are prepared at multiple locations (e.g., 10 locations) along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 20 in which such four layers 21 to 24 can be confirmed, and if the area occupied by SAP in any of the cross-sectional images is larger than the area occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 201, then that layer is a layer in which "the volume occupied by SAP is larger than the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber," and if the area occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 201 in any of the cross-sectional images is larger than the area occupied by SAP, then that layer is a layer in which "the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber is larger than the volume occupied by SAP.”
  • the volumes occupied by the liquid-absorbent fibers 201 and the SAP in each layer can be compared by visualizing the liquid-absorbent fibers 201 and the SAP using X-ray microtomography (X-ray CT), for example, according to the method described below: Science Direct, Carbohydrate Polymers 254, Mathias A. Hobisch et al., February 15, 2021, "How cellulose nanofibrils and cellulose microparticles impact paper strength—A visualization approach", Section "3.6. X-ray microtomography”, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0144861720315794.
  • X-ray CT X-ray microtomography
  • the average value of the total area occupied by SAP per unit area in a cross section along the thickness direction of the skin-side layer 21 is different from the average value of the total area occupied by SAP per unit area in a cross section along the thickness direction of the non-skin-side layer 23.
  • the average value of the total area occupied by SAP per unit area in a cross section along the thickness direction of the non-skin-side layer 23 is greater than the average value of the total area occupied by SAP per unit area in a cross section along the thickness direction of the skin-side layer 21.
  • a layer with a small average value of the total area occupied by SAP per unit area is less likely to experience a gritty feeling from the SAP when touched.
  • a skin-side layer 21 with a small average value of the total area occupied by SAP per unit area can prevent SAP from swelling and inhibiting absorption, thereby improving the diffusibility of excreted fluid.
  • Layers with a larger average total area occupied by SAP per unit area have improved absorbency, and the non-skin-side layer 23, which is such a layer, can absorb and retain more excreted liquid even in repeated excretion, preventing rewetting.
  • a skin side upper layer 24 having a fourth thickness t4 that is thinner than the first thickness t1 of the skin side layer 21 and in which the volume occupied by the liquid absorbent fibers 201 is greater than the volume occupied by the SAP.
  • the skin side upper layer 24 which has a higher volume occupancy rate of the liquid absorbent fibers 201, closer to the skin than the skin side layer 21, the wearer's perception of the unevenness of the SAP can be further reduced.
  • the skin side upper layer 24 is a layer with a higher content of liquid absorbent fibers 201, it further improves the ability to draw in excreted liquid from sheets (such as a top sheet) placed closer to the skin.
  • liquid absorbent fibers 201 contained in the skin side upper layer 24 make it difficult for the SAP of the skin side layer 21 to roll within the layer, preventing a deterioration in the feel.
  • the skin-side upper layer 24 is positioned closer to the skin than the skin-side layer 21, but because its thickness is thinner than the first thickness t1 of the skin-side layer 21, it is able to absorb excreted liquid without excessively retaining it, thereby reducing rewetting.
  • the "average value of the total area occupied by SAP per unit area in a cross section along the thickness direction of the skin-side layer 21 (non-skin-side layer 23)" can be determined, for example, using the volume comparison method described above, as follows:
  • the absorbent body 20 is cut at 10 locations along the width direction at any position in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 20, specifically, at the location where the skin-side layer 21 and the non-skin-side layer 23 are layered and away from the product folding position.
  • the cut surfaces are photographed using the optical microscope described above at a magnification, and the "total area occupied by SAP per unit area" of the skin-side layer 21 and the “total area occupied by SAP per unit area” of the non-skin-side layer 23 are determined for each of these cut surfaces, and their average value is defined as the "average value of the total area occupied by SAP per unit area.”
  • the skin-side layer 21 has a first thickness t1
  • the intermediate layer 22 has a second thickness t2
  • the non-skin-side layer 23 has a third thickness t3 (see Figure 4), where the first thickness t1 to the third thickness t3 each refer to an average thickness.
  • the third thickness t3 of the non-skin-side layer 23 is thicker than the first thickness t1 of the skin-side layer 21.
  • the third thickness t3 of the non-skin-side layer 23 is preferably 0.38 mm to 0.58 mm for an S-size diaper 1 and preferably 0.58 mm to 0.69 mm for an XXL-size diaper 1.
  • the first thickness t1 of the skin-side layer 21 is preferably 0.3 mm to 0.48 mm for an S-size diaper 1 and preferably 0.45 mm to 0.65 mm for an XXL-size diaper 1.
  • the average thickness of the absorbent body 20 is preferably 2.0 to 2.5 mm.
  • the average thickness t2 of the intermediate layer 22 is preferably 0.5 mm or greater. More preferably, it is 0.9 mm to 1.1 mm for a size S diaper 1, and 1.28 mm to 1.61 mm for a size XXL diaper 1. This allows for better absorption of excrement between the fibers of the liquid-absorbent fibers 201 of the intermediate layer 22 than when the average thickness of the intermediate layer 22 is less than 0.5 mm, for example, compared to when the intermediate layer 22 is a nonwoven fabric (sheet member) formed of pulp fibers or the like.
  • the excrement can be quickly and temporarily absorbed in the intermediate layer 22, and after diffusing it in the intermediate layer 22, the excrement can be quickly transferred to the non-skin-side layer 23, ensuring absorbency.
  • the intermediate layer 22 is too thick, it may feel bulky, so the average thickness (second thickness t2) of the intermediate layer 22 should be 2.5 mm or less.
  • the thicknesses (t1 to t3) of the layers 21 to 23 can be measured using well-known methods. For example, with the diaper 1 in its natural, dry state, with no external forces acting on it, the diaper 1 (absorbent body 20) is cut widthwise at any longitudinal position of the absorbent body 20, specifically at a location where the three layers 21 to 23 are stacked and away from the product folding position. Next, using an optical microscope (e.g., Keyence Digital Microscope VHX-7000, or an equivalent), the cut surface is held upright toward the microscope, the sample is lightly clamped between two weights, and the cut surface is magnified (e.g., 30 to 100 times) and photographed. At this time, the focus is on the liquid-absorbent fibers 201 and the magnified image is taken.
  • an optical microscope e.g., Keyence Digital Microscope VHX-7000, or an equivalent
  • the layer in which the liquid-absorbent fiber 201 is visible is determined to be the intermediate layer 22, and the portions of the absorbent core closer to or closer to the skin than this are determined to be the skin-side layer 21 and the non-skin-side layer 23, respectively.
  • multiple measurement positions e.g., five positions
  • the thickness of each layer 21-23 at each measurement position is obtained.
  • cross-sectional images are captured at multiple positions in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 20 to obtain the thickness of each layer 21-23.
  • the average value of the obtained thicknesses is calculated for each of the layers 21-23, and this is determined to be the average thickness t1 (first thickness t1) of the skin-side layer 21, the average thickness t2 (second thickness t2) of the intermediate layer 22, and the average thickness t3 (third thickness t3) of the non-skin-side layer 23. Note that when measuring the thickness, portions other than the low basis weight regions 211, 221, and 231 are measured.
  • the first thickness t1 was 0.41 mm
  • the second thickness t2 was 0.99 mm
  • the third thickness t3 was 0.47 mm
  • the first thickness t1 was 0.56 mm
  • the second thickness t2 was 1.47 mm
  • the third thickness t3 was 0.63 mm.
  • the average basis weight of the non-skinside layer 23 is higher than that of the skinside layer 21.
  • the preferred average basis weight of the non-skinside layer 23 is 50 g/m 2 to 350 g/m 2.
  • the average basis weight of the non-skinside layer 23 is preferably approximately 173 g/m 2
  • the average basis weight of the skinside layer 21 is preferably approximately 82 g/m 2.
  • the average basis weight of the non-skinside layer 23 is preferably approximately 300 g/m 2
  • the average basis weight of the skinside layer 21 is preferably approximately 171 g/m 2.
  • the skinside layer 21 with a low average basis weight is less likely to swell after water retention, and therefore is less likely to experience absorption inhibition due to SAP swelling in the skinside layer 21. This also prevents deterioration of the feel against the skin (gritty feeling of SAP).
  • the skin side layer 21, the intermediate layer 22, and the non-skin side layer 23 has a low basis weight region in which the basis weight of the absorbent core (i.e., the total basis weight of the liquid-absorbent fiber 201 and SAP: g/m 2 ) is lower than that of the surrounding area.
  • the skin side layer 21 and the intermediate layer 22 have low basis weight regions 211, 221, and similarly, the non-skin side layer 23 also has a low basis weight region 231.
  • the excreted liquid is quickly drawn from the low basis weight region 211 into the interior of the absorbent body 20 (intermediate layer 22).
  • the liquid-absorbent fiber 201 has a faster liquid absorption rate than SAP. Because the volume occupancy of the liquid-absorbent fiber 201 is high in the intermediate layer 22, the excreted liquid that migrates from the low basis weight region 211 to the intermediate layer 22 is quickly and temporarily absorbed by the intermediate layer 22. Thereafter, the excreted liquid absorbed between the fibers of the liquid-absorbent fiber 201 in the intermediate layer 22 gradually migrates due to gravity to the non-skinside layer 23.
  • the intermediate layer 22 also has a low basis weight region 221
  • excreted liquid is more likely to migrate from the low basis weight region 221 to the non-skinside layer 23, and from the low basis weight region 231 of the non-skinside layer 23 to the deeper side of the non-skinside layer 23. This makes it easier for excreted liquid to be drawn deep into the absorbent core, improving absorbency.
  • the volume occupancy of SAP in the non-skin-side layer 23 is high, excreted liquid is firmly absorbed and retained by the SAP in the non-skin-side layer 23.
  • the low basis weight region 211 of the skin side layer 21 is preferably a slit that penetrates the skin side layer 21 in the thickness direction. In this case, excreted liquid falls into the low basis weight region 211, and the rate at which excreted liquid migrates from the skin side layer 21 to the intermediate layer 22 increases.
  • liquid-absorbent fibers 201 or SAP may be present in the low basis weight region 211 of the skin-side layer 21.
  • the low basis weight region 211 may be a region of the skin-side layer 21 that is recessed in the thickness direction.
  • the low basis weight region 231 of the non-skin side layer 23 may be a slit penetrating through the thickness direction, or the low basis weight region 231 may contain liquid absorbent fibers 201 or SAP, or the low basis weight region 231 may be partially recessed in thickness.
  • the skin-side layer 21 and intermediate layer 22 illustrated in Figure 6A are integrally formed and have the same planar shape.
  • the skin-side layer 21 and intermediate layer 22 have narrowed portions 212, 222 narrowed inward in the width direction at the center in the longitudinal direction ( Figure 5). Note that when the skin-side layer and intermediate layer 22 are divided into thirds at their maximum longitudinal length, the center region is defined as the longitudinal center, and it is sufficient that at least a portion of the narrowed portions 212, 222 is located there.
  • the non-skin side layer 23 illustrated in Figure 6B has three longitudinally elongated rectangular divided regions 23a-23c.
  • the three divided regions 23a-23c are arranged side by side with a gap in the width direction.
  • the two regions between these three divided regions 23a-23c form low basis weight regions 231 (slits) of the non-skin side layer 23.
  • the two low basis weight regions 231 are arranged symmetrically in the width direction, sandwiching the center line CL2 of the non-skin side layer 23 in the width direction.
  • the non-skin-side layer 23 has a portion whose widthwise length L1 is longer than the widthwise lengths of the skin-side layer 21 and the intermediate layer 22.
  • the widthwise length L1 of the non-skin-side layer 23 here refers to the length from the widthwise end 23ae of the divided region 23a of the non-skin-side layer 23 to the widthwise end 23ce of the divided region 23c.
  • the non-skin-side layer 23 can absorb excrement that is not fully absorbed by the skin-side layer 21 and the intermediate layer 22, thereby preventing leakage. Furthermore, in the longer widthwise portions of the non-skin-side layer 23, the number of layers decreases, thereby reducing rigidity.
  • the fit around the crotch area is improved when worn.
  • the absorbent body 20 of this embodiment does not include the above-mentioned skin-side upper layer 24, i.e., when the skin-side layer 21 is the layer closest to the skin of the absorbent core, it is preferable that the liquid permeation rate under load of the SAP in this skin-side layer exceeds 10 seconds. If the liquid permeation rate of the excreted liquid is excessively fast when the skin-side layer 21 receives excreted liquid, the excreted liquid will migrate to the intermediate layer 22 without sufficiently diffusing in the width or length directions of the skin-side layer 21, which may result in a deterioration in the water retention performance of the absorbent core as a whole.
  • the absorbent core may become locally thick.
  • the liquid permeation rate under load in the skin-side layer exceeds 10 seconds, the water retention of the absorbent core is improved compared to the opposite case, and localized thickening of the absorbent core can be suppressed.
  • the liquid permeation rate under load of the SAP in the layer closest to the skin of the absorbent core can be measured, for example, by the method described in JP 2019-41876 A. Specifically, 0.32 ⁇ 0.005 g of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) is immersed in 100 mL of physiological saline (0.9% by mass sodium chloride solution) in a 100 mL glass beaker and left for 60 minutes.
  • SAP superabsorbent polymer
  • a separate cylindrical filtration tube is prepared at the bottom of the opening of a vertically standing cylinder (inner diameter 25.4 mm) equipped with a wire mesh (150 ⁇ m mesh, Biocolumn Sintered Stainless Steel Filter 30 SUS, manufactured by Sansho Hanbai Co., Ltd.) and a capillary tube (inner diameter 4 mm, length 8 cm) with a stopcock (inner diameter 2 mm). With the stopcock closed, the entire contents of the beaker, including the swollen test sample, are poured into the cylindrical tube.
  • a 2 mm diameter cylindrical rod equipped with a 25 mm diameter wire mesh at the tip with 150 ⁇ m mesh openings is inserted into the cylindrical filtration tube so that the wire mesh and the test sample come into contact, and a weight is placed on the test sample so that a load of 2.0 kPa is applied.
  • the stopcock is opened to allow the liquid to flow, and the time T1 (seconds) until the liquid level in the cylindrical filtration tube reaches the 40 mL scale line from the 60 mL scale line (i.e., 20 mL of liquid passes through) is measured.
  • SAP superabsorbent polymer
  • Fig. 8 is an enlarged plan view of region E in Fig. 4.
  • a plurality of LG elastic members 17 are disposed in the leg gathers LG of the diaper 1. The elastic forces acting along the longitudinal direction of these LG elastic members 17 allow the leg gathers LG to fit the wearer's legs when the diaper 1 is worn.
  • leg gather elastic region ER the region in the width direction of the leg gather portion LG where the LG elastic members 17 are arranged.
  • the region between the first LG elastic member 17a, which is located on the innermost side in the width direction, and the sixth LG elastic member 17f, which is located on the outermost side in the width direction, will be the leg gather elastic region ER.
  • the region located on the inner side will be referred to as the “inner leg gather elastic region ERi”
  • the region located on the outer side when the leg gather elastic region ER is divided into two equal parts in the width direction will be referred to as the "outer leg gather elastic region ERo.”
  • the first LG elastic member 17a to the third LG elastic member 17c are arranged in the inner leg gathered elastic region ERi
  • the fourth LG elastic member 17d to the sixth LG elastic member 17f are arranged in the outer leg gathered elastic region ERo. That is, three LG elastic members 17 are arranged in each of the inner leg gathered elastic region ERi and the outer leg gathered elastic region ERo.
  • the arrangement and number of LG elastic members 17 are not limited to this.
  • an LG elastic member 17 is arranged on the boundary line between the inner leg gathered elastic region ERi and the outer leg gathered elastic region ERo (i.e., at the center position in the width direction of the leg gathered elastic region ER), that LG elastic member 17 is considered to be arranged in the outer leg gathered elastic region ERo.
  • some of the LG elastic members 17 have a shorter length of the portion where stretchability is active in the longitudinal direction (hereinafter also referred to as the "effective length" of the LG elastic member 17) than the other LG elastic members 17.
  • the first LG elastic member 17a and second LG elastic member 17b which are located on the inner side in the width direction, have a shorter length (effective length) of the portion where stretchability is active in the longitudinal direction compared to the other LG elastic members 17c to 17f.
  • the overlapping portion in the longitudinal direction between the portion on which the stretching forces of all LG elastic members 17 arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region ER0 act and the portion on which the stretching forces of all LG elastic members 17 arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi act will be referred to as the "leg gather overlapping portion OP.”
  • the overlapping portion in the longitudinal direction between the portion on which the stretching forces of the LG elastic members 17 arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region ER0 act and the portion on which the stretching forces of at least some of the LG elastic members 17 arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi do not act will be referred to as the "leg gather intermittent portion NP.” It is assumed that the multiple LG elastic members 17, 17... provided in the leg gather portion LG of the diaper 1 are all made of rubber thread of the same material and thickness.
  • the width of the leg gather elastic region ER is 10 mm or more, and the LG elastic members 17 (17a-17c) arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi are adjusted so that the average length of the portion where an elastic force acts in the longitudinal direction (average effective length) is 10% or more shorter than the average length of the portion where an elastic force acts in the longitudinal direction (average effective length) of the LG elastic members 17 (17d-17f) arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region ERo. Furthermore, the leg gather discontinuity portions NP are only provided forward of the center position CL in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1.
  • leg gather intermittent portions NP are provided only on the front side
  • the leg gather intermittent portion NP is considered to be provided on the front side in the front-to-back direction if, for each of the LG elastic members 17 (17d-17f in FIG. 8) located in the outer leg gather elastic region ERo, the average position of the front end 17FE of each of the LG elastic members 17 (17a-17c in FIG.
  • leg gather elastic region ERi located in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi is shorter by 10% or more from the average position in the longitudinal direction of the front end 17FE.
  • the portion of the diaper 1 where the amount of displacement of the LG elastic member 17 on the front side (belly side) in the longitudinal direction is 10% or more is the leg gather discontinuous portion NP.
  • the diaper 1 when the diaper 1 is in an unfolded and stretched state, if the rear end of the LG elastic member 17 is 17RE (not shown) in the longitudinal direction, the average position in the longitudinal direction of the rear ends of the LG elastic members 17 (17d-17f) arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region ERo and the average position of the rear ends 17FE of the LG elastic members 17 (17a-17c) arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi are basically aligned (see Figure 8, etc.), and no intermittent leg gather portions NP are provided on the rear longitudinal side (back side). In the diaper 1, portions of the LG elastic members 17 on the rear longitudinal side (back side) where the amount of deviation of the LG elastic members 17 is less than 10% are not considered to be intermittent leg gather portions NP.
  • the leg gather elastic region ER has a width of 10 mm or more, the stretching force of the LG elastic member 17 is easily exerted over a wide range of the wide leg gather portion LG, making it easier for the leg gather portion LG to fit snugly around the wearer's legs.
  • the stretching force (contractile force) in the longitudinal direction of the LG elastic member 17 acting on the absorber 20 adjacent to the inner side of the inner leg gather elastic region ERi in the width direction can be weakened. This maintains a good fit of the leg gather portion LG while suppressing excessive deformation of the absorber 20 and making it less likely for excretion leakage to occur.
  • the stretching force (contraction force) of the LG elastic members 17 acting on the absorbent body 20 is weakened on the front longitudinal side. If the stretching force (contraction force) of the LG elastic members 17 were large on the front longitudinal side (ventral side), the force tending to deform the front (ventral side) portion of the absorbent body 20 would be large. In this case, when the diaper 1 is worn, the absorbent body 20 may deform so as to protrude toward the front (ventral side) of the wearer. This may create a gap between the absorbent body 20 that protrudes toward the front and the wearer's skin, making it difficult to absorb urine and other excrement.
  • protruding the absorbent body 20 toward the front in the crotch area may deteriorate the appearance of the diaper when worn.
  • the absorbent body 20 of this embodiment is thin and easily deformed as described above, the impact of protruding toward the front is significant.
  • the leg gather intermittent portion NP which has a weak stretching force (contraction force)
  • the leg gather elastic region ER which prevents the stretching force (contraction force) of the LG elastic members 17 from acting excessively on the front side of the absorbent body 20.
  • fewer LG elastic members 17 are arranged in the leg gather intermittent portion NP than in the leg gather overlapping portion OP, and therefore the rigidity of the LG elastic members 17 themselves is reduced, thereby reducing the rigidity of the leg gather portion LG.
  • the leg gather portion LG is more likely to deform as the LG elastic members 17 contract, and the deformation of the leg gather portion LG buffers the stretching force, making it easier to suppress deformation of the absorbent body 20. This results in an improved fit around the legs due to the wide leg gather portion LG, as well as improved appearance and absorbency when worn.
  • Figures 9A to 9C are diagrams explaining the method for evaluating the relationship between the average effective length of the LG elastic members 17 and the amount of protrusion of the diaper 1 (absorbent body 20) toward the front (belly side).
  • samples A to D of the diaper 1 are prepared, each with different average effective lengths of the LG elastic members 17 arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi.
  • ALo average effective length
  • ALi average effective length of the LG elastic members 17 arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi
  • the average effective length difference (%) is calculated as ⁇ (ALo - ALi)/ALo ⁇ x 100
  • four types of samples (diapers) are prepared such that Sample A has an average effective length difference of 0%, Sample B has an average effective length difference of 5%, Sample C has an average effective length difference of 10%, and Sample D has an average effective length difference of 15%.
  • each of these samples A to D was fitted to a doll.
  • Samples A to D were fitted to the doll in approximately the same position.
  • each sample was fitted to the doll so that point Q, the top end and left-right centre of the front waist of the sample, was located 35 mm below reference point P, the top end and left-right centre of the front waist of the doll (the same applies to the back), and the doll was placed face up on a horizontal surface such as a desk and left for 5 minutes.
  • the doll used was a silicone doll with a standard S-size body type (waist circumference at navel: 39.5 cm, circumference around the legs and groin: 5.0 cm, waist circumference passing through the top of the buttocks: 37.5 cm).
  • the doll is placed on its back on a horizontal surface while wearing the sample diaper, and the distance H from the horizontal surface to the front end of the sample (the highest point in the vertical direction in Figure 9B) is measured.
  • the sample is removed from the doll.
  • the sample is then put back on and the distance H is measured. This operation is repeated multiple times (for example, three times), and the average value of the measured distance H is calculated.
  • Figure 9C shows the results of measuring the distance H (average value) for each of Samples A to D.
  • Sample A where the average effective length difference was 0% (i.e., the average effective length of the LG elastic member 17 was equal in the inner leg gathered elastic region ERi and the outer leg gathered elastic region ERo)
  • the distance H was 11.5 cm.
  • Sample B where the average effective length difference was 5%
  • the distance H was 11.4 cm, a difference of approximately 0.1 cm from Sample A.
  • the distance H was 10.5 cm, which was approximately 1.0 cm smaller than Samples A and B. In other words, the amount of protrusion of the absorbent body 20 to the front when the sample was worn was approximately 1 cm smaller.
  • the third LG elastic member 17c to the sixth LG elastic member 17f of the multiple LG elastic members 17 have portions that intersect with the front waist elastic member 33 when viewed in the thickness direction (a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 2) forward of the center position CL in the front-to-back direction of the diaper 1.
  • the first LG elastic member 17a and the second LG elastic member 17b do not intersect with the front waist elastic member 33 when viewed in the thickness direction.
  • the LG elastic members 17 (17d to 17f) located in the outer leg gather elastic region ER0 intersect with the front waist elastic member 33, while at least a portion of the LG elastic members 17 (17a to 17c) located in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi do not intersect with the front waist elastic member 33.
  • the longitudinal stretching force of the LG elastic members 17 and the left-right stretching force of the front waist elastic members 33 work together to pull the elastic members against each other, making it easier for the absorbent main body 10 and the front waistline section 30 to fit the wearer's body.
  • this type of interlocking is less likely to occur, and as the front waistline elastic members 33 contract in the left-right direction, they are more likely to curl in the left-right direction, making it easier to cushion the stretching force acting on the absorbent body 20. This improves the fit of the front waistline section 30 and the absorbent main body 10 while effectively preventing the absorbent body 20 from deforming in a way that causes it to protrude forward.
  • the third LG elastic member 17c intersects with the front waist elastic member 33.
  • the inner leg gather elastic region ERi is more likely to curl in the left-right direction (width direction), thereby more easily cushioning the stretching force acting on the absorbent body 20.
  • the rigidity of that region is correspondingly reduced, making it more likely to curl. Therefore, it is possible to more easily prevent the absorbent body 20 from protruding forward.
  • all of the multiple LG elastic members 17 intersect with the rear waist elastic members 43 when viewed in the thickness direction. That is, all of the LG elastic members 17 arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi intersect with the rear waist elastic members 43.
  • the stretching force of the LG elastic members 17 in the longitudinal direction and the stretching force of the rear waist elastic members 43 in the left-to-right direction work closely together, improving the fit of the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent body 20) around the wearer's buttocks.
  • the inner leg gather elastic region ERi is less likely to fold around the buttocks, the diaper can more easily fit snugly over the wide buttocks, making it easier to prevent rear leakage of excrement, etc.
  • the force required to stretch the inner leg gather elastic region ERi by a unit length in the longitudinal direction from its natural state is greater than the force required to stretch the outer leg gather elastic region ER0 by a unit length in the longitudinal direction from its natural state.
  • the contractile force of the inner leg gather elastic region ERi is stronger than the contractile force of the outer leg gather elastic region ER0.
  • the leg gather overlapping portion OP is located near the crotch area of the wearer, and even if the contractile force of the inner leg gather elastic region ERi is increased at this leg gather overlapping portion OP, it is unlikely to exert a force that would deform the absorbent body 20 so that it would protrude forward, and problems such as a decrease in absorbency or a poor appearance when worn are unlikely to occur.
  • FIGS. 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for measuring the stretching force (contractile force) of the inner leg gather elastic region ERi.
  • a test piece TP is prepared by cutting out the area to be measured, including the LG elastic member 17, from the diaper 1.
  • the absorbent main body 10 of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state as shown in Figure 10A is cut in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body 10) at the lower end 30eb of the front waistband 30 (corresponding to the lower end of the side joint 2 in the diaper 1) and the lower end 40eb of the rear waistband 40 (the lower end of the side joint 2).
  • the leg gather elastic region ER is separated from the cut absorbent main body 10.
  • the region between a position 3 mm inward in the width direction from the first LG elastic member 17a and a position 3 mm outward in the width direction from the sixth LG elastic member 17f (or the outer edge 10es of the absorbent main body 10) is cut and separated.
  • the leg gather elastic region ER is divided into two equal parts at the midpoint in the width direction to separate it into an inner leg gather elastic region ERi and an outer leg gather elastic region ERo, and the leg gather overlapping portion OP is cut in the longitudinal direction to create a test piece TP.
