Items worn

Abstract

This helps to prevent a decrease in the fit around the pet's legs. [Solution] One form of the wearable article is fitted to cover the pet from the ventral side through the crotch to the dorsal side, and has a tail hole for the pet's tail, and an absorbent article containing an absorbent material is attached to it. The wearable article has a ventral portion that is located ventrally relative to the tail hole and is positioned opposite the pet's abdomen when worn. The ventral portion has a central portion that extends in the front-to-back direction to which the absorbent article is attached, and a first leg portion that extends in the front-to-back direction and extends outward in the torso direction relative to the central portion, and is positioned to follow the circumference of the pet's legs when worn. The first leg portion includes a first inclined stretchable region in which the ease of stretching is greatest in a first inclined direction that is inclined in both the torso direction and the front-to-back direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an article of clothing.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, pet diapers have been known for use in disposing of excrement of pets such as dogs and cats (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This pet diaper has a pant-type form in which a belly contact portion and a back contact portion are connected via a buttocks contact portion, and the belly contact portion and the back contact portion are connected at a waist portion. An opening for passing the pet's tail is formed on the buttocks contact portion side. A pet liner is attached inside this pet diaper for absorbing urine and the like. The pet liner includes a main body portion having a front sheet with water permeability, a back sheet with water impermeability, and an absorber interposed between both sheets, and is adhered to the inside of the pet diaper via an adhesive portion provided on the back side.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The pet diaper (article of clothing) as described in Patent Document 1 has a leg-around portion arranged along the pet's legs. When the pet walks, runs, etc., the pet's legs involve complex movements including movements in various directions. Therefore, the leg-around portion may not be able to sufficiently follow such complex movements, and there is a risk that the fit to the pet's legs will deteriorate.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an article of clothing that can suppress a decrease in the fit to the pet's legs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One form of the wearable article is fitted to cover the pet from the ventral side through the crotch to the dorsal side, and has a tail hole for the pet's tail, and an absorbent article containing an absorbent material is attached to it. The wearable article has a circumferential direction that follows the circumference of the pet's body when the article is worn on the pet, and a front-to-back direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction, and includes a ventral portion that is located ventrally relative to the tail hole and is positioned opposite the pet's abdomen when worn. The ventral portion has a central portion that extends in the front-to-back direction to which the absorbent article is attached, and a first leg portion that extends in the front-to-back direction, extends outward from the central portion in the circumferential direction, and is positioned to follow the circumference of the pet's legs when worn. The first leg portion includes a first inclined stretchable region in which the ease of stretching is greatest in a first inclined direction that is inclined in both the circumferential direction and the front-to-back direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a wearable item that can suppress a decrease in the fit around a pet's legs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a set of wearable items according to one embodiment attached to a pet P. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view of the wearable items included in the wearable item set shown in Figure 1, as seen from the skin-facing side. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view of the garment shown in Figure 2, seen from the side not touching the skin. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the VV line in Figure 2. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an enlarged plan view of the skin-facing fabric material. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line VII-VII in Figure 2. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a plan view of the central part of the ventral region and the pair of leg sections as seen from the skin side, in an unsewn state. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along the line IX-IX in Figure 2. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a plan view of the ventral and dorsal portions of the unsewn garment, seen from the skin side. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the garment laid flat on a surface with the skin-facing side facing the surface. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view along the line XII-XII in Figure 2. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a plan view from the skin side showing the absorbent article attached to a garment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a plan view of an absorbent material as seen from the non-skin side. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the engagement state between the engagement portion of the wearable item and the engagement portion of the absorbent item. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a plan view of the central part of the ventral side and the pair of leg sections of the wearable item according to the first modified example, as seen from the skin side, in an unsewn state. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a plan view of the central part of the ventral side and the pair of leg sections of the wearable item according to the second modified example, as seen from the skin side, in an unsewn state. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a plan view of the central part of the ventral side and the pair of leg sections of the wearable item according to the third modified example, as seen from the skin side, in an unsewn state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] This specification and the accompanying drawings will make at least the following aspects clear.

[0010] [1] It is a wearable article that is worn so as to cover from the ventral side of a pet through the groin to the dorsal side, with a tail hole formed for passing through the pet's tail, and to which an absorbent article containing an absorber is attached. In the worn state where the wearable article is worn on the pet, it has a circumferential direction along the pet's torso and a front-back direction orthogonal to the circumferential direction. It includes a ventral part that is located on the ventral side with respect to the tail hole and is disposed facing the pet's abdomen in the worn state. The ventral part has a central part that extends in the front-back direction and to which the absorbent article is attached, and a first leg-around part that extends in the front-back direction, extends outward in the circumferential direction with respect to the central part, and is disposed along the pet's leg in the worn state. The first leg-around part includes a first inclined expansion / contraction region where the ease of extension is maximum in a first inclined direction that is inclined in both the circumferential direction and the front-back direction, the wearable article.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the first leg-around part includes a first inclined expansion / contraction region where the ease of extension is maximum in a first inclined direction that is inclined in both the circumferential direction and the front-back direction. The pet's leg area is a part where complex movements including components in the front-back direction and the circumferential direction are likely to occur along with walking and posture changes. In the above configuration, since the first leg-around part is most easily expandable and contractible in the first inclined direction, it is also easily expandable and contractible with respect to both the circumferential direction and the front-back direction, which are components of the first inclined direction. As a result, it can flexibly follow the complex movements of the pet's leg area. As a result, the fit to the pet's leg area can be improved.

[0012] [2] The ventral part further has a second leg-around part that extends in the front-back direction. The first leg-around part and the second leg-around part extend outward on both sides in the circumferential direction with respect to the central part and are disposed along both legs of the pet in the worn state. The second leg-around part includes a second inclined expansion / contraction region where the ease of extension is maximum in a second inclined direction that is inclined in both the circumferential direction and the front-back direction, the wearable article according to [1].

[0013] The above configuration allows for flexible movement to follow the complex movements of the pet's legs. This effectively improves the fit around the pet's legs.

[0014] [3] The wearable article according to [2], wherein the first and second inclination directions are inclined to move closer to each other as they move toward the ventral side.

[0015] According to the above configuration, when the wearable item is attached, the contractile force of the first and second leg sections acts to pull up the center of the ventral side from the crotch of the pet. Therefore, the contractile force of the first and second leg sections can effectively support the force that would cause the absorbent item to sag due to the weight of the excrement.

[0016] [4] The first leg portion includes a torso stretching region in which the ease of stretching is greatest in the torso direction, The wearable article according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the waist stretch region is located more ventrally than the first inclined stretch region.

[0017] Normally, a pet's abdomen expands and contracts significantly due to changes in posture, breathing, etc. With the above configuration, the torso expansion area located on the ventral side is relatively more flexible in the torso direction, so it can flexibly follow such changes in the torso and improve the fit to the pet's abdomen.

[0018] [5] The central portion has an outer edge located on the side of the first leg portion in the direction of the torso, The first leg portion has an inner edge located on the central side in the direction of the torso, In an unsewn state, the first leg portion is constructed of a fabric that exhibits maximum stretchability in the direction of the torso, and the inner edge is formed in a convex shape toward the central part. A wearable article according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the outer edge and the inner edge are sewn together such that the first inclined extension region is formed in the first leg circumference portion.

[0019] According to the above configuration, by sewing the inner edge, which is formed in a convex shape toward the center, to the outer edge, the fabric is pulled together at the seam, creating a natural bulge in the flat fabric. This bulge created by the sewing results in a three-dimensional shape that conforms to the pet's legs. As a result, the fit around the pet's legs is effectively improved. Furthermore, even in the leg area, which is normally prone to stretching in the direction of the body, sewing it at the angle described above allows it to exhibit elasticity in the first inclined direction when worn.

[0020] [Embodiment] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used for identical or equivalent elements, and redundant explanations will be omitted. The drawings may be simplified or exaggerated in part for ease of understanding, and the dimensional ratios are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a wearable item set 200 according to one embodiment attached to a pet P. Figure 2 is a plan view of the wearable item 1 included in the wearable item set 200 of Figure 1, as seen from the skin side Z1. Figure 3 is a plan view of the wearable item 1 of Figure 2, as seen from the non-skin side Z2.

[0022] The wearable item set 200 is a diaper to be attached to pet P. In this specification, “pet” broadly includes vertebrates and invertebrates, and typically includes companion animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and hamsters. In this embodiment, the wearable item 1 is intended for dogs.

[0023] The wearable item set 200 comprises an absorbent item 100 (see Figures 13 and 14), described below, and a wearable item 1 to which the absorbent item 100 is attached. Figures 2 and 3 show the wearable item 1 without the absorbent item 100 attached. Hereafter, the state in which the absorbent item 100 is attached to the wearable item 1 will be referred to as the "attached state." Furthermore, the state in which the wearable item 1 in the attached state is worn by the pet P will be referred to as the "wearing state."

[0024] In the “wearable item set” of this disclosure, the wearable item 1 and absorbent item 100 constituting the wearable item set may be packaged and sold in the same package, or they may be sold separately as different products. Furthermore, each of the wearable item 1 and absorbent item 100 used in combination may be marked with the same (or information that evokes the same subject) labeling information (e.g., brand name or logo) to make it clear that they are used in combination with each other.

[0025] In this specification, the skin-facing side Z1 is the side of the wearable article 1 that faces the pet's skin when worn by the pet P. The non-skin-facing side Z2 is the side that faces away from the pet P's skin when worn. In this specification, "stretchability" means the amount of elongation that occurs when a predetermined load is applied. High stretchability means that it stretches more for the same load, and low stretchability means that it stretches less for the same load.

[0026] Wearable item 1 is an item that is attached to cover the pet P from its ventral side, through its crotch, to its dorsal side. In other words, wearable item 1 covers the abdomen, crotch, and back of pet P. Wearable item 1 has a tail hole 1h formed therein. The tail hole 1h is configured to allow the tail Pb of pet P to pass through. Wearable item 1 comprises a ventral part 2 that is positioned opposite the abdomen of pet P when worn, and a dorsal part 3 that is positioned opposite the back of pet P when worn.

