AU2014275790B2 - Absorbent article - Google Patents

Abstract

(12) % St thj:W l )J'$M,~C9 1 rM tM W- f RE (10) h (43) M W N 2014 * 12 fA 11 H(11.12.2014) WO 2014/196666 A4 WIPO I PCT (51) M W 1i H$ : (74) It #1 A: I A N ..., Y (AOKI, Atsushi et al.); T A61F13/537(2006.01) A61F13/511 (2006.01) 1058423 * V#IX|J~~/ l ET B= 5# 1 - JA (21) : PCT/JP2014/067572 / R 3 7 t )|- tfl iM$$ J fr Tokyo (JP). (22) [PJ89 : 2014 P 7J 1 (01.07.2014) (81) t't (AT,®td;L\N3R L - HJ E fl): AE, AG, AL, AM, AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, (25) M t[P ® 0 : 3 BB, BG, BH, BN, BR, BW, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CL, CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, DO, DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, (26) M ® [P )1: 1 Mn Fl, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT, HN, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, (30) 4r.,t1f-"% : IR, IS, KE, KG, KN, KP, KR, KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, 4iR5 2014-098171 2014 P 5 J 9 8 (09.05.2014) JP LT, LU, LY, MA, MD, ME, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NI, NO, NZ, OM, PA, PE, PG, PH, (71) t -A: a -v - A t t $ (UNICHARM PL, PT, QA, RO, RS, RU, RW, SA, SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, CORPORATION) [JP/JP]; T 7990111 ! 2R M SL, SM, ST, SV, SY, TH, TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, k$!tit-TT± 1 8 2 itP Ehime (JP). UG, US, UZ, VC, VN, ZA, ZM, ZW. (72) 5 B * & : @ I (NAKAJIMA, Kaiyo); T (84) t "-Z (A , ) ® L \ FR L , ± Tt 6D 6±D 7691602 li RT E A 1 5 3 1 i T f'iJ ): ARIPO (BW, GH, GM, KE, LR, LS, MW, - 7 l = - A A- - * A it -T5)| '../ MZ, NA, RW, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZM, ZW), L - '1 - A Kagawa (JP). A rW V W ± f-|-(KOSAKA, 7 (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, RU, TJ, TM), E Shoshi); T 7691602 i JII M R A i ;if E-T n E I (AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, Fl, FR, 1 5 3 1 - 7 La=. A- A -- R t-T 7 GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LT, LU, LV, MC, MK, MT, )J)|,1>'.. -Itj Kagawa(JP). NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK, SM, TR), OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ, GW, KM, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG). (54) Title: ABSORBENT ARTICLE (54) 0B) il (57) Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that fits the crotch area of the wearer well, and allows an absorber to quickly and efficiently absorb bodily fluids. The present invention relates to an absorbent article that in cludes a folded second sheet (3). The folded second sheet (3) includes a reference portion positioned on a top sheet (2) side, and a first area and/or a second area that respectively extend from the ends of the reference portion. The areas each have a p number of mountain fold lines (where p is an integer of 1 or greater), and a q number of valley fold lines (where q is an integer of 0 or greater). In the folded second sheet (3), the reference portion and at least one mountain-fold-partitioned area adjacent to said mountain fold line, in a plan view, extend in the width direction across a center line extending in the lengthwise direction of the absorbent article, and also extend in the lengthwise direction across a center line extending in the widthwise direction of the absorbent article. 4 -'h(3) EtftYn)tzIz)J>K$'- (3) ItI'l$- (2) oq a*;AM5W): 1 A EbtYP IIL _fy t. tL3L r±tI t AotA tcc, ) t&1RtJ,, WVO 2014/196666 A4 II11111I 1 III11I111111II1D111I11I I~ IIIII I III DIII -tJ 5®3RIcZ5 <2 1 * (2)(a) IZ J 7@ A t~~t® & F 3B t(*,M 19 M iEt tz t® 5-3"tQBMlt®'.P l Rl E: 2015 I-7

