Patent Publication Number: US-2020288665-A1

Title: Absorbent sheet for pets

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The entire content of Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-229063 (filed on Nov. 29, 2017) is incorporated into the specification of the present application by reference. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an absorbent sheet for pets for absorbing pets&#39; excrement, for example, urine. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     An absorbent sheet for pets for absorbing pets&#39; excrement, for example, urine is known (refer to Patent Literature 1). The absorbent sheet for pets described in Patent Literature 1 has a liquid-impermeable back sheet, a liquid-permeable top sheet, and an absorbent body located between the back sheet and the top sheet. In the absorbent body, an embossed portion is formed. 
     PATENT LITERATURE 
     Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-205970 
     An absorbent sheet for pets is used by an animal (pet) which is not by a purchaser (animal guardian), and the purchaser perceives the performance by the appearance and texture of the absorbent sheet for pets. Specifically, a purchaser perceives the absorption performance by the thickness of the absorbent sheet for pets and has secure feeling about the absorption performance by the thickness of the absorbent sheet for pets. 
     The embossed portion in Patent Literature 1 is recessed with respect to the top surface of the absorbent sheet for pets. Therefore, there is a case where, when seeing the absorbent sheet for pets from the top side, a purchaser checks the depth of the embossed portion and perceives the thickness of the absorbent sheet for pets. However, for the absorbent sheet for pets of Patent Literature 1, there has been a case where a purchaser has a difficulty in perceiving the thickness when touching the absorbent sheet for pets and the purchaser cannot sufficiently feel safe. 
     SUMMARY 
     One or more embodiments of the invention provide an absorbent sheet for pets that allows a purchaser to perceive the thickness of the absorbent sheet for pets and easily feel safe about the absorption performance. 
     A absorbent sheet for pets according to one or more embodiments has a top sheet disposed on a top side, a back sheet disposed on a back side, an absorbent body provided between the top sheet and the back sheet, and at least the absorbent body having top recessed portions recessed toward the back side from the top side and back recessed portions recessed toward the top side from the back side, and at least a part of top bottom portions of the top recessed portions are located at the same position as back bottom portions of the back recessed portions in a thickness direction or closer to the back side than the back bottom portions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of an absorbent sheet for pets according to one or more embodiments seen from an excretion surface side. 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of the absorbent sheet for pets according to one or more embodiments seen from the excretion surface side. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent sheet for pets along an A-A line shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an absorbent body shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a view describing an example of a pattern of top recessed portions provided in the absorbent sheet for pets. 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view of another absorbent sheet for pets according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  is a plan view of another absorbent sheet for pets according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic cross-sectional view of another absorbent sheet for pets according to one or more embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     (1) Outline of Embodiments 
     Description of the present specification and accompanying drawings clarify at least the following matters. A absorbent sheet for pets according to one or more embodiments has a top sheet disposed on a top side, a back sheet disposed on a back side, an absorbent body provided between the top sheet and the back sheet, and at least the absorbent body having top recessed portions recessed toward the back side from the top side and back recessed portions recessed toward the top side from the back side, and at least a part (i.e., at least some) of top bottom portions of the top recessed portions are located at the same position as back bottom portions of the back recessed portions in a thickness direction or closer to the back side than the back bottom portions. 
     When a purchaser touches, on a top surface of the absorbent sheet for pets, a region overlapping the top recessed portion, it is possible to perceive the depth of the top recessed portion by texture. In addition, when a purchaser touches, on the top surface of the absorbent sheet for pets, a region overlapping the back recessed portion, it is easy to recess the region toward the back side due to a space generated by the back recessed portion. The space generated by the back recessed portion is as high as a space generated by the top recessed portion in a thickness direction or overlaps the space generated by the top recessed portion and is easily recessed when a purchaser touches the top recessed portion. Therefore, the purchaser easily feels the thickness of the absorbent sheet for pets by texture. Additionally, the purchaser is able to perceive the depth of the top recessed portion when visually confirming the top surface of the absorbent sheet for pets. The purchaser perceives the thickness of the absorbent sheet for pets by both texture and visual perception, and has secure feeling about the absorption performance. 
     According to one or more embodiments, the top bottom portions may be located closer to the back side than the back bottom portions, and the top recessed portions and the back recessed portions may be formed of embossed portions formed by compressing the absorbent body. 
