WO2012105464A1

WO2012105464A1 - Absorbent article

Info

Publication number: WO2012105464A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/051909
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yusuke Kawakami; Nobuhiro Tagawa; Shoshi Kosaka
Original assignee: Unicharm Corporation
Priority date: 2011-02-01
Filing date: 2012-01-24
Publication date: 2012-08-09
Also published as: WO2012105463A1

Abstract

In an absorbent article with wings fixed to a crotch portion of an undergarment, such as an incontinence pad or a sanitary napkin, wings shaped so as to allow for stable fixation to the undergarment is provided. A portion having a largest wing longitudinal length is distant from each side edge of an absorbent main body. When L_minrepresents a wing longitudinal length of a portion having a smallest wing longitudinal length between the portion having the largest wing longitudinal length and the side edge of the absorbent main body, a portion having a wing longitudinal length that is 1.00 to 1.05 times as long as L_min extends for 10 to 90% of a transverse length T_max of a portion having a largest wing transverse length between the portion having the largest wing longitudinal length and the side edge of the absorbent main body. The wing longitudinal length at the side edge of the absorbent main body is larger than or equal to L_min.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Title of Invention

ABSORBENT ARTICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an absorbent article. BACKGROUND ART

Absorbent articles, such as incontinence pads, sanitary napkins, and panty liners, include for example absorbent articles with wings extending at both side edges of an absorbent main body and adapted to be folded back onto an outer surface side of an undergarment. For example, Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 7- 112481 discloses trapezoidal and rectangular wings.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-192262 discloses wings having a roughly reversed trapezoidal shape.

Regarding wings having trapezoidal shapes as disclosed in Japanese Examined Patent Publication No.- 7- 112481, there has been a problem in which, although the absorbent article is produced in a flat design, when in use, the article tends to bend along an axis of a three- dimensional coordinate system formed by a centerline in a longitudinal direction of the article, a centerline in a transverse direction thereof, and a line perpendicular to both of the centerlines. Thus, in an attempt to solve the problem, as a method for reducing the deformation,

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-192262 employs wings having a shape almost reverse to those of Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 7-112481, (a shape whose width constantly increases as it proceeds from its proximal end to its distal end) .

SUMMARY OF INVENTION TECHNICAL PROBLEM

The inventor (s) has recognized the following points. However, in the example of Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-192262, a dimension of the wing in a longitudinal direction of the article increases

continuously from the proximal end toward the distal end. Thus, upon detachment of the wings of the absorbent article from the undergarment, due to the shape as described above, a force is intensively applied to the roots of the wings (the boundary line between the wings and the absorbent main body, especially at both ends of the boundary line) which might result in tearing or detachment of the wings from the absorbent main body.

Additionally, upon attachment of the absorbent article to an undergarment, due to variations in the width of the crotch portion of different items of

undergarment, if the undergarment's width is larger than that of the absorbent main body, the undergarment may also be folded back when folding starts from the roots of the wings, thereby causing discomfort. Further, it might be difficult to fold the wings at a position other than the roots of the wings according to the width of the crotch portion of the undergarment. SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

An absorbent article in accordance with some

embodiments comprises an absorbent main body and a pair of wings extending from both side edges of the absorbent main body. The absorbent main body comprises a fluid- permeable top sheet, a fluid-impermeable back sheet, and a fluid-retaining absorber interposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. Each of the wings has a wing longitudinal length in a longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body, and a wing transverse length in a transverse direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body. In each of the wings, a portion having a largest wing longitudinal length L_max is distant from the respective side edge of the absorbent main body. Further, a portion having a smallest wing longitudinal length L_min is located between the portion having the largest wing longitudinal length Lmax and the respective side edge of the absorbent main body. In addition, a portion having a wing longitudinal length that is 1.00 to 1.05 times as long as L_mn is present by 10 to 90% of a largest wing transverse length Tmax between an outermost side edge of the wing and the respective side edge of the absorbent main body.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

An absorbent article according to the present invention is easily attached to undergarments having different, crotch widths, and tearing at roots of the wings does not easily occur.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a partially cut-away plan view of an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the absorbent article of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a partially cut-away plan view of an absorbent article according to another embodiment, of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged plan view showing the shape of a wing of an absorbent article according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged plan view showing an example of a fixing adhesive portion provided on the wing.

Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 2 and showing an absorbent article according to another embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present

invention will be described with reference to the

drawings, but the invention is not limited to the

embodiments illustrated in the drawings and/or details specifically described below.

Fig. 1 is a partially cut-away plan view of an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the absorbent article of Fig. 1. An absorbent article 1 comprises an absorbent main body 5 and a pair of wings 7, 7 extending from both side edges 6, 6 of the absorbent main body. The absorbent main body 5 comprises a fluid-permeable top sheet 2, a fluid-impermeable back sheet 3, and a fluid-retaining absorber 4 interposed between the top sheet and the back sheet.

Each of the wings 7 has a wing longitudinal length L in. a longitudinal direction Y of the absorbent main body 5 and a wing transverse length T in a transverse

direction X of the absorbent main body 5 which is

orthogonal to the longitudinal direction Y. A portion having the largest wing longitudinal length L_max is distant from the respective side edge 6 of the absorbent main body 5. In other words, in the shape of the wing 7, a root of the wing 7 (a portion near the side edge of the absorbent main body) is constricted (narrowed) .

To stably fix an absorbent article to an

undergarment, increasing the size of the wing fixed by folding it back onto the outside of the undergarment is preferable. However, when a longitudinal length at the root of the wing is increased together with an increase in the largest longitudinal length of the wing, the root shape may not fit to the curve of a crotch portion of the undergarment, resulting in unstable fixation. Thus, in each wing, although the portion wrapping around the outside of the crotch portion of the undergarment and fixed thereto by means of an adhesive agent is preferably larger, the folded and bent portion is preferably

narrower. This observation is particularly noticeable in mild incontinence pads often used for longer hours compared to sanitary napkins.

Herein, L_min represents the wing longitudinal length of the portion of the wing having the smallest wing longitudinal length and located between the portion having the largest wing longitudinal length L_max and the

respective side edge of the absorbent main body.

