Pet absorbent products

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article for a pet capable of keeping an excellent wearing feeling that can be repeatedly worn and attached easily even when a pet moves around.SOLUTION: An absorbent article 50 for a pet having a liquid permeable top sheet 10, a liquid non-permeable back sheet 30, and an absorber 20 disposed between these sheets includes: a first end part 50A. which is one end in a longitudinal direction; a grip part 71 provided by cutting a corner part of a second end part formed asymmetrically with respect to the first end part 50A at the other end in the longitudinal direction for engaging and fixing the top sheet and a hook tape when attaching the absorbent article for a pet to a pet; and the hook tape 70 disposed so as to extend in a width direction along the first end part 50A. The width of the hook tape 70 and the length of the grip part 71 are the same as or shorter than the width of the absorber 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to an absorbent article for pets. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, many households keep dogs, cats, and other pets. Consequently, there has been a significant increase in pets with problems with excretion and other bodily functions. To prevent these pets from soiling the home with their waste, pet-specific absorbent materials are used. Pet-specific absorbent materials, like those for humans, have a structure comprising a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent core located between them.

[0003] Pet absorbent materials are designed to be wrapped around the torso near the hindquarters of a pet. However, pets often dislike being restrained by these materials and tend to move around, making it difficult to properly attach them. If the pet absorbent materials are not properly attached, the pet will feel uncomfortable, reducing their sense of security, and in some cases, they may even remove them on their own. Various proposals have been made to address these issues.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes an absorbent pet article comprising a liquid-permeable surface layer, a liquid-impermeable back layer, and an absorbent disposed between them, having a rectangular shape with a first end and a second end facing each other, and a pair of side portions perpendicular to the first end and the second end and facing each other, wherein when wrapped around the body of a pet, the first end is positioned on the body side of the pet and the second end is detachably attached to the outer surface of the first end, further comprising an elastic member that is arranged in an extended state along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent pet article, and a high-rigidity portion with greater rigidity than the second end is formed at the first end (Claim 1). Patent Document 1 describes that an absorbent pet article is provided that can be easily attached in the correct position when wrapped around the body of a pet (Paragraph 0014). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5924753 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In the absorbent pet article described in Patent Document 1, a high-rigidity section is provided at the first end, so that when the second end is strongly pulled during attachment, the end of the first end is less likely to curl up, making it easy to attach. The high-rigidity section is formed by attaching a strip of hook tape used for fastening at both ends. The first and second ends are formed in a symmetrical shape. However, when a typical hook tape is installed in a long, narrow strip, it is difficult to fasten it neatly and straight while holding down a moving pet. Unless a very thick hook tape is used, the expected effect is difficult to obtain, and using such hook tape reduces the feeling of attachment.

[0007] Furthermore, in the absorbent pet article described in Patent Document 1, the surface layer is made of nonwoven fabric without using any special engaging member on the surface where the hook tape engages. Generally, air-through nonwoven fabric, which has excellent texture and absorption properties, is suitable as the surface layer, but when considering repeated attachment and removal to adjust the position and tightness during attachment, there are problems in terms of strength. Soft air-through nonwoven fabric easily engages with the hook material, resulting in high engagement strength, and if forcibly pulled off, the surface material easily breaks, making the engagement force unstable.

[0008] The objective of the present invention is to provide an absorbent pet article that can be easily attached and secured repeatedly even when the pet moves around, while maintaining a good fit for the pet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The inventors of the present invention have conducted extensive research to solve the above problems and have found that by forming the first and second ends asymmetrically, arranging a hook tape on the first end side, and further forming a gripping portion on the second end side for grasping and pulling by hand, and by making the width of the hook tape and the length of the gripping portion the same as or shorter than the width of the absorber, the hook tape and the top sheet on the second end side can be fastened within a region where the flatness is easily maintained by the rigidity of the absorber, making the fastening work easier. Furthermore, by making the angle of the notch on the gripping portion side larger than the angle of the notch on the first end side, the gripping portion for grasping and pulling by hand becomes easier to visually recognize even when the pet moves around, making fastening even easier, and thus the present invention has been completed. In other words, the present invention provides the following absorbent article for pets.