     A region between the top recessed portion and the back recessed portion is pressed toward the back side at the time of forming the top recessed portion, while pressed toward the top side at the time of forming the back recessed portion. Therefore, the region between the top recessed portion and the back recessed portion is further compressed in the thickness direction, and the stiffness becomes high. Due to the fact that the stiffness of the region between the top recessed portion and the back recessed portion becomes high, a recessed shape by the top recessed portion and a recessed shape by the back recessed portion are easily maintained. Therefore, it becomes easier to maintain the thickness of the absorbent sheet for pets. 
     According to one or more embodiments, in a plan view of the absorbent sheet for pets, the absorbent sheet for pets may have first regions overlapping the top recessed portions in the thickness direction and second regions not overlapping the top recessed portions in the thickness direction, and at least a part of the absorbent body in the first region may further protrude toward the back side than the absorbent body in the second region. 
     The absorbent body protrudes toward the back side in a region overlapping the top recessed portion. The thickness of the absorbent body becomes thicker by the protrusion, and the thickness of the entire absorbent sheet for pets becomes thick. Therefore, a purchaser feels a larger thickness and easily feels safe about the absorption performance. 
     According to one or more embodiments, the top bottom portions may be located closer to the back side than a back surface of the absorbent body in the second regions. 
     The top bottom portions are located close to the back side than the back surface of the absorbent body in the second regions, and the top recessed portion has a depth as deep as the thickness of the second region. A purchaser easily perceives the depth of the top recessed portion, and secure feeling can be more easily obtained about the absorption performance. 
     According to one or more embodiments, the top recessed portions are configured to form a continuous or intermittent line, and the width of the line by the top recessed portions may be longer than the width of the second region located between the top recessed portions. 
     The width of the top recessed portion is longer than the width of the second region between the top recessed portions, and thus it is possible to make the top recessed portions noticeable. Therefore, a purchaser more easily recognizes the top recessed portions, and secure feeling can be more easily obtained about the absorption performance. 
     According to one or more embodiments, in the plan view of the absorbent sheet for pets, the absorbent sheet for pets may have third regions overlapping the back recessed portions in the thickness direction and fourth regions not overlapping the back recessed portions in the thickness direction, and at least a part of the absorbent body in the third region may further protrude toward the top side than the absorbent body in the fourth region. 
     The absorbent body protrudes toward the top side in a region overlapping the back recessed portion. The thickness of the absorbent body becomes thicker by the protrusion, and the thickness of the entire absorbent sheet for pets becomes thick. Therefore, a purchaser feels a larger thickness and easily feels safe about the absorption performance. 
     According to one or more embodiments, the back bottom portions may be located closer to the top side than a top surface of the absorbent body in the fourth region. 
     The back bottom portions are located closer to the top side than the top surface of the absorbent body in the fourth regions, and the back recessed portion has a depth as deep as the thickness of the fourth region. A purchaser easily perceives the depth of the back recessed portion, and secure feeling can be more easily obtained about the absorption performance. 
     According to one or more embodiments, the back recessed portions are configured to form a continuous or intermittent line and the width of the line by the back recessed portions may be longer than the width of the fourth region located between the back recessed portions. 
     The width of the back recessed portion is longer than the width of the fourth region between the back recessed portions. A purchaser more easily feels easiness in recessing by the back recessed portions, and secure feeling can be more easily obtained about the absorption performance. 
     According to one or more embodiments, the line may have a curved portion that does not branch. 
     The line having a curved portion does not continuously extend linearly, but extends in a plurality of directions and is easily noticeable compared with a linearly extending shape. In addition, in the curved portion that does not branch, each line becomes easily noticeable compared with in a curved portion that branches. Therefore, a purchaser more easily perceives the top recessed portions or the back recessed portions, and secure feeling can be more easily obtained about the absorption performance. 
     According to one or more embodiments, the lines may form a plurality of diagrams separated from each other. 
     When the top recessed portions or the back recessed portions form diagrams, the top recessed portions or the back recessed portions are locally disposed in a certain region, and it is possible to make the top recessed portions or the back recessed portions forming the diagrams noticeable respectively. 
     (2) Configuration of Absorbent Sheet for Pets 
     Hereinafter, an absorbent sheet for pets according to one or more embodiments will be described with reference to drawings. In the following description of the drawings, identical or similar portions will be given an identical or similar reference sign. The drawings are schematic, and attention needs to be paid to the fact that the ratio and the like of individual dimensions differ from the actual ones. Therefore, specific dimensions and the like need to be determined with reference to the following reference. In addition, dimensional relationships or ratios between portions are not always identical among the drawings. 