Tmax represents the largest (or entire) wing

transverse length of the wing between the outermost side edge of the wing and the respective side edge of the absorbent main body.

A portion having a wing longitudinal length that is 1.00 to 1.05 times as long as Lmin extends for 10 to 90% of the largest wing transverse length T_max. In other words, "the portion having the wing longitudinal length that is 1.00 to 1.05 times as long as ^' Lmin" refers to a portion of Lmi_n plus a portion where a wing longitudinal length deviation from L_mi_n is within 5%, and is

hereinafter represented by Pmin- That is, Pmi_n is present not at a, single point but throughout the range of 10 to 90% of T_max.

When wrapping the wings around the outside of the crotch portion of the undergarment to fix the wings to the outside of the undergarment, the wings tend to bend at the portion of P_mi_n. Accordingly, in the case of. a shape in which the wing longitudinal length increases uniformly from the root 8 of the wing (i.e., the portion of L_min s present only at a single point at the wing root) , when the width of the crotch portion of the

undergarment is larger than the width of the absorbent main body, the wings are folded at a point other than at the portion of L_min, or are folded at the portion of Lmin but causing furrows to be formed on the crotch portion of the undergarment in order to narrow the width of the crotch portion. In either case, stable fixation is difficult to obtain. In absorbent article 1, the portion of Pmin is present not only at a single point but

throughout the specified range. Thus, even if the width of the crotch portion of the undergarment is slightly larger than the width of the absorbent main body 5, the wings can be folded at Pmin, allowing for stable fixation. In other words, since the folding position can be made at a point other than the side edge of the absorbent main body, the position for folding the wings is easily fitted to the crotch width of the undergarment. This can reduce discomfort, such as folding back of the crotch portion of the undergarment during use.

A length t_min in the transverse direction X of P_mi_n is

10 to 90% of T_max, and more preferably, 30 to 60% of T_max. If the length t_min in the transverse direction X of P_mi_n is too small, conformability to variations in the width of the crotch portion of the undergarment decreases.

Conversely, if the ratio of t_{m n} is too large, the area of the portion wrapping around the outside of the crotch portion of the undergarment for fixing the undergarment decreases. The length tmi_n in the transverse direction X of Pmin is, as a specific example, preferably 5 to 20 mm, although it depends on the size of the entire absorbent article .

In addition, an angle Θ is formed by a tangential line 12 of the outline 9 of each wing with the respective side edge of the absorbent main body at the intersection

11 between the outline 9 of the wing and the side edge 6 of the absorbent main body and the side edge 6 of the absorbent main body, and the angle Θ appears inside the wing. Preferably, the angle Θ is 90° or smaller, more preferably 10° to 80°, still more preferably 20° to 70°. In the case of a reversed isosceles trapezoid in which the wing longitudinal length increases uniformly from the this case, force is intensively applied to both ends 11 of the root 8 of the wing 7 (the intersection between the outline 9 of the wing and the side edge 6 of the

absorbent main body) . Tearing is likely to start from the points 11. By setting the angle Θ to 90° or smaller, tearing of the wings 7 from the absorbent main body 5 can mostly be prevented or at least less likely to occur. Additionally, when pulling the pair of wings to the right and left upon wearing, a force is not imposed on one spot but can be distributed. This makes it unnecessary to use a high basis weight material and/or perform any

laminating processing for only ensuring strength. As a result, a low basis weight material can be selected.

Selecting a low basis weight material allows the wings to be easily folded and thereby achieve improved feeling when wearing.

Preferably,, a portion P_max having a wing longitudinal length that is 0.9 to 1.0 times as long as the largest wing longitudinal length L_max extends for 30 to 80% of T_max. That is, preferably, the length t_max in the

transverse direction X of P_max is 30 to 80% of T_max.

Preferably, in order to obtain stable fixation, the area of the portion wrapping around the outside of the crotch portion of the undergarment to be fixed thereto is large. More preferably, t_max is 50 to 70% of T_max. If t_max is too small, the area of the portion wrapping around the outside of the crotch portion of the undergarment to be fixed thereto decreases. Conversely, if the ratio of t_max is too large, tmi_n becomes small, which reduces

conformability to variations in the width of the crotch portion of the undergarment. As a specific example, t_max is preferably 10 to 20 mm, although it depends on the size of the entire absorbent article. The sum of t_max and tmin is preferably smaller than or equal to T_max.

Preferably, Lmin is 40 to 90% of L_max, and more preferably 50 to 80% of L_max. If Lmin is too small, strength of the portion having the wing longitudinal length of L_mi_n becomes insufficient, whereas if L_min is too large, the length does not fit to the curve of the crotch portion of the undergarment. As a specific example, L_min is preferably 30 to 70 mm, and more preferably, 40 to.60 mm, although it depends on the size of. the entire

absorbent article.

Preferably, the outline of the wing does not have any break point, except for the intersections 11 between the outline 9 of the wing and the respective side edge 6 of the absorbent main body. Herein, the break point refers to a point where the outline discontinuously changes its direction. That is, the corners of the outline of the wing are rounded and do not have any apex. If there is any angular portion, the skin of the user may come in contact with the angular portion during use, which may result in discomfort. Thus, rounding off the corners can contribute to reducing discomfort.

Additionally, since tearing is more likely to start from an apex (a break point) having an interior angle larger than 180°, preferably, such an apex is not formed.

Furthermore, upon wearing, a force imposed when pulling the pair of wings to the right and left can be

distributed rather than being concentrated on a point or two, whereby tearing can mostly be prevented or is at least less likely to occur.