Description

- 1 DESCRIPTION TITLE OF THE INVENTION Absorbent Article 5 Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to an absorbent article, such as a light incontinence pad, which has an excellent fitting property for the wearer and an 10 excellent absorption property for fluids, such as body fluids. Background Art [0001a] A reference herein to a patent document or other 15 matter which is given as prior art is not to be taken as an admission that that document or 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. 20 [0002] In the prior art there are known, as .absorbent articles, such as light incontinence pads, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins and panty liners, absorbent articles comprising a liquid-permeable top sheet, a 25 liquid-impermeable back sheet and an absorbent body located between the top sheet and the back sheet, as well as a second sheet located between the top sheet and the absorbent body. [0003] 30 One such absorbent article comprising a second sheet is disclosed in JP 200797715, as an absorbent article comprising a second sheet wherein both edges are folded toward the approximate center line in the lengthwise direction (see Fig. 5). In the absorbent article of 35 JP 200797715, the second sheet is provided with elastic members running in the longitudinal direction, on both - 2 edge sides from the folding line, so that the second sheet can separate from the absorbent body as the elastic member shrinks and the top sheet can bulge outward, and as a result, the absorbent article of JP 200797715 is 5 indicated as allowing a satisfactory fitting feel to be maintained. [0004] Also, JP 1170141 discloses an absorbent article wherein an elastic member made of a liquid-permeable 10 nonwoven fabric or the like is folded over downward onto the left and right edge sections and bonded onto the skin contact surface side of the absorbent body (see Fig. 4). In the absorbent article of JP 1170141, the left and right edge sections of the elastic member are folded over 15 downward, thereby the rigidity of the left and right edge sections of the elastic member and of the center section in the lengthwise direction are different, and therefore it is possible to maintain a satisfactory fitting property and prevent twisting and leakage. 20 _[0006] The absorbent article of JP 200797715 has the second sheet and the absorbent body always in a separated state by constriction of the elastic member, and therefore body fluid discharged by the wearer cannot be rapidly absorbed 25 into the absorbent body, and body fluid potentially pools in the top sheet or second sheet, or gaps formed by the aforementioned separation. Also, when body fluids pool in the top sheet or second sheet, the skin of the wearer continues to be wetted, creating a damp feeling for the 30 wearer, and resulting in discomfort and unpleasantness. [0007] Furthermore, since the absorbent article of JP 1170141 has the folded sections of the elastic member only at the left and right edge sections, it is not 35 possible for the center section of the absorbent article to adequately bulge out, and particularly during activity by the wearer, it has been difficult for the top sheet to - 3 maintain a fitted state in the crotch section of the wearer. In addition, since a wide gap is formed by separation between the elastic member and the absorbent body in the region between the elastic member and the 5 absorbent body, sandwiched between the folded sections of the left and right edge sections of the elastic member, it is not possible to rapidly absorb body fluids, similar to the absorbent article of JP 200797715, and body fluids can potentially pool in the top sheet or second sheet, or 10 in the wide gap, etc. [0008] It is therefore desirable to provide an absorbent article that has an excellent fitting property in the crotch section of the wearer, and that allows body fluids 15 discharged by the wearer to be rapidly and efficiently absorbed into the absorbent body. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] The absorbent article of the present invention is an 20 absorbent article comprising a folded second sheet at a location between a top sheet and an absorbent body; the folded second sheet having a first surface and a second surface, in the elongated state, and including a base section that is located on the top sheet 25 side in the folded state, having a first direction and a second direction that are mutually crossing at right angles as viewed flat, and at least one from among a first region and a second region each extending from respective edges in the second direction of the base 30 section when in the elongated state; wherein at least one region from among the first region and second region has in the second sheet in the elongated state, p number of mountain folding lines (p being an integer of 1 or greater) running in the first 35 direction, that are folding lines for mountain folding of the second sheet based on the first surface, and q number of valley folding lines (q being an integer of 0 or greater) running in the first direction, that are folding lines for valley folding of the second sheet based on the first surface, one of the p number of mountain folding lines being located on a base section side edge, among 5 both edges of the first region and the second region in the second direction, in the folded second sheet, the base section and at least one mountain folding partition region adjacent to the side of at least one region from 10 among the first region and the second region of the second sheet in the elongated state, in the direction in which that region of the mountain folding line extends, extend straddling in a widthwise direction a center axis line running in a lengthwise direction of the absorbent 15 article, and extend straddling in a lengthwise direction a center axis line running in a widthwise direction of the absorbent article, as viewed flat; in the folded second sheet, mutually facing surfaces of the second sheet in the folded state 20 are not joined together at least in a body fluid absorbing region of the absorbent article; and the folded second sheet has a joining section in which the mutual facing surfaces of the second sheet in the folded state are joined, in a region other 25 than the body fluid absorbing region. [0010] In the absorbent article of the present invention, since the second sheet is folded over at least once along at least one mountain folding line, and in the second 30 sheet in the folded state, the base section facing the top sheet side and at least one of the mountain folding partition regions that are mountain-folded based on the first surface, extend straddling in the widthwise direction the center axis line running in the lengthwise 35 direction of the absorbent article, as viewed flat, while extending straddling in the lengthwise direction the - 5 center axis line running in the widthwise direction of the absorbent article (that is, they are present at least at the center section of the product), the elastic action of each of the folded sections of the folded second sheet 5 maintain the fitting state of the top sheet for the crotch section of the wearer, while the base section and at least one mountain folding partition region lie between the top sheet and the absorbent body at the center section of the product (that is, at least two 10 second sheets lie between them), such that when pressure has been applied by the body weight of the wearer or the like, the base section and the mountain folding partition region come into contact, and body fluid, such as urine that has been discharged by the wearer can be rapidly and 15 efficiently absorbed into the absorbent body through the base section and the mountain folding partition region. [0011] According to the present invention it is possible to provide an absorbent article that has an excellent 20 fitting property in the crotch section of the wearer, and that allows body fluids discharged by the wearer to be rapidly and efficiently absorbed into the absorbent body. Because the absorbent article of the present invention has an excellent fitting property in the crotch section 25 of the wearer and allows body fluids discharged by the wearer to be rapidly and efficiently absorbed into the absorbent body, it is possible to effectively prevent leakage of body fluids through the gap between the skin of the wearer and the absorbent article, and to provide a 30 comfortable feel during wear for prolonged periods without creating a feeling of dampness due to body fluid pooling in the top sheet. Brief Description of Drawings [0012] 35 Fig. 1 is a plan view of the elongated state of a light incontinence pad according to one embodiment of the present invention.