[0010] (1) A pet absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent material disposed between them, The first end, which is one end in the longitudinal direction, At the other end in the longitudinal direction, a gripping portion is provided by cutting out the corner of the second end, which is formed asymmetrically to the first end, for engaging and securing the top sheet and the hook tape when attaching the pet absorbent article to a pet. It comprises a hook tape arranged to extend in the width direction along the first end, The width of the hook tape and the length of the gripping portion are both the same as or shorter than the width of the absorbent material in this absorbent article for pets. (2) The pet absorbent article according to (1) above, wherein the width of the hook tape and the length of the gripping portion are both within the range of 60 mm or more and 110% or less of the width of the absorbent material. (3) Both sides in the width direction of the first end and the second end are cut out in the shape of a right triangle when viewed from above. The absorbent pet article according to (1) above, wherein the angle α formed by the edge corresponding to the hypotenuse of the right triangle at the second end and the imaginary line extending linearly in the width direction is greater than the angle β formed by the edge corresponding to the hypotenuse of the right triangle at the first end and the imaginary line extending linearly in the width direction. (4) The angle β on the first end side is in the range of more than 0 degree and 40 degrees or less, the angle α on the second end side is in the range of 20 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less, and the difference between the angle α and the angle β is 20 degrees or more. The absorbent article for pets according to (3) above. (5) The topsheet is composed of at least two layers of non-woven fabrics laminated, and the non-woven fabrics are welded by a plurality of dot embossings by thermal embossing or ultrasonic embossing, and has a plurality of embossed convex portions formed by protruding regions surrounded by the plurality of dot embossings. The absorbent article for pets according to (1) above. (6) The welding area ratio of the dot embossing is in the range of 8% or more and 18% or less, the diameter of the dot embossing is in the range of 0.5 mm or more and 1.2 mm or less, and the height of the embossed convex portion is in the range of 0.4 mm or more and 1.4 mm or less. The absorbent article for pets according to (5) above.

Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, there is provided an absorbent article for pets that can be easily worn and fastened repeatedly even when the pet moves around, and can maintain a good wearing feeling for the pet.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] [Figure 1] It is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of the absorbent article for pets according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line X1-X1 shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a modified example of the absorbent article for pets according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a schematic view showing the configuration of the topsheet included in the absorbent article for pets of the present embodiment, where (a) shows a cross-sectional view and (b) shows a plan view respectively. [Figure 5] It is a schematic view showing a method for measuring the engagement force between the topsheet and the hook tape. (a) shows the first step of the measurement method, and (b) shows the second step of the measurement method. [Figure 6]This graph shows the results of three measurements of the engagement force between the top sheet and the hook tape in the example. [Figure 7] This graph shows the results of three measurements of the engagement force between the top sheet and the hook tape in the comparative example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] In this specification, "attaching the pet absorbent article 50" refers to the state in which the pet absorbent article 50 is wrapped around the body of the pet animal, regardless of whether it is before or after absorption of bodily fluids. The longitudinal direction of the pet absorbent article 50 is the direction shown by Y in the figure, which extends from front to back through the groin area of ​​the pet when the pet absorbent article 50 is attached; the width direction is the direction shown by X in the figure, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and the thickness direction is the direction shown by Z in the figure, which is the direction in which each component is stacked. The skin-side surface of the pet absorbent article is the surface that comes into contact with the pet's body surface or the surface facing the skin; and the non-skin-side surface is the surface that does not come into contact with the pet's body surface. Bodily fluids refer to liquids that the pet has excreted from its body, such as urine, blood, or water in soft stools.

[0014] <Absorbent products for pets> The absorbent pet article 50 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 3 show the absorbent pet article 50. Figure 4 shows the top sheet 10 according to this embodiment. These figures do not specify the dimensions or size relationships of the absorbent pet article 50. The absorbent pet article 50 according to this embodiment is used for pets such as dogs and cats, and is preferably used for male pets. The absorbent pet article 50 according to this embodiment has a longitudinal dimension in the range of, for example, 350 mm to 550 mm, and a width dimension in the range of, for example, 150 mm to 250 mm.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the absorbent article 50 for pets according to this embodiment comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet 10 located on the surface side of the pet's body, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 30 positioned opposite the top sheet 10 and on the non-surface side, an absorbent 20 positioned between the top sheet 10 and the back sheet 30, a carrier sheet 80 that completely encloses the absorbent 20, a pair of three-dimensional gathers 40 provided on the skin-side surface of the top sheet 10, a first end 50A which is one end in the longitudinal direction, and the first end at the other end in the longitudinal direction. The pet absorbent article 50 has a grip portion 71 provided by cutting out the corner of the second end, which is formed asymmetrically with respect to the end, for engaging and securing the top sheet and the hook tape when attaching the pet absorbent article to a pet, a pair of side gathers 60 extending longitudinally along both side edges in the width direction, and a hook tape 70 arranged to extend in the width direction along the first end 50A, wherein the width of the hook tape 70 and the length of the grip portion 71 are both configured to be the same as or shorter than the width of the absorbent body 20. When attaching the pet absorbent article 50 to a pet, the grip portion 71 can be pulled and wrapped around the pet's body to engage the hook tape 70 and the top sheet 10 and secure it.

