Absorbent article for pets

Abstract

An absorbent article for pets according to one embodiment is worn by being wrapped around the waist of a pet. The absorbent article for pets comprises: a body portion that has a laterally elongate shape having a longer direction and a shorter direction, and has a first portion located on one side in the longer direction with respect to the center line of the body portion in the longer direction and a second portion located on the other side in the longer direction with respect to the center line of the body portion in the longer direction; and an engagement portion that is provided on the first portion of the body portion, and engages the first portion and the second portion with each other. The body portion includes a top sheet disposed on the skin side, a back sheet disposed on the non-skin side, an absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and one or more elastic members stretchable in the longer direction or the shorter direction. The elastic members overlap the absorbent body when viewed in the thickness direction of the body portion.

Description

Absorbent pet products

[0001] The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles for pets.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent article for pets that is wrapped around the waist of pets such as dogs, cats, etc. This absorbent article for pets is suitable for use with pets whose urethral opening is located forward of the base of the hind legs, and includes a liquid-permeable surface layer, a liquid-impermeable back layer, an absorbent body disposed between the surface layer and the back layer, and a pair of three-dimensional gathered portions that stand up from the surface layer.

[0003] JP 2012-205579 A

[0004] In order to prevent urine leakage, it is important to improve the fit of the pet absorbent article. However, with the above-mentioned pet absorbent article, there is a risk of gaps forming between the pet's body and the pet absorbent article due to changes in the pet's posture, changes in body shape before and after eating, breathing, etc. Furthermore, when a pet urinates and the urine is absorbed by the absorbent body, the absorbent body becomes heavy and sags, which can create gaps between the pet's body and the pet absorbent article. When such gaps form, there is a risk of urine leakage.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to improve the fit of absorbent articles for pets.

[0006] In one aspect, there is provided an absorbent article for pets to be worn by wrapping it around the waist of a pet, the absorbent article for pets comprising a main body portion having a horizontally elongated shape with a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, the main body portion having a first portion arranged on one longitudinal side of a center line of the main body portion in the longitudinal direction and a second portion arranged on the other longitudinal side of the center line of the main body portion in the longitudinal direction, and an engaging portion provided on the first portion of the main body portion for engaging the first portion with the second portion, the main body portion including a top sheet arranged on the skin-facing side, a back sheet arranged on the non-skin-facing side, an absorbent body arranged between the top sheet and the back sheet, and one or more elastic members stretchable in the longitudinal direction or the lateral direction, the elastic members overlapping the absorbent body when viewed in the thickness direction of the main body portion.

[0007] According to various aspects of the present invention, the fit of an absorbent article for pets can be improved.

[0008] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a pet absorbent article according to one embodiment; FIG. 2 is a plan view of the pet absorbent article as viewed from the skin side; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the pet absorbent article taken along line A-A in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the pet absorbent article taken along line B-B in FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the pet absorbent article taken along line CC in FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is a plan view of the pet absorbent article according to another embodiment as viewed from the skin side; FIG. 7 is a plan view of the pet absorbent article according to yet another embodiment as viewed from the skin side; FIG. 8 is a plan view of the pet absorbent article according to yet another embodiment as viewed from the skin side; FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the pet absorbent article according to yet another embodiment;

[0009] [Summary of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] The summary of embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the following clauses. Note that the present disclosure includes any combination of the following clauses.

[0010] (Clause 1) A pet absorbent article according to one embodiment is to be worn by wrapping it around the waist of a pet. The pet absorbent article comprises a main body portion having a horizontally elongated shape having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, the main body portion having a first portion arranged on one longitudinal side of a center line of the main body portion in the longitudinal direction and a second portion arranged on the other longitudinal side of the center line of the main body portion in the longitudinal direction, and an engaging portion provided on the first portion of the main body portion for engaging the first portion with the second portion, the main body portion including a top sheet arranged on the skin-facing side, a back sheet arranged on the non-skin-facing side, an absorbent body arranged between the top sheet and the back sheet, and one or more elastic members stretchable in the longitudinal direction or the lateral direction, the elastic members overlapping the absorbent body when viewed in the thickness direction of the main body portion.

[0011] In the pet absorbent article according to the above aspect, one or more elastic members arranged to overlap the absorbent body contract to follow changes in the pet's posture and body shape, thereby improving the fit of the pet absorbent article. Furthermore, even when urine is absorbed by the absorbent body, the contractile force of the elastic members lifts the absorbent body, preventing it from sagging, and maintaining the fit of the pet absorbent article. Therefore, this pet absorbent article can prevent urine leakage.

[0012] (Clause 2) The absorbent article for pets described in clause 1 may further include a pair of anti-leak gathers that are spaced apart from each other in the widthwise direction and that can stand up relative to the top sheet. By including the pair of anti-leak gathers, it is possible to prevent pet urine excreted in the absorbent body from leaking in the widthwise direction.

[0013] (Clause 3) In the absorbent article for pets according to clause 1 or 2, the one or more elastic members may be stretchable in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the one or more elastic members contract in the longitudinal direction to follow changes in the pet's body shape or posture (for example, when the pet twists its body), thereby improving the fit of the absorbent article for pets.

[0014] (Clause 4) In the absorbent article for pets according to clause 1 or 2, the one or more elastic members may be stretchable in the lateral direction. In this case, the one or more elastic members contract in the lateral direction to follow changes in body shape or posture (for example, when the pet stretches its body), thereby effectively improving the fit of the absorbent article for pets.

[0015] (Clause 5) In the pet absorbent article according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, the one or more elastic members may extend in the longitudinal direction so as to straddle the absorbent body. In this case, the absorbent body is lifted by the contractile force of the one or more elastic members, thereby preventing the absorbent body from sagging when urine is absorbed. This prevents gaps from forming between the pet's body and the pet absorbent article, thereby effectively preventing urine leakage.

[0016] (Clause 6) In the absorbent article for pets according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, the one or more elastic members may extend from the inside to the outside of the absorbent core in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the absorbent core is lifted from the outside of the absorbent core in the longitudinal direction, thereby preventing the absorbent core from sagging. This makes it possible to more reliably maintain the fit of the absorbent article for pets.

[0017] (Clause 7) In the absorbent article for pets described in any one of clauses 1 to 6, the engagement portion may be provided on the outer surface of the back sheet and be engageable with the top sheet. In this case, the engagement portion can be used to easily put the absorbent article for pets on the pet.