  • Figure 10B shows the case where the inner leg gather elastic region ERi, indicated by diagonal lines, is used as the test piece TP.
  • the test specimen TP in its natural state is clamped at both longitudinal ends with the chucks of a known tensile testing machine (e.g., an Instron universal testing machine), and the distance Lc between the chucks is adjusted to 100 mm. From this state, the distance Lc is increased at a predetermined rate (100 mm/min) until the test specimen TP is stretched to a predetermined length. For example, the test specimen TP is stretched to a length 0.9 times its maximum extension. In other words, the test specimen TP is stretched until its length in the longitudinal direction is 0.9 times its length in the stretched state. The test specimen TP is then contracted to its original length.
  • a known tensile testing machine e.g., an Instron universal testing machine
  • This cycle is repeated twice, and in the second cycle, the magnitude of the force (N) at the time of extension is measured when the test specimen TP is stretched to a length 0.8 times its maximum extension. This measurement is repeated a predetermined number of times (e.g., three times) to obtain the stretching force (contraction force) of the test specimen TP.
  • each leg gather elastic member 17 arranged in the leg gather elastic region ER is measured using a method substantially similar to the measurement method described in Figure 10.
  • each of the multiple LG elastic members 17 is cut at positions 2.5 mm on both the left and right sides of the LG elastic member 17 to obtain a test piece TP with a width of 5 mm centered on the LG elastic member 17.
  • a tensile test is then performed on the test piece TP as shown in Figure 10C.
  • the tensile test may also be performed by measuring the force exerted when the test piece TP is stretched in the longitudinal direction and then retracted.
  • the test piece TP is gripped at both ends with chucks and then stretched to a length 0.9 times its maximum extension.
  • the test piece TP is then retracted to a length 0.7 times its maximum extension. This cycle is repeated twice, and the magnitude of the force (N) exerted when the test piece TP is retracted in the second cycle until its length in the longitudinal direction (the distance Lc between the chucks) is 0.7 times its elongated length is measured.
  • This measurement is repeated a predetermined number of times (e.g., three times) and the average of the measured values is used to determine the contractile force of the test piece TP (LG elastic member 17) being measured. This makes it possible to compare the contractile forces of each test piece TP (LG elastic member 17).
  • the force required to stretch the inner leg gather elastic region ERi by a unit length in the longitudinal direction from its natural state is smaller than the force required to stretch the outer leg gather elastic region ER0 by a unit length in the longitudinal direction from its natural state.
  • the contractile force of the inner leg gather elastic region ERi is weaker than the contractile force of the outer leg gather elastic region ER0.
  • the leg gather intermittent portion NP of the inner leg gather elastic region ERi becomes more likely to curl, and by buffering the stretching force of the LG elastic member 17, it becomes easier to prevent the absorbent body 20 from deforming in a way that causes it to protrude forward.
  • the stretching force (contractile force) of the leg gather intermittent portion NP can be measured in a manner substantially similar to that described with reference to Figures 10A to 10C.
  • the value obtained by dividing the force required to stretch each LG elastic member 17 (17d-17f) arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region ERo by a unit length in the longitudinal direction by the length of that LG elastic member 17 be greater than the value obtained by dividing the force required to stretch each LG elastic member 17 (17a-17c) arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi by a unit length in the longitudinal direction by the length of that LG elastic member 17.
  • the leak-proof film 13 is provided between the absorbent body 20 and the outer sheet 14 in the thickness direction.
  • the outer edge 13es of the leak-proof film 13 is located outward in the width direction from the midpoint between the outer edge 20es of the absorbent body 20 and the outer edge 10es of the absorbent main body 10 (the outer edge of the leg gather portion LG).
  • the leak-proof film 13 is provided over more than half of the width of the leg gather portion LG.
  • the provision of the leak-proof film 13 increases the rigidity of the leg gather portion LG compared to when the leak-proof film 13 is not provided, making it easier to maintain a flat shape. Therefore, when the diaper 1 is worn, the wide leg gather portion LG fits more easily against the wearer's skin (leg openings), making it easier to prevent side leakage of body waste, etc.
  • leg gathers LG extend outward in the left-right direction (width direction) at an angle as close to horizontal as possible.
  • Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the shape of the leg gathers LG.
  • Figure 11 shows the diaper 1 in its natural, pants-type state when laid flat.
  • the vertical distance between the inner upper end point H1 and the second lower end point J is defined as the leg gather inner height L17i.
  • Figure 12 is a table showing the results of measuring the leg gather outer height L17o and leg gather inner height L17i for several types of diapers using the measurement method described in Figure 11.
  • the leg gather heights were measured for diaper 1 of the present embodiment and four types of pull-on diapers, samples A to D, as comparative examples. Samples A to D are all commercially available pull-on diapers of the same size as diaper 1.
  • four types of pull-on diapers were selected as comparative examples, each with a vertical length (product length) from the upper end of the waistband to the lower end of the crotch region of approximately 450 to 480 mm at the midpoint in the left-right direction when the pull-on diaper was stretched, and a vertical length (crotch length) from the lower end of the waistband to the lower end of the crotch region of approximately 210 to 240 mm. Then, for each of Diaper 1 and Samples A to D, when laid flat in a natural state, the heights of the leg gathers LG on both the left and right sides (L17i, L17o) were measured and the average values were recorded.
  • the leg gather portion LG is configured so that the difference between the leg gather outer height L17o and the leg gather inner height L17i is as small as possible.
  • the leg gather outer height L17o is 60% of the leg gather inner height L17i, which is a larger difference than in diaper 1.
  • the leg gather outer height L17o is approximately 30% to 40% shorter than the leg gather inner height L17i.
  • leg gather portion LG When the difference between the leg gather outer height L17o and the leg gather inner height is large (when L17o/L17i is less than 72%), as in Samples A to D, the lower edge of the leg gather portion LG is likely to be visually perceived as being obliquely inclined relative to the horizontal. In other words, the leg gather portion LG does not appear to extend significantly outward in the left-right direction, making it difficult for the user (wearer of diaper 1) to recognize that the leg gather portion LG is wide.
  • leg gather outer height L17o is 80% or more of the leg gather inner height L17i, as in diaper 1, the lower edge of the leg gather portion LG is likely to extend outward in the left-right direction (width direction) at an angle close to horizontal, as shown in Figure 1, making it easier for the user to recognize at a glance that the leg gather portion LG is wide.
  • This helps to give the user a sense of security that side leakage is less likely to occur.
  • the leg gathers LG extend outward at an angle close to horizontal, the leg gathers LG tend to maintain a flat shape when the diaper 1 is worn, making it easier for the diaper to fit snugly around the wearer's legs.
  • the first LG elastic member 17a which is located innermost in the width direction (left-right direction), is located at the same position as the rising point of the leakage preventing wall portion LSG or outside of this rising point in the width direction (left-right direction).
  • the rising point of the leakage preventing wall portion LSG and the leg gather elastic region ER are located at positions offset in the width direction.
  • the first LG elastic member 17a is located outside in the width direction of the inner end 18ei of the leakage preventing wall joint 18, which is the rising point of the leakage preventing wall portion LSG.
  • the leakage preventing wall portion LSG rises toward the skin while the diaper 1 is being worn, the position of the rising point of the leakage preventing wall portion LSG does not overlap with the leg gather elastic region ER in the width direction. This prevents the expansion (contraction) of the leg gather portion LG in the leg gather elastic region ER from being affected by the upright leakage prevention wall portion LSG. This makes it easier for the leg gather portion LG to fit snugly against the wearer's skin (leg openings).
  • the side sheet 15 constituting the leakage preventing wall portion LSG is a different sheet material from the outer sheet 14 constituting the leg gather portion LG, and the side sheet 15 is joined to the skin-facing side of the outer sheet 14 and the top sheet 12 via the side sheet joint portion 18.
  • the inner end 18ei of the leakage preventing wall joint portion 18 is located more inward than the outer end of the top sheet 12 in the width direction.
  • the leakage preventing wall portion LSG rises toward the skin, starting from the point where the side sheet 15 is fixed to the top sheet 12 (the inner end 18ei of the leakage preventing wall joint portion 18).
  • the top sheet 12 is interposed between the leakage preventing wall portion LSG (side sheet 15) and the leg gather portion LG (outer sheet 14) in the thickness direction.
  • the top sheet 12 increases the rigidity of the leg gather portion LG, making it easier for the leg gather portion LG to maintain a flat shape. Therefore, when the diaper 1 is worn, the leg gathers LG fit snugly against the wearer's skin (leg openings).
  • the side sheet 15 constituting the leakage preventing wall portion LSG may be joined only to the outer sheet 14 constituting the leg gather portion LG, and not to the top sheet 12. That is, the inner end 18ei of the leakage preventing wall joint 18 may be positioned outward of the outer end of the top sheet 12 in the width direction (not shown). In this case, the leakage preventing wall portion LSG rises toward the skin, starting from the point where the side sheet 15 is fixed to the outer sheet 14 (the inner end 18ei of the leakage preventing wall joint 18). In other words, no other sheet member (such as the top sheet 12) is interposed between the leakage preventing wall portion LSG (side sheet 15) and the leg gather portion LG (outer sheet 14) in the thickness direction. With this configuration, the overall thickness of the absorbent body 10 is thinner than when a top sheet 12 or the like is interposed, resulting in a sleek appearance of the diaper 1.
  • the elongation ratio of each of the leakage preventing wall elastic members 16 is greater than the elongation ratio of each of the LG elastic members 17a-17f provided in the leg gather portion LG.
  • elongation ratio refers to the value of "length at maximum elongation/length in natural state," and more specifically, it refers to the value (LX/LY) indicating how many times the total length LX of each elastic member in the elongated state is compared to the total length LY in the natural, unloaded state (how many times the elastic member is stretched when fixed to the material).
  • the elongation ratio of the leakage preventing wall elastic members 16 is greater than the elongation ratio of the LG elastic members 17 allows the leakage preventing wall portion LSG to fit more closely to the wearer's skin when the diaper 1 is worn. This helps prevent the upright leakage prevention wall portion LSG from collapsing or becoming misaligned and getting caught between the leg gather portion LG and the wearer's skin (leg opening).
  • the relationship between the extension ratios of the leakage preventing wall elastic members 16 and the leg gather elastic members 17 means that the force required to extend each leakage preventing wall elastic member 16 by a unit length in the longitudinal direction from its natural state is greater than the force required to extend each leg gather elastic member 17 by a unit length in the longitudinal direction from its natural state.
  • the shortest distance in the width direction from the outer end (outer end 10es of the absorbent main body 10) of the leg gather portion LG to the rising start point of the leakage preventing wall portion LSG is longer than the shortest distance from the rising start point (inner end 18ei) of the leakage preventing wall portion LSG to the tip (15ei) of the leakage preventing wall portion LSG.
  • the intersection point f1 between the outer edge in the width direction (left-right direction) of the absorbent main body 10 and the lower edge of the front waistband section 30 is located widthwise (left-right) inward of the intersection point b1 between the outer edge in the width direction (left-right direction) of the absorbent main body 10 and the lower edge of the rear waistband section 40.
  • the width of the absorbent main body 10 on the front side (ventral side) is narrower than the width of the absorbent main body 10 on the rear side (dorsal side).
  • the absorbent main body 10 when the diaper 1 is worn, the absorbent main body 10 is not excessively wide on the front side (ventral side), resulting in a neat and tidy appearance in the crotch area.
  • the absorbent main body 10 is wider on the rear side (dorsal side) than on the front side, making it easier to cover the buttocks securely.
  • the average length of the portion on which a stretchable force is applied in the longitudinal direction is taken as the average effective length Lav.
  • the number of LG elastic members 17 whose length (effective length) of the portion on which a stretchable force is applied is longer than the average effective length Lav is greater than the number of LG elastic members 17 whose length (effective length) of the portion on which a stretchable force is applied is shorter than the average effective length Lav.
  • the effective lengths of the first LG elastic member 17a and the second LG elastic member 17b are shorter than the average effective length Lav. That is, there are two LG elastic members 17 that are shorter than the average effective length Lav.
  • the effective lengths of the third LG elastic member 17c to the sixth LG elastic member 17f are longer than the average effective length Lav. That is, there are four LG elastic members 17 that are longer than the average effective length Lav.
  • the greater the number of LG elastic members 17 with longer effective lengths the wider the range (range with longer effective lengths) over which the stretching force of the LG elastic members 17 acts in the leg gather elastic region ER, which makes it easier to improve the fit of the leg gather portion LG as a whole.
  • the number of LG elastic members 17, 17... whose length (effective length) of the portion where the stretching force is applied is longer than the average effective length Lav may be smaller than the number of LG elastic members 17 whose length (effective length) of the portion where the stretching force is applied is shorter than the average effective length Lav.
  • the range in the leg gather elastic region ER where the LG elastic members 17 are not provided becomes wider, so the rigidity of the leg gather portion LG decreases and it becomes more susceptible to flexural deformation. This buffers the stretching force of the LG elastic members 17 and weakens the force acting on the absorbent body 20. This makes it easier to prevent the absorbent body 20 from deforming in a way that causes it to protrude forward.
  • each of the multiple LG elastic members 17, 17... is continuously arranged in the longitudinal direction so as to straddle the central position CL of the diaper 1 (see Figure 8).
  • the leg gather intermittent portions NP do not straddle the central position CL in the longitudinal direction.
  • the central position CL in the longitudinal direction is located in the crotch area of the wearer when the diaper 1 is worn. Therefore, the LG elastic members 17 are continuously arranged in the longitudinal direction in this crotch area, and the elastic force acting thereon helps to prevent sagging of the absorbent body 20.
  • the elastic force (contractile force) of the LG elastic members 17 makes it easier to pull the absorbent body 20 upward against the increase in weight. This improves the fit of the absorbent main body 10 and also prevents the absorbent body 20 from sagging, which can cause the absorbent body 20 to look unattractive when worn.
  • the leg gather intermittent portion NP has a portion that overlaps with the low basis weight region 211 (221) of the absorbent body 20 in the longitudinal direction.
  • the leg gather elastic region ER is flexible, and the stretching force of the LG elastic member 17 is cushioned, thereby preventing the absorbent body 20 from deforming in a way that would cause it to protrude forward. Meanwhile, the absorbent body 20 is induced to deform with the low basis weight region 211 (221) as the bending starting point.
  • the absorbent body 20 when the absorbent body 20 deforms in a way that would cause it to protrude forward, it bends at the low basis weight regions 211, 211 on both sides in the width direction, and deforms into a roughly trapezoidal shape in cross section. In other words, the absorbent body 20 is less likely to protrude forward significantly between the pair of low basis weight regions 211, 211 in the width direction.
  • the action of the leg gather intermittent portions NP to suppress deformation of the absorbent body 20 and the action of the low basis weight regions 211 (221) to induce deformation of the absorbent body 20 interact to more easily prevent the widthwise center of the absorbent body 20 from popping out to the front. This improves the appearance and absorbency when worn.
  • the leg gather intermittent portions NP may not have any overlapping portions with the low basis weight regions 211 (221) of the absorbent body 20 in the longitudinal direction.
  • the low basis weight regions 211 (221) also have the function of quickly drawing excrement such as urine into the absorbent body 20.
  • the excrement drawn in by the low basis weight regions 211 (221) spreads to both sides in the width direction, if LG elastic members 17 are arranged on both sides of the low basis weight regions 211 (221) (if leg gather overlapping regions OP are provided), the diffusion of the excrement is blocked by the LG elastic members 17, thereby preventing side leakage.
  • absorbent articles such as diapers 1 are stored under a certain pressure in the form of packages in which they are distributed and stored as products.
  • the effect of the pressure applied to the diaper 1 varies depending on the state of storage, and the thickness of the center of the width direction of the folded portion F of the diaper 1 changes depending on the pressure applied to the diaper. Therefore, after removing the diaper 1 from the package, a weight W (with a base area of 150 cm2 and a weight of 5 kg) is placed on the folded diaper 1 for 24 hours to equalize the pressure applied to the diaper 1.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a method for placing a weight W on a folded diaper 1.
  • the folded (pants-type) diaper 1 is placed on a flat surface with either the front waistband 30 or the rear waistband 40 facing downwards.
  • the weight W is placed on top of the diaper 1 so that the widthwise center of the absorbent body 10 (the center of the diaper 1) is aligned with the widthwise center of the weight W, and the weight W fits inside the absorbent body 10 when viewed in the thickness direction.
  • the diaper 1 is placed on a flat surface with the front waistband 30 facing downwards and the rear waistband 40 facing upwards, and the weight W is placed on the rear waistband 40 side.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a method for placing a weight W on a folded diaper 1.
  • the folded (pants-type) diaper 1 is placed on a flat surface with either the front waistband 30 or the rear waistband 40 facing downwards.
  • the weight W is placed on top of the diaper 1 so that the widthwise
  • the weight W may be placed on one diaper 1, or on a stack of multiple diapers 1. Because absorbent articles such as diapers 1 are lightweight, even when multiple diapers 1 are stacked, the difference in pressure applied to each diaper 1 is within the margin of error and is virtually negligible. However, when multiple absorbent articles are stacked, the number must be such that the absorbent articles can be maintained in a stacked state and do not collapse when stacked. In this embodiment, five diapers 1 were stacked in the thickness direction (front-to-back direction), and a weight W was placed on top of them, and the stack was left to stand for 24 hours, after which the thickness of each diaper 1 was measured using the method described below.
  • the weight W has a base area of 150 cm2 and a weight of 5 kg.
  • the weight W can be made of any material, and can be made of metal such as stainless steel or iron, for example.
  • the thickness of the widthwise center of the folded portion F of the diaper 1 (corresponding to the longitudinal center position CL) after the weight W has been placed on it for 24 hours, and the thickness of the widthwise center of the folded portion F of the diaper 1 in its pre-use state (i.e., immediately after being removed from the package and before it has absorbed excrement, etc.) can be measured in a similar manner, and both can be measured using well-known methods. For example, measurements can be made using an Ozaki Seisakusho Dial Thickness Gauge, Large Type J-B with spring, or an equivalent.
  • FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the measurement of the folded portion F.
  • the pair of measuring terminals st are circular plates with a diameter of 50 mm, and are arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction (thickness direction of the diaper 1).
  • the pair of measuring terminals st clamp the folded portion F of the diaper 1 in the thickness direction (front-to-back direction), and the maximum value at the point where both measuring terminals st abut against the diaper 1 is measured as the "thickness.”
  • the measurement is performed with the center C-C of the widthwise center of the folded portion F of the diaper 1 and the center of the measuring terminals st aligned with the bottom end of the diaper 1 in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction).
  • the thickness measurement confirmed that the thickness of the diaper 1 before absorbing excrement was 6.4 mm or less. Therefore, it was revealed that compared to conventional pants-type diapers, the diaper is thinner and has a structure that makes it less likely for the absorbent body 20 to protrude significantly to the front when worn.
  • the diaper 1 of this embodiment has torque values that are suppressed to a predetermined value or less when twisted in the vertical and horizontal directions, so that it can easily deform to fit the wearer's body.
  • Figures 15A and 15B are explanatory diagrams for the "torsion test."
  • Figure 15A shows a measurement method in which the diaper 1 is twisted around an imaginary axis Va1 that runs along the left-right direction (width direction) of the diaper 1.
  • Figure 15B shows a measurement method in which the diaper 1 is twisted around an imaginary axis Va2 that runs along the up-down direction (longitudinal direction) of the diaper 1.
  • the absorbent cores 21-24 are shown to have a rectangular shape to avoid complexity.
  • the torque value of the diaper 1 in the torsion test can be measured using an Imada torque tester (model number: EX-0762) or an equivalent device.
  • the test environment is a room temperature of 20 ⁇ 2°C and a humidity of 60 ⁇ 5%.
  • the diaper 1 to be measured (the diaper 1 immediately after being removed from the package and before absorption), and identify the position to be clamped by the chuck 60 of the torque tester.
  • the maximum width of the absorbent cores 21-24 is divided in half widthwise, and a line C1 running along the vertical direction is drawn on the diaper 1.
  • the length from the top of the absorbent cores 21-24 to the bottom end of the diaper 1 (the folded position) is divided in half, and a line C2 running along the width direction is drawn on the diaper 1.
  • the intersection of the two lines C1 and C2 is designated as the reference point o.
  • a pair of chucks 60 are arranged at a distance in the vertical direction, and the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction of the torque testing machine is the horizontal direction.
  • the width W60 of the chucks 60 in the horizontal direction is approximately 25 mm.
  • the gripping positions of the zippers 60 are position p1, which is 30 mm shifted to the right in the width direction from the reference point o, and position p2, which is 30 mm shifted to the left.
  • the zipper spacing is 60 mm.
  • the lower end of the upper zipper 60 is aligned with position p2 of the diaper 1
  • the upper end of the lower zipper is aligned with position p1 of the diaper 1, so that the waist side of the diaper 1 is located on the right side in the horizontal direction.
  • the center of the zipper 60 in the horizontal direction is aligned with the reference point o of the diaper 1. This allows the diaper 1 to be twisted around the imaginary axis Va1 along the width direction by gripping the vertical centers of both widthwise ends of the diaper 1 (more specifically, the vertical centers of the absorbent cores 21-24).
  • the gripping positions of the zippers 60 are position p3, which is 50 mm above and 50 mm below the reference point o in the vertical direction, and position p4, which is 50 mm below the reference point o.
  • the zipper spacing is 100 mm.
  • position p3 of the diaper 1 is aligned with the bottom end of the upper zipper 60
  • position p4 of the diaper 1 is aligned with the top end of the lower zipper 60.
  • the center position of the zipper 60 in the horizontal direction is aligned with the reference point o of the diaper 1. This allows the diaper 1 to be twisted around the imaginary axis Va2 along the vertical direction by gripping the widthwise centers of both vertical end portions of the diaper 1.
  • the average value of all the multiple (e.g., three) torque values around virtual axis Va1 and the multiple (e.g., three) torque values around virtual axis Va2 is then calculated (rounded to one decimal place). This average value is the torque value of diaper 1 (pants-type absorbent article) before absorption.
  • Diaper 1 has a waisted portion and an absorbent core comprising liquid-absorbent fibers and a superabsorbent polymer (SAP).
  • Product A's diaper has an absorbent core comprising an upper layer comprising liquid-absorbent fibers and a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and a waisted portion, and a rectangular lower layer comprising only superabsorbent polymer (SAP).
  • Product B's diaper has a waisted portion and an absorbent core comprising liquid-absorbent fibers and a superabsorbent polymer (SAP).
  • the "thickness" referred to here refers to the thickness at the center of the width of the folded portion of each diaper when a weight is placed on each diaper folded in half using the method described above for 24 hours and then the weight is removed.
  • Diaper 1 After 24 hours, Diaper 1 had a thickness of 6.4 mm and a torque value of 23.4 mN ⁇ m, while Product A had a thickness of 6.6 mm and a torque value of 29.3 mN ⁇ m, and Product B had a thickness of 8.2 mm and a torque value of 31.5 mN ⁇ m. This shows that before wearing, Diaper 1 is thinner and softer than Products A and B. Diaper 1 with such a torque value (23.4 mN ⁇ m or less) has a low bending resistance and can easily deform to fit the contours of the wearer's body, improving fit and preventing the absorber 20 from protruding forward.
  • the absorbent main body 10 may be modified as follows.
  • Fig. 16 is a plan view showing a modified absorbent main body 10.
  • the arrangement of the LG elastic members 17 is different from that of the absorbent main body 10 described in Fig. 4.
  • the LG elastic members 17 arranged on the inner side are arranged so that the length (effective length) of the portion on which the stretching force acts is shorter than the length (effective length) of the portion on which the stretching force acts of the LG elastic member 17 arranged on the outer side.
  • the LG elastic members 17 are arranged so that the effective length of the LG elastic members 17 gradually increases from the inner side to the outer side in the width direction.
  • the LG elastic members 17 are arranged in a stepped pattern.
  • the effective length of the LG elastic member 17 gradually increases from the inside to the outside in the width direction, which makes it easier for the leg gathered portion LG to adhere to the skin in accordance with the shape of the wearer's groin, thereby further improving the fit.
  • the absorbent core (skin side layer 21 and non-skin side layer 23) of the absorbent body 20 may also be modified as follows.
  • Figure 17 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a modified example of the non-skin side layer 23 of the absorbent body 20.
  • the modified non-skin side layer 23 has a high basis weight region 233 in which the basis weight of the SAP is higher than that of the surrounding areas.
  • points S of maximum thickness in the thickness direction are located intermittently in the longitudinal and width directions.
  • the high basis weight regions 233 are arranged intermittently in the longitudinal and width directions.
  • adjacent points S of maximum thickness i.e., around the high basis weight region 233
  • low basis weight regions 234 in which the basis weight of the SAP is lower than that of the high basis weight region 233 are formed.
  • part of the space between adjacent points S of maximum thickness may be formed by the high basis weight region 233.
  • adjacent maximum thickness points S may be partially connected by the high basis weight region 233.
  • the low basis weight region 234 has a low basis weight laminated region 234E where SAP is laminated, and a non-laminated region 234N where no SAP is present.
  • no SAP not only means that no SAP particles are present, but also includes the case where there are only a small number of laminated SAP particles, and there are essentially no SAP particles present.
  • the low basis weight regions 234 serve as folding points, allowing the absorbent body 20 to easily deform along the contours of the wearer's body, improving fit.
  • the low basis weight regions 234 that serve as folding points include low basis weight laminated regions 234E that can absorb and retain excrement, and non-laminated regions 234N that are more easily bent due to the absence of SAP.
  • the low basis weight regions 234 where the basis weight of SAP is lower than in the high basis weight regions 233 it is possible to achieve both ease of deformation along the contours of the wearer's body and the ability to absorb and retain excrement.
  • the maximum thickness T when the length in the thickness direction from the core wrap sheet 26 to the point S where the maximum thickness is reached is defined as the maximum thickness T, it is preferable that the maximum thickness T be 3 mm or less, and that the distance D between adjacent points S where the maximum thickness is reached be 5 times or less than the maximum thickness T.
  • the maximum thickness T be 2 mm or less, and that the distance between adjacent points S where the maximum thickness is reached be 4 times or less than the maximum thickness T. This makes it possible to improve the fit when worn while maintaining the thinness of the absorbent body 20 containing a superabsorbent polymer.
  • elasticity in the left-right direction is imparted to the waistband portion 20 (30) by waistband elastic members 23 (33) such as rubber thread, but elasticity may also be imparted by other elastic members.
  • elasticity may be imparted by providing a stretchable sheet (not shown) that stretches left-right so as to cover the upper end of the front waistband portion 30.
