US20200008495A1

US20200008495A1 - Unisex Pelvic Groin Support Garment With Adjustable Pouch, Waist Belt, And Straps Apparatus, And A Method of Using Same

Info

Publication number: US20200008495A1
Application number: US16/553,319
Authority: US
Inventors: Brigit ANDERSON
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-05-29
Filing date: 2019-08-28
Publication date: 2020-01-09

Abstract

The present invention encompasses a pelvic groin support garment having at least two adjustable groin straps, an adjustable waist belt, and an adjustable pelvic groin area support pouch or apron which can be used by both men, and women, who have any kind of injury or insult causing edema or discomfort in the pelvic or groin or genital area. The invention also provides a method of using the inventive pelvic groin medical garment for injuries or trauma in the genital area by both men, and women. The inventive straps that are secured to the adjustable waist belt are configured to go around the thighs, and around the buttock, and below the user's intergluteal cleft, which increases the user's comfort, and enables the user to more easily maintain a higher level of hygiene, and support for a fully adjustable individualized fit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The instant Continuation-in-Part patent application claims priority to and the benefit of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/149,107, filed on Oct. 1, 2018, titled, “Adjustable Supporter,” which was a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/290,918, filed on May 29, 2014, titled, “Adjustable Supporter,” the entire disclosure of each application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Pelvic groin injuries occur under many circumstances, and the medical garment industry has addressed this problem in a variety of ways. It should be understood that pelvic groin injury can occur for both men and women, such as, a trauma to a man's or woman's genital area.
It should be appreciated that both men and women get injured in the groin or pelvic area, and so, for example, for a man's testicular trauma can be defined as any injury sustained by the testicles or scrotum. Types of such injuries include blunt, penetrating, or degloving injuries to the groin areas, and especially, genitals or genital areas. Blunt trauma to the pelvic area can be referred to as injuries sustained from objects applied with any significant force to, such as, the scrotum, testicles, or pelvic or abdominal or lower extremities region. This can occur with various types of activities. Such as, for examples, a kick to the groin, or an injury caused by a sports ball, such as, a baseball, a golf ball, a football, or the like. Penetrating trauma can be caused by injuries which are, for example, sustained when sharp objects, or high-velocity missiles hit the pelvic or groin area or region, such as, for example, a gunshot wound, a stab wound, and the like. Degloving injuries (or avulsion injuries) are less common, and they involve situations, where for example, the scrotal skin has sheared off, such as, for example, when a testicle, becomes trapped in heavy machinery. Furthermore, sepsis or kidney failure, congestive heart failure can also cause systemic edema or severe scrotal edema.
Testicular rupture or fractured testis refers to a rip or tear in the tunica albuginea resulting in extrusion of the testicular contents. Testicular dislocation is an uncommon and sometimes easily overlooked event that refers to a testis that has been relocated from its orthotopic position to another location secondary to blunt trauma. Most cases of testicular dislocation are the result of motorcycle crashes, and accidents, and one third involve both testicles. This is related to impact with the fuel tank, and the inguinal region is the most frequent site of displacement.
The most common cause of blunt force genital trauma is sports injuries. A further altercation can come from a kick to the groin. Other common etiologies, include, motor vehicle accidents, falls, and straddle injuries. Pelvic injury can cause significant testicular or scrotal edema or genital injuries. The cause of penetrating or blunt force testicular or labial injuries could be due to, for example, a gunshot wound, a blunt force trauma, a fall, a motor vehicle impact to the genital area, or abdomen, or lower body, to name a few. Other causes include stab wounds, self-mutilation, animal bites (usually dog), and emasculation. The degloving or scrotal or testicular injuries could be due to accidents incurred while operating heavy machinery, such as, for example, an industrial, farming accident, and the like.
Men or women that have undergone successful medical treatment after enduring testicular, or labial, or genital trauma may be advised by a medical professional to wear an athletic supporter that will provide additional support for the genitalia either while undergoing therapy or while engaging in physical activities. An athletic supporter (also known as a jock strap, or supporter) is an undergarment designed for supporting the male or female genitalia during sports or other vigorous physical activity.
However, because of the various forms and degrees of testicular, scrotal, genital or pelvic trauma, a typical athletic supporter may not provide the necessary comfort and support needed for the genitalia of a trauma victim. For example, for comfort, it may be necessary to elevate or the injured testicle or scrotum due to pelvic trauma or increased edema in the scrotal/testicular region or place compression for women. Athletic supporters do not address that problem, leaving the trauma victim to either endure the healing process in pain, reduce physical activity, engage in activities without adequate protection or in discomfort, or not to engage in any activity at all.
It should be appreciated that women also have similar trauma or injuries in the groin or genital area due to similar activities or accidents. The above-mentioned injuries and trauma are incorporated herein by reference for women, except scrotal degloving. Furthermore, women also have genital trauma, such as, for example, with childbirth, which causes labial swelling, however, currently there are no devices to assist them for such labial injuries or trauma. Some of the other types of genital injuries that women are exposed to could be bruising or swelling of the labia, vaginal laceration, straddle injury, to name a few.
This invention improves on the deficiencies of the prior art and provides an inventive unisex pelvic groin support garment with adjustable pouch, waist belt, and straps apparatus, and a method of using same.

