Shorts, shorts sets and pads

Abstract

The present invention provides shorts that are less likely to leak out of the storage compartment in the gusset of the shorts, such as bodily fluids, and have higher waterproof performance. [Solution] The shorts 1 comprises a shorts body 10 and a storage section located in the gusset 2, configured to allow the insertion and removal of a pad. The storage section has an inner fabric on the inside facing the wearer's skin, a first outer fabric on the outside of the inner fabric which is a waterproof fabric that is less permeable to liquids than the inner fabric, and a connecting fabric which is connected to the shorts body 10 at the main body connection and connected to the first outer fabric at a storage opening located behind the front connection or in front of the rear connection, allowing the pad to be inserted into and removed from the storage section from between the storage opening and the inner fabric. The first outer fabric is folded back at the folded-over portion so that its inner surface faces away from the main body connection and towards the storage opening, and the folded-over portion is located between the main body connection and the storage opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to shorts having a storage part capable of storing a pad.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, shorts having a pocket for storing a pad such as an absorber in the crotch part, which are used as, for example, menstrual shorts or incontinence shorts, are known (see Patent Document 1). In such shorts, the pocket is waterproofed, and a waterproof function is provided to prevent the liquid in the pocket from leaking to the outside.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in shorts having a storage part capable of storing a pad as described above, it is required to make it difficult for the liquid in the storage part to leak from the storage part to the outside and to provide a higher waterproof function. For example, when the seam where the fabric constituting the pocket is sewn is exposed on the outside of the shorts, there is a possibility that the liquid in the pocket may leak to the outside through the needle holes or threads of the seam.

[0005] An object of this invention is to provide shorts in which the liquid in the storage part hardly leaks from the storage part to the outside and which have higher waterproof performance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above objective, according to one aspect of this invention, the shorts comprises a shorts body having a body section, and a storage section located in the gusset and configured to allow the insertion and removal of a pad. The storage section has an inner fabric on the inside facing the wearer's skin, a first outer fabric on the outside of the inner fabric which is a waterproof fabric that is less permeable to liquids than the inner fabric, and a connecting fabric which is connected to a part of the shorts body at a body connection and connected to the first outer fabric at a storage opening in front of or behind the body connection, allowing the pad to be inserted into and removed from the inside of the storage section from between the storage opening and the inner fabric. The first outer fabric is folded back at a folded-over portion so that its inner surface faces away from the body connection and towards the storage opening, and the folded-over portion is located between the body connection and the storage opening.

[0007] With this configuration, the connection between the first outer fabric and the connecting fabric is not exposed to the outside, making it difficult for liquid inside the container to leak out.

[0008] Furthermore, in the above scenario, the shorts are equipped with a second outer fabric, which is a waterproof fabric that is less permeable to liquids than the inner fabric, located in the gusset area, and the storage area is located inside the second outer fabric, with the first outer fabric and the second outer fabric overlapping from the inside to the outside of the gusset area.

[0009] This configuration, with the second outer fabric and the first outer fabric of the storage compartment overlapping, more effectively prevents liquid from leaking from the storage compartment to the outside of the shorts.

[0010] Furthermore, in the above-described scenario, the shorts body has a third outer fabric positioned outside the second outer fabric and constituting a part of the outer surface of the shorts.

[0011] This configuration allows the third outer fabric, which forms the outer surface of the shorts, to protect the second outer fabric while improving the overall durability and design of the shorts. For example, by using the same fabric as the main body as the third outer fabric, shorts with a storage compartment can be constructed to have the same appearance as shorts with a more conventional construction.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above-described scenario, the shorts have an elastic member positioned on the side edge of the gusset portion which forms part of the leg opening, and at the side edge, at least the second outer fabric and the elastic member are rolled inward and sewn together, and at least the seam of the side edge and the second outer fabric overlap from the inside to the outside of the gusset portion, so that the seam is not exposed to the outside.

[0013] With this configuration, the stretchable material positioned on the side edge of the gusset is wrapped and sewn inward to the second outer fabric, preventing the seams on the side edge from being exposed to the outside and thus preventing leakage through the needle holes.

[0014] Furthermore, in the above-described scenario, the shorts have a lateral fabric positioned between the side edge of the gusset portion, which forms part of the leg opening, and the side of the storage portion near the side edge, so as to be in contact with the wearer's skin. At the side edge, at least the second outer fabric is rolled inward and the second outer fabric and the lateral fabric are sewn together. From the inside to the outside of the gusset portion, at least the seam of the side edge and the second outer fabric overlap, so that the seam is not exposed to the outside.

[0015] This configuration allows the side fabrics placed on the sides of the storage compartment and the side edges of the gusset to be rolled inward and sewn, preventing the seams from being exposed on the outside and thus preventing leakage through needle holes. This reduces the risk of liquid leaking out of the storage compartment to the sides.

[0016] Furthermore, in the above-described scenario, the shorts are provided with a rising portion on the side of the inner fabric, which is positioned along the front-to-back direction so as to stand up toward the wearer's skin. The rising portion is sewn together with the side of the inner fabric, and at least the seam where the rising portion and the inner fabric are sewn together with the second outer fabric overlaps from the inside to the outside of the gusset, so that the seam is not exposed to the outside.

[0017] With such a configuration, by providing a rising portion on the side portion of the inner cloth of the accommodating portion, it is possible to prevent the liquid inside the accommodating portion from leaking horizontally.

[0018] Also, in the above aspect, the accommodating portion has a front connecting cloth that is connected to the front body portion of the short pants body at the front connecting portion and is connected to the first outer cloth at the front opening portion that is behind the front connecting portion, and a rear connecting cloth that is connected to the rear body portion of the short pants body at the rear connecting portion and is connected to the first outer cloth at the rear opening portion that is in front of the rear connecting portion as connecting cloths. A pad can be inserted into and removed from the inside of the accommodating portion from between the front opening portion and the inner cloth and between the rear opening portion and the inner cloth, respectively. The first outer cloth is folded back at the front folding portion so that the inner surfaces face each other rearward, and is folded back at the rear folding portion so that the inner surfaces face each other forward. The front opening portion is behind the front folding portion, and the rear opening portion is in front of the rear folding portion.