[0027] (Details of the ventral side) The ventral portion 2 has a circumferential direction D1 that follows the circumference of the pet P when worn, and an anterior-posterior direction D2 that is perpendicular to the circumferential direction D1. That is, the ventral portion 2 extends in the circumferential direction D1 and the anterior-posterior direction D2. For convenience, in this specification, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, when the wearable article 1 is opened and placed naturally on a horizontal plane without being excessively pressed, the direction parallel to the anterior-posterior direction D2 is represented as the Y-axis direction, the direction parallel to the circumferential direction D1 is represented as the X-axis direction, and the direction parallel to the thickness direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction D1 and the anterior-posterior direction D2 is represented as the Z-axis direction. The direction from the dorsal portion 3 toward the ventral portion 2 along the anterior-posterior direction D2 corresponds to the ventral side of the pet P. The direction from the ventral portion 2 toward the dorsal portion 3 along the anterior-posterior direction D2 corresponds to the dorsal side of the pet P.

[0028] The ventral portion 2 is located ventrally relative to the caudal opening 1h and is formed in a roughly rectangular shape that is elongated in the anterior-posterior direction D2. The ventral portion 2 has a ventral edge 2f located on the ventral side, a dorsal edge 2r located on the dorsal side, and a pair of outer edges 2s that connect both ends of the ventral edge 2f and both ends of the dorsal edge 2r, respectively. The ventral edge 2f and the dorsal edge 2r extend in the circumferential direction D1, and the pair of outer edges 2s extend in the anterior-posterior direction D2.

[0029] The components of the ventral portion 2 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along line VV in Figure 2. The ventral portion 2 has a central portion 4 and a pair of leg portions 5.

[0030] The central portion 4 is the central part of the ventral portion 2 in the girth direction D1, and covers most of the abdomen of the pet P when worn. The central portion 4 extends in the girth direction D1 and the front-to-back direction D2, and is formed in a long, roughly rectangular shape in the front-to-back direction D2. An absorbent article 100 is attached to the central portion 4.

[0031] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the central portion 4 has a ventral edge 4f located on the ventral side, a dorsal edge 4r located on the dorsal side, and a pair of outer edges 4s connecting both ends of the ventral edge 4f and both ends of the dorsal edge 4r, respectively. The ventral edge 4f constitutes the central portion of the ventral edge 2f (Figure 2) of the ventral portion 2, and the dorsal edge 4r constitutes the central portion of the dorsal edge 2r of the ventral portion 2. The outer edges 4s are located on the leg portion 5 side in the girth direction D1.

[0032] The central section 4 has a skin-facing fabric material 41 and a non-skin-facing fabric material 42. The skin-facing fabric material 41 is positioned on the skin-facing side Z1 than the non-skin-facing fabric material 42, and the absorbent article 100 is placed thereon.

[0033] The skin-facing fabric material 41 has a mesh structure with multiple openings 41h formed therein. The multiple openings 41h are arranged, for example, in a staggered pattern. The multiple openings 41h may also be arranged in a grid pattern.

[0034] Figure 6 is an enlarged plan view of the skin-facing fabric material 41. The opening 41h has an elongated shape in the front-to-back direction D2. "An elongated shape in the front-to-back direction D2" means that the length of the opening 41h in the front-to-back direction D2 is greater than the length in the waist direction D1. The shape of the opening 41h may be, for example, an oval, an ellipse, or a rectangle.

[0035] The skin-facing fabric 41 is made of synthetic fibers such as polyester, polypropylene, and nylon. The non-skin-facing fabric 42 is made of stretchable fabrics such as polyester, cotton, polyurethane, nylon, rayon, linen, silk, acetate, and blends thereof.

[0036] Refer to Figure 4 to explain the folded structure of the central part 4.

[0037] The central portion 4 has a folded portion formed by folding the fabric material at its ventral end. Specifically, the skin-facing fabric material 41 and the non-skin-facing fabric material 42 are sewn together in a folded state at their ventral ends. The skin-facing fabric material 41 has a folded portion 411 (second ventral folded portion) formed by folding the fabric material towards the skin side Z1 at its ventral end. The fold line L11 of the folded portion 411 corresponds to the ventral edge 41f of the skin-facing fabric material 41. The non-skin-facing fabric material 42 has a folded portion 421 (first ventral folded portion) formed by folding the fabric material towards the skin side Z1 at its ventral end. The fold line L21 of the folded portion 421 corresponds to the ventral edge 42f of the non-skin-facing fabric material 42.

[0038] A portion of the ventral side of the skin-facing fabric 41 is positioned inside the folded portion 421 of the non-skin-facing fabric 42. Specifically, the folded portion 411 of the skin-facing fabric 41 is positioned inside the folded portion 421 of the non-skin-facing fabric 42. The folded portions 411 and 421 are sewn to the unfolded portions (the portions opposite to the folded portions 411 and 421) of the skin-facing fabric 41 and the non-skin-facing fabric 42.

[0039] The central portion 4 has a folded portion formed by folding the fabric material at the back end. Specifically, the skin-facing fabric material 41 and the non-skin-facing fabric material 42 are sewn together in a folded state at the back end. The skin-facing fabric material 41 has a folded portion 412 (second back folded portion) formed by folding the fabric material towards the skin side Z1 at the back end. The fold line L12 of the folded portion 412 corresponds to the back edge 41r of the skin-facing fabric material 41. The non-skin-facing fabric material 42 has a folded portion 422 (first back folded portion) formed by folding the fabric material towards the skin side Z1 at the back end. The fold line L22 of the folded portion 422 corresponds to the back edge 42r of the non-skin-facing fabric material 42.

[0040] A portion of the back side of the skin-facing fabric 41 is positioned inside the folded portion 422 of the non-skin-facing fabric 42. Specifically, the folded portion 412 of the skin-facing fabric 41 is positioned inside the folded portion 422 of the non-skin-facing fabric 42. The folded portions 412 and 422 are sewn to the unfolded portions (the portions facing the folded portions 412 and 422) of the skin-facing fabric 41 and the non-skin-facing fabric 42.

[0041] In this embodiment, the ventral edge 42f of the non-skin-facing fabric material 42 constitutes the ventral edge 4f of the central portion 4, and the dorsal edge 42r of the non-skin-facing fabric material 42 constitutes the dorsal edge 4r of the central portion 4. Also, as shown in Figure 5, when viewed from the skin-facing side Z1, the pair of outer edges 41s of the skin-facing fabric material 41 coincide with the pair of outer edges 42s of the non-skin-facing fabric material 42. The outer edges 41s and 42s constitute the outer edge 4s of the central portion 4.

[0042] The leg assembly 5 will be described with reference to Figures 2, 3, 5, and 7. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line VII-VII in Figure 2.

[0043] The pair of leg sections 5 extend in the front-rear direction D2 and are formed to extend outward on both sides in the torso direction D1 relative to the central section 4. That is, the pair of leg sections 5 are on both sides of the ventral section 2 in the torso direction D1. The pair of leg sections 5 are positioned to follow the contours of the pet's legs when worn. The central section 4 and the pair of leg sections 5 are formed separately from each other. That is, the central section 4, one leg section 5, and the other leg section 5 are formed separately from each other.

[0044] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, each leg portion 5 has a ventral edge 5f located on the ventral side, a dorsal edge 5r located on the dorsal side, an outer edge 5s1 connecting one end of the ventral edge 5f and one end of the dorsal edge 5r, and an inner edge 5s2 connecting the other end of the ventral edge 5f and the other end of the dorsal edge 5r. The ventral edge 5f constitutes the outer portion of the ventral edge 2f (Figure 2) of the ventral portion 2, and the dorsal edge 5r constitutes the outer portion of the dorsal edge 2r of the ventral portion 2. The outer edge 5s1 constitutes the outer edge 2s of the ventral portion 2. The inner edge 5s2 is located on the central portion 4 side in the girth direction D1.

[0045] In the front-to-back direction D2, the length of the leg section 5 is the same as the length of the central section 4. In the body direction D1, the width of the leg section 5 is smaller than the width of the central section 4.

[0046] The leg portion 5 is made of an elastic fabric material such as polyester, cotton, polyurethane, nylon, rayon, linen, silk, acetate, and blends thereof.

[0047] The folding structure of the leg section 5 will be explained with reference to Figures 5 and 7.

[0048] As shown in Figure 7, the leg portion 5 has a folded portion formed by folding the fabric material at the ventral end. Specifically, the leg portion 5 has a folded portion 51 formed by folding the fabric material towards the skin side Z1 at the ventral end. The fold line L31 of the folded portion 51 corresponds to the ventral edge 5f of the leg portion 5.

[0049] The leg section 5 has a folded portion formed by folding the fabric material at the back end. Specifically, the leg section 5 has a folded portion 52 formed by folding the fabric material towards the skin side Z1 at the back end. The fold line L32 of the folded portion 52 corresponds to the back edge 5r of the leg section 5.

[0050] The folded-over sections 51 and 52 are sewn to the unfolded portion of the leg section 5 (the portion opposite to the folded-over sections 51 and 52).

[0051] As shown in Figure 5, the leg portion 5 has a folded portion formed by folding the fabric material at the outer end in the torso direction D1. Specifically, the leg portion 5 has a folded portion 53 formed by folding the fabric material towards the skin side Z1 at the outer end. The fold line L33 of the folded portion 53 corresponds to the outer edge 5s1 of the leg portion 5.

[0052] The folded portion 53 is sewn to the unfolded portion of the leg area 5 (the portion opposite to the folded portion 53).

[0053] The sewing method for the central section 4 and the pair of leg sections 5 will be explained with reference to Figures 5 and 8. Figure 8 is a plan view of the central section 4 and the pair of leg sections 5 of the ventral section 2 as seen from the skin side Z1 in an unsewn state.

[0054] When focusing on the central part 4 and the pair of leg parts 5, the unstitched state refers to a state in which the stitching of the central part 4 and the pair of leg parts 5 is undone, and the outer edge 4s of the central part 4 and the inner edge 5s2 of the leg parts 5 are facing each other.

[0055] In this embodiment, the external shape of the skin-facing fabric material 41 is substantially the same as that of the non-skin-facing fabric material 42. Therefore, a detailed description of the external shape of the skin-facing fabric material 41 may be omitted in the following description. However, the external shape of the skin-facing fabric material 41 may differ from that of the non-skin-facing fabric material 42.

[0056] In Figure 8, the folded portions 421, 422, 51, 52, and 53 of the central portion 4 and the leg portion 5 are not formed. That is, the non-skin-facing fabric material 42 is not folded at the fold lines L21 and L22. The leg portion 5 is not folded at the fold lines L31, L32, and L33.

