Disposable absorbent article

Abstract

A disposable absorbent article (20) used with outerwear (10) for a pet, said article being provided with a front-back direction and a left-right direction and comprising an absorbent core (21A), a skin-side sheet (22) that covers the absorbent core (21A) from a skin side, and a non-skin-side sheet (23) that covers the absorbent core (21A) from a non-skin side, wherein: there are comprised wing parts (24) that project outward in a prescribed direction, where the prescribed direction is either the front-back direction or the left-right direction; and the wing parts (24) are provided with bonding parts (25) capable of bonding the wing parts (24) to the outerwear (10) in a condition in which the wing parts (24) are folded back to the non-skin side.

Description

Disposable absorbent article

[0001] The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article.

[0002] As a diaper for pets such as dogs, for example, a technique is known in which a reusable outer is overlaid with a disposable inner (absorbent article) and used. For example, in Patent Document 1, an inner is attached to the skin side of a belly-wrap type outer.

[0003] Chinese Utility Model Publication: CN203152231U

[0004] However, when the inner is overlaid on the outer as in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that pet hair easily enters the space (gap) between the outer and the inner and is easily sandwiched.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide a disposable absorbent article that can make it difficult for pet hair to be sandwiched between the article and the outer.

[0006] The main invention for achieving the above object is a disposable absorbent article used for a pet outer, having a front-rear direction and a left-right direction, an absorbent core, a skin-side sheet covering the absorbent core from the skin side, and a non-skin-side sheet covering the absorbent core from the non-skin side. When either one of the front-rear direction or the left-right direction is set as a predetermined direction, it has a wing portion protruding toward the outside in the predetermined direction, and the wing portion is provided with a joining portion that can be joined to the outer in a state where the wing portion is folded back to the non-skin side. The disposable absorbent article is characterized by this.

[0007] Other features of the present invention will be clarified by the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a disposable absorbent article that can make it difficult for pet hair to be sandwiched between the article and the outer.

[0009] This is a plan view of the unfolded and stretched diaper 1 as seen from the skin side. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 1. This is a perspective view showing the outer 10 and inner 20 of the diaper 1 separately. This is a plan view of the stretched inner 20 as seen from the non-skin side. Figures 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the process of putting the diaper 1 on a pet. This is a diagram showing a first modified example of the inner 20. This is a diagram showing a second modified example of the inner 20. This is a plan view of the unfolded and stretched diaper 2 as seen from the skin side. This is a plan view of the unfolded and stretched outer 100 as seen from the skin side. This is a plan view of the stretched inner 200 as seen from the non-skin side. Figures 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating the process of putting the diaper 2 on a pet.

[0010] The following matters become clear from this specification and the accompanying drawings:

[0011] (Aspect 1) A disposable absorbent article for use as an outer garment for pets, comprising an absorbent core, a skin-side sheet covering the absorbent core from the skin side, and a non-skin-side sheet covering the absorbent core from the non-skin side, wherein when either the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction is designated as a predetermined direction, the article has wing portions that protrude outward in the predetermined direction, and the wing portions are provided with joining portions that can be joined to the outer garment when the wing portions are folded back to the non-skin side.

[0012] With this type of disposable absorbent material, the wing portion is folded back and attached to the outer layer, making it difficult for pet hair to get trapped between the outer layer and the disposable absorbent material. Therefore, it is possible to suppress pet hair getting caught between the outer layer and the disposable absorbent material.

[0013] (Aspect 2) In such a disposable absorbent article, it is desirable that the joint portion is located in a position that does not overlap with the absorbent core when viewed in a plan view with the wing portion not folded back.

[0014] With this type of disposable absorbent material, the absorbent core and the joint do not overlap, which prevents a decrease in the flexibility of the absorbent core and improves the fit. In addition, the presence of the joint on the wing makes it easier to replace or reattach the disposable absorbent material.

[0015] (Aspect 3) In such a disposable absorbent article, it is preferable that the joint portion is provided on the non-skin side of the wing portion.

[0016] With such disposable absorbent items, pet hair is less likely to get caught by folding the wing portion towards the non-skin side and joining the joint to the outer layer.

[0017] (Aspect 4) In such a disposable absorbent article, when the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction is considered an intersecting direction other than the predetermined direction, it is desirable that the starting point of the protrusion of the wing portion is located at a position away from the end of the disposable absorbent article in the intersecting direction.

[0018] With such disposable absorbent materials, the length of the wing portion that needs to be folded is shortened, making them easier to fold.

[0019] (Aspect 5) In such a disposable absorbent article, when the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction, which is different from the predetermined direction, is designated as the intersecting direction, it is desirable that the joint portion straddles the central position of the disposable absorbent article in the intersecting direction.