[0019] With such a configuration, the pad can be inserted into and removed from the accommodating portion from either the front opening portion or the rear opening portion, and it is possible to prevent the liquid inside the accommodating portion from leaking from each of the front side and the rear side. Therefore, convenience and waterproofness can be achieved simultaneously.

Effects of the Invention

[0020] According to these inventions, it is possible to provide short pants in which the liquid inside the accommodating portion is less likely to leak to the outside and which have higher waterproof performance.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] Front view of the short pants in this embodiment [Figure 2] Rear view of the short pants [Figure 3] View of the crotch portion of the short pants seen from the inside [Figure 4] View for explaining the internal structure of the accommodating portion [Figure 5] Side cross-sectional view passing through the front-rear direction of the crotch portion [Figure 6] View for explaining the internal structure of the crotch part [Figure 7] Side sectional view passing through the left - right direction of the crotch part [Figure 8] View for explaining a modified example of the storage part of the shorts according to the present embodiment [Figure 9] View of the crotch part of the shorts in the second embodiment as seen from the inside [Figure 10] Side sectional view passing through the front - back direction of the crotch part in the second embodiment [Figure 11] Side sectional view passing through the left - right direction of the crotch part in the second embodiment [Figure 12] View for explaining a modified example of the side - edge connection part of the shorts according to the second embodiment

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the shorts will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] In the following description regarding the configuration of the shorts, when assuming that the shorts are worn by the wearer in a normal manner, directions and orientations may be indicated. That is, the front side of the wearer is "front", the back side is "back", the right - hand side of the wearer is "right", the left - hand side is "left", the direction toward the wearer's skin is "in" (sometimes referred to as "up"), the side facing outward from the wearer's skin is "out" (sometimes referred to as "down"), etc., and the shape and positional relationship of each part can be described. However, these are defined only for the convenience of explanation and do not limit the orientation and posture during the use of the shorts. Also, expressions indicating directions and expressions indicating states such as horizontal, vertical, and orthogonal only show that they can be roughly understood in that way, and are not necessarily to be interpreted strictly as in the expression.

[0024] Also, in the following embodiments, the cloth is a sheet - like member formed by combining woven fabrics and fibers, but is not limited thereto. It may be a thin member that does not include fibrous materials, or something called a film or a membrane.

[0025] (Embodiment) The outline of this embodiment is as follows: The shorts have a compartment capable of accommodating a pad. On the outside of the compartment, a waterproof fabric is folded inward and positioned, and the seam between the waterproof fabric and the connecting fabric is located inside the folded portion of the waterproof fabric so as not to be exposed to the outside. The compartment is formed integrally with the shorts body on the inside of the shorts body.

[0026] In this embodiment, the shorts are basically symmetrical in shape.

[0027] Figure 1 is a front view of the shorts 1 in this embodiment. Figure 2 is a rear view of the shorts 1.

[0028] As shown in the figure, shorts 1, when viewed from the outside, have a general structure similar to that of ordinary shorts. That is, shorts 1 have a shorts body 10 which has a torso. The shorts body 10 has a gusset portion 2 between the left and right leg openings 4.

[0029] The gusset portion 2 is located in the crotch area of ​​the shorts 1 and covers the wearer's crotch. The gusset portion 2 has left and right side edges 3, which form part of the leg opening 4. The side edges 3 are the parts that follow the base of the wearer's legs.

[0030] In this embodiment, a string-like expandable member 17 is arranged around the periphery of the leg opening 4. The expandable member 17 is a member that expands and contracts in response to a pulling force, changing its length so that the leg opening 4 fits the leg that passes through it. The expandable member 17 is, for example, a rubber cord, but is not limited to this. The arrangement of the expandable member 17 is not limited to this, and the expandable member 17 may not be provided at all.

[0031] The shorts body 10 comprises a front panel 11 and a back panel 13. The front panel 11 covers the front of the wearer, and the back panel 13 covers the back of the wearer. In this embodiment, the front panel 11 and the back panel 13 are made of fabrics selected with consideration for feel against the skin and breathability, but are not limited to this.

[0032] In this embodiment, a portion of the outer surface of the shorts body 10 is made of a third outer fabric 15. The third outer fabric 15 is arranged on the outer surface of the gusset portion 2. As will be described later, the third outer fabric 15 is arranged on the outside of the second outer fabric 51. The third outer fabric 15 is made of the same material as, for example, the front body portion 11 and the back body portion 13, so that the shorts 1 have the same appearance as ordinary shorts. However, the material of the third outer fabric 15 is not limited to this and may be selected considering design, durability, etc. The material of the third outer fabric 15 may be different from the material of the front body portion 11 and the back body portion 13.

[0033] Figure 3 shows the gusset portion 2 of the shorts 1 as seen from the inside.

[0034] As shown in the figure, the shorts 1 have a storage compartment 8. The storage compartment 8 is located on the inside of the gusset 2, that is, in the area facing the wearer's crotch. As will be described later, the storage compartment 8 is configured to allow the insertion and removal of a pad 90. The storage compartment 8 may also be called a pocket.

[0035] The pad 90 can be an absorbent material capable of absorbing liquids (body fluids) such as menstrual blood or urine. The material or composition of the absorbent material is not limited. It may be washable and reusable, or it may be disposable. Furthermore, absorbent materials originally used for other purposes, such as hand towels or toilet paper, may be used as the pad 90. Also, the pad 90 is not limited to being able to absorb liquids. It may or may not be flexible.