[0057] The non-skin-facing fabric material 42 has a pair of sewing lines L23. A sewing line is a line that indicates the position of the seam when sewing two fabric materials together, and corresponds to the position where the sewing needle passes during sewing. The pair of sewing lines L23 connect both ends of the fold line L21 and both ends of the fold line L22, respectively. The sewing lines L23 extend in the front-to-back direction D2 along the outer edge 42s of the non-skin-facing fabric material 42. The area between the sewing lines L23 and the outer edge 42s, i.e., the outer edge portion including the outer edge 42s, functions as a seam allowance 42m.

[0058] As shown in Figure 5, the outer edge portion of the skin-facing fabric 41, including the outer edge 41s, functions as a seam allowance 41m, similar to the non-skin-facing fabric 42. The seam allowances 41m and 42m constitute the seam allowance 4m of the central portion 4.

[0059] Returning to Figure 8, the leg section 5 has a stitching line L34. The stitching line L34 connects the inner end of the fold line L31 and the inner end of the fold line L32. The stitching line L34 extends in the front-rear direction D2 along the inner edge 5s2 of the leg section 5. The area between the stitching line L34 and the inner edge 5s2, i.e., the outer edge including the inner edge 5s2, functions as a seam allowance 5m.

[0060] Meanwhile, fold line L33 connects the outer end of fold line L31 and the outer end of fold line L32. Fold line L33 extends in the front-rear direction D2 along the outer edge 5s1 of the leg section 5.

[0061] In its unsewn state, the inner edge 5s2 of the leg portion 5 is formed in a convex shape toward the central portion 4. Specifically, when the ventral end of the inner edge 5s2 is the ventral end 5s2f and the dorsal end of the inner edge 5s2 is the dorsal end 5s2r, the inner edge 5s2 protrudes toward the central portion 4 from the straight line SL1 connecting the ventral end 5s2f and the dorsal end 5s2r. In this embodiment, the inner edge 5s2 is curved in a convex shape toward the central portion 4 in the girth direction D1. In other words, the inner edge 5s2 has an arc shape that is convex toward the central portion 4 between the ventral end 5s2f and the dorsal end 5s2r.

[0062] In its unsewn state, the outer edge 4s of the central portion 4 is formed in a convex shape toward the leg portion 5. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, when the ventral end of the outer edge 42s of the non-skin-facing fabric material 42 is the ventral end 42sf and the dorsal end of the outer edge 42s is the dorsal end 42sr, the outer edge 42s protrudes toward the leg portion 5 side from the straight line SL2 connecting the ventral end 42sf and the dorsal end 42sr. In this embodiment, the outer edge 42s is curved in a convex shape toward the leg portion 5 side in the torso direction D1. In other words, the outer edge 42s has an arc shape that is convex toward the leg portion 5 side between the ventral end 42sf and the dorsal end 42sr. The outer edges 4s and 41s are formed in a convex shape toward the leg portion 5 side, similar to the outer edge 42s.

[0063] In the unsewn state, the length W1 of the outer edge 4s along the outer edge 4s of the central part 4 is longer than the length W2 of the inner edge 5s2 along the inner edge 5s2 of the leg circumference part 5. In other words, in the unsewn state, the path length from the ventral end (ventral end 42sf) to the dorsal end (dorsal end 42sr) of the outer edge 4s of the central part 4 is longer than the path length from the ventral end 5s2f to the dorsal end 5s2r of the inner edge 5s2 of the leg circumference part 5.

[0064] The outer edge 4s of the central section 4 and the inner edge 5s2 of the leg section 5 are sewn together. Referring to Figure 5, the layered structure of each component in this sewn section is explained as follows: the seam allowance 4m of the central section 4 and the seam allowance 5m of the leg section 5 are overlapped and sewn together. More specifically, from the non-skin side Z2 toward the skin side Z1, the seam allowance 42m of the non-skin fabric material 42, the seam allowance 5m of the leg section 5, and the seam allowance 41m of the skin fabric material 41 are layered in that order and sewn together.

[0065] In Figure 5, the skin-facing fabric 41 and the non-skin-facing fabric 42 are not folded over at seam allowance 4m, and the leg area 5 is not folded over at seam allowance 5m. However, seam allowances 4m and 5m may be sewn with the skin-facing fabric 41 and the non-skin-facing fabric 42 folded over at seam allowance 4m and the leg area 5 folded over at seam allowance 5m.

[0066] (Details of the dorsal side) The dorsal portion 3 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. A tail hole 1h is formed in the dorsal portion 3. The dorsal portion 3 has a target placement portion 6 and a pair of branching portions 7. The dorsal portion 3 has a dorsal edge 3r located on the dorsal side, a pair of ventral edges 7f located at the boundary with the ventral portion 2, and a pair of lateral edges 3s connecting both ends of the dorsal edge 3r and the outer ends of the pair of ventral edges 7f, respectively. The dorsal edge 3r extends in the circumferential direction D1.

[0067] The target placement section 6 constitutes the dorsal region of the dorsal section 3. The target placement section 6 has a central section 61 located in the center in the circumference direction D1 of the body, and a pair of flap sections 62 located on both sides of the central section 61. A target section 8, which will be described later, is arranged in the target placement section 6.

[0068] The pair of branched portions 7 extend ventrally along the anterior-posterior direction D2 from the target placement portion 6. The pair of branched portions 7 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction D1 so as to sandwich the tail hole 1h. That is, the pair of branched portions 7 have a bifurcated shape in order to form the tail hole 1h. The opposing inner edges of the pair of branched portions 7 constitute the periphery of the tail hole 1h. The ventral end edges of each of the pair of branched portions 7 constitute the ventral end edges 7f described above.

[0069] Each of the pair of lateral edges 3s has a straight portion 3sa and a curved portion 3sc. The straight portion 3sa is connected to the dorsal end edge 3r and extends linearly along the anterior-posterior direction D2. The curved portion 3sc extends curved between the straight portion 3sa and the ventral end edge 7f of the branched portion 7. In this embodiment, the curved portion 3sc is curved so as to be concave toward the inside in the circumferential direction D1. The connection point CP between the straight portion 3sa and the curved portion 3sc is located dorsally to the caudal hole 1h in the anterior-posterior direction D2. That is, the straight portion 3sa does not pass to the side of the caudal hole 1h, while the curved portion 3sc passes to the side of the caudal hole 1h.

[0070] The dorsal portion 3 has a skin-facing fabric material 31 and a non-skin-facing fabric material 32. The skin-facing fabric material 31 is positioned on the skin-facing side Z1 than the non-skin-facing fabric material 32. The target placement portion 6 and the pair of branching portions 7 are made of the skin-facing fabric material 31 and the non-skin-facing fabric material 32. The skin-facing fabric material 31 and the non-skin-facing fabric material 32 are made of elastic fabric materials such as polyester, cotton, polyurethane, nylon, rayon, linen, silk, acetate, and blends thereof, similar to the ventral portion 2.

[0071] The folded structure of the dorsal portion 3 will be explained with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along the line IX-IX in Figure 2.

[0072] As shown in Figure 9, the skin-facing fabric material 31 has a folded portion 311 formed by folding the fabric material back to the non-skin-facing side Z2 at its outer edge. The non-skin-facing fabric material 32 has a folded portion 321 formed by folding the fabric material back to the skin-facing side Z1 at its outer edge. The folded portions 311 and 321 are sewn together.

[0073] For example, the folded portions 311 and 321 may be formed on the outer edges other than the pair of ventral edges 7f. Specifically, the folded portions 311 and 321 extend along the dorsal edge 3r of the dorsal portion 3, the pair of lateral edges 3s, and the periphery of the caudal hole 1h. That is, the folded structure described above may be adopted in the region of the outer edge of the dorsal portion 3, excluding the portion connected to the ventral portion 2 (ventral edge 7f).

[0074] Referring to Figure 10, the dorsal portion 3 in its unsewn state will be described. Figure 10 is a plan view of the ventral portion 2 and dorsal portion 3 in their unsewn state, as seen from the skin side Z1. In Figure 10, the skin-facing fabric material 31 and the non-skin-facing fabric material 32, which have the aforementioned folded structure, are shown sewn together.

[0075] When focusing on the ventral portion 2 and the dorsal portion 3, the unstitched state refers to a state in which the stitching of the ventral portion 2 and the dorsal portion 3 is undone, and the dorsal edge 2r of the ventral portion 2 and the pair of ventral edges 7f of the dorsal portion 3 are facing each other.

[0076] In the unsewn state, the pair of branching portions 7 extend in a direction that is inclined in both the waist direction D1 and the front-to-back direction D2, such that the distance between them in the waist direction D1 increases as they move toward the ventral side.

[0077] The ventral edge 7f has an inner end 7f1 located on the inside (towards the tail hole 1h) in the circumferential direction D1, and an outer end 7f2 located on the outside (opposite side) in the circumferential direction D1. The inner end 7f1 corresponds to the intersection of the inner edge of the pair of branched portions 7 (the periphery of the tail hole 1h) and the ventral edge 7f. The outer end 7f2 corresponds to the intersection of the lateral edge 3s (curved portion 3sc) of the dorsal portion 3 and the ventral edge 7f.

[0078] In the unsewn state, the ventral edges 7f of each of the pair of branched portions 7 extend away from the dorsal edge 2r of the ventral portion 2 as they move from the inner end 7f1 to the outer end 7f2. That is, the separation distance in the anterior-posterior direction D2 between the ventral edge 7f and the dorsal edge 2r is greater on the outer end 7f2 side than on the inner end 7f1 side. In the unsewn state, the ventral edge 7f is inclined with respect to the girth direction D1 and the anterior-posterior direction D2. In this embodiment, the ventral edge 7f extends linearly from the inner end 7f1 to the outer end 7f2.

[0079] If we define a virtual straight line VL as the line connecting the pair of inner ends 7f1, then the virtual straight line VL extends linearly along the waist direction D1. In this embodiment, the dorsal edge 2r of the ventral portion 2 also extends linearly along the waist direction D1. Therefore, in the unsewn state, the virtual straight line VL connecting the pair of inner ends 7f1 is parallel to the dorsal edge 2r of the ventral portion 2.

[0080] The sewing method for the ventral portion 2 and the dorsal portion 3 will be explained with reference to Figures 4, 7, and 10.

[0081] As shown in Figure 10, each of the two branching sections 7 has a pair of stitching lines L51. The pair of stitching lines L51 extend along each of the two ventral edges 7f. The region between the stitching lines L51 and the ventral edges 7f, i.e., the outer edge including the ventral edges 7f, functions as a seam allowance 7m.

