JP7577313B2 - Shorts - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to shorts suitable for use as, for example, menstrual shorts or incontinence shorts.

Conventional shorts have an absorbent pad sewn into the crotch area to absorb moisture (body fluids) such as menstrual blood and urine. Such shorts are economical because they can be washed and reused.

However, in the above-mentioned conventional shorts, the absorbent pad cannot be replaced separately, so even if the absorbent pad absorbs a large amount of moisture (such as menstrual blood), the wearer may have to continue wearing them while enduring discomfort due to unsanitary conditions and odors.

The present invention was made with the above in mind, and its purpose is to provide shorts that are easy to use and allow only the absorbent body, such as the water-absorbing pad, to be replaced.

In order to achieve the above object, the shorts according to the present invention are shorts provided with a pocket for accommodating an absorbent such as a water-absorbing pad in an insertable and removable manner in an area extending from the lower front side of the shorts body through the bottom to the rear side, the pocket being composed of a gusset cloth attached to the inside of the body fabric of the body in the above area, a first pocket forming body attached from the inside to one end side of the gusset cloth, and a second pocket forming body attached from the inside to the other end side of the gusset cloth, the peripheral edge of the first pocket forming body excluding the edge on the other end side being attached to one end side of the gusset cloth by sewing, whereby a first pocket forming part is formed which extends from one end side of the pocket to the other end side and has a first opening which opens towards the other end side, and into which the absorbent can be inserted from this first opening, and the second pocket forming body the peripheral edge, except for the edge on one end side and the center edge on the other end side, is attached to the gusset cloth by sewing, thereby forming a second opening extending from the other end side of the pocket toward the one end side and opening toward the one end side, a second pocket forming portion into which the absorbent body can be inserted is formed from the second opening, one of the first opening and the second opening is inside the other, and the first pocket forming portion and the second pocket forming portion are overlapped to form an overlapping pocket opening for inserting and removing the absorbent body from the pocket, an opening is formed in the second pocket forming portion by the center edge on the other end side that is not sewn to the gusset cloth, the pocket opening is larger than the opening, the pocket opening is an insertion opening for the absorbent body, and the opening is an opening for setting (claim 1).

In the above shorts, the first pocket forming body and the second pocket forming body are each formed by stacking and integrating a back gusset, a pad, and a mesh from the inside to the outside, the back gusset has numerous gaps through which moisture can pass and is formed of a material whose surface is water-repellent, the pad is formed of a material that absorbs moisture, and the pad and mesh may be smaller than the back gusset (Claim 2).

In the present invention, only the absorbent body, such as the water-absorbing pad, can be replaced, resulting in shorts with excellent usability.

In other words, the shorts according to the inventions of the claims of this application are provided with a pocket that accommodates the absorbent body so that it can be inserted and removed. For example, if the absorbent body absorbs a large amount of moisture (such as menstrual blood), it is possible to maintain comfort by replacing only the absorbent body. Furthermore, the absorbent body of the present invention can be replaced without taking off the shorts completely, with the legs still in them, that is, while wearing boots, for example, so that the absorbent body can be replaced quickly and easily even when out and about. Furthermore, in the shorts of the present invention, the absorbent body, which is particularly prone to getting dirty, is separate from the shorts body, and such an absorbent body is easier to wash than an absorbent body integrated into the shorts body, which contributes to improved hygiene and long-term use when the absorbent body is washed and used repeatedly.

In the shorts of the invention according to claim 1 , by providing an overlapping pocket opening, it is possible to reliably prevent the absorbent body from accidentally falling out of the pocket opening, thereby making it possible to increase the stability of the absorbent body contained in the pocket.

1A and 1B are an explanatory view and an enlarged plan view of a main portion of shorts according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of the shorts. 1A and 1B are a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view of a main part of the shorts. 13A and 13B are front and back views of a modified example of the shorts.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention.

The shorts shown in Fig. 1(A) are suitable for wearing during menstruation or when you want to take care of incontinence, and have a pocket 3 in the area extending from the lower front (below the center) of the shorts body 1 through the bottom to the back (e.g., waist) that retractably houses an absorbent pad (one example of an absorbent body) 2 for absorbing moisture (body fluids) such as menstrual blood and urine (see also Fig. 1(B)).

As shown in Figures 2 and 3(B), the pocket 3 is made up of a gusset cloth (waterproof cloth) 5 attached to the inside (the side facing the wearer's skin) of the body fabric 4 of the body part (in this example, the front body part, but part or all of it can be the back body part) in the above-mentioned area, a first pocket forming body 6 attached to one end side (front end side) of the gusset cloth 5 from the inside, and a second pocket forming body 7 attached to the other end side (rear end side) of the gusset cloth 5 from the inside.