- 5a Fig. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view along line II-II' of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the elongated state 5 of the second sheet of the light incontinence pad of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the second sheet of Fig. 3 in the elongated state. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the second sheet of 10 Fig. 3 in the folded over state. Fig. 6 is a plan view showing an overview of a - r, second sheet of the absorbent article of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a second sheet in the folded over state. 5 Fig. 8 is a plan view of the elongated state of the second sheet of Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a second sheet in the folded over state. Fig. 10 is a plan view of the elongated state of the 10 second sheet of Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a second sheet in the folded over state. Fig. 12 is a plan view of the elongated state of the second sheet of Fig. 11. 15 Fig. 13 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a second sheet in the folded over state. Fig. 14 is a plan view of the elongated state of the second sheet of Fig. 13. Fig. 15 is a plan view of the elongated state of a 20 light incontinence pad according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view along line XVI-XVI' of Fig. 15. Fig. 17 is a plan view of the elongated state of a 25 light incontinence pad according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view along line XVIII-XVIII' of Fig. 17. Fig. 19 is a plan view of the elongated state of a 30 light incontinence pad according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view along line XX-XX' of Fig. 19. Description of Embodiments 35 [0013] Preferred embodiments of the absorbent article of the present invention will now be described in detail -7 with reference to the accompanying drawings. [0014] Fig. 15is a clan view of the elongated state of a Light incontinence pad according to one embodiment o 5 absorbent article of the presentz invention, and Fig. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view along line. II -I of Fig. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the light incontinence cad i has a "gourd" shape with an elliptical shape having a long diameter running in the lengthwise direction D 1 and 10 a short diameter running in the widthwise di reaction D,, as viewed flat, the center section in the lengthwise direction beincf inwardly concave. The inwardly concave section is the section that functions as the thigh surrounding section Pr of the light incontinence pad 1 15 (absorbent article) . The shape of the absorbent artic le of the present invention is not limited to this, and any shape (for example, rectangular, elliptical or the like) may ce used so long as it is elongated, with a length dimension in the lengthwise direct on D 1 that is longer 20 than the width dimension in the widthLwi se direction DIw. [0015] The light incontinence pad 1 is composed of different members including a liquid-permeable top sheet 2 that is located on the skin side of the wearer and is 25 made of a nonwoven fabric, liquid-permeable plastic film or the like, an absorbent body 4 made of a super absorbent polymer he d in a dispersed state in a fiber aggregate, such as fluff pulp or a nonwoven fabric, a folded second sheet 3 that is -ocated between the top 30 sheet 2 and the absorbent body 4 and is made of a liquid permeable sheet, such as a nonwoven fabric, and a licuid impermeable back sheet 5 disposed at a location on the side of the absorbent body 4 opposite the top sheet. [0016] 35 The second sheet to be used in the absorbent article of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the elongated state of the second sheet in a light incontinence pad which is one embodiment of the present invention (see Fig. 1) , and Fig. 4 is a plan view of the second sheet of Fig. 3, in the elongated 5 state. As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, for this embodiment, the second sheet 3 comprises a liquid permeable sheet having a first surface SI and a second surface S2 in tne elongated state, and it has a base section Sp, which is located on the top sheet 2 side in 10 the folded state, with a first direction D- and a second direction D 2 that are mutually crossing at right angles, as viewed flat, and a first region A extending from one edge in the second di rect-ion D 2 of the base section Sp, in the elongated state. 15 [0017] The first reg ion A has, when the second sheet -3 s in the elongated state, one mountain folding line LMF running in the first direction D 1 , which is a folding line for mountain folding of the second shet based on the 20 first surface S, the mountain folding mine LM[F being located at the base section S side edge, among both edges of the first region Ai in the second direction D 2 . For this embodiment, the first direction Di = elengthwise direction D'L of the absorbent artce. Futermore, as 25 shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 5, the second sheet 3 of this embodiment is folded over by being mountain-folded along the mountain folding line LMF, the base sec on and the mountain folding partition region AM, that is adjacent to the side of the mountain folding line LF of e rst 30 region l in the direct-on n which the first region A extends (Al- 4 = : for thi embodiment) , bn di sposed in the light incontinence pad 1 in such a manner as to extend straddling in the widthwise direction DV the c nter axis line C( running in the lengthwse direction DL Of the 35 light incontinence pad 1, and extend straddling in the lengthwise direct i on D the center axis line Ca running in the widthwise direction D of th eight incontinennce pad 1as viewed fat t s, is present at least at tne center section of the product) [0018] Thus, the folded second sheet 3 has elastic action 5 at the mountain-folded section PMF ormed by mountain folding, or in other words, the base section Sp is pushed upward by the action of the folded second sheet 3 trying to return to the elongated state, allowing the top sheet 2 to be pressed from the back side. The force of action 10 pressing the top sheet 2 is the force of only the elastic action of the mountain-folded section PMF o the folded second sheet 3, and since it is a weaker force than when using a conventional elastic member, it is possible to cause the second sheet 3 in the folded state to function 15 so that the base section Sp and the mountain fol di ng partition region AMF of the second sheet 3 in the folded state separ ate when pressure e fr om the body we ght of the wearer is -not being applied, while thie base section SP and the mountain folding partition region AM are In cOntact 20 when such pressure has been applied. As a result, it is possible to obtain a suitable fitting property according to activity by the wearer. [0019] In addition, if the base secin Sf and the mountain 5 foldng part on In AM are d posed so as to the center section of the product of the light incontinence pad 1, as viewed flat, the base s ection iS and the mountain folding partition region AME of the second sneet 3 in the folded state will contact when 30 pressure has been applied by the body weight of the wearer, for example, and there is no formation of a large gap between the second sheet 3 and the absorbent body- 4 at the center section of the product, so that body f 1id, such. as urine discharged y the wearer can be rap'dy and 35 efficiently absorbed into the absorbent body 4 thr-ough the base section S- and th m mountain folding part i tion region AMF.