[0020] With such disposable absorbent articles, the joint is located at the center of the intersecting direction of the disposable absorbent article (the direction intersecting the protruding direction of the wing portion), making it easier to stabilize and less likely to shift when attached to the outer material.

[0021] (Aspect 6) In such a disposable absorbent article, when the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction, which is different from the predetermined direction, is designated as the intersecting direction, the longitudinal direction of the joint portion may be along the intersecting direction.

[0022] Such disposable absorbent articles make it possible to prevent the wing-like protrusions in a predetermined direction from shifting in the intersecting direction. Furthermore, the strength during peeling can be increased (the peak strength can be increased).

[0023] (Aspect 7) In such a disposable absorbent article, the longitudinal direction of the joint portion may be along the predetermined direction.

[0024] With such disposable absorbent articles, the joints are continuous in a predetermined direction, making it less likely for adhesive residue to remain.

[0025] (Aspect 8) In such a disposable absorbent article, when a direction other than the predetermined direction among the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction is designated as the intersecting direction, the length of the intersecting direction at the starting position of the protrusion of the wing portion may be greater than the length of the intersecting direction at the tip of the wing portion.

[0026] With such disposable absorbent items, the narrow tip makes them easier to insert into an outer container.

[0027] (Aspect 9) In such a disposable absorbent article, when a direction other than the predetermined direction among the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction is designated as the intersecting direction, the length of the intersecting direction at the starting position of the protrusion of the wing portion may be smaller than the length of the intersecting direction at the tip of the wing portion.

[0028] With these types of disposable absorbent items, the narrow folded portion makes them easy to bend. Also, the folded position is easy to identify.

[0029] (Aspect 10) In such a disposable absorbent article, it is desirable that a pair of wings are provided on both sides in the predetermined direction.

[0030] Such disposable absorbent articles can be attached to the outer layer on both sides in a predetermined direction. This provides greater stability compared to attaching to only one side, and also reduces the likelihood of slippage.

[0031] (Aspect 11) The disposable absorbent article preferably has an expandable member.

[0032] Such disposable absorbent articles can help prevent leakage of urine and other fluids.

[0033] (Aspect 12) In such a disposable absorbent article, the wing portions are provided in pairs on both sides in the predetermined direction, and it is desirable that the direction of expansion and contraction of the expandable member is the predetermined direction.

[0034] Such disposable absorbent articles allow for the application of elastic force between a pair of wing-like portions.

[0035] (Aspect 13) Such disposable absorbent article may be used as the outer garment which is worn without straddling the hind legs of the pet.

[0036] Such disposable absorbent articles can be applied to belly band-type outerwear and are particularly suitable for males.

[0037] (Aspect 14) Such a disposable absorbent article may be used as the outer garment that is worn across the hind legs of the pet.

[0038] Such disposable absorbent items can be applied to open-type outer garments that straddle the hind legs of pets, and are particularly suitable for females.

[0039] (Aspect 15) In such a disposable absorbent article, the predetermined direction is the left-right direction, and in the front-rear direction, it is desirable that the center of the joint is located behind the center of the disposable absorbent article.

[0040] Such disposable absorbent items can be secured close to the pet's urinary opening.

[0041] ===First Embodiment=== The following describes a diaper 1 for pets equipped with a disposable absorbent article 20 (hereinafter also referred to as inner 20) according to the present invention. The term "pet" broadly includes vertebrates and invertebrates, and typically includes dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, etc., as well as baby tigers and lions, etc. In this embodiment, a dog will be used as an example of a pet.

[0042] <<Configuration of Diaper 1>> Fig. 1 is a plan view of the diaper 1 in a deployed and extended state as seen from the skin side. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the separation of the outer 10 and the inner 20 of the diaper 1, and Fig. 4 is a plan view of the extended inner 20 as seen from the non-skin side. Here, the "extended state" means a state in which the product is extended without wrinkles. In the extended state, the dimensions of each member constituting the product are the same as or close to the dimensions of the member alone.

[0043] The diaper 1 of the present embodiment is a type of diaper (so-called belly wrap type) that wraps around the torso of a pet and is mainly used for male pets. In the deployed state of the diaper 1, as shown in the figure, each direction is defined. That is, the direction along the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 is the "left-right direction". Also, the direction perpendicular to the left-right direction and along the width direction of the diaper 1 is the "front-back direction". The front-back direction corresponds to the direction connecting the head and the buttocks of the pet, which is the wearing target. The head side is the "front side", and the buttocks side is the "rear side". Also, the direction perpendicular to the left-right direction and the front-back direction is the "thickness direction", the side that abuts against the skin of the pet, which is the wearing target, is the "skin side", and the opposite side is the "non-skin side". In the present embodiment, the left-right direction corresponds to the "predetermined direction", and the front-back direction corresponds to the "crossing direction".