In this example, the gusset cloth 5 that constitutes the gusset portion can be attached to the body fabric 4 by, for example, sewing, and its size can be set appropriately.

As shown in the partially enlarged exploded perspective view on the left of Figure 2, the first pocket forming body 6 is constructed by stacking and integrating (by any means of integration, such as sewing, crimping, etc.) a back gusset (front back gusset) 8A, a pad (front pad) 9A, and a mesh (front mesh) 10A from the inside to the outside.

Here, the back gusset 8A that comes into contact with the skin is made of a functional material (for example, a material with many gaps (through holes, etc.) through which moisture can pass and a water-repellent surface) that feels good against the skin and has little return (the feeling that moisture absorbed by the absorbent pad 2 etc. returns to the skin), the pad 9A is made of a material that is highly absorbent of menstrual blood, urine, etc., or a material that quickly diffuses moisture, and the mesh 10A has a mesh size that speeds up the passage of moisture toward the absorbent pad 2 (but does not slow it down as much as possible) and has the effect of reducing the return of moisture absorbed by the absorbent pad 2. The material can be polyester, polypropylene, etc., as with general mesh.

On the other hand, as shown in the partially enlarged exploded perspective view in the upper right corner of Figure 2, the second pocket forming body 7 is constructed by stacking and integrating (any means of integration, such as sewing or crimping) a back gusset (rear back gusset) 8B, a pad (rear pad) 9B, and a mesh (rear mesh) 10B from the inside to the outside. The back gusset 8B can be made of the material of the back gusset 8A, the pad 9B can be made of the material of the pad 9A, and the mesh 10B can be made of the material of the mesh 10A.

As shown in FIG. 2, the periphery of the first pocket forming body 6, except for the edge 6a on the other end side, is attached to one end side of the gusset cloth 5 by sewing, thereby forming the first pocket forming part 11 (see FIGS. 3(A) and (B)). That is, this first pocket forming part 11 extends from one end side (front end side) of the pocket 3 to the other end side (rear end side), and has a first opening 12 (see FIG. 3(B)) that opens toward the other end side, and the absorbent pad 2 can be inserted into the first pocket forming part 11 from this first opening 12.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second pocket forming body 7 is attached to the gusset cloth 5 by sewing the periphery thereof, except for the edge 7a on one end side and the edge center portion 7b on the other end side, thereby forming the second pocket forming portion 13 (see FIG. 3(A) and (B)). That is, this second pocket forming portion 13 extends from the other end side (rear end side) of the pocket 3 toward one end side (front end side) and has a second opening 14 (see FIG. 3(B)) that opens toward the one end side, and the absorbent pad 2 can be inserted into the second pocket forming portion 13 from this second opening 14. The absorbent pad 2 can also be inserted into the second pocket forming portion 13 through an opening (pocket opening) 15 formed by the edge center portion 7b on the other end side that is not sewn to the gusset cloth 5.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the first opening 12 is located inside the second opening 14, and in this example, the first pocket forming portion 11 and the second pocket forming portion 13 overlap to form one pocket opening 16. In this example, where an overlapping pocket opening 16 is provided, the absorbent pad 2 is reliably prevented from accidentally falling out of the pocket opening 16, and the stability of the absorbent pad 2 stored in the pocket 3 can be increased.

The shorts of this example configured as described above are provided with a pocket 3 that accommodates the absorbent pad 2 so that it can be removed and inserted. For example, if the absorbent pad 2 absorbs a large amount of moisture (menstrual blood, etc.), it is possible to maintain comfort by replacing only the absorbent pad 2. In this example, the gusset cloth 5 on the front side (opposite the skin) of the absorbent pad 2 is made waterproof, so that moisture such as menstrual blood absorbed by the absorbent pad 2 can be prevented from leaking out to the front side of the shorts body 1.

In addition, the absorbent pad 2 in this example can be replaced without removing the shorts completely, with the legs still in the shorts, i.e., while wearing boots, for example, so that the absorbent pad 2 can be replaced quickly and easily even when out and about.

Furthermore, in the shorts of this example, the absorbent pad 2, which is particularly prone to getting dirty, is separate from the shorts body 1, and since such an absorbent pad 2 is easier to wash than an absorbent body that is integrated into the shorts body 1, it also contributes to improved hygiene and long-term use when the absorbent pad 2 is washed and reused.

In other words, the shorts of this example are easy to use because only the absorbent body, such as the water-absorbing pad 2, can be replaced.

