Absorbent sheets and packaging

Abstract

It ensures absorption while suppressing excessive urine diffusion. [Solution] An absorbent sheet according to one embodiment comprises a water-permeable surface sheet, a water-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent disposed between the surface sheet and the back sheet. When the absorbent is divided into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction, these regions are designated as the first end, the central part, and the second end, respectively, from one side in the longitudinal direction, each of the first end, the central part, and the second end has a recess that is indented in the thickness direction of the absorbent, and the average depth of the recesses formed at the first end and the second end is greater than the average depth of the recess formed at the central part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an absorbent sheet and a package.

Background Art

[0002] Absorbent sheets for absorbing urine are known. As this type of absorbent sheet, for example, pet sheets for absorbing pet urine and bed sheets installed on beds for absorbing urine during incontinence are widely used. Patent Document 1 below describes a treated sheet provided with a liquid-absorbent core material disposed between a liquid-permeable sheet and a liquid-impermeable sheet, and the liquid-permeable sheet and the liquid-absorbent core material are joined by a plurality of squeezing grooves that cross and extend with each other. Patent Document 2 below describes an absorbent sheet for pets having a front sheet disposed on the front side, a back sheet disposed on the back side, and an absorber provided between the front sheet and the back sheet, and a linear recess having a non-branching curved portion is formed in the absorber.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As described above, when the absorbent material has recesses such as compression grooves, urine excreted on the absorbent sheet diffuses along these recesses and is absorbed by the sheet over a wide area. As a result, it is possible to increase the urine absorbency of the absorbent sheet. On the other hand, if urine diffuses excessively, the absorbent sheet becomes soiled over a wide area, which is problematic from a hygiene standpoint. In particular, pets such as dogs have a habit of not wanting to urinate again in a place where urine stains are visible. Therefore, if urine diffuses excessively, users may replace the pet absorbent sheet even if there is still an area that can absorb the urine.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide an absorbent sheet that can suppress excessive urine diffusion while ensuring absorbency, and a package for containing the absorbent sheet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, an absorbent sheet having a shape with a vertical and a horizontal direction is provided. This absorbent sheet comprises a water-permeable surface sheet, a water-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent disposed between the surface sheet and the back sheet. When the absorbent is divided into three equal parts in the vertical direction, these regions are designated as the first end, the central part, and the second end, respectively, from one side in the vertical direction, each of the first end, the central part, and the second end has a recess that is indented in the thickness direction of the absorbent, and the average depth of the recesses formed at the first end and the second end is greater than the average depth of the recess formed at the central part.

[0007] In the absorbent sheet according to the above embodiment, relatively deep recesses are formed at the first and second ends, so the diffuseness of urine at the first and second ends is relatively high. Therefore, urine excreted on the absorbent sheet can be effectively diffused within those areas at the first and second ends. On the other hand, relatively shallow recesses are formed in the central part, so the diffuseness of urine in the central part is relatively low. Therefore, the diffusion of urine through the central part between the first and second ends is suppressed. Thus, this absorbent sheet can suppress excessive diffusion of urine while ensuring absorbency.

[0008] In one embodiment, the absorbent material includes an absorbent core having water-absorbing properties, and the basis weight of the absorbent core may be 100 gsm or more. By increasing the basis weight of the absorbent core, the absorbency of the absorbent sheet can be improved.

[0009] In one embodiment, the basis weight of the absorbent core at the first and second ends may be greater than that of the absorbent core in the central part. By relatively increasing the basis weight of the absorbent core at the first and second ends, water absorption at the first and second ends can be increased. By changing the basis weight of the absorbent sheet at the boundary between the first end and the central part, and at the boundary between the second end and the central part, it becomes easier to fold the absorbent sheet along the boundary between the first end and the central part, and at the boundary between the second end and the central part.

[0010] In one embodiment, the absorbent sheet may be for pets. Pets such as dogs tend to avoid urinating in the same spot as their urine. As a result, pets may urinate in an awkward position to avoid the urine, which can lead to them urinating outside the absorbent sheet and soiling their living space. In contrast, the absorbent sheet according to this embodiment can suppress excessive diffusion of urine, thus preventing pets from urinating outside the absorbent sheet while avoiding the urine.

[0011] In one embodiment, the recesses may be formed in a grid pattern on the absorbent material when viewed from the thickness direction. By forming the recesses in a grid pattern, urine can be diffused in the planar direction in each region.

[0012] In one embodiment, the recess includes a plurality of first compression grooves extending along a first direction inclined with respect to the vertical and horizontal directions, and a plurality of second compression grooves extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the distance between adjacent first compression grooves and the distance between adjacent second compression grooves may be 10 mm or less. In this embodiment, urine can be effectively diffused in the planar direction in each region.

[0013] In one embodiment, the absorbent core includes a first layer containing pulp and a superabsorbent polymer, and a second layer disposed on the first layer and containing a superabsorbent polymer, wherein the proportion of the superabsorbent polymer in the second layer may be higher than the proportion of the superabsorbent polymer in the first layer. In the absorbent sheet according to this embodiment, recesses are formed in the absorbent material, so the movement of the superabsorbent polymer within the second layer in the in-plane direction is restricted. As a result, the uniformity of water absorption of the absorbent sheet in the in-plane direction can be improved.