[0044] The diaper 1 of the present embodiment is configured to include a reusable outer 10 and a disposable inner 20. The outer 10 and the inner 20 each have a front-back direction, a left-right direction, and a thickness direction.

[0045] <Regarding the Outer 10> The outer 10 is a member disposed on the outer side (non-skin side) of the diaper 1 and is here a belt-shaped member that is long in the left-right direction. Also, the outer 10 is reusable as described above. The outer 10 of the present embodiment includes an exterior main body 11, a storage material 12, and locking portions 13, 14.

[0046] The outer packaging body 11 is, for example, a member made of cloth and constitutes the main body of the outer 10. Note that the length of the outer packaging body 11 in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the inner 20 in the left-right direction and longer than the circumference of the pet's body. Also, the length of the outer packaging body 11 in the front-back direction is approximately equal to the length of the inner 20 in the front-back direction.

[0047] The storage material 12 is a member for attaching the inner 20 (specifically, enabling the storage of the wing part 24 of the inner 20). The storage material 12 is, for example, made of cloth and is arranged on the skin side of the outer packaging body 11. The front-back ends of the storage material 12 and the outer packaging body 11 are joined (for example, sewn) along the left-right direction. Also, an elastic member 15 is provided along the left-right direction at the front-back ends of the storage material 12, and the elastic member 15 imparts elasticity in the left-right direction. Note that the left-right ends of the storage material 12 are not joined to the outer packaging body 11. The wing part 24 of the inner 20, which will be described later, can be stored in this gap (between the outer packaging body 11 and the storage material 12).

[0048] The locking parts 13 and 14 are members for fixing the outer 10 in a state where it is wound around the pet's body. One of the locking part 13 and the locking part 14 (for example, the locking part 13) is provided with a locking projection (hook), etc., not shown, and the other (for example, the locking part 14) is provided with a member that makes it easier to engage the locking projection. Note that in the outer packaging body 11 in the unfolded state, the locking part 14 is provided on the non-skin side at one end in the left-right direction, and the locking part 13 is provided on the skin side at the other end in the left-right direction. Thereby, the locking part 13 and the locking part 14 can be engaged in a state where the outer 10 is wound around the pet's body.

[0049] <Regarding the inner 20> The inner 20 is a disposable absorbent article and has an absorber 21, a skin-side sheet 22, a non-skin-side sheet 23, a wing part 24, an adhesive part 25, a leak-proof wall part 26, and an elastic member 27.

[0050] The absorbent body 21 has an absorbent core 21A that absorbs and retains liquids such as pet excrement (e.g., urine). The absorbent core 21A is made of, for example, crushed pulp or a superabsorbent polymer. In this embodiment, the weight ratio of pulp to superabsorbent polymer in the absorbent core 21A is 1:1 to 4:1. The higher the amount of superabsorbent polymer, the more urine it can retain. The absorbent core 21A may also be covered with a liquid-permeable coating material (not shown).

[0051] The skin-side sheet 22 is a liquid-permeable sheet member positioned closer to the skin than the absorbent body 21 (absorbent core 21A), and is formed from, for example, an air-through nonwoven fabric or a spunbond nonwoven fabric.

[0052] The non-skin side sheet 23 is a sheet member positioned on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 21 (absorbent core 21A). Both the skin side sheet 22 and the non-skin side sheet 23 have a larger planar size than the absorbent body 21, and the absorbent body 21 (absorbent core 21A) is held between these sheets by joining the skin side sheet 22 and the non-skin side sheet 23 around the absorbent body 21. In this embodiment, the non-skin side sheet 23 also forms a leak-proof wall portion 26, which will be described later.

[0053] The wing portion 24 is a part that protrudes outward in the left-right direction from the main body portion of the inner 20 (the rectangular portion shown in Figure 1), and the wing portion 24 is provided with a joint portion with the outer 10 (adhesive portion 25, which will be described later). As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a pair of wing portions 24 are provided on both sides of the inner 20 in the left-right direction. This allows the outer 10 to be joined on both sides in the left-right direction, making it more stable than when it is joined on only one side. It also makes it less likely to shift.

