AU2015248261B2

AU2015248261B2 - Disposable diaper

Info

Publication number: AU2015248261B2
Application number: AU2015248261A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Satoru Sakaguchi; Yasuhiro Yamanaka
Original assignee: Unicharm Corp
Current assignee: Unicharm Corp
Priority date: 2014-04-14
Filing date: 2015-03-09
Publication date: 2019-01-24
Anticipated expiration: 2035-03-09
Also published as: KR20160144386A; JP5797295B1; AU2015248261A1; JP2015202178A; WO2015159610A1; MY181472A; CN106232071A; CN106232071B

Abstract

Provided is a disposable diaper in which comfortability can be maintained after excretion while absorption performance is still retained after the excretion. Regarding the disposable diaper, a crotch elastic section (130) capable of extending and contracting in the longitudinal direction of the product is arranged on the inner side in the product widthwise direction relative to a leg-surrounding elastic section (75). An absorbent core (40a) has: a narrow portion (41) where the length of the absorbent core in the product widthwise direction is shortest; and wide portions (42) which also lie on the outer side in the product widthwise direction relative to the narrow portion. The crotch elastic section and the narrow portion are placed on the inner side in the product longitudinal direction relative to a waist supporting section. At least part of the crotch elastic section lies between the outer edge of the narrow portion and the outer edge of the wide portion in the product widthwise direction.

Description

The present invention relates to a disposable diaper that includes crotch stretch units disposed inward of leg-surrounding stretch units in a product widthwise direction.

[Background Art] [0002]

In the past, various ideas have been made to achieve good wearing comfort in a disposable diaper while preventing the leakage of excretions. For example, a disposable diaper, which includes elastic members disposed along leg-surrounding openings so as to make it difficult for imprints of the elastic members to be formed on a wearer's body, is known (for example, see Patent Literature 1).

[0003]

In the disposable diaper disclosed in Patent Literature 1, elastic members, which are separate from the elastic members disposed along the leg-surrounding openings, are disposed along a waistline-surrounding opening. Accordingly, the disposable diaper disclosed in Patent Literature 1 can tighten the peripheries of the leg-surrounding openings and the periphery of the waistline-surrounding opening. According to this structure, even though the disposable diaper absorbs excretions or a wearer moves violently, it is possible to inhibit the disposable diaper from hanging down.

[0004]

Further, Patent Literature 2 discloses a disposable diaper where elastic members, which are stretchable in a front-rear direction, are disposed in a region overlapping an absorber. The elastic members are disposed over a crotch portion that is disposed on the crotch of a wearer and waistline portions that are disposed on a waistline of the wearer. Furthermore, outer edges of a front waistline portion and outer edges of a rear waistline portion are joined to each other in the disposable diaper disclosed in Patent Literature 2.

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 [Citation List] [Patent Literature] [0005]

Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-37807

Patent Literature 2- International Publication No. 2006/118214 [Summary of Invention] [0006]

However, the above-mentioned disposable diapers in the related art have the following problems.

[0007]

The disposable diaper disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is adapted so that the peripheries of the leg-surrounding openings and the periphery of the waistline-surrounding opening are mainly tightened. However, when body fluid discharged from a wearer is absorbed in the absorber, the absorber is pulled down due to the weight of the body fluid. For this reason, since the absorber separates from the crotch of the wearer, there is a concern that absorption performance may deteriorate.

[0008]

Since the outer edges of the front waistline portion and the outer edges of the rear waistline portion are joined to each other in the disposable diaper disclosed in Patent Literature 2, the entire waistline portions are in close contact with the wearer's body. Further, the absorber is pushed up to the wearer due to the contraction of the elastic members in the disposable diaper disclosed in Patent Literature 2. The elastic members are provided over the crotch portion and the waistline portions. For this reason, the absorber is in close contact with not only the crotch of the wearer but also the waistline of the wearer. Particularly, when the absorber, which has absorbed body fluid, is in close contact with the crotch and the waistline of the wearer after excretion, there is a concern that discomfort caused by stuffiness or the like may occur.

[0009]

Accordingly, the invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 circumstances. It is desirable to provide a disposable diaper that can maintain comfort after excretion while ensuring absorption performance after excretion.

[0010]

According to one form of the invention there is provided a disposable diaper comprising: a front waistline region! a rear waistline region! a crotch region that is positioned between the front waistline region and the rear waistline region! a product longitudinal direction that is from the front waistline region to the rear waistline region! a product widthwise direction that is orthogonal to the product longitudinal direction! a pair of leg-surrounding openings! an absorbent core that is provided over the crotch region and extends toward at least one of the front waistline region and the rear waistline region! a waistline retaining unit that extends in the product widthwise direction in the front waistline region and the rear waistline region and holds the disposable diaper on a wearer's body! and a pair of leg-surrounding stretch units that are disposed along the leg-surrounding openings, wherein a crotch stretch unit, which is stretchable in the product longitudinal direction, is disposed inward of the leg-surrounding stretch units in the product widthwise direction, the absorbent core includes a narrow portion where the length of the absorbent core in the product widthwise direction is shortest and a wide portion that is positioned outward of the narrow portion in the product widthwise direction, the crotch stretch unit and the narrow portion are positioned inward of the waistline retaining unit in the product longitudinal direction, at least a part of the crotch stretch unit is positioned between an outer edge of the wide portion and an outer edge of the narrow portion in the product widthwise direction, wherein the crotch stretch unit includes a first crotch stretch unit and a second crotch stretch unit that is positioned outward of the first crotch stretch unit in the product widthwise direction, the first crotch stretch unit is positioned inward of a line, which passes through the middle of the wide portion in the product widthwise direction and extends in the product longitudinal direction, in the product widthwise direction, the second crotch stretch unit is positioned between the outer edge of the wide portion and the outer edge of the narrow portion in the product widthwise direction.

[0011]

According to another form of the invention there is provided a disposable diaper comprising: a front waistline region! a rear waistline region! a crotch region that is positioned between the front waistline region and the rear waistline region! a

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 product longitudinal direction that is from the front waistline region to the rear waistline region! a product widthwise direction that is orthogonal to the product longitudinal direction! a pair of leg surrounding openings! an absorbent core that is provided over the crotch region and extends toward at least one of the front waistline region and the rear waistline region! a waistline retaining unit that extends in the product widthwise direction in the front waistline region and the rear waistline region and holds the disposable diaper on a wearer's body! and a pair of leg surrounding stretch units that are disposed along the leg surrounding openings, wherein a crotch stretch unit, which is stretchable in the product longitudinal direction, is disposed inward of the leg surrounding stretch units in the product widthwise direction, the absorbent core includes a narrow portion where the length of the absorbent core in the product widthwise direction is shortest and a wide portion that is positioned outward of the narrow portion in the product widthwise direction, the crotch stretch unit and the narrow portion are positioned inward of the waistline retaining unit in the product longitudinal direction, at least a part of the crotch stretch unit is positioned between an outer edge of the wide portion and an outer edge of the narrow portion in the product widthwise direction, and wherein the crotch stretch unit is disposed closer to the front waistline region in the product longitudinal direction.