[0016] According to this embodiment, even if a pet resists wearing the pet absorbent article 50 and moves around, it is easy to put on and fasten, and even if the pet moves around after being put on, it is less likely to shift, resulting in a pet absorbent article 50 that is comfortable for the pet to wear.

[0017] The pet absorbent article 50 of this embodiment is based on a top sheet 10, an absorbent body 20, and a back sheet 30 as its basic components. Various known modifications can be made as needed, such as the arrangement of a three-dimensional gather 40 (Figures 1 and 2), the arrangement of a liquid-permeable transfer sheet (not shown) or a liquid-permeable second sheet between the top sheet 10 and the absorbent body 20, and the arrangement of a carrier sheet 80 (Figure 2) that encloses the entire absorbent body 20. The components of the pet absorbent article 50 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail below, in the order of top sheet 10, absorbent body 20, carrier sheet 80, back sheet 30, three-dimensional gather 40, gripping portion 71, and hook tape 70.

[0018] <Top sheet> The top sheet 10 is a liquid-permeable sheet-like substrate that allows bodily fluids to pass rapidly towards the absorbent body 20 and / or diffuse bodily fluids in the planar direction. A portion of the top sheet 10 on the second end 50B side has the function of fastening the absorbent pet article 50 of this embodiment by engaging with the hook tape 70, which will be described later. The top sheet 10 is preferably a substrate that is soft to the touch and does not irritate the body surface or skin, so that it may come into contact with the pet's body surface. Examples of such substrates include hydrophilic sheets, composite nonwoven fabrics which are laminates of the same or different types of hydrophilic sheets, open films such as open polyethylene films, and foamed films such as polyethylene foam and urethane foam. Examples of hydrophilic sheets include air-through nonwoven fabrics, thermal-bonded nonwoven fabrics, spunlace nonwoven fabrics, and spunbond nonwoven fabrics made using synthetic fibers made of synthetic resins such as polypropylene and polyethylene, regenerated fibers such as rayon, and natural fibers such as cotton. Among these, nonwoven fabrics are preferred, and air-through nonwoven fabrics are more preferred from the viewpoint of texture and engagement with the hook tape 70.

[0019] While air-through nonwoven fabrics generally have excellent texture and absorption properties, making them suitable as top sheets 10, if they are to be repeatedly attached and removed to adjust their position and tightness during installation, the soft air-through nonwoven fabric tends to engage easily with hook materials, resulting in high engagement strength. However, if forcibly pulled apart, surface material tearing can easily occur, leading to unstable engagement. These problems with air-through nonwoven fabrics can be solved in the following preferred embodiment.

[0020] In this embodiment, the top sheet 10 is formed by laminating two nonwoven fabrics and creating a predetermined welding pattern by thermal embossing or ultrasonic embossing. By thermal embossing or ultrasonic embossing the top sheet 10, it becomes a top sheet 10 suitable for repeated fastening without the need to install special engaging materials, improving the surface strength of the top sheet 10 and enhancing its durability against repeated attachment and removal. Examples of the aforementioned patterns include a planar view pattern. A dot pattern refers to a state in which dots formed by embossing (hereinafter also referred to as "dot embossing") are arranged regularly or irregularly. Furthermore, by creating a 3D embossing in which the area surrounded by the dot embossing 12 protrudes, the engagement area with the hook tape is reduced, while making it easier to attach and detach.

[0021] A specific example of a dot-like pattern is the pattern 11 shown in Figure 4. Pattern 11 is composed of a plurality of dot embossings 12 that are regularly formed in a grid pattern, and embossed protrusions 13 that are formed as a result of the formation of the dot embossings 12, with the area surrounded by the dot embossings 12 protruding. Pattern 11 is located on the pet body surface side of the top sheet 10. According to this embodiment, the engagement area between the top sheet 10 and the hook tape 70 is moderately reduced, resulting in an absorbent pet item 50 that can be attached and detached with less force. A top sheet 10 on which such a pattern 11 is formed is also called a 3D embossed sheet.