PURPOSES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a novel unisex pelvic groin support garment with adjustable pouch, waist belt, and straps apparatus, and a method of using same.
Therefore, one purpose of this invention is to provide a pelvic groin support garment that can be used by both men and women who have had injury in the groin region, especially, in the genital areas.
Another purpose of this invention is to provide a pelvic groin support garment comprising an adjustable waistband, an adjustable support pouch which is secured to the waistband, and has at least two straps secured to the support pouch, whereby the opposite ends of the two strap are adjustably secured to the waistband.
Yet another purpose of this invention is to include a supporter comprising a waistband, a support pouch or an apron secured to the waistband, a first strap secured to the support pouch or apron, whereby the opposite end of the first strap is adjustably secured to the waistband, and a second strap secured to the support pouch or the apron, whereby the opposite end of the second strap is adjustably secured to the waistband.
Still yet another purpose of this invention is to provide a method of treating male genital trauma comprising the steps of placing male genitalia in a support pouch secured to a waistband, and adjusting the position of the support pouch by adjustably securing opposite ends of at least two straps secured to the base of the support pouch to the waistband.
Therefore, in one aspect this invention comprises a unisex pelvic groin support garment apparatus, comprising:
(a) at least one short waist band having a first surface and a second surface, and wherein said first surface has secured thereto at least one band securing means, and at least one strap securing means;
(b) at least one apron having a first end, and a second end, a first surface, and a second surface, and at least one separation point creating at least one first extension, and at least one second extension, and wherein at least a portion of said first end is secured to at least a portion of said at least one short waist band, and said at least one first extension has at least one first corner securing means secured thereto on said first surface, and said at least one second extension has at least one second corner securing means secured thereto on said second surface;
(c) at least one first strap having a near end and a distal end, wherein said near end is secured to an end of said at least one first extension, and at least one first strap securing means is secured at said distal end;
(d) at least one second strap having a near end and a distal end, wherein said near end is secured to an end of said at least one second extension, and at least one second strap securing means is secured at said distal end;
(e) at least one waist belt having a first surface and a second surface, and wherein at least one first belt securing means is secured of said first surface of said at least one waist belt, and at least one second belt securing means is secured of said second surface of said at least one waist belt; and
(f) at least a portion of said at least one band securing means is securely and removeably attached to at least a portion of one of said at least one first belt securing means and said at least one second belt securing means to form said unisex pelvic groin support garment apparatus.
In another aspect this invention comprises a unisex pelvic groin support garment apparatus, comprising:
(a) at least one short waist band having a first surface and a second surface, and wherein said first surface has secured thereto at least one band securing means, and at least one strap securing means, and wherein said second surface is void of any securing means;
(b) at least one apron having a first end, and a second end, a first surface, and a second surface, and at least one separation point creating at least one first extension, and at least one second extension, and wherein at least a portion of said first end is secured to at least a portion of said at least one short waist band, and said at least one first extension has at least one first corner securing means secured thereto on said first surface, and said at least one second extension has at least one second corner securing means secured thereto on said second surface, and wherein said first surface of said at least one apron is on a same side as said first surface of said at least one short waist band;
(c) at least one first strap having a near end and a distal end, wherein said near end is secured to an end of said at least one first extension, and at least one first strap securing means is secured at said distal end, such that said at least one first strap securing means is on a same plane as said second surface of said at least one short waist belt;
(d) at least one second strap having a near end and a distal end, wherein said near end is secured to an end of said at least one second extension, and at least one second strap securing means is secured at said distal end, such that said at least one second strap securing means is on a same plane as said second surface of said at least one short waist belt;
(e) at least one waist belt having a first surface and a second surface, and wherein at least one first belt securing means is secured of said first surface of said at least one waist belt, and at least one second belt securing means is secured of said second surface of said at least one waist belt; and
(f) at least a portion of said at least one band securing means is securely and removeably attached to at least a portion of one of said at least one first belt securing means and said at least one second belt securing means to form said unisex pelvic groin support garment apparatus.
In yet another aspect this invention comprises a method of using a unisex pelvic groin support garment, comprising the steps of:
(a) taking at least one short waist band having a first surface and a second surface, and wherein said first surface has secured thereto at least one band securing means, and at least one strap securing means, and wherein said second surface is void of any securing means;
(b) taking at least one apron having a first end, and a second end, a first surface, and a second surface, and at least one separation point creates at least one first extension, and at least one second extension, and wherein at least a portion of said first end is secured to at least a portion of said at least one short waist band, and said at least one first extension has at least one first corner securing means secured thereto on said first surface, and said at least one second extension has at least one second corner securing means secured thereto on said second surface, and wherein said first surface of said at least one apron is on a same side as said first surface of said at least one short waist band;
(c) having at least one first strap having a near end and a distal end, wherein said near end is secured to an end of said at least one first extension, and at least one first strap securing means is secured at said distal end, such that said at least one first strap securing means is on a same plane as said second surface of said at least one short waist belt;
(d) having at least one second strap having a near end and a distal end, wherein said near end is secured to an end of said at least one second extension, and at least one second strap securing means is secured at said distal end, such that said at least one second strap securing means is on a same plane as said second surface of said at least one short waist belt;
(e) taking at least one waist belt having a first surface and a second surface, and wherein at least one first belt securing means is secured of said first surface of said at least one waist belt, and at least one second belt securing means is secured of said second surface of said at least one waist belt;
(f) securely and removeably attaching at least a portion of said at least one band securing means to at least a portion of one of said at least one first belt securing means and said at least one second belt securing means;
(g) placing said second surface which is void of any securing means of said at least one short waist band against a waist of a user;
(h) wrapping said at least one waist belt around said waist of said user, and securing said apron in close proximity of said user's genital area;
(i) taking said distal end of said at least one first strap and wrapping a portion of said at least one first strap around a user's first thigh, and removeably and securely attaching at least portion of said at least one first strap securing means with one of said first belt securing means, said second belt securing means, said band securing means, and said strap securing means, such that said at least one first strap is below said user's intergluteal cleft;
(j) taking said distal end of said at least one second strap and wrapping a portion of said at least one second strap around a user's second thigh, and removeably and securely attaching at least portion of said at least one second strap securing means with one of said first belt securing means, said second belt securing means, said band securing means, and said strap securing means, such that said at least one second strap is below said user's intergluteal cleft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1, illustrates a front perspective view of an inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment, according to one embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2, illustrates the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment of FIG. 1, where ends of straps have been secured to the waist band.