     In the present specification, “pets” broadly include vertebrate animals or invertebrate animals and typically include pet animals such as cats, dogs, rabbits, and hamsters. 
       FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  are plan views of an absorbent sheet for pets according to one or more embodiments.  FIG. 1  shows a state seen from an excretion surface side, and  FIG. 2  shows a state seen from a non-excretion surface side.  FIG. 3  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent sheet for pets along an A-A line shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  schematically shows a cross section of the absorbent sheet for pets and shows the decreased number of top recessed portions and back recessed portions by omitting some of the top recessed portions and the back recessed portions.  FIG. 4  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an absorbent body shown in  FIG. 3 . An absorbent sheet for pets  10  is generally a flat sheet. One surface of the absorbent sheet for pets  10  is an excretion surface that receives pets&#39; excrement. In the one or more embodiments, the surface configuring the excretion surface will be described as a top surface  101 , and a surface configuring a non-excretion surface will be described as a back surface  102 .  FIG. 3  shows a top side T 1  and a back side T 2  in a thickness direction T. 
     The absorbent sheet for pets  10  has a top sheet  12  disposed on the top side T 1 , a back sheet  14  disposed on the back side T 2 , and an absorbent body  20 . The absorbent body  20  is provided between the top sheet  12  and the back sheet  14 . 
     The top sheet  12  may be a liquid-permeable sheet that is permeable to liquid such as pets&#39; excrement. The liquid-permeable sheet may be made of, for example, a liquid-permeable non-woven fabric or an opening film. The back sheet  14  may be a liquid-impermeable sheet that is not permeable to liquid such as pets&#39; excrement. The back sheet  14  is not particularly limited and may be made of, for example, a resin film sheet. In one or more embodiments, a part of the back sheet  14  extends outside more than the top sheet  12 . Therefore, in an outer circumferential portion of the absorbent sheet for pets  10 , the back sheet  14  becomes visible from the top side T 1 . 
     An absorbent body  20  may include an absorbent core  30  and a core wrap  33  that wraps the absorbent core  30 . The core wrap  33  may include a first core wrap  33   a  that covers the top side T 1  of the absorbent core  30  and a second core wrap  33   b  that covers the back side T 2  of the absorbent core  30  (refer to  FIG. 4 ). At least one of the first core wrap  33   a  and the second core wrap  33   b  may cover side surfaces of the absorbent core  30 . 
     The absorbent core  30  is not particularly limited and may include a hydrophilic fiber layer such as pulp, a superabsorbent polymer (SAP), or a combination thereof. The core wrap  33  is not particularly limited and can be made of, for example, liquid-permeable tissue. 
     The absorbent sheet for pets  10  has top recessed portions  50  recessed toward the back side T 2  from the top side T 1  and back recessed portions  60  recessed toward the top side T 1  from the back side T 2 . The top recessed portion  50  has a shape that tapers toward the back side T 2 , and the back recessed portion  60  has a shape that tapers toward the top side T 1 . The top recessed portions  50  and the back recessed portions  60  may be formed in at least the absorbent body  20  and, in one or more embodiments, are formed in the absorbent core  30 , the first core wrap  33   a , and the second core wrap  33   b , but may be formed only in the absorbent core. 
     The top recessed portion  50  has a top bottom portion  51  that is located closest to the back side T 2  in the top recessed portion  50 . A top surface  201  (a surface located on the top side) of the absorbent body  20  is configured with a top surface of the first core wrap  33   a . In addition, the top recessed portions  50  are formed in the first core wrap  33   a  and the absorbent core  30 . Therefore, the top bottom portions  51  are portions that are located closest to the back side T 2  in the top surface of the first core wrap  33   a . In a configuration in which the top recessed portions  50  are formed only in the absorbent core  30 , the top bottom portions  51  are portions that are located closest to the back side T 2  in the top surface of the absorbent core  30 . A depth D 50  of the top recessed portion  50  is the distance between the top bottom portion  51  and the top surface  201  of the absorbent body in a thickness direction T. 