[0036] The storage section 8 has an inner fabric 21 located in the center of the gusset section 2, and connecting fabrics 41 and 45 located at the front and back of the inner fabric 21. The connecting fabrics 41 and 45 may be considered as part of the storage section 8, or as fabrics located at the front and back of the storage section 8. Side fabrics 27 are located on the sides of the storage section 8 (towards the leg opening 4 and side edge 3). A rising section 61 is located between the storage section 8 and the side fabric 27. The storage section 8 and the side fabric 27 are connected at a side connecting section 88 that extends along the front-to-back direction. As will be described later, the side fabric 27 is connected to other parts of the shorts body 10 at a side edge connecting section 83 near the side edge 3.

[0037] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of the storage section 8. Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the gusset section 2 passing through the front-to-back direction.

[0038] Figure 4 shows the positional and connection relationships of the various fabric materials that make up the storage section 8. In Figure 4, the front of the page is the top (inside).

[0039] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the housing section 8 has an inner fabric 21, a first outer fabric 31, and connecting fabrics 41 and 45. As shown in the figures, in this embodiment, the front connecting fabric 41 is positioned in front of the inner fabric 21, and the rear connecting fabric 45 is positioned behind the inner fabric 21.

[0040] The inner fabric 21 is located on the inside, facing the wearer's skin. The inner fabric 21 is made of a material that allows liquids to pass through easily (is water-permeable), such as a mesh fabric. The inner fabric 21 can be described as a piece of fabric that extends in the front-to-back direction within the gusset portion 2. The front-to-back ends of the inner fabric 21 are not connected to any other components. The sides of the inner fabric 21 are connected to the side fabric 27.

[0041] The first outer fabric 31 is located outside the inner fabric 21. The first outer fabric 31 is a waterproof fabric that is less permeable to liquids than the inner fabric 21. For example, the first outer fabric 31 can be made of a waterproof polyurethane laminate material or a breathable waterproof material. The first outer fabric 31 may also be made of a material such as a resin film.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first outer fabric 31 can be described as a piece of fabric that extends front to back, surrounding the outer surface of the inner fabric 21, on the outside of the inner fabric 21. The front portion and the rear portion of the first outer fabric 31 are folded back so that the inner surfaces of the first outer fabric 31 face each other. The first outer fabric 31 is folded back at the front folded portion 32 so that the inner surfaces face each other towards the rear, and at the rear folded portion 36 so that the inner surfaces face each other towards the front. That is, the front portion of the first outer fabric 31 is folded back at the front folded portion 32. The rear end of the folded portion becomes the front opening portion 43 and is connected to the rear edge of the front connecting fabric 41. The rear portion of the first outer fabric 31 is folded back at the rear folded portion 36. The front end of the folded portion becomes the rear opening portion 47 and is connected to the front edge of the rear connecting fabric 45.

[0043] The front connecting fabric 41 is connected to the front body portion 11 of the shorts body 10 at the front connecting portion 44. The front connecting fabric 41 is connected to the first outer fabric 31 at the front opening portion 43, which is located behind the front connecting portion 44.

[0044] Similarly, the rear connecting fabric 45 is connected to the rear body portion 13 of the shorts body 10 at the rear connecting portion 48. The rear connecting fabric 45 is connected to the first outer fabric 31 at the rear opening portion 47, which is located in front of the rear connecting portion 48.

[0045] The front opening 43 is located behind the front folded-over portion 32, allowing the pad 90 to be inserted into and removed from the storage compartment 8 through the gap between the front opening 43 and the front edge of the inner fabric 21. The rear opening 47 is located in front of the rear folded-over portion 36, allowing the pad 90 to be inserted into and removed from the storage compartment 8 through the gap between the rear opening 47 and the rear edge of the inner fabric 21. These structures allow the pad 90 to be inserted into and removed from either the front opening 43 or the rear opening 47, increasing convenience for the wearer.

[0046] The front opening 43 is located behind the front folded-over portion 32, and the rear opening 47 is located in front of the rear folded-over portion 36. In other words, the openings 43 and 47 for inserting and removing the pad 90 into and out of the housing 8 are located closer to the front-to-rear center than the folded-over portions 32 and 36, making it less likely for liquid inside the housing 8 to leak out through the openings 43 and 47.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the front opening 43 is positioned to cover the front edge of the inner fabric 21 when viewed from the inside. The rear opening 47 is positioned to cover the rear edge of the inner fabric 21 when viewed from the inside. That is, the tip of the portion of the first outer fabric 31 that is folded back from the portion outside the inner fabric 21 is positioned above the inner fabric 21. In this way, the overlap portion between the first outer fabric 31 and the inner fabric 21 is provided at the openings 43 and 47, which further prevents liquid from leaking out of the storage compartment 8. In addition, the pad 90 is securely held inside the storage compartment 8.

[0048] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of the gusset portion 2. Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the gusset portion 2, passing through the left-right direction.

[0049] Figure 6 shows a cross-section of the gusset portion 2, viewed from the inside and slightly above, passing through the left-right direction.

[0050] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the housing section 8 has a space inside where the pad 90 can be housed, formed by sewing the first outer fabric 31 and the inner fabric 21 together at the side connecting sections 88 on both sides. The pad 90 is placed within the space enclosed by the side connecting sections 88 on both sides.

[0051] The rising portion 61 is positioned along the front-to-back direction on the side of the inner fabric 21 so as to rise towards the wearer's skin. The rising portion 61 can also be described as a rib-like portion. The rising portion 61 is, for example, a waterproof fabric that is less permeable to liquid than the inner fabric 21. The rising portion 61 may or may not be made of the same waterproof fabric as the first outer fabric 31. In this embodiment, the rising portion 61 is a piece of fabric folded into a strip along the longitudinal direction, with the folded portion facing upwards and positioned so as to minimize irritation when it comes into contact with the wearer's skin. The rising portion 61 is sewn together with the side of the inner fabric 21 and the side of the first outer fabric 31 at the side connection portion 88 and connected to the storage portion 8. By providing the rising portions 61 on both sides of the inner fabric 21 of the storage portion 8, liquid inside the storage portion 8 is prevented from leaking laterally through the gap between the gusset portion 2 and the skin.