[0014] In one embodiment, the absorbent core may contain deodorizing particles. In this case, the odor when urine is excreted on the absorbent sheet can be suppressed.

[0015] In one embodiment, the absorbent material includes a core wrap covering an absorbent core, and the superabsorbent polymer in the absorbent core may be in close contact with the core wrap. In this case, the movement of the superabsorbent polymer within the absorbent core is restricted, thereby improving the uniformity of the absorbency of the absorbent sheet.

[0016] In one embodiment, an antibacterial agent may be provided on the surface of the absorbent core. By providing the antibacterial agent on the surface of the absorbent core, the urine comes into contact with the antibacterial agent when it is absorbed into the absorbent core, making it less likely for the urine to decompose. Therefore, the odor of the urine can be suppressed.

[0017] In one embodiment, the absorbent sheet may contain a fragrance in its absorbent core. In this case, the fragrance can suppress the odor of urine.

[0018] In one embodiment, the absorbent material is joined to the surface sheet and the back sheet using an adhesive, and the amount of adhesive applied between the absorbent material and the back sheet may be greater than the amount of adhesive applied between the absorbent material and the surface sheet. In this embodiment, since the amount of adhesive applied between the absorbent material and the surface sheet is relatively small, it is possible to suppress the reduction in water permeability between the surface sheet and the absorbent material due to the adhesive. Therefore, the absorption of urine by the absorbent material can be promoted.

[0019] In one aspect, an adhesive may be applied to the entire surface of the absorber facing the backsheet. By applying the adhesive to the entire surface of the backsheet, the bonding between the absorber and the backsheet becomes stronger, and the absorber is prevented from slipping relative to the backsheet.

[0020] In one aspect, the width of the backsheet in the longitudinal direction may be larger than the width of the topsheet in the longitudinal direction. In this case, when the absorbent sheet is placed on the floor with the backsheet facing down, the topsheet is prevented from contacting the floor, so the floor can be kept clean.

[0021] In one aspect, the absorber includes a core wrap covering the absorbent core, and the core wrap may cover at least one of the lateral ends of the absorbent core and the longitudinal ends of the absorbent core. By covering the ends of the core wrap, it is possible to prevent the superabsorbent polymer from spilling out from the ends of the absorbent core.

[0022] In one aspect, the longitudinal ends of the absorbent core may be covered by the core wrap, and the lateral ends of the absorbent core may be exposed from the core wrap. In this case, it is possible to prevent the superabsorbent polymer from spilling out from the longitudinal ends of the absorbent core.

[0023] In one aspect, the fiber direction of the topsheet may be oriented in the lateral direction. In this case, the absorbent sheet can be easily folded in the longitudinal direction.

[0024] In one aspect, a package is provided that houses a plurality of absorbent sheets each having a shape with vertical and horizontal directions. Each of the plurality of absorbent sheets includes a water-permeable surface sheet, a water-impermeable back sheet, and an absorber disposed between the surface sheet and the back sheet. When each region obtained by trisecting the absorber in the vertical direction is defined as a first end portion, a central portion, and a second end portion in order from one side in the vertical direction, each of the first end portion, the central portion, and the second end portion has a recess that depresses in the thickness direction of the absorber, and the average value of the depths of the recesses formed in the first end portion and the second end portion is greater than the average value of the depth of the recess formed in the central portion. Each of the plurality of absorbent sheets is housed in a state of being folded in three in the vertical direction, Package.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] According to the present disclosure, while ensuring absorbency, it is possible to suppress excessive diffusion of urine.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing an absorbent sheet according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a plan view of the absorbent sheet shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the surface side. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent sheet along the line A-A of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent sheet along the line B-B of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] It is a plan view of the absorber as viewed from the surface side. [Figure 6] It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a package that houses a plurality of absorbent sheets. [Figure 7] It is a view showing an example of a tray on which an absorbent sheet is placed. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing an example of a system toilet. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent sheet according to another embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. The drawings may be simplified or exaggerated in part for ease of understanding, and the dimensional ratios are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an absorbent sheet 1 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a plan view of the absorbent sheet 1 as seen from the surface side Z1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent sheet along line AA in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent sheet along line BB in Figure 2.

[0029] Absorbent sheet 1 is a thin sheet with water-absorbing properties that absorbs urine. For example, absorbent sheet 1 is a pet sheet that absorbs pet urine. In this specification, pets broadly include vertebrates and invertebrates, and typically include companion animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and hamsters.

[0030] The absorbent sheet 1 has a roughly rectangular planar shape. Figures 1 to 4 illustrate the horizontal direction X, vertical direction Y, and thickness direction Z, which are perpendicular to each other. The horizontal direction X is the short side of the absorbent sheet 1, and the vertical direction Y is the long side of the absorbent sheet 1. The thickness direction Z is perpendicular to the horizontal direction X and the vertical direction Y, and includes the surface side Z1 and the back side Z2. The surface side Z1 is the direction from the back sheet 20 (described later) toward the surface sheet 10, and the back side Z2 is the direction from the surface sheet 10 toward the back sheet 20 (described later).