[0082] On the other hand, in the ventral portion 2, when sewing it with the dorsal portion 3, the outer edge portion including the dorsal edge 2r of the ventral portion 2 functions as a seam allowance 2m. In this embodiment, the seam allowance 2m is composed of the folded portions 412, 422 of the central portion 4 and the folded portions 52 of the pair of leg portions 5.

[0083] The ventral edge 7f of each of the pair of branch sections 7 is sewn to the dorsal edge 2r of the ventral section 2. More specifically, one of the pair of branch sections 7 is sewn to both the central section 4 and one of the pair of leg sections 5. Specifically, the ventral edge 7f of one branch section 7 is sewn across both a portion of the dorsal edge 4r of the central section 4 (one side in the girth direction D1) and the dorsal edge 5r of one of the leg sections 5. Similarly, the other branch section 7 is sewn to both the central section 4 and the other of the pair of leg sections 5. Specifically, the ventral edge 7f of the other branch section 7 is sewn across both another portion of the dorsal edge 4r of the central section 4 (the other side in the girth direction D1) and the dorsal edge 5r of the other leg section 5.

[0084] The layered structure of each component in this sewn section will now be explained. The seam allowances 7m and 2m shown in Figure 10 are sewn together while overlapping each other. More specifically, as shown in Figure 4, in the sewing of the central section 4 and the branching section 7, the folded portions 412 and 422 of the central section 4 and the seam allowance 7m (the outer edge including the ventral edge 7f of the branching section 7) are layered together and sewn to each other, from the non-skin side Z2 toward the skin side Z1. Also, as shown in Figure 7, in the sewing of the leg section 5 and the branching section 7, the folded portion 52 of the leg section 5 and the seam allowance 7m (the outer edge including the ventral edge 7f of the branching section 7) are layered together and sewn to each other.

[0085] In Figures 4 and 7, the skin-facing fabric 31 and the non-skin-facing fabric 32 are not folded over at the seam allowance of 7m. However, the seam allowance of the ventral portion 2 and the seam allowance of the branching portion 7 may be sewn with the skin-facing fabric 31 and the non-skin-facing fabric 32 folded over at the seam allowance of 7m.

[0086] Each of the pair of branched sections 7 is sewn to both the central section 4 and the leg section 5, thereby forming a tail hole 1h between the pair of branched sections 7 for passing the tail Pb of the pet P. Specifically, the periphery of the tail hole 1h is demarcated by the opposing inner edges of the pair of branched sections 7 and the portion of the dorsal edge 2r of the ventral section 2 located between the inner ends 7f1 of the pair of branched sections 7 (the central portion of the dorsal edge 4r of the central section 4).

[0087] In the unsewn state (see Figure 10), the pair of branched sections 7 extend in a direction that is inclined in both the circumferential direction D1 and the anterior-posterior direction D2, such that the distance between them in the circumferential direction D1 widens as they move toward the ventral side. In contrast, in the sewn state (see Figure 2), the pair of branched sections 7 are deformed to extend along the anterior-posterior direction D2 by sewing the ventral edge 7f and the dorsal edge 2r together. In other words, the branched sections 7, which were inclined before sewing, are corrected to a posture along the anterior-posterior direction D2 by sewing. Along with this deformation, a force acts around the tail hole 1h that causes it to rise from a flat surface.

[0088] Figure 11 shows the wearable item 1 laid flat on plane α with the skin-facing side Z1 facing plane α. As shown in Figure 11, in this laid-flat state, the portion of the tail hole 1h including the dorsal vertex 1ha is formed to maintain a raised state toward the non-skin-facing side Z2 relative to plane α. When worn, this raised portion is positioned to follow the curve of the base of the pet P's tail Pb and buttocks, so that the periphery of the tail hole 1h adheres more closely to the pet P's body, thereby suppressing leakage of excrement.

[0089] (Other components) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the wearable item 1 further comprises a target portion 8, a pair of flap portions 9, and an engaging member 10.

[0090] The target portion 8 is positioned on the non-skin side Z2 relative to the back portion 3. More specifically, the target portion 8 is provided on the non-skin side Z2 surface of the non-skin fabric material 32. The target portion 8 is formed in a long rectangular shape in the waist direction D1 and is positioned across the central portion 61 and the pair of flap portions 62. The target portion 8 is configured to be engageable with the engaging portions 93 of the pair of flap portions 9, which will be described later. As the target portion 8, for example, a loop material can be used that can be engaged with the hook material constituting the engaging portion 93.

[0091] A marker portion 81 is formed on the target portion 8 along the center line CL of the target portion 8 in the circumference direction D1. The marker portion 81 functions as a guide for the user to visually confirm the center position of the wearable item 1 in the circumference direction D1 when attaching the wearable item 1 to the pet P. In this embodiment, the marker portion 81 is made of thread sewn in a straight line in the front-to-back direction D2 by sewing. The marker portion 81 extends in the front-to-back direction D2 along the center line CL and is formed over the entire length of the target portion 8 in the front-to-back direction D2.

[0092] A pair of flap portions 9 are joined to the ventral portion 2 so as to protrude outwards on both sides of the ventral portion 2 in the girth direction D1. More specifically, the pair of flap portions 9 are sewn to a pair of leg portions 5 of the ventral portion 2 near the ventral edge 2f of the ventral portion 2. When worn, the pair of flap portions 9 extend to wrap around the girth of the pet P and engage with the target portion 8 of the dorsal portion 3, thereby securing the wearable item 1 to the pet P.

[0093] Each flap portion 9 has a ventral edge 9f located on the ventral side and a dorsal edge 9r located on the dorsal side. The ventral edge 9f and the dorsal edge 9r each extend linearly along the girth direction D1. That is, each flap portion 9 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape with a constant width between the ventral edge 9f and the dorsal edge 9r in the anterior-posterior direction D2.

[0094] The flap portion 9 has a skin-facing fabric material 91, a non-skin-facing fabric material 92, and an engagement portion 93. The skin-facing fabric material 91 is positioned on the skin-facing side Z1 than the non-skin-facing fabric material 92. The skin-facing fabric material 91 and the non-skin-facing fabric material 92 are made of stretchable fabric materials such as polyester, cotton, polyurethane, nylon, rayon, linen, silk, acetate, and blends thereof, similar to the ventral portion 2.

[0095] The engaging portion 93 is configured to engage with the target portion 8 from the non-skin side Z2. The engaging portion 93 is provided on the skin-side Z1 surface of the skin-facing fabric material 91. When worn, when the pair of flap portions 9 are rotated to the back of the pet P, the engaging portion 93 engages with the target portion 8 from the non-skin side Z2. For example, the engaging portion 93 can be a hook material that can engage with the loop material constituting the target portion 8. The user rotates the pair of flap portions 9 to the back of the pet P and engages the engaging portion 93 with the target portion 8 to secure the wearable item 1 around the pet P's torso.

[0096] The folded structure of the flap portion 9 will be explained with reference to Figure 12. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view along line XII-XII in Figure 2. The skin-facing fabric material 91 has a folded portion 911 formed by folding the fabric material towards the non-skin-facing side Z2 at its outer edge. The non-skin-facing fabric material 92 has a folded portion 921 formed by folding the fabric material towards the skin-facing side Z1 at its outer edge. The folded portions 911 and 921 are sewn together while overlapping each other.

[0097] The angle θ1 between the center line CLx of each of the pair of flap portions 9 in the anterior-posterior direction D2 and the ventral portion 2 is substantially right-angled. The center line CLx passes through the center of the flap portion 9 in the anterior-posterior direction D2 and extends in the girth direction D1. In this specification, "substantially right-angled" means an angle in the range of 70 degrees or more and 110 degrees or less. That is, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the pair of flap portions 9 project substantially perpendicularly from the outer edge 2s of the ventral portion 2 along the girth direction D1. The angle θ2 between each of the pair of flap portions 9 and the ventral portion 2 may also be substantially right-angled.

[0098] The engaging member 10 (first engaging member) will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The engaging member 10 is positioned on the skin side Z1 relative to the ventral portion 2, and is configured to allow the absorbent article 100 to be detachably engaged with the skin side Z1. More specifically, the engaging member 10 is provided on the skin side Z1 surface of the skin-facing fabric material 41 of the central portion 4.

[0099] In this disclosure, "engaging member" typically refers to the loop or hook material of a hook-and-loop fastener as in this embodiment, and other examples include snap buttons, clips, and structures that physically clamp with slits. Thus, "engaging member" in this disclosure refers to a member that is fixed by two or more members physically interlocking with each other, and does not include fixing members other than those described above (for example, adhesive members such as glue).

[0100] The engaging member 10 includes a pair of engaging portions 10a (first engaging portion) that are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction D2. One of the pair of engaging portions 10a is positioned along the ventral edge 2f of the ventral portion 2. The other of the pair of engaging portions 10a is positioned along the dorsal edge 2r of the ventral portion 2. That is, the pair of engaging portions 10a are positioned near both ends of the ventral portion 2 in the front-rear direction D2. Each engaging portion 10a is formed in a long, roughly rectangular shape in the girth direction D1 and is provided across the central portion 4 and the pair of leg portions 5.

[0101] The ventral portion 2 has a non-engaging region NC between the pair of engaging portions 10a where no other members that engage with the absorbent article 100 are located. The non-engaging region NC is located between the pair of engaging portions 10a in the front-rear direction D2, and the mesh structure of the skin-facing fabric material 41 is exposed.

[0102] [Relationship between the elasticity of each component] The elongation properties of each component in this embodiment will now be explained. As an indicator of "elongation properties," for example, the elongation ratio can be used. The elongation ratio can be measured by the following method, which partially conforms to the "constant load method (Method B)" of JIS L 1096 (General Test Methods for Woven and Knitted Fabrics). Note that the following method differs from the above JIS standard in terms of gripping distance and load, but the basic test method is the same as the above JIS standard.

[0103] <Testing Method> 1. Obtain sample pieces formed into a predetermined rectangular shape (for example, the fabric material of the ventral part 2, the fabric material of the dorsal part 3, and the fabric material of the flap part 9 in this embodiment). The "predetermined rectangular shape" is "70 mm x 50 mm" as specified in the JIS standard. If this size cannot be guaranteed, any size that allows for the processing described in "2." and subsequent sections below can be arbitrarily determined. 2. For each of the longitudinal edges of the sample piece, clip it 10 mm from the edge. Let L1 be the distance between the clips in the longitudinal direction at this time (initial state). 3. One end of the sample piece in the longitudinal direction is designated as the upper end and the other as the lower end, and a predetermined load is applied to the lower end. For example, a load of 825g is applied, which is the sum of an 800g weight and the weight of the clip itself (for example, 25g). 4. Measure the distance L2 between clips in the longitudinal direction after applying the load described in "3." above. 5. The elongation ratio R is calculated using the formula "R = (L2 - L1) / L1".