- 10 [0020] For this embodiment, since the first direction Di matches the lengthwise direction DL of the light incontinence pad 1 (absorbent article) , as viewed filat, 5 and the second sheet 3 is folded over by a single mountain fold along the lengthwise direction D 1 of the flight incontinence ad 1, the folded second sheet 3 is in an easily deployable state, iJe. the base section Sp and the mountain folding partition region AMF of the second 10 sheet 3 are in an easily separable state, in response to movement of the thighs or movement of the crotch section of the wearer, which is pro-paga'Ited from the thigh sur n rounding secti PT l ocat e d on botho sides the lengthwise direction D)b, and it is therefore possible to 15 obtain a more suitable fitting property in response to activity by the wearer. [0021] Ai so, both edges Es, E1 in the second direction D 2 of the scond sheet 3 in the elongated state preferably are 20 nor overlapped in the thickness direction of the absorbent article, when the second sheet 3 is in the folded state, and most preferably the length LI in the seco o nd direction D- of the first region A- is shorter than the lengt.hLs in the second direction D2 of the base section S 1, so that the edge E-I on the rirst region AI side is located below the base section SP, as viewed flat (that is, the base section S, aIone is visible as viewed flat) . When both edges Es, Ei of the second sheet 3 are not overlapped in the thi ckness direction when the second 30 sheet 3 is in the folded state, the base section Sp and the mountain folding partition region AM F will readily undergo contvex deformation in the direction in which they are mutually separated, when pressure has been applLed to the absor-bent article in the widthwise direction by 35 activity of the wearer (in particular, the longer length in the second dir-ection D 2 will more readily undergo convex deformation) , thereby further facilitating - 11 separation of the base section Si and I-te mountain folding partition region A and allowing a sais factory ni i property to be obtained as a result. Furthermore, when the length LS in the second direction D 2 of the base 5 section Sp is longer than the length LI in the second direction D 2 of the first region A_ the base section Se will advant;ageously readily undergo convex deformat ion, and it will therefore be possible to more precisely press the top sheet from the back side, allowing a more 10 excellent fitting property to be obtained as a result. As used herein, the phrase "both edges ES, El in the second direction D2 of the second sheet 3 in the elongated state are not overlapped in the thickness direction of the absorbent article, when the second sneet 15 3 is in the folded statee, refers to a state in which both edges are not completely overlapped, and when both edges are straight linear, for example, it refers to a state In which each of the edges do not lIe on the same straight line in the thic-kness direction of the absorbent 20 article. [0022] For this embodiment, the second sheet 3 is mountain folded, being folded over along one mountain folding line 1 M rrnio nt~efist:1 direction lDIP; howeve-r, th.,.e second 25 sheet of the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. Fig. 6 is a plan view showing an overview of a second sheet in an absorbent article of the present invention, in the elongated state. As shown in Fig. 6, the second sheet 3 includes a base section SP located on 30 the top sheet side in the folded state, having a first direction Di and a second direction D 2 that are mutually crossing at right angles as viewed flat, and at least one from among a first region AI and second region Ao each extending from the respective edges of the base section Sp 35 in the second direction TD, in the elongated state, the region of at least one from among the first region A1 and the scond region A 2 having, in the second sheet 3 in the - 12 elongated state, p number of mountain folding lines LF (p being an integer of 1 or greater) running in the first direction Di, which are holding lines for downward folding of the second sheet 3 based on tne first surface SI, and g 5 number of valley folding lines LVF (o being an integer of o or greater) running in the firsL direction DI, which are folding lines for valley folding of the second sheet 3 based on the first surface S,, wherein at least one of the p number of mountain folding lines LMF is located on the 10 base section Sp side edge, among both edges in the second direction D 2 of the first region A and the second region

A

2 . [0023] Furthermore, in thne second sheet 3, the base section 15 Sp, and at least one of the mountain folding partition regions AMF adjacent to the side of the mountain folding in- e LMF in the direction in wniCh the region extends, in at least one region from among the first region A- and the scond reg ion A2, are each folded over so as to extend 20 straddling in the widthwise direct on D, the center axis line C running in the lengthwise di reaction D of the absorbent article, and to extend straddling in the lengthwise direction PI the center axis line C J running in the widthwise direction Dw of the absorbent article, as 25 viewed flat (that is, so as to lie in at least the center section of the product), being located between the top sheet and the absorbent body of the absorbent article. incidntally, as used herein, and as shown in Fig. 6, the mountain holding partition region Av is the region of the 30 first region A and the second region A 2 that is adjacent to te si de of the mount ain fo di ng line LM in the direction in which the egio Aci and the second regi A2 extend, ad it s h from, the mountain fol'drig ine T to the next fo ld g i ne, or if no 35 folding ie is present, up to the edge of the second sheet. [0024] - 13 In the folded second sheet 3, the base section S, is pushed upward by the elastic action of the mountain folded sections PMF formed by mountain folding and the optional valley-folded sections P.v formed by optional 5 valley folding, allowing the top sheet to be pressed from t he back side. Since the force pressing on the top sheet sa weaker force than when using a conventional elastic member, the second sheet 3 can function so that when no pressure is being applied from the body weight of the 10 wearer or the like, the base section Sp and the plurality of partitioned regions Partitioned by the folding lines at the first region and the second region become s separated, while when pressure has been applied, the base section SP and the plurality of partitioned regions come 15 into contact, thereby allowing a suitable fitting property to be obtained in response to activity by the wearer. In addition, if the base section SL and at least one mountain folding partition region are disposed in the center section of the product, the base section Sp and the 20 pluralitv of partitioned regions will contact whe-n pressure has been applied by the body weight of the wearer or the like, and since there is no formation of a large gap between the second sheet 3 and the absorbent body 4 at the center section of the product, body fluids, 25 such as urine discharged by the wearer can be rapidly and efficiently absorbed into the absorbent body 4 through the base section S- and at least one mountain folding partition region TAF. [0025] 30 Furthermore, in the second sheet of the Present invention, each edge in the second direction of the second sh-eet (that is, the edge Es on the base section Se side and the edge EI on the first region AI side in Fig. 4, etc., when the second sheet 3 does not have a second 35 region A 2 , or the edge E2 on the second region A 2 side and the edge E] on the first region Al side in Fig. 6, when the second sheet 3 has a second region A 2 ) , and the - 14 mountain- folded section PMF and the valley-folded section PvL, are all preferably folded over without being overlapped in the thicknes s direction, and most preferably they are folded over so that only the base section S1 is visible, as viewed flat. When each of the edges in the second direcLon of the second sheet, and the mountain-folded section PM 1 and the valley-folded section PVF, are not overlapped in the thickneSs directin, the base section Sp and the mountain folding 10 partition region AMF or valley folding partition region AyF wi l1 readily undergo convex deformation in the direction in which they are mutually separated, when pressure has been applied to the absorbent article in the widthwise direction by activity of the wearer (in part Lar, the 15 longer length in the second direcLon D 2 will more readily undergo convex deformation), thereby further facilitating separation of the base section S- and the mountain folding partition region AMF or valley folding partition region AVF, and allowing a satisfactory fitting property to be 20 obtained as a result. Furthermore, when folded over so that the base section Sp alone is visible as viewed flat (that is, when the length in the second dir section D 2 of the ba s section S is longer than the length in the second direction D 2 of the mountain fold ing partition 2 region AMF or the va' Ley folding nart I ioin region. AVF, convex deformation of the base section SD is adva tageously fa ii stated, and therefore the top sheet can he more precisely pressed from the back side, allowing an excellent fit-i ng property to be obta-ined as 30 a result. Incidentally, as used herein, the valley folding partition region Av is the region of the first region Ai and the second region Ac that is ad jacent to the side of the valley folding line LvF in the direction in which the first region A_ and the second region A 2 extend, 35 and it is the region from the valley folding line Lv, to the next folding line, or if no folding line is present, up to the edge of the second sheet .