[0018] (Clause 8) In the pet absorbent article described in any one of clauses 1 to 7, the first portion may include a non-elastic region that does not include one or more elastic members, and the second portion may include a elastic region that includes one or more elastic members, and the contraction rate of the second portion may be higher than that of the first portion. In this case, the pet absorbent article can be aligned by placing the first portion, which has a relatively low contraction rate, against the pet's body. Furthermore, when the second portion is engaged with the first portion, the second portion, which has a relatively high contraction rate, contracts, thereby reducing looseness of the pet absorbent article when worn. Therefore, the pet absorbent article can be worn properly on the pet.

[0019] (Clause 9) In the absorbent article for pets according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, the engagement portion may be provided on the surface of the top sheet and be engageable with the back sheet. In this case, the engagement portion can be used to easily put the absorbent article for pets on the pet.

[0020] (Clause 10) In the pet absorbent article described in Clause 9, the first portion may include a stretchable region including one or more elastic members, and the second portion may include a non-stretchable region that does not include one or more elastic members, and the contraction rate of the first portion may be higher than the contraction rate of the second portion. In this case, the second portion, which has a relatively lower contraction rate, can be placed against the pet's body to align the pet absorbent article. Furthermore, when the first portion is engaged with the second portion, the first portion, which has a relatively higher contraction rate, contracts, thereby reducing looseness when the pet absorbent article is worn. Therefore, the pet absorbent article can be worn properly on the pet.

[0021] (Clause 11) In the absorbent article for pets according to any one of clauses 1 to 10, one or more elastic members may overlap the engaging portion when viewed in the thickness direction. In this case, the engaging portion is pulled by the contractile force of the elastic members, thereby firmly engaging the first portion and the second portion. This prevents the absorbent article for pets from unintentionally coming off.

[0022] (Clause 12) In the absorbent article for pets described in any one of clauses 1 to 10, the one or more elastic members may not overlap the engagement portion when viewed in the thickness direction. By arranging the one or more elastic members so that they do not overlap the engagement portion, the engagement portion is prevented from being deformed in a wavy manner due to the contractile force of the elastic members. Therefore, unintentional disengagement of the first portion and the second portion is prevented.

[0023] (Clause 13) In the pet absorbent article according to any one of clauses 1 to 12, the one or more elastic members may be disposed on the non-skin-facing side of the topsheet. In this case, the elastic members can be prevented from coming into direct contact with the pet's body when the pet absorbent article is worn, thereby improving the wearing comfort of the pet absorbent article.

[0024] (Clause 14) In the absorbent article for pets according to any one of clauses 1 to 13, the one or more elastic members may be rubber threads. In this case, stretchability can be imparted to the main body portion.

[0025] (Clause 15) In the absorbent article for pets according to any one of clauses 1 to 13, the one or more elastic members may be stretchable sheets. In this case, the wearing comfort of the absorbent article for pets can be improved.

[0026] (Clause 16) In the absorbent article for pets according to any one of clauses 1 to 15, the main body portion may include a plurality of elastic members that are stretchable in the longitudinal direction, and the plurality of elastic members may be arranged along the short side direction and extend across the entire main body portion in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the main body portion can be stretched across the entire longitudinal direction to accommodate changes in the pet's body shape and posture, thereby improving the fit of the absorbent article for pets. Therefore, urine leakage can be effectively suppressed.

[0027] (Clause 17) In the absorbent article for pets described in Clause 16, the plurality of elastic members may be arranged at equal intervals along the lateral direction between a pair of side edges of the main body portion in the lateral direction. In this case, the uniformity of the stretching force of the main body portion in the lateral direction can be improved.

[0028] [Examples of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. The drawings may be partially simplified or exaggerated for ease of understanding, and the dimensional ratios are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0029] Hereinafter, an absorbent article for pets according to one embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the absorbent article for pets 1 according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the absorbent article for pets 1 as viewed from the skin-facing side Z1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article for pets 1 taken along line A-A in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article for pets 1 taken along line B-B in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article for pets 1 taken along line CC in Fig. 1. The absorbent article for pets 1 shown in Figs. 1 to 5 is a disposable pet diaper that absorbs urine from pets.

[0030] FIG. 1 shows the pet absorbent article 1 in a natural state. The natural state refers to a state in which no external force is applied to the pet absorbent article 1. FIG. 2 shows the pet absorbent article 1 in an unfolded state. The unfolded state refers to a state in which the pet absorbent article 1 is stretched to a state in which no wrinkles are formed. The skin-facing side Z1 is the side that faces the skin of the pet when the pet absorbent article 1 is worn, and the non-skin-facing side Z2 is the side that faces away from the skin of the pet when the pet absorbent article 1 is worn. In the following description, a person who puts the pet absorbent article 1 on a pet is referred to as a "user." Typically, the user is the pet's owner. In the following description, the positional relationship in the unfolded state will be described unless otherwise specified.

[0031] In this specification, "pets" broadly encompass vertebrates and invertebrates, typically including pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and hamsters. The pet absorbent article 1 is particularly suitable for use with male pets whose urethral openings are located forward of the base of the hind legs. As shown in FIG. 2 , the pet absorbent article 1 extends in a short direction X along the front-to-back direction of the pet (the direction connecting the head and buttocks) and a long direction Y along the pet's waist. The short direction X and the long direction Y are perpendicular to each other. The thickness direction Z is perpendicular to the short direction X and the long direction Y, and includes a skin-facing side Z1 that faces the pet's skin when worn, and a non-skin-facing side Z2 that faces away from the pet's skin when worn. The pet absorbent article 1 is worn by wrapping it around the pet's waist.