[0052] The side fabric 27 is positioned between the side edge 3 of the gusset portion 2 and the side of the storage portion 8 that is closer to the side edge 3. The side of the side fabric 27 on the storage portion 8 side is connected to the storage portion 8. In this embodiment, the side fabric 27 is sewn together with the side of the inner fabric 21, the side of the first outer fabric 31, and the rising portion 61 at the side connection portion 88.

[0053] The front connecting fabric 41, the rear connecting fabric 45, and the side fabric 27 are each positioned to face the wearer's skin. Each part is made of the same material as, for example, the inner fabric 21, but is not limited to this. Each part may be made of a material that feels good against the skin and does not give a damp feeling.

[0054] Furthermore, at the side connection section 88, the side fabric 27 is sewn together with each piece of fabric so that the edges of each piece of fabric are covered by the side fabric 27. In other words, each piece of fabric is connected at the side connection section 88 so that the seam allowance does not come into contact with the skin. This prevents the edges of each piece of fabric from coming into contact with the wearer's skin, reducing skin irritation and preventing fraying of the fabric pieces.

[0055] The second outer fabric 51 is positioned in the gusset portion 2. The second outer fabric is a waterproof fabric that is less permeable to liquids than the inner fabric 21. The second outer fabric 51 may be a waterproof fabric made of the same material as the first outer fabric 31, or it may be different. As the second outer fabric 51, waterproof polyurethane laminate material or breathable waterproof material can be used. The second outer fabric 51 may also be made of a material such as a resin film.

[0056] The second outer fabric 51 is positioned overlapping the first outer fabric 31. The second outer fabric 51 is positioned inside the third outer fabric 15, overlapping the third outer fabric 15. In this embodiment, the front end of the second outer fabric 51 is connected to the front body portion 11 at the front connection portion 44. The rear end of the second outer fabric 51 is connected to the rear body portion 13 at the rear connection portion 48.

[0057] In this way, two waterproof fabrics, the first outer fabric 31 and the second outer fabric 51, are layered on top of each other from the inside to the outside of the gusset portion 2. Since the waterproof second outer fabric 51 is positioned on the outside of the storage portion 8 so as to overlap with the first outer fabric 31, it is possible to more effectively prevent liquid inside the storage portion 8 from leaking out to the outside of the shorts body 10. In this embodiment, as described above, at least the seam of the side connection portion 88 to which the rising portion 61 and the inner fabric 21 are sewn overlaps with the second outer fabric 51 from the inside to the outside of the gusset portion 2, so that the seam is not exposed to the outside. Therefore, even if liquid inside the storage portion 8 leaks out to the outside from, for example, the seam of the side connection portion 88, the second outer fabric 51 effectively prevents the leaked liquid from leaking out to the outside of the shorts 1.

[0058] The side edge portion 3 is provided with a side edge connecting portion 83 to which each piece of fabric of the gusset portion 2 is connected. In this embodiment, the side edge portion 3 is provided with a side edge connecting portion 83 to which at least the second outer fabric 51 and the stretchable member 17 are rolled up inward and sewn together. At the side edge connecting portion 83, the third outer fabric 15, the second outer fabric 51, and the side fabric 27 are connected to each other together with the stretchable member 17. More specifically, the third outer fabric 15, the second outer fabric 51, the side fabric 27, and the stretchable member 17 are sewn together to each other. In this embodiment, the third outer fabric 15, the second outer fabric 51, and the side fabric 27 are each rolled up inward at the side edge portion 3, so that their respective edges and the stretchable member 17 are not exposed to the outside, and are sewn together by an inside stitch. More specifically, the third outer fabric 15 and the second outer fabric 51 are rolled up together, and then the outer surfaces of the gusset portion 2, i.e., the outer surface of the third outer fabric 15 and the inner surface of the side fabric 27, are sewn together at the side edge connection portion 83 so that they face each other. However, it is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that at least the second outer fabric 51 is rolled up inward and the second outer fabric 51 and the side fabric 27 are sewn together.

[0059] In this embodiment, the structure of the side edge portion 3 prevents the side edge connection portion 83 from being exposed to the outside. That is, from the inside to the outside of the gusset portion 2, at least the seam of the side edge portion 3 and the second outer fabric 51 overlap, so that the seam is not exposed to the outside. Because the second outer fabric 51, which is rolled up inward, is located outside the seam of the side edge connection portion 83, liquid inside the second outer fabric 51 is more effectively prevented from leaking downward or sideways.

[0060] As described above, according to this embodiment, folded portions 32 and 36 are provided at the front and rear of the first outer fabric 31 of the storage section 8, and the front opening 43 and rear opening 47, which are the connection parts between the first outer fabric 31 and the connecting fabrics 41 and 45, are configured so that they are not exposed to the outside, making it difficult for liquid inside the storage section 8 to leak out of the storage section 8. Therefore, shorts 1 with high waterproofing functionality can be constructed. Furthermore, since the connection parts between the side edges of the first outer fabric 31 and other fabric pieces are also covered by at least the second outer fabric 51, it is possible to further prevent liquid inside the storage section 8 from leaking out of the storage section 8, thereby constructing shorts 1 with even higher waterproofing functionality.

[0061] The shorts according to this embodiment can use a reusable absorbent material instead of a disposable absorbent material, and can be offered as an environmentally friendly product.