The wings 7 may be formed by transversely extending the top sheet 2 and/or the back sheet 3 used in the absorbent main body 5, by using a separate member other than the members forming the absorbent main body 5, or by using a member that is formed in one piece with a member forming the absorbent main body 5. For example, a shape including both the back sheet 3 and the wings 7 may be cut out from a single sheet to form a single member in which the back sheet 3 and the wings 7 are integrally continued. Alternatively, a shape including both the top sheet 2 and the wings 7 may be cut out from a single sheet to form a single member in which the top sheet 2 and the wings 7 are integrally continued. On both sides of the top sheet 2 separate side sheets (not shown) may be provided, and the side sheets and the back sheet 3 may be transversely extended and integrated to form the wings 7. When the wings 7 and the absorbent main body 5 are formed from separate members, it is preferable to combine them such that fiber alignments of the members intersect each other. In the case of the wings 7 made of a

nonwoven fabric, by attaching the wings 7 such that a fiber alignment direction of the nonwoven fabric is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body, strength of the wing in the transverse

direction can be increased, which allows the wings to not be easily torn off the absorbent main body. Fig. 1 shows an absorbent article produced by adhering together the absorbent main body 5 and the wings 7 formed from

separate members. Fig. 4 shows an absorbent article of an embodiment in which the wings 7 are formed from a sheet in which the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 3 are transversely extended and integrated together.

Herein, the term "fiber alignment" means a fiber orientation direction as viewed on a nonwoven fabric surface. Regarding a nonwoven fabric, the expression "fiber alignment is in a specific direction" means that fibers that form from 50% to 100% of a total fiber weight of the nonwoven fabric have fiber alignment within a range of -45° to +45° with respect to the specific

direction.

Thus, fiber alignment in the top sheet 2 is in the longitudinal direction Y of the absorbent main body 5 when fibers that form 50% or more of a total fiber weight of the top sheet 2 have fiber alignment within a range of

-45° to +45° with respect to the longitudinal direction Y of the absorbent main body 5. Likewise, fiber alignment in the wings 7 is in the transverse direction X of the absorbent main body 5 when fibers that form 50% or more of a total fiber weight of the wings 7 have fiber alignment within a range of -45° to +45° with^* respect to the transverse direction X of the absorbent main body 5.

As a method for measuring the fiber alignment of a nonwoven fabric, a commonly used measurement method can be used. For example, there can be exemplified a

measurement method equivalent to a fiber alignment property test method based on zero-span tensile strength in the TAPPI Standard₍ T481. Additionally, as a quick and easy method, the fiber alignment may be measured using a tensile strength ratio (MD/CD) of a nonwoven fabric between a production line direction (MD - machine

direction) of the nonwoven fabric and an orthogonal direction (CD - cross direction) thereof. As specific procedures of the quick and easy measurement method, with an autograph testing machine (AGS-G100N) manufactured by SHIMADZU Corporation, test pieces having a length of 200 mm and a width of 50 mm are subjected to . testing under conditions with a cross-head speed of 500 mm/min and an inter-chuck distance of 150 mm to obtain tensile strength from a maximum load under tension and also calculate a degree of elongation from elongation at the maximum load. When the tensile ^"strength ratio (MD/CD) is larger than 1, the nonwoven fabric has fiber alignment in the MD

direction. When the tensile strength ratio (MD/CD) equals 1, the nonwoven fabric has no fiber alignment.

A nonwoven fabric is produced by forming fibers into a sheet form to obtain a web and bonding or entangling the fibers within the web to form the non-woven fabric, with or without further finishing processes. When producing nonwoven fabric in an industrial scale, a continuous production apparatus is used to produce a long nonwoven fabric sheet. In jthat case, unless specially treated, fibers forming the nonwoven fabric tend to be aligned in the longitudinal direction of the long sheet, namely, the machine direction or production line

direction MD in which the web or the sheet proceeds in the production apparatus. Accordingly, ordinary nonwoven fabrics industrially produced as long sheets have better fiber alignment. In some embodiments of the present invention, when the top sheet 2 is cut from a nonwoven fabric having such fiber alignment, cutting is performed such that the fiber alignment in the nonwoven fabric ^; forming the top sheet 2 is in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body 5. On the other hand, when producing the wings 7 from a nonwoven fabric, cutting is performed such that the fiber alignment in the nonwoven fabric forming the wings 7 is in the transverse direction of the absorbent main body 5. This makes the fiber alignment in the top sheet 2 orthogonal to the fiber alignment in the wings 7.

Preferably, the wings 7 are made of a separate member from the absorbent main body 5, and the fiber alignment in the top sheet 2 is in the longitudinal direction Y, whereas the fiber alignment in the wings 7 is in the transverse direction X.

Fluid tends to spread along fiber alignment. Thus, on the absorbent main body side, fluid spreads in the longitudinal direction and can be efficiently absorbed. In addition, since the wings are provided as a separate member, lateral leakage is rarely induced on the top side. As a result, the absorbent main body does not need to have an extra absorbing function and thus can be thinner.

By arranging the fiber alignment of the nonwoven fabric forming the wings to be orthogonal to the

longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body, the strength of the wings against tension upon pulling the wings to the left or right is increased. Therefore, to ensure the strength of the wings, using a high basis weight material for the wing member and lamination of the coating of the wing member, or the like, is not

necessary. In other words, the wing member can be made of a low basis weight material or a highly air-permeable material. As the wing member, a low basis weight member may be selected. Accordingly, upon use of the absorbent

article, the portion of the absorbent article wrapping around the undergarment can be made less stiff and uneven texture can be reduced, allowing for comfortable wearing even for long hours.

Additionally, using a highly air-permeable material for the wing member can also improve the air permeability of a portion where the absorbent main body and the wings overlap each other upon wearing. Thereby, a wet feeling can also be reduced.

Therefore, good absorption efficiency in the

absorbent main body and a good fit feeling of the wings can be both satisfied.

Furthermore, a member forming the absorbent main body has fiber alignment in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body, whereas the wing member has fiber alignment in the transverse direction of the absorbent main body. Accordingly, upon wearing, the wing member reacts against force imposed from the transverse direction at the crotch portion which results in the wings not being easily twisted.

When the wing member is configured as a separate body from the absorbent main body, the bonding strength between the absorbent main body and the wing member is a consideration. Thus, by making the fiber alignment in the nonwoven fabric forming the absorbent main body and bonded to the wings orthogonal to the fiber alignment in the nonwoven fabric forming the wings, a number of intersecting points of respective fibers are increased compared to parallel fiber alignment, thereby increasing the bonding strength. In other words, bonding conditions with orthogonal alignment can be set lower than with parallel alignment. As a result, since conditions for a bonding method (such as a heat seal or an adhesive agent) are mitigated, stiffening of the interface portion between the absorbent main body and the wings is avoidable. Thereby, discomfort at the crotch portion upon wearing is reduced, allowing for comfortable wearing even in long hours of use.