[0104] In this embodiment, the non-skin-facing fabric material 42 of the central part 4, the fabric material of the leg area 5, the fabric material of the back side part 3, and the fabric material of the flap part 9 are made of rib fabric (a fabric having multiple parallel ribs and having the property of stretching more easily in the direction perpendicular to the ribs than in the direction parallel to the ribs). For example, the elongation ratio of the rib fabric in the direction perpendicular to the ribs is "1.75", and the elongation ratio of the rib fabric in the direction parallel to the ribs is "0.49".

[0105] In this embodiment, the ribs of the non-skin-facing fabric material 42 in the central part 4, the non-skin-facing fabric material 32 in the leg area 5 and back side part 3, and the non-skin-facing fabric material 92 in the flap part 9 extend parallel to the front-to-back direction D2. Therefore, the elongation ratio of these fabric materials in the waist direction D1 is "1.75", and the elongation ratio in the front-to-back direction D2 is "0.49". On the other hand, the ribs of the skin-facing fabric material 31 in the back side part 3 and the skin-facing fabric material 91 in the flap part 9 extend parallel to the waist direction D1. Therefore, the elongation ratio of these fabric materials in the waist direction D1 is "0.49", and the elongation ratio in the front-to-back direction D2 is "1.75".

[0106] Furthermore, with respect to the skin-facing fabric material 41 (mesh member) in the central part 4, the elongation ratio of the skin-facing fabric material 41 in the longitudinal direction of the opening 41h is "0.03", and the elongation ratio of the skin-facing fabric material 41 in the short direction of the opening 41h is "0.51". In this embodiment, the multiple openings 41h of the skin-facing fabric material 41 are arranged such that the front-to-back direction D2 is the longitudinal direction and the waist direction D1 is the short direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the elongation ratio of the skin-facing fabric material 41 in the waist direction D1 is "0.51", and the elongation ratio of the skin-facing fabric material 41 in the front-to-back direction D2 is "0.03".

[0107] In this embodiment, the flap portion 9 is composed of a skin-facing fabric material 91 and a non-skin-facing fabric material 92. When the area of ​​interest is composed of multiple fabric materials in this way, the stretch ratio (ease of stretching) of the area of ​​interest in the waist direction D1 can be calculated by dividing the average value of the stretch ratios of each of the multiple fabric materials in the waist direction D1 by the number of fabric materials. In this embodiment, the stretch ratio of the flap portion 9 in the waist direction D1 can be calculated as "0.56", which is the average value "1.12" of the stretch ratio of the skin-facing fabric material 91 in the waist direction D1 ("0.49") and the non-skin-facing fabric material 92 in the waist direction D1 ("1.75") divided by the number of fabric materials ("2").

[0108] The elongation ratio of the fabric material in the central part 4 of the ventral part 2 will be explained. The elongation ratio of the skin-facing fabric material 41 is maximum in the waist direction D1. This is due to the shape of the opening 41h of the mesh structure of the skin-facing fabric material 41. Since the opening 41h has an elongated shape in the front-to-back direction D2, when stretched in the waist direction D1, the skin-facing fabric material 41 elongates while the opening 41h deforms in a direction that approaches a perfect circle. On the other hand, in the front-to-back direction D2, since the opening 41h already has an elongated shape, it is difficult to deform when stretched in the front-to-back direction D2, and the skin-facing fabric material 41 is configured to be relatively difficult to stretch in the front-to-back direction D2.

[0109] The elongation ratio of the non-skin-facing fabric 42 is maximum in the waist direction D1. The elongation ratio of the skin-facing fabric 41 in the waist direction D1 is smaller than that of the non-skin-facing fabric 42 in the waist direction D1. The skin-facing fabric 41 has a mesh structure, and the skeletal portion formed between the openings 41h suppresses elongation in the waist direction D1.

[0110] The elongation ratio of the fabric material in the flap section 9 will now be explained. The elongation ratio of the skin-facing fabric material 91 is maximum in the front-to-back direction D2. On the other hand, the elongation ratio of the non-skin-facing fabric material 92 is maximum in the waist direction D1. In other words, in the flap section 9, the most stretchable stretching directions of the laminated skin-facing fabric material 91 and non-skin-facing fabric material 92 are set to be perpendicular to each other.

[0111] The extension and retraction regions of the leg section 5 will now be described. In the following description, one of the pair of leg sections 5 may be referred to as the first leg section 5A, and the other leg section of the pair of leg sections 5 may be referred to as the second leg section 5B.

[0112] As shown in Figure 2, the ventral portion 2 has a first torso stretch region E1 and a second torso stretch region E2, which are torso stretch regions formed between a pair of flap portions 9. Each of the first torso stretch region E1 and the second torso stretch region E2 is a region where the stretch ratio is maximum in the torso direction D1. The stretch ratio in the torso direction D1 of each of the first torso stretch region E1 and the second torso stretch region E2 is greater than the stretch ratio in the torso direction D1 of each of the pair of flap portions 9. The first leg portion 5A includes the first torso stretch region E1, and the second leg portion 5B includes the second torso stretch region E2. More specifically, the first torso stretch region E1 is the region between the central portion 4 of the first leg portion 5A and the flap portion 9. The second torso stretch region E2 is the region between the central portion 4 of the second leg portion 5B and the flap portion 9.

[0113] The elongation ratio in the waist direction D1 of the first waist stretch region E1 and the second waist stretch region E2 may be greater than the elongation ratio in the waist direction D1 of the skin-facing fabric material 41, and may be the same as the elongation ratio in the waist direction D1 of the non-skin-facing fabric material 42.

[0114] The ventral portion 2 has a first inclined stretch region E3 and a second inclined stretch region E4 as inclined stretch regions. The first inclined stretch region E3 is the region where the stretch ratio is maximum in the first inclination direction LD1, which is inclined in both the waist direction D1 and the front-to-back direction D2, and the second inclined stretch region E4 is the region where the stretch ratio is maximum in the second inclination direction LD2, which is inclined in both the waist direction D1 and the front-to-back direction D2. The first inclination direction LD1 and the second inclination direction LD2 are inclined so that they approach each other as they move toward the ventral side. The first inclination direction LD1 and the second inclination direction LD2 are inclined so that they are symmetrical with respect to the center line extending in the front-to-back direction D2 of the wearable item 1, and the distance between them is set to narrow as they move toward the ventral side.

[0115] The first leg section 5A includes a first inclined extension region E3, and the second leg section 5B includes a second inclined extension region E4. The first torso extension region E1 is located ventrally (towards the ventral edge 2f) than the first inclined extension region E3. The second torso extension region E2 is located ventrally (towards the ventral edge 2f) than the second inclined extension region E4.

[0116] The first inclined stretch region E3 and the second inclined stretch region E4 are formed as follows. In the unsewn state, the first leg section 5A and the second leg section 5B are made of a fabric material whose stretch ratio is greatest in the torso direction D1. Also, in the unsewn state, the inner edge 5s2 of the first leg section 5A and the inner edge 5s2 of the second leg section 5B are each formed in a convex shape toward the central section 4 (see Figure 8). By sewing this inner edge 5s2 to the outer edge 4s of the central section 4, the first inclined stretch region E3 is formed in the first leg section 5A and the second inclined stretch region E4 is formed in the second leg section 5B. Specifically, by sewing the convex inner edge 5s2 to the outer edge 4s, the fabric material of the leg section 5 is pulled in the inclined direction, and the stretch direction, which was originally greatest in the torso direction D1, changes to the inclined direction. As a result, inclined stretch regions that exert stretching force in the inclined direction are naturally formed in the leg section 5 after sewing.

[0117] From the first waist stretching region E1 to the first inclined stretching region E3, the direction in which the stretching ratio is maximized (maximum stretching direction) may smoothly change from the waist direction D1 to the first inclined direction LD1. Similarly, from the second waist stretching region E2 to the second inclined stretching region E4, the maximum stretching direction may smoothly change from the waist direction D1 to the second inclined direction LD2. Such smooth changes prevent abrupt changes in the stretching direction in the leg area 5, resulting in a more natural fit that conforms to the shape of the pet P's body when worn.

[0118] The stretch ratio of the fabric material in the back portion 3 will now be explained. In the unsewn state (state shown in Figure 10), the stretch ratio of the skin-facing fabric material 31 is maximum in the front-to-back direction D2. On the other hand, the stretch ratio of the non-skin-facing fabric material 32 is maximum in the waist direction D1. In other words, even in the back portion 3, the stretch directions in which the layered skin-facing fabric material 31 and non-skin-facing fabric material 32 are most easily stretched are set to be perpendicular to each other.

[0119] In this embodiment, the ventral portion 2 does not include an expandable / contractible member that can stretch in only one direction. Here, "an expandable / contractible member that can stretch in only one direction" refers to a member that applies elastic force in only one specific direction, such as elastic thread. The ventral portion 2 does not have such an expandable / contractible member, and the elasticity of the ventral portion 2 is achieved by the elasticity of the fabric material that constitutes the ventral portion 2 (skin-facing fabric material 41, non-skin-facing fabric material 42, and leg portion 5) itself. Furthermore, in this embodiment, not only the ventral portion 2, but also the dorsal portion 3 and the pair of flap portions 9 are not provided with expandable / contractible members that can stretch in only one direction. In other words, the elasticity of each component that constitutes the wearable article 1 is achieved by the elasticity of the fabric material that constitutes each component itself.

[0120] (Analytical items) The absorbent article 100 will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. Figure 13 is a plan view of the absorbent article 100 attached to the wearable item 1, as seen from the skin side Z1. Figure 14 is a plan view of the absorbent article 100 as seen from the non-skin side Z2.

[0121] The absorbent article 100 is a disposable absorbent article that absorbs urine excreted by the pet P, and is detachably attached to the ventral portion 2 of the wearable article 1 from the skin-facing side Z1. The absorbent article 100 includes a skin-facing sheet 101, a non-skin-facing sheet 102, an absorbent body 103, a pair of side sheets 104, a pair of stretchable members 105, a pair of stretchable members 106, and an engaging member 110 (second engaging member).