[Brief Description of Drawings] [0012]

Fig. 1 is a developed plan view of a disposable diaper according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the disposable diaper taken along line Fl-Fl of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the disposable diaper taken along line F2-F2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a wearer wears the disposable diaper illustrated in Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a developed plan view of a disposable diaper according to a modification.

[Description of Embodiments] [0013]

A disposable diaper according to an embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Meanwhile, the same portions or similar

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 portions in the following drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals or similar reference numerals. The drawings are illustrative, and it is noted that a ratio and the like of each dimension are different from an actual ratio and the like.

[0014]

Accordingly, specific dimensions and the like should be determined in consideration of the following description. Further, portions of which relationships between dimensions or ratios are different from each other may be included in the drawings. [0015]

Fig. 1 is a developed plan view of a disposable diaper 10 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the disposable diaper 10 taken along line Fl-Fl of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the disposable diaper 10 taken along line F2-F2 of Fig. 1. The developed plan view illustrated in Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a stretched state in which leg-surrounding stretch units 75, crotch stretch units 130, and side elastic members 71 of leg-side stretch units 80 are stretched so that wrinkles of a topsheet 50, side flaps 70, and the like of the disposable diaper are not formed.

[0016]

The disposable diaper 10 includes a front waistline region 20, a crotch region 25, and a rear waistline region 30. The front waistline region 20 is a portion that contacts a front waistline portion (front portion) of a wearer. Further, the rear waistline region 30 is a portion that contacts a rear waistline portion (rear portion) of a wearer. The crotch region 25 is positioned between the front waistline region 20 and the rear waistline region 30.

[0017]

Furthermore, a pair of leg-surrounding openings 35 is formed at the disposable diaper 10. The leg-surrounding opening 35 is a portion that is provided at each outer edge of the disposable diaper and is disposed along the periphery of the leg of a wearer when the wearer wears the disposable diaper. Meanwhile, the outer edge is an outer end in a product widthwise direction, and an inner side edge is an inner side end in the product widthwise direction.

[0018]

Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a direction facing the rear waistline region 30 from the front waistline region 20 is referred to as a product longitudinal direction L and

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 a direction orthogonal to the product longitudinal direction L is referred to as a product widthwise direction W.

[0019]

The disposable diaper 10 includes an absorber 40 that is provided over the crotch region 25 and extends toward at least one of the front waistline region 20 and the rear waistline region 30 from the crotch region 25. The absorber 40 includes an absorbent core 40a and a core wrap 40b.

[0020]

The absorbent core 40a is the same as an absorbent core of the disposable diaper in the related art, and may be appropriately formed by using a publicly known member or material, such as pulverized pulp or a high-absorbent polymer. The absorbent core 40a is wrapped with a sheetdike core wrap 40b.

[0021]

The core wrap 40b is a sheet that covers the absorbent core 40a. Apart of at least a skin side of the core wrap 40b is formed of a tissue sheet or various kinds of fiber nonwoven fabric having liquid permeability. For example, air-through fiber nonwoven fabric, spunbond nonwoven fabric, and SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) nonwoven fabric having a mass of about 10 to 30 g/m2 or a tissue sheet having a mass of about 10 to 30 g/m2 can be used.

[0022]

A liquid permeable topsheet 50 is provided on the surface side (skin-facing surface side) of the absorber 40. Further, a liquid impermeable backsheet 60a is provided on the back side (non-skin-facing surface side) of the absorber 40.

[0023]

Side flaps 70 are provided at outer edges of the absorber 40, respectively. The side flap 70 is formed of a sheet of nonwoven fabric or two or more (a plurality of) sheets of nonwoven fabric that are stacked. Furthermore, each of the pair of side flaps 70 is provided with a fastening tape 90.

[0024]

The fastening tapes 90 extend in the product widthwise direction W in the rear waistline region 30, and hold the disposable diaper 10 on a wearer's body by being attached to the non-skin-facing surface of the front waistline region 20.

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 [0025]

Target portions 95 are disposed on the non-skin-facing surface of the front waistline region, and are adapted so that the pair of fastening tapes 90 is attached to the target portions 95, respectively.

[0026]

In this embodiment, the front waistline region 20, the rear waistline region 30, and the fastening tapes 90 form a waistline retaining unit. The waistline retaining unit of the rear waistline region 30 corresponds to a range that extends in the widthwise direction from a region where engagement members of the fastening tapes 90 are provided. The waistline retaining unit of the front waistline region 20 corresponds to a range that extends in the widthwise direction from a region where the target portions 95 are provided. Meanwhile, a waistline retaining unit of a pull-on disposable diaper corresponds to a region that extends in the product widthwise direction from a portion where the front waistline region and the rear waistline region are joined to each other.

[0027]

The surface side (topsheet 50 side) of the absorber 40 is provided with a pair of leg-surrounding stretch units 75 that are formed around the leg-surrounding openings 35 and are stretchable in the product longitudinal direction L.

[0028]

The leg-surrounding stretch unit 75 has only to be adapted to allow the leg-surrounding opening 35 to be stretchable in the product longitudinal direction, may be disposed along the leg-surrounding opening 35, may be disposed so that a part of the leg-surrounding stretch unit 75 is inclined with respect to the leg-surrounding opening 35, and may linearly extend in the product longitudinal direction. Further, the leg-surrounding stretch unit 75 is a portion that is made to contract substantially in the product longitudinal direction by a stretchable sheet or the like, and corresponds to a concept excluding a portion in which a stretchable sheet is disposed so that a contractive force is not applied.

[0029]

Furthermore, a pair of leg-side stretch unit 80, which extend in the product longitudinal direction L, are provided inside the pair of leg-surrounding stretch units 75 (near the middle in the product widthwise direction W). The leg-side

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 stretch units 80 are stretchable cuffs that are provided at the inner side edges of the side flaps 70 in the product widthwise direction, are disposed inward of the leg-surrounding stretch units 75 in the product widthwise direction, and can stand up. The leg-side stretch units 80 are disposed inward of the leg-surrounding stretch units 75. The leg-side stretch unit 80 can employ a structure that has been well known in the past. Specifically, the leg-side stretch unit 80 may be formed of a sheet separate from the side flap 70.

[0030]

Each of the side flaps 70 is folded back to the topsheet at the inner side edge thereof, and forms two stacked layers. Side elastic members 71 (see Fig. 2) are provided between the two layers of the side flap 70 so as to be stretched in the longitudinal direction. The side flap 70 and the side elastic members 71 form the leg-side stretch unit 80.

[0031]

The leg-side stretch unit 80 includes: a joined portion 81 that is joined to a back-side member, such as the topsheet 50 or the backsheet 60a, positioned closer to the non-skin-facing surface side than the leg-side stretch unit 80! and a contracting portion 84 in which the side elastic members 71 are disposed and which is made to contract in the product longitudinal direction by the side elastic members 71 without being joined to the back-side member. The joined portion 81 includes a first joined portion 81A that is positioned outward of the contracting portion 84 in the product widthwise direction, and a second joined portion 8IB that is positioned outward of the contracting portion 84 in the product longitudinal direction.

