Unfolding type diaper

Abstract

To provide a diaper which does not look like a diaper though it is an unfolding type.SOLUTION: A diaper has: a rear part 1; a side part 2; left and right first front parts 3, 4; a lower part 5; and a second front part 6. After the left and right first front parts 3, 4 are joined, the second front part 6 is wound up to be fixed to the first front parts 3, 4, so that the diaper is held in an underpants shape. In a leg opening part 7 of each of the parts 1 to 6, a crotch part 8 covering a user's thigh is provided. The diaper presents a trunks-type outer appearance while being an unfolding type. Therefore, it does not look like a diaper but looks more like underwear. Thus, it can contribute to raising self-esteem by making the user feel positive.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a spread-type diaper suitable for nursing care. [Background technology]

[0002] As the population ages in Japan and many other countries, the number of people requiring care is also increasing. There are stages in the level of care required, but most users use diapers. Diapers are broadly classified into pants-type diapers (e.g., Patent Documents 1 and 2), which users wear by inserting their feet (legs) into the crotch area, and open-type diapers, which are opened on both sides and secured with tapes on the left and right. When users are bedridden, open-type diapers are often used because they are easier to change (put on and take off).

[0003] In addition, when changing open-type diapers, the caregiver changes the user's position from lying on their back, to lying on their right side, to lying on their left side, and then removes the old diaper, puts on a new diaper, and washes the genitals and other areas in succession.

[0004] Now, to explain open-type diapers in more detail, the diaper has a waist portion that extends from the back of the user's waist, along the left and right sides of the waist, to the user's abdomen, and a roll-up overlapping portion that is continuous with the waist portion and rolls up around the user's abdomen.The front portion (front body part) of the waist portion that overlaps the user's abdomen is separated into left and right parts.

[0005] There are two types of methods: one in which the rolled-up overlapping portion is placed over the abdomen of the user, and then the left and right front portions are placed over the rolled-up overlapping portion and secured with tape; the other in which the left and right front portions constituting the waistband are formed into belt-like portions, and the left and right belt-like portions are secured with hook-and-loop fasteners, adhesive tape, etc., and then the rolled-up overlapping portion is secured to the belt-like portion with adhesive tape, etc. (For example, Patent Documents 3 and 4). The former method is widely used, and there is no need to cite any literature.

[0006] Changing diapers for bedridden people requires a series of delicate tasks and therefore relies on manual labor, but because the user exposes their genitals and leaves the task to the caregiver, it is not only hard work for the caregiver, but also causes embarrassment for the user and distress for the caregiver, creating psychological stress for both the user and the caregiver.In Japan, the majority of caregiving takes place at home (in-home care), but because home care requires sacrifices from certain individuals, it is an issue that must be addressed, particularly in welfare policy.

[0007] Therefore, there is a demand for technology that can reduce the physical and psychological burden on both the caregiver and the user when changing diapers. In order to meet this demand, the applicant of the present application has disclosed in Patent Document 5 a robot system that makes it possible to change the diapers of bedridden users. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-253290 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-227505 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6103920 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-136652 [Patent Document 5] Patent No. 7349038 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Now, while millions of people in Japan use nursing care diapers, the number of people who willingly use them is nearly zero, and most people would rather not use them if possible, but have no choice but to use them (or are forced to use them). Furthermore, being forced to use diapers when one cannot control one's own excretion, a basic human function, can lead to a decline in self-esteem and an increase in self-denial, which can ultimately lead to a decline in ADL (activities of daily living).

[0010] Therefore, while the use of diapers is an inevitable reality, there is a need for the development of technology that can reduce the discomfort felt by users and the burden on caregivers, as well as for support at care sites. The nursing robot proposed by the applicant of the present application and disclosed in Patent Document 5 meets this social demand from a technical standpoint, but the inventors of the present application have also considered the robot from the user's perspective and have come to recognize the need for improvements in terms of design.

[0011] In other words, a common trait of the majority of people is that they tend to be attracted to cool things, even if the functionality is the same (even if it is slightly inferior), and they feel excited when wearing products with excellent design and fashion.However, when we look at diapers for nursing care, the majority of them have the appearance of baby diapers enlarged for adults, and in reality they look like regular diapers and are far from fashionable.As a result, users feel as if they are being treated like children despite being adults, which can contribute to a decline in self-esteem.

[0012] Of course, this does not mean that diaper design is completely neglected, and Patent Documents 1 and 2, although pants-type, have a trunk-like appearance, which is not like a diaper, and is therefore thought to contribute to making users feel more positive. In other words, the feeling of wearing underwear instead of a diaper makes users more proactive about life, leading to improved self-esteem and ADL.

[0013] However, the current situation is that open-type nursing diapers have not been designed to look like underwear. Open-type diapers are often used by bedridden people, but even though it is bedridden people who need them to feel more positive, those involved in diaper manufacturing and development have not yet been able to provide such an environment. Therefore, there is a demand for open-type diapers with a design that users and caregivers will find attractive.

[0014] The present invention seeks to meet this need. Furthermore, this application discloses numerous improvements to diapers and related technologies, which seek to meet the need for technology that can reduce the physical and psychological burden on both caregivers and users. This application also seeks to meet this technical need. In other words, this application addresses the technical need as a problem. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The present invention includes many elements, typical examples of which are specified in each claim. Of these, the invention in claim 1 is a generic concept, "The rear part overlaps the back of the user's waist, left and right side portions that are continuous with the rear portion and overlap the sides of the user's waist; left and right first front portions that are continuous with the side portions and overlap the abdomen of the user; a lower portion that is integrally continuous with the rear portion and overlaps the crotch portion of a user; a second front portion that is continuous with the lower portion and overlaps the abdomen of the user, Before being worn by a user, the left and right first front portions and the second front portion each have a free tip end, When worn by a user, the left and right first front parts and the second front part are connected in an overlapping state, thereby forming a crotch part that wraps around the base of the user's thighs, and the crotch part has elasticity. In this basic configuration, "A crotch section that surrounds the upper part of the user's thighs is provided in the area where the crotch section is formed, covering the crotch section." It has the following characteristics.

[0016] Various structures can be used to make the crotch area stretchable, such as a gathered method in which a band-like portion is gathered with stretchable thread, a method in which the edge is formed into a tube shape and stretchable thread is inserted inside, or a method in which a stretchable band material is attached.

[0017] The invention of claim 2 is a development example of claim 1, "A white excrement absorption section is arranged around the inner surface of the lower section, At least the outer surface of the portion excluding the excrement absorption portion is set to black or other dark color. The structure is as follows.

[0018] The invention of claim 3 is also an example of the development of claim 1, The crotch portion is formed to fit the user's groin, and the boundary between the waist portion, which is made up of the rear portion, side portion, front portion, and lower portion, and the crotch portion is the crotch portion. The inner surface of the waistband is entirely or mostly made of a white or white-based material, The outer surface of the waistband portion and the outer surface of the crotch portion are entirely colored in a single color or have the same pattern, or the outer surface of the waistband portion and the outer surface of the crotch portion have different appearances, The different appearances of the outer surface of the waistband portion and the outer surface of the crotch portion include a case where both have different chromatic colors, a case where both have different patterns, and a case where one has a single chromatic color and the other has a pattern, Furthermore, the difference in a single color also includes differences in the shade of the same color. The structure is as follows.

[0019] In claim 3, the pattern (design) may be applied to a white or black base, or to a chromatic base. A combination of chromatic and achromatic colors may also be used. Anything with shades of black can be considered a pattern.

[0020] The invention of claim 4 is a development example of any one of claims 1 to 3, "The crotch portion is provided with a connecting means for holding the garment in a cylindrical shape." Examples of the connecting means include a hook-and-loop fastener, a metal or resin spring hook, or a metal or resin hook member.

[0021] The invention of claim 5 is also a development example of any of claims 1 to 3, "When worn, the crotch portion is cut upward on the outer surface to extend along the user's groin, and the vertical width of the crotch portion increases as it moves away from the lower portion, so that the lower ends of the crotch portion are aligned at approximately the same height." The structure is as follows.