[0054] In this embodiment, the wing portion 24 is formed by both the skin-side sheet 22 and the non-skin-side sheet 23 extending in the left-right direction (see cross-section in Figure 2). However, it is not limited to this, and for example, the wing portion 24 may be formed using only one of the skin-side sheet 22 or the non-skin-side sheet 23, or another sheet member may be joined to the skin-side sheet 22 or the non-skin-side sheet 23 to form the wing portion 24.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the wing portion 24 protrudes in the left-right direction from a position away from the front-rear end of the inner 20. In other words, the starting point of the protrusion of the wing portion 24 is located away from the front-rear end of the inner 20. This makes it easier to fold the wing portion 24 because the length to be folded is shortened. Note that the starting point of the protrusion of the wing portion 24 may also be located at the front-rear end of the inner 20 (the wing portion 24 may protrude from the front-rear end of the inner 20).

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the length of the wing portion 24 in the front-to-back direction at the starting position of protrusion is greater than the length of the wing portion 24 in the front-to-back direction at the tip (left-right end) of the wing portion 24. Because the tip side of the wing portion 24 is narrow in this way, it is easy to insert the wing portion 24 between the outer body 11 of the outer 10 and the storage material 12.

[0057] Furthermore, the length of the wing portion 24 in the front-to-back direction at the starting position of its protrusion may be smaller than the length of the wing portion 24 in the front-to-back direction at its tip (the end in the left-to-right direction). In this case, the folded portion of the wing portion 24 is thinner, making it easier to bend. Also, the folded position is easier to identify.

[0058] The adhesive portion 25 is, for example, an area to which a hot-melt adhesive has been applied, and is adhesive. In this embodiment, the adhesive portion 25 is provided on the wing portion 24, and can be attached (joined) to the outer 10 (more specifically, the non-skin side of the storage material 12 as shown in Figure 2) with the wing portion 24 folded back to the non-skin side. This allows the inner 20 to be fixed to the outer 10. In this embodiment, the adhesive portion 25 corresponds to the "joining portion".

[0059] As shown in Figure 4, the adhesive portion 25 is positioned so as not to overlap with the absorbent core 21A in a plan view when the wing portion 24 is not folded back. By preventing the absorbent core 21A and the adhesive portion 25 from overlapping, the flexibility of the absorbent core 21A is not reduced, and the fit is improved. In addition, because the adhesive portion 25 is provided only on the wing portion 24, it is easier to replace or reattach the inner 20. However, the adhesive portion 25 may also be positioned so as to overlap with the absorbent core 21A.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the adhesive portion 25 is provided on the non-skin side of the wing portion 24. This makes it less likely for pet hair to get caught between the inner 20 and the outer 10 by folding the wing portion 24 back to the non-skin side and joining the adhesive portion 25 to the outer 10.

[0061] Furthermore, the adhesive portion 25 is located approximately in the center of the inner 20 in the front-to-back direction, and straddles the center of the inner 20 in the front-to-back direction. Having the adhesive portion 25 in the center of the inner 20 in the front-to-back direction in this way makes it easier to stabilize and less likely to shift when attached to the outer 10.

[0062] Furthermore, the planar shape of the adhesive portion 25 is approximately rectangular, and its longitudinal direction is aligned with the front-to-back direction. This makes it difficult for the wing portions 24, which protrude in the left-to-right direction, to shift in the front-to-back direction. It also increases the strength during peeling (increases the peak). Note that the shape of the adhesive portion 25 is not limited to a rectangle. For example, it may be an ellipse with its long axis aligned with the front-to-back direction. Also, although the adhesive portion 25 in this embodiment is formed in a single rectangular shape, it is not limited to this, and for example, multiple elongated rectangles in the front-to-back direction may be arranged in the left-to-right direction (for example, in two rows). Furthermore, the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion 25 may be aligned with the left-to-right direction. In this case, the continuity in the left-to-right direction makes it less likely for adhesive residue to be left behind.

[0063] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, a pair of leak-proof walls 26 are provided on both sides of the inner 20 in the front-to-back direction, along the left-to-right direction. The leak-proof walls 26 correspond to so-called three-dimensional gathers, and when the diaper 1 is worn, the pair of leak-proof walls 26 stand up on both sides of the absorbent material 21 in the front-to-back direction, towards the wearer's (in this case, pet's) skin, by the expandable members 27 described later. This helps to suppress leakage of excrement.

[0064] In this embodiment, the non-skin-side sheet 23 has a larger planar size in the front-to-back direction than the skin-side sheet 22, and both ends of the non-skin-side sheet 23 in the front-to-back direction are folded back towards the skin side in the thickness direction at both ends of the absorbent body 21 in the front-to-back direction. The laminated sheet members (skin-side sheet 22 and non-skin-side sheet 23) are then appropriately joined together with a hot-melt adhesive or the like to form the leak-proof wall portion 26. The configuration of the leak-proof wall portion 26 (for example, the width in the front-to-back direction and the laminated state of the sheet members) may differ between the front and rear sides.