FIG. 3, illustrates a back perspective view of an inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment, according to another embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 4, illustrates a magnified left frontal view of an inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment, according to an embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 5, illustrates a front laid out view of an inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment, according to yet another embodiment of this invention as used by a female, as a genital support apron, showing the subassembly.

FIG. 6, illustrates a back laid out view of the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment illustrated in FIG. 5, as used by a female, as a genital support apron, showing the subassembly.

FIG. 7, illustrates a back view of an inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment waist belt, according to yet another embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 8, illustrates a front view of the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment waist belt illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9, illustrates a front laid out view of an inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment, according to still yet another embodiment of this invention in a male use position with the waist belt attached to the genital support pouch portion. FIG. 9.b?

FIG. 10, illustrates a back laid out view of an inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment illustrated in FIG. 9, in a male use position with the waist belt attached to the genital support pouch portion.

FIG. 11, illustrates a front view of the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment according to this invention as being used by a female.

FIG. 12, illustrates a front view of the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment according to this invention as being used by a male.

FIG. 13, illustrates a back view of the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment according to this invention as being used by a user.

FIG. 14, illustrates a front view of the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment according to this invention as being used by a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventive unisex pelvic groin support garment with adjustable pouch, belt, and straps apparatus, and a method of using same will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 1 through 14. Although the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, a detailed description of the preferred embodiment follows together with drawings. These drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. Like numbers represent like features and components in the drawings. For the ease of understanding the invention not all numbers and features are shown in each figure or drawing.
The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the disclosed embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrase “in one embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, though it may. Furthermore, the phrase “in another embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments of the invention may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
FIG. 1, illustrates a front perspective view of an inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 100, according to one embodiment of this invention. The inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 100, or athletic supporter 100, includes at least one waistband 105. Waistband 105, may be made of any material, such as, for example, cotton, spandex, etc. In one embodiment, the waistband 105, is made of elastic. In another embodiment, waistband 105, may be stitched in one-piece, or may be assembled from multiple pieces. In another embodiment, waistband 105, may be adjustably secured by hook-and-loop fasteners 107 a, and 107 b, such as, for example, Velcro, or any other adjustable means 107 a, 107 b, to allow for additional comfort to accommodate to the expanding or contracting waistlines 60, 70, of the user 65, 75. Support pouch 110, adapted to house the user's 65, 75, genitalia 66, 76, is secured to the front of waistband 105. Support pouch 110, may be made of any suitable material, and may be designed in any shape, or size. In one embodiment, support pouch 110, is formed as an envelope with an aperture (not shown) to receive an optional cup to further protect the genitalia 66, 76. In one embodiment, support pouch 110, may be detachably, and adjustably secured to waistband 105, such as, for example, by way of hook-and-loop fasteners, such as, for example, Velcro, or any other adjustably secured form. Straps 120, and 125, may be secured to the base or bottom area 130, of support pouch 110. In one embodiment, the opposite ends 120 b, and 125 b, of straps 120, and 125, having at least one securing means 120 a, 125 a, such as, for example, hook and loop securing means 120 a, 125 a, may be detachably, and adjustably secured to left 105 a, and right 105 b, sides of waistband 105, by for example, hook-and-loop fasteners 115, 120 a, 125 a, and attach to any securing means 46, and/or securing means 15, on waistband 40, such as, for example, Velcro, or any other adjustably securing means 115, 120 a, 125 a, such as, for example, stitching, welding, adhesive, adhesive tape, double sided adhesive tape, Velcro, double sided Velcro, gluing, hook and loop means, hook-and-loop fasteners, hook-and-pile fasteners, buttons, pins, and combinations thereof, to name a few. In another embodiment, a single strap 120, 125, is used, and is secured to the base 130, of the support pouch 110, at, for example, the strap's 120, 125, midpoint. In another embodiment, suspenders (not shown) may be detachably, and adjustably secured to waistband 105.
FIG. 2, illustrates the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 100, of FIG. 1, where ends 120 b, 125 b, of straps 120, 125, have been secured to the waist band 105. As shown in FIG. 2, the ends 120 b, 125 b, of straps 120 and 125, are detachably, and adjustably, secured to the left 105 a, and right 105 b, sides of the waistband 105, by at least one securing means 115, such as, for example, stitching, welding, adhesive, adhesive tape, double sided adhesive tape, Velcro, double sided Velcro, gluing, hook and loop means, hook-and-loop fasteners, hook-and-pile fasteners, buttons, pins, and combinations thereof, to name a few, such as, for example, Velcro, or any other adjustably securing means 115.