[0022] Here, the size of the dot embossing 12 is in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm in diameter. If the diameter of the dot embossing 12 is less than 0.5 mm, the effect of improving the surface strength of the top sheet 10 is insufficient, and the top sheet 10 tends to break easily with repeated attachment and removal. Also, if the size of the dot embossing 12 exceeds 1.2 mm, the texture of the top sheet 10 becomes noticeably harder, and the engagement force with the hook tape 70 tends to decrease. Furthermore, the ratio of the total area of ​​the dot embossing 12 to the total area of ​​the top sheet 10 (area ratio) is between 8% and 18%. If the area ratio is less than 8%, the effect of improving the surface strength of the top sheet 10 is insufficient, and the top sheet 10 tends to break easily with repeated attachment and removal. Also, if the area ratio exceeds 18%, the texture of the top sheet 10 becomes noticeably harder, and the fit tends to deteriorate.

[0023] The height of the embossed protrusions 13 is in the range of 0.4 mm to 1.4 mm. If the height of the embossed protrusions 13 is less than 0.4 mm, the effect of reducing the engagement area between the top sheet 10 and the hook tape 70 becomes small, the engagement between the top sheet 10 and the hook tape 70 becomes too strong, and the top sheet 10 tends to tear easily. If the height of the embossed protrusions 13 exceeds 1.4 mm, the embossed protrusions 13 become easily crushed, the effect of reducing the engagement area becomes small, the engagement between the top sheet 10 and the hook tape 70 becomes too strong, and the top sheet 10 tends to tear easily.

[0024] The top sheet 10 may have embossing or perforation processes other than thermal embossing applied to its surface to improve liquid permeability. The top sheet 10 may contain one or more of the following to reduce skin irritation: lotion, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory component, pH adjuster, antibacterial agent, moisturizer, etc. The basis weight of the top sheet 10 should be, for example, 15 g / m², from the viewpoint of strength, processability, and liquid return rate. 2 More than 120g / m 2 The following range applies. The shape of the top sheet 10 is not particularly limited and should be such that it covers part or all of the absorbent 720, as is necessary to guide the body fluids to the absorbent 20 without leakage.

[0025] (First end and second end) The absorbent pet article 50 has a first end 50A at one end in the longitudinal direction and a second end 50B at the other end in the longitudinal direction. The first end 50A and the second end 50B are formed asymmetrically. By forming the first end 50A and the second end 50B asymmetrically, it becomes easier to distinguish between the first end 50A and the second end 50B (grip portion 71), and the error of attaching the absorbent pet article 50 to a pet is suppressed. The absorbent pet article 50 can be attached to a pet by forming the first end 50A and the second end 50B asymmetrically, placing the hook tape 70 on the first end 50A side, and pulling the grip portion 71, which is the second end 50B, while holding down the first end 50A side, thereby fastening the hook tape 70 to the second end 50B (grip portion 71).

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the absorbent pet article 50 has portions cut out in the shape of a right triangle in plan view at both corners in the width direction of the first end 50A and the second end 50B (grip portion 71). On both sides in the width direction of the first end 50A, there are edges formed so as to be gradually separated from the first end 50A in the opposite longitudinal direction and in the width direction. These edges correspond to the hypotenuse of the cut-out right triangle. The angle between this hypotenuse and the imaginary line extending in the width direction is angle β. The angle β on the first end 50A side is, for example, in the range of greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 40 degrees, for example, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, etc. Similarly, on both sides in the width direction of the second end 50B, there are edges formed so as to be gradually separated from the second end 50B in the opposite longitudinal direction and in the width direction. These edges correspond to the hypotenuse of the cut-out right triangle. The angle between this hypotenuse and the imaginary line extending in the width direction is angle α. The angle α on the second end 50B side is, for example, in the range of 20 degrees to 60 degrees, such as 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, etc. In this embodiment, angle α is set to be larger than angle β, preferably the difference between angle α and angle β is at least 20 degrees. If the difference between angle α and angle β is less than 20 degrees, it becomes difficult to instantly identify the gripping side (gripping portion 71), and the ease of attachment tends to decrease. Also, if the difference between angle α and angle β exceeds 60 degrees, it tends to interfere more easily with the three-dimensional gathers 40 and side gathers 60, etc. According to this embodiment, it becomes easier to identify the side of the gripping portion 71 and fasten it, and the absorbent pet article 50 can be efficiently attached to the pet.

[0027] When angle α exceeds 60 degrees, it tends to interfere with the side gathers 60 and absorber 20, causing problems. When the angle difference between angle α and angle β is less than 20 degrees, it tends to become difficult to distinguish the side of the gripping portion 71. Angle α is determined by determining angle β and setting a difference of 20 degrees or more relative to angle β.