[0065] The expandable member 27 is, for example, an expandable sheet member or a thread-like expandable member, and is fixed between the laminated sheet members in the pair of leak-proof wall portions 26 in an extended state in the left-right direction. In other words, the expansion and contraction direction of the expandable member 27 is the same direction (left-right direction) as the protruding direction of the pair of wing portions 24. This allows the expansion and contraction force of the expandable member 27 to be applied between the pair of wing portions 24. Furthermore, when the expandable member 27, which is provided extended in the left-right direction, contracts, the leak-proof wall portion 26 can be raised towards the skin side.

[0066] <<Regarding attaching and detaching the inner 20>> When attaching the inner 20 to the outer 10, first, as shown in Figure 3, the non-skin side of the inner 20 should face the skin side of the outer 10 (in this case, the storage material 12).

[0067] Next, the pair of wing portions 24 are folded back towards the non-skin side and inserted between the outer body 11 of the outer 10 and the storage material 12.

[0068] Then, the adhesive portions 25 of the pair of wing portions 24 are attached to the outer 10 (in this case, the non-skin side of the storage material 12). As a result, the inner 20 is fixed to the outer 10, as shown in Figure 2.

[0069] When removing the inner 20 from the outer 10, such as for replacement of the inner 20, the adhesive parts 25 of the pair of wing portions 24 are removed from the outer 10 (in this case, the non-skin side of the storage material 12). Then, the pair of wing portions 24 are removed from the outer 10, separating the inner 20 from the outer 10.

[0070] <<Regarding the application of diaper 1>> Figures 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the steps involved in applying diaper 1 to a pet.

[0071] When putting diaper 1 on a pet (in this case, a dog), first, as shown in Figure 5A, position the inner 20 of diaper 1 (more specifically, the absorbent core 21A of the absorbent material 21) so that it is against the pet's ventral side (i.e., the side where the pet's excretory organs are located). Then, wrap diaper 1 around the pet's body.

[0072] Next, as shown in Figure 5B, the locking portion 13 is placed on top of the locking portion 14 of the outer casing body 11. This causes the locking projection of the locking portion 13 to engage with the locking portion 14, and the diaper 1 is attached to the pet's body.

[0073] As described above, the inner 20 of this embodiment has wing portions 24 that protrude outward in the left-right direction, and the wing portions 24 are provided with adhesive portions 25 that can be attached to the outer 10 with the wing portions 24 folded back to the non-skin side. By folding the wing portions 24 back to the non-skin side and attaching them to the outer 10 in this way, it becomes more difficult for pet hair to get into the gap between the outer 10 and the inner 20, thus preventing pet hair from getting caught.

[0074] In this embodiment, the inner 20 is provided with an adhesive portion 25 on the wing portion 24 and attached (joined) to the outer 10, but the method of joining is not limited to this. For example, locking portions (hooks, etc.) may be provided on the opposing surfaces of the wing portion 24 of the outer 10 and the inner 20 to engage with each other. In that case, the locking portion of the inner 20 corresponds to the "joining portion". The same applies to the modified examples and embodiments described later.

[0075] <First Modified Example> Figure 6 shows the first modified example of the inner 20. Note that Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the part corresponding to Figure 2.

[0076] In the previously described embodiment, the adhesive portion 25 was provided on the non-skin side of the wing portion 24, but in this modified example, the adhesive portion 25 is provided on the skin side of the wing portion 24 (Note that in Figure 6, the wing portion 24 is folded back on the non-skin side, so in the drawing, the adhesive portion 25 is located on the non-skin side of the wing portion 24). The shape of the adhesive portion 25 is the same as in the previously described embodiment.

[0077] In this example, the wing portion 24 is folded back to the non-skin side and inserted between the outer casing body 11 of the outer 10 and the storage material 12, and the adhesive portion 25 is attached (joined) to the skin side of the outer casing body 11. Even in this case, by attaching the adhesive portion 25 of the wing portion 24 to the outer 10 (in this case, the skin side of the outer casing body 11) on both sides in the left-right direction, it can be made less likely to shift relative to the outer 10.

[0078] <Second Modification> Figure 7 shows a second modification of the inner 20. Figure 7 is a plan view corresponding to Figure 4.

[0079] In this second modification, a pair of wing portions 24' are provided at both ends of the inner 20 in the front-rear direction. That is, in this second modification, the wing portions 24' protrude outward in the front-rear direction. Therefore, in the second modification, the front-rear direction corresponds to the "predetermined direction," and the left-right direction corresponds to the "intersecting direction." In addition, adhesive portions 25' are provided on the non-skin side of each pair of wing portions 24'. The shape of the wing portions 24' and adhesive portions 25' is the same as that of the wing portions 24 and adhesive portions 25 in the previously described embodiment. Note that the wing portions 24' in the second modification may be constructed, for example, by joining a sheet member separate from the skin-side sheet 22 and the non-skin-side sheet 23, or the wing portions 24' may be constructed from the skin-side sheet 22 and the non-skin-side sheet 23, and the leak-proof wall portion 26 may be formed from a separate sheet member.