  • an absorbent body 20 composed of multiple layers (absorbent cores 21-24) as shown in Figure 5 was described, but the absorbent body 20 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 5.
  • the absorbent body 20 may be configured such that nonwoven fabric 27 is not provided between the non-skin side layer 23 and the intermediate layer 22, or it may be configured such that only the non-skin side layer 23 is provided as the absorbent core.
  • the skin side in the thickness direction of Figure 5 is the non-skin side and the non-skin side is the skin side (i.e., the skin side layer 21 is provided on the non-skin side and the non-skin side layer 23 is provided on the skin side).
  • the sheet member (exterior sheet 14) that constitutes the leg gather portion LG and the sheet member (side sheet 15) that constitutes the leakage prevention wall portion LSG were separate sheet members, but the leg gather portion LG and the leakage prevention wall portion LSG may also be formed from the same sheet member.
  • FIG 18 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the leakage prevention wall portion LSG.
  • no side sheet 15 is provided, and the leg gather portion LG and leakage prevention wall portion LSG are formed by the exterior sheet 14.
  • a part of the folded portion 14f of the exterior sheet 14 forms a standing portion 14s that stands up toward the skin at a predetermined position outside the absorbent body 20 in the left-right direction.
  • the standing portion 14s is then folded back widthwise at the inner end 14ei in the width direction to the outside, and a leakage prevention wall elastic member 16 is attached between the thickness of the folded back portion to form the leakage prevention wall portion LSG (see Figure 18).
  • a welding portion 70 is provided that joins, in the thickness direction, the outer sheet 14 that constitutes the leg gather portion LG and the folded-back portion 14f where the outer sheet 14 is folded back at the outer edge 10es.
  • the welding portion 70 is composed of a large number of welding patterns 71, 71... regularly arranged along the longitudinal direction. Each of the welding patterns 71, 71... is formed using known heat welding or ultrasonic welding. Note that the shape and arrangement of each welding pattern 71 are not limited to the example shown in Figure 18.
  • the leakage preventing wall portion LSG (standing portion 14s) is configured to stand up from the inner end 70ei in the width direction of the welded portion 70.
  • the joining strength between the sheet members stacked in the thickness direction of the leg gathered portion LG is increased, making the leg gathered portion LG more stable.
  • the rigidity of the leg gathered portion LG can be increased. This makes it easier to maintain the sheet members that make up the leg gathered portion LG in a flat state, making the leg gathered portion LG less likely to curl up.
  • the outer sheet 14 (unfolded portion) and the folded portion 14f may be joined in the thickness direction by a joint (not shown) made of hot melt adhesive or the like, and the leakage preventing wall portion LSG (standing portion 14s) may stand up using this joint as a base point for standing.
  • a joint (not shown) may be provided instead of the welded portion 70, allowing the leakage preventing wall portion LSG to stand up.
  • the welded portion 70 does not necessarily have to be provided.
  • the leakage preventing wall portion LSG itself may not be provided in the diaper 1.
  • a pattern display portion (not shown) may be provided that at least partially overlaps with the leg gather elastic region ER and the leg gather intermittent portion NP.
  • the pattern display portion is, for example, a rectangular region extending in the longitudinal direction, and includes figures such as patterns and pictures, letters, symbols, colored areas, etc., as well as combinations of these.
  • the pattern can be either achromatic or chromatic. There are no restrictions on the brightness, saturation, or hue used for the pattern.
  • the pattern in the pattern display portion may be formed continuously or intermittently. The pattern is formed at least at the inner end of the leg gather elastic region ER and is visible from the non-skin side of the leg gather portion LG.
  • Such a pattern display makes the area corresponding to the leg gather elastic region ER more noticeable. This allows the user to easily detect any abnormal conditions, such as the leg gather elastic region ER being rolled up or meandering inside the diaper 1. It also makes it easier to notice deterioration in fit due to excessive deformation of the absorbent body 20.
  • the absorbent article according to the present invention As an example of the absorbent article according to the present invention, a pants-type disposable diaper 1001 for infants (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 1001") will be described.
  • the absorbent article according to the present invention also includes tape-type disposable diapers, shorts-type napkins, absorbent pads, sanitary napkins, and other absorbent articles.
  • the wearer of the absorbent article is not limited to infants, but may also be an adult or a living organism such as an animal.
  • Fig. 19 is a schematic perspective view of the diaper 1001.
  • Fig. 20 is a plan view of the diaper 1001 in an unfolded and stretched state, as seen from the skin side.
  • Fig. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 20.
  • the diaper 1001 has a vertical direction, a width direction, and a front-to-back direction that are perpendicular to one another, and has a waist opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH.
  • the waist opening BH side is the upper side
  • the crotch side (the leg opening LH side) is the lower side.
  • the front side in the front-to-back direction corresponds to the wearer's abdomen
  • the rear side corresponds to the wearer's back.
  • the width direction is the direction along the stretch direction of the waist elastic members 1033, 1043 of the front waist portion 1030 and the rear waist portion 1040.
  • the vertical direction is the direction along the orthogonal direction that is perpendicular to the stretch direction.
  • the diaper 1001 is a so-called three-piece pants-type diaper having a liquid-absorbent main body 1010 and a pair of waistband sections 1030, 1040.
  • the pair of waistband sections the one that covers the wearer's abdominal region is also referred to as the front waistband section 1030, and the one that covers the wearer's dorsal region is also referred to as the rear waistband section 1040.
  • the diaper 1001 has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction which are perpendicular to one another.
  • the longitudinal direction is along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 1010 and along the vertical direction of the pants-type diaper 1001.
  • the line CL in Figure 20 etc. is the center line in the longitudinal direction.
  • One side in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the ventral side (front side), and the other side corresponds to the dorsal side (rear side).
  • the thickness direction is the direction in which the materials constituting the diaper 1001 are layered, as shown in Figure 21. In the thickness direction, the side that comes into contact with the wearer's skin is called the skin side, and the opposite side is called the non-skin side.
  • the “stretched state” of the diaper 1001 refers to a state in which the entire diaper 1001 is stretched without wrinkles by stretching each elastic member of the diaper 1001 (e.g., the leg gather elastic member 1017 and waist elastic members 1033, 1043, etc., described below). Specifically, it refers to a state in which each component constituting the diaper 1001 (e.g., the absorbent body 1010 and waist portions 1030, 1040, etc., described below) is stretched until its dimensions match or are close to those of the individual components.
  • the "unfolded state” of the diaper 1001 refers to a state in which the pair of side joining portions 1002, located on both sides of the diaper 1001, are separated, and the diaper 1001 is opened and unfolded flat.
  • the state of the diaper 1001 after it has been left for a predetermined period of time is called the "natural state.”
  • the diaper 1001 in its finished state is removed from the package, and the waistbands 1030, 1040 are pulled outward in both the left and right directions to create a "stretched state.” After this stretched state is maintained for 15 seconds, the diaper 1001 is released and placed on a flat surface such as a desk.
  • the state after 5 minutes of being left flat in this state is called the natural state.
  • the front waistline section 1030 and the rear waistline section 1040 are aligned parallel to each other with a longitudinal gap between them, with the absorbent main body 1010 draped between them, with each longitudinal end of the absorbent main body 1010 joined and fixed to the skin side of the nearest waistline section 1030, 1040, respectively, resulting in an external shape that is roughly H-shaped in plan view.
  • the absorbent main body 1010 is then folded in half at a fold F along the longitudinal centerline CL of the absorbent main body 1010.
  • the opposing front waistline section 1030 and rear waistline section 1040 are joined and connected at their widthwise opposite sides to form a pair of side joining sections 1002.
  • the side joint 1002 is formed using known joining methods such as welding or adhesive.
  • Fig. 22 shows a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the absorbent main body 1010 in an extended state.
  • the absorbent main body 1010 comprises an absorbent body 1020 (details will be described later), a liquid-permeable top sheet 1012 arranged on the skin side of the absorbent body 1020, a liquid-impermeable leak-proof film 1013 arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 1020, an exterior sheet 1014 arranged on the non-skin side of the leak-proof film 1013 and forming an exterior of the absorbent main body 1010, and a pair of side sheets 1015, 1015 provided on the skin side of the top sheet 1012 at both widthwise end portions of the absorbent main body 1010. Furthermore, a pair of leg gather portions LG, LG is formed by the exterior sheet 1014, and a pair of leakage barrier portions LSG, LSG is formed by the side sheet 1015.
  • the top sheet 1012 is a liquid-permeable sheet member that covers the absorbent body 1020 from the skin side, and is made of, for example, a hydrophilic air-through nonwoven fabric or a spunbond nonwoven fabric.
  • a second sheet (not shown) equivalent to the top sheet 1012 may also be provided between the top sheet 1012 and the absorbent body 1020.
  • the leak-proof film 1013 is a breathable, liquid-impermeable sheet member that is placed on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 1020, and can be, for example, a microporous, breathable resin film with multiple tiny holes in a sheet made primarily of resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene.
  • the exterior sheet 1014 is a sheet member that is provided on the side of the absorbent body 1010 closest to the skin and forms the exterior of the absorbent body 1010.
  • an air-through nonwoven fabric or a spunbond nonwoven fabric can be used.
  • the outer sheet 1014 extends outward in the width direction beyond the outer ends 1020es, 1020es of the absorbent body 1020, and this extended portion is folded inward in the left-right direction and toward the skin in the thickness direction, with the outer ends 1010es, 1010es in the left-right direction of the absorbent main body 1010 as the folding position, forming a folded portion 1014f.
  • the unfolded portion of the outer sheet 1014 and the folded portion 1014f are then joined together in a state where at least a portion of the leakproof film 1013 is sandwiched between them in the thickness direction, thereby forming a pair of leg gathers LG, LG.
  • a plurality of leg gather elastic members 1017, 1017... such as rubber thread are provided at predetermined intervals in the width direction between the outer sheet 1014 and the folded-over portion 1014f, which form the leg gather portion LG, in the thickness direction, and are each stretched in the longitudinal direction at a predetermined stretch ratio.
  • the leg gather elastic members 1017 provide stretchability in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) to the leg gather portion LG.
  • leg gather elastic members 1017 are provided on each of the leg gather portions LG on both sides in the width direction. Specifically, six leg gather elastic members 1017, numbered first leg gather elastic member 1017a to sixth leg gather elastic member 1017f, are provided from the inside to the outside in the width direction. Note that Figures 20 and 22 only show the stretchable portions (so-called effective length portions) of each leg gather elastic member 1017a to 1017f. In other words, the stretchability of the leg gather elastic members 1017 is exerted in the portions indicated by dashed lines. However, the arrangement and number of the leg gather elastic members 1017 are not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate. Additionally, in the cross-sectional view of Figure 22, the leg gather elastic member 1017 is mainly provided closer to the skin than the leakage barrier film 1013, but the leg gather elastic member 1017 may also be provided closer to the skin than the leakage barrier film 1013.
  • the side sheet 1015 is a substantially rectangular sheet member, and is made of, for example, an air-through nonwoven fabric or a spunbond nonwoven fabric, similar to the top sheet 1012 and outer sheet 1014.
  • the side sheet 1015 is folded back at the inner widthwise end 1015ei and overlapped in the thickness direction, and is joined with the leak-preventing wall elastic member 1016 sandwiched between the inner widthwise end 1015ei of the side sheet 1015.
  • the inner widthwise end 1015ei of the side sheet 1015 is the part that becomes the tip of the leak-preventing wall portion LSG when it stands up.
  • the leak preventing wall elastic members 1016 are made of, for example, rubber thread, and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction while stretched in the longitudinal direction at a predetermined stretch ratio. This gives the leak preventing wall portion LSG stretchability in the longitudinal direction (up and down direction).
  • two leak preventing wall elastic members 1016 are provided: a first leak preventing wall elastic member 1016a arranged near the inner end 1015ei in the width direction, and a second leak preventing wall elastic member 1016b arranged at a predetermined interval on the outer side of the first leak preventing wall elastic member 1016a in the width direction.
  • the arrangement and number of the leak preventing wall elastic members 1016 are not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate.
  • plan view in Figure 22 shows only the stretchable portions (so-called effective length portions) of each leakage preventing wall elastic member 1016a, 1016b.
  • the leakage preventing wall portion LSG stands up against the wearer's skin due to the stretching force exerted by the leakage preventing wall elastic member 1016.
  • the front waistband section 1030 and the back waistband section 1040 each have non-skin-side sheets 1031, 1041, skin-side sheets 1032, 1042, and multiple waistband elastic members 1033, 1043 (corresponding to transverse elastic members) such as rubber thread.
  • the non-skin-side sheet 1031 and the skin-side sheet 1032 are each rectangular in plan view and are bonded together in a stacked state in the thickness direction.
  • Examples of materials that can be used for the non-skin-side sheet 1031 and the skin-side sheet 1032 include SMS nonwoven fabric (spunbond, meltblown, spunbond nonwoven fabric), spunbond nonwoven fabric, and air-through nonwoven fabric.
  • the multiple waistband elastic members 1033, 1043 are arranged vertically side by side between the skin-side sheets 1032, 1042 and the non-skin-side sheets 1031, 1041 in the thickness direction, and are attached in a stretched state in the width direction.
  • the elasticity provided by the waist elastic members 1033, 1043 allows the front waist portion 1030 and the back waist portion 1040 to fit snugly around the waist of the wearer.
  • a cover sheet may also be provided to cover the upper end of the absorbent main body 1010 from the skin side. The cover sheet can prevent the absorbent main body 1010 from opening open, etc.
  • the front waistline portion 1030 and the rear waistline portion 1040 may be formed from a single continuous member, or an outer member for the crotch portion may be provided connecting the front waistline portion 1030 and the rear waistline portion 1040.
  • elastic members such as waistline elastic members 1033, 1043 may be sheet-like elastic members instead of rubber threads.
  • Fig. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent body 1020 of this embodiment.
  • Fig. 24 is a plan view of the absorbent cores 1021 to 1023 stacked together.
  • Fig. 25A is a plan view of the skin side layer 1021 and the intermediate layer 1022, and
  • Fig. 25B is a plan view of the non-skin side layer 1023.
  • the absorbent body 1020 has absorbent cores 1021-1023 between a core wrap sheet 1025 on the skin side and a core wrap sheet 1026 on the non-skin side.
  • the absorbent cores 1021-1023 are components that absorb and retain excrement such as urine, and include liquid-absorbent fibers 1201 and super-absorbent polymers.
  • the liquid-absorbent fibers 1201 and super-absorbent polymers (hereinafter also referred to as SAP) are not particularly limited as long as they can be used as absorbent cores in absorbent articles.
  • liquid-absorbent fibers 1201 include wood pulp fibers, non-wood pulp fibers such as bagasse, kenaf, bamboo, hemp, and cotton, regenerated cellulose fibers such as rayon fibers, and semi-synthetic fibers such as acetate fibers.
  • SAP include starch-based, cellulose-based, and synthetic polymer-based polymer absorbents.
  • the core wrap sheets 1025 and 1026 are liquid-permeable sheets, examples of which include tissue and nonwoven fabric.
  • the absorbent cores 1021-1023 each include a skin-side layer 1021, an intermediate layer 1022, and a non-skin-side layer 1023.
  • the intermediate layer 1022 is located closer to the skin in the thickness direction than the skin-side layer 1021, and the non-skin-side layer 1023 is located closer to the skin in the thickness direction than the intermediate layer 1022.
  • the skin-side layer 1021 has a first thickness t1001 and is a layer in which the volume occupied by SAP is greater than the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 1201.
  • the intermediate layer 1022 has a second thickness t1002 and is a layer in which the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 1201 is greater than the volume occupied by SAP.
  • the non-skin-side layer 1023 has a third thickness t1003 and is a layer in which the volume occupied by SAP is greater than the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 1201.
  • the absorbent body 1020 of this embodiment further includes a skin-side upper layer 1024, which is located closer to the skin in the thickness direction than the skin-side layer 1021 and has a fourth thickness t1004 that is thinner than the first thickness t1001 of the skin-side layer 1021.
  • the skin-side upper layer 1024 is a layer in which the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 1201 is greater than the volume occupied by the SAP.
  • the skin-side upper layer 1024 of this embodiment is composed only of the liquid-absorbent fiber 1201.
  • the skin-side upper layer 1024 which is the layer closest to the skin among the multiple layers constituting the absorbent core, does not contain water-absorbent resin powder such as superabsorbent polymer (SAP). Since the layer closest to the skin does not contain water-absorbent resin powder such as SAP, it is less likely to give a granular, gritty feel to the wearer's skin, reducing discomfort when worn.
  • the skin-side upper layer 1024 is not necessarily provided in the absorbent body 1020 of this embodiment.
  • the skin side layer 1021 and the intermediate layer 1022 are integrally formed, so that the volume occupancy of SAP decreases and the volume occupancy of liquid absorbent fiber 1201 increases from the skin side layer 1021 toward the intermediate layer 1022.
  • Such an absorbent core can be manufactured, for example, by adjusting the order, amount, timing, etc. of feeding the SAP and liquid absorbent fiber 1201 into a mold (recess) that corresponds to the shape of the absorbent core and is provided on the outer surface of a rotating drum.
  • the skin-side layer 1021 and the intermediate layer 1022 are integrally laminated, i.e., the skin-side layer 1021 and the intermediate layer 1022 are laminated adjacent to each other in the thickness direction without any adhesive or nonwoven fabric. This prevents the adhesive or nonwoven fabric from interfering with the transfer of excreted fluid from the skin-side layer 1021 to the intermediate layer 1022, and increases the rate of absorption by the intermediate layer 1022.
  • the non-skin side layer 1023 is not formed integrally with the intermediate layer 1022, but is laminated adjacent to the intermediate layer 1022 in the thickness direction, with the non-woven fabric 1027 interposed between them.
  • the presence of the non-woven fabric 1027 allows the excreted liquid to diffuse in the planar direction on the non-woven fabric 1027 before migrating from the intermediate layer 1022 to the non-skin side layer 1023. Therefore, the excreted liquid diffused in the planar direction can be migrated to the non-skin side layer 1023, allowing the absorbent cores 1021-1023 to be effectively utilized in the planar direction.
  • the comparison of the volumes occupied by the liquid absorbent fiber 1201 and SAP in each of the skin side layer 1021, the intermediate layer 1022, the non-skin side layer 1023, and the skin side upper layer 1024 can be confirmed by the following method.
  • the diaper 1001 in the diaper 1001 in a natural, dry state with no external force acting thereon, the diaper 1001 (absorbent body 1020) is cut widthwise at an arbitrary position in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 1020, specifically at a position where the four layers 1021 to 1024 are stacked and away from the product folding position.
  • an optical microscope e.g., Keyence Corporation Digital Microscope VHX-7000 or equivalent
  • magnify e.g., 30 to 100 times
  • the liquid-absorbent fiber 1201 and the SAP are identified. Then, in the cross-sectional image, it is confirmed that the following layers are stacked in this order from the skin side in the thickness direction: a skin-side upper layer 1024 in which the area occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 1201 is larger than that occupied by the SAP; a skin-side layer 1021 in which the area occupied by the SAP is larger than that occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 1201; a middle layer 1022 in which the area occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 1201 is larger than that occupied by the SAP; and a non-skin-side layer 1023 in which the area occupied by the SAP is larger than that occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 1201.
  • the four layers 1021 to 1024 of this embodiment are identified.
  • Cross-sectional images are prepared at multiple locations (e.g., 10 locations) along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent 1020 in which such four layers 1021 to 1024 can be confirmed, and if the area occupied by SAP in all of the cross-sectional images is a layer larger than the area occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 1201, then that layer is a layer in which "the volume occupied by SAP is larger than the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber," and if the area occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 1201 in all of the cross-sectional images is a layer in which "the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber is larger than the volume occupied by the SAP.”
  • a comparison of the volumes occupied by the liquid-absorbent fibers 1201 and the SAP in each layer can be made by visualizing the liquid-absorbent fibers 1201 and the SAP using X-ray microtomography (X-ray CT), for example, as described below: Science Direct, Carbohydrate Polymers 254, Mathias A. Hobisch et al., February 15, 2021, "How cellulose nanofibrils and cellulose microparticles impact paper strength - A visualization approach", Section "3.6. X-ray microtomography", https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0144861720315794.
  • X-ray CT X-ray microtomography
  • the absorbent core of this embodiment has multiple layers stacked in the thickness direction, namely, the skin side layer 1021, the intermediate layer 1022, the non-skin side layer 1023, and the skin side upper layer 1024.
  • the skin side layer 1021 and the intermediate layer 1022 have narrower constricted portions 1212, 1222 in the crotch region M ( Figure 20) that corresponds to the wearer's crotch, which are narrower in the width direction than the longitudinal ends of the skin side layer 1021 and the intermediate layer 1022.
  • the skin side layer 1021 and the intermediate layer 1022 illustrated in Figures 24 and 25A are integrally formed and have the same planar shape.
  • layers having such constricted portions 1212, 1222 are also referred to as constricted layers (hence, the skin-side layer 1021 and the intermediate layer 1022 are also referred to as constricted layers 1021, 1022).
  • the width of the constricted portions 1212, 1222 does not necessarily have to be narrower than both longitudinal ends of the constricted layers 1021, 1022; it is sufficient that it is narrower than the maximum width of one longitudinal end of the constricted layers 1021, 1022.
  • the constricted layers 1021, 1022 contain liquid-absorbent fibers 1201, which makes it difficult for the constricted portions 1212, 1222 to lose their shape. While the number of constricted layers is two in this embodiment, this is not limited to two and may be one, or three or more layers.
  • the non-skin-side layer 1023 has a portion 1023E that extends outward in the width direction beyond the side ends 1212e, 1222e of the constricted portions 1212, 1222.
  • a layer that has such an extending portion 1023E and is different from the constricted layers 1021, 1022 is also referred to as an extension layer (hence, the non-skin-side layer 1023 is also referred to as an extension layer 1023).
  • Multiple extension layers 1023 may be provided. If multiple extension layers are provided, it is sufficient that the volume of SAP in at least one of the extension layers 1023 is greater than the volume of the liquid-absorbent fiber 1201.
  • the extension layer 1023 is located closer to the skin than the constricted layers 1021, 1022, but this is not limited thereto and the extension layer 1023 may be located closer to the skin than the constricted layers. Furthermore, a configuration in which there are more extension layers than constricted layers may be used.
  • absorbent articles that use absorbents such as those having layers (skin-side layer 1021, non-skin-side layer 1023) in which the volume occupied by SAP is larger than the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 1201, as in this embodiment, absorbents composed only of SAP, or absorbents formed by completely mixing SAP and liquid-absorbent fiber 1201.
  • absorbents composed only of SAP the absorbent body is basically rectangular in shape, so the crotch area cannot be designed to be narrow, which can cause the diaper to get caught when pulled up, making it difficult to pull up.
  • narrowing the width of the crotch area of the diaper and making it thin in order to ensure pull-up ability (ease of pulling up) can make the diaper more susceptible to leakage, and conversely, narrowing the width of the crotch area and making it thick can cause the thickness to get in the way when pulling up, making it difficult to pull up.
  • the absorbent cores 1021-1024 of the diaper 1001 of this embodiment have constriction layers 1021, 1022 having constriction portions 1212, 1222. These constriction portions 1212, 1222 correspond to the shape of the wearer's crotch, reducing snagging when pulling up the diaper 1001 and making it easier to pull up. Furthermore, the presence of these constriction portions 1212, 1222 allows the absorbent cores 1021-1024 to move closer to the wearer's crotch when putting on the diaper 1001, improving fit and reducing the need to readjust the fit of the crotch area M after putting on the diaper.
  • constriction layers 1021, 1022 contain liquid-absorbent fibers 1201, which helps prevent the constriction shape from collapsing.
  • the absorbent cores 1021-1024 are further provided with an extension layer 1023 having a portion 1023E that extends outward in the width direction beyond the side ends 1212e, 1222e of the constricted portions 1212, 1222, thereby ensuring absorbency in the crotch area M.
  • the thickness of the diaper 1001 at the widthwise center (center C-C) of the fold F is 6.4 mm or less.
  • the thinner the thickness of the diaper 1001 at the widthwise center (center C-C) of the fold F the thinner the diaper 1001 is before wearing (the method for measuring the thickness will be described in detail later).
  • the diaper 1001 can be made thinner than when the thickness of the fold F at the fold F is greater than 6.4 mm before wearing.
  • the diaper 1001 has such a thin shape before being worn, and is equipped with the above-mentioned constriction layers 1021, 1022 and extension layer 1023, so that it is possible to achieve both ease of putting on and ensuring absorbency in the crotch area M.
  • the "folded in half” mentioned above refers to a state in which the diaper 1001 in the unfolded state (see Figure 20) is folded at the fold F at the center CL in the longitudinal direction, and in the case of the diaper 1001 being a pants-type disposable diaper, this refers to the pants-type state shown in Figure 19.
  • an absorbent article such as a tape-type disposable diaper or an absorbent pad
  • absorbent articles such as diapers 1001 are stored under a certain pressure in a package in which they are distributed and stored as a commodity.
  • the effect of the pressure applied to the diaper 1001 varies depending on the state of storage, and the thickness of the center of the width direction of the folded portion F of the diaper 1001 changes depending on the pressure applied to the diaper. Therefore, after removing the diaper from the package, a weight W (with a base area of 150 cm2 and a weight of 5 kg) is placed on the folded diaper 1001 for 24 hours to equalize the pressure applied to the diaper 1001.
  • Figure 26 is a diagram illustrating the state in which the weight W is placed.
  • the diaper 1001 folded in half (pants-type state) is placed on a flat surface with either the front waistline portion 1030 or the rear waistline portion 1040 facing downwards, and the weight W is then placed on top of the diaper 1001 so that the widthwise center of the absorbent main body 1010 (center C-C of the diaper 1001) and the widthwise center of the weight W are aligned, and the weight W fits inside the absorbent main body 1010 when viewed in the thickness direction.
  • the diaper is placed on a flat surface with the front waistline portion 1030 facing downwards and the rear waistline portion 1040 facing upwards, and the weight W is placed on the rear waistline portion 1040 side.
  • the weight W may be placed on one diaper 1001, or on multiple diapers 1001 stacked together. Because absorbent articles such as diapers 1001 are lightweight, even when multiple diapers 1001 are stacked together, the difference in pressure exerted on each diaper 1001 is within the margin of error and is virtually negligible. However, when multiple absorbent articles are stacked together, the number must be such that the absorbent articles can be maintained in a stacked state and do not collapse when stacked. In this embodiment, five diapers 1001 were stacked in the thickness direction (front-to-back direction), and the weight W was placed on top of them, and the stack was left to stand for 24 hours, and the thickness of all diapers 1001 was measured using the method described below.
  • the weight W has a base area of 150 cm2 and a weight of 5 kg.