In addition, the shorts of this example have two spaced apart pocket openings 15, 16, so that the wearer can insert and remove the absorbent pad 2 from the pocket opening 15, 16 that is located in the most convenient position, thereby enhancing convenience. In addition, the absorbent pad 2 can be more easily stored in the pocket 3 by pulling the absorbent body inserted from any of the pocket openings 15, 16 from the other pocket openings 16, 15. In other words, when multiple pocket openings are provided at intervals, any one of the pocket openings can serve as an insertion opening for the absorbent body, while any other one of the pocket openings can serve as an opening for setting the absorbent body. In this way, when multiple pocket openings can have different roles, the dimensions of the pocket openings may be made different, for example, by making the one serving as the insertion opening larger and the one serving as the opening for setting smaller.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the following modifications can be mentioned:

In the pocket 3, the portion located between the wearer's skin and the absorbent pad 2 may be endowed with various functions as described below, and may have a structure of two or more layers in order to provide multiple or enhanced functions for that portion. In other words, the functions that may be provided to the portion include, for example, a water-repellent function (which has the effect of making the portion less likely to get dirty and easier to clean), a diffusion function (which increases the absorption speed by preventing moisture that enters the absorbent pad 2 from concentrating at one point), an absorbency improvement function (which draws moisture into the absorbent pad 2), a drying speed-up function, a moisture-return prevention function (which makes the pocket 3 feel smooth against the skin), and a moisture absorption function (which allows a certain degree of water absorption even when the absorbent pad 2 is not housed in the pocket 3).

In the above embodiment, the back gussets 8A, 8B, pads 9A, 9B, and meshes 10A, 10B are provided in this order from the wearer's skin side in the area located between the wearer's skin and the absorbent pad 2, but the material, shape, dimensions, and arrangement (layering order, etc.) of each of the components 8 to 10 can be changed as appropriate to provide the desired function in the above areas. For example, either or both of the pads 9A, 9B and the meshes 10A, 10B may not be provided, and other components may be provided instead.

In the above embodiment, the first opening 12 is located inside the second opening 14, but this is not limited thereto, and the second opening 14 may be located inside the first opening 12.

In the above embodiment, the two pocket openings 15, 16 have different structures, but they may be unified into one structure, or the pocket opening 15 may have the structure of the pocket opening 16 and the pocket opening 16 may have the structure of the pocket opening 15 (the structures of the pocket openings 15, 16 may be changed to the structure of the other).

In the above embodiment, the first and second pocket forming sections 6, 7 are provided on the inside of the body fabric 4 and the gusset fabric 5, and the pocket openings 15, 16 are formed on the skin side (inside) of the pocket 3, so that the absorbent pad 2 can be easily inserted and removed from the pocket 3 when the shorts are worn slightly lowered (with the legs through), and the appearance is the same as that of normal shorts, eliminating any sense of incongruity in appearance and increasing the wearer's sense of security and satisfaction.

However, this is not limiting, and for example, the first and second pocket forming parts 6, 7 may be provided on the outside of the body fabric 4 and the gusset cloth 5, and the pocket openings 15, 16 may be formed on the outside of the pocket 3. In this case, the water-absorbing pad 2 is inserted and removed from the pocket 3 from the outside of the shorts body 1, and the pocket openings 15, 16 are not formed on the skin side, so that the degree of adhesion to the body increases and leakage of menstrual blood is less likely to occur. In this case, in order to make it difficult to prevent the water absorption by the water-absorbing pad 2 contained in the pocket 3 from being hindered, a material with excellent water permeability may be used for the body fabric 4 and the gusset cloth 5, or a part of the body fabric 4 and the gusset cloth 5 in the area located inside the pocket 3 may be eliminated.

In the above embodiment, two pocket openings 15, 16 are provided, but the number of pocket openings provided may be one or three or more.

In the above embodiment, the two pocket openings 15, 16 are both provided to extend in a direction (left-right direction on the paper in Fig. 1(B)) perpendicular to the length direction of the gusset portion (the longitudinal direction of the pocket 3), but this is not limited thereto, and for example, as shown in Figs. 4(A) and (B), a pocket opening 17 may be provided that extends in the length direction of the gusset portion.

In other words, the shorts shown in Figs. 3(A) and (B) form a pocket opening 16 by overlapping the first pocket forming part 11 extending from the front end side to the rear end side with the second pocket forming part 13 extending from the rear end side to the front end side, as described above, while the shorts shown in Figs. 4(A) and (B) form a pocket opening 17 by overlapping the first pocket forming part 11 extending from the left end side (one end side) to the right end side (other end side) of the wearer with the second pocket forming part 13 extending from the right end side to the left end side. Note that left and right here refer to the left and right direction from the wearer's perspective, and are opposite to the left and right on the paper surface of Fig. 4(A).