     The back recessed portion  60  has a back bottom portion  61  that is located closest to the top side T 1  in the back recessed portion  60 . A back surface  202  (a surface located on the back side) of the absorbent body  20  is configured with a back surface of the second core wrap  33   b . In addition, the back recessed portions  60  are formed in the second core wrap  33   b  and the absorbent core  30 . Therefore, the back bottom portions  61  are portions that are located closest to the top side T 1  in the back surface of the second core wrap  33   b . In a configuration in which the back recessed portions  60  are formed only in the absorbent core  30 , the back bottom portions  61  are portions that are located closest to the top side T 1  in the back surface of the absorbent core  30 . A depth D 60  of the back recessed portion  60  is the distance between the back bottom portion  61  and the back surface  202  of the absorbent body in the thickness direction T. 
     At least a part (i.e., at least some) of the top bottom portions  51  of the top recessed portions  50  may be located at the same position as the back bottom portions  61  of the back recessed portions  60  in the thickness direction T or closer to the back side T 2  than the back bottom portions  61 . Spaces generated by the recesses of the top recessed portions  50  are formed on the top side T 1  of the absorbent sheet for pets, and spaces generated by the recesses of the back recessed portions  60  are formed on the back side T 2  of the absorbent sheet for pets. Therefore, when a purchaser touches, on the top surface  101  of the absorbent sheet for pets, a region overlapping the top recessed portion  50 , the purchaser is able to perceive the depth of the top recessed portion  50  by texture. In addition, when a purchaser touches, on the top surface  101  of the absorbent sheet for pets, a region overlapping the back recessed portion  60 , it is easy to recess the region toward the back side T 2  due to the space generated by the back recessed portion  60 . The space generated by the back recessed portion  60  is as high as the space generated by the top recessed portion  50  in the thickness direction or overlaps the space generated by the top recessed portion and is easily recessed when a purchaser touches the top recessed portion. Therefore, the purchaser easily feels the thickness of the absorbent sheet for pets by texture. Additionally, when seeing the top surface  101  of the absorbent sheet for pets, the purchaser is able to see the top recessed portion  50  through the top sheet  12  and perceive the depth of the top recessed portion  50 . The purchaser perceives the thickness of the absorbent sheet for pets by both texture and visual perception, and has secure feeling about the absorption performance. 
     The shapes and positions of the top recessed portions and the back recessed portions may be confirmed using a well-known method. For example, it is possible to capture a cross section obtained by cutting the absorbent body  20  in the thickness direction using an electron microscope or the like and visually compare the shapes and the positions. 
     The top recessed portions  50  and the back recessed portions  60  may be configured with at least embossed portions obtained by compressing the absorbent body  20 . This embossed portion may be formed by compressing only the absorbent core  30 , may be formed by compressing the absorbent body  20  including the core wrap, or may be formed by compressing both the absorbent body  20  and the top sheet  12 . In a case where the top recessed portions  50  and the back recessed portions  60  are configured with the embossed portions, the density of the absorbent body  20  at the position of the top recessed portion  50  is higher than the density of the absorbent body  20  around the top recessed portion  50 , and the density of the absorbent body  20  at the position of the back recessed portion  60  is higher than the density of the absorbent body  20  around the back recessed portion  60 . 
     Therefore, a region R 55  (refer to  FIG. 4 ) between the top recessed portion  50  and the back recessed portion  60  is pressed toward the back side T 2  at the time of forming the top recessed portion  50  and pressed toward the top side T 1  at the time of forming the back recessed portion  60 . Therefore, the region R 55  between the top recessed portion  50  and the back recessed portion  60  is further compressed in the thickness direction T, and the stiffness becomes high. Due to the fact that the stiffness of the region between the top recessed portion  50  and the back recessed portion  60  becomes high, a recessed shape by the top recessed portion  50  and a recessed shape by the back recessed portion  60  are easily maintained. Furthermore, the top bottom portion  51  is located closer to the back side T 2  than the back bottom portion  61 , whereby a region between the top bottom portion  51  and the back bottom portion  61  is, inversely, compressed in the thickness direction, and the stiffness easily becomes higher. The shapes of the top recessed portion  50  and the back recessed portion  60  are easily maintained, and a purchaser perceives the thickness of the absorbent sheet for pets by both texture and visual perception and easily feels safe about the absorption performance. 