[0022] The invention of claim 6 is also an example of any one of claims 1 to 3, and states that "when worn by a user, the first front portion and the second front portion are configured to partially overlap, and the crotch portion is also configured so that when worn by a user, a portion of the first front portion and a portion of the second front portion partially overlap along the user's groin." In this case, the overlapping pattern of the crotch area is such that the part that is continuous with the second front part overlaps the part that is continuous with the first front part from the outside.

[0023] The invention of claim 7 is also a development example of any of claims 1 to 3, "The left and right first front portions are provided with first engagement means for connecting the first front portions, and the left and right first front portions or the left and right side portions and both left and right ends of the second front portion are provided with second engagement means for connecting the second front portion to the first front portions or the side portions." The structure is as follows.

[0024] The invention of claim 8 is a development example of claim 7, "The first connecting means is a hook-and-loop fastener or adhesive tape method that engages and disengages by partially overlapping the left and right first front portions and pressing and peeling them apart." The structure is as follows.

[0025] The invention of claim 9 is a development example of claim 8, "A third connecting means, which is a hook-and-loop fastener or adhesive tape type that can be engaged and disengaged by pressing and peeling, is provided between the left and right intermediate portions of the upper end of the rolled-up overlapping portion and the first front portion." The structure is as follows.

[0026] Claim 10 is an example of the development of claim 7, "The first engagement means has a first engagement body with a first knob provided at the tip of each of the left and right first front parts, and can be engaged and disengaged by moving the left and right first knobs left and right." The structure is as follows.

[0027] The inventions from claim 5 onwards can be established regardless of the existence of a crotch area. Therefore, each of them can be considered an independent invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] Open-type diapers are a reasonable design for use by bedridden individuals, but as mentioned above, conventional open-type diapers have a diaper-like appearance, which can be psychologically resistant to adult users. In this regard, the diaper of the present invention, while open-type, has a crotch section and looks like trunks, thereby reducing or eliminating psychological resistance to use. As a result, it can be said that it can contribute to users feeling more positive and motivated in their daily lives, and to improving their ADL. It is particularly suitable for men.

[0029] Furthermore, many diapers have a gathered structure around the crotch to prevent leakage, and these gathers are a major factor in giving the diaper-like appearance, but with the present invention, even if the crotch has a gathered structure, it can be hidden by the crotch area, which contributes to eliminating the diaper-like appearance and giving the diaper a more underwear-like appearance. Therefore, as mentioned above, it can be said that this can contribute to giving the user a positive attitude and a more fulfilling life, and to improving ADL.

[0030] Color is also one factor that contributes to a diaper-like appearance. Existing diapers are essentially made of a water-absorbing body, which is made primarily from pulp cotton or nonwoven fabric and is coated with water-absorbing resin (water-absorbing polymer). The water-absorbing body has a white appearance, the color of the pulp material, and the parts that are visible to the public are left undyed and white or painted in green or blue, but the colors are basically the same as those used in diapers for infants, which can create a psychological resistance for adults to use them.

[0031] In contrast, a dark outer surface, as in claim 2, is preferable because it eliminates the diaper-like appearance and makes the diaper look more like underwear. Furthermore, since the excrement absorption area is white, it is easy to see the state of soiling, and there are no problems with ease of changing the diaper or keeping track of the wearer's physical condition. In particular, a dark outer surface, such as black or gray, is particularly preferable because it presents a chic look that is far removed from that of infant diapers.

[0032] In open-type diapers, the crotch portion cannot be formed into a continuous cylinder, and a break is inevitably created. However, by providing a connecting means that holds the crotch portion in a cylindrical shape as in claim 3, the crotch portion can be made to fit the person's thighs, improving comfort, and eliminating flapping, improving appearance.

[0033] In the case of men's underwear, it is considered preferable to connect the crotch area in a cylindrical shape to resemble trunks, but in the case of women's underwear, it is also possible to leave the crotch area unconnected and leave it loose so that it functions as a kind of decoration. When using the crotch area as decoration in this way, it is preferable to decorate it with a light color or with lace.

[0034] In the invention of claim 3, the appearance is not like that of a diaper but more like that of underwear (because it is beautifully decorated), and the function of tightly sealing the crotch area along the groin area is maintained to prevent leakage of excrement, while the excellent aesthetic appearance can put the user in a positive mood and improve the user's sense of self-efficacy.

[0035] In this case, since aesthetic sense differs greatly between men and women, it is beneficial to differentiate the appearance of men's and women's clothing. That is, whether it is a single color or has a pattern, men prefer chic or active designs. In terms of colors, gray, brown, dark blue, red and black, etc. are preferred. In terms of patterns, vertical or horizontal stripes and checkered patterns are preferred.

[0036] For women, bright colors such as red, pink, yellow, and blue are preferred, and soft patterns such as polka dots, flowers, and hearts are preferred.

[0037] In open-type diapers, it is important to prevent leakage of excrement and slippage of the diaper when worn by a person. However, by cutting the crotch area up along the user's groin, as in claim 4, the fit of the crotch area to the user's body can be improved, improving the effectiveness of preventing leakage of excrement and preventing the diaper from slipping.

[0038] In claim 5, the crotch opening is cut upward, while the lower end of the crotch section is kept at the same height, making the appearance of the diaper closer to that of trunks-type underwear. In other words, the functionality of the diaper is improved, while the appearance is made more like underwear, making it look more attractive.

[0039] If the first front part and the second front part are partially overlapped as in claim 6, the thighs of the user can be tied up, further improving the fit. In addition, an overlapping part is also formed in the crotch area, preventing or reducing skin exposure even without connecting the parts. When connecting the parts as in claim 3, the connection can be easily achieved using connecting means such as hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0040] In the configuration of claim 7, the diaper can be temporarily held on the user by first connecting the first front sections together, so that the second front section can be easily and accurately connected (fixed) to the first front section. Since the connecting operation of the first front sections and the connecting operation of the second front section to the first front section can be performed in two steps, it is easy to attach the diaper using, for example, two mechanical hands. This facilitates the realization of robotic diaper application.

[0041] Furthermore, the first front sections can be connected together even when the user is standing, lying on their back with their legs leaning back, or sitting as if sitting in a chair, making it easy to put on using the two mechanical hands. This also promotes the use of robots in diaper changing.

[0042] In claim 8, the first fastening means is a hook-and-loop fastener or adhesive tape, so the connecting position of the left and right first front parts can be adjusted laterally, allowing the diaper to be worn with appropriate tension by users with different physiques (abdominal circumferences).As a result, the number of size variations in the product lineup can be minimized, thereby reducing manufacturing and management costs.

[0043] In the invention of claim 9, the left and right intermediate portions of the upper end portion of the second front section are connected to the first front section, thereby improving the connection strength of the diaper. Furthermore, during the putting on operation, the posture of the rolled-up overlapping section can be temporarily held in the state before the left and right ends of the rolled-up overlapping section are connected, so that the second front section can be easily connected to the first front section or side section using two mechanical hands.

[0044] In one mode of changing diapers using a robot with two mechanical hands, the two mechanical hands can be operated from behind the user while the user is held in a seated or backward-leaning position, in which case the first front part is fixed and the rolled-up overlapping part hangs down. However, in claim 8, by connecting the left and right middle parts of the upper ends of the left and right first front parts to the first front part with the third connecting means, the second front part can be held in a stable state, and the left and right ends of the second front part can be easily connected to the first front part or side parts using the two mechanical hands. This enables a variety of movements of the mechanical hands, facilitating the realization of diaper changing using a robot.