In the above embodiment, the absorbent pad 2, which can be washed and reused, is stored in the pocket 3, but the absorbent material stored in the pocket 3 is not limited to this, and commercially available pads and liners may be stored, or toweling handkerchiefs, pocket tissues, etc. may be stored as a temporary measure. It is also possible to attach a commercially available napkin, just like regular sanitary shorts. Furthermore, multiple absorbent materials may be stored in the pocket 3.

For example, the gusset portion of the shorts body 1 may be made up of two pieces of fabric, a front gusset (the gusset on the side opposite the skin) and a back gusset (the gusset on the side closest to the skin), with only the front and back ends of the back gusset sewn to the front gusset and both the left and right sides of the back gusset left free from the front gusset. In this case, it is easy to attach a commercially available winged napkin to the back gusset, and the space between the back gusset and the front gusset functions as pocket 3. Of course, in this case, at least one of the front gusset or the back gusset may be made into a bag-like (pocket-like) shape with a pocket opening, so that the front gusset or the back gusset alone can be used as pocket 3.

The extent to which the pocket 3 (gusset cloth 5) is extended upward at the rear of the shorts body 1 can be set as appropriate. For example, the size, shape, and attachment position of the absorbent pad 2 used will vary depending on the amount of absorption by the absorbent pad 2, whether or not there is a measure to prevent rear leakage, whether it is for daytime or nighttime use, and other differences in use. From the viewpoint of being able to accommodate as many types of absorbent pads 2 as possible (to provide versatility), it is considered to extend the pocket 3 (gusset cloth 5) to the upper part (waist) of the rear of the shorts body 1. However, taking into consideration design and other factors, the pocket 3 (gusset cloth 5) may be extended to the middle part in the vertical direction of the rear of the shorts body 1, or may be fastened to the lower part.

It goes without saying that the above modifications may be combined as appropriate.

1. Shorts body 2. Absorbent pad (absorbent body)
3 Pocket 4 Body fabric 5 Gusset lining 6 First pocket forming body 6a Edge on the other end side 7 Second pocket forming body 7a Edge on one end side 7b Center of the edge on the other end side 8A Back gusset (front back gusset)
8B back gusset (back gusset)
9A Pad (front pad)
9B Pad (rear pad)
10A Mesh (front mesh)
10B Mesh (rear mesh)
11 First pocket forming portion 12 First opening 13 Second pocket forming portion 14 Second opening 15 Pocket opening 16 Pocket opening 17 Pocket opening

Claims (2)

A pair of shorts having a pocket for accommodating an absorbent such as a water-absorbing pad in an area extending from the front lower part of the shorts body through the bottom to the rear part,
The pocket is composed of a gusset cloth attached to the inside of the body fabric of the body in the above-mentioned region, a first pocket forming body attached to one end side of the gusset cloth from the inside, and a second pocket forming body attached to the other end side of the gusset cloth from the inside,
the first pocket forming body is attached to one end side of the gusset cloth by sewing at its peripheral edge except for the edge at the other end side, thereby forming a first pocket forming part that extends from one end side of the pocket to the other end side and has a first opening that opens toward the other end side, and into which the absorbent body can be inserted from this first opening;
the second pocket forming body is attached to the gusset cloth by sewing at its periphery except for the edge on one end side and the edge center part on the other end side, thereby forming a second pocket forming part that extends from the other end side of the pocket toward the one end side and has a second opening that opens toward the one end side, and into which the absorbent body can be inserted from this second opening;
one of the first opening and the second opening is located inside the other, and the first pocket forming portion and the second pocket forming portion are overlapped to form an overlapping pocket opening for inserting and removing the absorbent body into and from the pocket,
An opening is formed by a central portion of the edge of the other end of the second pocket forming body that is not sewn to the gusset cloth,
The shorts have a pocket opening larger than the opening, the pocket opening serves as an insertion opening for an absorbent body, and the opening serves as an opening for setting. The shorts of claim 1, wherein the first pocket forming body and the second pocket forming body are each formed by laminating and integrating a back gusset, a pad, and a mesh from the inside to the outside, the back gusset has numerous gaps through which moisture can pass and is formed of a material whose surface is water-repellent, the pad is formed of a material that absorbs moisture, and the pad and mesh are smaller than the back gusset .