[0122] The skin-facing sheet 101 is a liquid-permeable sheet positioned to face the skin of the pet P when installed. The skin-facing sheet 101 can be made of, for example, a liquid-permeable nonwoven or woven fabric, a synthetic resin film with liquid-permeable pores, or a composite sheet thereof. The non-skin-facing sheet 102 is a liquid-impermeable sheet positioned on the side opposite to the skin-facing side Z1 of the pet P when installed. The non-skin-facing sheet 102 can be made of, for example, a liquid-impermeable synthetic resin film, a nonwoven fabric, or a composite sheet thereof.

[0123] The absorbent body 103 is positioned between the skin-facing sheet 101 and the non-skin-facing sheet 102, and absorbs and retains the urine of pet P. The absorbent body 103 is composed of a laminate of absorbent materials, for example, crushed pulp, superabsorbent polymer (SAP), or a mixture thereof.

[0124] A pair of side sheets 104 are positioned on both sides of the absorbent article 100 in the waist direction D1, and are positioned to conform to the legs of the pet P when worn. A pair of stretch members 105 extend in the front-to-back direction D2 along both side edges of the absorbent article 100 in the waist direction D1, and by contracting in the front-to-back direction D2, they function to ensure that both side edges of the absorbent article 100 fit around the legs of the pet P. A pair of stretch members 106 are positioned inward in the waist direction D1 from the pair of stretch members 105 and contract in the front-to-back direction D2. The side sheets 104 function as leg side gathers by standing upright due to the contraction of the stretch members 106.

[0125] The engaging member 110 is configured to be detachably engaged with the engaging member 10 (engaging portion 10a) of the wearable article 1 from the skin side Z1. The engaging member 110 is provided on the non-skin side Z2 of the non-skin sheet 102. The engaging member 110 includes a pair of engaging portions 110a that are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction D2. One of the pair of engaging portions 110a is located near the ventral end of the absorbent article 100, and the other is located near the dorsal end of the absorbent article 100. Each engaging portion 110a is formed in a substantially rectangular shape that is elongated in the waist direction D1.

[0126] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the engagement state between the engagement portion 10a of the wearable item 1 and the engagement portion 110a of the absorbent item 100. The engagement member 10 (engagement portion 10a) of the wearable item 1 is made of the loop material of a hook-and-loop fastener, and the engagement member 110 (engagement portion 110a) of the absorbent item 100 is made of the hook material of a hook-and-loop fastener. In the attached state, the hook material of the engagement member 110 engages with the loop material of the engagement member 10, thereby fixing the absorbent item 100 to the ventral side 2 of the wearable item 1. The user can remove the absorbent item 100 from the ventral side 2 by pulling the engagement member 110 away from the engagement member 10.

[0127] The engaging portion 10a may have a base sheet 10b and a plurality of loops 10c protruding from the base sheet 10b. The base sheet 10b is a flat sheet formed of, for example, polypropylene, polyester, or nylon. The loops 10c have an annular or arch shape and are formed by weaving or knitting yarn made of synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyester, or nylon, or natural fibers such as cotton, into the base sheet 10b.

[0128] The engaging portion 110a may have a base sheet 110b and a number of hooks 110c protruding from the base sheet 110b. The base sheet 110b is a flat sheet formed of, for example, polypropylene, polyester, or nylon. The hooks 110c are projections that can engage with the loops 10c of the engaging portion 10a, and are integrally formed with the base sheet 110b by injection molding of a thermoplastic resin such as polypropylene, polyester, or nylon. The hooks 110c have a mushroom shape. The hooks 110c may also have a T-shape or a claw shape.

[0129] As shown in Figures 2 and 14, the length W3 of the engaging member 10 (engaging portion 10a) in the circumferential direction D1 is smaller than the length W4 of the engaging member 110 (engaging portion 110a) in the circumferential direction D1. That is, the engaging member 110 extends over a wider area in the circumferential direction D1 than the engaging member 10. The width of the engaging member 10 in the longitudinal direction D2 may be smaller than the width of the engaging member 110 in the longitudinal direction D2. The width of the engaging member 10 in the longitudinal direction D2 may be larger than the width of the engaging member 110 in the longitudinal direction D2.

[0130] In the installed state, the central portion 100a of the absorbent article 100 in the front-rear direction D2 is detachable from the ventral portion 2 in the non-engagement region NC (see Figure 2). Here, the central portion 100a refers to the region located between the pair of engagement portions 110a in the front-rear direction D2. That is, the absorbent article 100 is fixed to the ventral portion 2 via the engagement members 110 near both ends in the front-rear direction D2, while the central portion 100a is not fixed to the ventral portion 2.

[0131] [Mechanism of Action and Effects] According to this embodiment, the leg portion 5 extends in the front-rear direction D2 and also extends outward in the torso direction D1 relative to the central portion 4, and is positioned to conform to the pet's legs when worn. Furthermore, the leg portion 5 is formed separately from the central portion 4 to which the absorbent article 100 is attached. Therefore, even if the leg portion 5 deforms in accordance with the movement of the pet's legs, the effect of that deformation is suppressed from being transmitted to the separate central portion 4. In other words, the leg portion 5 functions as a cushioning material that receives external forces caused by leg movement and plays a role in blocking the influence on the central portion 4. As a result, the central portion 4 becomes less susceptible to the effects of the pet's leg movement, and the displacement of the absorbent article 100 attached to the central portion 4 can be suppressed.

[0132] According to this embodiment, a highly rigid portion is formed at the boundary between the central portion 4 and the leg portion 5 by sewing (a portion where the seam allowance 4m of the central portion 4 and the seam allowance 5m of the leg portion 5 are overlapped and sewn together). This sewn portion further suppresses the transmission of the deformation effect of the leg portion 5 to the central portion 4.

[0133] According to this embodiment, in its unsewn state, the inner edge 5s2 of the leg portion 5 is formed in a convex shape toward the central portion 4. By sewing the inner edge 5s2 to the outer edge 4s of the central portion 4, the fabric is pulled together at the sewing point, creating a natural bulge in the flat fabric. This bulge created by the sewing becomes a three-dimensional shape that conforms to the pet's legs. As a result, the fit around the pet's legs is effectively improved.

[0134] According to this embodiment, the outer edge 4s, which is curved in a convex shape toward the leg area 5, is sewn to the inner edge 5s2, thereby suitably forming a three-dimensional shape that conforms to the leg area of ​​a pet.

[0135] According to this embodiment, the inner edge 5s2, which is curved in a convex shape toward the central part 4, is sewn to the outer edge 4s, thereby suitably forming a three-dimensional shape that conforms to the pet's leg.

[0136] As shown in Figure 8, the inner edge 5s2 of the leg section 5 has a vertex t1 that is furthest from the straight line SL1 in a direction perpendicular to the straight line SL1. The inner edge 5s2 curves away from the central section 4 from the vertex t1 toward the ventral end 5s2f. The inner edge 5s2 curves away from the central section 4 from the vertex t1 toward the dorsal end 5s2r. The outer edge 42s of the central section 4 has a vertex t2 that is furthest from the straight line SL2 in a direction perpendicular to the straight line SL2. The outer edge 42s curves away from the leg section 5 from the vertex t2 toward the ventral end 42sf. The outer edge 42s curves away from the leg section 5 from the vertex t2 toward the dorsal end 42sr.

[0137] According to this embodiment, the length W1 of the outer edge 4s of the central part 4 is longer than the length W2 of the inner edge 5s2 of the leg circumference part 5. In this case, when sewing the outer edge 4s and the inner edge 5s2 together, the inner edge 5s2 is stretched while being sewn to the outer edge 4s. After sewing, the force acting on the stretched inner edge 5s2 to contract creates a natural bulge around the sewn area. This bulge maintains the space for the absorbent article 100 in the central part 4 while forming a three-dimensional shape that conforms to the curvature of the leg circumference, further improving the fit around the pet's leg circumference even when the absorbent article 100 is attached during wear.

[0138] According to this embodiment, in the unsewn state, the ventral edge 7f of the branching portion 7, which extends away from the dorsal edge 2r of the ventral portion 2 as it moves from the inner end 7f1 on the tail hole 1h side toward the outer end 7f2 on the opposite side, is sewn to the dorsal edge 2r of the ventral portion 2. This causes the fabric to be pulled together at the sewn portion, creating a natural bulge in the flat fabric. The bulge created by this sewing becomes a three-dimensional shape that conforms to the curvature of the pet's hindquarters. As a result, the fit to the hindquarters can be improved.

[0139] According to this embodiment, a highly rigid portion is formed at the boundary between the pair of branching portions 7 and the ventral portion 2 by sewing (a portion where the seam allowance 2m of the ventral portion 2 and the seam allowance 7m of the branching portion 7 are overlapped and sewn together). This sewn portion can suppress deformation of the wearable item 1.

[0140] According to this embodiment, when the wearable item 1 is laid flat with the skin-facing side Z1 facing the plane α, the portion of the tail hole 1h that includes the dorsal vertex 1ha is raised relative to the plane α. This makes it possible to form a three-dimensional shape that does not compress the base of the pet's tail when worn.

[0141] According to this embodiment, the connection point CP between the straight section 3sa and the curved section 3sc is located dorsally to the tail hole 1h in the front-rear direction D2. This allows the curved section 3sc to conform more easily to the pet's legs, improving the fit around the pet's legs.

[0142] According to this embodiment, the angle θ1 formed by the center line CLx of each of the pair of flap portions 9 in the front-rear direction D2 and the ventral portion 2 is substantially right-angle. This prevents the flap portion 9 from digging into the base of the pet's legs when the pet's hind legs are swung forward. This prevents the flap portion from hindering the movement of the pet's legs.

[0143] According to this embodiment, the target portion 8 has a marker portion 81 formed along the center line CL of the target portion 8 in the circumference direction D1. This allows the wearable item 1 to be attached to the pet while aligning the center of the target portion 8 with the center of the pet's body.

[0144] According to this embodiment, in an unsewn state, the stretch ratio (ease of stretching) of the non-skin-facing fabric 32 is maximum in the waist direction D1. When worn, the back portion 3 is stretched in the waist direction D1 to conform to the curvature of the pet's hindquarters. At this time, since the non-skin-facing fabric 32 stretches easily in the waist direction D1, the non-skin-facing fabric 32 can stretch appropriately even if the path length in the waist direction D1 is longer than that of the skin-facing fabric 31. As a result, the back portion 3 can naturally deform to conform to the shape of the pet's hindquarters, improving the fit. On the other hand, the stretch ratio (ease of stretching) of the skin-facing fabric 31 is maximum in the front-to-back direction D2. That is, the non-skin-facing fabric 32 and the skin-facing fabric 31 are laminated so that their stretch directions are perpendicular to each other. The skin-facing fabric 31, which has an elasticity direction in the front-to-back direction D2, suppresses excessive stretching in the torso direction D1 against the force that causes the non-skin-facing fabric 32 to stretch in the torso direction D1. This prevents the garment 1 from losing its shape.