In one exemplary embodiment, the base 130, of support pouch 110, is configured to not extend beyond the user's 65, 75, injured genitalia 66, 76. In one exemplary embodiment, the base 130, of support pouch 110, is configured to not extend into the user's 65, 75, intergluteal cleft 61. In one exemplary embodiment the base 130, of the pouch 110, avoiding the user's 65, 75, intergluteal cleft 61, will increase in the user's comfort. In one exemplary embodiment, the base 130, of the pouch 110, avoiding the user's 65, 75, intergluteal cleft 61, will enable the user 65, 75, to more easily maintain a higher level of hygiene, and support In one exemplary embodiment, the top of the support pouch 110, may be adjusted upwards to further avoid the base 130, of the pouch 110, extending into the user's 65, 75, intergluteal cleft 61.
FIG. 3, illustrates a back perspective view of an inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 100, according to another embodiment of this invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the waistband 105, may be stitched as a one-piece, or may be assembled from multiple pieces. In another embodiment, waistband 105, may be adjustably secured by hook-and-loop fasteners 107 a, and 107 b, such as, for example, Velcro, or any other adjustable means, to allow for additional comfort to accommodate to the expanding or contracting waistlines 60, 70, of the user 65, 75. As one can see that the secured ends of the strap 120, 125, have been secured to the base or bottom area 130, of the pouch 110, using at least one securing means 131, such as, for example, stitching, welding, adhesive, adhesive tape, double sided adhesive tape, Velcro, double sided Velcro, gluing, hook and loop means, hook-and-loop fasteners, hook-and-pile fasteners, buttons, pins, and combinations thereof, to name a few. Thus, as stated earlier that one can use a single strap 120, 125, and have it secured along its, for example, mid-point, to the base or bottom area 130, using securing means 131.
FIG. 4, illustrates a magnified left frontal view of an inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 100, according to an embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4, further depicts a magnified left frontal view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, athletic supporter 100, includes a waistband 105. In one embodiment, waistband 105, may be adjustably secured by at least one securing means 107 a, such as, a hook-and-loop fastener 107 a, and 107 b, such as, for example, Velcro, or any other adjustable means, to allow for additional comfort to accommodate to the expanding or contracting waistlines 60, 70, of the user 65, 75. Support pouch 110, adapted to house the user's 65, 75, genitalia 66, 76, is secured to the front of waistband 105. In one exemplary embodiment any point along the top of support pouch 110, may be secured on any point along the front of waistband 105, so that the user 65, 75, has the maximum amount of flexibility to adjust support pouch 110, to accommodate the user's 65, 75, genitalia 66, 76. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, if the right testicle 76, is injured, the user 75, may wish to give more support to that testicle 76, or scrotum 76, or genital area 76, and secure the right side of support pouch 110, at a higher point along the waistband 105, than that of the left side of support pouch 110. The reverse may also be accomplished in a similar manner. In one example either side or both sides of support pouch 110, may be secured along any point on waistband 105, to accommodate particular injuries to the genitalia 66, 76, providing a greater variable of choices of placement of support pouch 110, along waistband 105, for medical purposes.
In one exemplary embodiment, pouch 110, may be adjusted along any point of the waistband 105, to accommodate smaller genitalia 66, 76, or severely injured or enlarged genitalia 66, 76, so that the base 130, of the pouch 110, does not extend into and/or come in contact with the intergluteal cleft 61.
In one embodiment, the opposite end 120 b, of strap 120, may be detachably, and adjustably secured to the left 105 a, side of waistband 105, by at least one securing means 115, such as, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners 115, such as, for example, Velcro 115, or any other adjustably securing means 115, such as, for example, stitching, welding, adhesive, adhesive tape, double sided adhesive tape, Velcro, double sided Velcro, gluing, hook and loop means, hook-and-loop fasteners, hook-and-pile fasteners, buttons, pins, and combinations thereof, to name a few.
FIG. 5, illustrates a front laid out view of an inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 23, according to yet another embodiment of this invention as used by a female 65, as a genital support apron 63, showing the subassembly 43. The inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 23, can be a single piece medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 23, or it could be formed using several pieces to form the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 23. The inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 23, having a first or upper or top or front surface or face or side 23A, and a second or back or rear surface or face or side 23B, comprises of a genital support pouch or apron 20, which has a top or upper or mating end 29, a bottom or lower end 28. The genital support pouch or apron 20, at the upper end 29, is secured to at least one short waist belt or band 10, and at a lower or opposite end 28, has a plurality of extensions or wings 22, 24, which originate from, or are connected at, separation point 21, so that, for example, one could have at least one first or right wing or extension 22, and at least one second or left wing or extension 24. The at least one short waist belt or band 10, has a first or front surface 10A, and a second or a back surface 10B. The at least one right wing or extension 22, has secured thereto at least one first tab or extension or belt or strap 32, forming, for example, a right strap 32, and the at least one left wing or extension 24, has secured thereto at least one second tab or extension or belt or strap 34, forming for example, a left strap 34. The distal or far end of the right strap 32, the left strap 34, from the lower end 28, has at least one securing means 37R, 37L, secured thereto, which are secured on the back side 23B, of the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 23, such that the at least one first