     Alternatively, the top recessed portions  50  and the back recessed portions  60  may be configured by decreasing the weight per unit area of at least the absorbent body  20 . In this case, the weight per unit area of the absorbent body  20  at the position of the top recessed portion  50  may be smaller than the weight per unit area of the absorbent body  20  around the top recessed portion  50 , and the weight per unit area of the absorbent body  20  at the position of the back recessed portion  60  may be smaller than the weight per unit area of the absorbent body  20  around the back recessed portion  60 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , in a plan view, the absorbent sheet for pets has a first region R 1  overlapping the top recessed portion  50  in the thickness direction, a second region R 2  not overlapping the top recessed portion  50  in the thickness direction T, a third region R 3  overlapping the back recessed portion  60  in the thickness direction T, a fourth region R 4  not overlapping the back recessed portion  60  in the thickness direction T. The second region R 2  is a region including, in a plan view, a region in which only the back recessed portion  60  is formed and regions in which neither the top recessed portion  50  nor the back recessed portion  60  are formed. In addition, the fourth region R 4  is a region including, in the plan view, a region in which only the top recessed portion  50  is formed and regions in which neither the top recessed portion  50  nor the back recessed portion  60  are formed. In the absorbent sheet for pets  10  of one or more embodiments, the top recessed portion  50  and the back recessed portion  60  are adjacent to each other in the plan view. Therefore, the first region R 1  of one or more embodiments is substantially the same region as the fourth region R 4 , and the second region R 2  is substantially the same region as the third region R 3 . In an absorbent sheet for pets according to other embodiments, the top recessed portion  50  and the back recessed portion  60  may be disposed apart from each other in a plan view. This will be described below in detail. 
     At least a part of the absorbent body  20  in the first regions R 1  may further protrude toward the back side T 2  than the absorbent body  20  in the second region R 2  in the thickness direction T. At least a part of the absorbent body  20  in the first regions R 1  is a concept which includes a part of the absorbent body  20  in, among the plurality of first regions R 1 , a part of the first regions R 1  and only a part of the absorbent body  20  in the thickness direction T (the back surface of the absorbent body) in an arbitrary first region R 1 . In more detail, the back surface (P 12  shown in  FIG. 4 ) of the absorbent body  20  in the first region R 1  may further protrude toward the back side T 2  than the back surface (P 22  shown in  FIG. 4 ) of the absorbent body in the second region. The absorbent body  20  protrudes toward the back side in regions overlapping the top recessed portions  50 . The thickness of the absorbent body becomes thicker by the protrusion, and the thickness of the entire absorbent sheet for pets becomes thick. Therefore, a purchaser feels a larger thickness and easily feels safe about the absorption performance. 
     Furthermore, the top bottom portions  51  may be located closer to the back side T 2  than the back surface P 22  of the absorbent body  20  in the second region R 2 . The depth D 50  of the top recessed portion  50  becomes equal to or larger than the thickness of the absorbent body  20  in the second region R 2 . A purchaser more easily perceives the depth of the top recessed portion  50 , and secure feeling can be more easily obtained about the absorption performance. 
     At least a part of the absorbent body  20  in the third regions R 3  may further protrude toward the top side T 1  than the absorbent body  20  in the fourth region R 4 . At least a part of the absorbent body  20  in the third regions R 3  is a concept which includes a part of the absorbent body  20  in, among the plurality of third regions R 3 , a part of the third regions R 3  and only a part of the absorbent body  20  in the thickness direction T (the back surface of the absorbent body) in an arbitrary third region R 3 . In more detail, the top surface (P 31  shown in  FIG. 4 ) of the absorbent body in the third region R 3  may further protrude toward the top side T 1  than the top surface (P 41  shown in  FIG. 4 ) of the absorbent body in the fourth region R 4 . The absorbent body  20  protrudes toward the top side T 1  in regions overlapping the back recessed portions  60 . The thickness of the absorbent body becomes thicker by the protrusion, and the thickness of the entire absorbent sheet for pets becomes thick. Therefore, a purchaser feels a larger thickness and easily feels safe about the absorption performance. 
     Furthermore, the back bottom portions  61  may be located closer to the top side T 1  than the top surface P 41  of the absorbent body in the fourth region R 4 . The depth D 60  of the back recessed portion  60  becomes equal to or larger than the thickness of the absorbent body  20  in the fourth region R 4 . A purchaser more easily perceives the depth of the back recessed portion  60 , and secure feeling can be more easily obtained about the absorption performance. 