[0032]

The back-side member may be a member that is positioned closer to the non-skin-facing surface side than the leg-side stretch unit 80. For example, the topsheet 50, the backsheet 60a, and an outer sheet 60 can be exemplified as the back-side member. The leg-side stretch unit 80 rises from the joined portion 81 serving as a base end portion when a wearer wears the disposable diaper, and the contracting portion 84 come into contact with the skin of the wearer as a top portion. That is, the joined portion serves as a base end portion for the rising of the leg-side stretch unit.

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 [0033]

Meanwhile, the contracting portion 84 is a portion that is made to contract substantially in the product longitudinal direction by the side elastic members 71, and corresponds to a concept excluding a portion in which the side elastic members 71 are disposed so that a contractive force is not applied. Further, the joined portion 81 of the leg-side stretch unit at which the side flap 70 and the topsheet 50 (or the backsheet 60a or the like) are joined to each other is illustrated in Fig. 1 by using hatched lines.

[0034]

A plurality of joined portions 81 are provided, the first joined portions 81A are disposed outward of the contracting portion 84 in the product widthwise direction, and the second joined portions 8IB are disposed outward of the contracting portion 84 in the product longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the leg-side stretch unit 80 is adapted so that a middle portion, which includes the crotch region 25, of the leg-side stretch unit 80 in the product longitudinal direction rises toward the wearer.

[0035]

The first joined portions 81A, which are disposed outward of the contracting portion 84 in the product widthwise direction, of the joined portion 81 of the leg-side stretch unit 80 are disposed between a narrow portion 41 and the leg-surrounding stretch unit 75 in the product widthwise direction W. The first joined portion 81A is joined to the backsheet 60a over the entire length thereof in the product longitudinal direction (and is joined to the outer sheet 60 at a part thereof). Meanwhile, the backsheet 60a is disposed between the absorber 40 and the outer sheet 60, and functions as a leak-proof sheet.

[0036]

The second joined portions 81B, which are disposed outward of the contracting portion 84 in the product longitudinal direction, of the joined portion 81 of the leg-side stretch unit 80 are joined to the topsheet 50.

[0037]

Meanwhile, the joined portion 81 of the leg-side stretch unit 80 can employ various structures. For example, the joined portion may be a portion that extends to the front waistline region and the rear waistline region from the crotch portion in the product longitudinal direction and is joined to the topsheet, or may be a portion that

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 is provided outward of the absorbent core 40a in the widthwise direction and is joined to the liquid impermeable backsheet or the outer sheet. The joined portion is adapted to serve as a base end portion for standing-up.

[0038]

Further, the leg-side stretch unit may be a cuff that is disposed inward of the leg-surrounding stretch unit in the product widthwise direction and can stand up, and is not limited to the above-mentioned structure. It goes without saying that the leg-side stretch unit can employ the structure of the leg-side stretch unit well known in the past.

[0039]

Furthermore, a waist-stretchable portion 85, which is stretchable in the product widthwise direction, is provided between the pair of fastening tapes in the product widthwise direction. The waist-stretchable portion 85 allows a portion between the fastening tapes to contract in the widthwise direction.

[0040]

In this embodiment, the waist-stretchable portion 85 is formed of a stretchable sheet. A member, which forms the waist-stretchable portion 85, is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that a member, which is thin as much as possible and has low bending stiffness and a small widthwise reduction ratio, is used as the member forming the waist-stretchable portion 85. When the waist-stretchable portion 85 is made of a material having low bending stiffness, the waist-stretchable portion 85 is easily bent along a body. Accordingly, the waist-stretchable portion 85 can be made to fit the body so that a load is not applied to the wearer's body. Further, when the waist-stretchable portion 85 is made of a material having small widthwise reduction, it is possible to inhibit the disposable diaper from contracting in the product longitudinal direction in a case in which the disposable diaper is stretched in the product widthwise direction, and to inhibit the disposable diaper from being pulled down to the crotch side near the waist of the wearer.

[0041]

In this embodiment, a stretchable film having a basis weight of 20 to 45 g/m2 was used as the waist-stretchable portion 85.

[0042]

After the waist-stretchable portion 85 is stretched to a length 1.5 to 2.5 times the

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 length thereof in an unstretched state (natural state), the waist-stretchable portion 85 is bonded to the outer sheet 60 by a hot-melt adhesive, heating, or the like.

[0043]

In this embodiment, the waist-stretchable portion 85 is disposed between the outer sheet 60 and the backsheet 60a. However, in a structure in which the core wrap 40b extends to the outside of the absorbent core 40a in the product longitudinal direction, the waist-stretchable portion 85 may be disposed between the core wrap 40b and the backsheet 60a or the outer sheet 60. The position of the waist-stretchable portion is not particularly limited, but the waist-stretchable portion is preferably disposed close to the non-skin-facing surface side than the absorber 40. Further, the waist-stretchable portion may be disposed between the side flap 70 and the backsheet 60a or the outer sheet 60 in a region where the absorber is not disposed.

[0044]

Meanwhile, the waist-stretchable portion according to this embodiment has been adapted to be stretchable in the product widthwise direction, but the waist-stretchable portion may be adapted to be stretchable in the product widthwise direction and the product longitudinal direction.

[0045]

The absorbent core 40a of the absorber 40 includes the narrow portion 41 where the length of the absorbent core in the product widthwise direction is shortest and wide portions 42 that are positioned outward of the narrow portion 41 in the product widthwise direction. The wide portions 42 of the absorbent core 40a are provided in a region that extends rearward from a front end edge of the absorbent core 40a and a region that extends forward from a rear end edge of the absorbent core 40a. The narrow portion 41 is disposed between the wide portions 42 that are disposed on the front and rear sides. The length of the wide portion 42 in the product widthwise direction is gradually reduced toward an inner end edge of the wide portion (an outer end edge of the narrow portion) from an outer end edge of the wide portion 42 in the product longitudinal direction. The shape of the absorbent core 40a in a plan view is the shape of an hourglass. Meanwhile, the shape of the absorber 40, which includes not only the absorbent core 40a but also the core wrap 40b, may be the shape of an hourglass. The outer end edge is an outer end in the product longitudinal direction, and the inner end edge is an inner side end in the

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 product longitudinal direction.

[0046]

The absorber 40 of the rear waistline region is provided with a notch 110 as a lowstiffness region of which the basis weight is lower than the basis weight of other portions of the absorber or in which the absorbent core 40a is not present. The notch 110 has a shape of which the length in the product widthwise direction is gradually reduced toward the front waistline region from the middle of the rear end edge of the absorber 40 in the product widthwise direction. More specifically, the notch 110 has the shape of a wedge in a plan view of the disposable diaper. Further, a boundary between the absorbent core 40a and the notch 110 is formed of an arc that is convex toward the middle in the product widthwise direction W. The absorber 40, which is positioned outward of the notch 110 in the product widthwise direction, has a trapezoidal shape that is convex toward the rear end edge.