- 15 [0026] Several embodiments of the second sheet to be used in the absorbent arce of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the 5 respective accompanying dawings. [0027] The second sheet 3 in the folded state, shown in Fi g. 7, is folded over by a single mountain fold and a single valley fold, along one mountain folding line LMF 10 and one valley folding line LyF. The second sheet 3 in the folded state has a base sei on Sp and a first region Ai n the elongated state as shown in Fig. 8, and the first. region A- has one mountain folding line LM t F located at the edge on the base sectun S side of the first 15 region A- in the second direction D 2 , and running in the first direction D1-, and one valley folding line ELvF located in the region between the mountain folding Ulne LMF and the edce Ej on the side of the first region A 1 opposite the base section Sp side in the second direction 20 D2, and running in the first direc Ion . [0028] Furthermore, in the second sheet 3 in the folded state shown in Fi1g. 7 , the base section S., the mountain folding part ion region AMF between tne mountain folding 5 line LMF ano tne valley foldninc lie lVF, and the valley folding par:ti tion region AVF between the vaLley folding iine LyF and the edge E-I, are disposed in the absorbent article in such a manner as to extend straddling in the widthwise direction D the center axis line C 1 running in 30 the lengthwise direction De of the absorbent article, while extending S1traddling in the lengthwise direction DL the center axis Line Ca running in the widthwi se direction D of- the absorbent arti cle, as viewed flat. (that is, so as to lie in at least the center section of the product) 35 [0029] In the second sheet 3 in the folded state, according to this embodiment, elastic action at the two locations - 16 of the mountain-folded section PM, and val ey- folded section PvF formed by mountain folding and valley folding allows the base section Sp to be stably pushed upward in approximately the vertical direction, thereby pressing 5 the top sheet from the back side and allowing a suitable fitting property to be obtained. Furthermore, since the base section Sp, the mountain folding partition region Amz and the valley folding partition region AvF are located at the center section of the absorbent article product as 10 viewed flat, there is no formation of a large gap between the second sheet 3 and the absorbent body 4 at the center section of the product, and body fluid, such as urine that has been discharged by the wearer can be rapidly and efficiently absorbed into the absorbent body 4 through 15 the base section Sp, the mountain folding partition region AME and the valley folding partit-ion region Ave. [0030] The second sheet 3 in the folded state, shown in Fig. 9, is folded over by two mountain folds and one 20 valley fold, along two mountain folding lines LMm, LM-'2 and one valley folding line Lv. The second sheet 3 in the folded state has a base section Sp and a first region Ai in the elongated state as shown in Fig. 10, and the first region A, has one first mountain folding line LMF! 25 located at the edge on the base section Sp side of the first region A_ in the second direction D 2 , and running in the first direction D, one second mountain folding line LM2 in the region between the first mountain folding line LMn and the edge E, on the side of the first region AIl 30 opposite the base section Sp side in the second direction DQ, and running in the first direction Di, in that order toward the direction in which the first region A, extends, and one valley folding line LvF running in the first direction Di. 35 [0031] Also, in the second sheet 3 in the folded state shown in Fig. 9, the base section Sp, and the second - 17 mountain folding partition region AMF2 between the second mountain folding line LMF2 and the edge E, are disposed in the absorbent article in such a manner as to extend straddling in the widthwise direction D the center axis 5 line CL running in the lengthwise direction DL of the absorbent article, while extending straddling in the lengthwise direction DEL the center axis line CT running in the widthwise direction D of the absorbent article, as viewed flat (that is, so as to lie in at least the center 10 setion of the product) , being located between the top sheet and the absorbent body of the absorbent article. [0032] In the second sheet 3 in the folded state, according to this embodiment, elastic action at the first mountain 15 folded section PMF1, the second mountain-folded section PMF2 and the val.ley-folded section PvF, formed by the two mountain folds and one valley fold, allows the base section Sp to be pushed upward with relative 1 y more strength than the embodiment described above, thereby 20 allowing a suitable fitting property to be maintained while pressing the top sheet relatively strongly from the back side. Furthermore, since the base section Se and the second mountain folding partition region A are located at the center section of' the absorbent article product as 25 viewed flat, there is no formation of a large gap between the second sheet 3 and the absorbent body 4 at the center section of the product, and body fluid, such as urine that has been discharged by the wearer can be rapid dly absorbed into the absorbent body 4 through the base 30 section Sp and the second mountain folding partition region 1 Mi2. [0033] Incidentally, in the second sheet 3 in the folded state according to this embodiment, the first mountain 35 folding partition region AM between the first mountain folding Line T and. the vaIley fOlding line LvF, and the valley folding partition reg-ion AvF between the valley - 18 folding line LVF and the second mountain folding line LMF2 are not disposed so as to lie in the center section of the product; however, these regions may be disposed so as to lie in the center section of the product, and when 5 they are thus disposed this will increase the number of second sheets 3 located between the top sheet 2 and the absorbent body 4, allowing body fluid discharged by the wearer to be rapidly and efficiently absorbed into the absorbent body 4. 10 [0034] The second sheet 3 in the folded state, shown in Fig. 11, is folded over by two mountain folds and two valley folds, along two mountain folding lines LM, L My and two valley folding lines Evp, L'v,, sandwiching the 15 base section Sp. The second sheet 3 in the folded state, when in the elongated state as shown in Fig. 12, has a base section Sp, a first region A- and a second region A 2 , the first region A1 having one mountain folding line LMF located at the edge of the first region A, on the base 20 section Sp side in the second direction D2, and running in the first direction D1, and one valley folding line LVF located in the region between the mountain folding line LM and the edge E> on the side of the first region A opposite the base section Sp side in the second direction 25 D2, and running in the first direction D1, and the second region A 2 having one mountain folding line L'M located on the edge of the second region A2 on the base section Sp side in the second direction D 2 , and running in the first direction D1, and one valley folding line L'yw located in 30 the region between the mountain folding line L'M and the edge E2 Of the second region A2 opposite the base section Sp in the second direction D2, and running in the first direction Di. [0035] 35 Also, in the second sheet 3 in the folded state shown in Fig. 11, the base section Sp, and the mountain folding partition region AMF between the mountain folding - 19 line LM and the valley folding line VF of the first region A-, are disposed in the absorbent article in such a manner as to extend strad-dlig in the widthwise direction Dw the center axis l ine CL running in the lengthwise 5 direction DEL of the absorbent article, and to also extend straddling in the lengthwise direction DL the center axis lne Cr running in the widthwi se direction Dw of the absorbent article, as viewed flat (that is, so as to lie in at least the center section of the product) , and 10 located between the top sheet and the absorbent body of the absorbent article. [0036] The second