strap securing means 37R, is secured to the distal end of the right strap 32, while the at least one second strap securing means 37L, is secured to the distal end of the left strap 34. The lower end 28, also has a plurality of corner securing means 25A, 25B, such as, hook and loop means 25A, 25B, such that, for example, the at least one first corner securing means 25A, could be on the upper or top or front surface 23A, while the at least one second corner securing means 25B, could be on the back side or surface 23B, or vice versa. The at least one short waist belt or band 10, has a plurality of vertical or band securing means 15, and a plurality of diagonal or band strap securing means 17L, 17R, such as, for example, hook and loop securing means 15, 17L, 17R. It is preferred that the diagonal or first band strap securing means 17L, are on the left side of genital support pouch 20, while the diagonal or second band strap securing means 17R, is on the right side of genital support pouch 20. Because hook and loop securing means require that one portion be a hook, while the other portion be a loop, so it is preferred that securing means 15, on the front or upper surface 23A, of the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 23, are all hooks 15, while the securing means 15, on the back or rear surface 23B, of the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 23, are all loops 15, or vice versa. Similarly, for example, first corner securing means 25A, could be a hook securing means 25A, while the second corner securing means 25B, could be a loop securing means 258, or vice versa, as they both will be joined each to the other during use to create pouch 73. Additionally, strap securing means 37L, 37R, can be hook means 37L, 37R, or loop means 37L, 37R, as they have to be the opposite of the diagonal or band strap securing means 17R, 17L, or to belt securing means 45, 46, along the at least one waist belt or band 40, to which they will be attached during use. The preferred securing means for securing means 15, 17L, 17R, 25A, 25B, 37L, 37R, are hook and loop securing means, but other securing means could also be used, such as, for example, stitching, welding, adhesive, adhesive tape, double sided adhesive tape, Velcro, double sided Velcro, gluing, hook and loop means, hook-and-loop fasteners, hook-and-pile fasteners, buttons, pins, and combinations thereof, to name a few. For some applications, the at least one short waist belt or band 10, could have secured thereto at least one first elastic band 26, or stretchable waist band 26. The at least one elastic band 26, is preferably positioned in an area 29, just above the mating end 29, of the genital support apron or pouch 20. It is preferred that the apron 63, or pouch 73, is made from a material that would provide comfort to the user 65, 75, such as, a breathable material, a stretchable material, a material having moisture wicking capabilities, and combinations thereof, to name a few. It is preferred that the apron 20, is used for a woman 65, however, for some applications the apron 20, can also be used for a male 75, if needed, instead of creating a pouch 20, for a male 75.
FIG. 6, illustrates a back laid out view of the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 23, illustrated in FIG. 5, as used by a female 65, as a genital support apron 63, showing the subassembly 43. Furthermore, FIG. 6, illustrates a back surface view 23B, of the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 23, illustrated in FIG. 5. As stated earlier, the preferred securing means for securing means 15, 17L, 17R, 25A, 25B, 37L, 37R, are hook and loop securing means, but other securing means could also be used, such as, for example, stitching, welding, adhesive, adhesive tape, double sided adhesive tape, Velcro, double sided Velcro, gluing, hook and loop means, hook-and-loop fasteners, hook-and-pile fasteners, buttons, pins, and combinations thereof, to name a few, and thus the at least one securing means 15, 17L, 17R, 25A, 25B, 37L, 37R, could be hooks, while the corresponding securing means 15, 17L, 17R, 25L, 25R, 37L, 37R, to which they are being matted or secured to have to be loops, or vice versa, or securing means 45, 46, on extending waist band 26, for individual fit, or compression. It should be appreciated that the back surface 10B, of the genital support pouch or apron 20, would be in contact with the skin of the user 65, 75, and thus does not have any securing means, or any other attachment means that could cause any irritation to the abdomen or belly portion of the user 65, 75, during use, other than the stitching and the fabric material 10. As one can see that the back surface 10B, of the short waist band 10, would be in contact with the skin of the user 65, 75, and is void of any securing means, and thus does not have any securing means, or any other attachment means that could cause any irritation to the abdomen or belly or waist portion of the user 65, 75, during use, other than the stitching and the fabric material 10, while the waist belt 40, has the belt securing means 45, or 46, that would be going around the waist and the body of the user 65, 75, securing and holding in place the short waist band 10, having the apron 20, 63, or the pouch 20, 73.
FIG. 7, illustrates a back or inside view of an inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment waist belt 40, according to yet another embodiment of this invention, which is secured to the subassembly 43, to form the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 23. The at least one inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment waist belt 40, has a front or first face or surface 40A, and a second or back or rear surface or face 40B, and a plurality of securing means 45, 46, such that, for example, at least one first belt securing means 45, is on the back side surface 40B, while the at least one second belt securing means 46, is on the front side surface 40A, of the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment waist belt 40. The preferred securing means for the belt securing means 45, 46, are hook and loop securing means 45, 46, but other belt securing means 45, 46, could also be used, such as, for example, stitching, welding, adhesive, adhesive tape, double sided adhesive tape, Velcro, double sided Velcro, gluing, hook and loop means, hook-and-loop fasteners, hook-and-pile fasteners, buttons, pins, and combinations thereof, to name a few. For some applications, it is preferred that the first belt securing mean 45, on the back surface 40B, be a hook securing means 45, while the second belt securing mean 46, on the front surface 40A, be a loop securing means 46, or vice versa.