[0032] The pet absorbent article 1 includes a main body 2. The main body 2 has a generally rectangular (horizontally elongated) planar shape extending in a short direction X and a long direction Y. The four corners of the main body 2 may be cut to narrow the width of the main body 2 in the short direction X. The main body 2 has a front edge 3 disposed at one end in the short direction X and a rear edge 4 disposed at the other end in the short direction X. When the pet absorbent article 1 is worn on a pet, the front edge 3 is disposed on the front legs of the pet, and the rear edge 4 is disposed on the rear legs of the pet. In the following description, the direction from the rear edge 4 to the front edge 3 may be referred to as the "front side," and the direction from the front edge 3 to the rear edge 4 may be referred to as the "rear side." The main body 2 also has a first side edge 5 disposed at one end in the long direction Y and a second side edge 6 disposed at the other end in the long direction Y. In addition, the main body 2 has a first part 2A arranged on one side of the longitudinal direction Y relative to the center line CL1 of the main body 2 in the longitudinal direction Y, and a second part 2B arranged on the other side of the longitudinal direction Y relative to the center line CL1 of the main body 2 in the longitudinal direction Y.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the main body 2 includes a topsheet 10, a backsheet 20, an absorbent body 30, and a pair of leak-proof gathers 40. The topsheet 10 constitutes the surface of the main body 2 that comes into contact with the pet and is arranged on the skin-facing side Z1. The topsheet 10 is liquid-permeable, allowing, for example, pet urine to pass through to the absorbent body 30. The topsheet 10 is located approximately in the center in the short direction X. Examples of nonwoven fabrics that constitute the topsheet 10 include air-through nonwoven fabrics, spunbond nonwoven fabrics, and point-bond nonwoven fabrics. The topsheet 10 is bonded to the back film 21 and the absorbent body 30 with, for example, a hot-melt adhesive.

[0034] The back sheet 20 forms the surface of the main body 2 that is positioned on the outside when worn, and is arranged on the non-skin-facing side Z2. The back sheet 20 includes a liquid-impermeable back film 21 and a back nonwoven fabric 22 that is arranged closer to the non-skin-facing side Z2 than the back film 21. In the short direction X, the width of the back film 21 is narrower than the width of the back nonwoven fabric 22, and the back nonwoven fabric 22 extends beyond the back film 21 to both sides in the short direction X. Note that in the short direction X, the back film 21 may have substantially the same width as the back nonwoven fabric 22. The back nonwoven fabric 22 forms the outermost layer of the pet absorbent article 1. The back film 21 is joined to the back nonwoven fabric 22 and the absorbent body 30 with, for example, a hot melt adhesive.

[0035] The absorbent body 30 is disposed between the topsheet 10 and the backsheet 20. The absorbent body 30 is located approximately in the center of the main body portion 2 and absorbs pet urine. The absorbent body 30 has a generally rectangular shape extending in the longitudinal direction Y.

[0036] The main body portion 2 includes a first end portion 7 disposed on one side in the longitudinal direction Y, a second end portion 8 disposed on the other end side in the longitudinal direction Y, and a central portion 9 disposed between the first end portion 7 and the second end portion 8. The first end portion 7 is a region located between the absorbent body 30 and the first side edge 5 in the longitudinal direction Y. The second end portion 8 is a region located between the absorbent body 30 and the second side edge 6 in the longitudinal direction Y. The central portion 9 is a region located between the first end portion 7 and the second end portion 8 in the longitudinal direction Y. The width of the first end portion 7 in the lateral direction X may be narrowed as it approaches the first side edge 5, and the width of the second end portion 8 in the lateral direction X may be narrowed as it approaches the second side edge 6. In this case, the narrowed widths of the first end portion 7 and the second end portion 8 make it easier for a user to grip the first end portion 7 and the second end portion 8. The first end 7 is part of the first portion 2A, and the second end 8 is part of the second portion 2B.

[0037] In one embodiment, the absorbent body 30 includes an absorbent core containing absorbent pulp and a polymeric absorbent (SAP), and a core wrap covering the surface of the absorbent core. Examples of the pulp used in the absorbent core include chemical pulp, cellulose fiber, rayon, and acetate. Examples of the polymeric absorbent used include starch-based, acrylic acid-based, and amino acid-based particulate or fibrous polymers. The absorbent body 30 may be an SAP sheet composed primarily of SAP, without including pulp.

[0038] The pair of leak-preventing gathers 40 are provided on the topsheet 10 and are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction X. The pair of leak-preventing gathers 40 are arranged from the skin-facing side Z1 to cover both side edges of the topsheet 10 in the lateral direction X, and extend in the longitudinal direction Y over the entire length of the main body portion 2. The pair of leak-preventing gathers 40 are partially joined to the topsheet 10 or the backsheet 20 on the outer side of the absorber 30 in the lateral direction X. The pair of leak-preventing gathers 40 stand up relative to the topsheet 10, thereby preventing pet urine excreted in the absorber 30 from leaking in the lateral direction X. The pair of leak-preventing gathers 40 include front leak-preventing gathers 41 provided along the front edge 3 and rear leak-preventing gathers 51 provided along the rear edge 4. The pair of leak-preventing gathers 40 may be formed by rolling back the back surface nonwoven fabric 22 toward the topsheet 10 on the outer side of the main body portion 2 in the lateral direction X. In this case, a part of the back surface nonwoven fabric 22 that is wound back toward the top sheet 10 constitutes a pair of leakage preventing gathers 40 , and the other part of the back surface nonwoven fabric 22 constitutes the back surface sheet 20 of the main body portion 2 .

[0039] In one embodiment, the front leakage-preventing gathers 41 include a side sheet 42 partially fixed to the topsheet 10 or the backsheet 20, and a first elastic member 43 joined to the side sheet 42. The back leakage-preventing gathers 51 include a side sheet 52 partially fixed to the topsheet 10 or the backsheet 20, and a first elastic member 53 joined to the side sheet 52. Each of the pair of side sheets 42, 52 is made of a water-repellent or hydrophobic nonwoven fabric. For example, the side sheets 42, 52 are made of a spunlace nonwoven fabric, a spunbond nonwoven fabric, a thermalbond nonwoven fabric, a meltblown nonwoven fabric, an SMS nonwoven fabric, a needle-punched nonwoven fabric, an air-through nonwoven fabric, or the like.

[0040] Each of the pair of side sheets 42, 52 has a vertically elongated shape that is long in the longitudinal direction Y and extends in the longitudinal direction Y over the entire length of the main body portion 2. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the pair of leakage preventing gathers 40 extend outward beyond the back surface film 21. More specifically, the outer edge of the front leakage preventing gathers 41 in the short direction X coincides with one outer edge of the back surface nonwoven fabric 22 in the short direction X, and together with this one outer edge of the back surface nonwoven fabric 22, constitutes the front edge 3. The outer edge of the rear leakage preventing gathers 51 in the short direction X coincides with the other outer edge of the back surface nonwoven fabric 22 in the short direction, and together with this other outer edge of the back surface nonwoven fabric 22, constitutes the rear edge 4.