[0031] The absorbent sheet 1 comprises a surface sheet 10 positioned on the surface side Z1, a back sheet 20 positioned on the back side Z2, and an absorbent body 30 positioned between the surface sheet 10 and the back sheet 20. The surface sheet 10 is permeable to water and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The surface sheet 10 provides a surface that faces the pet side (upwards) when in use. Typically, the surface sheet 10 is made of a permeable nonwoven fabric that moves urine excreted from the pet toward the absorbent body 30 side. Examples of nonwoven fabrics that make up the surface sheet 10 include air-through nonwoven fabric, spunbond nonwoven fabric, or point-bond nonwoven fabric. The surface sheet 10 may be hydrophilized by a surfactant treatment. In one embodiment, the fiber direction of the surface sheet 10 may be oriented in the transverse direction X.

[0032] The backing sheet 20 is positioned on the opposite side of the surface sheet 10 in the thickness direction Z and is impermeable to water. The backing sheet 20 is positioned so as to at least partially overlap the surface sheet 10 in the thickness direction Z. The backing sheet 20 provides a back surface that faces downward when in use. Typically, the backing sheet 20 is made of an impermeable resin film. As the resin film constituting the backing sheet 20, for example, a polyethylene film or a polypropylene film is used. The backing sheet 20 may also be made of a water-repellent or hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, or it may be a laminate formed by bonding a resin film and a nonwoven fabric. In one embodiment, the fiber direction of the backing sheet 20 may be oriented in the transverse direction X.

[0033] The absorbent material 30 is placed between the surface sheet 10 and the back sheet 20 and absorbs pet urine that passes through the surface sheet 10. The absorbent material 30 has a roughly rectangular planar shape. The absorbent material 30 is slightly smaller in dimensions than the surface sheet 10 and the back sheet 20 and is placed in the center of the absorbent sheet 1. As a result, the absorbent sheet 1 is formed into an absorbent section 1a where the absorbent material 30 is placed between the surface sheet 10 and the back sheet 20, and a flap section 1b where the absorbent material 30 is not placed between the surface sheet 10 and the back sheet 20.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the absorbent portion 1a is a substantially rectangular area located in the center of the absorbent sheet 1 when viewed from the thickness direction Z. The absorbent portion 1a is partially bonded to the surface sheet 10 by a hot melt adhesive HM. Typically, the flap portion 1b is a rectangular frame-shaped area formed by bonding the surface sheet 10 and the back sheet 20 without the absorbent material 30, and is formed to surround the absorbent portion 1a. That is, the flap portion 1b is formed along the outer edge of the absorbent sheet 1. Typically, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, in the flap portion 1b, the surface sheet 10 and the back sheet 20 are directly bonded by a hot melt adhesive HM without the absorbent material 30.

[0035] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the width of the back sheet 20 in the vertical direction Y may be greater than the width of the front sheet 10 in the vertical direction Y. That is, the outer edge of the back sheet 20 in the vertical direction Y extends outward beyond the outer edge of the front sheet 10 in the vertical direction Y. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 3, the width of the back sheet 20 in the horizontal direction X may be substantially the same as the width of the front sheet 10 in the horizontal direction X. Note that the width of the back sheet 20 in the vertical direction Y may be substantially the same as the width of the front sheet 10 in the vertical direction Y, and the width of the back sheet 20 in the horizontal direction X may be greater than the width of the front sheet 10 in the horizontal direction X.

[0036] The absorbent body 30 has a first surface 30a located on the surface side Z1 and a second surface 30b located on the back side Z2. The first surface 30a is positioned opposite the surface sheet 10, and at least a portion of it is bonded to the surface sheet 10 by a hot melt adhesive HM. The second surface 30b is positioned opposite the back sheet 20, and at least a portion of it is bonded to the back sheet 20 by a hot melt adhesive HM. The amount of hot melt adhesive HM applied between the back sheet 20 and the absorbent body 30 may be greater than the amount of hot melt adhesive HM applied between the surface sheet 10 and the absorbent body 30. For example, in the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 4, the hot melt adhesive HM is applied only to the outer edge of the first surface 30a, and the first surface 30a is bonded to the surface sheet 10 via the hot melt adhesive HM. On the other hand, the entire surface of the second surface 30b is coated with hot melt adhesive HM, and the second surface 30b is joined to the back sheet 20 via the hot melt adhesive HM. That is, the entire surface of the back sheet 20 facing the absorbent material 30 is coated with hot melt adhesive HM. By relatively reducing the amount of hot melt adhesive HM applied between the surface sheet 10 and the absorbent material 30, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the permeability of urine from the surface sheet 10 to the absorbent material 30. Note that applying hot melt adhesive HM to the entire surface of the second surface 30b includes applying the hot melt adhesive HM in a spiral pattern to substantially the entire surface of the second surface 30b. For example, applying hot melt adhesive HM to the entire surface of the second surface 30b means that the average value of the continuous uncoated area is 9 cm². 2 More preferably 4cm 2 Further preferably 1 cm 2 This includes the following:

[0037] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the absorbent body 30 includes an absorbent core 31 containing pulp and a superabsorbent polymer (SAP), and a core wrap 32 covering the surface of the absorbent core 31. As the pulp of the absorbent core 31, for example, chemical pulp, cellulose fibers such as rayon and acetate are used. As the SAP, for example, particulate or fibrous polymers based on starch, acrylic acid, or amino acids are used. In one embodiment, the absorbent core 31 has a basis weight of 100 gsm or more. The core wrap 32 is wrapped around the absorbent core 31 so as to cover at least a portion of the surface of the absorbent core 31. The core wrap 32 covers at least the upper surface of the absorbent core 31 facing the surface sheet 10, and the lower surface of the absorbent core 31 facing the back sheet 20.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, the end face 31x of the absorbent core 31 in the lateral direction X may not be covered by the core wrap 32 and may be exposed from the core wrap 32. The end face 31x exposed from the core wrap 32 is bonded to the surface sheet 10 with a hot melt adhesive HM. By bonding the end face 31x of the absorbent core 31 that is not covered by the core wrap 32 to the surface sheet 10, it is prevented that the SAP in the absorbent core 31 spills out from the end face 31x. The end face 31x of the absorbent core 31 may also be bonded to the back sheet 20 with a hot melt adhesive HM.

[0039] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4, the end face 31y of the absorbent core 31 in the vertical direction Y is covered with a core wrap 32. The core wrap 32 is bonded to the surface sheet 10 and the back sheet 20 by a hot melt adhesive HM. By covering the end face 31y of the absorbent core 31 with the core wrap 32, it is prevented that the SAP in the absorbent core 31 spills out from the end face 31y. In one embodiment, the end face 31x of the absorbent core 31 may be covered with the core wrap 32, but the end face 31y of the absorbent core 31 may not be covered with the core wrap 32. Alternatively, both the end face 31x and the end face 31y of the absorbent core 31 may be covered with the core wrap 32.

[0040] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the absorbent 30 has a laminated structure including a first layer 31a and a second layer 31b. The first layer 31a is a water-absorbing layer containing pulp 51 and SAP 52, and is placed between the back sheet 20 and the second layer 31b. The second layer 31b is placed on top of the first layer 31a. The second layer 31b is a water-absorbing layer containing SAP 52, and is placed between the surface sheet 10 and the first layer 31a. The proportion of SAP 52 in the second layer 31b may be higher than the proportion of SAP 52 in the first layer 31a. For example, the second layer 31b may contain only SAP 52 and no pulp. The proportion of SAP 52 refers to the mass ratio in the dry state. The SAP 52 of the second layer 31b may be in close contact with the core wrap 32.

[0041] In one embodiment, the absorbent core 31 may contain deodorizing particles 53. The deodorizing particles 53 are, for example, cyclodextrin. The deodorizing particles 53 are arranged, for example, on the first layer 31a of the absorbent core 31. The deodorizing particles 53 arranged on the first layer 31a suppress the odor of urine excreted on the absorbent sheet 1.

[0042] An antibacterial agent 54 may be provided on the surface of the absorbent core 31. The antibacterial agent 54 is, for example, polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), quaternary ammonium salt, or citric acid. For example, the antibacterial agent 54 is applied to the surface Z1 of the absorbent core 31. The antibacterial agent applied to the surface of the absorbent core 31 removes the odor of urine and keeps the absorbent sheet 1 clean. The absorbent core 31 may also contain a fragrance 55. Natural or synthetic fragrances can be used as the fragrance 55.

[0043] Figure 5 is a plan view of the absorbent body 30 as seen from the surface side. As shown in Figure 5, the absorbent body 30 has a rectangular planar shape when viewed from the surface side Z1. That is, the width of the absorbent body 30 in the lateral direction X is approximately constant in the vertical direction Y. As shown in Figure 5, the absorbent body 30 has a recess 35 that is recessed in the thickness direction Z (back side Z2) from the first surface 30a to the second surface 30b of the absorbent body 30. The recess 35 is a groove-shaped region compressed from the surface side Z1 to the back side Z2 by embossing. At the location where the recess 35 is formed, the absorbent core 31 and the core wrap 32 are pressed together. The recess 35 has the function of diffusing urine excreted on the absorbent sheet 1 in the in-plane direction of the absorbent body 30.

[0044] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the recess 35 is formed in a grid pattern when viewed from the surface side Z1. More specifically, the recess 35 includes a plurality of first compression grooves 36 extending along a first direction inclined with respect to the lateral direction X and the vertical direction Y, and a plurality of second compression grooves 37 extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction. The plurality of first compression grooves 36 are, for example, arranged at approximately equal intervals in the second direction and extending linearly in the first direction. The plurality of second compression grooves 37 are, for example, arranged at approximately equal intervals in the first direction and extending linearly in the second direction. The plurality of first compression grooves 36 and the plurality of second compression grooves 37 intersect each other. The distance D1 between adjacent first compression grooves 36 and the distance D2 between adjacent second compression grooves 37 are, for example, 10 mm or less.