[0045] In the configuration of claim 10, the first connecting means is a hook-type that moves the tab left and right, allowing the first front sections to be connected together with a single touch. This simplifies the process of connecting the left and right first front sections. This not only simplifies manual connection, but also facilitates robotization. Furthermore, since the vertical length of the first engaging means can be easily increased, it is easy to achieve partial overlapping of the crotch openings as in claim 5. This facilitates robotic changing of high-quality diapers that provide excellent leak prevention and superior thigh coverage with the crotch section. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the first embodiment, in which (A) is a three-dimensional view showing the state in the middle of being worn, (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of (A), (C) is a diagram showing another example of a structure that provides elasticity to the crotch area, and (D) is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of (A). [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a procedure for changing diapers using an example of a robot, in which (A) is a schematic diagram showing the principle of change, and (B) is a schematic plan view of a cassette of diapers. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the second embodiment, in which (A) is a three-dimensional view showing the state when worn, (B) is an oblique view of the tab provided on the left first front part, and (C) is a diagram of another example of the second front part. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a third embodiment, in which (A) is a three-dimensional diagram in a worn state, and (B) is a diagram showing a state in the middle of being worn. [Figure 5] (A) is a separated front view of the first connecting means, (B) is a separated oblique view of the first connecting means, (C) is a separated cross-sectional plan view of the first connecting means, and (D) is a cross-sectional view of (A) in a connected state taken along the line DD. [Figure 6] 10(A) is a three-dimensional view showing the state in the middle of putting on the third embodiment, (B) is an exploded plan view of the second connecting means, and (C) is an exploded perspective view of another example of the second connecting means. [Figure 7] This is an exploded view showing the inner surface. [Figure 8] This is an exploded view showing the outer surface. [Figure 9] (A) is a schematic diagram of the device worn by a person. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the container unfolded with the inner surface exposed. [Figure 11] (A) is a cross-sectional view of the urine bag for men as shown in FIG. 4(A) taken along the line XX, (B) is a perspective view of the urine bag for men, (C) is a partial cross-sectional view of the urine bag and feces bag, and (D) is a cross-sectional view of another example of the urine bag and feces bag. [Figure 12] 4A is a cross-sectional view of the urine bag for women in an expanded state, taken along the line XX in FIG. 4A, and FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the urine bag for women. [Figure 13] (A) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIIIA-XIIIA in FIG. 11(A), and (B) is a view of the defecation state from the same direction as (A). [Figure 14] 13A and 13B are views of another example of the lower part, where (A) is a view from the same direction as FIG. 13A, and (B) is a view of the defecation state from the same direction as (A). [Figure 15] 10(A) is a three-dimensional view showing a state in the middle of being worn according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 10(B) is a longitudinal sectional side view showing a state in which the fourth embodiment is in use. [Figure 16] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the combination with a bed, in which (A) is a longitudinal side view when used in an inclined position, and (B) is a longitudinal side view when used in a vertical position. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing examples of color and pattern usage. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] Next, an embodiment of the present invention and related technologies will be described. In the following, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", and "lower" will be used in relation to the user and the diaper, with the "upper" defined as the user's head side being the top and the "lower" as the foot side. The "left" and "right" refer to the left and right sides of the user. The terms "inner" and "outer" will be used in relation to the diaper, with the "inner" referring to the side facing the user's body and the "outer" referring to the side exposed to the outside of the user.

[0048] (1) Basic structure of the first embodiment Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment. The diaper of this embodiment is an open-type diaper and has a rear section (back trunk section) 1 that overlaps the back of the user's waist, left and right side sections 2 that are continuous with the rear section 1 and overlap the sides of the user's waist, left and right first front sections (first front trunk sections) 3, 4 that are continuous with the side sections and are wrapped toward the user's abdomen, a lower section 5 that is continuous with the lower end of the rear section 1 and overlaps the user's crotch, and a second front section (first front trunk section) 6 that is continuous with the lower section 5 and is raised toward the user's abdomen. In Fig. 1(A), the rough boundaries between the rear section 1, the side sections 2, and the first front sections 3, 4 are indicated by dotted lines.

[0049] When worn by a user, the lower section 5, side sections 2, first front sections 3, 4, and second front section 6 form a crotch section 7 that encases the user's thighs, and each of the sections 2 to 6 that make up the crotch section 7 is provided with a crotch section 8 that encases the base of the user's thighs, covering the crotch section 7 from the outside. The rear section 1, side sections 2, and first front sections 3, 4 can also be called the waist section, and the second front section 6 can be called the roll-up overlap section.

[0050] The sections 2 to 6 that make up the crotch section 7 can be made from a single piece of material that is punched out into a single unit, or they can be manufactured into an appropriate number of separate sections that are then joined together by welding (fusion), sewing, or other fastening means. The crotch section 8 is made as a separate member from the sections 2 to 6, and is fastened to the sections 2 to 6 by welding or sewing.

[0051] The crotch area 7 is stretchable. As a means for imparting stretchability to the crotch area 7, a gathered structure can be used, as shown in Figure 1(C), in which the peripheral edge of each of the parts 2 to 6 is gathered in the circumferential direction by an appropriate width (for example, 1 to 2 cm) and the gathered state is maintained with stretch threads 9, or as shown in Figure 1(B), in which a tunnel-shaped tubular section 10 is formed in the peripheral edge of each of the parts 2 to 6 and stretch threads 9 such as rubber threads are inserted through the inside of the tunnel-shaped tubular section 10.

[0052] The crotch portion 8 is fixed to the outer surface of the peripheral edge of each of the portions 2 to 6 so as to cover the crotch portion 7 from the outside. The front portion of the crotch portion 7 is cut up to extend along the user's groin, but the lower end of the crotch portion 8 is generally uniform in height. Therefore, the height of the crotch portion 8 increases from the lower portion 5 to the side portion 2 (from bottom to top, from inner end to outer end).

[0053] Since the diaper of this embodiment is a diaper-open type, the crotch portion 8 has one end 8a and the other end 8b facing in opposite circumferential directions, and as shown in Figures 1(A) and 1(D), connecting means such as hook-and-loop fasteners 11 or spring hooks can be provided at the one end 8a and the other end 8b to maintain the tubular shape. Note that the hook-and-loop fasteners mentioned below can all be replaced with adhesive tape.

[0054] (2) Waist wrapping structure of the first embodiment The upper end of the right first front part 4 is straight and elongated, but the lower end decreases in vertical width from the base to the tip. Therefore, the height (vertical width) of the right first front part 4 decreases toward the tip. The base end of the right first front part 4 forms part of the crotch part 7. The lower end of the second front part 6 is gently curved, but a straight shape can also be adopted.

[0055] A hollow portion 4a with a folded structure that opens at the top and bottom is formed at the tip side of the right first front portion 4. Therefore, the fingertip F of a human or mechanical hand can be inserted into the hollow portion 4a of the right first front portion 4 from below or above, and pulled to the left or fixed in position.

[0056] In this case, as a means for making it easier to insert the fingertips F, the hollow portion 4a is set slightly higher than the lower end of the right first front portion 4. When a mechanical hand is used for diaper changing using a robot, it is also possible to widen the hollow portion by spraying compressed air from the fingertips F of the mechanical hand.

[0057] Furthermore, a structure that keeps hollow portion 4a in a bulged state in the free state and flattens it when pressed can be employed as a means for facilitating insertion of fingertip F into hollow portion 4a. A specific means for keeping hollow portion 4a in a bulged state in the free state can be, for example, a method of placing a shape-retaining plate made of a resin plate inside the hollow portion.

[0058] The left first front part 3 has a base part 3a that is continuous with the left side part 2, and a belt-like part 3b that is continuous with the base part 3a and overlaps the right first front part 4 from the front. The belt-like part 3b has approximately the same vertical width as the hollow part 4a of the right first front part 4.

[0059] The tip of the belt-shaped portion 3b is provided with a right first gripping piece 12 that can be gripped by the fingers of a human or mechanical hand. The first gripping piece 12 can be constructed by folding back the belt-shaped portion 3b to make it thicker, or by attaching a resin reinforcing plate. In either case, it can be rotated between a position facing forward and a position overlapping the left first front portion 3.

[0060] A first movable hook-and-loop fastener 13 is provided on the inner surface of the tip of the belt-shaped portion 3b of the left first front portion 3 as part of the first connecting means that connects the right first front portion 4 and the left first front portion 3. Meanwhile, at least the area of ​​the right first front portion 4 that can be overlapped by the first movable hook-and-loop fastener 13 is configured to have a structure like nonwoven fabric that allows the first movable hook-and-loop fastener 13 to be engaged and disengaged. Therefore, in this embodiment, the right first front portion 4 itself constitutes part of the first connecting means.