[0041] 2 to 5, the side sheet 42 includes a fixed portion 45 joined to the top sheet 10 or the back sheet 20, and an upright portion 46 not joined to the top sheet 10. A first upright line 45a, a second upright line 45b, and a third upright line 45c are formed at the boundary between the fixed portion 45 and the upright portion 46.

[0042] The first standing line 45a is disposed between the center line CL2 in the lateral direction X of the main body 2 and the front edge 3, and extends in the longitudinal direction Y. For example, the first standing line 45a is disposed between the front edge of the absorber 30 and the front edge 3. The first standing line 45a is a boundary line between the fixed part 45 and the standing part 46 in the lateral direction X, and serves as a supporting point for the standing part 46 in the lateral direction X. The first standing line 45a may partially overlap the absorber 30 when viewed from the thickness direction Z.

[0043] The second upright line 45b is disposed between the center line CL1 in the longitudinal direction Y of the main body 2 and the first side edge 5, and extends in the short direction X. For example, the second upright line 45b is disposed between the edge of the absorber 30 on the first side edge 5 side in the longitudinal direction Y and the first side edge 5. The second upright line 45b is a boundary line between the fixed part 45 and the upright part 46 in the longitudinal direction Y, and serves as an upright fulcrum for the upright part 46 in the longitudinal direction Y. The second upright line 45b may partially overlap the absorber 30 when viewed from the thickness direction Z. The center line CL1 in the longitudinal direction Y of the main body 2 coincides with the center line of the absorber 30 in the longitudinal direction Y.

[0044] The third upright line 45c is disposed between the center line CL1 in the longitudinal direction Y of the main body 2 and the second side edge 6, and extends in the short direction X. For example, the third upright line 45c is disposed between the edge of the absorber 30 on the second side edge 6 side in the longitudinal direction Y and the second side edge 6. The third upright line 45c is a boundary line between the fixed part 45 and the upright part 46 in the longitudinal direction Y, and serves as an upright fulcrum for the upright part 46 in the longitudinal direction Y. Note that the third upright line 45c may partially overlap the absorber 30 when viewed from the thickness direction Z.

[0045] As described above, the first region R1 of the side sheet 42 closer to the first side edge 5 than the second standing line 45b is part of the fixed portion 45, and is entirely bonded to the first end 7 of the main body 2 with a hot melt adhesive. Similarly, the second region R2 of the side sheet 42 closer to the second side edge 6 than the third standing line 45c is part of the fixed portion 45, and is entirely bonded to the second end 8 of the main body 2 with a hot melt adhesive. Therefore, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the first region R1 and the second region R2 of the side sheet 42 are fixed to the main body 2 and are non-standing regions that do not stand up.

[0046] In contrast, the standing portion 46 is disposed between the first region R1 and the second region R2 and is an upstanding region that is not connected to the main body 2. The standing portion 46 is disposed inside the first standing line 45a in the short-side direction X and can stand between the first region R1 and the second region R2 with the first standing line 45a as a standing fulcrum. Note that, because the first region R1 and the second region R2 of the side sheet 42 are joined to the main body 2, the standing portion 46 is tilted inward in the short-side direction X when in the unfolded state.

[0047] The inner portions of the standing portions 46 in the short direction X are folded back, and first elastic members 43 are disposed between the folded back standing portions 46. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 2, the first elastic members 43 of the front leakage preventing gathers 41 are disposed along the inner edges of the standing portions 46. The first elastic members 43 are joined to the side sheets 42 in a state stretched in the longitudinal direction Y. The first elastic members 43 are made of a stretchable material such as rubber or spandex that is contractible in the longitudinal direction.

[0048] 4, when the first elastic members 43 are in a natural state, they contract in the longitudinal direction Y, causing the upstanding portions 46 of the side sheets 42 to stand up from the first upstanding lines 45a on the outside of the absorbent body 30 in the lateral direction X. The upstanding portions 46 of the front leakage prevention gathers 41 are caused to stand up, thereby preventing pet urine from leaking forward along the surface of the topsheet 10.

[0049] The side sheet 52 includes a fixed portion 55 joined to the top sheet 10 or the back sheet 20, and an upright portion 56 not joined to the top sheet 10. A fourth upright line 55a is formed at the boundary between the fixed portion 55 and the upright portion 56.

[0050] The fourth standing line 55a is disposed between the center line CL2 in the lateral direction X of the main body portion 2 and the rear edge 4, and extends in the longitudinal direction Y. For example, the fourth standing line 55a is disposed between the rear edge of the absorber 30 and the rear edge 4. The fourth standing line 55a is a boundary line between the fixed portion 55 and the standing portion 56 in the lateral direction X, and serves as a supporting point for the standing portion 56 in the lateral direction X. In one embodiment, the fourth standing line 55a extends across the entire main body portion 2 in the longitudinal direction Y. Note that the fourth standing line 55a may partially overlap the absorber 30 when viewed from the thickness direction Z.

[0051] The standing portion 56 is disposed inside the fourth standing line 55a in the short-side direction X and extends across the entire area of ​​the main body 2 in the longitudinal direction Y. The standing portion 56 is an upright region that is not connected to the main body 2. The standing portion 56 can stand up using the fourth standing line 55a as an upright fulcrum. Note that, like the side sheets 42, both side portions of the side sheets 52 in the longitudinal direction Y may be joined to the main body 2. In this case, the standing portion 56 falls inward in the short-side direction X when in the unfolded state.

[0052] The inner portions of the standing portions 56 in the short direction X are folded back, and first elastic members 53 are disposed between the folded back standing portions 56. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 2, the first elastic members 53 of the rear leakage preventing gathers 51 are disposed along the inner edges of the standing portions 56. The first elastic members 53 are joined to the side sheets 52 in a state stretched in the longitudinal direction Y. The first elastic members 53 are made of a stretchable material such as rubber or spandex that is contractible in the longitudinal direction.

[0053] 3, 4, and 5, when the first elastic members 53 are in a natural state, the upright portions 56 of the side sheets 52 are caused to stand from the fourth upright lines 55a on the outer sides of the absorbent body 30 in the short direction X by contraction of the first elastic members 53 in the longitudinal direction Y. The upright portions 56 of the rear leakage-preventing gathers 51 are caused to stand, thereby preventing pet urine from leaking along the surface of the topsheet 10.