When the top sheet 2 and the wings 7, and/or the back sheet 3 and wings 7 are configured in one piece as exemplarily illustrated in Fig. 4, regarding the side edges 6 of the absorbent main body at portions where the wings 7 are continued to the absorbent main body 5, a line connecting an upper side edge 6a of the absorbent main body and a lower side edge 6b of the absorbent main body present at upper and lower portions where the each wing 7 is not continued to the absorbent main body 5 is regarded as both the side edge 6 of the absorbent main body and the root 8 of the wing.

At the intersection 11 between the outline 9 of the wing and the respective side edge 6 of the absorbent main body, the tangential line 12 of the wing outline may be made coincident with the side edge 6 of the absorbent main body. Particularly, when the wing 7 is made of a member that is one piece with a member forming the absorbent main body 5 (the top sheet 2 and/or the back sheet 3), as shown in Fig. 4, at the intersection 11 between the outline 9 of the wing and the side edge 6 of the absorbent main body, the tangential line 12 of the outline of the wing preferably coincides with the side edge 6 of the absorbent main body. In this case, at both ends 11 of the root 8 of the wing, there is no break point and both ends 11 of the root of the wing are rounded. This can prevent the concentration of force on one spot, allowing the wings to be hardly torn off the absorbent main body.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged plan view showing a wing shape of an absorbent article according to another specific embodiment of the present invention. The shape shown in Fig. 5 is formed by rounding off the corners of a figure obtained from two different-sized rectangles connected by an isosceles trapezoid. Although sizes of respective portions of the shape depend also on an entire size of the absorbent article, Li is preferably 30 to 100 mm, and more preferably 40 to 90 mm. L₂ is preferably 40 to 90% of Li, and more preferably 50 to 80% of Li .

Ti is preferably 5 to 55 mm, and more preferably 20 to 40 mm. T₂ is preferably 10 to 60% of ΊΊ, and more preferably 20 to 50% of ΤΊ. T₃ is preferably 1 to 50% of Ti, and more preferably 5 to 30% of ΤΊ. T₄ is preferably 30 to 80% of Ti, and more preferably 40 to 70% of Ti.

Radius of curvature Ri is preferably 1 to 30 mm, and more preferably 2 to 15 mm. Radius of curvature R₂ is preferably 1 to 30 mm, and more preferably 2 to 15 mm. Radius of curvature R₃ is preferably 1 to 30 mm, and more preferably 2 to 15 mm.

In a specific example of the wing shape as shown in Fig. 5, Li is 80 mm; L₂ is 55 mm; ΊΊ is 32.5 mm; T₂ is 10 mm; T₃ is 7 mm; T₄ is 15.5 mm; Ri is 7.5 mm; R₂ is 7.5 mm; and R₃ is 5 mm.

Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the absorbent article of Fig. 1.

Preferably, on the backside of the absorbent article 1 there is provided a fixing adhesive portion 21 by applying an adhesive agent for fixation to an

undergarment. Preferably, the fixing adhesive portion 21 is provided on both the backside of the absorbent main body 5 and a backside of the each wing 7. The fixing adhesive portion 21 provided on the backside of the absorbent main body 5 may be a single portion or may be split into a plurality of portions. Each fixing adhesive portion 21 provided on the backside of the wing 7 may be a single portion, as shown in Fig. 3, or may be split into a plurality of portions, as shown in Fig. 6. In any case, preferably, at the portion P_max having the wing longitudinal length that is 0.9 to.1.0 times as long as Lmaxi the fixing adhesive portion 21 is provided on the outside Pout in the longitudinal direction of the portion corresponding to L_min or extends for a length longer than Lmin- By providing the fixing adhesive portion 21 also to the outside P_out of the portion

corresponding to L_min, the wings can be fixed to a larger contact area on the undergarment, allowing the wings to be more stably fixed to the undergarment. In addition, since the wings can be fixed to the undergarment over a large contact area, the basis weight of the adhesive agent can be reduced. Furthermore, in particular, the part of the wing outside the portion corresponding to Lmin can be prevented from folding back by providing the fixing adhesive portion 21 also to the outside P_out of the portion corresponding to L_min. This can also prevent discomfort caused due to skin contact with a part folded back during use.

The pair of wings 7, 7 may be a continuous one-piece member or discontinuous separate members. However, preferably, the pair of wings is a continuous one-piece member, namely, a member made of a one-piece material. By using the pair of wings made of a one-piece material, in the production process there can be obtained a product in which the wings on the right and left are hardly displaced from the absorbent main body 5. In addition, although bonding the wings to the main body by only the constricted roots reduces the bonding area, the wings can be bonded thereto throughout the transverse direction, so that, even if one of the wings is pulled, the wing is hardly detached from the main body. Figs. 1 and 2 show an example of a one-piece wing member in which the pair of wings 7, 7 are continued. Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 2 and showing an absorbent article according to another specific embodiment of the present invention, in which the pair of wings 7, 7 are discontinued, separate members.

When the wings 7 are a separate member from the absorbent main body 5, the bonding points of the wings 7 to the absorbent main body 5 are not particularly

restricted. For example, the wings 7 may be interposed and bonded between the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 3, or may be bonded to the backside of the absorbent main body 5, namely, to an exposed surface of the back sheet 3. Fig. 2 is an example in which the wings 7 are

interposed and bonded between the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 3. Additionally, Fig. 2 is also an example in which the wings 7 are bonded to a side of the back sheet 3 opposing the top sheet. When the wings 7 are bonded to the side of the back sheet opposing the top sheet, the wings are easily bent toward the backside. Since the wings are not exposed on the backside, the backside is smooth, whereby the fixing adhesive portion can be stably arranged on the back sheet. Thus, the fixing adhesive agent hardly transfers to the undergarment upon

detachment of the absorbent article from the undergarment.