[0062] In other words, conventional absorbent shorts were unsanitary because the absorbent parts soiled with bodily fluids could not be thoroughly washed or dried, leading to bacterial growth. Therefore, detachable absorbent shorts, where the absorbent core could be removed from the shorts, were developed. However, even with such shorts, a special absorbent core with waterproofing was required. In contrast, a single, cloth-like absorbent core, similar to a handkerchief, that could be easily removed from the shorts would be even easier to wash, dry, and hygienic. However, using such a non-waterproof absorbent core would require increasing the waterproofing of the shorts themselves. Even with waterproof materials, leakage can occur through needle holes or threads in seams. To prevent this, the seams had to be concealed. Besides seams and threads, the fabric also needed to diffuse moisture to prevent seepage, requiring various ingenious designs for the pocket that holds the absorbent core. In addition to waterproofing, features were also needed to allow for easy insertion and removal of the cloth-like absorbent core.

[0063] By using the highly waterproof shorts structure according to this embodiment, moisture can be retained within the shorts, eliminating the need for a dedicated absorbent material with waterproofing properties. Non-waterproof cloth, such as a handkerchief, can be used as the absorbent material, and it can be removed from the shorts and washed for repeated use. Removing and washing the absorbent material speeds up the drying of both the absorbent material and the shorts after washing. As a result, both the absorbent material and the shorts can be reused in a clean state at all times. Since the absorbent material can be reused, it contributes to the preservation of the global environment.

[0064] (modified version) Figure 8 illustrates a modified example of the storage compartment of the shorts 1 according to this embodiment.

[0065] Figure 8 shows the configuration of the modified housing section 108, using the same representation as Figure 7.

[0066] In other words, in this modified example, unlike the embodiment described above, a structure is used in which the gusset portion 2 is not provided with the side fabric 27 and the second outer fabric 51. That is, in the storage portion 108, the side edges of the inner fabric 21 and the first outer fabric 31 are connected at the side edge connection portion 83 together with the expandable member 17 placed on the side edge portion 3 of the gusset portion 2 and the rising portion 61 provided on the side edge portion 3. In this case as well, at the side edge connection portion 83, the first outer fabric 31 should be rolled up inward so that the edges of the other fabric pieces other than the third outer fabric 15 are located on the inside, and then sewn together with the other fabric pieces and the expandable member 17, etc.

[0067] In the storage section 108 having the structure described above, the seams on the side edges of the first outer fabric 31 are covered by the first outer fabric 31. Therefore, similar to the embodiment described above, liquid inside the storage section 8 is less likely to leak out of the storage section 8, and the waterproof function of the shorts 1 is enhanced.

[0068] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, components similar to those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted. The second embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment in that there is no inner fabric, and the surface of the pad placed in the housing is exposed to the inside.

[0069] Figure 9 is a view of the gusset portion 202 of shorts 201 according to an example of a second embodiment of the present invention, seen from the inside. Figure 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the gusset portion 202 of the shorts 201 passing through the front-to-back direction. Figure 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the gusset portion 202 passing through the left-to-right direction.

[0070] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the shorts 201 according to the second embodiment include a storage section 208. The storage section 208 is located in the gusset section 202. A pad 290 is housed in the storage section 208. Side fabrics 227 are located on both sides of the storage section 208. The side fabrics 227 are positioned between the side edge of the gusset section 202 and the side of the storage section 208 closest to the side edge, so as to be in contact with the wearer's skin.

[0071] In the second embodiment as well, on both the front and rear sides, the folded portion of the first outer fabric 31 is positioned between the main body connection portions 44, 48 and the second connection portions 243, 247. In the second embodiment, the second connection portions are the positions where the connecting fabrics 41, 45 are connected to the first outer fabric 31, and are located closer to the front-to-rear center than the main body connection portions. That is, the front second connection portion 243 is located behind the front connection portion 44, and the rear second connection portion 247 is located in front of the rear connection portion 48.

[0072] The storage section 208 has a first outer fabric 31 which is a waterproof fabric that is resistant to liquid penetration, and connecting fabrics 41 and 45. The front connecting fabric 41 is connected to the front body portion 11 of the shorts body 10 at the front connecting portion 44. The front connecting fabric 41 is connected to the first outer fabric 31 at the front second connecting portion 243. Similarly, the rear connecting fabric 45 is connected to the rear body portion 13 of the shorts body 10 at the rear connecting portion 48. The rear connecting fabric 45 is connected to the first outer fabric 31 at the rear second connecting portion 247.

[0073] In the second embodiment as well, the first outer fabric 31 is folded back at the front folded portion 32 so that its inner surfaces face each other towards the rear, away from the front connecting portion 44. The first outer fabric 31 is folded back at the rear folded portion 36 so that its inner surfaces face each other towards the front, away from the rear connecting portion 48. The front folded portion 32 is located between the front connecting portion 44 and the front second connecting portion 243. The rear folded portion 36 is located between the rear connecting portion 48 and the rear second connecting portion 247. That is, the front second connecting portion 243 is located behind the front folded portion 32, and the rear second connecting portion 247 is located in front of the rear folded portion 36. The folded portions 32 and 36 can also be described as the parts where the inner surfaces of the first outer fabric 31 face each other.

[0074] The ends of the pad 290 are positioned and held in the folded portions 32 and 36. When housed in the housing portion 208, the front end 291 of the pad 290 is located in the front folded portion 32 and held in place by the front folded portion 32. The rear end 295 of the pad 290 is located in the rear folded portion 36 and held in place by the rear folded portion 36. This configuration ensures that the pad 290 remains housed in the housing portion 208 and prevents it from falling out.