[0054] The maximum standing height H1 of the front leakage preventing gathers 41 relative to the main body 2 is the same as the maximum standing height H2 of the rear leakage preventing gathers 51 relative to the main body 2. The maximum standing height H1 corresponds to the height of the top of the front leakage preventing gathers 41 relative to the main body 2 when the front leakage preventing gathers 41 stand perpendicular to the main body 2. In other words, the maximum standing height H1 can be said to be the length along the surface of the front leakage preventing gathers 41 from the first standing line 45a to the top of the standing portion 46 in a cross section taken along the short direction X. Similarly, the maximum standing height H2 corresponds to the height of the top of the rear leakage preventing gathers 51 relative to the main body 2 when the rear leakage preventing gathers 51 stand perpendicular to the main body 2. In other words, the maximum standing height H2 can be said to be the length along the surface of the rear leakage-preventing gathers 51 from the fourth standing line 55a to the top of the standing portion 56 in a cross section taken along the short direction X. The maximum standing height H1 of the front leakage-preventing gathers 41 may be different from the maximum standing height H2 of the rear leakage-preventing gathers 51. For example, the maximum standing height H1 of the front leakage-preventing gathers 41 may be higher than the maximum standing height H2 of the rear leakage-preventing gathers 51. By making the maximum standing height H1 higher than the maximum standing height H2, when the pet absorbent article 1 is worn so that the front leakage-preventing gathers 41 are positioned toward the pet's head, the front leakage-preventing gathers 41 can block urine that is rapidly excreted by the pet, thereby effectively preventing urine leakage. The maximum standing height H2 of the rear leakage-preventing gathers 51 may also be higher than the maximum standing height H1 of the front leakage-preventing gathers 41. In this case, the rear leakage preventing gathers 51 can block the urine flowing rearward, thereby effectively preventing urine leakage.

[0055] The main body portion 2 further includes a plurality of second elastic members 60 that are stretchable in the longitudinal direction Y. The plurality of second elastic members 60 are disposed between the top sheet 10 and the back sheet 20 and extend in the longitudinal direction Y. The plurality of second elastic members 60 provide stretchability in the longitudinal direction Y to the main body portion 2. In one embodiment, the second elastic members 60 are rubber threads. The second elastic members 60 may also be stretchable nonwoven fabrics or stretchable films. As shown in FIG. 2 , the second elastic members 60 extend across the entire main body portion 2 in the longitudinal direction Y. This allows stretchability in the longitudinal direction Y to be provided across the entire main body portion 2, allowing the main body portion 2 to contract to accommodate changes in the pet's body shape and posture. This effectively improves the fit of the pet absorbent article 1. Note that the second elastic members 60 do not necessarily have to extend across the entire main body portion 2 in the longitudinal direction Y.

[0056] The plurality of second elastic members 60 are arranged along the short direction X. In one embodiment, the second elastic members 60 may be arranged at equal intervals along the short direction X between a pair of the front end edge 3 and the rear end edge 4 (a pair of side end edges) in the short direction X. This can increase the uniformity of the stretching force of the main body portion 2 in the short direction X.

[0057] The plurality of second elastic members 60 overlap the first portion 2A and the second portion 2B when viewed from the thickness direction Z. Therefore, the first portion 2A and the second portion 2B of the main body portion 2 are stretchable. Furthermore, the plurality of second elastic members 60 overlap the first end portion 7 and the second end portion 8 when viewed from the thickness direction Z. Therefore, the first end portion 7 and the second end portion 8 of the main body portion 2 are stretchable. In one embodiment, the first portion 2A and the second portion 2B may have the same contraction rate, or the first end portion 7 and the second end portion 8 may have the same contraction rate. When the length in the longitudinal direction Y of the first portion 2A or the second portion 2B in the natural state is L1 and the length in the longitudinal direction Y of the first portion 2A or the second portion 2B in the unfolded state is L2, the contraction rate [%] is expressed as (L2 - L1) / L2 × 100.

[0058] The plurality of second elastic members 60 are disposed between the topsheet 10 and the backsheet 20 and are bonded to the topsheet 10 or the backsheet 20 using a hot melt adhesive while stretched in the longitudinal direction Y. In particular, as shown in FIG. 4 , some of the plurality of second elastic members 60 are disposed between the absorber 30 and the backsheet 20. That is, some of the plurality of second elastic members 60 overlap the absorber 30 when viewed from the thickness direction Z and extend in the longitudinal direction Y so as to straddle the absorber 30. As a result, the contractile force of these second elastic members 60 lifts the absorber 30 over the entire area of ​​the absorber 30 in the longitudinal direction Y, thereby suppressing sagging of the absorber 30 when urine is absorbed by the absorber 30. As described above, by disposing the plurality of second elastic members 60 closer to the non-skin-facing side Z2 than the absorber 30, the plurality of second elastic members 60 are prevented from interfering with urine absorption by the absorber 30. Furthermore, since the plurality of second elastic members 60 are prevented from coming into direct contact with the pet's body when the pet absorbent article 1 is worn, it is possible to improve the wearing comfort of the pet absorbent article 1. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 2, some of the plurality of second elastic members 60 also overlap with an engaging portion 70, which will be described later, when viewed from the thickness direction Z. Note that an intermediate sheet made of nonwoven fabric may be disposed between some of the plurality of second elastic members 60 and the absorbent body 30.

[0059] Other parts of the plurality of second elastic members 60 are disposed between the top sheet 10 and the back sheet 20, and are adhered to the top sheet 10 or the back sheet 20 using a hot melt adhesive while being stretched in the longitudinal direction Y. These second elastic members 60 are disposed outside the absorbent body 30 in the short direction X, and do not overlap the absorbent body 30 when viewed from the thickness direction Z.

[0060] The second elastic members 60 may be bonded to the top sheet 10 or the back sheet 20 without using a hot melt adhesive. For example, the second elastic members 60 may be bonded to the top sheet 10 or the back sheet 20 by sonic processing.

[0061] The pet absorbent article 1 further includes an engagement portion 70. The engagement portion 70 is a member that engages the first portion 2A and the second portion 2B. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the engagement portion 70 has a rectangular shape that is long in the short direction X, and is provided at the first end 7 of the first portion 2A. The engagement portion 70 is provided on the outer surface of the back sheet 20. The engagement portion 70 is, for example, a mechanical fastener having multiple hooks, and is capable of engaging with the top sheet 10 from the skin-facing side Z1. Note that the engagement portion 70 may also be capable of engaging with the second portion 2B via a target portion provided on the top sheet 10.