[0045] As described above, the formation of the grid-like recesses 35 creates multiple absorption regions 40 in the absorber 30. The multiple absorption regions 40 are areas defined by the grid-like recesses 35 and are arranged two-dimensionally over substantially the entire surface of the absorber 30 when viewed from the surface side Z1. That is, each absorption region 40 is an area surrounded by the recesses 35. The multiple absorption regions 40 are arranged with spacing between them in diagonal directions that intersect the horizontal direction X and the vertical direction Y. For example, each of the multiple absorption regions 40 has a rhombus shape. The absorption regions 40 may have shapes other than rhombus, such as circular, elliptical, or polygonal shapes.

[0046] As described above, the recess 35 is formed over almost the entire surface of the absorber 30. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, when the absorber 30 is divided into three equal parts in the vertical direction Y, and these regions are designated as the first end 41, the central part 42, and the second end 43, respectively, each of the first end 41, the central part 42, and the second end 43 includes a portion of the recess 35. Here, as shown in Figure 4, the average depth d1 of the recesses 35 formed in the first end 41 and the second end 43 is greater than the average depth d2 of the recesses 35 formed in the central part 42. The depths d1 and d2 of the recesses 35 represent the distance in the thickness direction Z between the first surface 30a of the absorber 30 (i.e., the surface on the surface side Z1 of the absorption region 40) and the bottom 35a of the recess 35. Note that the depth of the recess 35 may be constant in each region.

[0047] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the depth d1 of the recesses 35 formed at the first end 41 and the second end 43 may be greater than the thickness Ta of the second layer 31b in the absorption region 40. On the other hand, the depth d2 of the recess 35 formed at the central portion 42 may be less than the thickness Ta of the second layer 31b in the absorption region 40. Note that both the depths d1 and d2 of the recesses 35 may be greater than the thickness Ta of the second layer 31b, or both the depths d1 and d2 of the recesses 35 may be less than the thickness Ta of the second layer 31b.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4, the absorption region 40 is partitioned by the recess 35, so that the movement of SAP in the first layer 31a in the absorption region 40 in the in-plane direction is restricted. In particular, when the depth d1 of the recess 35 is greater than the thickness Ta of the first layer 31a, the first layers 31a of adjacent absorption regions 40 are separated by the recess 35, so that the movement of SAP between the first layers 31a of adjacent absorption regions 40 is prevented. Therefore, the uniformity of water absorption of the absorbent sheet 1 in the in-plane direction is improved.

[0049] In one embodiment, the basis weight of the absorbent core 31 may differ depending on its position in the in-plane direction. For example, the basis weight of the absorbent core 31 in the first end 41 and the second end 43 may be greater than the basis weight of the absorbent core 31 in the central part 42. That is, the amount of SAP 52 per unit area in the first end 41 and the second end 43 is greater than the amount of SAP 52 per unit area in the central part 42. In this case, water absorption can be increased in the first end 41 and the second end 43.

[0050] The absorbent sheet 1 described above is folded and housed in a packaging body 80. Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a packaging body 80 that houses multiple absorbent sheets 1. The packaging body 80 is, for example, a bag having a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape and is made of, for example, synthetic resin, paper, or a combination thereof. An opening line (not shown) is formed in the packaging body 80, and by opening the packaging body 80 along the opening line, an opening is formed for removing the absorbent sheets 1 housed in the packaging body 80.

[0051] As shown in Figure 6, the absorbent sheet 1 is folded into thirds in the vertical direction Y and placed inside the packaging 80 with the sheets overlapping each other. When using the absorbent sheet 1, the absorbent sheet 1 is removed from the packaging 80 by inserting a finger into the packaging 70 through the opening of the packaging 80, pinching the absorbent sheet 1, and pulling it out. As described above, since the absorbent sheet 1 is folded into thirds in the vertical direction Y, when the absorbent sheet 1 is removed from the packaging 80, fold lines L1 and L2 extending in the horizontal direction X are formed on the absorbent sheet 1 (see Figure 2). Fold lines L1 and L2 are creases formed along the horizontal direction X by the compression of the absorbent sheet 1 while it is folded. As shown in Figure 2, fold lines L1 and L2 extend in the horizontal direction X so as to traverse the absorbent sheet 1. In other words, fold lines L1 and L2 can also be said to be the fold lines for folding the absorbent sheet 1 into thirds. Here, since the fiber direction of the surface sheet 10 is oriented in the transverse direction X, the bending stiffness of the surface sheet 10 in the longitudinal direction Y is lower than the bending stiffness of the surface sheet 10 in the transverse direction X. Therefore, the absorbent sheet 1 can be easily folded in the longitudinal direction Y and placed in the packaging body 80.

[0052] As explained above, the absorbent material 30 of the absorbent sheet 1 has embossed recesses 35 formed therein. By forming recesses 35 in the absorbent material 30, the rigidity of the absorbent material 30 is increased. As a result, it is possible to prevent the absorbent sheet 1 from curling up during use. In addition, since relatively deep recesses 35 are formed at the first end 41 and the second end 43 of the absorbent sheet 1, the diffusion of urine at the first end 41 and the second end 43 is relatively high. Therefore, at the first end 41 and the second end 43, urine excreted on the absorbent sheet 1 can be effectively diffused within that area. On the other hand, since relatively shallow recesses 35 are formed in the central part 42, the diffusion of urine at the central part 42 is relatively low. Therefore, the diffusion of urine through the central part 42 between the first end 41 and the second end 43 is suppressed. Thus, this absorbent sheet 1 can suppress excessive diffusion of urine.