[0075] The pad 290 has an absorbent portion 297 containing an absorbent material. The absorbent portion 297 has the function of absorbing liquids such as menstrual blood and urine. The absorbent portion 297 is, for example, cloth, but is not limited to this, and may also be a sponge or a gel sheet. In this embodiment, the pad 290 has a strip-like shape overall. The length of the pad 290 in the front-rear direction is set to be greater than the distance between the front second connecting portion 243 and the rear second connecting portion 247. Due to this dimensional relationship, the pad 290 is securely held by the folded portions 32 and 36 while its ends 291 and 295 are positioned at the folded portions 32 and 36, and the state in which the pad 290 is housed in the housing portion 208 is reliably maintained.

[0076] In the second embodiment, unlike the embodiment described above, the housing section 208 is configured in which the inner fabric 21 that faces the wearer's skin is omitted. That is, the surface of the pad 290 placed in the housing section 208 is exposed to the inside, and the surface of the pad 290 comes into direct contact with the wearer's skin.

[0077] If the inner fabric 21 is omitted, the pad 290 may be housed in such a state that the absorbent portion 297 is wrapped in a fabric 298 that is more permeable to liquid than the first outer fabric 31. The fabric 298 is, for example, a thin, water-repellent fabric (water-repellent fabric), but is not limited to this. Preferably, the fabric 298 is positioned so as to cover the portion of the absorbent portion 297 that is in contact with the wearer's skin when the pad 290 is placed in the housing portion 208. The water-repellent fabric 298 suppresses liquid seepage from the periphery of the pad 290. The water-repellent fabric 298 improves the feel against the wearer's skin. However, if the fabric 298 is omitted, the pad 290 may consist only of the absorbent portion 297.

[0078] In addition, a configuration in which an inner cloth 21 is provided in the housing section 208 may be adopted, similar to the embodiment described above. When an inner cloth 21 is provided, the pad 290 can be inserted into and removed from the housing section 208 from between the front second connecting section 243 and the inner cloth 21. Furthermore, the pad 290 can also be inserted into and removed from the housing section 208 from between the rear second connecting section 247 and the inner cloth 21.

[0079] The seams between the first outer fabric 31 and the connecting fabrics 41 and 45, i.e., the second connecting parts 243 and 247, are located closer to the front-to-back center than the folded-over parts 32 and 36. The front second connecting part 243 is positioned behind the front folded-over part 32. The rear second connecting part 247 is positioned in front of the rear folded-over part 36. In other words, the folded-over parts 32 and 36 function as a weir to prevent liquid leakage and also increase the liquid capacity of the storage area.

[0080] As shown in Figure 11, the first outer fabric 31 is rolled up inward at the side of the housing 208. The first outer fabric 31 is sewn together with the side fabric 227. The first outer fabric 31 and the side fabric 227 are connected to each other at the side connection portion 288. The side connection portion 288 is the part where the first outer fabric 31 and the side fabric 227 are rolled up inward and sewn together. At the side connection portion 288, the edge of the first outer fabric 31 and the edge of the side fabric 227 are sewn to each other. In this embodiment, at least the first outer fabric 31 is rolled up inward and the side connection portion 288 is provided where the first outer fabric 31 and the side fabric 227 are sewn to each other. The seam of the side connection portion 288 is covered by the first outer fabric 31. An expandable member 17 is placed at the side connection portion 288. The expandable member 17 is sewn together with the first outer fabric 31 and the side fabric 227 at the side connection portion 288. A rising portion 61 is also positioned at the side connection portion 288. The rising portion 61 has the function of preventing liquid in the storage portion 208 from leaking laterally. However, the expandable member 17 may be omitted in the configuration.

[0081] In the second embodiment as well, a second outer fabric 51 is provided. The second outer fabric 51 is positioned outside the storage portion 208 in the gusset portion 202. The second outer fabric 51 is made of the same material as, for example, the front body portion 11 and the back body portion 13, so that the shorts 201 have the same appearance as ordinary shorts. On the other hand, the side fabric 227 is a waterproof fabric that is resistant to liquid penetration.

[0082] The second outer fabric 51 and the side fabric 227 are sewn to each other by internal stitching at the side edge connecting portion 283 provided on the side edge portion 3. This structure prevents the seams of the side edge connecting portion 283 from being exposed on the outside. However, the sewing method is not limited to this.

[0083] As described above, in the second embodiment, the ends of the pad 290 housed in the housing section 208 can be positioned at the folded-over sections 32 and 36. By positioning and holding the ends of the pad 290 at the folded-over sections 32 and 36, the state in which the pad 290 is housed in the housing section 208 is maintained. Since the liquid inside the housing section 208 is blocked by the folded-over sections 32 and 36, it is possible to prevent the liquid inside the housing section from leaking out to the outside, thereby achieving high waterproof performance while simplifying the structure. In addition, the pad 290 can be easily placed in and removed from the housing section 208.

[0084] Furthermore, the shorts 201 according to the second embodiment may be provided as a shorts set in combination with the pad 290. That is, the shorts set comprises the shorts 201 and the pad 290 described above. If the length of the pad 290 in the front-to-back direction is set to be greater than the distance between the front second connecting portion 243 and the rear second connecting portion 247, the state in which the pad 290 is housed in the housing portion 208 will be reliably maintained. However, the length of the pad 290 in the front-to-back direction may be less than or equal to the distance between the front second connecting portion 243 and the rear second connecting portion 247. In this case, the pad 290 may be fixed to the housing portion 208 with adhesive tape or the like.

[0085] (Modified version of the second embodiment) Figure 12 illustrates a modified example of the side edge connection portion 283 of the shorts 201 according to the second embodiment.

[0086] Figure 12 shows the configuration of the modified shorts 201 in the same display manner as Figure 11.

[0087] In other words, in this modified example, unlike the second embodiment described above, at the side edge connection portion 283 of the gusset portion 202, the side fabric 227 is folded inward together with the second outer fabric 51 and then sewn together with the stretchable member 17, such that the edges of the other fabric pieces other than the second outer fabric 51 are located on the inside. This structure prevents the stretchable member 17 of the side edge connection portion 283 from being exposed on the outside. The sewing method is not limited to this.