sheet 3 in thne folded state, according to this embodiment, has the base section S, more stable and 15 strongly pushed upward by the elastic action of 1 locations: the mountain-folded section PMF of region A], the mount in -folded section P M of the second region A 2 , the valley-folded section Pv of the firsL region A- and the valley-fol ded section P'y-- -fh second 20 region A 2 , which. are formed by two mountain folds and two valley folds, while the elastic action generated at 4 locations allows the base section Si and each mountain folding partition region to partially separate and contact in response to how pressure, sucn as the body 25 weight of the wearer is applied, so that a more excellent fitting property can be obtained. Furthermore, since the base section S- and thoe mountain folding partition region AMF o f t-he first region A- are disposed at the center section of the absorbent article product as viewed flat, 30 there is no formation of a large gap between the second sheet 3 and the absorbent body 4 at the center section of the product, and body fluid, such1 as urine that has been discharged by the wearer can be rapidly and efficiently absorbed into the absorbent. body 4 through the base 35 section S and the mountain folding partition region AMF of the first region A [0037] - 20 In identally, in the second sheet 3 in the folded state according to this embodiment, the mountain foldi no partition region A'MF between the mountain folding line Sandc tn"-e valley fo"ldig linre I ortescnoregi1on, 5 A 2 are not disposed so as to lie in the center section of the product; however, these regions may instead be disposed so as to lie in the center section of the product (in which case the second sheet 3 is either folded over so that the first region Al and the second 10 region A 2 are folded in overlap below the base section Sp, or is folded over so that the valley-folded section Pv, of the first region AI and the valley-folded section P' , of the second region A 2 match) , and when they are thus disposed tnis will increase the number of second sheets 3 15 located between the top sheet 2 and the absorbent body 4, allowing body fluid discharged by the wearer to be rapidly and efficiently absorbed into the absorbent body 4. [0038] 20 The second sheet 3 in the folded state, shown in Fig. 13, is folded over by two mountain folds along two mountain folding lines LM, LM 2 . The second sheet 3 in the folded state has a base sectio S. and a first region A, in the elongated state as shown in P-ig. 14, and the 25 first region Ai has one first mountain folding 1i.ne LM located at the edge on the base section S side the first region A1 in the second direction D 2 , and running in the first direction D-, and one seconD mountain fo lIJng line LMT, 2 loca ted in the region between the first mountaIn 30 folding line L. and the edge EI on the side of the first region A- opposite the base section S? side in the second direction D2, and running in the first direction Di [0039] Also, in the second. sheet 3 in the folded state 35 shown in Fig. 13, the base section SP, the first mountain folding partition region AMF1 between the frst mountain folding line LMF- and the second mountain folding - 21 partition region A2i-, and the second mountain folding partition region AMy2 between the second mount a f old no ine LM and tne edge Ei, are disposec in th abs orbent article in sun c a manner as to extend straddling in the 5 widt hw se direction Dw the center axis line CL r n ing in the lengthwise direction DL of the absorbent art icle, and to extend straddling in the lengthwise direction DV the center axis l Cw running in the widthwise direction Dw of the absorbent article, as viewed flat (that is, so as 10 to lie in at least th center section of the product), Deing located between the top sheet and the absorbent body of the absorbent article. [0040] In the second sheet 3 in the folded state, according 15 to this embodiment as well, elastic action at the first mountain-folded section PM--i and the second mountain folded section PMF2, formed by the two mountain folds, allows the base section Sp to be pushed upward, thereby allowing a suitable fitting property to be maintained 20 while reliably pressing the top sheet from the back side. Furthermore, since the base section Sp, the first mountain folding partition region AMF1 and the second mount an fo Cling part i T region AMj 2 are disposed at the center section of the absorbent article prod as viewed flat, 5 body l , sucn as urine that has been discharged by the wearer can be rapidly and efficiently absorbed into the absorbent body 4 through the base section S, and the first mountain folding partition region AMFI, and second mountain folding parttion region AMF2, at the center section Of 30 the product. [0041] A fixed aspect ofT the second sheet ofT the absorbent article of the present irnvention will now be described in detail with refer-ence to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 35 15 is a plan view of the elongated state of a light incontinence pad according to another embodiment Of the present invention, and Fig. 16 is a partial cross- - 22 sectional view along line XVI-XVI' of Fig. 15. As Shown in Fig. 15, this absorbent article of the present. invention has a body fluid absorbing region TA and reg ions TB, TB' other than the body fluid absorbing 5 region, in the lengthwise direction DL of the product. The term "body fluid absorbing region" refers to the region corresponding to the location of discharge of body fluids by the wearer when the absorbent art ice is worn, and it is a region appropriately determined according to 10 the type of absorbent article, and specific ally the type of body fluid diSc 1 arged, such as urine, feces, menstrual blood or the like, the age and gender of the wearer, the region of contact with the wearer, the structure of the absorbent body, and other factors. The term "regions 15 other than the body fluid absorbing region" refers to regions outside the body fluid absorbing region, such regions including regions that do not absorb body fluids discharged by the wearer, and regions that do not correspond to the location of body fluid discharge by the 20 wearer but are still regi ons that absorb body fluids discharged by the wearer. [0042] According to the present invention, in order to efficiently u till ze elastic action of each of the folded 25 sections and imur-ove the degree of freedom or separation and contact between the base section and the mountain folding partition regions depending on the state in which the absorbent article is worn, in the second sheet in the folded state, prefera. ly th- mutually facing surfaces in 30 the second sheet in the folded state are not -joined at least in the body fluid absorb n region g A of the absorbent article. If: the construction is thus such as to increase the degree of freedom off separation and. contact between the base section and. the mountain folding 35 par-ti it ion region, then even when -pressure applied to the absorbent article changes by activity of the wearer, such as standing, walking or sitting, the range in which the - 23 base section and the mountain folding partition region can separate and come into contact in response to such changes in pressure wil increase, and an even more satisfactory fitting property can be provd for the 5 wearer. [0043] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 15 and Fig. 16, the second sheet in the folded state may have a joining section P in wich th e facing surfaces of the second 10 sheet 3 in the folded state are joined, I n the regions T, T, other than the body fluid absorbing region of the ight inconinence pad 1 (absorbent art 1cle) . By having such a joining section, the base section and the mountain to Icing partiton region will not separate in the re gions 15 other than the body fluid absorbing region of the second sheet in the folded state, and therefore in the regions that do not require fitting with the crotch section of the wearer, it is possible to for body fluids discharged :by the wearer to be smoothly absorbed into the absorbent 20 body regardless of changes in pressure on the absorbent article produced by activity