[0061] However, it is also possible to arrange the first fixed hook-and-loop fastener, which can be engaged with and disengaged from the first movable hook-and-loop fastener 13, so that it extends long in the left-right direction on the right first front part 4. In either case, by adjusting the engagement position of the first movable hook-and-loop fastener 13 with respect to the left first front part 3 in the left-right direction, the left and right front parts 3, 4 can be wrapped and connected (fixed) with appropriate tension for users with different abdominal circumferences. It is also possible to arrange the hollow part and the belt-like part in reverse left-right positions.

[0062] (3) First embodiment of the lifting structure and excrement disposal structure The second front section 6 is set to be rolled up and overlap the first front sections 3, 4, and in the rolled up state, the upper end of the second front section 6 is set to be roughly aligned with the upper end of the first front sections 3, 4. Second gripping pieces 14 that can be gripped by a human or mechanical hand are provided on the left and right ends of the second front section 6 so as to protrude outward on the left and right sides, and second movable hook-and-loop fasteners 15 that are exposed toward the first front sections 3, 4 are provided on the inner surface. Therefore, the second movable hook-and-loop fasteners 15 are arranged on the inner surface of the second front section 6.

[0063] The second movable hook-and-loop fastener 15 forms part of the two connecting means for fixing the second front section 6 to the first front sections 3, 4, and is designed to engage and disengage with respect to the first front sections 3, 4. Therefore, the range of the first front sections 3, 4 that the second movable hook-and-loop fastener 15 can overlap is designed to allow the second movable hook-and-loop fastener 15 to engage and disengage like a nonwoven fabric. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first front sections 3, 4 themselves form part of the second connecting means.

[0064] In this case, the connection position between the second front part 6 and the first front parts 3, 4 is close to the crotch part 7, so that the crotch part 7 can be used to tie up the user's thighs, improving fit and leak prevention.

[0065] Furthermore, the second front section 6 can be connected to the first front sections 3, 4 at two locations, the lower end and the upper end. In other words, the second tab 14 and the second movable hook-and-loop fastener 15 can be arranged one above the other. This has the advantage of improving fit and shape retention. The same effect can be achieved by providing the second movable hook-and-loop fastener 15 over the entire height of the left and right side sections of the second front section 6.

[0066] A third tab 16 that protrudes downward in a free state and a third movable hook-and-loop fastener 17 that overlaps the belt-like portion 3b of the left first front portion 3 in an in-use state are provided at the left-right intermediate portion of the tip edge of the second front portion 6, so that the left-right intermediate portion of the second front portion 6 can be connected to the belt-like portion 3b of the left first front portion 3. The third movable hook-and-loop fastener 17 forms part of a third connecting means that secures the left-right intermediate portion of the second front portion 6, and the belt-like portion 3b of the left first front portion 3 also forms part of the third connecting means.

[0067] As a means for disposing of excrement, it is possible to use an absorbent material that combines cotton and absorbent resin, as is currently available in commercially available products, and to place this absorbent material from the bottom of the rear section 1 to the second front section 6. However, with current absorbent materials, excrement spreads out toward the surface, causing discomfort to the user. This problem can be solved by storing urine in a urine bag and feces in a feces bag.

[0068] In this case, possible configurations are those in which both the urination bag and the fecal bag are fixed to the diaper main body, those in which both are detachable from the diaper main body, and those in which either one is detachable from the diaper main body. However, taking into consideration the fact that urination frequency is greater than defecation frequency and the simplicity of the structure, it is preferable to have the fecal bag integrated into the diaper main body and the urination bag detachable from the diaper main body. Therefore, in Figure 1(A), the fecal bag 18 is shown built into the lower section 5, and the urination bag 19 is shown by a dashed line as being detachably placed in the second front section 6. Reference numeral 20 in Figure 1(A) denotes a fecal evacuation hole opened in the inner layer of the lower section 5, which communicates with the fecal bag 18.

[0069] The urination bag 19 needs to be held in place so that it does not come off, and it is preferable to fasten its upper end to the first front parts 3, 4 with a fastening means such as a hook-and-loop fastener. Because the urination bag 19 is covered from the front by the second front part 6, it is preferable that the second front part 6 be formed in an inflated state so as not to impede the storage function of the urination bag. The specific structures of the fecal bag 18 and the urination bag 19 are clearly shown in the third embodiment.

[0070] In this embodiment, the bases of the left and right first front parts 3, 4 and the second front part 6 each have a portion that extends along the user's groin, and this portion forms the crotch part 7, but the crotch parts 7 of the first front parts 3, 4 and the crotch part 7 of the second front part 6 partially overlap. Therefore, as shown in Figure 1(A), one end and the other end of the crotch part 8 also overlap by a dimension E. This provides a high coverage effect for the thighs TE and allows for easy connection using hook-and-loop fasteners 11 or the like.

[0071] (4) Example of robot-compatible use of the first embodiment The diaper in the first embodiment can be changed by the user himself or herself or by a caregiver, but it can also be changed using a robot. The diaper in this embodiment is designed for use by bedridden individuals, so excretion occurs while the individual is lying in bed, and the diaper is changed after defecation. Therefore, when changing diapers using a robot, it can be said that the used diaper is often removed and a new diaper is put on while the individual is lying in bed. However, Figure 2 partially shows an example of changing (putting on) a diaper using a showering fixture 22, which has been devised as a device to enhance user comfort.

[0072] The showering facility 22 is used by the user M by transferring from the bed, and tasks such as removing used diapers, washing areas, mainly the genitals and buttocks, and putting on a new diaper are performed using a robotic mechanical hand 24. Although the mechanical hand 24 is shown schematically, it actually has two fingers that resemble human fingers. The user is supported by a support base (not shown) that can change the user's position when viewed from the side, similar to a reclining chair, and can change the user's position while stably supporting them, from a lying position on their back to a position leaning backward (or a position with the upper body upright).

[0073] The user is transferred from the bed in a lying position on their back, then bends their knees and tilts their upper body backward (or sits), and the user is covered so that only their head is exposed. In this state, tasks such as removing the used diaper with the mechanical hands 24, washing the genitals and other areas in the shower using the mechanical hands 24, wiping off moisture using the mechanical hands 24, drying with a hairdryer, etc., and putting on a new diaper are performed. The two mechanical hands 24 can also be positioned in front of the user, but in this example, the mechanical hands are positioned behind the user and are operated by moving from behind to in front of the user.

[0074] Before putting on a new diaper, the diaper is temporarily held in a cassette on a cardboard-like holder 23. In this case, the left and right first front sections 3, 4 are folded back so as to overlap the rear section 1, and the left first front section 3 is folded in half to expose the first tab 12 on the left side, and part of the folded left first front section 3 is sandwiched between the right first front section 4 and the rear section 1.

[0075] A new diaper is put on by moving the holder 23 from the storage unit behind the user who is in a backward leaning position, wrapping and securing the first front parts 3 and 4 of the diaper around the user's body using the left and right mechanical hands 24, gripping the third gripping piece 16 of the second front part 6 with one mechanical hand 24 to secure the left and right middle parts of the tip of the second front part 6 to the belt-like part 3b of the left first front part 3, and gripping the second gripping piece 14 of the second front part 6 with the two mechanical hands 24 to secure both left and right ends of the second front part 6 to the first front parts 3 and 4.

[0076] To wrap and secure the first front sections 3, 4 of the diaper around the user's body, one or more fingertips F of one mechanical hand 24 are inserted from below into the hollow section 4a of the right first front section 4, while the other mechanical hand 24 is used to grasp the right first gripping piece 12 of the left first front section 3. In this state, the left and right mechanical hands 24 are moved toward the user's abdomen, and with the left first front section 3 overlapping the right first front section 4, the left and right mechanical hands 24 are pulled in the direction with appropriate tension. In this state, the second movable hook-and-loop fastener 15 is lightly pressed against the right first front section 4. This connects the first front sections 3, 4, and the fingertips F of one mechanical hand 24 are then removed from the hollow section 4a of the right first front section 4.