[0053] Typically, as shown in Figure 7, the absorbent sheet 1 removed from the packaging 80 is placed on a tray 100 of a pet toilet for use. The tray 100 shown in Figure 7 has a mounting surface 101 and side walls 102 that are erected from the edge of the mounting surface 101. The absorbent sheet 1 is placed on the mounting surface 101 of the tray 100. Pets using the toilet urinate by lying on the absorbent sheet 1 placed on the tray 100.

[0054] Incidentally, dogs tend to avoid urinating in the same spot as their urine trail. As a result, dogs may urinate in an awkward position to avoid the trail, sometimes urinating outside the tray 100 and soiling the living space. In contrast, the absorbent sheet 1 can suppress excessive diffusion of urine, thus preventing dogs from urinating outside the tray 100 to avoid the trail. The dog toilet may consist of a tray and a mesh member placed on the tray, with the absorbent sheet 1 placed between the tray and the mesh member. When a dog urinates on the mesh member, the urine passes through openings formed in the mesh member and is absorbed by the absorbent sheet 1 placed below the mesh member.

[0055] Furthermore, the absorbent sheet 1 may be used in a system toilet. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing an example of a system toilet. The system toilet 200 shown in Figure 8 is a cat toilet and comprises a base 210, a defecation platform 220, and a cover 230. The base 210 is an open-topped container and includes a tray 211 for receiving pet waste. The tray 211 is housed within the base 210 so as to be slidable in the front-to-back direction. The absorbent sheet 1 is placed on the tray 211 by the user.

[0056] The excretion platform 220 is supported on the base 210 so as to cover the upper opening of the base 210. The excretion platform 220 provides an excretion surface 221 for the pet to stand on when excreting. Toilet litter may be placed on the excretion surface 221 of the excretion platform 220. Toilet litter is a granular material that can absorb or permeate excrement such as urine. As toilet litter, for example, bentonite that can cover feces and absorb liquids, wood or paper with a water-repellent coating, or zeolite, silica gel, or minerals with deodorizing properties can be molded into roughly spherical shapes of a few centimeters in size. The excretion platform 220 has a roughly rectangular planar shape and has a plurality of slats arranged in a slatted manner. A plurality of openings 222 are regularly formed between the plurality of slats. The plurality of openings 222 are located above the tray 211 and are permeable to the pet's excrement. When a pet defecates on the excretion surface 221, the excrement passes through the multiple openings 222 and falls towards the tray 211, where it is absorbed by the absorbent sheet 1 placed on the tray 211.

[0057] The cover 230 is positioned above the excretion platform 220. The cover 230 is, for example, a half-cover type container that surrounds the space above the excretion surface 221 from the sides.

[0058] Generally, cats tend to prefer defecating on one side of the litter placed on the excretion surface 221. In this case, the cat's excrement (urine) permeates through the litter and multiple openings 222 and is mainly absorbed by the first end 41 or second end 43 of the absorbent sheet 1. Here, since the absorbent sheet 1 suppresses the diffusion of urine between the first end 41 and the second end 43, for example, after the cat urinates at the first end 41, the tray 211 can be opened, the absorbent sheet 1 can be rotated 180°, and then the tray 211 can be returned to its original position, so that when the cat urinates in the same position again, the urine can be absorbed by the second end 43. Therefore, the absorbent sheet 1 can absorb urine over a wide area.

[0059] Furthermore, in the absorbent sheet 1, the basis weight of the absorbent core 31 in the first end 41 and the second end 43 is greater than the basis weight of the absorbent core 31 in the central part 42. By changing the basis weight of the absorbent core 31 in the vertical direction Y, it becomes easier to fold the absorbent sheet 1 along the boundary between the first end 41 and the central part 42 and the boundary between the second end 43 and the central part 42. When the absorbent sheet 1 is folded, the inner surface of the absorbent sheet 1 is covered by the first end 41 and the second end 43, which have relatively larger basis weights, making it possible to trap the odor of excrement inside the folded absorbent sheet 1.

[0060] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the thickness of the absorber 30 is constant at the first end 41, the central part 42, and the second end 43. However, in one embodiment, the thickness of the absorber 30 may differ at the first end 41, the central part 42, and the second end 43. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the thickness of the absorber 30 at the first end 41 and the second end 43 may be greater than the thickness of the absorber 30 at the central part 42. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the average depth d1 of the recesses 35 formed at the first end 41 and the second end 43 is greater than the average depth d2 of the recesses 35 formed at the central part 42.