[0145] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in the unsewn state, the direction in which the stretch ratio of the non-skin-facing fabric material 32 is maximized (here, the torso direction D1) is perpendicular to the direction in which the stretch ratio of the skin-facing fabric material 31 is maximized (here, the front-to-back direction D2). The dorsal portion 3 includes a part that supports the size of the tail, and if it stretches too much in the front-to-back direction D2, the tail hole 1h becomes too large. On the other hand, if it does not stretch enough, it becomes difficult to pass the tail through the tail hole 1h without stretching. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, by making the maximum stretch directions of the two fabric materials perpendicular to each other, the stretch ratio of the dorsal portion 3 is set to be approximately the average stretch ratio of the two fabric materials.

[0146] According to this embodiment, the ventral portion 2 is formed between a pair of flap portions 9 and has a first torso stretchable region E1 and a second torso stretchable region E2 that have a greater stretch ratio (ease of stretching) in the torso direction D1 than the pair of flap portions 9. Normally, a pet's abdomen expands and contracts significantly with changes in posture, breathing, etc. In the above configuration, since the first torso stretchable region E1 and the second torso stretchable region E2 are relatively easy to stretch in the torso direction D1, they can flexibly follow such changes in the torso and improve the fit to the pet's abdomen. On the other hand, the flap portions 9 are less likely to stretch in the torso direction D1 compared to the first torso stretchable region E1 and the second torso stretchable region E2. Therefore, even when the abdomen expands, excessive stretching of the flap portions 9 in the torso direction D1 is suppressed. As a result, deformation or displacement of the flap portions 9 is less likely to occur, and a stable engagement state between the pair of flap portions 9 and the dorsal portion 3 can be maintained. Thus, with the above configuration, a stable engagement state can be maintained while improving the fit to the pet's abdomen.

[0147] According to this embodiment, the elongation ratio (ease of stretching) of the non-skin-facing fabric material 92 of the flap portion 9 is maximum in the waist direction D1, and the elongation ratio (ease of stretching) of the skin-facing fabric material 91 of the flap portion 9 is maximum in the front-to-back direction D2. When the wearable item 1 is wrapped around the body of a pet, the flap portion 9 curves along the curved surface of the pet's body. The path length of the non-skin-facing fabric material 92 in the waist direction D1 is longer than that of the skin-facing fabric material 91 located on the skin side Z1. Because the non-skin-facing fabric material 92 is relatively easy to stretch in the waist direction D1, even if the path length of the non-skin-facing fabric material 92 is long, the non-skin-facing fabric material 92 can be stretched appropriately. This improves the fit of the flap portion 9 to the pet's body. On the other hand, the skin-facing fabric material 91 located on the skin side Z1 is less easy to stretch in the waist direction D1 compared to the non-skin-facing fabric material 92. This makes deformation or misalignment of the flap portion 9 less likely to occur.

[0148] According to this embodiment, each of the pair of flap portions 9 is sewn to the ventral portion 2. A highly rigid portion is formed at the boundary between the pair of flap portions 9 and the ventral portion 2 by the sewing. This sewn portion can suppress deformation of the wearable item 1.

[0149] In this embodiment, the first leg section 5A includes a first torso stretching region E1, and the second leg section 5B includes a second torso stretching region E2. This allows for more flexible adaptation to changes in the pet's torso and further improves the fit of the ventral section 2. Furthermore, even if the first leg section 5A and the second leg section 5B deform in accordance with the movement of the pet's legs, the effect of this deformation is suppressed from being transmitted to the separate central section 4. In other words, the first leg section 5A and the second leg section 5B function as cushioning materials that receive external forces caused by leg movement, and play a role in blocking the influence on the central section 4. As a result, the central section 4 becomes less susceptible to the movement of the pet's legs, and the displacement of the absorbent article 100 attached to the central section 4 can be suppressed.

[0150] According to this embodiment, the ventral portion 2 does not include an expandable member that expands and contracts in only one direction. If an expandable member that expands and contracts in only one direction (for example, elastic thread) is provided, the expandable member may dig into the pet's skin in a linear fashion, causing discomfort to the pet. According to this embodiment, since no such expandable member is included, the discomfort of the pet can be reduced.

[0151] According to this embodiment, the first leg circumference portion 5A includes a first inclined stretching region E3 in which the stretching ratio (ease of stretching) is maximum in the first inclined direction LD1. The leg circumference of a pet is a part of the body where complex movements, including components in the anterior-posterior direction D2 and the torso direction D1, tend to occur with walking and changes in posture. In this configuration, since the first leg circumference portion 5A stretches most easily in the first inclined direction LD1, it also stretches easily in both the torso direction D1 and the anterior-posterior direction D2, which are components of the first inclined direction LD1. This allows it to flexibly follow the complex movements of the pet's leg circumference. As a result, the fit to the pet's leg circumference can be improved.

[0152] According to this embodiment, the second leg section 5B includes a second inclined extension region E4 in which the extension ratio (ease of extension) is maximized in the second inclined direction LD2. This effectively improves the fit around the pet's legs.

[0153] According to this embodiment, the first inclination direction LD1 and the second inclination direction LD2 are inclined to approach each other as they move toward the ventral side. When the wearable item 1 is attached, the contractile force of the first leg section 5A and the second leg section 5B acts to pull up the center of the ventral section 2 from the crotch of the pet. Therefore, the force that would cause the absorbent item 100 to sag due to the weight of the excrement can be effectively supported by the contractile force of the first leg section 5A and the second leg section 5B.

[0154] According to this embodiment, the first torso stretching region E1 is located ventrally (towards the ventral edge 2f) than the first inclined stretching region E3. The second torso stretching region E2 is located ventrally (towards the ventral edge 2f) than the second inclined stretching region E4. Normally, a pet's abdomen expands and contracts significantly with changes in posture, breathing, etc. Since the first torso stretching region E1 and the second torso stretching region E2, which are located ventrally, are relatively more stretchable in the torso direction D1, they can flexibly follow such changes in the torso and improve the fit to the pet's abdomen.

[0155] According to this embodiment, by sewing the inner edge 5s2, which is formed in a convex shape toward the central part 4, to the outer edge 4s, the fabric is pulled together at the sewing point, creating a natural bulge in the flat fabric. The bulge created by this sewing becomes a three-dimensional shape that conforms to the pet's legs. As a result, the fit around the pet's legs is effectively improved. Furthermore, even though the leg area 5 is normally prone to stretching in the body direction D1, by sewing it at the angle described above, it can exhibit elasticity in the first inclination direction LD1 when worn.

[0156] Furthermore, the inner edge 5s2 of the leg section 5 is sewn to the outer edge 4s of the central section 4, which causes the leg section 5 to stand up near the buttocks, close to the tail hole 1h. This creates a three-dimensional shape in which the leg section 5 conforms to the legs of the pet P and the curve of the buttocks, ensuring an appropriate space between the pet P's buttocks and the garment 1. This space provides two effects. Firstly, it can softly cover the urinary opening without excessive pressure, thus reducing discomfort to the pet P. Secondly, since the pet P's urination location is near the buttocks, a wide area of ​​absorbent material is secured in this area, ensuring sufficient absorption while suppressing the twisting of the absorbent article 100. As a result, leakage of excrement can be prevented more effectively. In addition, the first and second torso stretch regions E1 and E2 make it easier to follow the changes in the pet's torso due to abdominal breathing during meals and sleep. On the other hand, the first inclined stretchable region E3 and the second inclined stretchable region E4 prevent the worn item 1 from slipping down in the crotch direction while worn, and maintain a good fit to the buttocks.

[0157] According to this embodiment, the engaging member 10 is positioned on the skin side Z1 relative to the ventral side 2, and the absorbent article 100 is configured to be detachably engaged with the skin side Z1. If an adhesive member or the like is used to fix the absorbent article 100 to the wearable article 1, "self-adhesion" may occur, where one part of the adhesive member adheres to another part. When such self-adhesion occurs, it becomes necessary to separate the one part from the other part. In contrast, according to this embodiment, when attaching the absorbent article 100, the absorbent article 100 can be easily fixed to the wearable article 1 by a simple operation such as pressing the absorbent article 100 against the engaging member 10, and the occurrence of the self-adhesion described above can be suppressed. Furthermore, even if the attachment position shifts or the absorbent article 100 needs to be replaced, the absorbent article 100 can be easily removed from the engaging member 10, allowing for smooth position adjustment or replacement. Therefore, the ease of attaching the absorbent article 100 can be improved.

[0158] According to this embodiment, the pair of engaging portions 10a are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction D2. This allows the absorbent article 100 to be fixed at at least two locations (for example, the front and rear) in its longitudinal direction, thereby preventing the absorbent article 100 from shifting position due to the pet's movements.

[0159] According to this embodiment, one of the pair of engaging portions 10a is positioned along the ventral edge 2f of the ventral portion 2. The other of the pair of engaging portions 10a is positioned along the dorsal edge 2r of the ventral portion 2. This allows for focused fixing of both longitudinal ends of the absorbent article 100. As a result, displacement of the absorbent article 100 due to the pet's movements can be further suppressed.

[0160] According to this embodiment, the ventral portion 2 has a non-engagement region NC between the pair of engagement portions 10a where no other members that engage with the absorbent article 100 are positioned. In the mounted state, the central portion 100a of the absorbent article 100 in the front-rear direction D2 is detachable from the ventral portion 2 in the non-engagement region NC. Even if the ventral portion 2 deforms due to the movement of the pet, the absorbent article 100 does not follow the deformation of the ventral portion 2 and can maintain an independent shape. Therefore, wrinkles and deformation of the absorbent article 100 can be suppressed and the fit can be improved.

[0161] According to this embodiment, the engaging member 10 is the loop material of the hook-and-loop fastener, and the engaging member 110 is the hook material of the hook-and-loop fastener. Since the loop material is positioned on the side of the wearable item 1 which is to be worn repeatedly, and the hook material is positioned on the side of the disposable absorbent item 100, the loop materials do not engage with each other when the wearable item 1 is folded, thus preventing unintended self-adhesion. Furthermore, since the loop material is more flexible than the hook material, even when positioned on the side facing the pet's skin, it can reduce irritation to the pet's skin.