[0077] The user's body data, such as waist circumference, is input into the control device in advance, and the mechanical hands 24 are controlled based on this data, but when the left and right mechanical hands 24 are used to wrap and secure the first front sections 3, 4 around the user's body, the tension is set to stop when a preset tension is reached, allowing for fine adjustments to prevent the garment from being too tight or too loose.

[0078] During the wrapping operation, it is preferable to keep the fingertips F of one mechanical hand 24 slightly above the user's abdomen. The showering equipment 22 is equipped with recognition means such as an image recognition camera, and the positions of the tabs 12, 14, and 16 can be recognized by image processing. In this embodiment, when fastening the left and right ends of the second front part 6, the second front part 6 is stably held in position by the third movable hook-and-loop fastener 17, so that the second tab 14 can be quickly and easily grasped by the mechanical hand 24. Furthermore, by connecting the left and right ends of the second front part 6 to the first front parts 3 and 4 while pulling the second front part 6 diagonally outward, the crotch part 7 can be fitted to the user's thighs, improving the sealing performance.

[0079] (5) Second embodiment 3(A) and 3(B) shows another example of a structure that allows easy operation by a human or mechanical hand when connecting the left and right first front portions 3, 4 with hook-and-loop fasteners. That is, in this embodiment, a strip-shaped resin reinforcing plate 26 is fixed to the tip of the right first front portion 4 by sewing or welding, and a left first gripping piece 28 is integrally provided on the reinforcing plate 26 via a bridge-shaped hinge 27 located in the vertical middle portion thereof, while a left first front portion 3 is formed with a left-right longitudinal slit (notch) 29 through which the left first gripping piece 28 can be inserted.

[0080] In this embodiment, the left first tab 28 is inserted into the left first front section 3 by vertically spreading the left first front section 3, and in that state, the left and right first tabs 12, 28 are pulled in opposite directions to ensure appropriate tension, and then the first movable hook-and-loop fastener 13 is pressed against the right first front section 4 to secure it. This procedure allows the waist section including the first front sections 3, 4 to be wrapped around and secured around the user. The first tabs 12, 28 are held in a collapsed position by the second front section 6. The first tab 12 is made of, for example, a resin plate and has a thin reinforcing plate 12a secured to the left first front section 3.

[0081] In this embodiment, the lower ends of the left and right first front sections 3, 4 extend close to the user's pubic bone, and the lower ends of the right first front section 4 overlap each other. A right auxiliary first tab 30 facing sideways and an inward-facing auxiliary first movable hook-and-loop fastener 30a are provided at the right end of the lower end of the left first front section 3, while a left auxiliary first tab 31 facing downward is provided at the left end of the lower end of the right first front section 4. Therefore, by fastening the auxiliary first movable hook-and-loop fastener 30a to the right first front section 4 while pulling the left and right auxiliary first tabs 29, 31 in opposite directions, the edges of the left and right first front sections 3, 4 can be fitted closely against the user's groin.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, auxiliary second tabs 32 and auxiliary second movable hook-and-loop fasteners 33 are provided at the lower ends of both left and right edges of the second front section 6, so that the lower ends of both left and right ends of the second front section 6 can be fixed to the first front sections 3, 4. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first front sections 3, 4 are connected at their lower ends as well, and the second front section 6 is connected at its lower end to the first front sections 3, 4, improving the function of turning the diaper into pants. Therefore, the crotch section 7 firmly holds the person's thighs, ensuring a high fit and leak prevention function.

[0083] In the modified example shown in Figure 3(C), the upper half of the second front portion 6 is formed in a trapezoidal shape that converges upward toward the middle portion between the left and right sides, and the second gripping piece 14 and the second movable hook-and-loop fastener 15 are formed only at one location at the upper end.

[0084] (6) Overview of the third embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described, as shown in Figure 4 and subsequent figures. The basic structure of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first and second embodiments, and includes a rear section 1, side sections 2, first front sections 3 and 4, a lower section 5, and a second front section 6, with a crotch section 8 attached to cover a crotch section 7. In this embodiment, the left and right side sections 2 are configured to be stretchable in the circumferential direction, for example, by forming them from a stretchable sheet. It is possible to make the first front sections 3 and 4 stretchable in addition to the side sections 2.

[0085] In this embodiment, the left and right first front sections 3, 4 are the same height and are wide, with their lower ends reaching down to the user's pubic bone. On the other hand, the second front section 6 is designed so that its upper end reaches approximately the middle between the top and bottom of the first front sections 3, 4 when rolled up. Of course, it is also possible to design the second front section 6 to cover the entire height of the first front sections 3, 4, as shown by the dashed dotted lines. In either case, the crotch section 7 of the second front section 6 partially overlaps with the crotch section 7 of the first front sections 3, 4.

[0086] In this embodiment, the first connecting means for connecting the left and right first front parts 3, 4 includes a right hook body 35 fixed to the right first front part 4 by sewing or welding, and a left hook body 36 fixed to the left first front part 3 by sewing or welding, as clearly shown in Figure 5. The hook bodies 35, 36 are molded products made of soft synthetic resin such as polyethylene, and the right hook body 35 has a right base plate 37 that is vertically elongated, upper and lower hook bodies (claw bodies) 38 provided on the front surface on the left end side of the right base plate 37, and a right first gripping piece 39 provided on the right end of the base plate 37.

[0087] The base end of the right first knob 39 forms a hinge 40, and the hook 38 can be rotated horizontally around the hinge 40. The hook 38 extends to the right and has a guide portion 38a whose vertical width narrows toward the tip, and the guide portion 38a is inclined so that the distance from the right base plate 37 increases toward the tip.

[0088] The left hook body 36 has a vertically elongated left base plate 41 fixed to the left first front part 3 by sewing or welding, an engagement plate 42 provided at the right end of the left base plate 41, and a left first knob 43 provided at the left end of the left base plate 41 so as to be freely rotatable horizontally, and the engagement plate 42 has upper and lower engagement holes 44 into which the hook body 38 of the right hook body 35 fits and disengages. The base plate 37 of the first hook body 35 has a relief hole 37a for forming the hook body 38 by injection molding.

[0089] In this embodiment, there is a gap between the left and right hook bodies 35, 36 in the free state, and the left and right hooks 35, 36 are fitted together against elasticity to connect the left and right first front sections 3, 4. The structure of the second tab 14 and the second movable hook-and-loop fastener 15 is the same as in the first embodiment, and the second movable hook-and-loop fastener 15 is adapted to engage and disengage directly with the first front sections 3, 4, but it is possible and preferable to provide a second fixed hook-and-loop fastener on the first front sections 3, 4 in order to ensure strength.

[0090] In this embodiment, the left and right hooks 35, 36 can be easily fitted together by pinching the tabs 39, 43 and moving them left and right and back and forth. This provides excellent workability. Furthermore, since the hooks 35, 36 can be set to have a long vertical dimension, the vertical connection length of the left and right first front sections 3, 4 can be increased, making the garment closer to a pants-like shape. This improves the fit to the user's body.

[0091] By forming multiple rows of hooks 38 on the right hook 35 on the left and right sides, or by forming multiple rows of engagement holes 44 on the left hook 36 on the left and right sides, or both, an adjustment function for different abdominal circumferences can be ensured. Therefore, three sizes, S, M, and L, can accommodate the majority of people. Since people normally lie on their backs when sleeping in bed, the hooks 35, 36 do not cause discomfort to people, but to eliminate any discomfort, it is preferable to use as soft a material as possible for the hooks 35, 36 and set their thickness to the minimum necessary.

[0092] It is also possible to adopt a concept in which a stopper is provided on a protrusion or the like that maintains the interlocking state on the base plate 37 or hook 38 of the right hook 35 or the engaging plate 42 of the left hook 36, so that the stopper can be engaged and disengaged against elasticity. In this case, it is possible to prevent the interlocking between the hook 38 and the engaging plate 42 from easily coming loose when the user turns over in bed, for example.