[0088] In Figure 12, the expandable member 17 that was provided at the side connection portion 288 in the example of Figure 11 is omitted. However, the expandable member 17 may be provided not only at the side edge connection portion 283 but also at the side connection portion 288.

[0089] (Supplementary notes on the structure) According to another aspect of this invention, the shorts comprises a shorts body having a bodice and a storage portion located in the gusset and containing a pad, the storage portion having a first outer fabric and a connecting fabric connected to a part of the shorts body at a body connection portion and connected to the first outer fabric at a second connection portion located in front of or behind the body connection portion, the first outer fabric being folded back at a folded portion such that its inner surfaces face each other in a direction away from the body connection portion, and the folded portion is located between the body connection portion and the second connection portion.

[0090] This configuration allows the liquid inside the container to be blocked at the folded section, thereby increasing the amount of liquid that can be stored in the container.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above-described scenario, the end of the pad housed in the housing portion may be positioned in the folded portion.

[0092] With this configuration, by positioning the end of the pad at the folded-over section, the liquid inside the container can be blocked at the folded-over section, effectively preventing liquid leakage.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above scenario, the storage section may have an inner fabric on the inside facing the wearer's skin, and the first outer fabric is on the outside of the inner fabric and is a waterproof fabric that is less permeable to liquids than the inner fabric, and the pad may be able to be inserted into and removed from the inside of the storage section from between the second connection section and the inner fabric.

[0094] This configuration allows for easy insertion and removal of the pad from between the second connection point and the inner fabric, even when an inner fabric is provided, thus improving convenience.

[0095] Furthermore, in the above-described scenario, the shorts include a second outer fabric positioned outside the storage area at the gusset, and a side fabric positioned between the side edge of the gusset, which forms part of the leg opening, and the side of the storage area near the side edge, so as to face the wearer's skin. The first outer fabric and the side fabric are waterproof fabrics that are impermeable to liquids, and a side connection is provided at the side of the storage area where at least the first outer fabric is rolled inward and the first outer fabric and the side fabric are sewn together.

[0096] With this configuration, by rolling the first outer fabric inward and sewing it at the side of the storage section, the seams at the side connection points are not exposed to the outside, thus preventing leakage through the needle holes.

[0097] Furthermore, according to yet another aspect of this invention, the shorts set comprises any of the above-mentioned shorts and a pad having an absorbent portion that is housed in a housing portion of the shorts, the housing portion having a front connecting cloth which is connected to the shorts body at a front body connecting portion and connected to a first outer cloth at a front second connecting portion so as to form a front fold portion, and a rear connecting cloth which is connected to the shorts body at a rear body connecting portion and connected to a first outer cloth at a rear second connecting portion so as to form a rear fold portion, the length of the pad in the front-to-back direction is greater than the distance between the front second connecting portion and the rear second connecting portion, the front end of the pad housed in the housing portion is positioned at the front fold portion and the rear end of the pad is positioned at the rear fold portion.

[0098] With this configuration, by setting the dimensions of the pad to be larger than the distance between the second connection points, the edges of the pad are securely positioned and held in place at the folded-over section, and the pad remains housed in the housing. This effectively prevents liquid leakage.

[0099] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned situation, the absorbent portion of the pad may be covered with a fabric that is more permeable to liquid than the first outer fabric, at least in the state where it is placed in the storage portion, in the portion that is in contact with the wearer's skin of the shorts.

[0100] This configuration ensures liquid absorption while improving comfort against the wearer's skin, as the absorbent portion is covered with a fabric that allows liquids to pass through easily.

[0101] (others) The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible, which are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0102] For example, the configuration is not limited to the embodiment described above, and some components or functions may be omitted for each component of the embodiment described above. The configurations of each of the embodiments and their variations described above may be combined with other embodiments and variations.

[0103] In the storage section, only one of either the front opening (or the front second connection) or the rear opening (or the rear second connection) may be provided. In this case, the pad will be inserted and removed from one of the openings (the second connection), but the structure will be simplified. In this case, the end of the first outer fabric on the side without the opening should be folded inward at the fold-over section and then connected to the inner fabric or the like at an appropriate position.

[0104] The distinction between the front and back sections of the shorts is made solely for explanatory purposes, and does not concern the specific shape, material, or other aspects of the shorts themselves. While various shapes are possible for the shorts and leg openings, the front part of the gusset is referred to as the front section, the rear part as the back section, and the side edges of the gusset form part of the leg opening through which the wearer's legs pass. Other aspects of the shorts themselves are not considered.

[0105] Shorts are not limited to women's menstrual panties or incontinence panties. Shorts may also be various types of underwear that need to absorb fluids from the groin area, such as training pants for infants or incontinence pants for men. Furthermore, shorts are not limited to underwear worn by humans; they may also be used as absorbent pants for pets. [Industrial applicability]

[0106] As described above, the shorts according to the present invention have the effect of making it difficult for liquid inside the storage compartment to leak out of the storage compartment, and are useful as shorts and the like. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 1,201 Shorts 2,202 Machibu 3 Side edges 4. Foot opening 8,108,208 storage units 10 Shorts 11 Front panel 13. Back panel 15 Third outer cloth 17. Expandable member 21 Inner cloth 27,227 Side cloth 31 First outer cloth 32 Front folded section 36 Rear folded section 41 Front connection cloth 43 Front opening (storage opening) 44 Front connection part (main unit connection part) 45 Rear connecting cloth 47 Rear opening (storage opening) 48 Rear connection part (main unit connection part) 51 Second outer fabric 61. Rising section 83,283 Side edge connection section 88 Side connection section 90,290 pads 243 Front second connection section 247 Rear second connection section 288 Side connection section 291 Front end of pad 295 Rear end of pad 297 Water absorption part 298 Fabric