[0062] The pet absorbent article 1 configured as described above can be put on a pet as follows. First, the user presses the first end 7 of the pet absorbent article 1 against the pet's back and holds the area near the first end 7 with one hand. Next, the user holds the second end 8 of the pet absorbent article 1 with the other hand and wraps the pet absorbent article 1 around the pet's abdomen to cover it. At this time, the pet absorbent article 1 is put on so that the front leakage-preventing gathers 41 are positioned in front of the pet's urethral opening and the rear leakage-preventing gathers 51 are positioned behind the pet's urethral opening. Next, the user pulls the second end 8 upward so that the pet absorbent article 1 fits snugly around the pet's waist, and then engages the topsheet 10 of the second end 8 with the engaging portion 70. This allows the pet absorbent article 1 to be put on the pet in an appropriate position. At this time, the plurality of second elastic members 60 contract in the longitudinal direction Y, causing the pet absorbent article 1 to fit snugly against the pet's body. Furthermore, because the multiple second elastic members 60 overlap the engaging portions 70 when viewed from the thickness direction Z, the contractile force of the second elastic members 60 pulls the engaging portions 70 along the longitudinal direction Y, causing the hooks of the engaging portions 70 to become entangled with the fibers of the topsheet 10. As a result, the first end portion 7 and the second end portion 8 are firmly engaged with each other, preventing the pet absorbent article 1 from unintentionally falling off.

[0063] As described above, in the pet absorbent article 1, the plurality of second elastic members 60 arranged to overlap the absorber 30 contract to follow changes in the pet's posture and body shape, thereby improving the fit of the pet absorbent article 1. In particular, in the pet absorbent article 1, because some of the plurality of second elastic members 60 are arranged to overlap the absorber 30, even when urine is absorbed by the absorber 30, the absorber 30 is lifted by the contractile force of the plurality of second elastic members 60. This prevents the absorber 30 from sagging, and allows the fit of the pet absorbent article 1 to be maintained. As a result, the pet absorbent article 1 can prevent urine leakage.

[0064] Next, a pet absorbent article according to another embodiment will be described. Fig. 6 is a plan view of a pet absorbent article 1A according to another embodiment, as viewed from the skin-facing side Z1. The pet absorbent article 1A shown in Fig. 6 differs from the pet absorbent article 1 shown in Fig. 1 in that it includes a plurality of second elastic members 60A instead of a plurality of second elastic members 60. In the following description, differences from the pet absorbent article 1 will be mainly described, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

[0065] The main body portion 2 of the pet absorbent article 1A includes a plurality of second elastic members 60A that are stretchable in the short-side direction X. The plurality of second elastic members 60A are disposed between the top sheet 10 and the back sheet 20 and extend in the short-side direction X. The plurality of second elastic members 60A impart stretchability to the main body portion 2 in the short-side direction X. As shown in FIG. 6 , the plurality of second elastic members 60A extend across the entire main body portion 2 in the short-side direction X. This allows the entire main body portion 2 to be stretchable in the short-side direction X, allowing the main body portion 2 to contract to follow changes in the pet's body shape and posture. Note that the second elastic members 60A do not necessarily have to extend across the entire main body portion 2 in the short-side direction X.

[0066] The plurality of second elastic members 60A are arranged along the longitudinal direction Y. More specifically, the second elastic members 60A are arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction Y between a pair of the first side edge 5 and the second side edge 6 in the longitudinal direction Y. This can improve the uniformity of the stretching force of the main body portion 2 in the longitudinal direction Y.

[0067] The second elastic members 60A are disposed between the top sheet 10 and the back sheet 20, and are adhered to the top sheet 10 or the back sheet 20 using a hot melt adhesive while being stretched in the short-side direction X. At least a portion of the second elastic members 60A overlaps the absorbent body 30 when viewed from the thickness direction Z, and extends in the short-side direction X so as to straddle the absorbent body 30.

[0068] The above-described pet absorbent article 1A includes a plurality of second elastic members 60A that are stretchable in the short direction X, and therefore, when worn, the plurality of second elastic members 60A stretch and contract in accordance with changes in the pet's body shape and posture (for example, when the pet stretches its body), thereby improving the fit of the pet absorbent article 1A.

[0069] Next, a pet absorbent article according to yet another embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a plan view of a pet absorbent article 1B according to yet another embodiment, as viewed from the skin-facing side Z1. The pet absorbent article 1B shown in Fig. 7 differs from the pet absorbent article 1 shown in Fig. 1 mainly in that it includes a plurality of second elastic members 60B instead of the plurality of second elastic members 60. In the following description, differences from the pet absorbent article 1 described above will be mainly described, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

[0070] The main body 2 of the pet absorbent article 1B includes a plurality of second elastic members 60B that are stretchable in the longitudinal direction Y. The second elastic members 60B are disposed between the top sheet 10 and the back sheet 20 and extend in the longitudinal direction Y. As shown in FIG. 7 , the second elastic members 60B extend between the center line CL1 of the main body 2 in the longitudinal direction Y and the second side edge 6. Therefore, when viewed from the thickness direction Z, the second elastic members 60B overlap the second portion 2B and a portion of the absorbent body 30. Therefore, the second portion 2B forms a stretchable region R3 that stretches in the longitudinal direction Y. Meanwhile, when viewed from the thickness direction Z, the second elastic members 60B do not overlap the first portion 2A. Therefore, the first portion 2A forms a non-stretchable region R4 that does not include the second elastic members 60B.

[0071] In the pet absorbent article 1B, the plurality of second elastic members 60B are arranged so as not to overlap the engaging portion 70 provided at the first end 7 of the first portion 2A, thereby preventing the engaging portion 70 from being deformed in a wavy manner due to the contractile force of the plurality of second elastic members 60B. Note that, as long as the plurality of second elastic members 60B overlap the second end 8 and a portion of the absorbent body 30, the ends of the plurality of second elastic members 60B on the first side edge 5 side do not need to be positioned on the center line CL1.

[0072] The plurality of second elastic members 60B are disposed between the top sheet 10 and the back sheet 20, and are adhered to the top sheet 10 or the back sheet 20 using a hot melt adhesive while stretched in the longitudinal direction Y. Some of the plurality of second elastic members 60B overlap the absorbent body 30 when viewed from the thickness direction Z, and extend from the inside to the outside of the absorbent body 30 in the longitudinal direction Y. This allows the absorbent body 30 to be lifted from the outside of the absorbent body 30 in the longitudinal direction Y, thereby preventing the absorbent body 30 from sagging.