FIG. 8, illustrates a front or outside view of the at least one inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment waist belt 40, illustrated in FIG. 7. As stated earlier, the preferred securing means for belt securing means 45, 46, are hook and loop securing means 45, 46, but other belt securing means 45, 46, could also be used, such as, for example, buttons, pins, hook-and-pile fasteners, adhesive tape, hook and eye fasteners, double sided tape, and combinations thereof, to name a few, and thus the at least one belt securing means 45, 46, could be hooks, while the corresponding securing means 15, or securing means 17R, 17L which they are being matted or secured to have to be loops, or vice versa.
FIG. 9, illustrates a front laid out view of an inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 23, according to still yet another embodiment of this invention in a male 75, use position with the waist belt 40, attached to the genital support pouch portion 73. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 23, having the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment waist belt 40, has been secured to the subassembly 43, to form the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 23. As shown in FIG. 9, the short waist band 10, having band securing means 15, has been secured to the corresponding belt securing means 45, 46, on the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment waist belt 40. In order to create a pouch 73, such as, for a male genitalia 76, the corner securing means 25B, on the right wing or corner 22, is secured to the corner securing means 25A, on the left wing or corner 24, or in other words the two corner portions crisscross to create the pouch 73, having the base or bottom 130. Thus, the pouch 73, is made using the genital support apron 20, 63, such as, by crisscrossing the right wing or extension 22, and the left wing or extension 24, so that the right strap 32, moves to the left side, while the left strap 34, moves to the right side, so that the strap securing means 37R, 37L, crisscross each other, and thus creating the genital support pouch portion 73. For the purposes of illustration the subassembly 43, is secured to the waist band or belt 40, starting at around the middle of the subassembly 43, however, this mating or securing of the subassembly 43, with the waist band or belt 40, can be started at any point as long as at least one band securing means 15, on the subassembly 43, is secured to at least one belt securing means 45, or 46, on the waist belt or band 40. It should be appreciated that the waist band or belt 40, has a plurality of belt securing means 45, or 46, on the both the first surface 40A, and the second surface 40B, and so the first surface 40A, or the second surface 40B, of the waist band or belt 40, can be used to secure the waist band or belt 40, to the subassembly 43. However, once the apron 20, 63, or pouch 20, 73, is attached to the waist band or belt 40, one would then be able to use the securing means 15, 17L, or 17R, as needed.
FIG. 10, illustrates a back laid out view of an inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 23, illustrated in FIG. 9, in a male 75, use position with the waist belt 40, attached to the genital support pouch portion 20, 73. As one can see that the back surface 10B, of the short waist band 10, would be in contact with the skin of the user 65, 75, and thus does not have any securing means, or any other attachment means that could cause any irritation to the abdomen or belly portion of the user 65, 75, during use, other than the stitching and the fabric material 10, while the waist belt 40, has the belt securing means 45, or 46, that would be going around the body of the user 65, 75, securing and holding in place the short waist band 10.
FIG. 11, illustrates a front view of the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 23, according to this invention as being used by a female 65. The female 65, has a waist 60, a first or right thigh 62, a second or left thigh 64, and female genitalia 66. In order to use the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 23, one would place the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment waist belt 40, having the genital support pouch or apron 20, in parallel to the waist 60, such that the right strap 32, and the left strap 34, are hanging loosely, as shown in FIGS. 5, and 6, for a female 65, and FIGS. 9, and 10, for a male 75. For a female 65, whose labial organs 66, which may have been injured, are usually external or close to the pelvic or groin area 66, and thus the apron 63, is allowed to hang loose, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 11, and then the right tab or strap 32, is allowed to go around the right thigh 62, and the strap securing means 37R, is allowed to be in secure contact with the securing means 15, 17R, 45, or 46. Similarly, the left tab or strap 34, is allowed to go around the left thigh 64, and the strap securing means 37L, is allowed to be in secure contact with the securing means 15, 17L, 45, or 46, and thus the genital support apron 63, can be used as is to create compression, and support while improving hygiene. Thus, it should be appreciated that for a female 65, the right strap 32, and the left strap 34, do not crisscross to secure securing means 25A, to 25B, to create a pouch 73, as shown more clearly in FIGS. 9, 10, and 12. However, it should be appreciated that for some applications the apron 63, could also be used for a male 75, instead of a genital or groin support pouch 73, and vice versa.