[0047]

Apart of the notch 110 is disposed so as to overlap the waist-stretchable portion 85 in the plan view of the disposable diaper. Meanwhile, the waist-stretchable portion 85 has been disposed so as to overlap a part of the notch 110 in this embodiment, but the waist-stretchable portion 85 may be disposed so that the entire waist-stretchable portion 85 and the notch 110 overlap each other.

[0048]

Since the notch 110 is formed, the stretching of the waist-stretchable portion 85 is not inhibited and the notch 110 is narrowed and an interval between the absorbers, which are positioned closer to both sides than the notch 110 in the product widthwise direction, is reduced even though the waist-stretchable portion 85 contracts. Accordingly, it is difficult for the absorber 40 to bulge in an unintended shape. Meanwhile, considering the prevention of the leakage of excretions, it is preferable that the notch 110 is narrower than the width wise of the waist-stretchable portion 85.

[0049]

Further, when the absorber 40 is made to contract in the product widthwise direction W by the waist-stretchable portion 85 and the interval between the absorbers, which are positioned closer to both sides than the notch 110 in the product widthwise direction, is reduced, a portion, which is positioned near an end

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 portion of the notch 110 close to the rear waistline region 30, is made to become closer to the middle in the product widthwise direction W than a portion that is positioned near the crotch region 25. Accordingly, since a difference is generated between the length of the contracting portion that is close to the rear waistline region 30 and the length of the contracting portion in the product widthwise direction W that is positioned near the crotch region 25, the rear waistline region 30 stands up.

[0050]

That is, since the disposable diaper 10 includes the waist-stretchable portion 85, which is stretchable in the product widthwise direction W, and the wedge-shaped notch 110, the non-skin surface side of the disposable diaper 10 is easily formed in the shape of a cup, which swells out, when a wearer wears the disposable diaper 10.

[0051]

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the absorbent core 40a is not present in the notch 110 and the waist-stretchable portion 85 is present so as to overlap the notch 110. Accordingly, since the portion, which is positioned near the rear end edge of the absorbent core, is made to become close to the middle in the product widthwise direction W and the rear waistline region 30 more significantly rises, the shape of a cup can be more stably formed.

[0052]

Since the waist-stretchable portion 85 is present beyond the outer edge of the absorbent core 40a in this embodiment, a portion close to the rear end edge of the absorbent core 40a can be positively made to be kept along the wearer's body while the disposable diaper 10 is formed in the shape of a cup. In addition, at least a part of the waist-stretchable portion 85 and the notch 110 are present in regions that extend in the widthwise direction from the pair of fastening tapes 90. Accordingly, even when the disposable diaper 10 is laid down and the disposable diaper 10 is worn about a wearer while the wearer is laid down, the waist-stretchable portion 85 present beyond the outer edge of the absorbent core 40a is not laid down below the wearer's body. Therefore, when the fastening tapes 90 are pulled, the outer edge of the waist-stretchable portion 85 is stretched and it is easy to make a portion, which is positioned closer to the waist side, of the cup-shaped disposable diaper be more reliably kept along the body.

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 [0053]

In this embodiment, the absorbent core 40a, which is outward of the notch 110 in the product widthwise direction, is formed in a shape convex toward the rear waistline region. For this reason, since the non-skin surface side of the disposable diaper 10 is easily formed in the shape of a cup, which swells out, as described above and the area of the surface of the absorbent core 40a is maintained, the leakage of excretions from the rear end edge of the absorbent core 40a can be prevented.

[0054]

In this embodiment, the notch 110 has the shape of a wedge and the boundary between the absorbent core 40a and the notch 110 is the arc that is convex toward the crotch region 25. Meanwhile, the radius of the arc is in the range of 50 mm to 200 mm. For this reason, since the widthwise of the notch 110 in the product widthwise direction W is nonlinearly increased toward the rear end edge, the rear waistline region 30 more significantly rises. Accordingly, the shape of a cup is likely to be more stably formed. In addition, since the boundary between the absorbent core 40a and the notch 110 is the arc that is convex toward the crotch region 25, the rear waistline region 30 is formed in the shape of a rounded cup by the contraction of the notch 110 and is formed in a shape that is likely to be kept along the rounded buttocks of the wearer.

[0055]

Further, since the notch 110 is formed, convex-shaped portions, which face the rear region, are formed at left and right portions of the rear end edge of the absorber 40. Since the shape of the absorber recalls that the buttocks are placed, there is an effect that a user more easily aligns the diaper with a correct position on a wearer.

[0056]

Furthermore, notches 115 (notches 125) are formed at the crotch region 25 of the absorber 40. The notches 115 and the notches 125 are regions in which the absorbent core 40a forming the absorber 40 is not present. In this embodiment, each of the notches 115 and 125 corresponds to a lowstiffness region of which the basis weight of the absorbent core 40a is lower than the basis weight of other portions of the absorbent core 40a. Meanwhile, instead of the formation of the notches 115 and 125, the basis weight of the absorbent core 40a in the regions of the notches 115 and 125 may be adapted to be lower than the basis weight of other portions of the absorbent core 40a.

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 [0057]

Meanwhile, even though the notches 115 and 125 are formed, it is preferable that the absorbent core 40a positioned in the front and rear waistline regions 20 and 30 and the absorbent core 40a positioned in the crotch region 25 are continued to each other, particularly, in the widthwise direction without being separated from each other.

[0058]

Further, edge portions, which are positioned near the front waistline region 20 (the rear waistline region 30), of the notches 115 (the notches 125) are formed in the shape of an arc. The edge portions of the notches 115 (the notches 125) are formed in a shape in which the center of the arc is positioned closer to the rear waistline region 30 (the front waistline region 20) than the edge portions. Due to this shape, the disposable diaper is likely to be more easily and significantly deformed along the roundness of the wearer's body.

[0059]

The bending stiffness in this embodiment is based on a stiffness value that complies with a Taber method (JIS P8125), and is measured by the following method. First, samples (for example, the absorber) of a portion of which the bending stiffness is to be measured are obtained when the disposable diaper is in an unfolded state. Each of the samples of the portion to be measured has dimensions in which the length in the product widthwise direction is 70 mm and the length in the product longitudinal direction is 38 mm. In a case in which stretchable elastic members are included in the samples, the elastic members are removed. Meanwhile, a Taber stiffness tester manufactured by Yasuda Seiki Seisakusho LTD. is used as a tester for measuring a stiffness value. Further, the number of the samples is 10, the stiffness values of the respective samples are measured, and an average of the stiffness values is used as a stiffness value.

[0060]

A measuring procedure is as follows:

(a) The thicknesses (A) of the obtained samples are measured.

(b) After that, the sample is held so as to be in contact with the center of a chuck (lower side) of the tester.

(c) The sum of left and right intervals between the support rollers and the sample is

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 adjusted to (A) x 0.80 (mm).

(d) An auxiliary weight is appropriately selected so that an indicated load gradation is in the range of 15 to 85% of the maximum gradation.