     At least one top recessed portion  50  and at least one back recessed portion  60  need to be provided on the absorbent body  20 . In one or more embodiments, a number of point-like top recessed portions  50  are provided. These point-like top recessed portions  50  may be side by side so as to form an intermittent line IL. Instead, the top recessed portions  50  may extend in a linear or curved fashion so as to form a continuous line IL. 
     The continuous or intermittent line IL formed by the top recessed portions  50  will be described with reference to  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 5  describes an example of a pattern of the top recessed portions  50  provided in the absorbent sheet for pets. The back recessed portions  60  may also form, similar to the top recessed portions, a continuous or intermittent line IL. The formation pattern of the continuous or intermittent line IL is identical for the top recessed portions and the back recessed portions, and the pattern of the top recessed portions to be described in one or more embodiments can also be employed for the back recessed portions. 
     The continuous or intermittent line IL formed by the top recessed portions  50  has a curved portion that does not branch. That is, in a region in which the line IL curves, the line IL does not branch into a plurality of lines. The “curved portion” may be a bent portion or a smoothly curved portion. However, the line formed by the top recessed portions  50  may include a branched curved portion. The line IL has a curved portion and thus does not continuously extend linearly, but extends in a plurality of directions and is easily noticeable compared with a linearly extending shape. In addition, in the curved portion that does not branch, each line becomes easily noticeable compared with in a curved portion that branches. Therefore, a purchaser more easily recognizes the recessed portions, and secure feeling can be more easily obtained about the absorption performance. 
     Here, the “continuous line” refers to a groove along which the top recessed portions  50  continuously extend. In addition, the “intermittent lines” are defined by imaginary lines connecting the top recessed portions  50  that are adjacent enough to be regarded as “intermittent lines” by the visual sense of a user. Specifically, the imaginary line is defined by a line (L 1  or L 2  in  FIG. 5 ) connecting the top recessed portion  50  present at a position apart from the specific top recessed portion  50  (for example, X 1  in  FIG. 5 ) by a distance that is 1.5 times or less the distance between the specific top recessed portion  50  and the top recessed portion closest to the specific top recessed portion X 1  and the specific top recessed portion  50 . Therefore, a line (for example, L 3  in  FIG. 5 ) connecting the top recessed portions  50  apart from each other by a distance longer than 1.5 times the distance of the top recessed portion closest to the specific top recessed portion X 1  does not form the intermittent line IL (imaginary line). In addition, as an example, the imaginary line may be defined by a line connecting the top recessed portions  50  apart at an interval of 1 cm or less and 5 mm or less. As described above, the top recessed portions  50  form an intermittent line, whereby the recessed portions become more noticeable by regions between the recessed portions in which the recessed portion is not formed. 
     A portion between an arbitrary line (L 1  in  FIG. 5 ) of the top recessed portions  50  and a second line (L 2  in  FIG. 5 ) apart from the arbitrary line at an interval may be the second region in which the top recessed portion  50  is not formed. A region in which the top recessed portion  50  is not formed is provided between a first line and the second line, and the first line and the second line are emphasized by the region. Therefore, a purchaser more easily recognizes the top recessed portions  50 , and secure feeling can be more easily obtained about the absorption performance. 
     The width of the line IL by the top recessed portions  50  may be longer than the width of the second region (line L 3  connecting the top recessed portions  50 ) located between the top recessed portions  50 . The width of the top recessed portion  50  is longer than the width of the second region between the top recessed portions  50 , and thus it is possible to make the top recessed portions  50  noticeable. Therefore, a purchaser more easily recognizes the top recessed portions  50 , and secure feeling can be more easily obtained about the absorption performance. Additionally, in a case where the top recessed portions  50  form a diagram, it is possible to make the diagram look three-dimensionally and make the top recessed portions  50  more noticeable. 
     In addition, in a configuration in which the back recessed portions form a line, the width of the line IL by the back recessed portions  60  may be longer than the width of the second region (the line L 3  connecting the top recessed portions  50 ) located between the back recessed portions  60 . A purchaser more easily feels easiness in recessing by the back recessed portions, and secure feeling can be more easily obtained about the absorption performance. 
     Next, another absorbent sheet for pets according to one or more embodiments will be described.  FIG. 6  is a plan view of an absorbent sheet for pets  10 A. In the following description, the same elements are given the same reference signs and their descriptions will be omitted. 