[0080] In the second modified example, the storage material 12 for the outer 10 is unnecessary. That is, after placing the inner 20 on the skin side of the outer 10 (outer body 11), the pair of wing portions 24' are folded back to the non-skin side, and the adhesive portion 25' is attached to the non-skin side of the outer body 11. Even in this case, it is difficult for pet hair to get into the gap between the outer 10 and the inner 20, thus preventing pet hair from getting caught.

[0081] ===Second Embodiment=== In the first embodiment, diaper 1 was a belly band type that was worn around the pet's torso (i.e., not straddling the hind legs). In the second embodiment, a type of diaper (hereinafter referred to as diaper 2) that is worn straddling the hind legs of the pet will be described. Such diaper 2 is mainly used for females, but may also be used for males.

[0082] <<About the structure of diaper 2>> Figure 8 is a plan view of diaper 2 in its unfolded and stretched state, seen from the skin side. Figure 9 is a plan view of the outer 100 in its unfolded and stretched state, seen from the skin side. Figure 10 is a plan view of the inner 200 in its stretched state, seen from the non-skin side.

[0083] In the second embodiment, each direction is defined as shown in Figure 8, etc. That is, the direction along the longitudinal direction of the diaper 2 is defined as the "longitudinal direction," and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in a plan view is defined as the "width direction." The longitudinal direction corresponds to the front-to-back direction of the inner 200, and the width direction corresponds to the left-to-right direction of the inner 200. In this embodiment, the width direction (left-to-right direction) corresponds to the "predetermined direction," and the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction) corresponds to the "intersecting direction."

[0084] Although not shown in the diagram, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and width directions is defined as the "thickness direction," the side that comes into contact with the pet's skin is defined as the "skin side," and the opposite side is defined as the "non-skin side."

[0085] Diaper 2 consists of a reusable outer 100 and a disposable inner 200 (equivalent to a disposable absorbent item).

[0086] <About the outer garment 100> As shown in Figure 8, the outer garment 100 has a ventral waist portion 101, a dorsal waist portion 102, and a crotch portion 103 in the longitudinal direction. The ventral waist portion 101 is the part that will be located on the ventral side of the pet when the diaper 2 is worn. The dorsal waist portion 102 is the part that will be located on the dorsal side of the pet when the diaper 2 is worn. The crotch portion 103 is provided between the ventral waist portion 101 and the dorsal waist portion 102. The crotch portion 103 is the part that straddles the space between the pet's hind legs.

[0087] Furthermore, the outer 100 includes an outer body 111, locking parts 113 and 114, and a tail hole 115.

[0088] The outer body 111 is, for example, made of fabric and, as shown in Figure 9, constitutes the main body of the outer 100 (ventral torso section 101, dorsal torso section 102, and crotch section 103). Also, as shown in Figure 8, the inner 200 is attached to the skin-facing surface on the ventral side of the outer body 111.

[0089] A pair of locking portions 113 are provided on the skin-facing surfaces at both ends of the ventral girth portion 101 in the width direction (left-right direction). The locking portion 114 is a portion that can engage with the locking portion 113 and is provided in a substantially rectangular shape extending in the width direction (left-right direction) on the non-skin-facing surface of the dorsal girth portion 102.

[0090] Furthermore, one of the locking portion 113 and the locking portion 114 (for example, the locking portion 113) is provided with a locking projection (hook) or the like (not shown), and the other (for example, the locking portion 114) is provided with a member that facilitates engagement of the locking projection.

[0091] The tail hole 115 is a tail insertion section (in this case, a through hole) for passing the pet's tail through. In the outer casing body 111, the tail hole 115 is formed at a position corresponding to the pet's tail. Note that the tail insertion section is not limited to an opening (hole), but may also be, for example, a notch through which the tail can pass.

[0092] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the ventral torso portion 101 of the outer garment 100 is provided with expandable / contractible members 116 that can expand / contract in the width direction. This improves the fit around the torso. Here, the expandable / contractible members 116 are provided in three rows spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction), but this is not limited to this. For example, one row may be used. In addition, expandable / contractible members 117 that can expand / contract in the longitudinal direction are provided at both ends in the width direction of the crotch area 103. This improves the fit around the legs. Furthermore, an expandable / contractible member 118 is provided in the crotch area 103 so as to surround the tail hole 115. This improves the fit around the tail.