(e) The sample is rotated to both of the left and right, and is stopped at a point where a 15-degree support marked line and the central mark of a pendulum correspond to each other, and the gradation of the tester is read. The left numerical value of the gradation is referred to as (B) and the right numerical value of the gradation is referred to as (C).

[0061]

A stiffness value is obtained from the following equation.

[0062]

Equation: stiffness value (mN · m) = (((B) + (C))/2) x(auxiliary weight coefficient) x 9.81 xlO’² [0063]

Meanwhile, when a widthwise of 38 mm cannot be obtained as the widthwise of a specimen, the widthwise of 38 mm is converted into bending moment.

[0064]

As a stiffness value obtained in this way is increased, bending stiffness becomes high. As the stiffness value is reduced, bending stiffness becomes low.

[0065]

The fastening tapes 90 are mounted on the regions of the side flaps 70 corresponding to the rear waistline region 30. Each fastening tape 90 includes a base material sheet 91 that is connected to the side flap 70 and a hook sheet 92 that is provided with a plurality of engagement hooks (not illustrated) as a plurality of engagement members and is fixed to the base material sheet 91. The hook sheet 92 is a region in which the engagement members are provided, and the above-mentioned waistline retaining unit is a region that extends in the widthwise direction from the hook sheet 92.

[0066]

The hook sheet 92 is fixed, specifically, joined to the base material sheet 91. It is preferable that the joining between the hook sheet 92 and the base material sheet

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 is performed so that the stiffness of the fastening tape 90 does not become higher than necessary. Specifically, it is preferable that the hook sheet 92 and the base material sheet 91 are joined to each other by a hot-melt adhesive intermittently applied in the shape of a spot, the shape of a line, a spiral shape, or the like. Meanwhile, the hook sheet 92 and the base material sheet 91 may be joined to each other by heat sealing or the like.

[0067]

The base material sheet 91 is formed of a sheet of nonwoven fabric or two or more (a plurality ol) sheets of nonwoven fabric that are stacked. Nonwoven fabric, manufactured by a manufacturing method, such as spunbond (SB) or spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS), can be used as the base material sheet 91. The basis weight of the nonwoven fabric, which forms the base material sheet 91, (a total basis weight in the case of a plurality of sheets of nonwoven fabric) is in the range of 30 to 120 g/m2, and is preferably in the range of 40 to 90 g/m2.

[0068]

The target portions 95 are provided on the non-skin-facing surface of the outer sheet 60 of the front waistline region. The target portion 95 is adapted so that the engagement hooks of the fastening tape are caught on the target portion 95, and functions as loops of a locking system that includes hooks and loops. For example, air-through nonwoven fabric can be used as the target portion.

[0069]

For example, fiber nonwoven fabric made of polyolefin thermoplastic plastic synthetic resin fiber or a polyolefin thermoplastic synthetic resin film can be used as the target portion 95. Further, the loops mounted on the target portion can be made of a polyolefin thermoplastic synthetic resin.

[0070]

Further, bulky nonwoven fabric, of which a part is embossed to prevent fluff from being formed on the surface of the nonwoven fabric, may be used as the target portion 95.

[0071]

Furthermore, the outer sheet 60 of the disposable diaper is made of nonwoven fabric, and a design, which shows the mounting position of the fastening tape 90, may also be printed on the non-skin-facing surface of the backsheet 60a or the outer sheet 60,

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 or a sheet having the design may also be disposed on the non-skin-facing side of the backsheet 60a or the outer sheet 60 to form the target portion.

[0072]

The leg-surrounding stretch units 75 are disposed around the leg-surrounding openings 35, which are provided outward of the absorber 40 in the product widthwise direction, and are adapted to be stretchable in the product longitudinal direction L. The leg-surrounding opening 35 and the leg-surrounding stretch unit 75 include a widthwise-direction-inner end region 751 of which the position in the widthwise direction is present on the most inner side in the crotch region. Particularly, in the rear waistline region, the leg-surrounding opening 35 and the leg-surrounding stretch unit 75 extend outward in the product widthwise direction toward the outside in the product longitudinal direction from the crotch region 25. Meanwhile, the widthwise-direction-inner end region 751 of the leg-surrounding stretch unit 75 may be disposed so as to be continuous in the product longitudinal direction, and may not be continuous in the product longitudinal direction. A region of the leg-surrounding opening 35, of which the position in the widthwise direction is present on the most inner side in the crotch region, corresponds to the widthwise-direction-inner end region 751 of the leg-surrounding stretch unit 75 in this embodiment, but does not necessarily need to correspond to the widthwise-direction-inner end region 751.

[0073]

The leg-surrounding stretch unit 75 of this embodiment is formed of a stretchable sheet. For example, a stretchable film that is formed in the shape of a film by using a melted thermoplastic elastomer resin, such as urethane or styrene! stretchable nonwoven fabric that is made of stretchable fiber! a composite sheet in which a non-stretchable sheet, which is partially cut or embrittled, is laminated on the stretchable film or the stretchable nonwoven fabric! and the like can be used as the stretchable sheet.

[0074]

Further, instead of the stretchable sheet, one or a plurality of filamentous or beltTike elastic members, which are made of polyurethane elastic fiber or natural rubber, may be disposed to form the leg-surrounding stretch unit 75.

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 [0075]

The leg-surrounding stretch unit 75 is disposed between the side flap 70 and the outer sheet 60. Alternatively, the leg-surrounding stretch unit 75 is disposed between the backsheet 60a and the side flap 70 in a region that is provided with the backsheet 60a disposed between the absorber 40 and the outer sheet 60.

[0076]

The stretchable sheet forming the leg-surrounding stretch unit 75 has a widthwise preferably in the range of 5 mm (the widthwise in the product widthwise direction W in the natural state of the disposable diaper 10) to 45 mm and more preferably in the range of 12.5 mm to 35 mm in at least the crotch region 25. Since the leg-surrounding stretch unit 75 is substantially kept along the periphery of the leg of the wearer when the widthwise of the stretchable sheet is smaller than 5 mm, a tightening force is not partially concentrated and an effect of reducing a load applied to the skin by an elastic element is not obtained. Since a region kept along the periphery of the leg is too wider than the length of the entire disposable diaper in the product widthwise direction when the widthwise of the stretchable sheet exceeds 45 mm, the stretchable sheet is likely to be rolled or turned over toward the wearer's body.

[0077]

It is preferable that the percentage of elongation of the leg-surrounding stretch unit 75 is in the range of 1.6 to 2.3 times. In this embodiment, the percentage of elongation of the leg-surrounding stretch unit 75 is set in the range of 1.8 to 2.0 times. Meanwhile, the percentage of elongation means the degree of the stretching of the leg-surrounding stretch unit, and is defined as described below.

[0078]

Percentage of elongation = (the length of the leg-surrounding stretch unit in a stretched state) /(the length of the leg-surrounding stretch unit in the natural state) [0079]

Meanwhile, in this specification, the percentage of elongation is measured, for example, as described below.