Fig. 7 shows an example in which the wings 7 are bonded to the backside of the absorbent, main body 5, namely, to the exposed surface of the back sheet 3. When the wings 7 are bonded to the backside of the absorbent main body 5, a bonding portion between each wing 7 and the backside of the absorbent main body 5 does not need to be an entire contact surface between the wing 7 and the absorbent main body 5. As shown in Fig. 7, a bonding portion 31 may be spaced inwardly from the respective side edge 6 of the absorbent main body. By providing the bonding portion 31 between the wing 7 and the backside of the absorbent main body 5 inwardly from the side edge 6 of the absorbent main body, the absorbent article 1 can be fixed according to the crotch width of the

undergarment even if the crotch width is smaller than the width of the absorbent main body 5.

The shape of the absorbent main body 5 is not

specifically limited as long as it is a shape conforming to the shapes of a female body and/or a undergarment, and may be rectangular, elliptic, gourd-like, or the like. Its total outline size may be for example, in the

longitudinal direction, preferably 100 to 500 mm and more preferably 150 to 350 mm, and in the transverse

direction, preferably 30 to 200 mm and more preferably 40 to 180 mm.

The top sheet 2 serves to pass a bodily fluid excretion, such as urine or menstrual blood, to an absorber 4 provided under the top sheet, as well as to retain the absorber 4 by interposing the absorber 4

between the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 3. The top sheet 2 is entirely or partially fluid-permeable, where a fluid permeation region is made of a resin film with many fluid permeation holes formed therein, a net-like sheet with many meshes, a fluid-permeable nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, or the like. The resin film or the netlike sheet to be used can be made of polypropylene (PP) , polyethylene (PE) , poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET), or the like. Additionally, as the nonwoven fabric, spunlace nonwoven fabrics made of cellulose fibers such as rayon, synthetic resin fibers or the like, air-through nonwoven fabrics made of the synthetic resin fibers, or the like, can be used. Additionally, examples of a material to be used can include biodegradable natural products such as poly(lactic acid), chitosan, and poly(alginic acid). In addition, many fluid-permeable holes may be formed and a silicone-based or fluorine-based water-repellent oil agent may be applied so that bodily fluid does not easily adhere to the outer surface of the top sheet 2.

The basis weight of the top sheet 2 is preferably 15 to 100 g/m², and more preferably 20 to 50 g/m².

Generally, if the basis weight is under about 15 g/m², the surface strength may not be sufficient and the sheet is more likely to be torn during use. Additionally, if the basis weight exceeds about 100 g/m², excessive stiffness may occur, causing discomfort during use. Furthermore, in the case of long hours of use, if the basis weight exceeds 50 g/m², fluid may be retained by the top sheet 2, and the sheet may be continuously maintained in a sticky or wet condition, causing an uncomfortable feeling. Generally, the density is not specifically restricted as long as it is around 0.12 g/cm³ or smaller and the sheet is fluid-permeable. If the density exceeds this level, fluid may not smoothly permeate the fibers of the top sheet 2.

When the fluid permeation region forming the entire part or a part of the top sheet 2 is an aperture film such as a film having many fluid-permeable apertures, a preferable aperture diameter is in a range of 0.05 to 3 mm, a preferable pitch between adjacent apertures is in a range of 0.2 to 10 mm, and a preferable ratio of a total aperture area to a total area of the fluid permeation region is in a range of 3 to 30%.

In the absorbent article 1 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, furthermore, a second fluid-permeable sheet may be provided between the top sheet 2 and the absorber 4. The second fluid- permeable sheet is made of a material similar to that of the top sheet 2 (such as nonwoven fabric) and having a slightly higher density than that of the top sheet 2. Thus, the. second fluid-permeable sheet can improve fluid drainage properties and suppress the return of fluid.

The back sheet 3 serves to prevent external leakage of a fluid, such as urine or menstrual blood, that has been absorbed into the absorber 4 and is made of a material that can prevent such a fluid from externally leaking out. Alternatively, with the back sheet made of a fluid-impermeable and air-permeable material, hot and humid air during wearing can be reduced, thereby allowing for the reduction of discomfort during wearing. Examples of such a material include fluid-impermeable films, air- permeable films, which are mainly made of polyethylene (PE) , polypropylene (PP) or like, and composite sheets formed by laminating a fluid-impermeable film on one side of a nonwoven fabric such as a spunbonded nonwoven fabric. Preferably, hydrophobic nonwoven fabrics, water- impermeable plastic films, laminate sheets made of nonwoven fabrics and water-impermeable plastic films and^~ the like can be used. Alternatively, there may be used SMS nonwoven fabrics in which a highly water-resistant melt-blown nonwoven fabric is sandwiched by a highly strong spunbonded nonwoven fabric.

As a material for forming the wings 7, there can be used those previously described as the material for forming the back sheet 3 or the top sheet 2.

Preferably, the absorber 4 serves to absorb and retain a fluid, such as urine or menstrual blood, and has high volume, which does not easily lose its shape, and is less chemically stimulant. An example of the absorber includes an absorber comprising fluff pulp or an air-laid nonwoven fabric and a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) .

Chemical pulps, cellulose fibers, artificial cellulose fibers such as rayon and acetate, and the like can be used instead of fluff pulp. Preferably, an absorbent fiber such as pulp has a basis weight of 100 to 800 g/m² and an■ amount of the super-absorbent polymer is 30 to 65 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of absorbent fiber. In a fluid-permeable material such as tissue covering a mixture in which an absorbent fiber and a super-absorbent polymer are entirely uniformly

distributed, a preferable basis weight of the material is 12 to 30 g/m². An example of the air-laid nonwoven fabric includes a nonwoven fabric in which pulp and a synthetic fiber are thermally fused together or fixedly bonded together by a binder. The super-absorbent polymer has a three-dimensional network structure in which water- soluble macromolecules are appropriately cross-linked together, and absorbs water in the weight of 30 to 60 times as much as the weight of the super-absorbent polymer itself. However, the super-absorbent polymer is basically water-insoluble and does not release once absorbed water even if more or less pressure is applied. Examples of the super-absorbent polymer include

particulate or fibrous polymers based on starch, acrylic acid, or amino acid. The shape and structure of the absorber can be changed as required, although an entire absorption amount of the absorber needs to correspond to a designed insertion amount and an intended purpose for use as the absorbent article.. In addition, the size, absorption capacity and the like of the absorber will be changed according to its purpose.