[0093] As in the embodiment, providing the hook body 38 with a tapered guide portion 38a facilitates fitting of the engagement plate 42. Furthermore, because the guide portion 38a has a small vertical width, the vertical width of the hooks 35, 36 can be increased to form a pants-like shape, and the first front portions 3, 4 can be easily connected. In particular, the simple movement required to connect the first front portions 3, 4 facilitates replacement by a robot.

[0094] As shown in Figure 6(C) as another example, it is also possible to use a combination of a fixed hook 46 having a hook 45 and a movable hook 48 having an engagement hole 47 as the second connecting means. The second gripping piece 14 is provided on the movable hook 48 so that it can rotate horizontally. In this example, too, by forming multiple rows of hooks 45 or engagement holes 47 or both on the left and right, an adjustment function that can accommodate differences in body size can be ensured.

[0095] In each embodiment of the present application, the diaper may be colored in a variety of ways. For example, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, all parts except the inner surface of the lower section 5 may be unified in a dark color such as gray, giving the diaper an underwear-like appearance. Although the urine drainage bag 19 is not shown in Figures 9 and 10, it is set to a color such as white that is clearly distinguishable from the diaper body. In Figures 9 and 10, the second front section 6 is set so that its upper end is aligned with the upper ends of the first front sections 3 and 4 when rolled up.

[0096] From the viewpoint of visibility, it is preferable to set the tabs 14, 39, 43 and hooks 35, 36 to a conspicuous color such as white. When the upper end of the second front part 6 is aligned with the upper ends of the first front parts 3, 4 as shown in Figure 9, even if the hooks 35, 36 are a conspicuous color such as white, they are covered by the second front part 6 and cannot be seen, which is preferable in terms of eliminating the diaper-like appearance and making the appearance more similar to underwear or swimsuit.

[0097] Examples of color and pattern use are also shown in Figure 17. In Figure 17, each part is shown in outline. In Figure 17, the diaper has an upper hem 21 that forms a ring shape when worn by a user, and this upper hem 21 is made of a white stretchable material. Therefore, the upper end of the diaper appears as a white color.

[0098] The waist area is made up of the rear portion 1, the left and right side portions 2, the front and back front portions 3, 4, and the lower portion 5. Looking at the waist area and the crotch portion 8 in each pattern, first, in each example shown in (A) to (D), the portion consisting of the rear portion 1, the side portions 2, the front portions 3, 4, 6, and the lower portion 5 is the waist area, and the waist area and the crotch portion 8 are made up of the same pattern.

[0099] (A) is a pattern that resembles scattered pine needles, (B) is a checkerboard pattern, (C) is a grid pattern, and (D) is a polka dot pattern. Each pattern can be either chromatic or achromatic. The base can also be either chromatic or achromatic. When applying a pattern, various patterns can be applied. Geometric patterns, prints of landscape photographs, or patterns that resemble characters can also be used. Instead of applying a pattern, it is also possible to make the waist and crotch area a single chromatic color.

[0100] In (E) and (F) of Fig. 17, the outer surface of the waistband is made of a single chromatic or achromatic color, and a pattern is applied to the crotch area. In other words, the appearance of the waistband and crotch area 8 is made different. To make the appearance of the waistband and crotch area 8 different, different patterns can be applied to both areas, or they can be made of different single colors. It is also possible to use the same color but with different shades.

[0101] In either case, the diaper's appearance can be eliminated to resemble underwear or a swimsuit, which can help improve the user's positive attitude and self-esteem (sense of self-efficacy). Furthermore, the inner surface of the diaper is white or white-based, making stains easily visible, eliminating any problems with understanding the user's health condition or facilitating diaper changes. While FIG. 17 shows a white upper hem 21, this is not necessary. Furthermore, if an upper hem 21 is provided, it is possible to form at least the outer surface to have the same appearance as the waistband.

[0102] (7) Defecation disposal means In this embodiment, a feces bag 18 is built into the lower part 5 as excrement disposal means, and a urination bag 19 is detachable. This point will be explained next.

[0103] 11 to 14, the lower part 5 is made up of three layers: an inner layer 50 that overlaps the person's crotch area, a fecal bag 18 that overlaps the inner layer 50, and a cover part 51 that covers the fecal bag 18 from the outside, and the crotch part 7 is formed in the cover part 51. Therefore, the basic structure of the diaper is made up of the cover part 51, and the inner layer 50 is joined to the cover part 51 integrally, with the fecal bag 18 disposed in the hollow part formed by the cover part 51 and the inner layer 50.

[0104] The inner layer 50 is cotton-like and has a certain thickness to ensure softness against the user's skin. The inner layer 50 can have a single layer structure of nonwoven fabric, for example, or a laminated structure in which cotton-like material is fixed to a resin film as a strength member.

[0105] For example, as shown in Figure 7, a defecation hole 20 is formed in the inner layer 50. The opening edge of the defecation bag 18 is fixed to the outer periphery of the inner layer 50 and the cover part 51 by welding or the like. The defecation bag 18 has a capacity (e.g., 300 cc) sufficient to store the amount of feces excreted by an average adult during defecation, and is arranged in a folded accordion-like state.

[0106] Because the fecal bag 18 expands upon receiving feces, the cover part 51 that covers the fecal bag 18 is also formed to be expandable so as not to hinder the expansion of the fecal bag 18. In other words, by making the cover part 51 have, for example, a bellows structure, it allows the fecal bag 18 to expand and deform while eliminating the feeling of bulging before defecation.

[0107] In Figures 11(A) and 12(A), the fecal bag 18 is shown as a thin sheet, but as shown in Figure 11(C), it is preferable that the base of the fecal bag 18 is formed from a resin film such as a PET film, with an absorbent layer 52 disposed inside. It is preferable that the absorbent layer 52 is as thin as possible. Therefore, it is preferable that the absorption function be basically carried out by the water-absorbent resin, and it is preferable to use a nonwoven fabric or the like as a means for supporting the water-absorbent resin.

[0108] As shown as a modified example in Figure 11(D), it is also possible to place an inner bag 53 made of perforated film inside the fecal bag 18 and fix water-absorbent resin 54 to the inner surface of the fecal bag 18. The water-absorbent resin 54 can also be supported on a water-soluble material such as wafer to form a water-absorbent body in the form of a plate, rod, thread, or the like. When the water-absorbent resin 54 is supported on a water-soluble material, it can also be set so that it quickly absorbs water at the bottom of the fecal bag 18 and gels the moisture. This is advantageous because it can prevent or suppress the reflux of stool.

[0109] As shown in Figure 8, the lower section 5 has a considerable width from side to side. In this case, when worn by a person, the lower section 5 is compressed by the left and right buttocks (thighs) as shown in Figure 13(A). That is, the inner layer 50 constituting the lower section 5 is in a pleated state when viewed from the front longitudinal section in the used state. Then, during defecation, the inner layer 50 rolls up toward the inside of the defecation bag 18 as shown in Figure 13(B). Therefore, the inner layer 50 can function as a check valve.

[0110] As shown in Figure 14(A), it is also possible to narrow the width of the lower portion 5. In this case, the inner layer 50 does not deform much and fits closely to the area around the user's anus AN. When the fecal bag 18 is used, feces do not leak outside the crotch area, so by binding the thighs with the crotch opening 7, fecal leakage can be effectively prevented.

[0111] In other words, in the past, in order to increase the amount of stool absorbed, the absorbent body was made wider and thicker in the lower part 5 as well, which resulted in a larger contact area between the absorbent body and the body, making stool leakage more likely, and also giving the diaper-like bulky appearance an unsightly appearance. However, by using a fecal bag 18 as in this embodiment, the width and thickness of the lower part 5 can be narrowed and made thinner, improving the binding function of the crotch part 7, so that the effects of a slimmer appearance and improved leakage prevention can be enjoyed.