[0080]

First, in a case in which the disposable diaper 10 is enclosed within a package or the

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 like, the disposable diaper 10 is taken out from the package. After that, a region in which the leg-surrounding stretch unit is disposed is cut. At this time, the outer sheet joined to the leg-surrounding stretch unit is also cut. The percentages of elongation of samples of the cut leg-surrounding stretch unit are measured to measure the percentage of elongation of the leg-surrounding stretch unit.

[0081]

Each sample is left under an atmosphere, which has a temperature of 20°C±2°C and a relative humidity of 60%±5%RH, for 60 minutes, and the length of the leg-surrounding stretch unit in the stretching direction is measured. This length is referred to as the length of the leg-surrounding stretch unit in the natural state. [0082]

Second, the length of a desired region in such a state (that is, the natural state) in the stretching direction and the length of the desired region in the stretching direction, which is obtained when each sample is stretched up to a state in which wrinkles formed by the elastic members cannot be visually confirmed on a non-stretchable sheet from the natural state, are measured. This length is referred to as the length of the leg-surrounding stretch unit in the stretched state. [0083]

The percentage of elongation is measured through the calculation that is performed from the above-mentioned equation using these measurement results.

[0084]

Further, an interval between the inner side ends of the pair of left and right leg-surrounding stretch units 75 in the product widthwise direction W is increased toward the front waistline region 20 from the crotch region 25 and is increased toward the rear waistline region 30 from the crotch region 25. Since the leg-surrounding stretch units are disposed in a shape in which an interval between the inner side ends of the pair of leg-surrounding stretch units is small in the crotch portion and is increased toward the front and rear waistlines, the leg-surrounding stretch units can be made to be kept along the line of the body in a case in which the diaper is worn about the wearer's body. Accordingly, the leg-surrounding stretch units are suitably stretched and disposed on the peripheries of the legs of the wearer.

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 [0085]

Furthermore, the interval (DI in Fig. 1) between the front end edges of the pair of left and right leg-surrounding stretch units 75 is smaller than an interval (D2 in Fig. 1) between the rear end edges of the pair of left and right leg-surrounding stretch units 75. Meanwhile, the interval is obtained by measuring a distance between the inner side edges of the pair of left and right leg-surrounding stretch units 75 in the product widthwise direction W after the disposable diaper 10 is stretched in the product longitudinal direction L and the product widthwise direction W up to a state in which wrinkles are not formed from the natural state and is held.

[0086]

The elongation of the skin surface of the wearer's body is particularly large in the buttocks, and is significant at positions close to the outside in the widthwise direction. Further, the leg-surrounding stretch units 75 are in close contact with the wearer's body. Then, when D2 is set to be larger than DI, the leg-surrounding stretch units 75 close to the buttocks can be elongated while being in close contact with the wearer's body even though the motion of the wearer is applied to the disposable diaper 10. Accordingly, even though the variation of elongation is large, the leg-surrounding stretch units 75 are not tightened. Therefore, the deviation of the disposable diaper 10 caused by the leg-surrounding stretch units 75 can be inhibited.

[0087]

Further, an interval between both legs of the wearer is smallest in the crotch region and is increased toward the front side or the back side from the crotch region. Since the leg-surrounding openings and the leg-surrounding stretch units 75 have a shape extending from the crotch region to the outside in the longitudinal direction and the outside in the widthwise direction, the leg-surrounding openings and the leg-surrounding stretch units 75 can be disposed along the peripheries of the legs of the wearer. For this reason, local stress concentration can be inhibited. Accordingly, since the leg-surrounding openings and the leg-surrounding stretch units 75 can be in close contact with the wearer at a relative low percentage of elongation, a load applied to the skin can be reduced.

[0088]

The leg-surrounding stretch units 75 are adapted to bend the disposable diaper along the peripheries of the legs of the wearer and to contract. The outer end edges

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 of the leg-surrounding stretch units 75 (the outer ends of the leg-surrounding stretch units 75 in the longitudinal direction) are disposed so as to spread out in the widthwise direction and are disposed near the waistline retaining unit. Accordingly, the outer end edges of the leg-surrounding stretch units 75 (the outer ends of the leg-surrounding stretch units 75 in the product longitudinal direction) act to contract in the widthwise direction together with the waistline retaining unit. [0089]

Crotch stretch units 130 are disposed outward of the absorbent core 40a in the product widthwise direction and are disposed inward of the leg-surrounding stretch units 75 in the product widthwise direction. Each of the crotch stretch units 130 includes a first crotch stretch unit 131 and a second crotch stretch unit 132 that are disposed on the left and right sides. The second crotch stretch unit 132 is positioned outward of the first crotch stretch unit 131 in the product widthwise direction. The first crotch stretch unit 131 and the second crotch stretch unit 132 are disposed so as not to overlap the absorbent core in the thickness direction of the disposable diaper. The crotch stretch unit 130 is formed of a plurality of filamentous elastic members. The crotch stretch units 130 are disposed between the topsheet 50 and the backsheet 60a. Meanwhile, the crotch stretch units 130 may be disposed between the outer sheet 60 and the backsheet 60a.

[0090]

The length of the second crotch stretch unit 132 in the product longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the first crotch stretch unit 131 in the product longitudinal direction. Meanwhile, as a modification, the length of the second crotch stretch unit 132 in the product longitudinal direction may be equal to the length of the first crotch stretch unit 131 in the product longitudinal direction. Further, the length of the crotch stretch unit 130 in the product longitudinal direction is shorter than the length of the leg-surrounding stretch unit 75 in the product longitudinal direction.

[0091]

Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a structure in which the stretchable portions, such as the crotch stretch units 130 or the leg-surrounding stretch units 75, have the same length is a structure in which a difference in effective length (the length of a portion where the stretchable portion and the other member forming the disposable diaper are bonded to each other by an adhesive) is 10% or less.

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 [0092]

The crotch stretch units 130 are disposed close to the front waistline region in the product longitudinal direction. In other words, the middle of the crotch stretch unit 130 in the product longitudinal direction is positioned closer to the front than the middle of the disposable diaper in the product longitudinal direction.

[0093]

In the stretched state of the disposable diaper, at least a part of the crotch stretch unit 130 is positioned between the outer edge of the wide portion and the outer edge of the narrow portion in the product widthwise direction. At least a part of the crotch stretch unit 130 means one of the first crotch stretch unit 131 and the second crotch stretch unit 132 or a part of the first crotch stretch unit 131 (the second crotch stretch unit 132).

[0094]

Accordingly, in this embodiment, both the first crotch stretch unit 131 and the second crotch stretch unit 132 are positioned between the outer edge of the wide portion and the outer edge of the narrow portion in the product widthwise direction. However, the disposable diaper according to the invention is not limited to the structure. At least one of the first crotch stretch unit 131 and the second crotch stretch unit 132 may be positioned between the outer edge of the wide portion and the outer edge of the narrow portion in the product widthwise direction. Alternatively, a part of the first crotch stretch unit 131 or a part of the second crotch stretch unit 132 may be partially positioned between the side edge of the wide portion and the side edge of the narrow portion.