  • the weight W can be made of any material, and for example, a metal weight such as stainless steel or iron can be used.
  • the thickness of the diaper 1001 at the center (center C-C) in the width direction of the folded portion F after the weight W has been placed thereon for 24 hours can be measured by the following well-known method, for example, using an Ozaki Seisakusho dial thickness gauge, large type J-B with spring, or an equivalent. Specifically, using an Ozaki Seisakusho large-type J-B dial thickness gauge with a spring, a pair of measuring terminals st is used to clamp the measurement location (the widthwise center of the folded portion F), and a pressure of 9.0-12.0 gf/ cm2 is applied using the pair of measuring terminals st.
  • FIG 27 is a diagram illustrating the measurement of the folded portion F.
  • the pair of measuring terminals st are circular plates each having a diameter of 50 mm, and are arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction (thickness direction of the diaper 1001).
  • the pair of measuring terminals st clamp the folded portion F of the diaper 1001 in the thickness direction (front-to-back direction), and the maximum value at the point where both measuring terminals st abut against the diaper 1001 is measured as the "thickness.”
  • the measurement is performed at the center CC of the width direction of the folded portion F of the diaper 1001, and with the lower end of the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the diaper 1001 aligned with the center of the measuring terminal st.
  • the torque value of the diaper 1001 before absorption is 23.4 mN ⁇ m or less.
  • diaper 1001 The lower the value of the torsion test result of diaper 1001, the lower the torsional rigidity of diaper 1001, making it easier to make diaper 1001 flexible.
  • the higher the value of the torsion test result the higher the torsional rigidity of diaper 1001, making diaper 1001 stiff and more likely to cause discomfort to the wearer. Therefore, if the torsion test value of diaper 1001 before absorption is 23.4 mN ⁇ m or less, diaper 1001 can be made softer than if the torsion test value was greater than 23.4 mN ⁇ m, making it easier to fit the wearer's body and movements. Therefore, diaper 1001 is not only thin before absorption, but also soft and easy to put on because diaper 1001 has a low torsion test value (torque value).
  • Figures 28A and 28B are explanatory diagrams of the "torsion test.”
  • Figure 28A shows a measurement method in which the diaper 1001 is twisted around a virtual axis Va1 along the width direction of the diaper 1001.
  • Figure 28B shows a measurement method in which the diaper 1001 is twisted around a virtual axis Va2 along the up-down direction of the diaper 1001.
  • the absorbent cores 1021-1024 are shown to have a rectangular shape to avoid complexity.
  • the torque value of the diaper 1001 can be measured using an Imada torque tester (model number: EX-0762) or an equivalent device.
  • the test environment is a room temperature of 20 ⁇ 2°C and a humidity of 60 ⁇ 5%.
  • the diaper 1001 to be measured (the diaper 1001 before absorption immediately after being removed from the package) and identify the position to be clamped by the chuck 1060 of the torque tester.
  • the maximum width of the absorbent body 1020 is divided in half in the width direction, and a line C1 running along the vertical direction is drawn on the diaper 1001.
  • the length from the top end of the absorbent body 1020 to the bottom end of the diaper 1001 (the folded position) is divided in half, and a line C2 running along the width direction is drawn on the diaper 1001.
  • the intersection of the two lines C1 and C2 is designated as the reference point o.
  • a pair of chucks 1060 are arranged at a distance in the vertical direction, and the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction of the torque testing machine is the horizontal direction.
  • the width W60 of the chucks 1060 in the horizontal direction is approximately 25 mm.
  • the gripping positions of the zipper 1060 are position p1, which is 30 mm shifted to the right in the width direction from the reference point o, and position p2, which is 30 mm shifted to the left.
  • the zipper spacing is 60 mm.
  • the lower end of the upper zipper 1060 is aligned with position p2 of the diaper 1001
  • the upper end of the lower zipper is aligned with position p1 of the diaper 1001, so that the waist side of the diaper 1001 is located on the right side in the horizontal direction.
  • the center position of the zipper 1060 in the horizontal direction is aligned with the reference point o of the diaper 1001.
  • the gripping positions of the zippers 1060 are position p3, which is 50 mm upwardly shifted from the reference point o in the vertical direction, and position p4, which is 50 mm downwardly shifted from the reference point o in the vertical direction.
  • the zipper spacing is 100 mm.
  • position p3 of the diaper 1001 is aligned with the lower end of the upper zipper 1060
  • position p4 of the diaper 1001 is aligned with the upper end of the lower zipper 1060.
  • the center position of the zipper 1060 in the horizontal direction is aligned with the reference point o of the diaper 1001. This allows the diaper 1001 to be twisted around the imaginary axis Va2 along the vertical direction of the diaper 1001 by gripping the center of the width at both vertical end portions of the diaper 1001.
  • Diaper 1001 has an absorbent core with a waisted portion and liquid-absorbent fibers and a superabsorbent polymer (SAP).
  • Product A's diaper has an absorbent core with an upper layer that contains liquid-absorbent fibers and a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and has a waisted portion, and a lower layer that contains only superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and has a rectangular shape.
  • Product B's diaper has an absorbent core with a waisted portion and liquid-absorbent fibers and a superabsorbent polymer (SAP).
  • the "thickness” referred to here refers to the thickness at the center of the width direction of the folded portion of each diaper when a weight is placed on each diaper folded in half using the above-mentioned method for 24 hours and then the weight is removed. After 24 hours, the thickness of diaper 1001 was 6.4 mm and the torque value was 23.4 mN m, the thickness of diaper product A was 6.6 mm and the torque value was 29.3 mN m, and the thickness of diaper product B was 8.2 mm and the torque value was 31.5 mN m. This shows that before wearing, diaper 1001 is thinner and softer than products A and B.
  • the "absorbed state” refers to the state in which the diaper 1001 is in an unfolded and stretched state with the weight W removed from the diaper 1001 described above, and 40 ml of artificial urine is dropped over 5 seconds onto the skin-side surface of the diaper 1001 at a position 50 mm forward of the center C-C in the longitudinal direction and at the center C-C in the width direction, and this drop is repeated three times to allow the diaper 1001 to absorb the artificial urine.
  • the amount of excrement absorbed by the diaper 1001 when worn varies, and this absorption state is considered to be equivalent to the average state in which the diaper 1001 absorbs excrement when worn.
  • 29 is a diagram illustrating the process for bringing the diaper 1001 into an absorbing state. Specifically, first, as described above, the weight W is placed on the diaper 1001 and left there for 24 hours, and then the weight W is removed from the diaper 1001. 29, the drip position Pt is a position 50 mm forward from the center in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1001 in the unfolded and stretched state and at the center C-C in the width direction. This drip position Pt is a position that is assumed to be the position where urination occurs when the diaper 1001 is worn.
  • a cylinder EN is placed on the skin-side surface of the diaper 1001 in an unfolded and stretched state. At this time, the center of the cylinder EN is aligned with the drip position Pt.
  • the cylinder EN is a hollow cylindrical body with an inner diameter Li of 60 mm, an outer diameter Lo of 70 mm, and a height of 50 mm.
  • the artificial urine is more easily absorbed in the area corresponding to the urination position when the diaper 1001 is worn.
  • the artificial urine used was prepared by dissolving 200 g of urea, 80 g of sodium chloride, 8 g of magnesium sulfate, 3 g of calcium chloride, and about 1 g of dye, Blue No. 1, in 10 L of ion-exchanged water.
  • 40 ml of artificial urine is dropped onto the dropping position Pt (inside the cylinder EN) for the first time over a period of 5 seconds.
  • a second drip of 40 ml of artificial urine is dripped onto the drip position Pt over 5 seconds.
  • 40 ml of artificial urine is dripped onto the drip position Pt for the third time over 5 seconds.
  • the state in which the diaper 1001 absorbs the artificial urine is called an absorbed state.
  • the thickness of the folded portion F of the diaper 1001 in the absorbent state was measured, and the result was that the thickness of the diaper 1001 in the absorbent state was 20.3 mm.
  • the absorbent cores 1021-1024 tend to expand in proportion to the amount of body waste absorbed.
  • the torsion test value (torque value) of diaper 1001 in an absorbent state was measured using the torsion test described above, the torsion test value of diaper 1001 in an absorbent state was 39.1 mN ⁇ m. Therefore, when the torsion test value of diaper 1001 in an absorbent state is 39.1 mN ⁇ m or less, diaper 1001 can be made softer even after absorbing excrement than when the torsion test value is greater than 39.1 mN ⁇ m, and it can more easily fit the wearer's body and movements.
  • the absorbent cores 1021-1024 preferably have a lower basis weight (i.e., the total basis weight of the liquid-absorbent fiber 1201 and SAP: g/m 2 ) than the surrounding areas, and preferably have a low basis weight region along the longitudinal direction.
  • the skin-side layer (constriction layer) 1021, the intermediate layer (constriction layer) 1022, and the non-skin-side layer (extension layer) 1023 has the low basis weight region.
  • the skin-side layer 1021 and the intermediate layer 1022 have low basis weight regions 1211, 1221, and similarly, the non-skin-side layer 1023 also has a low basis weight region 1231.
  • the absorbent body 1020 receives the excreted liquid
  • the excreted liquid is quickly drawn from the low basis weight region 1211 into the interior of the absorbent body 1020 (intermediate layer 1022).
  • the liquid-absorbent fiber 1201 has a faster liquid absorption rate than SAP. Because the volume occupancy of the liquid-absorbent fiber 1201 is high in the intermediate layer 1022, the excreted liquid that migrates from the low basis weight region 1211 to the intermediate layer 1022 is quickly and temporarily absorbed by the intermediate layer 1022.
  • the excreted liquid absorbed between the fibers of the liquid-absorbent fiber 1201 in the intermediate layer 1022 gradually migrates to the non-skin side layer 1023 due to gravity. Furthermore, because the intermediate layer 1022 also has a low basis weight region 1221, excreted liquid tends to migrate from the low basis weight region 1221 to the non-skin side layer 1023, and from the low basis weight region 1231 of the non-skin side layer 1023 to the deeper side of the non-skin side layer 1023.
  • low basis weight regions 1211, 1221, and 1231 absorbed excrement is more easily dispersed, improving absorbency.
  • the low basis weight regions 1211, 1221, and 1231 allow the crotch area M to more easily deform when pulling up the diaper 1001 or while putting it on, reducing snagging when pulling up and making it easier to put on.
  • the low basis weight region 1211 of the skin side layer 1021 is preferably a slit that penetrates the skin side layer 1021 in the thickness direction. In this case, excreted liquid falls into the low basis weight region 1211, and the rate at which excreted liquid migrates from the skin side layer 1021 to the intermediate layer 1022 increases.
  • liquid absorbent fibers 1201 or SAP may be present in the low basis weight region 1211 of the skin side layer 1021.
  • the low basis weight region 1211 may be a region in which part of the skin side layer 1021 is recessed in the thickness direction.
  • the low basis weight region 1231 of the non-skin side layer 1023 may be a slit penetrating through the thickness direction, or the low basis weight region 1231 may contain liquid absorbent fibers 1201 or SAP, or the low basis weight region 1231 may be partially recessed in thickness.
  • the non-skin side layer 1023 illustrated in Figure 25B has three longitudinally elongated rectangular divided regions 1023a-1023c.
  • the three divided regions 1023a-1023c are arranged side by side with a gap in the width direction.
  • the two regions between these three divided regions 1023a-1023c form low basis weight regions 1231 (slits) of the non-skin side layer 1023.
  • the two low basis weight regions 1231 are arranged symmetrically in the width direction, sandwiching the center line CL2 of the non-skin side layer 1023 in the width direction.
  • the low basis weight region 1211 of the skin side layer 1021, the low basis weight region 1221 of the intermediate layer, and the low basis weight region 1231 of the non-skin side layer have overlapping portions.
  • the skin side layer 1021 and the intermediate layer 1022 each have two low basis weight regions 1211, 1221.
  • the two low basis weight regions 1211, 1221 of the skin side layer 1021 and the intermediate layer 1022 each overlap with two low basis weight regions 1231 of the non-skin side layer 1023.
  • excreted liquid that has flowed into the low basis weight region 1211 of the skin-side layer 1021 and the low basis weight region 1221 of the intermediate layer 1022 is more likely to flow directly into the low basis weight region 1231 of the non-skin-side layer 1023. This allows excreted liquid to be drawn more quickly to the back of the absorbent cores 1021-1023. Furthermore, in the low basis weight regions 1211-1231, absorption is less likely to be hindered by SAP swelling, improving absorption speed.
  • low basis weight regions are provided in all of the skin-side layer 1021, intermediate layer 1022, and non-skin-side layer 1023, but this is not limited to this. If one of the skin-side layer 1021, intermediate layer 1022, and non-skin-side layer 1023 has a low basis weight region (corresponding to the first low basis weight region), a layer other than the layer having that low basis weight region (first low basis weight region) may also have a low basis weight region (corresponding to the second low basis weight region), and the first low basis weight region and the second low basis weight region may overlap in a planar view of the absorbent cores 1021-1023.
  • the overlapping region makes it easier for the absorbent core to deform when the diaper 1001 is pulled up, reducing snagging when pulled up and making it easier to pull up the diaper 1001. Additionally, because low basis weight regions overlap in multiple layers, a path for excrement is formed, making it easier for excrement to migrate from one layer with a low basis weight region to another layer with a low basis weight region, thereby reducing leakage.
  • each layer may have one low basis weight region 1211-1231, which may be located on the center line CL2 in the width direction of the absorbent cores 1021-1023.
  • the low basis weight regions 1021-1023 in each layer 1021-1023 may completely overlap, or multiple low basis weight regions 1221-1231 may be arranged spaced apart in the longitudinal direction.
  • the absorbent body 1020 of this embodiment does not include the above-described skin-side upper layer 1024, i.e., when the skin-side layer 1021 is the layer closest to the skin of the absorbent core, it is preferable that the liquid permeation rate under load of the SAP in this skin-side layer exceeds 10 seconds. If the liquid permeation rate of the excreted liquid is excessively fast when the skin-side layer 1021 receives excreted liquid, the excreted liquid will migrate to the intermediate layer 1022 without sufficiently diffusing in the width or length directions of the skin-side layer 1021, which may deteriorate the water retention performance of the absorbent core as a whole.
  • the absorbent core may become locally thick.
  • the liquid permeation rate under load in the skin-side layer exceed 10 seconds, the water retention of the absorbent core is improved, leading to leakage prevention, and local thickening of the absorbent core can be suppressed, compared to the opposite case.
  • the liquid permeation rate under load of the SAP in the layer closest to the skin of the absorbent core can be measured, for example, by the method described in JP 2019-41876 A. Specifically, 0.32 ⁇ 0.005 g of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) is immersed in 100 mL of saline (0.9% by mass sodium chloride solution) in a 100 mL glass beaker and left for 60 minutes.
  • SAP superabsorbent polymer
  • a separate cylindrical filtration tube is prepared at the bottom of the opening of a vertically standing cylinder (inner diameter 25.4 mm) equipped with a wire mesh (150 ⁇ m mesh, Biocolumn Sintered Stainless Steel Filter 30 SUS, manufactured by Sansho Hanbai Co., Ltd.) and a capillary tube (inner diameter 4 mm, length 8 cm) with a stopcock (inner diameter 2 mm). With the stopcock closed, the entire contents of the beaker, including the swollen test sample, are poured into the cylindrical tube.
  • a 2 mm diameter cylindrical rod equipped with a 25 mm diameter wire mesh at the tip with 150 ⁇ m mesh openings is inserted into the cylindrical filtration tube so that the wire mesh and the test sample come into contact, and a weight is placed on the test sample so that a load of 2.0 kPa is applied.
  • the stopcock is opened to allow the liquid to flow, and the time T1 (seconds) until the liquid level in the cylindrical filtration tube reaches the 40 mL scale line from the 60 mL scale line (i.e., 20 mL of liquid passes through) is measured.
  • SAP superabsorbent polymer
  • Figure 30 is a plan view of absorbent cores 1021-1023 stacked one on top of the other.
  • absorbent cores 1021-1023 have a region SU (indicated by a diagonal line drawn from the upper right to the lower left in Figure 30) at the longitudinal back (rear) end 1020be (corresponding to the other end) where the number of layers (1021-1023) is small.
  • absorbent cores 1021-1023 also have a region SU at the longitudinal ventral (front) end 1020fe (corresponding to one end) where the number of layers (1021-1023) is small.
  • small number of layers means that the number of layers stacked in the thickness direction is small.
  • the region SU where the number of layers is small is a region where only the skin side layer 1021 and the intermediate layer 1022 are stacked.
  • Such areas SU with fewer layers are thinner, and the presence of such areas at the ventral end 1020fe (one side end) and dorsal end 1020be (the other side end) of the absorbent core (1021-1023) reduces the thickness when worn, making it less likely to get caught when pulled up.
  • the absorbent core (1021-1023) has constriction layers 1021, 1022 and an extension layer 1023, but in the width direction, the maximum width H1001 of the constriction layers 1021, 1022 is different from the maximum width H1002 of the extension layer 1023.
  • the maximum width H1002 of the extension layer (non-skin side layer) 1023 here means the length from the end 1023ae on one side in the width direction of the divided region 1023a of the extension layer (non-skin side layer) 1023 to the end 1023ce on the other side in the width direction of the divided region 1023c.
  • the region HZ (shown by diagonal lines drawn from the upper left to the lower right in Figure 30) where the maximum width H1001 of the constricted layers 1021, 1022 and the maximum width H1002 of the extension layer 1023 differ is a region in the absorbent body 1020 where the widthwise ends are thinner and have lower rigidity. If such a low-rigidity region (HZ) is located in the region corresponding to the wearer's groin (the longitudinal front portion of the absorbent core) or the region spanning from the crotch to the buttocks (the longitudinal rear portion of the absorbent core), the widthwise ends will feel better against the skin and will be less likely to catch when pulled up. Furthermore, even if the low-rigidity region (HZ) is located in the crotch region M, it will be easier to pull up due to reduced catching.
  • the maximum width H1003 of the constricted layers 1021, 1022 in the width direction is larger than the maximum width H1004 of the extension layer 1023 in the width direction.
  • the extension layer 1023 has a portion 1023E extending in the width direction from the constricted portions 1212, 1222, but when looking at the constricted portions 1212, 1222 as a whole, the maximum width H1003 of the constricted layers 1021, 1022 is larger than the maximum width H1004 of the extension layer 1023, and the constricted layers 1021, 1022 have constricted portions from which the extension layer 1023 does not extend (portions of the constricted portions 1212, 1222 other than the extending portion 1023E when viewed in a plan view). This prevents the widthwise extending portion 1023E from being excessively positioned and becoming a cause of snagging, and maintains the ease of pulling up the diaper 1001 when putting it on.
  • the minimum width portion SA of the constricted portions 1212, 1222 where the width in the width direction is smallest (the portion indicated by width H1005), is located on the abdominal side in the longitudinal direction.
  • the diaper 1001 is pulled up, if the position corresponding to the wearer's groin (i.e., the abdominal side in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core) is not constricted, the diaper 1001 will easily get caught.
  • the portion of the constricted portions 1212, 1222 where the constriction is greatest (the minimum width portion SA) on the abdominal side, the portion corresponding to the groin is constricted, making it easier to pull up the diaper 1001. This improves the wearing comfort of the diaper 1001.
  • the minimum width portion SA where the width in the width direction is smallest does not have to be located on the abdominal side in the longitudinal direction, and may be located in the center in the longitudinal direction.
  • Figure 31 is a schematic plan view of the absorbent body 1020 as viewed from the skin side.
  • the skin side layer 1021 has a plurality of point-like compressed portions 1050 formed to compress the skin side layer 1021 (absorbent core 1021) in a point-like manner in the thickness direction.
  • the absorbent core 1021 is compressed in the thickness direction by embossing. Due to the compression, the fiber density of the absorbent core 1021 is higher than that of the uncompressed portions.
  • the point-like compressed portions 1050 are formed by a collection of points (circles), but the point-like compressed portions 1050 may also be formed by lines (straight lines, curves), for example.
  • point-like compressed portions or line-like compressed portions may be formed discretely within a predetermined area.
  • the pattern in which the dotted compressed portions 1050 are formed is arranged so that the dotted compressed portions 1050 appear as a dotted grid pattern (a so-called quilting pattern) as a whole, as shown in Figure 31, but other patterns may also be used.
  • the invention is not limited to providing multiple compressed portions 1050 on the skin-side layer 1021, as long as at least one of the skin-side layer 1021 and the non-skin-side layer 1023 has compressed portions 1050.
  • leg gather elastic region ER the region in the width direction of the leg gather portion LG where the LG elastic member 1017 is arranged.
  • the leg gather elastic region ER when the leg gather elastic region ER is divided into two equal parts in the width direction, the region located on the inner side is referred to as the “inner leg gather elastic region ERi," and the region located on the outer side when the leg gather elastic region ER is divided into two equal parts in the width direction is referred to as the "outer leg gather elastic region ERo.”
  • the width of the leg gather elastic region ER is 10 mm or more, and the LG elastic members 1017 (1017a-1017c) arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi are adjusted so that the average length of the portion where an elastic force acts in the longitudinal direction (average effective length) is 10% or more shorter than the average length of the portion where an elastic force acts in the longitudinal direction (average effective length) of the LG elastic members 1017 (1017d-1017f) arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region ERo.
  • the inner leg gather elastic region ERi By providing a portion in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi where the effective length of the leg gather elastic member 1017 is short, stretching forces are less likely to act on the absorber 1020. Furthermore, in the portion where the effective length of the leg gather elastic member 1017 is short, the rigidity of the inner leg gather elastic region ERi itself is reduced, and this region ERi deforms to cushion the stretching forces, thereby suppressing deformation of the absorber 1020. Furthermore, by reducing the rigidity of the inner leg gather elastic region ERi, which is closer to the crotch, it is less likely to get caught when pulled up.
  • the number of leg gather elastic members 1017 provided in the leg gather portion LG is not limited to three or more, and may be two.
  • the length of the portions where a stretchable force is applied in the longitudinal direction for the two leg gather elastic members 1017 may be the same, and the stretch ratio and thickness of the elastic members may also be the same.
  • the configuration is not limited to the above, and the length of the portions where a stretchable force is applied in the longitudinal direction, the stretch ratio, and the thickness of the elastic members may all be the same.
  • the length of the portions where a stretchable force is applied in the longitudinal direction may be the same, but the stretch ratio and thickness of the elastic members may be different; the stretch ratio may be the same, but the length and thickness of the portions where a stretchable force is applied in the longitudinal direction may be different; or the thickness may be the same, but the stretch ratio and the length of the portions where a stretchable force is applied in the longitudinal direction may be different.
  • the stretch ratio and the thickness of the elastic members may be the same, but the length of the portion where the stretching force is acting in the longitudinal direction may not be uniform; the stretch ratio and the length of the portion where the stretching force is acting in the longitudinal direction may be the same, but the thickness may not be uniform; or the length and thickness of the portion where the stretching force is acting in the longitudinal direction may be the same, but the stretch ratio may not be uniform.
  • the diaper 1001 has a plurality of waist elastic members 1033, 1043 (transverse elastic members) that stretch in the width direction in the front waist portion 1030 and the rear waist portion 1040.
  • FIG. 20 shows only the portions of the elastic members of the diaper 1001 on which a stretching force acts (so-called effective length portions). Similarly, in the other drawings, only the effective length portions of each elastic member are shown. As shown in FIG.
  • waist elastic members 1033 that overlap with the absorbent body 1020 (absorbent core) in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 1020 (absorbent core), are not arranged continuously from one end 1020ae to the other end 1020ce of the absorbent body 1020 (absorbent core) in the width direction.
  • the three waist elastic members 1043 (transverse elastic members), namely, waist elastic members 1043a to 1043c, which overlap with the absorbent body 1020 (absorbent core) in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 1020 (absorbent core), are similarly not arranged continuously in the width direction from one end 1020ae to the other end 1020ce of the absorbent body 1020 (absorbent core).
  • the waist elastic members 1033 or waist elastic members 1043 are not arranged continuously in the width direction, the waist elastic members 1033, 1043 are cut, thereby preventing the portions that are not arranged continuously from expanding and contracting in the width direction and suppressing contraction of the absorbent cores 1021 to 1024 in the width direction.
  • waist elastic members 1033, 1043 (1033a-1033i, 1043a-1043c) that do not continuously straddle the absorbent body 1020 (absorbent cores 1021-1024) in the width direction helps to prevent deformation of the absorbent body 1020 (absorbent cores 1021-1024).
  • the absorbent body 1020 is contracted, wrinkles form and the absorbent body 1020 becomes thicker, making it more likely to get caught when the diaper 1001 is pulled up.
  • the diaper 1001 can be pulled up more easily, improving fit.
  • the waist elastic members 1033, 1043 extend continuously from one end to the other in the width direction of the region of the absorbent main body 1010 where the absorber 1020 (absorbent core) is not present (the front side is designated region X1001, and the rear side is designated region X1002). It is sufficient that the waist elastic members 1033, 1043 are provided continuously in the width direction at the end of the absorbent main body 1010 on at least one of the front and rear sides in the longitudinal direction.
  • the waist elastic members 1033, 1043 which are arranged continuously in the width direction of the absorbent main body 1010, transmit the pulling force to the absorbent main body 1010, making it easier to pull it up.
  • the absorbent core of this embodiment is made up of multiple laminated layers (1021-1024) ( Figure 23).
  • the absorbent core is made up of multiple laminated layers (1021-1024) ( Figure 23).
  • the absorbent core is made up of multiple laminated layers (1021-1024) ( Figure 23).
  • the layer with a high volumetric occupancy of SAP skin-side layer 1021
  • the layer with a high volumetric occupancy of liquid-absorbent fibers intermediate layer 1022
  • each layer is more likely to deform. This makes the absorbent core as a whole more easily deformable, and increases the number of areas that are more susceptible to deformation when pulling up the diaper 1001, making it easier to pull up.
  • the skin-side layer 1021 has a first thickness t1001
  • the intermediate layer 1022 has a second thickness t1002
  • the non-skin-side layer 1023 has a third thickness t1003 (see Figure 23), where the first thickness t1001 to the third thickness t1003 each represent an average thickness.
  • the third thickness t1003 of the non-skin-side layer 1023 is thicker than the first thickness t1001 of the skin-side layer 1021.
  • the third thickness t1003 of the non-skin-side layer 1023 is preferably 0.38 mm to 0.58 mm for an S-size diaper 1001, and preferably 0.58 mm to 0.69 mm for an XXL-size diaper 1001.
  • the first thickness t1001 of the skin-side layer 1021 is preferably 0.3 mm to 0.48 mm for an S-size diaper 1001, and preferably 0.45 mm to 0.65 mm for an XXL-size diaper 1001.