The absorber 4 may be composed of two layers, which are an upper absorber layer and a lower absorber layer. The upper absorber layer may be made of a hydrophilic sheet and a super-absorbent polymer. The hydrophilic sheet is a sheet having hydrophilic properties, which is made of a nonwoven fabric, a porous plastic sheet, or the like. In the case of a nonwoven fabric, a porous plastic sheet, or the like, hydrophilic treatment is performed as required. Examples of the nonwoven fabric to be used include spunlaced, spunbonded, thermobonded, meltblown, needlepunched, and air-through nonwoven fabrics.

Examples of material fiber forming the nonwoven fabric include polyolefin-based synthetic fibers such as

polyethylene or polypropylene, polyester-based synthetic, fibers and polyamide-based fibers, as well- as regenerated fibers such as rayon and cupra, and natural fibers such as cotton. The upper absorber layer is formed in a sheet form by distributing a super-absorbent polymer in a predetermined pattern on one side of a hydrophilic sheet, laminating another hydrophilic sheet thereon in a manner to sandwich the super-absorbent polymer, and bonding them by using a bonding method (such as a heat seal using hot- melt adhesive) at points where the super-absorbent polymer is not distributed. The super-absorbent polymer is preferably fixed to the hydrophilic sheet by an adhesive agent such as a hot-melt adhesive, although the polymer can be present as it is as a crushed substance, without being fixed, while being co ered with the

hydrophilic sheet. The hydrophilic sheet sandwiching the super-absorbent polymer may be formed by folding back a single hydrophilic sheet and bonding together or by sandwiching a super-absorbent polymer between two

hydrophilic sheets whose upper and lower sheets are the same or different and bonding them together. As a configuration of the upper absorber layer, an end portion and an edge of the hydrophilic sheet may be formed by folding them back toward the center of the sheet. Even if body pressure is excessively applied after absorption, folding them back eliminates a risk that the super- absorbent polymer becomes swollen and can burst out from the upper absorber layer, and folding back the end portion creates an effect of increasing the basis weight of a sheet material to further increase compression recovery properties. The lower absorber layer can be made of an absorbent material suitable for use as an absorber main body in absorbent articles such as

incontinence pads, sanitary napkins, and disposable diapers. A typical absorbent material includes a mixture of an absorbent fiber and a super-absorbent polymer.

The absorbent article can be manufactured by cutting a nonwoven fabric for the wings into a predetermined shape to obtain a piece of a nonwoven fabric for the wings, and then stacking the piece of a nonwoven fabric for the wings, an absorber, and a nonwoven fabric for the top sheet successively on a nonwoven fabric for the back sheet. The wings may be bonded to the back sheet via an adhesive, and the top sheet also may be bonded to the back sheet via an adhesive. The method for the absorbent article is not limited to the above method.

The present invention is also defined by way of the following non-limiting features El to E20 and Ul to U14, which are not specific to the detailed embodiments described above.

El. An absorbent article comprising an absorbent main body and a pair of wings extending from both side edges of the absorbent main body, wherein the absorbent main body comprises a fluid-permeable top sheet, a fluid- impermeable back sheet, and a fluid-retaining absorber interposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and each of the wings has a wing longitudinal length in a longitudinal direction coincident with the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body, and a wing

transverse length in a transverse direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body; characterized in that:

a portion of a wing having the smallest wing

longitudinal length is in proximity to the side edge of the absorbent main body and a portion of a wing having the largest wing longitudinal length is distant from the side edge of the absorbent main body; and

where L^n represents the wing longitudinal length of the portion of a wing having the smallest wing

longitudinal length, which portion is between the portion having the largest wing longitudinal length and the side edge of the absorbent main body, a portion of a wing having a wing longitudinal length that is 1.00 to 1.05 times as long as L_mi_n extends for 10 to 90% of a

transverse length T_max of the wing extending from the portion having a largest wing transverse length to the side edge of the absorbent main body.

E2. The absorbent article according to El, wherein a portion of a wing having a wing longitudinal length that is 1.00 to 1.05 times as long as L_mi_n extends for 30 to 60% of a transverse length T_max of the wing extending from the portion having a largest wing transverse length to the side edge of the absorbent main body.

E3. The absorbent article according to El or E2, wherein, of angles formed by a tangential line of an outline of the wing with the side edge of the absorbent main body at an intersection between the outline of the wing and the side edge of the absorbent main body, an angle appearing inside the wing is 90° or smaller.

E . The absorbent article according to any one of El to E3, wherein a portion having a wing longitudinal length that is 0.9 to 1.0 times as long as a longitudinal length L_max of the portion having the largest wing

longitudinal length extends for 30 to 80% of T_max.

E5. The absorbent article according to E4, wherein a portion having a wing longitudinal length that is 0.9 to 1.0 times as long as a longitudinal length L_max of the portion having the largest wing longitudinal length extends for 50 to 70% of T_max.

E6. The absorbent article according to any one of El to E5, wherein L_min is 40 to 90% of L_max.

E7. The absorbent article according to E6, wherein Lmin is 50 to 80% of L_max .

E8. The absorbent article according to any one of El to E7, wherein the outline of the wing does not have any break point, except for the intersection between the outline of the wing and the side edge of the absorbent main body.

E9. The absorbent article according to any one of El to E8, wherein, at the intersection^' between the outline of the wing and the side edge of the absorbent main body, the tangential line of the outline of the wing coincides with the side edge of the absorbent main body.

E10. The absorbent article according to any one of El to E9, wherein, at the portion having the wing

longitudinal length that is 0.9 to 1.0 times as long as L_max , a fixing adhesive portion is provided more

extensively in the longitudinal direction than a portion corresponding to the portion having the smallest wing longitudinal length between the portion having the largest wing longitudinal length and the side edge of the absorbent main body.

Ell. The absorbent article according to any one of

El to E10, wherein the pair of wings is made of a one- piece member. E12. The absorbent article according to any one of El to Ell, wherein the wings are bonded to a side of the back sheet opposing the top sheet.