[0073] As described above, the first portion 2A includes a non-stretchable region R4, and the second portion 2B includes a stretchable region R3. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , the entire first portion 2A constitutes the non-stretchable region R4, and the entire second portion 2B constitutes the stretchable region R3. Therefore, the contraction rate of the second portion 2B is higher than that of the first portion 2A. By making the contraction rate of the second portion 2B higher than that of the first portion 2A, it becomes easier to position the pet absorbent article 1B by placing the first portion 2A, which has a relatively lower contraction rate, against the pet's body. When the first portion 2A and the second portion 2B are engaged, the second portion 2B, which has a relatively higher contraction rate, contracts, thereby reducing looseness of the pet absorbent article 1B when worn. Note that some of the multiple second elastic members 60B may extend halfway through the first portion 2A, so that only a portion of the first portion 2A constitutes the non-stretchable region R4. Similarly, only a portion of the second portion 2B may constitute the stretchable region R3. Even in this case, if the shrinkage rate of the second portion 2B is higher than the shrinkage rate of the first portion 2A, looseness of the absorbent article for pet 1B can be reduced.

[0074] Next, a pet absorbent article according to yet another embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 is a plan view of a pet absorbent article 1C according to yet another embodiment, as viewed from the skin-facing side Z1. The pet absorbent article 1C shown in Fig. 8 differs from the pet absorbent article 1 shown in Fig. 1 in that it includes a plurality of second elastic members 60C instead of the plurality of second elastic members 60, and in that it further includes a target portion 73.

[0075] The pet absorbent article 1C includes a plurality of second elastic members 60C that are stretchable in the longitudinal direction Y. The plurality of second elastic members 60C are disposed between the topsheet 10 and the backsheet 20 and extend in the longitudinal direction Y. As shown in FIG. 8 , the plurality of second elastic members 60C extend between the center line CL1 in the longitudinal direction Y of the main body 2 and the first side edge 5. Therefore, when viewed from the thickness direction Z, the plurality of second elastic members 60C overlap the first portion 2A and a portion of the absorbent body 30. Therefore, the first portion 2A forms a stretchable region R3 that stretches in the longitudinal direction Y. On the other hand, when viewed from the thickness direction Z, the plurality of second elastic members 60C do not overlap the second portion 2B. Therefore, the second portion 2B forms a non-stretchable region R4 that does not include the plurality of second elastic members 60C.

[0076] The plurality of second elastic members 60C are disposed between the top sheet 10 and the back sheet 20, and are adhered to the top sheet 10 or the back sheet 20 using a hot melt adhesive while stretched in the longitudinal direction Y. Some of the plurality of second elastic members 60C overlap the absorbent body 30 when viewed from the thickness direction Z, and extend from the inside to the outside of the absorbent body 30 in the longitudinal direction Y. This allows the absorbent body 30 to be lifted from the outside of the absorbent body 30 in the longitudinal direction Y, thereby preventing the absorbent body 30 from sagging.

[0077] In the pet absorbent article 1C, an engagement portion 70 is provided on the surface of the topsheet 10 at the first end 7 of the first portion 2A. Meanwhile, a target portion 73 is provided on the outer surface of the backsheet 20 at the second end 8 of the second portion 2B. The engagement portion 70 is engageable with the target portion 73 from the non-skin-facing side Z2. It is also possible for the pet absorbent article 1C not to include the target portion 73, and for the engagement portion 70 to be directly engageable with the backsheet 20. The multiple second elastic members 60C overlap the engagement portion 70 when viewed in the thickness direction Z.

[0078] As described above, in the pet absorbent article 1C, the first portion 2A includes a stretchable region R3, and the second portion 2B includes a non-stretchable region R4. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 , the entire first portion 2A constitutes the stretchable region R3, and the entire second portion 2B constitutes the non-stretchable region R4. Therefore, the contraction rate of the first portion 2A is higher than that of the second portion 2B. By making the contraction rate of the first portion 2A higher than that of the second portion 2B, it becomes easier to position the pet absorbent article 1C by placing the second portion 2B, which has a relatively lower contractile force, against the pet's body. When the first portion 2A and the second portion 2B are engaged with each other, the first portion 2A, which has a relatively higher contraction rate, contracts, thereby reducing looseness of the pet absorbent article 1C when worn. Note that some of the multiple second elastic members 60C may extend partway through the second portion 2B, so that only a portion of the second portion 2B constitutes the non-stretchable region R4. Similarly, only a portion of the first portion 2A may constitute the stretchable region R3. Even in this case, as long as the shrinkage rate of the first portion 2A is higher than the shrinkage rate of the second portion 2B, looseness of the absorbent article for pet 1C can be reduced.

[0079] The pet absorbent article 1C can be put on a pet as follows. First, the user presses the second end 8 of the pet absorbent article 1C against the pet's back and holds the area near the second end 8 with one hand. Next, the user holds the first end 7 of the pet absorbent article 1C with the other hand and wraps the pet absorbent article 1C around the pet's abdomen. Next, the user pulls the first end 7 upward so that the pet absorbent article 1C fits snugly around the pet's waist, and then engages the engaging portion 70 with the target portion 73 at the second end 8. Engaging the engaging portion 70 with the target portion 73 in this manner makes it easier to engage the first end 7 and the second end 8 at an appropriate position, making it easier to maintain the engagement between the first end 7 and the second end 8.

[0080] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a pet absorbent article 1D according to yet another embodiment. The pet absorbent article 1D differs from the pet absorbent article 1 shown in Fig. 1 in that a plurality of second elastic members 60 are arranged on the skin-facing side Z1 of the absorber 30.

[0081] 9, in the pet absorbent article 1D, some of the second elastic members 60 are disposed between the absorber 30 and the topsheet 10. That is, some of the second elastic members 60 are disposed on the skin-facing side Z1 of the absorber 30. This causes the absorber 30 to be lifted from above, thereby preventing the absorber 30 from being pressed against the pet's body.

[0082] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a pet absorbent article 1E according to yet another embodiment. The pet absorbent article 1E shown in Fig. 10 differs from the pet absorbent article 1 shown in Fig. 1 in that the main body 2 includes a second elastic member 60E instead of the plurality of second elastic members 60.