  • the skin-side layer 1021 which is thinner than the non-skin-side layer 1023, also becomes thinner after absorbing liquid.
  • the average thickness of the absorbent body 1020 is preferably 2.0 to 2.5 mm.
  • the average thickness t1002 of the intermediate layer 1022 is 0.5 mm or more. More preferably, for an S-size diaper 1001, it is 0.9 mm to 1.1 mm, and for an XXL-size diaper 1001, it is 1.28 mm to 1.61 mm. However, if the intermediate layer 1022 is too thick, it may feel stiff, so it is preferable that the average thickness (second thickness t1002) of the intermediate layer 1022 be 2.5 mm or less.
  • the thicknesses (t1001 to t1003) of the layers 1021 to 1023 can be measured using a known method. For example, with the diaper 1001 in a natural, dry state without any external force, the diaper 1001 (absorbent body 1020) is cut widthwise at any longitudinal position in the portion of the diaper 1001 where the absorbent body 1020 is disposed, specifically, at a location where the three layers 1021 to 1023 are stacked and away from the product folding position. To prevent damage to the absorbent body 1020 components, the diaper 1001 is cut at a predetermined location and then measured.
  • the cut surface is placed upright in front of the microscope and photographed at a magnification (e.g., 30 to 100 times) of the cut surface.
  • a magnification e.g., 30 to 100 times
  • the liquid absorbent fiber 1201 is focused and an enlarged image is taken.
  • the layer in which the liquid-absorbent fiber 1201 is visible is determined to be the intermediate layer 1022, and the portions of the absorbent core closer to the skin and closer to the skin are determined to be the skin-side layer 1021 and the non-skin-side layer 1023, respectively.
  • measurement positions are determined in the width direction of the cross-sectional image, and the thickness of each of the layers 1021 to 1023 at each measurement position is obtained.
  • cross-sectional images are captured at multiple positions in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 1020 to obtain the thickness of each of the layers 1021 to 1023.
  • the average value of the obtained thicknesses is calculated for each of the layers 1021 to 1023, and is designated as the average thickness t1001 (first thickness t1001) of the skin-side layer 1021, the average thickness t1002 (second thickness t1002) of the intermediate layer 1022, and the average thickness t1003 (third thickness t1003) of the non-skin-side layer 1023.
  • the measurement is made on the portions other than the low basis weight regions 1211, 1221, and 1231. Furthermore, when the absorbent layer is bonded to adjacent sheet portions (core wrap sheets 1025, 1026, nonwoven fabric 1027) via an adhesive, such as in the skin side upper layer 1024, the skin side layer 1021, and the intermediate layer 1022, it is difficult to identify the portion where the substance (liquid absorbent fiber, SAP) constituting each absorbent layer is actually bonded and fixed to the adjacent sheet portion with the adhesive. Therefore, when it can be determined that an adhesive exists between the absorbent layer and the adjacent sheet portion, the distance between adjacent sheet portions in the thickness direction is measured as the "thickness of the absorbent layer.”
  • the first thickness t1001 was 0.41 mm
  • the second thickness t1002 was 0.99 mm
  • the third thickness t1003 was 0.47 mm
  • the first thickness t1001 was 0.56 mm
  • the second thickness t1002 was 1.47 mm
  • the third thickness t1003 was 0.63 mm.
  • the average basis weight of the non-skin side layer 1023 is higher than that of the skin side layer 1021.
  • the preferred average basis weight of the non-skin side layer 1023 is 50 g/m 2 to 350 g/m 2.
  • the average basis weight of the non-skin side layer 1023 is preferably approximately 173 g/m 2
  • the average basis weight of the skin side layer 1021 is preferably approximately 82 g/m 2.
  • the average basis weight of the non-skin side layer 1023 is preferably approximately 300 g/m 2
  • the average basis weight of the skin side layer 1021 is preferably approximately 171 g/m 2.
  • the skin side layer 1021 with a low average basis weight is less likely to swell after absorbing liquid, and therefore is less likely to experience absorption inhibition due to SAP swelling in the skin side layer 1021.
  • the absorbent cores 1021-1024 preferably have a density of 0.2 g/ cm3 or more.
  • the density of the absorbent cores 1021-1024 0.2 g/ cm3 or more, excrement can be more easily diffused than when the density of the absorbent cores 1021-1024 is less than 0.2 g/ cm3 , which reduces the risk of localized swelling of the absorbent cores 1021-1024 and makes it less likely for wearability to deteriorate. Furthermore, when the density of the absorbent cores 1021 to 1024 is increased, the absorbent cores 1021 to 1024 are less likely to lose their shape, and similarly, deterioration in wearability can be prevented.
  • Figure 32 is a plan view of a portion of the diaper 1001 in an unfolded and stretched state.
  • Figure 32 shows a portion of the front side (ventral side) of the diaper 1001.
  • the portion of the absorbent cores 1021-1023 where the constriction layers 1021, 1022 and the extension layer 1023 are stacked in the thickness direction is defined as the stacked portion EX (the portion indicated by diagonal lines drawn from the upper right to the lower left in Figure 32)
  • a portion of the waist elastic member 1033 (transverse elastic member) arranged in the front waist portion 1030 is located at the ends EXe, EXe of the stacked portion EX in the width direction.
  • the portion of the waist elastic member 1033 refers to the portion of the waist elastic member 1033 (transverse elastic member) that overlaps with the stacked portion EX (the diagonal line portion) in Figure 32.
  • the stacked region EX has high rigidity due to the overlapping of the waist elastic members 1033 (horizontal elastic members), and since the force of the waist elastic members 1033 (horizontal elastic members) is applied to such a rigid portion, the force is easily transmitted when the diaper 1001 is pulled up.
  • Figure 33 is a schematic plan view of the diaper 1001 as viewed from the front (belly side). As shown in Figure 33, when the diaper 1001 is in its natural state, the intersection point between the leg gather elastic member 1017 and the lower end of the front waistline portion 1030 (waistline portion) is defined as intersection point C1, and the length of the line connecting intersection point C1 and the lower end C2 of the leg gather elastic member 1017 is defined as length Lg. This length Lg is 45% or more of the vertical length (not shown) from intersection point C1 to the lower end of the leg gather elastic member 1017 when it is fully stretched.
  • the length Lg is 52.3% of the vertical length of the leg gather elastic members 1017 at maximum stretch, and for the large-size diaper 1001, it is 58.4%.
  • the length Lg which is the dimension when the leg gather elastic members 1017 are contracted, is more than half the length of the leg gather elastic members 1017 at maximum stretch, and the leg openings LH are wider.
  • Figure 34 is another schematic plan view of the diaper 1001 as viewed from the front (ventral side).
  • the line segment connecting the intersection C3 between one widthwise end 1010ea of the absorbent main body 1010 and the lower end 1030ed of the front waistline portion 1030 and the intersection C4 between the other widthwise end 1010eb of the absorbent main body 1010 and the lower end 1030ed of the front waistline portion 1030 is defined as line segment LS1
  • dividing lines dividing line segment LS1 into four equal parts are each extended in the vertical direction from line segment LS1 to the lower end of the diaper 1001.
  • the dividing line located in the widthwise center is the center line CT, and the dividing lines on either side of the center line CT in the widthwise direction are designated as one-side dividing lines V1 and the other-side dividing lines V2.
  • the lengths of the center line CT, one-side dividing line V1, and the other-side dividing line V2 from the lower end 1030eb of the front waistband portion 1030 to the lower end of the diaper 1001 are designated as L1, L2, and L3, respectively.
  • the average length of the length L2 of the one-side dividing line V1 and the length L3 of the other-side dividing line V2 is shorter than the length L1 of the center line CT.
  • the ratio of the average length to the length L1 is preferably less than 93%.
  • the measurement is performed with the diaper placed on a flat surface with the front waistband 1030 facing up.
  • the results of this measurement comparing the medium-sized diaper 1001 with products C and D are as follows.
  • Products C and D are both commonly sold pants-type disposable diapers for infants.
  • Product C diaper has an absorbent core with two absorbent layers including an SAP sheet, and has the above-mentioned torque value after 24 hours (the value obtained by removing the weight after 24 hours and conducting a torsion test) of 26.2 mN ⁇ m
  • Product D diaper has an absorbent core made of a mixture of liquid-absorbent fiber and SAP, and has a torque value after 24 hours of 30.7 mN ⁇ m.
  • the ratio of the average length to the length L1 of the center line CT (average length of lengths L2 and L3/length L1) was calculated for each of the items.
  • the ratio of the average length to the length L1 of the medium-sized diaper 1001 was 92.3%
  • the ratio of the average length to the length L1 of product C was 96.2%
  • the ratio of the average length to the length L1 of product D was 95.0%.
  • the diaper 1001 is a so-called two-piece pants-type absorbent article in which, for example, the front waistband 1030 and the rear waistband 1040 are formed from a single continuous member, or an outer member for the crotch portion is provided connecting the front waistband 1030 and the rear waistband 1040
  • the intersection C3 shown in Figure 34 will be “the intersection of the line segment connecting the lower ends of both widthwise sides of the pair of side joint portions 1002, 1002 and one widthwise side end 1010ea of the absorbent main body 1010”
  • the intersection C4 will be “the intersection of the line segment connecting the lower ends of the pair of side joint portions 1002, 1002 and one widthwise side end 1010ea of the absorbent main body 1010.”
  • the dividing line is the intersection of the line segment connecting the lower ends of the side joins 1002, 1002 with the other widthwise end 1010eb of the absorbent main body 1010, and each dividing line extends from the line segment connecting the lower ends of the side joins 1002, 1002 to the lower end
  • the shape of the lower end (crotch area) of the diaper 1001 becomes rounded, with the center in the widthwise direction being more convex downward. This rounded shape makes it easier for the diaper 1001 to fit between the wearer's legs when worn.
  • the waist elastic members 1033 horizontal elastic members
  • the leg gather elastic members 1017 have intersecting portions TS when viewed in the thickness direction (front-to-back direction).
  • the waist elastic members 1033 not only the waist elastic members 1033, but also the waist elastic members 1043 (horizontal elastic members) and the leg gather elastic members 1017 have intersecting portions TS when viewed in the thickness direction (front-to-back direction) (see FIG. 20).
  • the presence of intersecting portions TS between the waist elastic members 1033, 1043 (horizontal elastic members) and the leg gather elastic members 1017 facilitates the force applied when the waist portion (front waist portion 1030, rear waist portion 1040) is pulled up by being transmitted from the waist elastic members 1033, 1043 through the intersecting portions TS to the crotch area, making it easier to pull up the diaper 1001.
  • Figure 35 is a schematic plan view of the diaper 1001 in an unfolded and stretched state, viewed from the non-skin side.
  • the region above the lower end 1002b of the side joint 1002 of the front waistline portion 1030 and the rear waistline portion 1040 (the region from the upper end 1002a to the lower end 1002b of the side joint 1002) is divided into four regions in the vertical direction, and are designated, from the top, as a first region R1, a second region R2, a third region R3, and a fourth region R4.
  • both the front waistline portion 1030 and the rear waistline portion 1040 are divided into four, but it is sufficient if at least one of the pair of waistline portions (the front waistline portion 1030 and the rear waistline portion 1040) is divided into four regions in the vertical direction.
  • the magnitude of the force required to stretch the first region R1 by a unit length in the width direction is smaller than the magnitude of the force required to stretch the second region R2 by a unit length in the width direction
  • the magnitude of the force required to stretch the fourth region R4 by a unit length in the width direction is smaller than the magnitude of the force required to stretch the third region R3 by a unit length in the width direction.
  • the diaper 1001 is less likely to get caught on the buttocks when pulled up. Furthermore, because the tightening force at the crotch side (corresponding to the fourth region R4) of the waist region 1030 (1040) is weak, the legs can easily pass through when pulling up the diaper 1001.
  • the comparison of the force required to stretch the first region R1 by a unit length in the width direction with the force required to stretch the second region R2 by a unit length in the width direction, and the comparison of the force required to stretch the third region R3 by a unit length in the width direction with the force required to stretch the fourth region R4 by a unit length in the width direction can be performed using the following method.
  • the waist-circumference portions 1030 and 1040 are cut from the target diaper 1001.
  • the absorbent main body 1010 is not separated from the waist-circumference portions 1030 and 1040, but is cut together with the absorbent main body 1010 to prepare samples.
  • the diaper has a portion extending further toward the crotch than the side joint portion 1002 (e.g., a portion covering the buttocks), this extending portion is not included in the cutout.
  • the waist-circumference portions 1030 and 1040 are cut in the width direction at intervals of 1 ⁇ 4 (L/4) of the vertical length (L) of the side joint portion 1002. Then, samples corresponding to each of the regions R1 to R4 are cut out. Next, the initial distance between the pair of chucks spaced apart in the tensile direction of the tensile tester is adjusted to match the length of the sample (a length that will not loosen the sample or will loosen it slightly).
  • the stretching direction of the sample (here, the width direction of the diaper 1001) is set as the tensile direction, and both ends of the sample in the stretching direction are fixed with chucks.
  • the width at which the chucks grip the sample in the tensile direction is kept constant. From the state in which both ends of the sample are fixed with chucks, the chucks are spaced apart by a unit length to stretch the sample, and the load obtained is measured. Then, the load of each sample is divided by the uniform vertical length (so-called unit width, here the vertical length of each of regions R1 to R4) and the values obtained are compared.
  • a strip of adhesive is provided on the other thickness-wise side (skin side) of the core wrap sheet 1026, which is arranged on one thickness-wise side (non-skin side) of the absorbent core 23.
  • a strip of adhesive is provided on the non-skin side of the core wrap sheet 1025, which is arranged on the skin side of the absorbent core 1021. Because the average width of the strip of adhesive applied to such core wrap sheets 1025, 1026 is smaller than the average particle size of the SAP particles, the adhesive easily penetrates between the SAP particles. Specifically, the average width of the strip of adhesive is 0.016 to 0.018 mm, while the average particle size of the SAP particles is 0.3 to 0.4 mm (see Figure 36, described below).
  • the average particle size of SAP can be measured using an electromagnetic sieve shaker (e.g., Retsch AS-200 model) as follows.
  • the electromagnetic sieve shaker has sieves No. 1 to No. 7 with different mesh sizes (e.g., mesh sizes: 850, 600, 500, 355, 300, 250, 150 ⁇ m) and a tray.
  • the weights of sieves No. 1 to No. 7 and the tray are measured and this is taken as measurement value A.
  • the tray and sieves with mesh sizes of 150, 250, 300, 355, 500, 600, and 850 ⁇ m are stacked and set in the shaker.
  • Figure 36 shows an example of the measurement results of SAP particle size distribution.
  • Figure 36 shows the particle size distribution of SAP measured based on the shaking test described above for two types of SAP (both commercially available SAP) that can be used as absorbent cores, Samples A and B. For example, if the shaking test for Sample A shows that the distribution of SAP remaining on the No. 4 sieve (mesh opening 355 ⁇ m) is 48.3%, then 48.3% of the SAP in Sample A has a particle size distribution of 355 to 500 ⁇ m. From this data, the average particle size of the SAP can be determined. Furthermore, without relying on such a shaking test, SAP particle size can also be calculated from a magnified microscope image such as that shown in Figure 38, which will be described later.
  • Figure 37 is a plan view illustrating the areas of the core wrap sheet 1026 where SAP particles and adhesive are provided.
  • Figure 37 shows the core wrap sheet 1026 in an unfolded and stretched state as viewed from the skin side (other side) in the thickness direction.
  • the hatched divided areas 1023a-1023b are provided with SAP particles to form the non-skin side layer 1023 (absorbent core 1023).
  • the area of the core wrap sheet 1026 located inside the outermost ends 1023es, 1023es of the non-skin side layer 1023 in the width direction is referred to as the inner area IR.
  • the area of the core wrap sheet 1026 located outside the outermost ends 1023es, 1023es of the non-skin side layer 1023 in the width direction is referred to as the outer area OR.
  • Figure 38 is a photograph taken at 40x magnification of a portion of the skin side of the core wrap sheet 1026 in the inner region IR.
  • Figure 39 is a photograph taken at 40x magnification of a portion of the skin side of the core wrap sheet 1026 in the outer region OR. It can be seen that multiple strip-shaped (fibrous) adhesive and SAP particles are arranged in the inner region IR of Figure 38. On the other hand, multiple strip-shaped (fibrous) adhesive is arranged in the outer region OR of Figure 39, but no SAP particles are arranged. Furthermore, since nonwoven fabric is used as the core wrap sheet 1026 in Figures 38 and 39, embossments formed during the production of the nonwoven fabric are also arranged.
  • the width of the strip-shaped (fibrous) adhesive is smaller than the particle size of the SAP particles, and it can be seen that the adhesive penetrates between the SAP particles. Therefore, as mentioned above, the SAP particles are easily fixed to each other via the adhesive, the SAP particles are less likely to shift position, and the absorbent core is prevented from losing its shape.
  • the amount of strip-shaped adhesive applied per unit area is lower in Figure 39. That is, the number of intersections between strip-shaped (fibrous) adhesive per unit area in the outer region OR (see Figure 39) is lower than the number of intersections between strip-shaped (fibrous) adhesive per unit area in the inner region IR (see Figure 38). In this way, in the outer region OR where SAP particles are not arranged, the coating density of the adhesive applied to the core wrap sheet 1026 is lower than in the inner region IR where SAP particles are arranged, thereby preventing the adhesive from seeping out to the outside (non-skin side) of the core wrap sheet 1026.
  • the coating density of the adhesive that secures the SAP particles to each other is higher, making it less likely for the SAP particles to shift position. Therefore, the portion where the non-skin side layer 1023 is arranged is firmly fixed, preventing uneven deformation and preventing poor fit and leakage.
  • the number of intersections between band-like (fibrous) adhesives per unit area can be counted by taking photographs like those shown in Figures 38 and 39 and performing image analysis, for example.
  • the adhesive can be colored using bamboo charcoal or the like before taking a photograph, and the image can be digitized and then binarized to extract the adhesive.
  • the adhesive coating density can then be determined by calculating the area of the portion of the region being measured where the adhesive is applied.
  • the absorbent cores 1021-1023 it is preferable that a layer with a high volume occupancy of SAP that does not contain liquid-absorbent fiber 1201 is present as the skin-side layer 1021 or non-skin-side layer 23.
  • the non-skin-side layer 1023 is a layer that does not contain liquid-absorbent fiber 1201.
  • Such layers that do not contain liquid-absorbent fiber 1201 are more susceptible to liquid transfer than layers that contain liquid-absorbent fiber 1201.
  • the presence of the non-skin-side layer 1023 with a high volume occupancy of SAP that does not contain liquid-absorbent fiber 1201 improves absorbency.
  • a layer with a high volume occupancy of SAP that does not contain liquid-absorbent fiber 1201 may be provided as the skin-side layer 1021.
  • rewet can be suppressed by the skin-side layer 1021 providing solid absorption.
  • the skin-side layer 1021 has a low basis weight region 1211 in which the absorbent core has a lower basis weight than the surrounding area, and the skin-side upper layer 1024, which is arranged closer to the skin than the skin-side layer 1021, is arranged so as to overlap the low basis weight region 1211 of the skin-side layer 1021 in a planar view, although not shown.
  • the skin-side upper layer 1024 is laminated so as to cover at least the shape of the skin-side layer 1021 shown in Figure 24, and in the constricted portion 1212, the skin-side upper layer 1024 is also laminated in the portions outside both ends of the constricted portion 1212 in the width direction.
  • the rear waistband portion 1040 of the diaper 1001 is provided with a post-treatment tape 1048.
  • the post-treatment tape 1048 is a tape-like member (tape member) that is elongated in the longitudinal direction and has a generally rectangular shape.
  • the post-treatment tape 1048 has a portion that overlaps with the absorbent body 1010 in the thickness direction. Because the rear waistband portion 1040 has a highly rigid portion provided by the post-treatment tape 1048, the pulling force when pulling up the diaper 1001 is more easily transmitted along the post-treatment tape 1048 to the absorbent body 1010, making it easier to pull up the diaper 1001.
  • the non-skin side layer 1023 illustrated in FIG. 24 has a shorter longitudinal length than the skin side layer 1021 and the intermediate layer 1022, but this is not limited thereto, and the longitudinal lengths may be the same.
  • the longitudinal length of the non-skin side layer 1023 may be longer than the longitudinal lengths of the skin side layer 1021 and the intermediate layer 1022. Increasing the length of the non-skin side layer 1023 leads to improved absorption performance.
  • the longitudinal length of the back side (rear side) of the non-skin side layer 1023 may be even shorter than the length in this embodiment. In this case, material can be reduced, and the rigidity of the absorbent core on the back side is reduced, increasing its flexibility. Furthermore, because the back side region is away from the wearer's urinary excretion opening, even if the longitudinal length of the non-skin side layer 1023 is short, problems with leakage of excreted liquid are unlikely to occur.
  • the skin-side layer 1021 and the intermediate layer 1022 are integrally formed, but the intermediate layer 1022 and the non-skin-side layer 1023 may also be integrally formed.
  • a sheet portion such as an adhesive or nonwoven fabric may or may not be interposed between the intermediate layer 1022 and the skin-side layer 1021.
  • the skin-side layer 1021 may be an SAP layer composed only of SAP, or may be a layer composed of SAP and liquid-absorbent fibers.
  • the average value of the total area occupied by SAP per unit area in a cross section taken along the thickness direction of the skin-side layer 1021 is greater than the average value of the total area occupied by SAP per unit area in a cross section taken along the thickness direction of the non-skin-side layer 1023. This makes it possible to suppress rewetting with the SAP in the skin-side layer 1021.
  • the skin-side layer 1021 is a layer in which the volume occupied by SAP is larger than the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 1201
  • the intermediate layer 1022 is a layer in which the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 1201 is larger than the volume occupied by SAP.
  • the skin-side layer 1021 and the intermediate layer 1022 may be a single layer in which SAP and the liquid-absorbent fiber are uniformly mixed and integrated.
  • the non-skin-side layer 1023 arranged on the non-skin side of the single layer may be an SAP sheet composed only of SAP, and the absorbent core may thereby have a two-layer structure consisting of an upper layer (the above-described single layer) and a lower layer.
  • the skin-side layer 1021 and the intermediate layer 1022, which are the upper layer (single layer) may be configured, for example, to have a narrowed portion in the crotch region M with a relatively short length (width) in the width direction, and a wide portion closer to the wearer's abdomen than the narrowed portion with a relatively long length (width) in the width direction.
  • absorbency can be ensured if the width of the non-skin-side layer 1023, which is an SAP sheet, is longer than the width of the wide portion of the upper layer.
  • the presence of a constricted portion reduces snagging when pulled up, making it easier to put on, while maintaining absorbency.
  • the skin-side layer 1021 and the intermediate layer 1022 are constricted layers having constricted portions 1212, 1222
  • the non-skin-side layer 1023 is an extending layer having a portion 1023E extending outward in the width direction beyond the side edges 1212e, 1222e of the constricted portions 1212, 1222.
  • this is not limiting, and for example, only the skin-side layer 1021 may be a constricted layer having a constricted portion 212, and the intermediate layer 1022 and the non-skin-side layer 1023 may be extending layers having extending portions 1023E.
  • the presence of the constricted portion 1212 maintains ease of application when pulled up, while the intermediate layer and non-skin-side layer 1023 being extending layers ensures good absorbency on the non-skin side and prevents leakage.
  • the absorbent core (skin side layer 1021 and non-skin side layer 1023) of the absorbent body 1020 may be modified as follows.
  • Figure 40 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a modified non-skin side layer 1023.
  • the modified non-skin side layer 1023 has high basis weight regions 1233 in which the basis weight of the SAP is higher than that of the surrounding areas.
  • points S of maximum thickness in the thickness direction are located intermittently in the longitudinal and width directions.
  • the high basis weight regions 1233 are arranged intermittently in the longitudinal and width directions.
  • low basis weight regions 1234 in which the basis weight of the SAP is lower than that of the high basis weight regions 1233 are formed.
  • the points S of maximum thickness are located intermittently in the longitudinal and width directions, some of the spaces between adjacent points S of maximum thickness may be formed by the high basis weight region 1233. In other words, some of the spaces between adjacent points S of maximum thickness may be connected by the high basis weight region 1233.
  • the low basis weight region 1234 has a low basis weight laminated region 1234E where SAP is laminated, and a non-laminated region 1234N where no SAP is present.
  • no SAP not only means that no SAP particles are present, but also includes the case where there are only a small number of laminated SAP particles, and there are essentially no SAP particles present.
  • the low basis weight regions 1234 serve as folding points, allowing for easier deformation along the contours of the wearer's body, improving fit.
  • the low basis weight regions 1234 that serve as folding points include low basis weight laminated regions 1234E that can absorb and retain excrement, and non-laminated regions 1234N that are easier to fold due to the absence of SAP.
  • the maximum thickness T when the length in the thickness direction from the core wrap sheet 1026 to the point S where the maximum thickness occurs is defined as the maximum thickness T, it is preferable that the maximum thickness T be 3 mm or less, and that the distance D between adjacent points S where the maximum thickness occurs be 5 times or less than the maximum thickness T.
  • the maximum thickness T be 2 mm or less, and that the distance D between adjacent points S where the maximum thickness occurs be 4 times or less than the maximum thickness T. This allows the absorbent body 1020 containing a superabsorbent polymer to maintain its thinness while improving its fit when worn.
  • the intermediate layer 1022 does not necessarily have to be formed integrally with either the skin-side layer 1021 or the non-skin-side layer 1023, but may be formed integrally with both.
  • the three layers 1021 to 1023 may be formed individually and then laminated.
  • nonwoven fabric or adhesive may or may not be provided between the skin-side layer 1021 and the intermediate layer 1022, and between the intermediate layer 1022 and the non-skin-side layer 1023.
  • the superabsorbent polymer (SAP) used in this embodiment is preferably spherical rather than crushed.
  • SAP superabsorbent polymer
  • the absorbent body 1020 can be made thinner, and the absorbent body 1020 is less likely to become hard when made thinner.
  • Fig. 41 is a schematic perspective view of the diaper 2001.
  • Fig. 42 is a schematic plan view of the diaper 2001 in an unfolded and stretched state, as viewed from the skin side.
  • Fig. 43 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the center line CL of Fig. 42.
  • the "stretched state" of the diaper 2001 refers to a state in which the diaper 2001 as a whole is stretched without wrinkles, specifically, a state in which the dimensions of each component constituting the diaper 2001 (e.g., the absorbent main body 2010 and waist-circumference sections 2030, 2040, etc., described below) are stretched to the extent that they match or are close to the dimensions of the individual components.