[0061] Furthermore, the depth of the recesses 35 in the lateral direction X may be substantially the same. That is, as shown in Figure 5, when the absorber 30 is divided into three equal parts in the lateral direction X, and these regions are designated as the first end 61, the central part 62, and the second end 63, respectively, from one side in the lateral direction X, the average depth of the recesses 35 formed in the first end 61 and the second end 63 is substantially the same as the average depth of the recesses 35 formed in the central part 62. Also, the basis weight of the absorbent core 31 in the first end 61 and the second end 63 may be substantially the same as the basis weight of the absorbent core 31 in the central part 62. In addition, a portion of the recesses 35 may be formed on the outer edge (the four sides of the absorber 30) of the absorber 30. For example, a portion of the recesses 35 may be formed on the edge of the absorber 30 in the lateral direction X. In this case, the average depth of the recesses 35 formed in the portions of the absorbent body 30 edge located within the first end 41 and the second end 43 in the lateral direction X (both ends of the edge of the absorbent body 30 in the lateral direction X) may be greater than the average depth of the recesses 35 formed in the portion of the absorbent body 30 edge located within the central portion 42 in the lateral direction X (the central portion of the edge of the absorbent body 30 in the lateral direction X). Also, the basis weight of the portion of the absorbent core 31 edge located within the first end 41 and the second end 43 in the lateral direction X may be greater than the basis weight of the portion of the absorbent core 31 edge located within the central portion 42 in the lateral direction X.

[0062] Although various embodiments of the absorbent sheet 1 have been described above, various modified forms can be constructed without altering the essence of the invention, and are not limited to the embodiments described above. In other words, it should be noted that the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention. The various embodiments described above can be combined in a non-contradictory manner.

[0063] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the absorbent sheet 1 is used as a pet sheet to absorb pet waste, but the absorbent sheet 1 is not limited to a pet sheet. For example, the absorbent sheet may be placed on a bed and used as a bed sheet to absorb urine in case of incontinence. It should be noted that the various embodiments described above can be combined in a way that is not contradictory.

[0064] This disclosure includes the following:

[0065] [1] An absorbent sheet having a shape with vertical and horizontal directions, A water-permeable surface sheet, A non-permeable backing sheet, An absorbent disposed between the surface sheet and the back sheet, Equipped with, When the absorbent material is divided into three equal parts in the vertical direction, and each of these regions is designated as the first end, the central part, and the second end, respectively, from one side in the vertical direction, each of the first end, the central part, and the second end has a recess that is recessed in the thickness direction of the absorbent material. An absorbent sheet wherein the average depth of the recesses formed at the first and second ends is greater than the average depth of the recesses formed in the central portion.

[0066] [2] The absorbent body includes an absorbent core having water absorption properties, The absorbent sheet according to [1], wherein the basis weight of the absorbent core is 100 gsm or more.

[0067] [3] The absorbent sheet according to [2], wherein the basis weight of the absorbent core at the first end and the second end is greater than the basis weight of the absorbent core in the central part.

[0068] [4] The absorbent sheet according to any one of items [1] to [3], wherein the absorbent sheet is for use with pets.

[0069] [5] The absorbent sheet according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein, when viewed from the thickness direction of the absorbent, the recesses are formed in a grid pattern in the absorbent.

[0070] [6] The recess includes a plurality of first compression grooves extending along a first direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal and transverse directions, and a plurality of second compression grooves extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction, The absorbent sheet according to [5], wherein the distance between adjacent first compression grooves among the plurality of first compression grooves, and the distance between adjacent second compression grooves among the plurality of second compression grooves, are 10 mm or less.

[0071] [7] The absorbent core comprises a first layer containing pulp and a superabsorbent polymer, and a second layer disposed on the first layer and containing a superabsorbent polymer, The absorbent sheet according to [2] or [3], wherein the proportion of the superabsorbent polymer in the entire second layer is higher than the proportion of the superabsorbent polymer in the entire first layer.

[0072] [8] The absorbent sheet according to [2], [3], or [7], wherein the absorbent core contains deodorizing particles.

[0073] [9] The absorbent body includes a core wrap covering the absorbent core, The absorbent sheet according to [7], wherein the superabsorbent polymer in the absorbent core is in close contact with the core wrap.

[0074]

[10] The absorbent sheet according to any one of [2], [3], [7] to [9], wherein an antibacterial agent is provided on the surface of the absorbent core.

[0075]

[11] The absorbent sheet according to any one of [2], [3], [7] to

[10] , wherein the absorbent core contains a fragrance.

[0076]

[12] The absorbent is bonded to the surface sheet and the back sheet using an adhesive, The absorbent sheet according to any one of [1] to

[11] , wherein the amount of adhesive applied between the absorbent and the back sheet is greater than the amount of adhesive applied between the absorbent and the front sheet.

[0077]

[13] The absorbent sheet according to

[12] , wherein the adhesive is applied to the entire surface of the surface of the absorbent body facing the back sheet.

[0078]

[14] The absorbent sheet according to any one of [1] to

[13] , wherein the width of the back sheet in the vertical direction is greater than the width of the front sheet in the vertical direction.

[0079]

[15] The absorbent body includes a core wrap covering the absorbent core, The core wrap covers at least one of the ends of the absorbent core in the transverse direction and the ends of the absorbent core in the longitudinal direction, as described in any one of [2], [3], [7] to

[11] .

[0080]

[16] The ends of the absorbent core in the longitudinal direction are covered by the core wrap, The absorbent sheet according to

[15] , wherein the end of the absorbent core in the lateral direction is exposed from the core wrap.

[0081]

[17] The absorbent sheet according to any one of [1] to

[16] , wherein the fiber direction of the surface sheet is oriented in the transverse direction.