[0028] (Absorbent) The absorbent material 20 is placed, for example, between the top sheet 10 and the back sheet 30, and absorbs and retains bodily fluids that have permeated through the top sheet 10. The absorbent material 20 has a longitudinal dimension (maximum length) in the range of, for example, 150 mm to 350 mm, and a width dimension (maximum width) in the range of, for example, 80 mm to 200 mm. The entire surface or part of the absorbent material 20 may be embossed. Examples of the planar shape of the absorbent material 20 include an I-shape, a rectangle, a rounded rectangle, an oval, etc. The absorbent material 20 may, for example, contain absorbent fibers and a superabsorbent polymer as an absorbent base material.

[0029] (Absorbent fiber) Absorbent fibers are generally not limited to those used in absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, and incontinence pads. Examples include fluff pulp, cotton, rayon, acetate, tissue, absorbent paper, and hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics. Among these, fluff pulp is preferred from the viewpoint of absorbency. Examples of fluff pulp include wood pulp (e.g., bleached kraft pulp from coniferous trees such as Southern pine and Douglas fir (N-BKP)), synthetic fibers, resin fibers, and cotton-like defibrated products of non-wood pulp. When fluff pulp is used as the absorbent fiber in the absorbent body 20, the basis weight of the absorbent fiber is, for example, 100 g / m². 2 More than 300g / m 2 The following range or 140g / m 2 More than 200g / m 2 The range is as follows. This allows for the absorption of more bodily fluids without compromising the feel against the skin.

[0030] (Highly absorbent polymer) As the superabsorbent polymer (hereinafter also referred to as "SAP"), there is no particular limitation as long as it can absorb body fluids and prevent backflow, and examples thereof include polyacrylate, polyaspartate, (starch-acrylic acid) graft copolymer, (acrylic acid-vinyl alcohol) copolymer, (isobutylene-maleic anhydride) copolymer, and its saponified product. Among these, from the viewpoint of the absorption amount per unit weight, polyacrylate is preferred, an alkali metal salt of polyacrylate is more preferred, and sodium polyacrylate is even more preferred. The superabsorbent polymer can be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0031] The superabsorbent polymer is used, for example, in the form of particles, fibers, etc., but is preferably used in the form of particles from the viewpoint of ease of handling. At this time, by avoiding the use of a superabsorbent polymer in the form of fine powder with poor fluidity as a powder and using a superabsorbent polymer having a median particle size, the basic performance related to absorption can be enhanced, and the rough tactile sensation generated by the absorber 20 becoming hard can be reduced. The median particle size of the superabsorbent polymer is, for example, in the range of 50 μm or more and 600 μm or less, or in the range of 100 μm or more and 500 μm or less.

[0032] The basis weight of SAP in the absorber 20 is, for example, 80 g / m 2 or more and 350 g / m 2 or less, or in the range of 100 g / m 2 or more and 250 g / m 2 or less. By setting the basis weight of SAP within the above numerical range, gel blocking in the absorber 20 can be prevented, and a large amount of body fluid can be absorbed by the absorber 20. Further, in the absorber 20, the ratio of the weight of the superabsorbent polymer to the weight of the entire absorber 20, (weight of superabsorbent polymer / weight of entire absorber 20)×100(%), is, for example, in the range of 15% by weight or more, or in the range of 15% by weight or more and 70% by weight or less.

[0033] In the absorbent body 20, the form of the absorbent fibers and SAP may be one in which SAP particles are mixed into absorbent fibers, or it may be an SAP sheet in which SAP particles are fixed between absorbent fibers. Alternatively, as another form of the absorbent body 20, an absorbent sheet can be used that includes multiple hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics and a superabsorbent polymer fixed between the hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics.