  • the "unfolded state” of the diaper 2001 refers to a state in which the diaper 2001 is opened and unfolded in a plane by separating a pair of side joining sections 2002, 2002, provided on both sides of the diaper 2001.
  • the diaper 2001 has a vertical direction, a width direction, and a front-to-back direction that are perpendicular to one another, and has a waist opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH.
  • the upper side in the vertical direction corresponds to the waist opening BH side, and the lower side corresponds to the crotch side.
  • the front side in the front-to-back direction corresponds to the wearer's abdomen side, and the rear side corresponds to the wearer's back side.
  • the width direction is the direction along the stretch direction of the elastic threads 2033, 2043 of the front waist portion 2030 and the rear waist portion 2040.
  • the vertical direction is the direction along the orthogonal direction that is perpendicular to the stretch direction.
  • the diaper 2001 is a so-called three-piece pants-type diaper having an absorbent main body 2010 including an absorbent body 2020 (absorbent cores 2021-2023) and a pair of waistband sections 2030, 2040.
  • an absorbent main body 2010 including an absorbent body 2020 (absorbent cores 2021-2023) and a pair of waistband sections 2030, 2040.
  • the pair of waistband sections the one that covers the wearer's abdominal region is also referred to as the front waistband section 2030, and the one that covers the wearer's dorsal region is also referred to as the rear waistband section 2040.
  • the diaper 2001 has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction which are perpendicular to one another.
  • the longitudinal direction is along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 2010 and along the vertical direction of the pants-type diaper 2001.
  • the thickness direction is the direction in which the materials constituting the diaper 2001 are layered, as shown in FIG. 43. In the thickness direction, the side that comes into contact with the wearer's skin is the skin side, and the opposite side is the non-skin side.
  • the front waistline portion 2030 and the rear waistline portion 2040 are aligned parallel to each other with a gap in the longitudinal direction, with the absorbent body 2010 spanning between them, and each longitudinal end of the absorbent body 2010 being joined and fixed to the skin side of the nearest waistline portion 2030, 2040, resulting in an external shape that is roughly H-shaped when viewed from above.
  • the absorbent main body 2010 is folded in half along the longitudinal center line CL.
  • the opposing front waistline portion 2030 and rear waistline portion 2040 are joined and connected at both widthwise sides by a pair of side joining portions 2002.
  • the side joining portions 2002 are formed by known joining means such as welding or adhesive.
  • the absorbent body 2010 comprises an absorbent body 2020 (details will be described later), a liquid-permeable top sheet 2012 arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent body 2020, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 2013 arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent body 2020, an outer sheet 2014 arranged closer to the skin than the back sheet 2013, and a pair of side sheets 2015 arranged on both sides in the width direction of the skin-side surface of the top sheet 2012.
  • the absorbent body 2010 may also comprise sheet members other than these.
  • a second sheet (not shown) may be provided between the top sheet 2012 and the absorbent body 2020 in the thickness direction.
  • the absorbent body 2010 is provided with a pair of leakage prevention walls 2003 on both sides in the width direction, along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 2010.
  • a leakage prevention wall elastic member 2016, such as rubber thread, is attached between the folded side sheets 2015 in a stretched state along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 2010. This allows the leakage prevention walls 2003 to stand up against the skin.
  • a pair of leakage prevention walls may also be formed by folding a portion of the outer sheet 2014 against the skin at multiple points while extending outward beyond both ends of the absorber 2020, or the diaper 2001 may not have leakage prevention walls 2003.
  • the absorbent main body 2010 also has a pair of leg gather portions LG on both sides in the width direction.
  • the leg gather portions LG are provided with a plurality of leg gather elastic members 2017, such as rubber threads, that stretch along the longitudinal direction (vertical direction).
  • leg gather elastic members 2017, such as rubber threads that stretch along the longitudinal direction (vertical direction).
  • the end of the exterior sheet 2014 extending outward in the width direction from the absorbent main body 2020 is folded back onto the back sheet 2013. Between the folded back portions of the exterior sheet 2014, the leg gather elastic members are attached in a stretched state along the longitudinal direction.
  • the front waistline section 2030 and the rear waistline section 2040 have the same planar shape, a rectangular shape that is elongated in the width direction.
  • the portions of the outer casing that overlap with the side joint section 2002 in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) are referred to as the front waistline section 2030 and the rear waistline section 2040.
  • the front waistline section 2030 and the rear waistline section 2040 each have skin-side sheets 2031, 2041, non-skin-side sheets 2032, 2042, and multiple waistline elastic members 2033, 2043 such as rubber threads.
  • the multiple waistline elastic members 2033, 2043 are arranged vertically aligned between the skin-side sheets 2031, 2041 and the non-skin-side sheets 2032, 2042, and are attached in a stretched state in the width direction.
  • the elasticity of the waist elastic members 2033, 2043 allows the front waist portion 2030 and the rear waist portion 2040 to fit the waist of the wearer.
  • Cover sheets 2034, 2044 may also be provided to cover the upper end of the absorbent main body 2010 from the skin side. The cover sheets 2034, 2044 can prevent the absorbent main body 2010 from opening open, etc.
  • the front waistline portion 2030 and the rear waistline portion 2040 may be formed from a single continuous member, or an outer member for the crotch portion may be provided connecting the front waistline portion 2030 and the rear waistline portion 2040.
  • the elastic members such as the waistline elastic members 2033, 2043 may be sheet-like elastic members instead of rubber threads.
  • Fig. 44 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the absorbent body 2020 of this embodiment.
  • Fig. 45 is a plan view of the absorbent cores 2021 to 2023 superimposed on each other.
  • Fig. 46A is a plan view of the skin side layer 2021 and the intermediate layer 2022, and
  • Fig. 46B is a plan view of the non-skin side layer 2023.
  • Fig. 47 is a schematic plan view of the absorbent body 2020 as seen from the skin side.
  • the absorbent body 2020 has absorbent cores 2021-2023 between a core wrap sheet 2025 on the skin side and a core wrap sheet 2026 on the non-skin side.
  • the absorbent cores 2021-2023 are components that absorb and retain excrement such as urine, and include a liquid-absorbent fiber 2201 and a super absorbent polymer.
  • the liquid-absorbent fiber 2201 and the super absorbent polymer (hereinafter also referred to as SAP) are not particularly limited as long as they can be used as the absorbent core of an absorbent article.
  • examples of the liquid-absorbent fiber 2201 include wood pulp fiber, non-wood pulp fibers such as bagasse, kenaf, bamboo, hemp, and cotton, regenerated cellulose fibers such as rayon fiber, and semi-synthetic fibers such as acetate fiber.
  • examples of SAP include starch-based, cellulose-based, and synthetic polymer-based polymer absorbents.
  • the core wrap sheets 2025, 2026 are liquid-permeable sheet materials, and examples thereof include tissue and nonwoven fabric.
  • the core wrap sheets 2025, 2026 are nonwoven fabrics (hydrophilic SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) nonwoven fabrics, spunlace nonwoven fabrics, etc.), they are stronger and more tear-resistant than tissue and are therefore suitable as base sheets when forming the absorbent body 2020.
  • SMS nonwoven fabrics are thinner than other nonwoven fabrics, and therefore can improve the flexibility of the absorbent body 2020.
  • the absorbent cores 2021-2023 each include a skin-side layer 2021, an intermediate layer 2022, and a non-skin-side layer 2023.
  • the intermediate layer 2022 is located closer to the skin in the thickness direction than the skin-side layer 2021, and the non-skin-side layer 2023 is located closer to the skin in the thickness direction than the intermediate layer 2022.
  • the skin-side layer 2021 has a first thickness t2001, and is a layer in which the volume occupied by SAP is greater than the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 2201.
  • the intermediate layer 2022 has a second thickness t2002, and is a layer in which the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 2201 is greater than the volume occupied by SAP.
  • the non-skin-side layer 2023 has a third thickness t2003, and is a layer in which the volume occupied by SAP is greater than the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 2201.
  • the liquid-absorbent fibers of the intermediate layer 2022 can quickly draw excreted liquid into the absorbent body 2020.
  • the excreted liquid that then migrates to the non-skin side layer 2023 can be firmly held by the SAP.
  • the SAP of the skin side layer 2021 can prevent it from returning onto the top sheet 2012 (so-called rewetting). This makes it easier to maintain the dryness of the surface of the top sheet 2012.
  • the absorbent body 2020 of this embodiment is further provided with a skin-side upper layer 2024, which has a fourth thickness t2004 that is thinner than the first thickness t2001 of the skin-side layer 2021, on the skin side of the skin-side layer 2021 in the thickness direction.
  • the skin-side upper layer 2024 is a layer in which the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 2201 is greater than the volume occupied by the SAP.
  • the skin-side upper layer 2024 of this embodiment is composed only of the liquid-absorbent fiber 2201.
  • the presence of the skin-side upper layer 2024, which has a high volume occupancy rate of the liquid-absorbent fiber further reduces the wearer's feeling of unevenness in the superabsorbent polymer.
  • the liquid-absorbent fiber of the skin-side upper layer 2024 makes it difficult for the superabsorbent polymer in the skin-side layer to roll around within the layer, preventing a deterioration in the feel.
  • the skin-side upper layer 2024 is laminated so as to cover at least the shape of the skin-side layer 2021 shown in Figure 45.
  • the skin-side layer 2021 has a constricted portion 2212 in the center in the longitudinal direction, and the skin-side upper layer 2024 may also be laminated in the portion of the constricted portion 2212 that is outside both ends of the constricted portion 2212 in the width direction.
  • the skin-side layer 2021 has a low-basis weight region 2211 in which the absorbent core has a lower basis weight than the surrounding area, and the skin-side upper layer 2024 may be positioned so as to overlap the low-basis weight region 2211 of the skin-side layer 2021 in a planar view.
  • the absorbent core may also be configured without the skin-side upper layer 2024.
  • the skin side layer 2021 and the intermediate layer 2022 are integrally formed, so that the volume occupancy of SAP decreases and the volume occupancy of liquid absorbent fiber 2201 increases from the skin side layer 2021 toward the intermediate layer 2022.
  • Such an absorbent core can be manufactured, for example, by adjusting the order, amount, timing, etc. of feeding the SAP and liquid absorbent fiber 2201 into a mold (recess) that corresponds to the shape of the absorbent core and is provided on the outer surface of a rotating drum.
  • the skin-side layer 2021 and the intermediate layer 2022 are integrally laminated, i.e., the skin-side layer 2021 and the intermediate layer 2022 are laminated adjacent to each other in the thickness direction without any adhesive or nonwoven fabric. This prevents the adhesive or nonwoven fabric from interfering with the transfer of excreted fluid from the skin-side layer 2021 to the intermediate layer 2022, and increases the rate of absorption by the intermediate layer 2022.
  • the non-skin side layer 2023 is not formed integrally with the intermediate layer 2022, but is laminated adjacent to the intermediate layer 2022 in the thickness direction via the nonwoven fabric 2027.
  • the presence of the nonwoven fabric 2027 allows the excreted liquid to diffuse in the planar direction on the nonwoven fabric 2027 before migrating from the intermediate layer 2022 to the non-skin side layer 2023. Therefore, the excreted liquid diffused in the planar direction can be migrated to the non-skin side layer 2023, allowing the absorbent cores 2021-2023 to be effectively utilized in the planar direction.
  • the nonwoven fabric 2027 is a core wrap sheet that covers the surfaces of the intermediate layer 2022 and the non-skin side layer 2023, and is not included in the absorbent layer that makes up the absorbent core.
  • the comparison of the volumes occupied by the liquid absorbent fiber 2201 and SAP in each of the skin side layer 2021, the middle layer 2022, the non-skin side layer 2023, and the skin side upper layer 2024 can be confirmed by the following method.
  • the diaper 2001 in the diaper 2001 in a natural, dry state with no external force acting thereon, the diaper 2001 (absorbent body 2020) is cut widthwise at an arbitrary position in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 2020, specifically at a position where the four layers 2021 to 2024 are stacked and away from the product folding position.
  • an optical microscope e.g., Keyence Corporation Digital Microscope VHX-7000 or equivalent
  • magnify e.g., 30 to 100 times
  • the liquid-absorbent fiber 2201 and the SAP are identified. Then, in the cross-sectional image, it is confirmed that the following layers are stacked in this order from the skin side in the thickness direction: a skin-side upper layer 2024 in which the area occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 2201 is larger than the area occupied by the SAP; a skin-side layer 2021 in which the area occupied by the SAP is larger than the area occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 2201; a middle layer 2022 in which the area occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 2201 is larger than the area occupied by the SAP; and a non-skin-side layer 2023 in which the area occupied by the SAP is larger than the area occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 2201.
  • the four layers 2021 to 2024 of this embodiment are identified.
  • Cross-sectional images are prepared at multiple locations (e.g., 10 locations) along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent 2020 in which such four layers 2021 to 2024 can be confirmed, and if the area occupied by SAP in all of the cross-sectional images is a layer larger than the area occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 2201, then that layer is a layer in which "the volume occupied by SAP is larger than the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber," and if the area occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 2201 in all of the cross-sectional images is a layer in which "the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber is larger than the volume occupied by the SAP.”
  • a comparison of the volumes occupied by the liquid-absorbent fibers 2201 and the SAP in each layer can be made by visualizing the liquid-absorbent fibers 2201 and the SAP using X-ray microtomography (X-ray CT), for example, as described below: Science Direct, Carbohydrate Polymers 254, Mathias A. Hobisch et al., February 15, 2021, "How cellulose nanofibrils and cellulose microparticles impact paper strength - A visualization approach", Section "3.6. X-ray microtomography", https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0144861720315794.
  • X-ray CT X-ray microtomography
  • Figures 48A and 48B are explanatory diagrams for the "torsion test.”
  • Figure 48A shows a measurement method in which the diaper 2001 is twisted around a virtual axis Va1 along the width direction of the diaper 2001.
  • Figure 48B shows a measurement method in which the diaper 2001 is twisted around a virtual axis Va2 along the up-down direction of the diaper 2001.
  • Figure 49 is a schematic plan view of the diaper 2001 in an unfolded and stretched state, viewed from the non-skin side.
  • Pant-type absorbent articles are required to be flexible (supple).
  • the diaper 2001 of this embodiment has a torque value of 23.4 mN ⁇ m or less before absorption.
  • the torsion test involves gripping the center portions of both widthwise ends of the pant-type absorbent article (diaper 2001) in the vertical direction and twisting it around an imaginary axis Va1 along the widthwise direction ( Figure 48A), and gripping the center portions of both widthwise ends of the pant-type absorbent article (diaper 2001) in the vertical direction and twisting it around an imaginary axis Va2 along the vertical direction (details will be described later).
  • the diaper 2001 described above is more easily twisted and flexible (supple) in the pre-absorption state than pants-type absorbent articles with a torque value of more than 23.4 mN ⁇ m before absorption. This makes it easier to deform along the wearer's body and follow the wearer's movements. As a result, the diaper 2001 fits well, making it less likely for gaps to form between the diaper and the wearer, and preventing leakage of excrement. It also reduces stiffness, improving comfort.
  • a pants-type absorbent article (diaper 2001) of this embodiment having an absorbent body 2020 configured as shown in Figures 44 to 47 was fabricated and subjected to a torsion test.
  • the torque value of the diaper 2001 of this embodiment in size S before absorption was 16.3 mN ⁇ m
  • the torque value of the diaper 2001 of size XL before absorption was 21.1 mN ⁇ m
  • the torque value of the diaper 2001 of size XXL before absorption was 23.4 mN ⁇ m.
  • a commercially available pants-type diaper for infants (size L, with a two-layer absorbent core in which the upper layer is composed of liquid-absorbent fiber 2201 and SAP and has a roughly T-shaped planar surface, and the lower layer is a rectangular SAP sheet) was also subjected to a torsion test.
  • the torque value of the comparative example diaper before absorption was 29.3 mN ⁇ m.
  • the absorbent cores 2021-2024 of this embodiment contain not only SAP but also liquid-absorbent fibers 2201.
  • the liquid-absorbent fibers 2201 tend to maintain gaps between the fibers even after absorbing excrement. Therefore, with the absorbent cores 2021-2024 of this embodiment, SAP ensures the water retention capacity of excrement, while the liquid-absorbent fibers 2201 can prevent an excessive decrease in the flexibility of the diaper 2001 after absorbing excrement (a significant increase in torque value).
  • the mass of SAP relative to the total mass of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 is 80% or less. This makes it easier to ensure the flexibility of the diaper 2001 after absorption, compared to when the SAP mass ratio is greater than 80%.
  • the SAP in the skin-side layer 2021 and the non-skin-side layer 2023 occupies a large volume, which efficiently suppresses rewet and increases water retention capacity (absorption performance).
  • the liquid-absorbent fiber 2201 occupies a large volume in the intermediate layer 2022, which maintains the flexibility (low torque value) of the absorbent body 2020.
  • the basis weight and thickness of the absorbent core can be reduced, which also reduces the torque value of the diaper 2001 before absorption.
  • the average basis weight of the non-skin-side layer 2023 is higher than that of the skin-side layer 2021.
  • a suitable average basis weight of the non-skin-side layer 2023 is 50 g/m 2 to 350 g/m 2 .
  • the average basis weight of the non-skin-side layer 2023 is preferably about 173 g/ m2
  • the average basis weight of the skin-side layer 2021 is preferably about 82 g/ m2 .
  • the average basis weight of the non-skin-side layer 2023 is preferably about 300 g/ m2
  • the average basis weight of the skin-side layer 2021 is preferably about 171 g/ m2 .
  • the skin-side layer 2021 with a low average basis weight is less likely to swell after water retention, and therefore is less likely to experience absorption inhibition due to SAP swelling.
  • the feel of the skin side is also less likely to deteriorate.
  • the thickness of each layer will be described later.
  • the diaper 2001 does not have any elastic members that run continuously across the absorbent cores 2021-2024 in the width direction from one end to the other of the absorbent cores 2021-2024.
  • Figure 49 shows only the portions of the elastic members of the diaper 2001 on which a stretching force acts (so-called effective length portions). Similarly, in the other drawings, only the effective length portions of each elastic member are shown.
  • the waist elastic members 2033a, 2043a that overlap the absorbent cores 2021-2024 in the longitudinal direction are cut at a portion of the portion that overlaps the absorbent cores 2021-2024 in the thickness direction, and no stretching force acts on them.
  • the effective length portions of the waist elastic members 2033, 2043 do not extend continuously from one end to the other in the width direction of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 across the absorbent cores 2021-2024 in the width direction.
  • the low torque value of the diaper 2001 means that the absorbent cores 2021-2024, which are the main constituent materials of the diaper 2001, are also flexible. Therefore, the absence of an elastic member spanning the entire width of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 reduces the contractile force of the elastic member acting on the flexible absorbent cores 2021-2024, preventing the absorbent cores 2021-2024 from shrinking in the width direction and causing wrinkles. Maintaining the flatness of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 ensures the absorption area of the absorbent cores 2021-2024. Furthermore, gaps are less likely to form between the absorbent cores and the wearer, thereby suppressing leakage of excrement.
  • the width of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 reduces the user's (parent's, etc.) concerns about tightness and leakage. Additionally, the absorbent cores 2021-2024 can be prevented from deforming and protruding outside the diaper 2001, giving the diaper 2001 a neater appearance similar to that of underwear.
  • the torque value of the diaper 2001 can be measured using an Imada torque tester (model number: EX-0762) or an equivalent device.
  • the test environment is a room temperature of 20 ⁇ 2°C and a humidity of 60 ⁇ 5%.
  • the diaper 2001 to be measured (the diaper 2001 before absorption immediately after being removed from the package) and identify the position to be clamped by the chuck 2060 of the torque tester.
  • the maximum width of the absorbent body 2020 is divided into two equal parts in the width direction, and a line C1 running along the vertical direction is drawn on the diaper 2001.
  • the length from the top end of the absorbent body 2020 to the bottom end of the diaper 2001 (the folded position) is divided into two equal parts, and a line C2 running along the width direction is drawn on the diaper 2001.
  • the intersection of the two lines C1 and C2 is designated as the reference point o.
  • a pair of chucks 2060 are arranged at a distance in the vertical direction, and the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction of the torque testing machine is the horizontal direction.
  • the width W60 of the chucks 2060 in the horizontal direction is approximately 25 mm.
  • the gripping positions of the zipper 2060 are position p1, which is 30 mm shifted to the right in the width direction from the reference point o, and position p2, which is 30 mm shifted to the left.
  • the zipper spacing is 60 mm.
  • the lower end of the upper zipper 2060 is aligned with position p2 of the diaper 2001, and the upper end of the lower zipper is aligned with position p1 of the diaper 2001, so that the waist side of the diaper 2001 is located on the right side in the horizontal direction.
  • the center position of the zipper 2060 in the horizontal direction is aligned with the reference point o of the diaper 2001. This allows the vertical center portions of both widthwise ends of the diaper 2001 (more specifically, the vertical center portion of the absorber 2020) to be grasped, and the diaper 2001 can be twisted around an imaginary axis Va1 along the widthwise direction of the diaper 2001.
  • the gripping positions of the zippers 2060 are position p3, which is 50 mm upwardly shifted from the reference point o in the vertical direction, and position p4, which is 50 mm downwardly shifted from the reference point o in the vertical direction.
  • the zipper spacing is 100 mm.
  • position p3 of the diaper 2001 is aligned with the lower end of the upper zipper 2060
  • position p4 of the diaper 2001 is aligned with the upper end of the lower zipper 2060.
  • the center position of the zipper 2060 in the horizontal direction is aligned with the reference point o of the diaper 2001. This allows the diaper 2001 to be twisted around the imaginary axis Va2 along the vertical direction of the diaper 2001 by gripping the center of the width at both vertical end portions of the diaper 2001.
  • FIGs 50 to 52 are explanatory diagrams of modified examples of a diaper 2001 (pants-type absorbent article).
  • the diaper 2001 has lateral elastic members that stretch in the width direction.
  • waist elastic members 2033, 2034 arranged along the width direction are provided on the waist portions 2030, 2040 (outer body) as lateral elastic members.
  • the buttocks cover section 2045 covers the wearer's buttocks, providing a sense of security when worn.
  • the buttocks cover section 2045 also increases the outer shape of the diaper 2001, reducing user concerns about leakage.
  • the buttocks cover section 2045 in FIG. 50 is provided with a buttocks-side elastic member 2451 arranged along the width direction.
  • the diaper 2001 has waistband elastic members 2033, 2043 and a buttocks-side elastic member 2451 as "transverse elastic members.” Not only the waistline elastic members 2033, 2043, but also the buttocks-side elastic member 2451 (effective length portion) are cut at least partially in the area where they overlap the absorbent cores 2021-2024 in the thickness direction, so that no stretching force acts on them. This prevents the absorbent cores 2021-2024 from shrinking due to the buttocks-side elastic member 2451, which could cause wrinkles.
  • the outer casing may also have a portion extending downward from the front waistline portion 2030.
  • the diaper 2001 of the modified example shown in Figure 51 has a crotch section 2070 connecting the front waist section 2030 and the rear waist section 2040, and is equipped with an outer body formed from a single continuous member. Sloped elastic members 2071 are provided from the lower ends of the front waist section 2030 and the rear waist section 2040 to the crotch section. The inclined elastic members 2071 have portions that slope downward from both widthwise sides of the front waist section 2030 and the rear waist section 2040 toward the center.
  • the diaper 2001 has waist elastic members 2033, 2043 and the inclined elastic member 2071 as "transverse elastic members.” Not only the waist elastic members 2033, 2043, but also the inclined elastic member 2071 (effective length portion) are cut at least partially in the portions that overlap the absorbent cores 2021-2024 in the thickness direction, so that no stretching force acts. This prevents the absorbent cores 2021-2024 from shrinking due to the inclined elastic member 2071 and causing wrinkles.
  • thread-like elastic members are used as the lateral elastic members, but this is not limiting.
  • the lateral elastic members may also be sheet-like elastic members (such as elastic nonwoven fabrics or elastic films).
  • the waist elastic members 2033, 2043 (effective length portions), which are transverse elastic members, extend continuously across the width direction of the portion of the absorbent main body 2010 where the absorbent cores 2021-2024 are not present, from one end to the other in the width direction.
  • the waist elastic members 2033b, 2043b which overlap the ends of the absorbent main body 2010 in the longitudinal direction, are provided continuously in the width direction between a pair of side joint portions 2002. It is sufficient that the waist elastic members 2033, 2043 are provided continuously in the width direction at the ends of the absorbent main body 2010 on at least one of the front and rear sides in the longitudinal direction.
  • shrinkage of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 in the width direction is suppressed, while the longitudinal ends of the absorbent main body 2010 can be brought into close contact with the wearer's body by the waist elastic members 2033b, 2043b.
  • protrusion of the absorbent main body 2010 to the outside of the diaper 2001 is suppressed, giving the diaper 2001 a neater appearance similar to that of underwear.
  • portions of the lateral elastic members may be located at the ends of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 in the width direction.
  • portions of the waist elastic members 2033, 2043 overlap with both widthwise side edges of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 in the thickness direction.
  • the waist elastic members 2033, 2043 stretch while the diaper 2001 is being worn, causing the widthwise ends of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 to be pulled outward in the widthwise direction, thereby improving the flatness of the absorbent cores 2021-2024.
  • This ensures the absorption area of the absorbent cores 2021-2024, making it less likely for gaps to form between them and the wearer, and reducing the risk of leakage of body waste.
  • the waist elastic members 2033, 2043 are positioned across the entire widthwise area of the absorbent cores 2021-2024, the contractile force acting on the absorbent cores 2021-2024 is reduced, thereby also reducing shrinkage of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 in the widthwise direction.
  • the lateral elastic members may be positioned outside the outer periphery of the absorbent cores 2021-2024.
  • the lateral elastic members do not need to overlap the absorbent cores 2021-2024 at all in the thickness direction. This makes it less likely that the contractile force of the lateral elastic members will act on the absorbent cores 2021-2024. This makes it possible to more reliably suppress shrinkage of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 in the width direction.
  • the front waistline portion 2030 and the rear waistline portion 2040 each have non-stretchable regions NEf and NEb where the waistline elastic members 2033 and 2043 (effective length portions) are not located in the portions where they overlap the absorbent body 2010 in the thickness direction. It is preferable that the widthwise length W1 of the non-stretchable region NEf of the front waistline portion 2030 is shorter than the widthwise length W2 of the non-stretchable region NEb of the rear waistline portion 2040 (W1 ⁇ W2).