[0112] (8) Male urination treatment device The structures of the urinary drainage bags 19 differ between those for men and those for women. Figure 11 shows a male urinary drainage bag 19. This male urinary drainage bag 19 is fixed to a plate-shaped upper frame 55 made of a soft resin such as low-density polyethylene. The upper frame 55 has left and right longitudinal portions 55a with tabs 56 at their upper ends, and side portions 55b extending downward from both left and right ends of the left and right longitudinal portions 55a. The tabs 56 can be rotated back and forth, and the side portions 55b can be rotated back and forth around hinges 55c located midway between the top and bottom portions.

[0113] The upper part of the urination bag 19 is fixed to the front surface of the upper frame 55 by welding or the like, and has a urine drainage hole 57 that opens rearward between the left and right side portions 55b of the upper frame 55, into which the user's penis PE is inserted. The upper part of the urine drainage hole 57 has a downward recessed portion 57a ​​so that the penis PE can be inserted as deeply as possible. In use, the upper part of the back sheet 59 that constitutes the urination bag 19 is located between the user's penis PE and scrotum SC. This prevents urine from getting on the scrotum SC.

[0114] The upper end of the upper frame 55 is provided with left and right movable hook-and-loop fasteners 58, which are connected, for example, to the lower parts of the first front sections 3 and 4. It is also possible to connect the hooks 35 and 36 to the lower ends of the base plates 37 and 41 that make up the hooks 35 and 36, but in this case, it is necessary to provide fixed hook-and-loop fasteners on the base plates 37 and 41. When connecting to the lower parts of the first front sections 3 and 4, it is also possible to provide fixed hook-and-loop fasteners on the lower parts of the first front sections 3 and 4. Alternatively, the upper frame 55 can be connected to the hooks 35 and 36 using a hook method.

[0115] In this embodiment, the upper frame 55 can be rotated up and down with its upper and lower midpoints as the boundary. Therefore, when putting on the diaper, the upper part of the upper frame 55 is tilted forward so that the urination bag 19a opens upward, facilitating the insertion of the penis PE. Then, the penis PE is inserted as deeply as possible into the urination bag 19, and with the upper end of the back sheet 59 abutting the boundary between the penis PE and the scrotum SC, the upper part of the upper frame 55 is raised and fixed to the first front parts 3, 4, etc.

[0116] The inside of the urination bag 19 also preferably has a structure like that shown in Figures 11(C)(D), similar to that of the feces bag 18. However, since rubbing against the penis PE by the urination bag 19 may cause discomfort to the user, care should be taken to prevent rubbing by using a soft material such as nonwoven fabric in the part of the urination bag 19 that the penis PE comes into contact with. Furthermore, surfaces that come into contact with the body, such as the rear surface of the upper frame 55, are provided with a buffer layer such as nonwoven fabric to prevent discomfort to the user.

[0117] To give the diaper as slim an appearance as possible, the urination bag 19 can be folded in an accordion-like manner. The same applies to the second front part 6; it is preferable that the second front part 6 be formed to a size that allows for swelling and deformation, and be folded in an accordion-like manner to give the diaper a slim appearance. In the first and second embodiments, the upper frame 55 is connected to the left first front part 3 or the right first front part 4.

[0118] (9) Female urination treatment device Figure 12 shows an example of a female urination bag 19. The female urination bag 19 also has an upper frame 62 made of soft synthetic resin, and the upper frame 62 is connected to the first front sections 3, 4 and the hook bodies 35, 36. In Figure 12 etc., UR indicates the urethra (urethral opening), BL indicates the bladder, UT indicates the uterus, VA indicates the vagina, and CO indicates the large intestine.

[0119] For women, the urethral opening UR is located in the crotch area, so the urination bag 19 must fit snugly against the crotch area, and it is preferable that the urine drainage hole 63 be as small as possible so that it faces the urethral opening UR. To meet these requirements, the urination bag 19 has a thick contact layer 64 that fits snugly against the user's crotch area and has the urine drainage hole 63 open into it, with a resin film storage section 65 bonded to the periphery of this contact layer 64. The contact layer 64 is designed to be soft against the skin and has a moderate amount of firmness. Therefore, it is sufficient for the contact layer 64 to have a similar structure to the inner layer 50 of the lower section 5.

[0120] One of the characteristics of the female urinary system is that the urethral opening UR is close to the vagina VA in the vertical direction, and the distance between the vagina VA and the anus AN is also narrow. Therefore, in this embodiment, the contact layer 64 constituting the urination bag 19 extends to the vagina VA, and the storage section 65 is formed in a bellows shape that expands greatly downward. The urination bag 19 is covered from the outside with the second front section 6, which, like the male version, is formed in a pre-expanded state and contracted into a bellows shape so as not to inhibit the expansion and deformation of the urination bag 19 (storage section 65 thereof).

[0121] As described above, it is preferable to keep the female urination bag 19 in close contact with the crotch, and in this regard, it can be held down and supported by the second front part 6. That is, the second front part 6 has a bulging shape to allow for deformation of the urination bag 19, but it is preferable if the edge of the urination bag 19 (crotch opening part 7) can hold down and support the edge of the urination bag 19.

[0122] One effective way to address this issue is to provide wings 66 that jut out to the left and right on both the left and right edges of the contact layer 64, as shown by the dashed lines in Figure 12(B), and to hold the wings 66 in place with the side edges (crotch area 7) of the second front part 6. Although the wings 66 are exposed outside the crotch area 7, they can be hidden by the crotch area 8.

[0123] It is beneficial for both men and women to stably hold the drainage bag 19. In the fourth embodiment shown in Fig. 15, the third embodiment is used as the basic configuration, and an intermediate flap 67 is used so that the lower end of the drainage bag 19 can be connected to the intermediate flap 67.

[0124] That is, in Figure 15, an intermediate flap 67 that can be rolled up toward the first front parts 3 and 4 is connected to the lower part 5, and the intermediate flap 67 is provided with an opening 68 that exposes the urine drainage hole 63 of the urination bag 19, a hook-and-loop fastener 69 and a tab 70 for fastening to the first front parts 3 and 4, and the lower end of the urination bag 19 can be connected to the lower end of the intermediate flap 67 using a hook-and-loop fastener 71.

[0125] When the intermediate flap 67 is connected to the first front parts 3, 4, the second front part 6 is in an open state. Therefore, the urination bag 19 can be replaced by opening the second front part 6. Note that using the second front part 6 to hold down the flap 67 and providing the urination bag 19 with wings 66 can also be applied to men's urination bags 19.

[0126] (10) Suitable posture for excretion and bed design 11(A) and 12(A) show a person lying on their back on bed B. In this state, for both men and women, the anus AN faces sideways, and the terminal part of the large intestine is located below the anus AN. The relationship with the urethral opening UR and the bladder BL is also the same, with the urethral opening UR facing sideways and the bladder BL located below the urethral opening UR.

[0127] Therefore, both feces and urine must be excreted against gravity, but for those receiving care whose abdominal muscles and large intestine function have weakened, excreting feces and urine against gravity places a great burden on them. In other words, the structure of the human body makes it difficult to defecate or urinate when lying on one's back.

[0128] On the other hand, Figure 16(A) shows the state in which the upper body is raised 50 degrees from the bed B, and Figure 11(B) shows the state in which the upper body is standing upright, but by raising the upper body greatly in this way, the anus AN and urethral opening UR face downward, the bladder BL is higher than the urethral opening UR, and the anus AN is lower than the lower end of the large intestine. Therefore, defecation and urination can be easily performed by utilizing gravity.

[0129] Nursing care beds have a reclining structure, but by taking into account the structure of the human body as described above, Bed B can be equipped with a function that allows the upper body to be raised, for example, at an angle of 45° or more, making it easier to defecate and urinate. Furthermore, since feces and urine are discharged downward toward the fecal bag 18 and urinary bag 19, contact with the body by the feces and urine is minimized, improving the comfort of the user. In other words, an environment similar to excretion in a toilet can be achieved.

[0130] When a person sits upright, the distance between the crotch and bed B becomes smaller, which may hinder the expansion and deformation of the defecation bag 18 and urination bag 19. In this regard, by lowering (or tilting) the portion of the mattress that makes up the bed that is located below the person's crotch, a space is created that allows the defecation bag 18 and urination bag 19 to expand and deform, making it easier for feces to flow into the defecation bag 18 and for urine to flow into the urination bag 19.