[0034] <Career Sheet> In this embodiment, the entire absorbent 20 may be wrapped in a carrier sheet 80. As the carrier sheet 80, any hydrophilic sheet commonly used in this field can be used, such as hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics such as thermal bond nonwoven fabric, spunbond nonwoven fabric, airlaid nonwoven fabric, air-through nonwoven fabric, and pulp-containing nonwoven fabric, as well as tissue paper and absorbent paper. Among hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics, hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics such as thermal bond nonwoven fabric, spunbond nonwoven fabric, air-through nonwoven fabric, and pulp-containing nonwoven fabric are more preferred, and tissue paper (crepe paper) and, if necessary, spunbond nonwoven fabric that has been treated to be hydrophilic are even more preferred. For example, tissue paper with a basis weight of 10 g / m² can be used. 2 More than 30g / m 2 The following range applies, with a thickness of 0.03 mm to 0.15 mm, and the spunbond nonwoven fabric has a basis weight of, for example, 10 g / m². 2 More than 30g / m 2 The following range applies, with a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0035] <Back seat> The backsheet 30 can be formed using a breathable or non-breathable substrate that is impermeable to liquids so as not to leak the bodily fluids held by the absorbent 20. Examples of such substrates include resin films and composite sheets which are laminates of resin films and nonwoven fabrics. The nonwoven fabric used in the composite sheet is not particularly limited in its manufacturing method and can include single-layer nonwoven fabrics such as spunbond nonwoven fabrics and meltblown nonwoven fabrics, composite nonwoven fabrics such as spunbond nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric laminates and spunbond nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / spunbond nonwoven fabric laminates, and composite materials thereof. Examples of resin films include polyester, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene, polypropylene, and composite films of polyethylene and polypropylene.

[0036] The basis weight of backsheet 30 is, for example, 15 g / m², considering strength and processability. 2 More than 60g / m 2 The following ranges, or 15g / m² 2 More than 40g / m 2 The following range applies. Furthermore, to prevent stuffiness during wear, it is preferable that the back sheet 30 be breathable. To provide breathability to the back sheet 30, for example, a filler can be compounded into the resin film of the base material, or the back sheet 30 can be embossed. Calcium carbonate can be used as a filler, and the compounding method can be any known method without limitation.

[0037] <3D Gathering> The three-dimensional gathers 40 are fixed to the body-side surface of the top sheet 10 along the length of the absorbent body 20 near both ends in the width direction of the absorbent body 20, for example, to prevent leakage of bodily fluids excreted by a pet wearing the absorbent article 50. The three-dimensional gathers 40 include an elastic stretchable member 40a and a water-repellent and / or waterproof sheet member 40b.

[0038] The elastic stretchable member 40a is arranged along the length direction near the free end (other end) of the sheet member 40b, providing the free end with uprightness, and allowing the free end of the sheet member 40b and its vicinity to be deformable to match the body shape of the pet. In this embodiment, one end (fixed end) in the width direction of the sheet member 40b is fixed near both ends in the width direction of the skin side surface of the back sheet 30, a portion in the width direction is fixed near both ends in the width direction of the skin side surface of the top sheet 10, and the other end in the width direction is an upright free end. The fixing position of the fixed end (one end in the width direction) of the sheet member 40b is not limited to this embodiment, and examples include the non-skin side of the back sheet 30, near both ends in the width direction of the skin side or non-skin side of the joint of all or part of the edges of the top sheet 10 containing the absorbent body 20 and the back sheet 30, and near both ends in the width direction of the skin side surface of the top sheet 10.

[0039] The sheet member 40b is a water-repellent and / or waterproof sheet, and is made of, for example, a nonwoven fabric. Here, the nonwoven fabric can be any water-repellent and / or waterproof (liquid-impermeable) nonwoven fabric formed of hydrophobic fibers, for example, spunbond nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, or composite nonwoven fabric (SMS nonwoven fabric) which is a laminate of spunbond nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / spunbond nonwoven fabric. The basis weight of the sheet member 40b is, for example, 10 g / m². 2 More than 20g / m 2 The range is as follows. As the elastic stretchable member 40a, thread-like, string-like, or strip-like materials made of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polyurethane, etc., can be used as appropriate. The side gather 60, like the three-dimensional gather 40, is composed of a sheet material and an elastic stretchable material.

[0040] <Hook tape> The hook tape 70 is arranged in a strip shape on the pet-side surface of the top sheet 10 so as to extend in the width direction along the edge on the first end 50A side, and engages with and secures to the pet-side surface of the top sheet 10 on the second end 50B side when the pet absorbent article 50 is wrapped around and attached to the pet. The hook tape 70 can be made of a material that can engage with the pet-side surface of the top sheet 10 of the pet absorbent article 50, for example, a hook tape. Alternatively, a mechanical fastener such as a hook-and-loop fastener may be provided on the pet-side surface of the top sheet 10 on the second end 50B side.

[0041] In this embodiment, the width of the hook tape 70 is configured to be the same as or shorter than the width of the absorbent material 20. With this configuration, the rigidity of the absorbent material 20 allows the hook tape 70 to be fastened to the body surface of the top sheet 10 within a region where the body surface of the top sheet 10 can easily maintain a flat surface, making the attachment process easier. The width of the hook tape 70 is, for example, in the range of 60 mm or more and 110% or less of the width of the absorbent material 20. If the width of the hook tape 70 is shorter than 60 mm, it becomes difficult to grasp by hand, and the ease of attachment tends to decrease. Also, if the width of the hook tape 70 exceeds 110% or less of the width of the absorbent material 20, it becomes difficult to fasten it straight, and the feeling of the pet wearing the absorbent pet article 50 tends to decrease.