     In  FIG. 6 , the top recessed portions  50  form an intermittent line IL, but may be alternatively configured to form a continuous line. In one or more embodiments, a plurality of lines IL formed by the top recessed portions  50  intersects each other. That is, the line IL has a plurality of branching points. Even when the line IL formed by the top recessed portions  50  branches as described above, the line IL also includes a curved portion that does not branch by curving. Even in the above-described aspect, the top recessed portions  50  do not continuously extend linearly, but extend in a plurality of directions and are easily noticeable compared with a linearly-extending shape. In addition, in the curved portion that does not branch, each line becomes easily noticeable compared with in a curved portion that branches. Therefore, a purchaser more easily recognizes the recessed portions, and secure feeling can be more easily obtained about the absorption performance. 
     Next, another absorbent sheet for pets according to one or more embodiments will be described.  FIG. 7  is a plan view of an absorbent sheet for pets  10 B. In  FIG. 7 , the top recessed portions  50  form an intermittent line, but may be alternatively configured to form a continuous line. In one or more embodiments, lines IL formed by the top recessed portions  50  form a plurality of diagrams  80  separated from each other. Therefore, the top recessed portions form diagrams, the top recessed portions are locally disposed in a certain region, and it is possible to make the top recessed portions forming the diagram noticeable respectively. 
     A diagram  80  formed by the top recessed portions  50  substantially or completely surrounds a region in the diagram  80 . Here, “substantially surrounding” means that, when seen from a point in the diagram  80 , the lines IL forming the diagram  80  are present in all directions. For example, a spiral diagram  80  substantially surrounds the region in the diagram  80 . 
     In addition, “completely surrounding” means that the lines IL formed by the top recessed portions  50  form a closed curve. For example, a circular, polygonal, or star-like diagram  80  completely surrounds the region in the diagram  80 . In addition, the diagram  80  formed by the top recessed portions  50  substantially or completely surrounds the region in the diagram  80 , whereby the top recessed portions are locally disposed in a certain region, and it is possible to make the top recessed portions forming the diagram noticeable respectively. 
     Next, another absorbent sheet for pets according to one or more embodiments will be described.  FIG. 8  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an absorbent body  20 A according to an absorbent sheet for pets. In this absorbent sheet, the top recessed portion  50  and the back recessed portion  60  are disposed apart from each other in a plan view. Therefore, the absorbent sheet for pets has a fifth region R 5  in which neither the top recessed portion  50  nor the back recessed portion  60  are formed in a plan view. 
     The top surface (a surface located closest to the top side)  201  of the absorbent body  20 A is provided in the third region R 3 . The top surface (P 31  shown in  FIG. 8 ) of the absorbent body in the third region R 3  may further protrude toward the top side T 1  than the top surface (P 51  shown in  FIG. 8 ) of the absorbent body  20 A in the fifth region R 5 . In the fifth region R 5 , the top recessed portions  50  and the back recessed portions  60  are not formed, and the thickness does not substantially change before and after the formation of the embossed portions. A top surface P 31  of the absorbent body in the third region R 3  is pressed toward the top side T 1  at the time of forming the back recessed portions  60  and further protrudes toward the top side T 1  than the top surface P 51  of the absorbent body in the fifth region R 5  by a thickness T 31 . The top surface of the absorbent body is swollen toward the top side by the formation of the back recessed portions  60 , whereby the thickness of the entire absorbent body becomes thicker. Therefore, a purchaser feels a larger thickness and easily feels safe about the absorption performance. 
     The back surface (a surface located closest to the back side)  202  of the absorbent body  20 A is provided in the first region R 1 . The back surface (P 12  shown in  FIG. 8 ) of the absorbent body in the first region R 1  may further protrude toward the back side T 2  than the back surface (P 52  shown in  FIG. 8 ) of the absorbent body in the fifth region R 5 . The back surface P 12  of the absorbent body  20  in the first region R 1  is pressed toward the back side T 2  at the time of forming the top recessed portions  50  and further protrudes toward the back side T 2  than the back surface P 52  of the absorbent body in the fifth region R 5  by a thickness T 12 . The back surface of the absorbent body  20  is swollen toward the back side T 2  by the formation of the top recessed portions  50 , whereby the thickness of the entire absorbent body becomes thicker. Therefore, a purchaser feels a larger thickness and easily feels safe about the absorption performance. 