of the wearer or the state of wearing. [0044] Tre are no particular restrictions on the means of 25 joining the facing surfaces of the second sheet in the folded state, in the reg ions other than the body fluid absorbing region, and for example, there may be emplo yed any desired joini nc means usinc an adhesive, such as a hot-mel adhesive, heat sealing with a heat seal, 30 thermocompression bonding, such as embossing, or the ike. [0045] The light incontinence pad I (absorbent article) shown in Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 is an embodiment in which an 35 adhesive 6, such as a hot-melt adhesive is used as the mining means. For this embodiment., the jining section PB is formed only between th e racing surfaces of the - 24 second sheet in the folded state, and since it does not inhibit diffusion of body fluids flowing over the base section of the second sheet, it is possible for body fluids discharged by the wearer to be smoothly absorbed 5 into the absorbent body 4 from a wide range of regions. [0046] Fig. 17 is a plan view of the elongated state of a light incontinence pad according to yet another embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 18 is a partial 10 cross-sectional view along line XVIII-XVIII' of Fig. 17. The light incontinence pad 1 (absorbent article) shown in Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 is an embodiment in which there is employed means of forming thermocompression bonded sections 7 by embossing, from the top sheet 2 side, as 15 the joining means. For this embodiment, the joining section P is formed straddling the top sheet 2, the second sheet 3 and the absorbent body 4, the top sheet 2, second sheet 3 and absorbent body 4 being integrally and firmly anchored, and therefore body fluids discharged by 20 the wearer can be more smoothly absorbed into the absorbent body 4. [0047] A second sheet to be used for the present invention will now be described. The second sheet to be used for 25 the present invention is not particularly restricted so long as it is a liquid-permeable sheet, such as a nonwoven fabric commonly used in the field of absorbent articles; however, among these it is most preferred to use a sheet-like fiber structure, such as a nonwoven 30 fabric, formed of fibers with a fiber size of 1 to 5 denier. If the fiber size of the fibers composing the sheet-like fiber structure is less than 1 denier, the rigidity of the second sheet will be insufficient, resulting in weak action of restoration of the second 35 sheet in the folded state to the elongated state, and therefore the desired fitting property may not be obtained when the second sheet has been placed in the - 25 absorbent article. Also, if the fiber size of the fibers composing the sheet-like fiber structure is greater than 5 denier, the rigidity of the second sheet will be too hi gh, often creating a feeling of discomfort or 5 unpleasantness for the wearer. [0048] The second sheet to be used for the present invention may also have a multilayer structure comprising two or more sheet---l ike fiber structures. If the second 10 sheet has a multilayer structure, it will be possible to ensure the desired rigidity for the second sheet even if the fiber size of the fibers composing the sheet-like fiber structure is less than 1 denier, and by varying the type of each layer or the number of layers, it is 15 possible to conveniently od-)ust the liquid permeability or rigidity of the second sheet (or the fitting property resulting from the rigidity) in a precise manner. [0049] There are no particular restrictions on the basis 20 weight of the sheet- like fiber structure to be used in the second sheet; however, it is preferably 10 to 60 g/mz and more preferably 15 to 45 g/m 2 , from E viewpo it of liquid , ermeability, sheet rigidity, etc. [0050] 25 Fig. 19 is a plan view of the elongated state of a light incontinence pad according to yet another emoodiment of the present Invention, and Fig. 20 is a partial c ross- sec tonal view along line XX--XX' of Fig. 19. As shown in Fig. 19 and Fig. 20, the second sheet to 30 be used for the present invention may be one having a structure with a plurality of raised secti ons 8 formed in a dotted manner on the first surface, and with the second surface fomed flat (hereunder referred to as "second sheet with raised sections"; . The shapes of the raised 35 sections 8 are not part icularly rest rcted, and may be any desir-ed sha-pes, such as hemispherical as shown. Fig. 19 and Fig. 20, or cylindrical, square columnar, - 26 truncated cone-shaped, or the like. Also, the dotted pattern Of the raised sections 8 may be such that the raised sections are formed in a uni form manner as viewed flat (that i s-, so as to have fixed distances between the 5 raised sections), or in a maldistributed manner in spec regons (that is, with shorter distances between the raised sections within specific regions) The method for producing the second sheet with raised sections is not artiularly restricted, and any production method 10 that is publicly known in the technical field may be emp loyed, such as the production method disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2 014-0(4490, for example. As used herein, flatat" means a flat section that has not been treated to add specific shapes, such as 15 convex-concaves (for exaimplea, emboss ing or vacuum forming), and for example, the surface of the sheet-like fiber structure is considered flat even if the surface of the sheet-like fiber structure, such as the nonwoven fabric, nas fine irregular shapes due to the constituent 20 fibers, so long as it has not been treated to add such specific shapes. [0051] The light incontinence pad 1 (absorbent article) shown in Fig. 19 and Fig. 20 is an embodiment employing 25 such a second sheet with raised sections 3 . For this embodiment, the second sheet with raised sections 3' is folded over by mountain folding, along one mountain folding line running in the first direction D1, as the direct-ion matching the lengthwise direction DE of the 30 product, based on the first surface that has a -lurality of raised sections 8, and when in the folded state, it iS disposed between the top sheet 2 and the absorbent body 4 The second sheet with rai sed sections 3 in the folded state that is disposed in this manner has the 35 plurality of raised sections 8 located on the side of the base section S- facing the top sheet 2, and the side of the mountain folding partition region A facing the - 27 absorbent body 4. [0052] If the second sheet with raised sections 3' is disposed in this manner, then pressure applied from the 5 top sheet 2 side of the product, by activity of the wearer, the wearing state, or the like, will propagate to the plurality of raised sections 8 of the mountain folding partition region AMF through the plurality of raised sections 8 of the base section Sp in the second 10 sheet with raised sections 3', while also each of the raised sections 8 of the mountain folding partition region AMF will locally press onto the surface of the absorbent body 4, thereby allowing a plurality of high density sections to be formed in the surface of the 15 absorbent body 4. When such high density sections are formed in the surface of the absorbent body 4, body fluid pooling in the top sheet 2 and the second sheet with raised sections 3' will be able to be actively drawn in at the high density sections, and even with a rapid 20 elimination rate of body fluid from the wearer, the body fluid will be able to temporarily pool in the low density sections, i.e. the sections other than high density sections, thereby allowing body fluid discharged by the wearer to be efficiently absorbed into the absorbent body 25 4. [0053] The present invention can be applied not only to a light incontinence pad according to the different embodiments described above, but also to various types of 30 absorbent articles, such as panty liners, sanitary napkins and disposable diapers. Furthermore, the absorbent article of the present invention is not restricted to the embodiment described above and can be appropriately modified within a range that is not outside 35 of the object and gist of the present invention.