[0042] <Grip part> The gripping portion 71 is a linearly extending edge and its vicinity at the center of the width direction of the second end portion 50B, and is a component for engaging and fixing (fastening) the top sheet 10 (gripping portion 71) on the second end portion 50B side with the hook tape 70 when attaching the pet absorbent article 50 to a pet. The gripping portion 71 is positioned on the surface of the second end portion 50B and is configured to be grasped with fingers and pulled toward the first end portion 50A side. The gripping portion 71 is made of, for example, nonwoven fabric, resin film, or a composite film thereof. The gripping portion 71 is fixed to the body surface of the top sheet 10 using hot melt adhesive, heat embossing, ultrasonic embossing, high-frequency embossing, sewing, etc.

[0043] The gripping portion 71, like the hook tape 70, is set so that its widthwise length is the same as or shorter than the width of the absorbent material 20. With this configuration, the rigidity of the absorbent material 20 allows the hook tape 70 to be fastened to the body surface of the top sheet 10 within an area where the body surface of the top sheet 10 can easily maintain a flat surface, making the attachment process easier. The length of the gripping portion 71 is, for example, in the range of 60 mm or more and 110% or less of the width of the absorbent material 20. If the widthwise length of the gripping portion 71 is shorter than 60 mm, it becomes difficult to grip by hand, and the ease of attachment tends to decrease. Also, if the length of the gripping portion 71 exceeds 110% or less of the width of the absorbent material 20, it becomes difficult to fasten it straight, and the feeling of the pet wearing the absorbent pet product 50 tends to decrease.

[0044] <Method for manufacturing absorbent articles> The absorbent article 50 can be manufactured by known manufacturing methods, for example, a manufacturing method that includes the steps of: placing the absorbent body 20 between the top sheet 10 and the back sheet 30; fixing the top sheet 10 and the back sheet 30 together using a hot melt adhesive, heat embossing, ultrasonic embossing, high-frequency embossing, etc., around part or all of their circumferences; arranging the hook tape 70 and gripping portion 71 at predetermined positions on the body surface of the top sheet 10; and installing three-dimensional gathers 40 and side gathers 60 at predetermined positions on the back sheet 30 and the top sheet 10.

[0045] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, it goes without saying that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments and examples. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. Furthermore, it is clear from the claims that such modified or improved forms may also be included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Examples]

[0046] The following examples illustrate this embodiment in more detail.

[0047] (Examples 1-15 and Comparative Examples 1-12) Air-through nonwoven fabric (thickness 0.8 mm, basis weight 20 g / m²) is used as the top sheet. 2 ) is used, and a breathable polyethylene sheet (thickness 18 μm, basis weight 20 g / m²) is used as the backsheet. 2 Using a composite nonwoven fabric (basis weight 15g / m²) made of polypropylene fibers, which is a laminate of spunbond nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / spunbond nonwoven fabric, as the sheet material for the three-dimensional gathers and side gathers. 2 ) and polyurethane-based synthetic rubber as an elastic stretchable member are used, and the absorbent material is fluff pulp with a basis weight of 300 g / m². 2 and SAP basis weight 90g / m² 2 Using a fluff absorbent (8 mm thick) and a hook tape manufactured by 3M Japan Ltd., an absorbent pet article of this embodiment and a comparative absorbent pet article were fabricated having the absorbent width, gripping portion (length of the straight end portion), hook tape width, αβ angle difference, angle α, angle β, emboss diameter, emboss area, and embossed protrusion height shown in Table 1. The embossed protrusions were formed by a 3D embossing method, and the height of the embossed protrusions was measured as an average height using a KEYENCE "One Shot 3D Microscope VR-3000".

[0048] In Examples 1-15 and Comparative Examples 1-11, the top sheet material was an air-through nonwoven fabric (basis weight 20 g / m²) made of a composite of polypropylene fibers and polyethylene fibers. 2 ) was subjected to 3D embossing on the surface of the body to form pattern 11, and a 3D embossed sheet was produced and used. In comparative example 12, the aforementioned air-through nonwoven fabric (basis weight 20 g / m²) without 3D embossing (embossed protrusions) was used as the top sheet material. 2 ) was used.