     When thickness of the absorbent body in a state before forming the top recessed portions  50  and the back recessed portions  60  is represented by T 20 , the thickness of the absorbent body  20  in a state in which the top recessed portions  50  and the back recessed portions  60  are formed becomes the original thickness T 20 +the thickness T 31  swollen by the formation of the back recessed portions+the thickness T 12  swollen by the formation of the top recessed portions. 
     Next, feeling safe about absorbability and the cushioning property were evaluated using the absorbent sheet for pets according to Example 1 to Example 3 and Comparative Example 1 to Comparative Example 4. In the absorbent sheet for pets according to Example 1 to Example 3, the top recessed portions and the back recessed portions are formed, and the top bottom portions are located at the same position as the back bottom portions in the thickness direction or the top bottom portions are located closer to the back side than the back bottom portions. In the absorbent sheet for pets according to Comparative Example 1, the top recessed portions and the back recessed portions are not formed. In the absorbent sheet for pets according to Comparative Example 2, only the top recessed portions are formed, and the back recessed portions are not formed. In the absorbent sheet for pets according to Comparative Examples 3 and 4, the top recessed portions and the back recessed portions are formed, and the top bottom portions are located closer to the top side than the back bottom portions. 
     Feeling safe about absorbability was evaluated on the basis of Comparative Example 1 by 10 examinees seeing the absorbent sheet for pets of Example 1 to Example 3 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 and touching the top surfaces thereof. In visual evaluation, whether or not the absorbent sheet for pets looked thick was evaluated into three levels. In texture evaluation, whether or not the examinees felt thick when touching the top surface of the absorbent sheet for pets with a hand was evaluated into three levels. The total points by the  10  examinees are shown in Table 1.
         1 point: Look thicker than Comparative Example 1 (feels thick)   0 point: Same as Comparative Example 1   −1 point: Look thinner than the comparative example (feels thin)       

     [Table 1] 
     As shown in Table 1, it was found that the absorbent sheet for pets according to Examples 1 to 3 looked thick to 90% or more of the examinees and were felt thick by 80% or more of the examinees. Therefore, it was found that, according to the absorbent sheet for pets according to Examples 1 to 3, the examinees more easily felt safe about absorbability. 
     Next, the cushioning property of the absorbent sheet for pets was evaluated. For the cushioning property, the thickness of the absorbent sheet for pets before weighted and the thickness of the absorbent sheet for pets after weighted were measured, and the compression ratio of the thickness after weighted to the thickness before weighted was computed. The absorbent sheet for pets was weighted by applying a weight of 3 kg to a 40 mm×60 mm area for one minute. The thickness was measured immediately after the weight was removed. 
     As shown in Table 1, it was found that the absorbent sheet for pets according to Example 1 to Example 3 were more easily compressed than the absorbent sheet for pets according to the comparative examples. As a result of intensive studies, the present applicant found that, when a pet steps on the absorbent sheet for pets and the absorbent sheet for pets is recessed, the pet easily recognizes that she is on an excretion place. It was found that, when an absorbent sheet for pets is easily compressed and has a favorable cushioning property as in the embodiments, pets easily recognize that they are on an excretion place, and users are also able to use the absorbent sheet for pets at ease. 
     Although the disclosure has been described with respect to only a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that various other embodiments may be devised without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims. 
     According to one or more embodiments, it is possible to provide an absorbent sheet for pets that allows a purchaser to perceive the thickness of the absorbent sheet for pets and easily feel safe about the absorption performance. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
         
           10 ,  10 A,  10 B: absorbent sheet for pets 
           12 : TOP SHEET 
           14 : BACK SHEET 
           20 ,  20 A: absorbent body 
           30 : ABSORBENT CORE 
           33 : CORE WRAP 
           50 : TOP RECESSED PORTION 
           51 : TOP BOTTOM PORTION 
           60 : BACK RECESSED PORTION 
           61 : BACK BOTTOM PORTION 
           80 : DIAGRAM 
         IL: LINE 
         R 1 : FIRST REGION 
         R 2 : SECOND REGION 
         R 3 : THIRD REGION 
         R 4 : FOURTH REGION 
         R 5 : FIFTH REGION 
         R 55 : REGION 
         T: THICKNESS DIRECTION 
         T 1 : top SIDE 
         T 2 : BACK SIDE