- 28 [0054] Where the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprised" or "comprising" are used in this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the 5 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. Reference Sign List 10 [0055] 1 Light incontinence pad 2 Top sheet 3 Second sheet 4 Absorbent body 15 5 Back sheet 6 Adhesive 7 Embossed section 8 Raised section Sp Base section 20 Ai First region

A

2 Second region AMF Mountain folding partition region LMF Mountain folding line LVF Valley folding line 25 PMF Mountain-folded section PVF Valley-folded section

Claims (7)

1. An absorbent article comprising a folded second sheet at a location between a top sheet and an absorbent body; 5 the folded second sheet having a first surface and a second surface, in the elongated state, and including a base section that is located on the top sheet side in the folded state, having a first direction and a second direction that are mutually crossing at right 10 angles as viewed flat, and at least one from among a first region and a second region each extending from respective edges in the second direction of the base section when in the elongated state; wherein at least one region from among the 15 first region and second region has in the second sheet in the elongated state, p number of mountain folding lines (p being an integer of 1 or greater) running in the first direction, that are folding lines for mountain folding of the second sheet based on the first surface, and q number 20 of valley folding lines (q being an integer of 0 or greater) running in the first direction, that are folding lines for valley folding of the second sheet based on the first surface, one of the p number of mountain folding lines being located on a base section side edge, among 25 both edges of the first region and the second region in the second direction; in the folded second sheet, the base section and at least one mountain folding partition region adjacent to the side of at least one region from 30 among the first region and the second region of the second sheet in the elongated state, in the direction in which that region of the mountain folding line extends, extend straddling in a widthwise direction a center axis line running in a lengthwise direction of the absorbent 35 article, and extend straddling in a lengthwise direction a center axis line running in a widthwise direction of the absorbent article, as viewed flat; - 30 in the folded second sheet, mutually facing surfaces of the second sheet in the folded state are not joined together at least in a body fluid absorbing region of the absorbent article, and 5 the folded second sheet has a joining section in which the mutual facing surfaces of the second sheet in the folded state are joined, in a region other than a body fluid absorbing region.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, 10 wherein the first direction matches the lengthwise direction of the absorbent article, as viewed flat.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the folded second sheet is folded over in such a manner that the edges in the second direction of the 15 second sheet in the elongated state are not overlapped in a thickness direction of the absorbent article.

4. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the folded second sheet includes 20 only the first region from among the first region and the second region, the first region having one each of a mountain folding line and a valley folding line.

5. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the folded second sheet includes 25 both the first region and the second region, the first region and the second region each having one each of a mountain folding line and a valley folding line.

6. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the folded second sheet has a 30 plurality of raised sections on either surface from among the first surface and the second surface in the elongated state, the other surface being flat.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 6, having the plurality of raised sections on the first 35 surface.