[0082]

[18] A packaging body for containing a plurality of absorbent sheets, each having a shape having a vertical and a horizontal direction, Each of the aforementioned multiple absorbent sheets is A water-permeable surface sheet, A non-permeable backing sheet, An absorbent disposed between the surface sheet and the back sheet, Equipped with, When the absorbent material is divided into three equal parts in the vertical direction, and each of these regions is designated as the first end, the central part, and the second end, respectively, from one side in the vertical direction, each of the first end, the central part, and the second end has a recess that is recessed in the thickness direction of the absorbent material. The average depth of the recesses formed at the first and second ends is greater than the average depth of the recesses formed in the central portion. A packaging in which each of the aforementioned absorbent sheets is contained in a state folded in three in the longitudinal direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1...Absorbent sheet, 10...Surface sheet, 20...Back sheet, 30...Absorbent material, 31...Absorbent core, 31a...First layer, 31b...Second layer, 32...Core wrap, 35...Recess, 36...First compression groove, 37...Second compression groove, 41...First end, 42...Center, 43...Second end, 51...Pulp, 53...Deodorizing particles, 54...Antibacterial agent, 55...Fragrance, X...Transverse direction, Y...Vertical direction, Z...Thickness direction.

Claims

1. An absorbent sheet having a shape with vertical and horizontal directions, A water-permeable surface sheet, A non-permeable backing sheet, An absorbent disposed between the surface sheet and the back sheet, Equipped with, When the absorbent material is divided into three equal parts in the vertical direction, and each of these regions is designated as the first end, the central part, and the second end, respectively, from one side in the vertical direction, each of the first end, the central part, and the second end has a recess that is recessed in the thickness direction of the absorbent material. An absorbent sheet wherein the average depth of the recesses formed at the first and second ends is greater than the average depth of the recesses formed in the central portion.

2. The absorbent body includes an absorbent core having water-absorbing properties. The absorbent sheet according to claim 1, wherein the basis weight of the absorbent core is 100 gsm or more.

3. The absorbent sheet according to claim 2, wherein the basis weight of the absorbent core at the first end and the second end is greater than the basis weight of the absorbent core in the central part.

4. The absorbent sheet according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent sheet is for use with pets.

5. The absorbent sheet according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed from the thickness direction of the absorbent, the recesses are formed in a grid pattern in the absorbent.

6. The recess includes a plurality of first compression grooves extending along a first direction inclined with respect to the vertical and horizontal directions, and a plurality of second compression grooves extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction. The absorbent sheet according to claim 5, wherein the distance between adjacent first compression grooves among the plurality of first compression grooves, and the distance between adjacent second compression grooves among the plurality of second compression grooves, are 10 mm or less.

7. The absorbent core comprises a first layer containing pulp and a superabsorbent polymer, and a second layer disposed on the first layer and containing a superabsorbent polymer. The absorbent sheet according to claim 2, wherein the proportion of the superabsorbent polymer in the entire second layer is higher than the proportion of the superabsorbent polymer in the entire first layer.

8. The absorbent sheet according to claim 2, wherein the absorbent core contains deodorizing particles.

9. The absorbent body includes a core wrap covering the absorbent core, The absorbent sheet according to claim 7, wherein the superabsorbent polymer in the absorbent core is in close contact with the core wrap.

10. The absorbent sheet according to claim 2, wherein an antibacterial agent is provided on the surface of the absorbent core.

11. The absorbent sheet according to claim 2, wherein the absorbent core contains a fragrance.

12. The absorbent material is bonded to the surface sheet and the back sheet using an adhesive. The absorbent sheet according to claim 1, wherein the amount of adhesive applied between the absorbent and the back sheet is greater than the amount of adhesive applied between the absorbent and the front sheet.

13. The absorbent sheet according to claim 12, wherein the adhesive is applied to the entire surface of the surface of the absorbent body facing the back sheet.

14. The absorbent sheet according to claim 1, wherein the width of the back sheet in the vertical direction is greater than the width of the front sheet in the vertical direction.

15. The absorbent body includes a core wrap covering the absorbent core, The absorbent sheet according to claim 2, wherein the core wrap covers at least one of the ends of the absorbent core in the transverse direction and the ends of the absorbent core in the longitudinal direction.

16. The ends of the absorbent core in the longitudinal direction are covered by the core wrap. The absorbent sheet according to claim 15, wherein the end of the absorbent core in the lateral direction is exposed from the core wrap.

17. The absorbent sheet according to claim 1, wherein the fiber direction of the surface sheet is oriented in the transverse direction.

18. A packaging body that contains multiple absorbent sheets, each having a shape with a vertical and horizontal orientation, Each of the aforementioned multiple absorbent sheets is A water-permeable surface sheet, A non-permeable backing sheet, An absorbent disposed between the surface sheet and the back sheet, Equipped with, When the absorbent material is divided into three equal parts in the vertical direction, and each of these regions is designated as the first end, the central part, and the second end, respectively, from one side in the vertical direction, each of the first end, the central part, and the second end has a recess that is recessed in the thickness direction of the absorbent material. The average depth of the recesses formed at the first and second ends is greater than the average depth of the recesses formed in the central portion. A packaging in which each of the aforementioned absorbent sheets is contained in a state folded in three in the longitudinal direction.

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