[0093] <About the inner 200> The inner 200 comprises an absorbent 201 (absorbent core 201A), a skin-side sheet 202, a non-skin-side sheet 203, a wing portion 204, an adhesive portion 205, a leak-proof wall portion 206, and an expandable member 207. The basic configuration of the inner 200 is the same as that of the inner 20 of the first embodiment.

[0094] The absorber 201 has an absorbent core 201A. In this embodiment, the absorbent core 201A has a substantially rectangular shape that is elongated in the front-to-back direction when viewed from above.

[0095] The skin-side sheet 202 is a liquid-permeable sheet member positioned closer to the skin than the absorbent body 201 (absorbent core 201A).

[0096] The non-skin side sheet 203 is a sheet member positioned on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 21 (absorbent core 21A). The skin side sheet 202 and the non-skin side sheet 203 are larger in shape than the absorbent body 201. The outer edges of the skin side sheet 202 and the non-skin side sheet 203 are joined together, thereby holding the absorbent body 201 (absorbent core 201A) between these sheets.

[0097] The wing portion 204 is a part that protrudes outward in the left-right direction from the main body portion (the rectangular portion shown in Figure 8) of the inner 200. In this embodiment, both the skin-side sheet 202 and the non-skin-side sheet 203 extend in the left-right direction to form the wing portion 204. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the wing portion 204 may be formed by joining other sheet members. As shown in Figure 10, a pair of wing portions 204 are provided on both sides of the inner 200 in the left-right direction.

[0098] The adhesive portion 205 (corresponding to the joining portion) is provided on the wing portion 204, and the wing portion 204 can be attached (joined) to the outer 10 (more specifically, the non-skin side of the outer body 111) with the wing portion 204 folded back to the non-skin side. This allows the inner 200 to be fixed to the outer 100.

[0099] In Figure 10, C1 is the center position of the inner 200 in the front-to-back direction, and C2 is the center position of the adhesive portion 205 in the front-to-back direction. As shown in the figure, it is desirable that the center position C2 of the adhesive portion 205 in the front-to-back direction is located further back than the center position C1 of the inner 200 in the front-to-back direction. This allows the pet to be fixed to the outer 100 closer to its excretory organs (urinary opening).

[0100] Furthermore, the adhesive portion 205 is provided on the non-skin side of the wing portion 204. This allows the adhesive portion 205 to be attached (bonded) to the non-skin side of the outer 100 (outer body 111) by folding the wing portion 204 back to the non-skin side. In this way, by folding the wing portion 204 back to the non-skin side and bonding it, it is possible to prevent pet hair from getting caught between the outer 100 and the inner 200, similar to the first embodiment. In addition, since a pair of wing portions 204 and adhesive portions 205 are provided at both ends in the left-right direction, they can be bonded to the outer 100 on both sides in the left-right direction, making them less likely to shift.

[0101] The adhesive portion 205 is provided only on the wing portion 204, and is positioned so as not to overlap with the absorbent core 201A in a plan view when the wing portion 204 is not folded back. By preventing the absorbent core 201A and the adhesive portion 205 from overlapping, the flexibility of the absorbent core 201A is not reduced, thereby improving the fit.

[0102] Furthermore, the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion 205 is aligned with the front-to-back direction. This makes it difficult for the wing portion 204, which protrudes in the left-to-right direction, to shift in the front-to-back direction.

[0103] The leak-proof wall sections 206 are provided in pairs along the front-to-back direction at the left-to-right ends of the inner 200. The leak-proof wall sections 206 are made of sheet members joined to the skin side of the skin-side sheet 202. The leak-proof wall sections 206 correspond to so-called three-dimensional gathers (here, leg-side gathers), and when the diaper 2 is worn, the pair of leak-proof wall sections 206 stand up on both sides of the absorbent body 201 in the left-to-right direction, towards the wearer's (here, pet's) skin, by the expandable member 207 described later. This helps to suppress leakage of excrement.

[0104] The expandable member 207 is, for example, an expandable sheet member or a thread-like expandable member, and is fixed in a state of being extended in the front-rear direction between the laminated sheet members in the pair of leak-proof wall sections 206. When the expandable member 207 is retracted in the front-rear direction, the leak-proof wall section 206 stands upright.

[0105] <<Regarding the application of diaper 2>> Figures 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating the steps involved in applying diaper 2 to a pet.