  • the effective length of the front waist elastic member 2033 is increased, improving the fit of the front waist portion 2030. This makes it easier for the front waist portion 2030 to fit snugly against the wearer's rounded abdomen. Furthermore, when the diaper 2001 is worn, the wearer's urethral opening abuts the front portion of the diaper 2001. Therefore, by improving the fit of the front portion of the diaper 2001, which receives more urine, it is possible to reduce urine leakage. On the other hand, the effective length of the rear waist elastic member 2043 is shortened. This allows the fit of the rear waist portion 2040 and the absorbent body 2010 to the wearer's buttocks to be moderated, ensuring sufficient space to accommodate feces.
  • regions R1, R2, R3, and R4 are designated, in order from the bottom, as regions R1, R2, R3, and R4, as shown in FIG. 49.
  • regions R1 to R4 are a rectangular region that is elongated in the width direction when the diaper 2001 is in an unfolded and stretched state. In this case, it is preferable that the contractile force of the lowest region R1 is smaller than the contractile force of the second-lowest region R2.
  • the contractile force of the lowest region R1 is more likely to affect the portion of the absorbent core 2021-2024 that contacts the wearer's crotch region than the contractile force of the second-lowest region R2. Therefore, by reducing the contractile force of region R1, it is possible to suppress the shrinkage of the width of the portion of the absorbent core 2021-2024 that receives body waste, and ensure an adequate absorption area. This in turn suppresses leakage of body waste.
  • the portion of the absorbent core 2021-2024 that contacts the wearer's crotch region may have narrowed portions 2212, 2222 that are narrowed on the inside in the width direction, or may be affected by the contractile force of the leg gather elastic member 2017, making the absorbent core 2021-2024 more likely to deform. Therefore, it is desirable to suppress the contractile force of the lowest region R1.
  • the fit of the waistband portions 2030, 2040 can be improved by making the contractile force of region R2 greater than that of region R1.
  • the contraction force can be measured using a tensile tester (for example, an Instron (Model: 5965) or equivalent).
  • a tensile tester for example, an Instron (Model: 5965) or equivalent.
  • the waist-circumference portions 2030 and 2040 are cut from the target diaper 2001.
  • the absorbent main body 2010 is not separated from the waist-circumference portions 2030 and 2040, but is cut together with the absorbent main body 2010 to prepare samples. Furthermore, portions extending beyond the side joint portions 2002 toward the crotch (e.g., buttocks cover portions) are not included in the cut samples.
  • the waist-circumference portions 2030 and 2040 are cut widthwise at intervals of 1 ⁇ 4 (L/4) of the vertical length (L) of the side joint portions 2002.
  • samples corresponding to the lowest region R1 and the second-lowest region R2 are cut out.
  • the side joint portions 2002 are released, the waistline portions 2030 and 2040 are separated, and the regions R1 and R2 are cut out.
  • the regions R1 and R2 to be measured are identified and cut out.
  • the samples of the regions R1 and R2 have a rectangular shape that is elongated in the width direction in the stretched state.
  • the initial distance between the pair of chucks spaced apart in the tensile direction of the tensile tester is adjusted to match the length of the sample (a length that allows the sample to sag or not sag a little).
  • the stretch direction of the sample (here, the width direction of the diaper 2001) is set as the tensile direction, and both ends of the sample in the stretch direction are fixed with chucks.
  • the width by which the chucks grip the sample in the tensile direction is kept constant.
  • the distance between the pair of chucks is increased in the tensile direction at a predetermined speed (e.g., 100 mm/min).
  • the sample is then stretched until it reaches a predetermined elongation state (e.g., 90% elongation), where the maximum elongation of the sample is 100%. Thereafter, the distance between the pair of chucks is decreased at a predetermined speed (e.g., 100 mm/min) from the predetermined elongation state (e.g., 90%) to a lower elongation state (e.g., 70%).
  • the contractile force (unit: N) is the measured value at an intermediate contraction state (e.g., 80%) when the sample is contracted from the predetermined elongation state (e.g., 90%) to a lower elongation state (e.g., 70%).
  • the contractile force is the force with which the sample returns to its original length from the stretched state. It is desirable to measure multiple samples and use the average value of the measured values for each sample as the contractile force.
  • the force required to stretch the lowest region R1 by a unit length along the width direction is less than the force required to stretch the second-lowest region R2 by a unit length along the width direction. Even in this case, shrinkage in the width of the portions of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 that receive body exudates can be suppressed.
  • the above-mentioned "force required to stretch by a unit length” can also be measured using the method using the tensile tester described above.
  • the stretch direction here, the width direction
  • both ends of the sample in the stretch direction are fixed with chucks.
  • the pair of chucks are separated at a predetermined speed (e.g., 100 mm/min).
  • the measured value (unit: N) when the sample is stretched from a predetermined stretch state (e.g., 70%) to a higher stretch state (e.g., 90%) is taken as the force required to stretch by a unit length.
  • FIG 53 is a schematic plan view of the absorbent main body 2010.
  • the diaper 2001 has a pair of leg gather portions that fit around the wearer's legs.
  • the absorbent main body 2010 has a pair of leg gather portions LG on both sides in the width direction.
  • the region in the width direction from one end of the absorber 2020 to one end of the absorbent main body 2010 is defined as the leg gather portion LG.
  • the leg gather portion LG is provided with a leg gather elastic member 2017 along its stretch direction (here, the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) of the diaper 2001).
  • six leg gather elastic members 2017a to 2017f are provided lined up in the width direction.
  • leg gather elastic members 2017 are not particularly limited and may be one or more.
  • the leg gather elastic members 2017 are not limited to thread-like elastic members, and may also be sheet-like elastic members.
  • the stretch ratio of the leg gather elastic member 2017 is preferably 2.4 times or less.
  • the stretch ratio is the longitudinal length La of the leg gather elastic member 2017 when the leg gather portion LG is at its maximum stretch (when the diaper 2001 is unfolded and stretched) divided by the length Lb of the leg gather elastic member 2017 in an unloaded state (when the diaper 2001 is in its natural state) (La/Lb). It is preferable that the stretch ratio of at least one of the leg gather elastic members 2017 in the diaper 2001 is 2.4 times or less, and it is preferable that the stretch ratio of all of the leg gather elastic members 2017 is 2.4 times or less.
  • shrinkage of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 in the stretch direction of the leg gather portion LG (here, the vertical direction) can be suppressed compared to when the extension ratio of the leg gather elastic member 2017 is greater than 2.4 times. Even if the torque value is low and the absorbent cores 2021-2024 are flexible, as in the diaper 2001 of this embodiment, ensuring the vertical length of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 before use can reduce the user's concerns about tightness and leakage. Furthermore, vertical shrinkage of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 and their protrusion outside the diaper 2001 can be suppressed. This allows the diaper 2001 to have a neater appearance similar to that of underwear.
  • the number of leg gather elastic members 2017 is between one and six, and the thickness is between 310 dtex and 780 dtex.
  • the thickness is between 310 dtex and 780 dtex.
  • three or fewer leg gather elastic members 2017 may be provided on each side of the absorbent body 2010 in the width direction. This can reduce the contraction of the leg gather portion and suppress shrinkage of the diaper 2001 in the vertical direction. This allows the apparent dimensions of the diaper 2001 before use to be maintained large, providing a sense of security to the user.
  • leg gathers LG are formed to fit around the wearer's legs by leg gather elastic members 2017 provided along the longitudinal direction on both widthwise sides of the absorbent body 2010.
  • leg gathers LG2 that fit around the wearer's legs can also be formed by the inclined elastic members 2071 shown in Figure 51.
  • the inclined elastic members 2071 also correspond to leg gather elastic members that are arranged in the stretch direction of the leg gathers LG2 (a direction inclined relative to the widthwise and longitudinal directions in Figure 51). Therefore, it is preferable that the elongation ratio of the inclined elastic members 2071 is also 2.4 times or less. This can suppress shrinkage of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 in the widthwise and longitudinal directions.
  • leg gather elastic members 2017 are also provided along the longitudinal direction, but this is not limited thereto, and the diaper 2001 may not have leg gather elastic members 2017 along the longitudinal direction. Even in this case, the inclined elastic members 2071, which are leg gather elastic members, allow the diaper 2001 to fit around the legs of the wearer.
  • the contractile force of the leg gathers LG (here, the contractile force in the vertical direction) is smaller than the contractile force of the leakage preventing wall portions 2003 in the vertical direction.
  • the contractile force of the leg gathers LG it is possible to reduce the shrinkage (here, the contractile force in the vertical direction) of the highly flexible absorbent cores 2021-2024. This reduces the user's anxiety about tightness and leakage, and prevents the absorbent cores 2021-2024 from protruding.
  • the leakage preventing wall portions 2003 stand upright against the skin of the absorbent cores 2021-2024.
  • the contractile force of the leakage preventing wall portions 2003 has less of an effect on the absorbent cores 2021-2024 than the contractile force of the leg gathers LG. Therefore, by increasing the contractile force of the leakage preventing wall portions 2003, it is possible to prevent the vertical shrinkage of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 while ensuring that the leakage preventing wall portions 2003 stand upright against the skin. Therefore, the leak-proof wall 3 can firmly hold back body waste, preventing leakage of body waste from around the legs even when the contraction force of the leg gathers LG is reduced.
  • the contractile force of the leg gathers LG and the leakage preventing wall portions 2003 can also be measured using the method using the tensile tester described above.
  • the forces of the leakage preventing wall portions 2003 and leg gathers LG located on one or both sides in the left-right direction are compared.
  • the leg gathers LG and the leakage preventing wall portions 2003 are each cut out as samples from the diaper 2001.
  • the stretch direction of the sample here, the longitudinal direction of the diaper 2001
  • the sample is set between a pair of zippers.
  • the sample is then shrunk from a predetermined stretched state (e.g., 90%) to a lower stretched state (e.g., 70%), and the measured values at an intermediate stretched state (e.g., 80%) are compared as contractile force (unit: N).
  • a predetermined stretched state e.g. 90%
  • a lower stretched state e.g. 70%
  • an intermediate stretched state e.g., 80%
  • a predetermined length (the gripping margin of the chuck of the tensile tester) is cut out as a sample from each end of the longitudinal direction of the effective length portion of the leg gather elastic member 2017 constituting the leg gather portion LG, extending outward in the longitudinal direction.
  • the widthwise range of the leakage preventing wall portion 2003 is measured from its tip (the inner end of the widthwise direction of the side sheet 2015) to its rising point, as shown in FIG. 43 .
  • the rising point is the inner end in the widthwise direction of the adhesive HMA that secures the side sheet 2015 to the skin-facing side of the top sheet 2012, etc.
  • a predetermined length is cut out as a sample from each end of the longitudinal direction of the effective length portion of the leakage preventing wall elastic member 2016 constituting the leakage preventing wall portion 2003, extending outward in the longitudinal direction.
  • the force required to stretch the leakage preventing wall portions 2003 by a unit length along the longitudinal direction is greater than the force required to stretch the leg gather portions LG by a unit length along their stretch direction.
  • the leakage preventing wall portions 2003 can also suppress the longitudinal contraction of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 while suppressing leakage of body waste.
  • the force required to stretch by this unit length can also be measured using the same method using the tensile tester described above. Specifically, the force required to stretch by this unit length is the measured value (unit: N) when the leakage preventing wall portions 2003 and the leg gather portions LG are each stretched from a predetermined stretched state (e.g., 70%) to a higher stretched state (e.g., 90%).
  • the contractile force of the leg gather portion LG2 formed by the inclined elastic member 2071 can also be measured in a similar manner.
  • the sample is short, it may be cut out longer than the above range.
  • the portions where the inclined elastic member 2071 intersects with the waist elastic members 2033, 2043 and where it overlaps with the absorbent main body 2010 are then gripped with the chuck of the tensile tester.
  • the leg gather portion LG shown in Figure 53 has multiple (six) leg gather elastic members 2017a-2017f arranged side by side in the width direction.
  • the contractile force of the leg gather elastic member 2017a arranged on the innermost side in the width direction is greater than the contractile force of the leg gather elastic member 2017f arranged on the outermost side.
  • the contractile force of the inclined elastic member 2071a arranged on the innermost side (farthest from the edge of the outer garment) of the three inclined elastic members 2071 (leg gather elastic members) shown in Figure 51 is greater than the contractile force of the inclined elastic member 2071b arranged on the outermost side (closest to the edge of the outer garment).
  • the contractile force of the widthwise innermost leg gather elastic member 2017a allows the diaper 2001 to fit tightly around the wearer's legs, preventing side leakage of body waste. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 41, the widthwise inner edges of the leg gather portions LG tend to stand up (the outer sheet 2014 is pushed upward). This allows the wide leg gather portions LG to easily spread flatly outward in the widthwise direction, providing a flatter fit around the wearer's legs. Meanwhile, by reducing the contractile force of the widthwise outermost leg gather elastic member 2017f, vertical shrinkage of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 can be prevented.
  • the contractile force of the innermost leg gather elastic member 2017a may be smaller than the contractile force of the outermost leg gather elastic member 2017f.
  • the contractile force of the innermost inclined elastic member 2071a is smaller than the contractile force 2071b of the outermost inclined elastic member 2071.
  • the contractile force of the leg gather elastic member 2017a closest to the absorbent cores 2021-2024 is reduced, effectively suppressing vertical shrinkage of the absorbent cores 2021-2024.
  • the leg gather portion LG can be fitted around the wearer's legs, thereby suppressing leakage of body waste.
  • each target leg gather elastic member 2017 is cut out as a sample.
  • the sample is then shrunk from a predetermined stretched state (e.g., 90%) to a lower stretched state (e.g., 70%), and the measured value (unit: N) at an intermediate stretched state (e.g., 80%) is compared as the contractile force.
  • the sample is cut out along the edge of the target leg gather elastic member 2017.
  • a predetermined length (the gripping margin of the chuck of the tensile tester) is cut out from each end of the longitudinal direction of the effective length portion of the target leg gather elastic member 2017, extending outward in the longitudinal direction.
  • the force required to stretch the innermost leg gather elastic members 2017a, 2071a by a unit length in the stretch direction may be greater or less than the force required to stretch the outermost leg gather elastic members 2017f, 2071b by a unit length in the stretch direction.
  • measurement can be performed using the same method using the tensile tester described above.
  • the force required to stretch the target leg gather elastic member 2017 by a unit length is determined by the measured value (unit: N) when the target leg gather elastic member 2017 is stretched from a predetermined stretched state (e.g., 70%) to a higher stretched state (e.g., 90%).
  • the contractile force of the waistband portions 2030, 2040, leg gather portion LG, leakage prevention wall portion 2003, etc. can be adjusted by adjusting the stretch ratio of the elastic members, the thickness of the elastic members, the spacing between the elastic members in a direction perpendicular to the stretch direction, the length of the effective length portion of the elastic members, etc.
  • the region from the end of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 in the width direction (here, the end 2021e of the skin side layer 2021) to the end 10e of the absorbent main body 2010 is divided into three regions (see Figure 53), which are designated, in order from the inside in the width direction, as regions r1, r2, and r3.
  • the leg gather elastic member 2017 is not provided in region r1, which is the innermost region in the width direction.
  • leg gather elastic member 2017 Since the leg gather elastic member 2017 is not provided in the region r1 close to the absorbent cores 2021-2024, the contractile force of the leg gather elastic member 2017 is less likely to affect the absorbent cores 2021-2024. As a result, shrinkage of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 in the vertical direction can be further suppressed.
  • the leg gather portion LG is provided with three or more leg gather elastic members 2017 that stretch in the up-down direction (longitudinal direction).
  • the leg gather elastic region ER the region between the innermost leg gather elastic member 2017a and the outermost leg gather elastic member 2017f in the width direction.
  • the leg gather elastic region ER is divided into two equal parts in the width direction, the region located on the inner side is defined as the inner leg gather elastic region ERi, and the region located on the outer side is defined as the outer leg gather elastic region ERo.
  • the average length Ave1 of the portions (effective length portions) on which a stretchable force acts in the longitudinal direction for the leg gather elastic members 2017a-2017c arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi is preferably at least 10% shorter than the average length Ave2 of the portions (effective length portions) on which a stretchable force acts in the longitudinal direction for the leg gather elastic members 2017d-2017f arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region ERo (Ave1 ⁇ Ave2 ⁇ 90%).
  • the length L2006 of the two inner leg gather elastic members 2017a, 2017b in the width direction is shorter than the length L2007 of the four outer leg gather elastic members 2017c-2017f.
  • the contractile force of the inner leg gathered elastic region ERi is more likely to affect the absorbent cores 2021-2024 than the contractile force of the outer leg gathered elastic region ERo. Furthermore, the longer the effective length of the leg gathered elastic member 2017, the more likely the contractile force of the leg gathered elastic member 2017 will affect the absorbent cores 2021-2024 over a wider longitudinal range. Therefore, by making the inner average value Ave1 10% or more shorter than the outer average value Ave2, vertical shrinkage of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 can be suppressed compared to when the inner average value Ave1 is greater than 90% of the outer average value Ave2.
  • the rigidity of the area where the leg gather elastic member 2017 is located increases. Therefore, by shortening the inner average value Ave1, the rigidity of the inner leg gather elastic region ERi becomes lower than the rigidity of the outer leg gather elastic region ERo. Therefore, the contractile force of the outer leg gather elastic region ERo makes it easier for the inner leg gather elastic region ERi to contract, and the cushioning provided by this region ERi further suppresses deformation of the absorbent cores 2021-2024.
  • the front ends of the leg gather elastic members 2017a, 2017b located in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi are located further rearward than the front ends of the leg gather elastic members 2017d-2017f located in the outer leg gather elastic region ERi.
  • the front regions of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 are less susceptible to the contractile force of the leg gather elastic member 2017 than the rear regions. This ensures that the width and length of the front regions of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 that come into contact with the wearer's urethral opening are sufficient. This helps prevent leakage and provides a sense of security to the user.
  • the leg gather elastic member 2017 (effective length portion) and the front and rear waist elastic members 2033, 2043 (effective length portions) have an intersecting region.
  • both longitudinal ends of the leg gather elastic member 2017 may be positioned closer to the longitudinal center (crotch side) than the front and rear waist elastic members 2033, 2043.
  • an area is not formed where both the longitudinal contraction force of the leg gather elastic member 2017 and the widthwise contraction force of the waist elastic members 2033, 2043 act directly, thereby suppressing shrinkage of the absorbent cores 2021-2024.
  • the absorbent body 2010 has a core wrap sheet 2025 (skin-side core wrap sheet portion) that covers at least a portion of the skin-facing side of the absorbent cores 2021-2024, a top sheet 2012 (surface sheet) that is provided closer to the skin than the core wrap sheet 2025, a core wrap sheet 2026 (non-skin-side core wrap sheet portion) that covers at least a portion of the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent cores 2021-2024, and a back sheet 2013 (back sheet) that is provided closer to the skin than the core wrap sheet 2026.
  • the non-skin-facing side of the top sheet 2012 and the skin-facing side of the back sheet 2013 are bonded.
  • both widthwise ends of the top sheet 2012 are not folded inward in the widthwise direction and away from the skin.
  • the top sheet 2012 is not folded in such a way as to wrap around the absorbent body 2020. Since the top sheet 2012 is not folded back, the rigidity around the widthwise side edges of the absorbent body 2020 can be reduced, and the torque value of the diaper 2001 before absorption can be reduced.
  • the thickness of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 is reduced, which can prevent the absorbent cores 2021-2024 from protruding outside the diaper 2001. This gives the diaper 2001 a neater appearance similar to that of underwear.
  • both widthwise ends of the core wrap sheet 2025 on the skin side are folded inward in the widthwise direction and toward the non-skin side.
  • the rigidity around the widthwise side of the absorbent body 2020 is increased by the amount that the core wrap sheet 2025 is folded back.
  • the absorbent body 2020 is less likely to shrink due to the contractile force of the leg gather elastic member LG.
  • the skin-side core wrap sheet 2025 may not be folded over, and the skin-side core wrap sheet 2025 (non-skin side) and the non-skin-side core wrap sheet 2026 (skin side) may be adhered together.
  • the rigidity around the widthwise sides of the absorbent body 2020 can be reduced by the amount that the skin-side core wrap sheet 2025 is not folded over, and the torque value of the diaper 2001 before absorption can be further reduced.
  • the core wrap sheets 2025, 2026 are sheets made of pulp fibers (such as tissue). By doing so, after absorbing excrement, hydrogen bonds are formed between the core wrap sheets 2025, 2026 and the absorbent cores 2021-2024, increasing the rigidity of the absorbent cores 2021-2024. As a result, shrinkage of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 can be further suppressed.
  • the length L2003 (see FIG. 41) from the top to the bottom of the pant-type diaper 2001 in the natural state before absorption be at least 85.3% of the length L2004 from the top to the bottom of the pant-type diaper 2001 in the maximum stretched state (L2003 ⁇ L2004 ⁇ 85.3%).
  • the vertical length of the pants-type diaper 2001 in its natural state is ensured compared to when the length L2003 is less than 85.3% of the length L2004. Therefore, even with a diaper 2001 having a low torque value, the apparent dimensions (vertical length) of the diaper 2001 before use are ensured, reducing the user's concerns about tightness and leakage. Furthermore, ensuring the vertical length of the diaper 2001 also prevents the absorbent cores 2021-2024 from protruding into the diaper 2001.
  • the unloaded state of the diaper 2001 when it is left for a predetermined period of time is referred to as the "natural state.”
  • the diaper 2001 in its finished state is removed from the package, and the waistbands 2030, 2040 are pulled outward in both the left and right directions to create a "stretched state.”
  • this stretched state is maintained for 15 seconds, the tension on the diaper 2001 is released and the diaper is placed on a flat surface such as a desk.
  • the state in which the diaper is left lying flat on such a flat surface for 5 minutes is then considered to be the natural state.
  • the absorbent cores 2021 to 2024 preferably have low basis weight regions 2211, 2221, 2231 having a basis weight (basis weight of the liquid absorbent fiber 2201 or SAP: g/m 2 ) lower than the surrounding areas.
  • the absorbent cores 2021 to 2024 have multiple absorbent layers, it is preferable that at least one of the multiple absorbent layers has a low basis weight region.
  • the skin side layer 2021, intermediate layer 2022, and non-skin side layer 2023 have low basis weight regions 2211, 2221, 2231.
  • the skin side layer 2021 and intermediate layer 2022 see Figure 46A
  • two low basis weight regions 2211, 2221 that are elongated in the longitudinal direction and have a substantially rectangular shape are arranged symmetrically across the center line CL2 in the width direction at positions that come into contact with the wearer's crotch region.
  • the non-skin side layer 2023 Figure 46B
  • three rectangular divided regions 2023a-2023c that are elongated in the longitudinal direction are arranged side by side with a gap in the width direction. The two regions between these three divided regions 2023a-2023c form low basis weight regions 2231 (slits).
  • the absorbent cores 2021-2024 By providing the absorbent cores 2021-2024 with the low basis weight regions 2211, 2221, and 2231, the flexibility of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 is increased. This reduces the torque value of the diaper 2001 before absorption. Furthermore, the low basis weight regions 2211, 2221, and 2231 act as folding points, making it easier for the absorbent cores 2021-2024 to deform into the desired shape, improving the fit to the wearer.
  • the low basis weight regions 2211, 2221, and 2231 allow excreted liquid to be quickly drawn into the absorbent body 2020. Therefore, the absorbent body 2020 can be effectively utilized in the thickness direction.
  • excreted liquid is quickly drawn from the low basis weight regions 2211 of the skin-side layer 2021 to the intermediate layer 2022.
  • the liquid-absorbent fiber 2201 has a faster liquid absorption rate than SAP. Because the volume occupancy rate of the liquid-absorbent fiber 2201 is high in the intermediate layer 2022, excreted liquid that migrates from the low basis weight regions 2211 to the intermediate layer 2022 is quickly and temporarily absorbed by the intermediate layer 2022.
  • the excreted liquid absorbed between the fibers of the liquid-absorbent fiber 2201 in the intermediate layer 2022 gradually migrates to the non-skin-side layer 2023 due to gravity. Furthermore, because the intermediate layer 2022 also has a low basis weight region 2221, excreted liquid easily migrates from the low basis weight region 2221 to the non-skin side layer 2023, and from the low basis weight region 2231 of the non-skin side layer 2023 to the deeper side of the non-skin side layer 2023. This makes it easier for excreted liquid to be drawn deep into the absorbent core, improving absorbency. Furthermore, because the volume occupancy of SAP is high in the non-skin side layer 2023, excreted liquid is firmly absorbed and retained by the SAP of the non-skin side layer 2023.
  • the low basis weight region may be a slit, a region where the absorbent core is recessed in the thickness direction, or a region of the same thickness but with a lower density in the absorbent core. Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the shape, size, number, or placement position of the low basis weight region.
  • the low basis weight region may be located on the center line in the width direction of the absorbent cores 2021-2024, or multiple low basis weight regions may be placed at intervals in the longitudinal direction. It is preferable that the low basis weight region is located at the position where the wearer's urinary excretion opening comes into contact and in the vicinity thereof.
  • the low basis weight regions 2211, 2221, 2231 of each layer when viewed in plan view of the absorbent cores 2021-2023, it is preferable that the low basis weight regions 2211, 2221, 2231 of each layer at least partially overlap each other in the thickness direction. This makes it easier for excreted liquid to flow into the low basis weight regions 2211, 2221, 2231 of each layer, and to be quickly drawn deep into the absorbent cores 2021-2024.
  • the front waistline portion 2030 and the rear waistline portion 2040 each have non-stretchable regions NEf, NEb in areas where they overlap with the absorbent body 2010 in the thickness direction, where the waistline elastic members 2033, 2043 (effective length portions) are not located.
  • the non-stretchable regions NEf, NEb of at least one (here, both) of the front waistline portion 2030 and the rear waistline portion 2040 overlap with the low basis weight regions 2211, 2221, 2231 of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 in the width direction and extend outward in the width direction beyond the low basis weight regions 2211, 2221, 2231.
  • the non-elastic regions NEf, NEb should be positioned further outward than the outer widthwise edges 2231e of the low basis weight regions 2211, 2221, 2231.
  • the contractile force of the waist elastic members 2033, 2043 is less likely to affect the areas of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 that are easily deformed by the low basis weight regions 2211, 2221, 2231. This makes it possible to suppress shrinkage of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 in the width direction.
  • the absorbent cores 2021-2024 preferably have constricted portions 2212, 2222 that are constricted on the inside in the width direction. If the absorbent cores 2021-2024 have multiple absorbent layers, it is preferable that at least one of the multiple absorbent layers has a constricted portion. In this embodiment, the skin-side layer 2021 and the intermediate layer 2022 have constricted portions 2212, 2222. When the skin-side layer 2021 and the intermediate layer 2022 are divided into thirds at their maximum longitudinal length, the central region is defined as the longitudinal center, and it is preferable that at least a portion of the constricted portions 2212, 2222 be located there.