E13. The absorbent article according to any one of El to E12, wherein the wing is bonded to a backside of the absorbent main body, and a bonding portion between the wing and the backside of the absorbent main body is located more to the interior than the side edge of the absorbent main body.

E14. The absorbent article according to any one of

El to E13, wherein the absorbent article is a mild incontinence pad.

E15. The absorbent article according to any one of El to E14, wherein a second fluid-permeable sheet is provided between the topsheet and the absorber.

E16. The absorbent article according to any one of El to E15, wherein the basis weight of the topsheet is in the range of 15 to 100 g/m².

E17. The absorbent article according to E16, wherein the basis weight of the topsheet is in the range of 20 to

50 g/m².

E18. The absorbent article according to any one of El to E17, wherein the density of the topsheet is 0.12 g/cm² or less.

E19. The absorbent article according to any one of

El to E18, wherein the topsheet and the wings are

produced from nonwoven fabric, and the fiber alignment in the topsheet is in the longitudinal direction, whereas the fiber alignment in the wings is in the transverse direction.

E20. The absorbent article according to any one of El to E19, wherein an adhesive portion is provided on the backside of the absorbent article and where the adhesive portion is provided on the backside of a wing the

adhesive portion is provided to the outside of the portion corresponding to L_mi_n and extends for a length longer than L_mi_n. Ul. An absorbent article, comprising:

an absorbent main body, and

a pair of wings extending from both side edges of the absorbent main body,

wherein

the absorbent main body comprises a fluid-permeable top sheet, a fluid-impermeable back sheet, and a fluid- retaining absorber interposed between the top sheet and the back sheet,

each of the wings has a wing longitudinal length in a longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body and a wing transverse length in a transverse direction

orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body; and

wherein, in each of the wings,

a portion having a largest wing

longitudinal length L_max is distant from the respective side edge of the absorbent main body;

a portion having a smallest wing

longitudinal length L_min is located between the portion having the largest wing longitudinal length L_max and the respective side edge of the absorbent main body, and

a portion having a wing longitudinal length that is 1.00 to 1.05 times as long as L_min is present by 10 to 90% of a largest wing transverse length T_max between an outermost side edge of the wing and the respective side edge of the absorbent main body.

U2. The absorbent article according to Ul, wherein, an angle formed by a tangential line of an outline of each wing with the respective side edge of the absorbent main body at an intersection between the outline of the wing and the side edge of the absorbent main body, and appearing inside the wing is 90° or smaller.

U3. The absorbent article according to Ul, whe a portion having a wing longitudinal length that is 0.9 to 1.0 times as long as the largest wing longitudinal length L_max is present by 30 to 80% of T_max. U4. The absorbent article according to Ul, wherein

L_min is 40 to 90% of L_max.

U5. The absorbent article according to Ul, wherein the outline of the wing does not have any break point, except for the intersections between the outline of the wing and the respective side edge of the absorbent main body.

U6. The absorbent article according to Ul, wherein, at the intersection between the outline of the wing and the respective side edge of the absorbent main body, the tangential line of the outline of the wing coincides with the side edge of the absorbent main body.

U7. The absorbent article according to any one of Ul to U6, wherein, at the portion having the wing

longitudinal length that is 0.9 to 1.0 times as long as Lmax _f a fixing adhesive portion is provided outside in the longitudinal direction of a portion corresponding to the portion having the smallest wing longitudinal length between the portion having the largest wing longitudinal length and the side edge of the absorbent main body.

U8. The absorbent article according to any one of Ul to U7, wherein the pair of wings is made of a one- piece member.

U9. The absorbent article according to any one of Ul to U8, wherein the wings are bonded to a side of the back sheet opposing the top sheet.

U10. The absorbent article according to any one of Ul to U8, wherein the wing is bonded to a backside of the absorbent main body, and a bonding portion between the wing and the backside of the absorbent main body is spaced inwardly from the respective side edge of the absorbent main body.

Ull. The absorbent article according to any one of Ul to U10, wherein the absorbent article is a mild incontinence pad.

U12. The absorbent article according to any one of Ul to U4 and U6-U11, wherein the outline of the wing, including the intersections between the outline of the wing and the respective side edge of the absorbent main body, does not have any break point.

U13. The absorbent article according to any one of

U1-U12, wherein

the wings are made of a nonwoven fabric; and

fiber alignment in the wings is in the transverse direction of the absorbent main body.

U14. The absorbent article according to U13, wherein the top sheet is made of a nonwoven fabric separate from the non-woven fabric of the wings; and

fiber alignment in the top sheet is in the

longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body.

CI. An absorbent article comprising an absorbent main body and a pair of wings extending from both side edges of the absorbent main body, wherein the absorbent main body comprises a fluid-permeable top sheet, a fluid- impermeable back sheet, and a fluid-retaining absorber interposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and each of the wings has a wing longitudinal length in a longitudinal direction coincident with a longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body and a wing transverse length in a transverse direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body; characterized in that:

a portion having a largest wing

longitudinal length L_max is distant from each of the side edges of the absorbent main body; and

when Lmin represents a wing longitudinal length of a portion having a smallest wing longitudinal length, as compared with the portion having the largest wing longitudinal length, being more in proximity to the side edge of the absorbent main body, a portion Pmi_n

having a wing longitudinal length that is 1.00 to 1.05 times as long as L_mi_n is present by 10 to 90% of a

transverse length T_max of a portion having a largest wing transverse length, as compared with the portion having the largest wing longitudinal length, being more in proximity to the side edge of the absorbent main body.

C2. The absorbent article according to CI, wherein, the portion having a wing longitudinal length that is 1.00 to 1.05 times as long as Lndn is present by 30 to 60% of the transverse length T_max.

C3. The -absorbent article according to CI or C2, wherein, the transverse length of the portion having a wing longitudinal length that is 1.00 to 1.05 times as long as Lmin is 5 to 20mm.

C4. The absorbent article according to CI, wherein, of angles formed by a tangential line of an outline of the wing with the side edge of the absorbent main body at an intersection between the outline of the wing and the side edge of the absorbent main body, an angle appearing inside the wing is 90° or smaller.