[0095]

The first crotch stretch unit 131 is disposed along the narrow portion of the absorbent core. The first crotch stretch unit is positioned inward of a line FL1, which passes through the middle of the wide portion in the product widthwise direction and extends in the product longitudinal direction, in the product widthwise direction. The middle of the wide portion in the product widthwise direction is the middle between the outer edge of the wide portion and the outer edge of the wide portion.

[0096]

It is preferable that the percentage of elongation of the crotch stretch unit 130 is in

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 the range of 1.2 to 2.5 times. In this embodiment, the percentage of elongation of the crotch stretch unit 130 is set in the range of 1.3 to 1.9 times. Meanwhile, the percentage of elongation means the degree of the stretching of the crotch stretch unit 130, and can be defined as with the percentage of elongation of the leg-surrounding stretch unit. When the percentage of elongation of the crotch stretch unit 130 is higher than 2.5 times, the crotch stretch unit excessively contracts and the absorbent core is separated from the body at the crotch portion. On the other hand, the percentage of elongation of the crotch stretch unit 130 is lower than 1.2 times, the absorbent core cannot be lifted up so that the absorbent core is close to the body.

[0097]

Next, a state in which a wearer wears the disposable diaper having this structure will be described. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the disposable diaper that is worn about a wearer. The cross-sectional view illustrated in Fig. 4 illustrates a state in which a wearer wears the disposable diaper in the cross-section taken along line Fl-Fl of Fig. 1.

[0098]

Generally, since the crotch region 25 of the disposable diaper 10 hangs down when a wearer wears the disposable diaper, the crotch region 25 is likely to be separated from the wearer's body. However, in the disposable diaper 10 according to this embodiment, the absorbent core 40a can be lifted up to the crotch side of a wearer by the contraction of the crotch stretch units 130 as illustrated in Fig. 4. Accordingly, the separation between the disposable diaper and the wearer's body can be inhibited. Since the absorbent core 40a continues to be lifted up to the crotch side of the wearer by the crotch stretch units 130, the separation of the absorbent core 40a from a wearer can be inhibited even when the weight of body fluid is applied to the absorbent core 40a. Accordingly, absorption performance can be ensured even after excretion.

[0099]

Further, the waistline retaining unit is a portion that holds the disposable diaper on the waistline of a wearer, and is in close contact with the wearer's body. When the waistline retaining unit overlaps the crotch stretch units 130, the absorbent core 40a is made to be in close contact with not only the crotch of a wearer but also the waistline of the wearer by the contraction of the crotch stretch units 130 and the

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 waistline retaining unit. Accordingly, since the absorbent core 40a having absorbed body fluid is in close contact with the crotch and the waistline of the wearer after excretion, there is a concern that discomfort may occur due to stuffiness.

[0100]

However, since the crotch stretch units 130 are positioned inward of the waistline retaining unit in the product longitudinal direction in the stretched state of the disposable diaper, the waistline retaining unit and the crotch stretch unit 130 can be made to separately function. That is, the disposable diaper is made to be in close contact with the waistline of the wearer by the waistline retaining unit, and the absorbent core of the crotch region can be lifted up to the crotch side of the wearer by the crotch stretch units 130. Accordingly, it is possible to maintain comfort after excretion while ensuring absorption performance after excretion.

[0101]

Further, since the notches 115 and 125 are disposed in regions that extend in the product widthwise direction from the crotch stretch units 130, a lifting effect caused by the crotch stretch units 130 is further obtained. Furthermore, the absorbent core is partially bent by the crotch stretch units 130 in a state in which the disposable diaper is worn about a wearer. Since the absorbent core is formed, a method of bending the absorbent core becomes smooth. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce an uncomfortable feeling when the wearer wears the disposable diaper.

[0102]

In the stretched state of the disposable diaper, the crotch stretch units 130 are positioned inward of the line, which passes through the middle of the wide portion in the product widthwise direction and extends in the product longitudinal direction, in the product widthwise direction. A region positioned inward of the line, which passes through the middle of the wide portion in the product widthwise direction and extends in the product longitudinal direction, in the product widthwise direction is a portion where the widthwise of the absorbent core is relatively short, and is a portion that comes into contact with the crotch of the wearer. When the crotch stretch units 130 are disposed at the portion, it is possible to lift up the absorbent core of a portion, which comes into contact with the crotch of the wearer.

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 [0103]

In the stretched state of the disposable diaper, the length of the crotch stretch unit in the product longitudinal direction is shorter than the length of the leg-surrounding stretch unit in the product longitudinal direction. The leg-surrounding stretch units 75 are disposed so as to cover the peripheries of the legs of the wearer, and dispose the disposable diaper so as to be kept along the entire peripheries of the legs of the wearer. In contrast, the crotch stretch units 130 dispose only a portion, which is disposed on the crotch of the wearer, of the absorbent core along the wearer's body. For example, when the length of the crotch stretch unit 130 in the product longitudinal direction is the same as the length of the leg-surrounding stretch unit 75 in the product longitudinal direction, the entire absorbent core are in close contact with the wearer's body. For this reason, there is a concern that discomfort caused by the above-mentioned stuffiness or the like may occur. However, since the length of the crotch stretch unit 130 in the product longitudinal direction is shorter than the length of the leg-surrounding stretch unit in the product longitudinal direction, only a necessary portion of the absorbent core can be disposed along the wearer's body. Accordingly, discomfort, such as stuffiness, can be inhibited.

[0104]

The first crotch stretch unit is positioned inward of the line, which passes through the middle of the wide portion in the product widthwise direction and extends in the product longitudinal direction, in the product widthwise direction, and the second crotch stretch unit is positioned inward of the line, which passes through the middle of the wide portion in the product widthwise direction and extends in the product longitudinal direction, in the product widthwise direction. In the stretched state of the disposable diaper, the length of the second crotch stretch unit 132 in the product longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the first crotch stretch unit 131 in the product longitudinal direction. The side edge portion of the absorber is positioned closer to the outside in the product longitudinal direction toward the outside in the widthwise direction. According to this structure, the change of the shape of the side edge portion of the absorber corresponds to the change of the length of the crotch stretch unit in the longitudinal direction, and an effect of lifting the absorbent core up becomes significant.

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 [0105]

In the stretched state of the disposable diaper, the crotch stretch units 130 are disposed close to the front waistline region in the product longitudinal direction. Generally, the buttocks protrude more than an abdominal region in an infant's body. Since the crotch stretch units 130 are close to the front waistline region, a portion that is lifted up to the wearer by the crotch stretch units 130 can be aligned with the crotch portion of the wearer. For this reason, the disposable diaper can be disposed so as to be aligned with the wearer's body in a balanced manner.

[0106]

In the stretched state of the disposable diaper, the crotch stretch units 130 do not overlap the absorbent core in the thickness direction of the disposable diaper. For example, if the crotch stretch units 130 overlap the absorbent core, front and rear absorbent cores, of which the stiffness is higher than the stiffness of nonwoven fabric, approach each other. For this reason, since the absorbent core is closed in the crotch region, the absorbent core is not deformed to be close to the body and there is a case in which the absorbent core protrudes. However, when the crotch stretch units 130 and the absorbent core are disposed so as not to overlap each other, it is difficult for the absorbent core to be excessively bent. Accordingly, it is easy to achieve a state in which the absorbent core is lifted up to the body and is close to the body.