[0131] By creating a space below the crotch area, it is also easier to remove used diapers and put on new ones. When changing the diaper by the user, it is easy to wipe the area around the anus with wet tissues, and when changing the diaper by a caregiver or robot, it is easy to clean (wipe and wash) the soiled area.

[0132] In particular, when the upper body is held upright, the upper body can be stably supported with only the thighs supported, leaving the waist and buttocks free. This further simplifies removing used diapers and putting on new diapers. The mattress that makes up the bed is divided into multiple unit mattresses 72 around the crotch area, and the unit mattresses 72 located below the buttocks and crotch can be lowered in accordance with the user's body posture and position, making it extremely easy to remove used diapers and put on new diapers.

[0133] When the upper body is in an upright position, it is preferable for the user's shins to hang down as if sitting in a chair, in terms of physical stability. Therefore, it is preferable that the part of the mattress that supports the shins in the bed B be lowered significantly. Ultimately, it would be preferable if the mattress could be modified to resemble a toilet.

[0134] (11) Towards a sense of self-accomplishment and improvement of ADL Now, there are various levels of care required by people, and at levels 2 to 4, the person receiving care can basically move their hands and, to some extent, their legs on their own. However, if they are unable to move their legs or hips to go to the toilet on their own, or are unable to transfer to and use a portable chair-type toilet, the current situation is that diaper changes are left to others, and this situation of relying on others can be said to cause the person to lose their initiative and motivation, leading to a rapid decline in ADL.

[0135] In other words, because urination and defecation are extremely private acts directly linked to one's dignity as a person, once a person becomes bedridden and has to have someone else change their diapers, they are likely to experience a rapid decline in self-esteem, as well as a rapid decline in their physical and mental abilities. In other words, the self-loathing caused by the discomfort of urinating in a diaper and the decline in self-esteem caused by the helplessness of having to rely on others to deal with the waste are mixed together to cause a rapid decline in physical and mental abilities. Nevertheless, it is true that there are situations in which the use of diapers is unavoidable.

[0136] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a technology that contributes to maintaining or improving the self-esteem of users while accepting the unavoidable situation of having to use diapers. The diapers and beds disclosed in the present embodiment truly meet this need.

[0137] That is, in this embodiment, a diaper using a urination bag 19 and a defecation bag 18 is disclosed, and by using the urination bag 19 and the defecation bag 18, it is possible to significantly reduce soiling of the body and reduce discomfort, thereby preventing or significantly suppressing feelings of self-loathing caused by the frustrating feeling that one has reverted to childhood.

[0138] Secondly, changing diapers is much easier than with the conventional (current) open-type diapers, so it is not impossible for the user to do it themselves. In particular, when used in conjunction with a bed that has a reclining function and a partial lowering function, the user can operate the switch to raise or partially lower the bed, making it easy to change diapers themselves. In other words, as long as one has the willpower and the physical ability to operate the switch, they can change diapers without relying on help from others. This situation of being able to do things on one's own not only allows people to maintain self-esteem, but also fosters a sense of accomplishment that "if one tries, one can do it," promoting positive attitudes and self-affirmation.

[0139] Furthermore, rehabilitation effects can also be expected. Furthermore, the crotch area, which is the main purpose of the present invention, promotes people's proactiveness from an appearance standpoint, and the diaper of the embodiment can be said to be a fusion of technology and design, and can greatly contribute to improving the user's ADL.

[0140] Although the embodiments of the present invention and related inventions have been described above, the present invention and related inventions can be embodied in a variety of other ways. For example, the crotch area can be given a variety of designs. For example, the diaper body can be a plain dark color, and the crotch area can be given various patterns such as horizontal stripes, vertical stripes, polka dots, and arabesque patterns. For women's diapers, lace fabrics can also be used. Diapers of the present invention can also be used for purposes other than nursing care. For example, they can be used in emergencies such as during traffic jams. [Industrial Applicability]

[0141] The present invention can be embodied in a diaper and is therefore industrially applicable. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1 Rear section 2 Side section 3,4 First front section 5 Lower part 6 Second front section 7 Crotch 8. Crotch 11. Hook-and-loop fasteners as an example of connecting means for holding the crotch portion in a cylindrical shape 12, 14, 16, 28, 30, 32 Examples of gripping parts include gripping pieces 13, 15, 17, 30a, 33 Hook and loop fasteners constituting the connecting means 18 Fecal bags 19 Urine bag 20 Defecation hole 24 Mechanical Hand 29 Showering facilities as an example of nursing care facilities 35, 36 Hook body constituting first connecting means 38 hook body 39,43 Hook body knob 50 Inner layer that constitutes the lower part 51 Cover part constituting the lower part

Claims

1. A rear part that overlaps the back of the user's waist, left and right side portions that are continuous with the rear portion and overlap the sides of the user's waist; left and right first front portions that are continuous with the side portions and overlap the abdomen of the user; a lower portion that is integrally continuous with the rear portion and overlaps the crotch portion of a user; a second front portion that is continuous with the lower portion and overlaps the abdomen of the user, Before being worn by a user, the left and right first front portions and the second front portion each have a free leading end, The nursing care diaper is of an open-type, in which, when worn by a user, the left and right first front parts and the second front part are connected in an overlapping state to form a crotch part that wraps around the base of the user's thighs, and the crotch part has elasticity, A crotch portion that surrounds the upper part of the user's thigh is provided in the portion where the crotch portion is formed, covering the crotch portion. Open-type diapers.

2. A white excrement absorption section is arranged around the inner surface of the lower section, At least the outer surface of the portion excluding the excrement absorption portion is set to black or other dark color.

2. The open-type diaper according to claim 1.

3. The crotch portion is formed to fit along the groin of the user, and the boundary between the waist portion, which is made up of the rear portion, side portion, front portion, and lower portion, and the crotch portion is the crotch portion, The inner surface of the waistband is entirely or mostly made of a white or white-based material, The outer surface of the waistband portion and the outer surface of the crotch portion are entirely colored in a single color or have the same pattern, or the outer surface of the waistband portion and the outer surface of the crotch portion have different appearances, The different appearances of the outer surface of the waistband portion and the outer surface of the crotch portion include a case where both have different chromatic colors, a case where both have different patterns, and a case where one has a single chromatic color and the other has a pattern, Furthermore, the difference in the single color includes a difference in the shade of the same color.

2. The open-type diaper according to claim 1.

4. The crotch portion is provided with a connecting means for holding the garment in a cylindrical shape.

4. The open-type diaper according to claim 1.

5. When worn, the crotch portion is cut upward on the surface side so as to extend along the groin of the user, and the vertical width of the crotch portion increases as it goes away from the lower portion, so that the lower ends of the crotch portion are aligned at approximately the same height.

4. The open-type diaper according to claim 1.

6. The first front portion and the second front portion are configured to partially overlap each other when worn by a user, and the crotch portion is also configured so that a portion of the first front portion and a portion of the second front portion partially overlap each other along the groin of the user when worn by a user.

4. The open-type diaper according to claim 1.

7. The left and right first front portions are provided with first engagement means for connecting the first front portions, and the left and right first front portions or the left and right side portions and both left and right ends of the second front portion are provided with second engagement means for connecting the second front portion to the first front portions or the side portions.

4. The open-type diaper according to claim 1.

8. The first connecting means is a hook-and-loop fastener or an adhesive tape that is engaged and disengaged by partially overlapping the left and right first front portions and pressing and peeling them apart.

8. The open-type diaper according to claim 7.

9. a third connecting means, which is a hook-and-loop fastener or an adhesive tape, that is engaged and disengaged by pressing and peeling, is provided between the left and right intermediate portions of the upper end of the rolled-up overlapping portion and the first front portion; 9. The open-type diaper according to claim 8.

10. The first engagement means has first engagement bodies with first gripping pieces provided at the tip ends of the left and right first front parts, respectively, and can be engaged and disengaged by moving the left and right first gripping pieces left and right.

8. The open-type diaper according to claim 7.

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