C5. The absorbent article according to C2, wherein, of angles formed by the tangential line of the outline of the wing with the side edge of the absorbent main body at the intersection between the outline of the wing and the side edge of the absorbent main body, the angle appearing inside the wing is 10° to 80°. C6. The absorbent article according to C5, wherein, of angles formed by the tangential line of the outline of the wing with the side edge of the absorbent main body at the intersection between the outline of the wing and the side edge of the absorbent main body, the angle appearing inside the wing is 20° to 70°.

C7. The absorbent article according to CI or C2, wherein a portion P_max having a wing longitudinal length that is 0.9 to 1.0 times as long as a longitudinal length Lniax of the portion having the largest wing longitudinal length is present by 30 to 80% of T_max; and a sum of a transverse length t_max of the portion having a wing longitudinal length that is 0.9 to 1.0 times as long as a longitudinal length L_max of the portion having the largest wing longitudinal length and a transverse length t_mi_n of the portion having the wing longitudinal length that is 1.00 to 1.05 times as long as L_mi_n is smaller than or equal to T_max.

C8. The absorbent article according to C7, wherein the portion having a wing longitudinal length that is 0.9 to 1.0 times as long as a longitudinal length L_max of the portion having the largest wing longitudinal length is present by 50 to 70% of T_max.

C9. The absorbent article according to C8, wherein the transverse length of the portion having a wing longitudinal length that is 0.9 to 1.0 times as long as a longitudinal length L_max of the portion having the largest wing longitudinal length is 10 to 20 mm.

CIO. The absorbent article according to any one of CI to C7, wherein L_min is 40 to 90% of L_max.

Cll. The absorbent article according to CIO, wherein Lmin is 50 to .80% of L_max.

C12. The absorbent article according to CIO, wherein L_min is 30 to 70mm.

C13. The absorbent article according to Cll, wherein

Lroin is 40 to 60mm.

C14. The absorbent article according to any one of CI to CIO, wherein the outline of the wing does not have any break point, except for the intersection between the outline of the wing and the side edge of the absorbent main body.

C15. The absorbent article according to any one of CI to CIO, wherein, at the intersection between the outline of the wing and the side edge of the absorbent main body, the tangential line of the outline of the wing coincides with the side edge of the absorbent main body.

C16. The absorbent article according to any one of CI to C15, wherein, at the portion having the wing longitudinal length that is 0.9 to 1.0 times as long as Lma _f a fixing adhesive portion is provided more

extensively in the longitudinal direction than a portion corresponding to the portion having the smallest wing longitudinal length.

C17. The absorbent article according to any one of CI to C16, wherein the pair of wings is made of a one- piece member.

C18. The absorbent article according to any one of CI to C17, wherein the wings are bonded to a side of the back sheet opposing the top sheet.

C19. The absorbent article according to any one of CI to C17, wherein the wing is bonded to a backside of the absorbent main body, and a bonding portion between the wing and the backside of the absorbent main body is located more interiorly than the side edge of the

absorbent main body.

C20. The absorbent article according to any one of CI to C19, wherein the absorbent article is a mild incontinence pad.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The absorbent article according to some embodiments of the present invention can be used as an incontinence pad, a sanitary napkin, a panty liner, and the like, and in particular can be suitably used as a mild incontinence pad. Mild incontinence pads are often used for longer hours compared to sanitary napkins and are thus

configured based on long hours of use. The absorbent article in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention can be stably fixed to an undergarment for long hours, and therefore is preferably used as a mild incontinence pad.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Application No. 2011-021026 the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

This application is further related to Japanese Application No. 2011-020146 the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

REFERENCE SIGN LIST

1. Absorbent- article

2. Top sheet

3. Back sheet

4. Absorber

5. Absorbent main body

6. Side edge of absorbent main body

7. Wing

8. Root of wing

9. Outline of wing

11. Intersection between outline of wing and side edge of absorbent main body

12. Tangential line of outline of wing at intersection 11 21. Fixing adhesive portion

31. Bonding portion

Claims

1. An absorbent article comprising an absorbent main body and a pair of wings extending from both side edges of the absorbent main body, wherein the absorbent main body comprises a fluid-permeable top sheet, a fluid- impermeable back sheet, and a fluid-retaining absorber interposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and each of the wings has a wing longitudinal length in a longitudinal direction coincident with a longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body and a wing

a portion having a largest wing

longitudinal length is distant from each of the side edges of the absorbent main body; and

when Lmin represents a wing longitudinal length of a portion having a smallest wing longitudinal length between the portion having the largest wing longitudinal length and the side edge of the absorbent main body, a portion having a wing longitudinal length that is 1.00 to 1.05 times as long as L_min is present by 10 to 90% of a transverse length T_max of a portion having a largest wing transverse length between the portion having the largest wing longitudinal length and the side edge of the absorbent main body.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein, of angles formed by a tangential line of an outline of the wing with the side edge of the absorbent main body at an intersection between the outline of the wing and the side edge of the absorbent main body, an angle appearing inside the wing is 90° or smaller.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a portion having a wing longitudinal length that is 0.9 to 1.0 times as long as a longitudinal length

Lmax of the portion having the largest wing longitudinal length is present by 30 to 80% of T_max.

4. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein L_min is 40 to 90% of a longitudinal length L_max of the portion having the largest wing

longitudinal length.

5. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outline of the wing does not have any break point, except for the intersection between the outline of the wing and the side edge of the

absorbent main body.

6. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, at the intersection between the outline of the wing and the side edge of the absorbent main body, the tangential line of the outline of the wing coincides with the side edge of the absorbent main body.

7. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, at the portion having the wing longitudinal length that is 0.9 to 1.0 times as long as Lmax , a fixing adhesive portion is provided more

extensively in the longitudinal direction than a portion corresponding to the portion having the smallest wing longitudinal length between the portion having the largest wing longitudinal length and the side edge of the absorbent main body-.

8. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pair of wings is made of a one-piece member.

9. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the wings are bonded to a side of the back sheet opposing the top sheet.

10. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the wing is bonded to a backside of the absorbent main body, and a bonding portion between the wing and the backside of the absorbent main body is located more interiorly than the side edge of the

absorbent main body.

11. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the absorbent article is a mild incontinence pad.