Claims

1. The shorts consist of a bodice and It is equipped with a storage compartment located in the gusset, which is configured to allow the pad to be inserted and removed, The aforementioned housing section is The inner fabric that is in contact with the wearer's skin, A first outer fabric, which is a waterproof fabric located outside the inner fabric and is less permeable to liquids than the inner fabric, It has a connecting fabric that is connected to a part of the main body of the shorts at the main body connection part, and connected to the first outer fabric at a receiving opening that is in front of or behind the main body connection part, The pad can be inserted into and removed from the storage compartment through the gap between the storage opening and the inner fabric. The first outer fabric is folded back at the folded portion such that the inner surface faces the main body connection portion and moves toward the housing opening portion. Shorts in which the folded portion is located between the main body connection portion and the storage opening portion.

2. The gusset section is equipped with a second outer fabric, which is a waterproof fabric that is less permeable to liquids than the inner fabric, The aforementioned storage section is located inside the second outer fabric, The shorts according to claim 1, wherein the first outer fabric and the second outer fabric overlap from the inside to the outside of the gusset.

3. The shorts according to claim 2, wherein the shorts body has a third outer fabric that is positioned outside the second outer fabric and constitutes a part of the outer surface of the shorts.

4. It has an expandable member positioned on the side edge of the gusset that forms part of the leg opening, At the side edge, at least the second outer fabric and the stretchable member are rolled up inward and sewn together. The shorts according to claim 2, wherein, from the inside to the outside of the gusset portion, at least the seam of the side edge and the second outer fabric overlap, and the seam is configured not to be exposed to the outside.

5. Between the side edge of the gusset portion which forms part of the leg opening and the side of the storage portion near the side edge, there is a side fabric positioned to face the wearer's skin. At the side edge, at least the second outer fabric is rolled up inward and the second outer fabric and the side fabric are sewn together. The shorts according to claim 2, wherein, from the inside to the outside of the gusset portion, at least the seam of the side edge and the second outer fabric overlap, and the seam is configured not to be exposed to the outside.

6. The inner fabric has a raised portion on the side that is positioned along the front-to-back direction so as to stand up toward the wearer's skin, The aforementioned rising portion is sewn together with the side of the inner fabric. The shorts according to claim 2, wherein, from the inside to the outside of the gusset portion, at least the seam to which the rising portion and the inner fabric are sewn overlaps with the second outer fabric, and the seam is configured not to be exposed to the outside.

7. The aforementioned housing section is A front connecting fabric that is connected to the front body of the shorts at the front connecting portion and connected to the first outer fabric at the front opening located behind the front connecting portion, The connecting fabric includes a rear connecting fabric which is connected to the back body portion of the shorts body at the rear connecting portion and connected to the first outer fabric at the rear opening portion which is located in front of the rear connecting portion, The pad can be inserted into and removed from the interior of the storage compartment through the gap between the front opening and the inner fabric, and between the rear opening and the inner fabric. The first outer fabric is folded back at the front folded portion so that the inner surfaces face each other towards the rear, and at the rear folded portion so that the inner surfaces face each other towards the front. The aforementioned front opening is located behind the aforementioned front folded portion. The shorts according to claim 1, wherein the rear opening is located in front of the rear folded portion.

8. The shorts consist of a bodice and It is located in the gusset and has a storage compartment in which a pad is housed, The aforementioned housing section is First outer fabric and It has a connecting fabric that is connected to a part of the main body of the shorts at the main body connection part, and connected to the first outer fabric at a second connection part that is in front of or behind the main body connection part, The first outer fabric is folded back at the folded portion such that the inner surfaces face each other in a direction away from the main body connection portion. Shorts in which the folded portion is located between the main body connection portion and the second connection portion.

9. The shorts according to claim 8, wherein the end of the pad housed in the housing portion is positioned in the folded portion.

10. The aforementioned storage compartment has an inner fabric that is on the inside and in contact with the wearer's skin. The first outer fabric is located outside the inner fabric and is a waterproof fabric that is less permeable to liquids than the inner fabric. The shorts according to claim 8, wherein the pad can be inserted into and removed from the storage portion through the gap between the second connecting portion and the inner fabric.

11. In the gusset portion, a second outer fabric is positioned outside the storage portion, Between the side edge of the gusset portion which forms part of the leg opening and the side of the storage portion on the side closest to the side edge, there is a side piece of fabric positioned to face the wearer's skin. The first outer fabric and the side fabric are waterproof fabrics that are resistant to liquid penetration. The shorts according to claim 8, wherein at least the first outer fabric is rolled up inward and a side connecting portion is provided on the side of the housing portion, where the first outer fabric and the side fabric are sewn together.

12. Shorts according to any one of claims 8 to 11, The shorts include a pad which contains an absorbent part that has water-absorbing properties and is housed in the storage part of the shorts, The aforementioned housing section is A front connecting fabric is connected to the shorts body at the front main body connection portion and is connected to the first outer fabric at the front second connection portion so that the front folded portion is formed, It has a rear connecting fabric that is connected to the main body of the shorts at the rear main body connecting portion and connected to the first outer fabric at the rear second connecting portion so that the rear folded portion is formed, The length of the pad in the front-rear direction is greater than the distance between the front second connecting portion and the rear second connecting portion. A set of shorts in which the front end of the pad housed in the aforementioned housing is positioned in the front folded portion, and the rear end of the pad is positioned in the rear folded portion.

13. A pad used in the shorts set according to claim 12, The absorbent portion is a pad in which, at least when positioned in the receiving portion, the portion of the shorts that comes into contact with the wearer's skin is covered with a fabric that is more permeable to liquid than the first outer fabric.

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