[0049] For the absorbent pet products of Examples 1-15 and Comparative Examples 1-12, the visibility of the gripping portion (second end), ease of grasping the gripping portion (second end), ease of application, ability to apply straight and neatly, resistance to tearing even after repeated application and removal, softness of the top sheet, and ease of use due to not being too strong in terms of application and removal strength were investigated and evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 2. In Comparative Examples 3 and 4, the side gathers tended to be too short. Furthermore, the quality of the engagement strength was evaluated in the usability evaluation as "ease of use due to not being too strong in terms of application and removal strength." ◎...It was very good. ○...The results were good. △...There was no significant improvement in usability. ×...It was not easy to use.

[0050] The engagement force between the top sheet material and the hook tape was investigated for the absorbent pet articles of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 using the following method. Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the method for measuring the engagement force between the top sheet material and the hook tape. Figure 5(a) shows the first step of the measurement method, and Figure 5(b) shows the second step of the measurement method.

[0051] [Measurement method] In the first step shown in Figure 5(a), a 25mm x 90mm top sheet (top sheet material) 10 cut from the absorbent pet material of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, and a hook sheet 70 are placed on top of each other, and a 2kg pressure roller is run at a speed of 50mm / sec for one back-and-forth motion to bond them together and obtain a laminate. Note that if the roller's running speed is slow, the 3D embossed sheet tends to adhere more firmly, making it difficult to see any difference. When firmly bonded, the 3D embossed surface becomes denser, which actually makes it less likely to peel off. In the second step shown in Figure 5(b), the laminates of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 obtained in the first step are subjected to a 20 mm stretch of tension between the top sheet 10 and the hook sheet 70 at one end in the longitudinal direction (or MD direction). Then, the laminates are pulled at a travel speed of 300 mm / min using a Tensilon with the chuck spacing set to 20 mm, and the average load over a travel distance of 30 mm to 80 mm is determined. Three measurements were taken, and the average value was calculated. The results are shown in Table 3. Figure 6 shows the data for the Example, and Figure 7 shows the data for the Comparative Example. In Figures 6 and 7, the data measured three times is shown using different line types (dotted line, thick line, thin line).

[0052] [Table 1]

[0053] [Table 2]

[0054] [Table 3]

[0055] When pet absorbent items are attached, the feeling of attachment is greatly reduced due to the pet's movement. If the attachment and detachment strength between the top sheet and the hook tape is too strong, reattaching them becomes troublesome. This embodiment is characterized by the ease of reattaching the top sheet and the hook tape. Furthermore, the inventors' research has shown that once the engagement position between the top sheet and the hook tape is determined and firmly attached, a certain degree of engagement force can be exerted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 10 Top Sheets 20 absorbent material 30 Backseat 40 Three-dimensional gathers 40a Elastic stretchable member 40b Sheet material 50 Absorbent articles 60 Side Gathers 70 Hook Tape 71 Gripping part

Claims

1. A pet absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent material disposed between them, The first end, which is one end in the longitudinal direction, A hook tape is arranged to extend in the width direction along the first end, At the other end in the longitudinal direction, a gripping portion is provided by cutting out the corner of the second end, which is formed asymmetrically with respect to the first end, for engaging and securing the top sheet and the hook tape when attaching the pet absorbent article to a pet. Both sides of the first and second ends in the width direction are cut out in a right-angled triangular shape when viewed from above. The angle α formed by the edge corresponding to the hypotenuse of the right triangle at the second end and the imaginary line extending linearly in the width direction is greater than the angle β formed by the edge corresponding to the hypotenuse of the right triangle at the first end and the imaginary line extending linearly in the width direction. The width of the hook tape and the length of the gripping portion are both within the range of 60 mm or more and 110% or less of the width of the absorbent material, in an absorbent article for pets.

2. The absorbent article for pets according to claim 1, wherein the angle β on the first end is in the range of greater than 0 degrees and 40 degrees or less, the angle α on the second end is in the range of 20 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less, and the difference between angle α and angle β is 20 degrees or more.

3. The absorbent pet article according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the top sheet is constructed by laminating at least two layers of nonwoven fabric, the nonwoven fabric is welded together by a plurality of dot-shaped embossing by heat embossing or ultrasonic embossing, and has a plurality of embossed protrusions formed by areas surrounded by the plurality of dot-shaped embossing.

4. The pet absorbent article according to claim 3, wherein the welding area ratio of the dot-like emboss is in the range of 8% to 18%, the diameter of the dot-like emboss is in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm, and the height of the embossed protrusions is in the range of 0.4 mm to 1.4 mm.

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