[0083] The second elastic member 60E is a stretchable sheet such as spandex. The second elastic member 60E includes elastic threads made of, for example, polyurethane and stretches in the short direction X and the long direction Y. In one embodiment, the second elastic member 60E is provided on the outer surface of the backsheet 20 so as to overlap the absorbent body 30 when viewed from the thickness direction Z, and is joined to the outer surface of the backsheet 20 using a hot melt adhesive. The second elastic member 60E may be provided on the entire outer surface of the backsheet 20, or on a portion of the outer surface of the backsheet 20. Note that the second elastic member 60E does not have to be provided on the outer surface of the backsheet 20 as long as it is located closer to the non-skin-facing side Z2 than the absorbent body 30. Using a stretchable sheet as the second elastic member 60E reduces the likelihood of unevenness forming on the surface of the main body 2, thereby improving the wearing comfort of the pet absorbent article 1E.

[0084] Although various embodiments of absorbent articles for pets have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. In other words, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0085] For example, the above-mentioned pet absorbent articles 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D are provided with a plurality of second elastic members 60, 60A, 60B, 60C, and 60D, but it is sufficient that they are provided with at least one second elastic member 60, 60A, 60B, 60C, and 60D.

[0086] In the pet absorbent article 1B, the plurality of second elastic members 60B extend in the longitudinal direction Y from the center line CL1 to the second side edge 6, but the plurality of second elastic members 60B may extend in the longitudinal direction Y from any position between the edge on the first side edge 5 side of the absorber 30 and the edge on the second side edge 6 side of the absorber 30 to the second side edge 6. Similarly, in the pet absorbent article 1C, the plurality of second elastic members 60C may extend in the longitudinal direction Y from any position between the edge on the first side edge 5 side of the absorber 30 and the edge on the second side edge 6 side of the absorber 30 to the first side edge 5.

[0087] In the above-described pet absorbent articles 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E, the front leakage preventing gathers 41 may not have the first elastic member 43, and the rear leakage preventing gathers 51 may not have the first elastic member 53. In addition, the pet absorbent articles 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E may not have the leakage preventing gathers 40.

[0088] In the above-described embodiment, the plurality of second elastic members 60, 60A, 60B, 60C, and 60D extend in the short-side direction X or the long-side direction Y. However, the plurality of second elastic members 60, 60A, 60B, 60C, and 60D may extend in a lattice pattern in the short-side direction X and the long-side direction Y.

[0089] In each of the above-described pet absorbent articles 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E, the top sheet 10 in the first portion 2A and the top sheet 10 in the second portion 2B may be engaged with each other. Also, in each of the pet absorbent articles 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E, the back sheet 20 in the first portion 2A and the back sheet 20 in the second portion 2B may be engaged with each other. The various embodiments described above can be combined to the extent that no contradictions are present.

[0090] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E...absorbent article for pet, 2...main body portion, 2A...first portion, 2B...second portion, 3...front edge (side edge), 4...rear edge (side edge), 10...top sheet, 20...back sheet, 30...absorbent body, 40...leak-proof gathers, 60, 60A, 60B, 60C, 60E, 60D...second elastic member (elastic member), 70...engagement portion, 73...target portion, R3...stretchable region, R4...non-stretchable region, X...short direction, Y...longitudinal direction, Z...thickness direction, Z1...skin-facing side, Z2...non-skin-facing side.

Claims

1. An absorbent article for pets to be worn by wrapping it around the waist of a pet, comprising: a main body portion having a horizontally elongated shape with a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, the main body portion having a first portion arranged on one side of the longitudinal direction with respect to a center line of the main body portion in the longitudinal direction, and a second portion arranged on the other side of the longitudinal direction with respect to the center line of the main body portion in the longitudinal direction; and an engagement portion provided on the first portion of the main body portion for engaging the first portion with the second portion, the main body portion including: a top sheet arranged on the skin-facing side; a back sheet arranged on the non-skin-facing side; an absorbent body arranged between the top sheet and the back sheet; and one or more elastic members stretchable in the longitudinal direction or the lateral direction, the elastic members overlapping the absorbent body when viewed in the thickness direction of the main body portion.

2. The absorbent article for pets according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of leak-prevention gathers arranged spaced apart from each other in the short side direction and capable of standing up against the top sheet.

3. The absorbent article for pets according to claim 1, wherein said one or more elastic members are stretchable in said longitudinal direction.

4. The absorbent article for pets according to claim 1, wherein the one or more elastic members are stretchable in the short direction.

5. The absorbent article for pets according to claim 3, wherein the one or more elastic members extend in the longitudinal direction so as to straddle the absorbent body.

6. The absorbent article for pets according to claim 3, wherein the one or more elastic members extend from the inside to the outside of the absorbent body in the longitudinal direction.

7. The absorbent article for pets according to claim 3, wherein the engagement portion is provided on the outer surface of the back sheet and is capable of engaging with the top sheet.

8. An absorbent article for pets as described in claim 7, wherein the first portion includes a non-stretchable area not including the one or more elastic members, the second portion includes a stretchable area including the one or more elastic members, and the shrinkage rate of the second portion is higher than the shrinkage rate of the first portion.

9. The absorbent article for pets according to claim 3, wherein the engaging portion is provided on the front surface of the top sheet and is engageable with the back sheet.

10. The absorbent article for pets described in claim 9, wherein the first portion includes a stretchable region including the one or more elastic members, the second portion includes a non-stretchable region not including the one or more elastic members, and the shrinkage rate of the first portion is higher than the shrinkage rate of the second portion.

11. The absorbent article for pets according to claim 3, wherein the one or more elastic members overlap the engaging portion when viewed in the thickness direction.

12. The absorbent article for pets according to claim 1, wherein the one or more elastic members do not overlap the engaging portion when viewed in the thickness direction.

13. The absorbent article for pets according to claim 1, wherein the one or more elastic members are disposed on the non-skin facing side of the top sheet.

14. The absorbent article for pets according to claim 1, wherein the one or more elastic members are rubber threads.

15. The absorbent article for pets according to claim 1, wherein the one or more elastic members are stretchable sheets.

16. An absorbent article for pets as described in claim 1, wherein the main body portion has a plurality of elastic members that are stretchable in the longitudinal direction, the plurality of elastic members being arranged along the short direction and extending across the entire main body portion in the longitudinal direction.

17. The absorbent article for pets according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of elastic members are arranged at equal intervals along the short side direction between a pair of side edges of the main body portion in the short side direction.

Images