  • the flexibility of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 is increased, and the torque value of the diaper 2001 before absorption can be reduced. Furthermore, the force of the wearer's legs pinching the absorbent cores 2021-2024 can be prevented from acting too strongly. This prevents the absorbent cores 2021-2024 from being distorted uncontrollably by the force of the legs pinching the absorbent cores 2021-2024, improving the fit of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 around the wearer's crotch area.
  • the constricted portions 2212, 2222 of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 have a narrowest point SA where the width H2005 is shortest.
  • the widthwise outer edge of at least one non-elasticated region NEf, Nbf of the front waistline portion 2030 and the rear waistline portion 2040 is located widthwise outboard of the narrowest point SA of the constricted portions 2212, 2222, or is aligned with the widthwise position of the narrowest point SA.
  • the narrowest point SA When the narrowest point SA is located on one side of the longitudinal centerline CL of the diaper 2001 in the longitudinal direction (the front side in Figure 49), it is more desirable that the positional relationship between the non-stretchable region of the waistline portion on one side (the front waistline portion 2030 in Figure 49) and the narrowest point SA be as described above.
  • the widthwise outer edge NEf1 of the front non-stretchable region NEf is aligned with the widthwise position of the narrowest point SA
  • the widthwise outer edge NEb1 of the rear non-stretchable region NEb is located widthwise outboard of the narrowest point SA.
  • the contractile force of the waist elastic members 2033, 2043 is less likely to affect the portions of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 that are widthwise inward of the constricted portions 2212, 2222.
  • the widthwise outer ends NEf1, NEb1 of at least one of the non-elasticated regions NEf, NEb of the front waistline portion 2030 and the rear waistline portion 2049 may be located widthwise inward of the narrowest point SA of the constricted portions 2212, 2222.
  • the narrowest point SA is located on one side of the longitudinal centerline CL of the diaper 2001 (the front side in Figure 52)
  • the stretching force of the waist elastic members 2033, 2043 is more likely to affect the portions of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 that are more inward in the width direction than the constricted portions 2212, 2222. Therefore, even if the wearer's legs tightly pinch the absorbent cores 2021-2024, the waist elastic members 2033, 2043 will pull the constricted portions 2211, 2221 of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 outward in the width direction. This prevents the absorbent cores 2021-2024 from shrinking in the width direction in the crotch area, ensuring the absorption area of the absorbent cores 2021-2024. This prevents leakage of excrement.
  • the absorbent cores 2021-2024 do not have to have constricted portions.
  • the non-skin side layer 2023 may extend outward in the width direction from the constricted portions 2212, 2222 of the skin side layer 2021 and the intermediate layer 2022. This allows the non-skin side layer 2023 to absorb any excrement that is not absorbed by the skin side layer 2021 and the intermediate layer 2022, thereby preventing leakage. Furthermore, because the number of layers is reduced in the extending portions of the non-skin side layer 2023, the wearer's legs are less likely to feel uncomfortable when the absorbent cores 2021-2024 are pinched between them.
  • the maximum length of the skin-side layer 2021 and the intermediate layer 2022 is longer than the maximum length of the non-skin-side layer 2023. This allows excreted fluid to be absorbed and diffused more effectively in areas closer to the skin than the non-skin-side layer 2023.
  • the maximum thickness T2020 (see Figure 44) of the absorbent body 2020 including the absorbent cores 2021-2024 is preferably 3.0 mm or less. Furthermore, the maximum thickness of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 (the total thickness of each layer 2021-2024) is preferably 2.5 mm or less.
  • the flexibility of the absorber 2020 can be increased compared to when the maximum thickness of the absorber 2020 is thicker than 3.0 mm, and the torque value of the diaper 2001 before absorption can be reduced. Furthermore, the stiffness of the absorber 2020 is reduced, improving the comfort of wearing the diaper 2001. Furthermore, the protrusion of the absorber 2020 to the outside of the diaper 2001 is reduced, giving the diaper 2001 a neater appearance similar to that of underwear.
  • the skin-side layer 2021 has a first thickness t2001
  • the intermediate layer 2022 has a second thickness t2002
  • the non-skin-side layer 2023 has a third thickness t2003 (see Figure 44), where the first thickness t2001 to the third thickness t2003 each represent an average thickness.
  • the third thickness t2003 of the non-skin-side layer 2023 is thicker than the first thickness t2001 of the skin-side layer 2021.
  • the third thickness t2003 of the non-skin-side layer 2023 is preferably 0.38 mm to 0.58 mm for an S-size diaper 2001, and preferably 0.58 mm to 0.69 mm for an XXL-size diaper 2001.
  • the first thickness t2001 of the skin-side layer 2021 is preferably 0.3 mm to 0.48 mm for an S-size diaper 2001, and preferably 0.45 mm to 0.65 mm for an XXL-size diaper 2001.
  • the skin-side layer 2021 which is thinner than the non-skin-side layer 2023, also becomes thinner after water retention. In other words, even after water retention, absorption inhibition due to swelling of the SAP is less likely to occur, and the feel (grittiness) of the skin-side of the diaper 2001 is less likely to deteriorate.
  • the average thickness t2002 of the intermediate layer 2022 is preferably 0.5 mm or greater. More preferably, it is 0.9 mm to 1.1 mm for an S-size diaper 2001, and 1.28 mm to 1.61 mm for an XXL-size diaper 2001. This allows for more excreted liquid to be absorbed between the fibers of the liquid-absorbent fibers 2201 of the intermediate layer 2022 than when the average thickness of the intermediate layer 2022 is less than 0.5 mm, for example, compared to when the intermediate layer 2022 is a nonwoven fabric (sheet member) formed of pulp fibers or the like.
  • the excreted liquid can be quickly and temporarily absorbed in the intermediate layer 2022, and after diffusing it in the intermediate layer 2022, the excreted liquid can be quickly transferred to the non-skin-side layer 2023, ensuring absorbency.
  • the intermediate layer 2022 is too thick, it may feel stiff, so the average thickness (second thickness t2002) of the intermediate layer 2022 should preferably be 2.5 mm or less.
  • the thicknesses (t2001 to t2003) of the absorbent body 2020 and each of the layers 2021 to 2023 constituting the absorbent core can be measured using a known method. For example, with the diaper 2001 in a natural, dry state with no external force acting on it, the diaper 2001 (absorbent body 2020) is cut widthwise at any longitudinal position of the portion of the diaper 2001 where the absorbent body 2020 is disposed, specifically at a location where the three layers 2021 to 2023 are stacked and away from the product folding position. To prevent damage to the absorbent body 2020 components, the diaper 2001 is cut at a predetermined location and measured as is.
  • the cut surface is placed upright in front of the microscope and photographed at a magnification (e.g., 30 to 100 times) of the cut surface.
  • a magnification e.g., 30 to 100 times
  • the liquid absorbent fiber 2201 is focused and an enlarged image is taken.
  • the layer in which the liquid-absorbent fiber 2201 is visible is determined to be the intermediate layer 2022, and the portions of the absorbent core closer to the skin or closer to the skin are determined to be the skin-side layer 2021 and the non-skin-side layer 2023, respectively.
  • measurement positions are determined in the width direction of the cross-sectional image, and the thickness of each of the layers 2021 to 2023 at each measurement position is obtained.
  • cross-sectional images are captured at multiple positions in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 2020 to obtain the thickness of each of the layers 2021 to 2023.
  • the average value of the obtained thicknesses is calculated for each of the layers 2021 to 2023, and is defined as the average thickness t2001 (first thickness t2001) of the skin-side layer 2021, the average thickness t2002 (second thickness t2002) of the intermediate layer 2022, and the average thickness t2003 (third thickness t2003) of the non-skin-side layer 2023.
  • the portions other than the low basis weight regions 2211, 2221, and 2231 are measured.
  • the first thickness t1 was 0.41 mm
  • the second thickness t2002 was 0.99 mm
  • the third thickness t2003 was 0.47 mm
  • the first thickness t2001 was 0.56 mm
  • the second thickness t2002 was 1.47 mm
  • the third thickness t2003 was 0.63 mm.
  • the absorbent cores 2021-2024 have a plurality of compressed portions formed so as to partially compress the absorbent cores 2021-2024 in their thickness direction.
  • the skin-side layer 2021 of the absorbent body 2020 shown in Figure 47 has a plurality of compressed points 2050 formed so as to compress the skin-side layer 2021 in a dotted pattern in the thickness direction. In these "compressed points 2050," the skin-side layer 2021 is compressed in the thickness direction by embossing. Due to the compression, the fiber density of the skin-side layer 2021 (absorbent core) is higher than that of the uncompressed portions.
  • the compressed points are formed as a collection of dots (circles), but the compressed points may also be formed in a line (straight line, curved line), for example. Alternatively, the compressed points or linear compressed points may be formed discretely within a predetermined area. Furthermore, as an example of a formation pattern of multiple compressed portions, Figure 47 shows an arrangement pattern in which the dotted compressed portions 2050 appear as a dotted grid pattern (a so-called quilting pattern) as a whole, but other patterns may also be used.
  • the skin-side layer 2021 need not necessarily be provided with multiple compressed dots 2050, as long as at least one of the skin-side layer 2021 and the non-skin-side layer 2023 has compressed dots 2050.
  • the intermediate layer 2022 may also be compressed.
  • the absorbent cores 2021-2024 of this embodiment have multiple absorbent layers, and the multiple absorbent layers have an integrally formed skin-side layer 2021 and intermediate layer 2022 (second absorbent layer), and a non-skin-side layer 2023 (first absorbent layer).
  • the rear end 2023e of the non-skin-side layer 2023 be located closer to the center in the longitudinal direction than the rear ends 2021e, 2022e of the skin-side layer 2021 and intermediate layer 2022.
  • the number of layers is fewer and the thickness is thinner in the back portions of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 compared to other portions. This allows the rigidity of the back portions (back portions) of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 to be reduced. This prevents the absorbent cores 2021-2024 from feeling stiff to the user when lying on their back or sitting.
  • the front portions (ventral portions) of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 come into contact with the wearer's urethral opening when worn and receive a large amount of excreted fluid. Therefore, by increasing the number of layers of the absorbent core in the front portions of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 compared to the back portions, excreted urine can be more firmly absorbed and retained, thereby preventing leakage.
  • the skin-side layer 2021 and the intermediate layer 2022 are pulled outward in the width direction by the rear waist elastic member 2043a, improving the flatness of the skin-side layer 2021 and the intermediate layer 2022.
  • This ensures the absorption area of the two layers 2021, 2022, making it less likely for gaps to form between them and the wearer, and reducing the risk of leakage of body waste.
  • the skin-side layer 2021 and the non-skin-side layer 2022 can be pulled outward in the width direction efficiently by the waist elastic member 2043. In other words, even if the contractile force of the waist elastic member 2043 is small, the skin-side layer 2021 and the non-skin-side layer 2022 are more likely to be pulled outward in the width direction.
  • the longitudinal lengths of the skin-side layer 2021, the intermediate layer 2022, and the non-skin-side layer 2023 may be the same, or the rear ends of the skin-side layer 2021 and the intermediate layer 2022 (first absorbent layer) may be located closer to the center than the rear end of the non-skin-side layer 2023 (second absorbent layer).
  • the skin-side layer 2021, the intermediate layer 2022, and the non-skin-side layer 2023 may be laminated over substantially the entire longitudinal area of the absorbent cores 2021-2024, or may be laminated only at certain locations in the longitudinal direction.
  • the three layers (2021-2023) are laminated at and near the position that comes into contact with the wearer's urinary excretion opening when the diaper 2001 is worn.
  • Figure 54 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a modified example of the non-skin side layer 2023.
  • the multiple absorbent layers may include an SAP layer (here, the non-skin side layer 2023) formed solely from SAP (super absorbent polymer).
  • SAP super absorbent polymer
  • an SAP layer sheet in which an SAP layer is laminated on a base sheet such as a nonwoven fabric 2026 may have a high basis weight region 2233 in which the basis weight of the SAP is higher than the surrounding area.
  • the skin side layer 2021 may be the SAP layer shown in Figure 54, instead of the non-skin side layer 2023.
  • points S where the thickness is greatest in the thickness direction are located intermittently in the longitudinal and width directions.
  • the high basis weight regions 2233 are arranged intermittently in the longitudinal and width directions.
  • low basis weight regions 20234 where the SAP basis weight is lower than that of the high basis weight regions 2233 are formed.
  • some of the spaces between adjacent points S where the thickness is greatest may be formed by the high basis weight regions 2233. In other words, some of the spaces between adjacent points S where the thickness is greatest may be connected by the high basis weight regions 2233.
  • the low basis weight region 20234 has a low basis weight laminated region 20234E where SAP is laminated, and a non-laminated region 20234N where no SAP is present.
  • no SAP not only means that no SAP particles are present, but also includes the case where there are only a small number of laminated SAP particles, and there are essentially no SAP particles present.
  • the low basis weight regions 20234 serve as folding points, allowing the layer to easily deform along the contours of the wearer's body, improving fit. This increases the flexibility of the absorbent body 2020, reducing the torque value of the diaper 2001 before absorption.
  • the low basis weight regions 20234 that serve as folding points include the low basis weight laminated regions 20234E, which are capable of absorbing and retaining excrement, and the non-laminated regions 20234N, which are more easily bent due to the absence of SAP.
  • the low basis weight regions 20234 which have a lower basis weight of SAP than the high basis weight regions 2233, to both easily deform along the contours of the wearer's body and have the ability to absorb and retain excrement.
  • the low basis weight laminated region 20234E provides absorbent retention, while the non-laminated region 20234N makes the SAP layer more flexible.
  • the maximum thickness T when the thickness-wise length from the core wrap sheet 2026 to the point S where the maximum thickness is reached is defined as the maximum thickness T, it is preferable that the maximum thickness T be 3 mm or less, and that the distance D between adjacent points S where the maximum thickness is reached be 5 times or less than the maximum thickness T.
  • the maximum thickness T be 3 mm or less, and that the distance D between adjacent points S where the maximum thickness is reached be 5 times or less than the maximum thickness T.
  • the absorbent body 2020 containing a superabsorbent polymer can maintain its thinness while improving its fit when worn. Furthermore, it is even more preferable that the maximum thickness T be 2 mm or less, and that the distance D between adjacent points S where the maximum thickness is reached be 4 times or less than the maximum thickness T. This allows the absorbent body 2020 containing a superabsorbent polymer to maintain its thinness while improving its fit when worn.
  • the maximum thickness T can be measured using the thickness measurement method described above (a method in which the absorber 2020 is cut and the cross section is observed and measured using an optical microscope).
  • the distance D between points S can also be measured by observing the cut surface using an optical microscope.
  • the SAP layer does not include liquid-absorbent fibers 2201, the thickness of the absorbent body 2020 can be reduced.
  • the diameter of a circumscribing circle circumscribing each of the multiple high basis weight regions 2233 is preferably 2 mm or more and 4 mm or less. This makes it possible to arrange a large number of high basis weight regions 2233 and low basis weight regions 20234, thereby increasing the flexibility of the absorbent body 2020.
  • the low basis weight laminated regions 20234E and the non-loading regions 20234N are arranged intermittently in the longitudinal and width directions of the absorbent body 2020.
  • the absorbent body 2020 to easily deform along the contours of the wearer's body and to have the ability to absorb and retain excrement, with a planar spread.
  • 54 also has a channel region (for example, the low basis weight region 2231 of the absorbent body 2020 in FIG. 46 ) in which the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer is lower than that of the high basis weight region 2233, and the channel region extends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 2020, and the width of the channel region in the width direction is preferably greater than the distance D between adjacent points S of maximum thickness T.
  • a plurality of the channel regions are provided in the width direction. This allows the channel regions to become folding starting points, increasing the flexibility of the absorbent body 2020.
  • the absorbent core 2021-2024 has multiple absorbent layers stacked in its thickness direction (in the case of Figure 44, the skin-side upper layer 2024, the skin-side layer 2021, the middle layer 2022, and the non-skin-side layer 2023). It is preferable that one or more absorbent layers (2021-2023) located closer to the skin than the absorbent layer closest to the skin in the thickness direction (the skin-side upper layer 2024) do not contain nonwoven fabric. Specifically, in this embodiment, the skin-side layer 2021, the middle layer 2022, and the non-skin-side layer 2023 do not contain nonwoven fabric, but are composed of liquid-absorbent fiber 2201 and SAP. This allows the number of stacked absorbent layers to be reduced and the thickness of the absorbent layers to be reduced while maintaining the absorption performance of the absorbent cores 2021-2024. This allows the torque value of the diaper 2001 before absorption to be reduced.
  • the absorbent layer located closest to the skin in the thickness direction does not contain water-absorbent resin powder such as SAP.
  • the skin-side upper layer 2024 is formed only from liquid-absorbent fibers 2201. This prevents the skin-side upper layer 2024 from swelling excessively and inhibiting absorption of excrement. This allows the absorbent cores 2021-2024 to be used effectively in the thickness direction. This makes it possible to reduce the number of absorbent layers stacked and the thickness of the absorbent layers while maintaining absorption performance. This therefore reduces the torque value of the diaper 2001 before absorption. In addition, it is possible to prevent the feel of the absorbent cores 2021-2024 from being reduced against the skin due to water-absorbent resin powder such as SAP (causing a gritty feeling).
  • the SAP (super absorbent polymer) contained in the absorbent layer located closest to the skin in the thickness direction has a liquid permeation rate under load of more than 10 seconds.
  • the absorbent core does not have to have the skin-side upper layer 2024, in which case the skin-side layer 2021 in Figure 44 corresponds to the absorbent layer located closest to the skin.
  • the SAP contained in the skin-side layer 2021 has a liquid permeation rate under load of more than 10 seconds
  • localized absorption of excreted liquid can be suppressed compared to when the SAP has a liquid permeation rate under load of 10 seconds or less, and the absorbent core can be used more effectively in the planar direction. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of absorbent layers stacked or the thickness of the absorbent layer while maintaining absorption performance. Therefore, the torque value of the pants-type absorbent article before absorption can be reduced.
  • the liquid permeation rate under load of the superabsorbent polymer (water-absorbent resin, water-absorbent resin powder) of the skin side layer 2021 can be measured by a known method, for example, by the method described in JP-A-2019-41876. Specifically, 0.32 ⁇ 0.005 g of superabsorbent polymer was immersed in 100 mL of physiological saline (0.9% by weight sodium chloride solution) in a 100 mL glass beaker and left for 60 minutes. A separate cylindrical filtration tube was prepared at the bottom of the opening of a vertically standing cylinder (inner diameter 25.4 mm) equipped with a wire mesh (150 ⁇ m opening, Sansho Sales Co., Ltd.
  • the stopcock is opened to allow the liquid to flow, and the time T1 (seconds) until the liquid level in the filtration cylinder reaches the 40 mL graduation line from the 60 mL graduation line (i.e., 20 mL of liquid passes through) is measured.
  • T0 (seconds) is the time required for 20 mL of saline to pass through the wire mesh without placing a measurement sample in the filtration cylinder.
  • the measurement is performed at a temperature of 23 ⁇ 2°C and a relative humidity of 50 ⁇ 5%, and the superabsorbent polymer is kept in the same environment for at least 24 hours before the measurement.
  • the absorbent body 2020 illustrated in Figure 44 is one example, and the configuration of the absorbent body 2020 is not particularly limited as long as the torque value of the diaper 2001 before absorption in a torsion test is 23.4 mN ⁇ m or less.
  • the absorbent core does not need to have multiple layers, and the volume ratio of SAP to liquid-absorbent fiber 2201 in each of the multiple layers constituting the absorbent core may be different from that shown in Figure 44.
  • the absorbent core may be composed of two layers, with the upper layer being composed of liquid-absorbent fiber 2201 and SAP and having a roughly T-shaped planar shape, and the lower layer being a rectangular SAP sheet.
  • the liquid-absorbent fiber 2201 is arranged in the low basis weight region 2221 of the intermediate layer 2022, but the low basis weight region 2221 of the intermediate layer 2022 may also be a slit. This allows excreted liquid to be quickly drawn deeper into the non-skin side layer 2023.
  • the intermediate layer 2022 and the non-skin side layer 2023 may be laminated adjacent to each other in the thickness direction without the adhesive and/or nonwoven fabric 2027 in between. This prevents the adhesive or nonwoven fabric from interfering with the transfer of excreted fluid from the intermediate layer 2022 to the non-skin side layer 2023, and increases the rate of absorption into the non-skin side layer 2023.
  • the intermediate layer 2022 and the non-skin side layer 2023 may be formed integrally.
  • an adhesive or nonwoven fabric may or may not be interposed between the intermediate layer 2022 and the skin side layer 2021.
  • the skin side layer 2021 may be an SAP layer composed only of SAP, or may be a layer composed of SAP and liquid absorbent fibers 2201.
  • the average value of the total area occupied by SAP per unit area in a cross section taken along the thickness direction of the skin side layer 2021 may be larger than the average value of the total area occupied by SAP per unit area in a cross section taken along the thickness direction of the non-skin side layer 2023. In this way, rewetting can be suppressed by the SAP of the skin side layer 2021.
  • the intermediate layer 2022 does not have to be formed integrally with either the skin side layer 2021 or the non-skin side layer 2023, but may be formed integrally with both.
  • the three layers 2021 to 2023 may be formed individually and then laminated.
  • nonwoven fabric or adhesive may or may not be provided between the skin side layer 2021 and the intermediate layer 2022, and between the intermediate layer 2022 and the non-skin side layer 2023.
  • an SAP layer that does not contain liquid-absorbent fibers 2201 is present as the skin-side layer 2021 or non-skin-side layer 2023. Liquid transfer is more likely to occur in SAP layers than in layers that contain liquid-absorbent fibers.
  • the non-skin-side layer 2023 is an SAP layer, absorbency (water retention) is further improved.
  • the skin-side layer 2021 is an SAP layer, rewet can be further suppressed.
  • Diapers prants-type absorbent articles
  • 2 side joints 10 absorbent body, 10es outer end (left and right direction, width direction), 12 top sheet, 13 leak-proof film, 14 exterior sheet, 14f folded portion, 14s standing portion, 15 side sheet, 15ei inner end (tip of leak-proof wall portion), 16 Leak-proof wall elastic member, 16a: first leak preventing wall elastic member; 16b: second leak preventing wall elastic member; 17 LG elastic member (leg gather elastic member), 17a first LG elastic member, 17b second LG elastic member, 17c third LG elastic member, 17d fourth LG elastic member, 17e fifth LG elastic member, 17f sixth LG elastic member, 18 Leakage prevention wall joint, 18ei inner end (leakage prevention wall upright starting point), 20 absorbent body, 21 skin side layer (absorbent core), 211 low basis weight region, 212 constricted portion, 22 intermediate layer (absorbent core), 221 low basis weight region, 222 constricted portion, 23 Non-skin side layer (absorbent core), 23a to 23

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un article absorbant de type culotte (1) présentant une paire de parties froncées pour jambe (LG), pourvues d'au moins trois éléments élastiques froncés pour jambe (17), cet article étant caractérisé en ce que : lorsque la région située entre l'élément élastique froncé pour jambe le plus à l'intérieur (17a) et l'élément élastique froncé pour jambe le plus à l'extérieur (17f), dans le sens de la largeur, est considérée comme étant la région élastique froncée pour jambe (ER), la largeur de la région élastique froncée pour jambe (ER) est de 10 mm ou plus, la longueur effective moyenne des éléments élastiques froncés pour jambe (17), dans la région élastique froncée intérieure pour jambe (Eri), est plus courte de 10% ou plus que la longueur efficace moyenne des éléments élastiques froncés pour jambe (17) dans la région élastique extérieure froncée pour jambe (Ero), et une partie intermittente froncée pour jambe (NP) est disposée uniquement sur le côté avant de l'emplacement central (CL).
PCT/JP2025/003285 2024-01-31 2025-01-31 Article absorbant de type culotte et article absorbant Pending WO2025164781A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2024013774A JP2025118453A (ja) 2024-01-31 2024-01-31 パンツ型吸収性物品
JP2024013772A JP2025118451A (ja) 2024-01-31 2024-01-31 吸収性物品
JP2024-013773 2024-01-31
JP2024-013774 2024-01-31
JP2024013773A JP2025118452A (ja) 2024-01-31 2024-01-31 パンツ型吸収性物品
JP2024-013772 2024-01-31

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2025164781A1 true WO2025164781A1 (fr) 2025-08-07

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WO (1) WO2025164781A1 (fr)

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2015519186A (ja) * 2012-06-28 2015-07-09 ザ プロクター アンド ギャンブルカンパニー 吸収性物品内で使用するための吸収性コア
WO2017010301A1 (fr) * 2015-07-13 2017-01-19 株式会社光洋 Élément d'entrejambe pour sous-vêtement jetable, et sous-vêtement jetable
WO2017213096A1 (fr) * 2016-06-06 2017-12-14 ユニ・チャーム株式会社 Article absorbant
WO2019220935A1 (fr) * 2018-05-18 2019-11-21 ユニ・チャーム株式会社 Article absorbant de type culotte
JP2019205917A (ja) * 2013-07-03 2019-12-05 ディーエスジー テクノロジー ホールディングス リミテッド 吸収複合材、吸収複合材を用いた吸収物品、並びに吸収複合材及び／又は吸収物品の製造方法、製造システム、及び製造装置
JP2020036754A (ja) * 2018-09-04 2020-03-12 ユニ・チャーム株式会社 吸収性物品
WO2021235281A1 (fr) * 2020-05-19 2021-11-25 ユニ・チャーム株式会社 Article absorbant

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2015519186A (ja) * 2012-06-28 2015-07-09 ザ プロクター アンド ギャンブルカンパニー 吸収性物品内で使用するための吸収性コア
JP2019205917A (ja) * 2013-07-03 2019-12-05 ディーエスジー テクノロジー ホールディングス リミテッド 吸収複合材、吸収複合材を用いた吸収物品、並びに吸収複合材及び／又は吸収物品の製造方法、製造システム、及び製造装置
WO2017010301A1 (fr) * 2015-07-13 2017-01-19 株式会社光洋 Élément d'entrejambe pour sous-vêtement jetable, et sous-vêtement jetable
WO2017213096A1 (fr) * 2016-06-06 2017-12-14 ユニ・チャーム株式会社 Article absorbant
WO2019220935A1 (fr) * 2018-05-18 2019-11-21 ユニ・チャーム株式会社 Article absorbant de type culotte
JP2020036754A (ja) * 2018-09-04 2020-03-12 ユニ・チャーム株式会社 吸収性物品
WO2021235281A1 (fr) * 2020-05-19 2021-11-25 ユニ・チャーム株式会社 Article absorbant

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