[0106] When putting the diaper 2 on a pet, first, as shown in Figure 11A, the pet's tail is passed through the tail hole 115, and the diaper 2 is placed against the pet's body and folded in half lengthwise. In this state, the ventral waist portion 101 of the diaper 2 is positioned on the pet's ventral side, and the absorbent material 201 (absorbent core 201A) of the inner 200 is also positioned on the pet's ventral side (i.e., the side where the pet's excretory organs are located). By using the tail hole 115 as a reference, the absorbent material 201 can be correctly positioned at the location of the pet's excretory organs. On the other hand, the locking portion 114 of the dorsal waist portion 102 of the diaper 2 is positioned on the pet's dorsal side.

[0107] Next, while pulling up the pair of locking parts 113 provided on the ventral girth portion 101 to both sides in the width direction (left-right direction), the locking projections of the locking parts 113 are hooked onto the locking parts 114 provided on the dorsal girth portion 102 to lock (engage) them. This forms the girth opening HB and the pair of leg openings HL as shown in Figure 4B, and the diaper 2 is attached to the pet's body. In addition, three-dimensional gathers (leg side gathers) are formed in the pair of leg openings HL by the leak-proof wall portion 206.

[0108] <Modification of the second embodiment> The outer body 111 of the outer 100 may be provided with storage material such as the storage material 12 of the first embodiment, into which the wing portion 204 can be inserted (stored). In this case, the adhesive portion 205 may be provided on the skin side of the wing portion 204.

[0109] Furthermore, when providing storage materials as described above, the pair of wing portions 204 (including the adhesive portion 205) may be configured to protrude in the front-rear direction. In this case, the front-rear direction corresponds to the "predetermined direction," and the left-right direction corresponds to the "intersecting direction."

[0110] ===Other Embodiments=== The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but these embodiments are for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention can be modified or improved without departing from its spirit, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0111] 1,2 Diaper, 10 Outer, 11 Outer body, 12 Storage material, 13 Locking part, 14 Locking part, 15 Stretchable member, 20 Inner (disposable absorbent item), 21 Absorbent body, 21A Absorbent core, 22 Skin-side sheet, 23 Non-skin-side sheet, 24 Wing part, 25 Adhesive part (joint), 26 Leak-proof wall part, 27 Stretchable member, 100 Outer, 101 Ventral body part, 102 Dorsal body part, 103 Crotch area, 111 Outer body, 113 Locking part, 114 Locking part, 115 Tail hole, 116, 117, 118 Stretchable member, 200 Inner (disposable absorbent item), 201 Absorbent body, 201A Absorbent core, 202 Skin-side sheet, 203 Non-skin side sheet, 204 Wing section, 205 Adhesive section (joint section), 206 Leak-proof wall section, 207 Expandable member, HB Body opening, HL Leg opening

Claims

1. A disposable absorbent article for use as an outer garment for pets, comprising: a front-to-back direction and a left-to-right direction; an absorbent core; a skin-side sheet covering the absorbent core from the skin side; and a non-skin-side sheet covering the absorbent core from the non-skin side; having wing portions that protrude outward in either the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction when that direction is a predetermined direction; and having connecting portions on the wing portions that can be joined to the outer garment when the wing portions are folded back towards the non-skin side.

2. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that, in a plan view with the wing portion not folded back, the joint portion is provided in a position that does not overlap with the absorbent core.

3. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the joint portion is provided on the non-skin side of the wing portion.

4. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction, which is different from the predetermined direction, is considered as the intersecting direction, the starting point of the protrusion of the wing portion is provided at a position away from the end of the disposable absorbent article in the intersecting direction.

5. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction, which is different from the predetermined direction, is designated as the intersecting direction, the joint portion straddles the central position of the disposable absorbent article in the intersecting direction.

6. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that when the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction, which is different from the predetermined direction, is designated as the intersecting direction, the longitudinal direction of the joint portion is aligned with the intersecting direction.

7. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal direction of the joint is aligned with the predetermined direction.

8. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that, when a direction other than the predetermined direction among the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction is designated as the intersecting direction, the length of the intersecting direction at the starting position of the protrusion of the wing portion is greater than the length of the intersecting direction at the tip of the wing portion.

9. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that, when a direction other than the predetermined direction among the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction is designated as the intersecting direction, the length of the intersecting direction at the starting position of the protrusion of the wing portion is smaller than the length of the intersecting direction at the tip of the wing portion.

10. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the wing portions are provided in pairs on both sides in the predetermined direction.

11. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that it has an expandable member.

12. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 11, characterized in that the wing portions are provided in pairs on both sides in the predetermined direction, and the direction of expansion and contraction of the expandable member is the predetermined direction.

13. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that it is used as an outer garment that is worn without straddling the hind legs of a pet.

14. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that it is used as an outer garment that is worn across the hind legs of a pet.

15. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 14, characterized in that the predetermined direction is the left-right direction, and in the front-rear direction, the center of the joint is located behind the center of the disposable absorbent article.

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