[0107]

Next, a disposable diaper according to a modification will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Meanwhile, in the description of the modification, the same components as the components of the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. Fig. 5 is a developed plan view of the disposable diaper according to the modification. Each of crotch stretch units 130, which are disposed on the left and right sides, of a disposable diaper 10A according to the modification includes three crotch stretch units.

[0108]

Each of the crotch stretch units 130 includes a first crotch stretch unit 131 that is positioned outside an absorbent core in a product widthwise direction, a second crotch stretch unit 132 that is positioned outward of the first crotch stretch unit 131 in the product widthwise direction, and a third crotch stretch unit 133 that is

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 positioned inward of the first crotch stretch unit 131 in the product widthwise direction.

[0109]

The first crotch stretch unit 131 and the second crotch stretch unit 132 do not overlap the absorbent core in a thickness direction of the disposable diaper. On the other hand, the third crotch stretch unit 133 overlaps the absorbent core in the thickness direction of the disposable diaper.

[0110]

The length of the first crotch stretch unit 131 in a product longitudinal direction, the length of the second crotch stretch unit 132 in the product longitudinal direction, and the length of the third crotch stretch unit 133 in the product longitudinal direction are equal to each other.

[0111]

Among the plurality of crotch stretch units, the third crotch stretch unit 133 is adapted to overlap the absorbent core in the thickness direction of the disposable diaper. According to this structure, the absorbent core can be more effectively lifted up by the third crotch stretch unit 133 that overlaps the absorbent core.

[0112]

It goes without saying that the invention includes various embodiments and the like not described here. Accordingly, the technical scope of the invention is defined by only specific matters of the invention according to claims that are appropriate from the above descriptions.

[0113]

Meanwhile, the entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2014Ό82582, filed April 14, 2014 is incorporated in this specification by reference.

[Industrial Applicability] [0114]

According to the invention, it is possible to provide a disposable diaper that can maintain comfort after excretion while ensuring absorption performance after excretion.

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 [0115]

A reference herein to a matter which is given as prior art is not to be taken as an admission that the matter was known or that the information it contains was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims.

[0116]

Where the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprised” or “comprising” are used in this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or group thereto.

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 [Explanation of Numerals] [0117]

20: front waistline region

25: crotch region

30: rear waistline region

35: leg-surrounding opening

40: absorber

40a: absorbent core

40b: core wrap

41: narrow portion

42: wide portion

50: topsheet

60: outer sheet

60a’· backsheet

70: side flap

71: side elastic member

75: leg-surrounding stretch unit

751: widthwise-direction-inner end region

80: leg-side stretch unit

81: joined portion

81A: first joined portion

81B: second joined portion

84: contracting portion

85: waist-stretchable portion

90: fastening tape

91: base material sheet

92: hook sheet

2015248261 08 Nov 2016

95: target portion

110: notch

130: crotch stretch unit

131: first crotch stretch unit

132: second crotch stretch unit

133: third crotch stretch unit

L: product longitudinal direction

W: product widthwise direction

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A disposable diaper comprising:

a front waistline region!

a rear waistline region!

a crotch region that is positioned between the front waistline region and the rear waistline region!

a product longitudinal direction that is from the front waistline region to the rear waistline region!

a product widthwise direction that is orthogonal to the product longitudinal direction!

a pair of leg-surrounding openings!

an absorbent core that is provided over the crotch region and extends toward at least one of the front waistline region and the rear waistline region!

a waistline retaining unit that extends in the product widthwise direction in the front waistline region and the rear waistline region and holds the disposable diaper on a wearer's body! and a pair of leg-surrounding stretch units that are disposed along the leg-surrounding openings, wherein a crotch stretch unit, which is stretchable in the product longitudinal direction, is disposed inward of the leg-surrounding stretch units in the product widthwise direction, the absorbent core includes a narrow portion where the length of the absorbent core in the product widthwise direction is shortest and a wide portion that is positioned outward of the narrow portion in the product widthwise direction, the crotch stretch unit and the narrow portion are positioned inward of the waistline retaining unit in the product longitudinal direction, at least a part of the crotch stretch unit is positioned between an outer edge of the wide portion and an outer edge of the narrow portion in the product widthwise direction, wherein the crotch stretch unit includes a first crotch stretch unit and a second crotch stretch unit that is positioned outward of the first crotch stretch unit in the product widthwise direction, the first crotch stretch unit is positioned inward of a line, which passes through the middle of the wide portion in the product widthwise direction and extends in the product longitudinal direction, in the product widthwise direction,

2015248261 08 Nov 2016 the second crotch stretch unit is positioned between the outer edge of the wide portion and the outer edge of the narrow portion in the product widthwise direction.
2. A disposable diaper comprising:

a front waistline region!

a rear waistline region!

a crotch region that is positioned between the front waistline region and the rear waistline region!

a product longitudinal direction that is from the front waistline region to the rear waistline region!

a product widthwise direction that is orthogonal to the product longitudinal direction!

a pair of leg surrounding openings!

an absorbent core that is provided over the crotch region and extends toward at least one of the front waistline region and the rear waistline region!

a waistline retaining unit that extends in the product widthwise direction in the front waistline region and the rear waistline region and holds the disposable diaper on a wearer's body! and a pair of leg surrounding stretch units that are disposed along the leg surrounding openings, wherein a crotch stretch unit, which is stretchable in the product longitudinal direction, is disposed inward of the leg surrounding stretch units in the product widthwise direction, the absorbent core includes a narrow portion where the length of the absorbent core in the product widthwise direction is shortest and a wide portion that is positioned outward of the narrow portion in the product widthwise direction, the crotch stretch unit and the narrow portion are positioned inward of the waistline retaining unit in the product longitudinal direction, at least a part of the crotch stretch unit is positioned between an outer edge of the wide portion and an outer edge of the narrow portion in the product widthwise direction, and wherein the crotch stretch unit is disposed closer to the front waistline region in the product longitudinal direction.
3. The disposable diaper according to claim 2, wherein the crotch stretch unit is positioned inward of a line, which passes through a middle of the wide portion in the product widthwise direction and extends in the product longitudinal direction, in the product widthwise direction.

2015248261 08 Nov 2016
4. The disposable diaper according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the length of the crotch stretch unit in the product longitudinal direction is shorter than the length of the leg-surrounding stretch unit in the product longitudinal direction.
5. The disposable diaper according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the crotch stretch unit does not overlap the absorbent core in a thickness direction of the disposable diaper.
6. The disposable diaper according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a plurality of the crotch stretch units are provided, and some crotch stretch units of the plurality of crotch stretch units overlap the absorbent core in the thickness direction of the disposable diaper, and the other crotch stretch units of the plurality of crotch stretch units do not overlap the absorbent core in the thickness direction of the disposable diaper.