[0162] The engaging member 10 may also be a hook-and-loop fastener. In this case, the absorbent article 100 does not need to have the engaging member 110. For example, by directly engaging the engaging member 10 with the non-skin-facing sheet 102 of the absorbent article 100, the absorbent article 100 can be attached to the wearable article without providing another engaging member on the absorbent article 100 side for engaging with the engaging member 10.

[0163] According to this embodiment, the length W3 of the engaging member 10 (engaging portion 10a) in the waist direction D1 is smaller than the length W4 of the engaging member 110 (engaging portion 110a) in the waist direction D1. When the engaging member 10 of the wearable article 1 and the engaging member 110 of the absorbent article 100 are engaged, the end of the engaging member 110 on the absorbent article 100 side protrudes from the engaging member 10 on the wearable article 1 side. As a result, even if the absorbent article 100 is forcefully peeled off the wearable article 1, the peeling force will not be concentrated on the end of the engaging member 110 on the absorbent article 100 side. Consequently, it is possible to prevent a part of the engaging member 110 from peeling off, and consequently, prevent a part of the engaging member 110 from remaining engaged with the engaging member 10 of the wearable article 1, which will be used repeatedly.

[0164] Furthermore, the length W3 of the engaging member 10 in the waist direction D1 may be greater than the length W4 of the engaging member 110 in the waist direction D1. In this case, there is room to adjust the mounting position of the absorbent article 100 in the waist direction D1. In addition, it becomes possible to attach absorbent articles 100 of different sizes to the same wearable item 1, thus accommodating various sizes of absorbent articles 100 and improving the degree of freedom in attachment.

[0165] According to this embodiment, the ventral portion 2 has a non-skin-facing fabric material 42 and a mesh-structured skin-facing fabric material 41 positioned on the skin-facing side Z1. The elongation ratio (ease of stretching) of the skin-facing fabric material 41 in the girth direction D1 is smaller than that of the non-skin-facing fabric material 42. Normally, a pet's abdomen expands and contracts significantly due to changes in posture, breathing, etc. Since the non-skin-facing fabric material 42 is relatively easy to stretch in the girth direction D1, it can flexibly follow such changes in the girth and improve the fit to the pet's abdomen. On the other hand, the skin-facing fabric material 41 located on the skin-facing side Z1 is less easy to stretch in the girth direction D1 compared to the non-skin-facing fabric material 42. This prevents the skin-facing fabric material 41 from stretching excessively when the abdomen expands, and prevents the absorbent article 100 placed on it from shifting position. Here, the skin-facing fabric material 41 has a mesh structure. While conventional woven fabrics tend to be thick and stiff when attempting to maintain resistance to stretching, a mesh structure, with its 41h opening, allows for lightweight and flexible construction while suppressing stretching at the skeletal structure. This enables it to function as a stable base while reducing the burden on the pet. Therefore, it can improve the fit while suppressing displacement of the absorbent material 100.

[0166] Furthermore, the mesh structure openings 41h of the skin-facing fabric material 41 physically catch on the non-skin-facing sheet 102 of the absorbent article 100, increasing the coefficient of friction, which further enhances the effect of preventing the absorbent article 100 from shifting. In addition, when the absorbent article 100 is fixed with an adhesive (not shown), the openings 41h reduce the contact area between the skin-facing fabric material 41 and the adhesive, preventing the adhesive from sticking too strongly to the skin-facing fabric material 41, thus suppressing adhesive residue when replacing the absorbent article 100.

[0167] According to this embodiment, since the opening 41h has an elongated shape that is long in the front-to-back direction D2, the skin-facing fabric material 41 is less likely to deform in the front-to-back direction D2, which is the longitudinal direction of the opening 41h. Therefore, even when the pet moves, it is possible to suppress the skin-facing fabric material 41 from shrinking in the front-to-back direction D2, and to suppress the shifting of the absorbent article 100 placed on it in the front-to-back direction D2.

[0168] According to this embodiment, the stretch ratio (ease of stretching) in the waist direction D1 of the first waist stretch region E1 and the second waist stretch region E2 is greater than the stretch ratio (ease of stretching) of the skin-facing fabric material 41 in the waist direction D1. This allows the garment to flexibly follow changes in the pet's waist circumference and improve the fit to the pet's abdomen.

[0169] According to this embodiment, the folded portion 411 of the skin-facing fabric 41 is positioned inside the folded portion 421 of the non-skin-facing fabric 42. In other words, a multilayer structure is formed at the ventral end where both the non-skin-facing fabric 42 and the skin-facing fabric 41 are folded over. This further increases the rigidity at the ventral end, and more effectively suppresses deformation of the ventral edge 2f of the ventral portion 2 when worn.

[0170] According to this embodiment, the folded portion 412 of the skin-facing fabric 41 is positioned inside the folded portion 422 of the non-skin-facing fabric 42. In other words, a multilayer structure is formed at the back end where the non-skin-facing fabric 42 and the skin-facing fabric 41 overlap. This further increases the rigidity at the back end, and makes it possible to further suppress deformation of the back edge 2r of the ventral portion 2 when worn.

[0171] [Differentiation] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Various materials and shapes can be used for the materials and shapes of each component, not limited to those described above. Furthermore, some components of the wearable article 1 described above may be modified or omitted.

[0172] Figure 16 is a plan view of the central part 4 of the ventral part 2 and a pair of leg parts 5 as seen from the skin side Z1 in the wearable article 1 according to the first modified example, in an unsewn state. As shown in Figure 16, the outer edge 42s (outer edge 4s) may extend in a straight line along the front-to-back direction D2. In this case as well, if the inner edge 5s2 of the leg part 5 is formed in a convex shape toward the central part 4, the leg part 5 can be given a three-dimensional bulge by sewing this inner edge 5s2 toward the outer edge 4s of the central part 4.

[0173] Figure 17 is a plan view of the central portion 4 of the ventral portion 2 and a pair of leg portions 5 in the wearable article 1 according to the second modified example, as seen from the skin side Z1, in an unsewn state. As shown in Figure 17, the inner edge 5s2 of the leg portion 5 may be formed in a convex shape toward the opposite side from the central portion 4. The inner edge 5s2 may be curved in a convex shape toward the opposite side from the central portion 4 in the waist direction D1.

[0174] Figure 18 is a plan view of the central part 4 of the ventral part 2 and the pair of leg parts 5 in the wearable article 1 according to the third modified example, as seen from the skin side Z1, in an unsewn state. As shown in Figure 18, the outer edge 42s (outer edge 4s) may be formed in a convex shape toward the opposite side from the leg parts 5. The outer edge 42s may be curved in a convex shape toward the opposite side from the leg parts 5 in the torso direction D1. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0175] 1…Worn item, 1h…Tail hole, 1ha…Apex, 2…Ventral part, 2f…Ventral edge, 2r…Dorsal edge, 3…Dorsal part, 3r…Dorsal edge, 3s…Lateral edge, 3sa…Straight part, 3sc…Curved part, 4…Central part, 4f…Ventral edge, 4r…Dorsal edge, 4s…Outer edge, 5…Leg circumference, 5A…First leg circumference, 5B…Second leg circumference, 5s1…Outer side Edge, 5s2...Inner edge, 6...Target placement area, 7...Branching area, 7f...Ventral edge, 7f1...Inner end, 7f2...Outer end, 8...Target area, 9...Flap area, 10...Engaging member, 10a...Engaging area, 31...Skin-facing fabric material, 32...Non-skin-facing fabric material, 41...Skin-facing fabric material, 41h...Opening, 42...Non-skin-facing fabric material, 42s...Outer edge, 81...Marker area ,91...Skin-facing fabric, 92...Non-skin-facing fabric, 93...Engaging part, 100...Absorbent article, 100a...Central part, 103...Absorbent body, 110...Engaging member, 110a...Engaging part, 110c...Hook, 200...Wearing article set, 411...Folded part, 412...Folded part, 421...Folded part, 422...Folded part, CL...Center line, CP...Connection point, D1...Waist direction, D2...Front-back direction, E1...First waist stretching area, E2...Second waist stretching area, E3...First inclined stretching area, E4...Second inclined stretching area, LD1...First inclined direction, LD2...Second inclined direction, NC...Non-engaging area, P...Pet, Pb...Tail, Z1...Skin-facing side, Z2...Non-skin-facing side, α...Plane, θ1...Angle.

Claims

1. A wearable article that is attached to cover a pet from its belly through its crotch to its back, has a tail hole for the pet's tail to pass through, and has an absorbent article containing an absorbent material attached to it, The wearable article, when worn by the pet, has a circumferential direction that follows the circumference of the pet's body and a front-to-back direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction, and includes a ventral portion that is located on the ventral side with respect to the tail hole and is positioned opposite the pet's abdomen when worn. The ventral portion has a central portion that extends in the front-to-back direction to which the absorbent article is attached, and a first leg portion that extends in the front-to-back direction, extends outward in the torso direction relative to the central portion, and is positioned to follow the leg circumference of the pet when worn. The first leg section includes a first inclined extension region in which the ease of extension is greatest in a first inclined direction that is inclined in both the torso direction and the front-rear direction. A wearable article wherein the first leg circumference does not include an expandable / contractible member that can expand or contract in only one direction, and the expandability of the first leg circumference is exerted by the expandability of the fabric material constituting the first leg circumference itself.

2. The ventral portion further has a second leg-circumferential portion extending in the anterior-posterior direction, The first leg portion and the second leg portion extend outward on both sides in the direction of the body relative to the central portion, and are arranged to follow the contours of both legs of the pet when worn. The wearable article according to claim 1, wherein the second leg portion includes a second inclined stretchable region in which the ease of stretching is greatest in a second inclined direction that is inclined in both the torso direction and the front-to-back direction.

3. The wearable article according to claim 2, wherein the first and second inclination directions are inclined to approach each other as they move toward the ventral side.

4. The first leg portion includes a torso stretching region in which the ease of stretching is greatest in the torso direction, The wearable article according to claim 1, wherein the waist stretch region is located more ventrally than the first inclined stretch region.

5. The central portion has an outer edge located on the side of the first leg portion in the direction of the torso, The first leg portion has an inner edge located on the central side in the direction of the torso, In an unsewn state, the first leg portion is constructed of a fabric that has the greatest stretchability in the direction of the waist, and the inner edge is formed in a convex shape toward the central part. The wearable article according to claim 1, wherein the outer edge and the inner edge are sewn together such that a first inclined extension region is formed in the first leg portion.

Images