FIG. 12, illustrates a front view of the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 23, according to this invention as being used by a male 75. The male 75, has a waist 70, a first or right thigh 72, a second or left thigh 74, and male genitalia 76. In order to use the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 23, one would place the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment waist belt 40, having the genital support pouch or apron 20, in parallel to the waist 70, such that the right strap 32, and the left strap 34, are hanging loosely, as shown in FIG. 12, from the genital or groin support pouch 73, while the corner securing means 25A, 25B, i.e., the at least one first corner securing means 25A, and the at least one second corner securing means 25B, are secured each to the other to create the genital or groin support pouch 73. The male genital organs 76, which may have been injured are usually external or outside the skin surface of the pelvic or groin area 76, and thus the genital support pouch 73, is used to gently catch and cradle the injured male genital organs 76. The steps of creating the genital or groin support pouch 73, has been illustrated, and described in FIGS. 9, and 10. The male organs 76, which may have been injured, are normally external in the pelvic or groin area 76, and thus the apron or pouch 73, is made as a genital support apron or pouch 73, such as, by crisscrossing the right wing or extension 22, and the left wing or extension 24, as illustrated in FIGS. 9, and 10, and thus the genital support pouch 73, can now be used as is to create compression, and support while improving hygiene for a male 75.
FIG. 13, illustrates a back view of the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 23, according to this invention as being used by a user 65, 75. After the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment waist belt 40, has been placed on the waist 60, of the woman 65, or the waist 70, of the man 75, the belts or straps 32, 34, are then pulled to go behind the buttocks 71, and below the intergluteal cleft 61, of the woman 65, or the man 75, and around the woman's thighs 62, 64, or around the man's thighs 72, 74, so that the strap securing means 37L, 37R, of the straps 32, 34, could be secured to the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment waist belt 40, in the front to at least one of the securing means 45, 46, 15, 17L, 17R. It should be appreciated that the straps 32, 34, do not crisscross over as shown in FIG. 1, and they are in a female position 63, thus the straps 32, 34, follow a different path around the buttocks 71, and below the intergluteal cleft 61, such that the strap 32, going around the right thigh 62, would come around the right thigh 62, and is secured to the right side of the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment waist belt 40, using strap securing means 37R, to at least one of the securing means 45, 46, 15, 17L, 17R. Similarly, the strap 34, going around the left thigh 64, would come around the left thigh 64, and be secured to the left side of the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment waist belt 40, using strap securing means 37L, to secure to one of the securing means 17L, 15, 45, or 46. While for a man 75, the straps 32, 34, crisscross over as shown in FIG. 12, and thus the straps 32, 34, follow a different path around the buttocks 71, and below the intergluteal cleft 61, such that the strap 34, going around the right thigh 72, would come around the right thigh 72, and be secured to the right side of the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment waist belt 40, using strap securing means 37L, to at least one of the securing means 45, 46, 15, 17L, 17R. Similarly, the strap 32, going around the left thigh 74, would come around the left thigh 74, and be secured to the left side of the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment waist belt 40, using strap securing means 37R, to at least one of the securing means 45, 46, 15, 17L, 17R. Thus, as one can see in FIG. 12, that the straps 32, 34, that go around the thighs 62, 64, 72, 74, and around the buttock 71, are configured to not extend into the user's 65, 75, intergluteal cleft 61, and these straps 32, 34, are below the user's 65, 75, intergluteal cleft 61, which increases user's 65, 75, comfort, and enables the user 65, 75, to more easily maintain a higher level of hygiene, and cleanliness, and this can be done along any point on the waist belt 40, the short belt 10, using securing means 15, 17R, 17L. 45, or 46.
FIG. 14, illustrates a front view of the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 23, according to this invention as being used by a user 65, 75. As one can see in FIG. 13, that the straps 32, 34, having strap securing means 37L, 37R, are secured to the diagonal or band strap securing means 37L, 37R, while the apron 63, or the pouch 73, is containing, or cradling, or providing support to the injured genitalia 66, 76, and thus the same inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 23, can be used both by a woman 65, and a man 75.
It should be appreciated that the inventive medical unisex pelvic groin support garment 23, normally comes in contact with a person 65, 75, who is recovering for pelvic, or groin or scrotal or labial injury, and thus the material used must be such that it does not irritate or harm the patient, and therefore it is preferred that the material for the unisex pelvic groin support garment is selected from a group comprising of a breathable material, a stretchable material, a material having moisture wicking capabilities, an antimicrobial fabric material, and combinations thereof, to name a few.
Thus, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and the constituent elements of the invention can be modified in various manners without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Various aspects of the invention can also be extracted from any appropriate combination of a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiments. Some constituent elements may be deleted in all of the constituent elements disclosed in the embodiments. The constituent elements described in different embodiments may be combined arbitrarily.
Still further, while certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions.
It should be further understood that throughout the specification and claims several terms have been used and they take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase “in one embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, though it may. Additionally, the phrase “in another embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, various embodiments of the invention may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
While the present invention has been particularly described in conjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.
Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be understood by those of skill in the art they are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings, including equivalents. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the specific illustrated examples, or embodiments, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A unisex pelvic groin support garment apparatus, comprising:

(a) at least one short waist band having a first surface and a second surface, and wherein said first surface has secured thereto at least one band securing means, and at least one strap securing means;

(b) at least one apron having a first end, and a second end, a first surface, and a second surface, and at least one separation point creating at least one first extension, and at least one second extension, and wherein at least a portion of said first end is secured to at least a portion of said at least one short waist band, and said at least one first extension has at least one first corner securing means secured thereto on said first surface, and said at least one second extension has at least one second corner securing means secured thereto on said second surface;

(c) at least one first strap having a near end and a distal end, wherein said near end is secured to an end of said at least one first extension, and at least one first strap securing means is secured at said distal end;

(d) at least one second strap having a near end and a distal end, wherein said near end is secured to an end of said at least one second extension, and at least one second strap securing means is secured at said distal end;

(e) at least one waist belt having a first surface and a second surface, and wherein at least one first belt securing means is secured of said first surface of said at least one waist belt, and at least one second belt securing means is secured of said second surface of said at least one waist belt; and

(f) at least a portion of said at least one band securing means is securely and removeably attached to at least a portion of one of said at least one first belt securing means and said at least one second belt securing means to form said unisex pelvic groin support garment apparatus.

2. The unisex pelvic groin support garment apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said first corner securing means is securely and removeably attached to at least a portion of said second corner securing means to create a pouch.

3. The unisex pelvic groin support garment apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said first corner securing means is securely and removeably attached to at least a portion of said second corner securing means to create a flexible pouch.

4. The unisex pelvic groin support garment apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one stretchable elastic band is integrated inside said at least one short waist band.

5. The unisex pelvic groin support garment apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said securing means, are selected from a group consisting of stitching, welding, adhesive, adhesive tape, double sided adhesive tape, double sided hook and loop means, gluing, hook and loop means, hook-and-loop fasteners, hook-and-pile fasteners, buttons, pins, and combinations thereof.

6. The unisex pelvic groin support garment apparatus of claim 1, wherein each material for said unisex pelvic groin support garment apparatus is selected from a group consisting of a breathable material, a stretchable material, a material having moisture wicking capabilities, an antimicrobial fabric material, and combinations thereof.

7. The unisex pelvic groin support garment apparatus of claim 1, wherein said waistband is adjustable.

8. The unisex pelvic groin support garment apparatus of claim 1, wherein said waist belt is adjustable.

9. The unisex pelvic groin support garment apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said first corner securing means is securely and removeably attached to at least a portion of said second corner securing means to create a pouch, and wherein said pouch is adapted to receive a cup.

10. The unisex pelvic groin support garment apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one apron is adapted to accommodate and cradle at least one injury to a human being.

11. The unisex pelvic groin support garment apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one apron is adapted to accommodate and cradle at least one injury to a human being, and wherein said at least one injury is selected from a group consisting of a labial injury, a pelvic injury, a groin injury, a testicular injury, a scrotal injury, a genital injury, a degloving injury, and combinations thereof.

12. The unisex pelvic groin support garment apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said first corner securing means is securely and removeably attached to at least a portion of said second corner securing means to create a pouch, and wherein said pouch is adapted to accommodate and cradle at least one injury to a human being.

13. The unisex pelvic groin support garment apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said first corner securing means is securely and removeably attached to at least a portion of said second corner securing means to create a pouch, and wherein said pouch is adapted to accommodate and cradle at least one injury to a human being, and wherein said at least one injury is selected from a group consisting of a labial injury, a pelvic injury, a groin injury, a testicular injury, a scrotal injury, a genital injury, a degloving injury, and combinations thereof.

14. A unisex pelvic groin support garment apparatus, comprising:

(a) at least one short waist band having a first surface and a second surface, and wherein said first surface has secured thereto at least one band securing means, and at least one strap securing means, and wherein said second surface is void of any securing means;

(b) at least one apron having a first end, and a second end, a first surface, and a second surface, and at least one separation point creating at least one first extension, and at least one second extension, and wherein at least a portion of said first end is secured to at least a portion of said at least one short waist band, and said at least one first extension has at least one first corner securing means secured thereto on said first surface, and said at least one second extension has at least one second corner securing means secured thereto on said second surface, and wherein said first surface of said at least one apron is on a same side as said first surface of said at least one short waist band;

(c) at least one first strap having a near end and a distal end, wherein said near end is secured to an end of said at least one first extension, and at least one first strap securing means is secured at said distal end, such that said at least one first strap securing means is on a same plane as said second surface of said at least one short waist belt;

(d) at least one second strap having a near end and a distal end, wherein said near end is secured to an end of said at least one second extension, and at least one second strap securing means is secured at said distal end, such that said at least one second strap securing means is on a same plane as said second surface of said at least one short waist belt;

15. A method of using a unisex pelvic groin support garment, comprising the steps of:

(a) taking at least one short waist band having a first surface and a second surface, and wherein said first surface has secured thereto at least one band securing means, and at least one strap securing means, and wherein said second surface is void of any securing means;

(b) taking at least one apron having a first end, and a second end, a first surface, and a second surface, and at least one separation point creates at least one first extension, and at least one second extension, and wherein at least a portion of said first end is secured to at least a portion of said at least one short waist band, and said at least one first extension has at least one first corner securing means secured thereto on said first surface, and said at least one second extension has at least one second corner securing means secured thereto on said second surface, and wherein said first surface of said at least one apron is on a same side as said first surface of said at least one short waist band;

(c) having at least one first strap having a near end and a distal end, wherein said near end is secured to an end of said at least one first extension, and at least one first strap securing means is secured at said distal end, such that said at least one first strap securing means is on a same plane as said second surface of said at least one short waist belt;

(d) having at least one second strap having a near end and a distal end, wherein said near end is secured to an end of said at least one second extension, and at least one second strap securing means is secured at said distal end, such that said at least one second strap securing means is on a same plane as said second surface of said at least one short waist belt;

(e) taking at least one waist belt having a first surface and a second surface, and wherein at least one first belt securing means is secured of said first surface of said at least one waist belt, and at least one second belt securing means is secured of said second surface of said at least one waist belt;

(f) securely and removeably attaching at least a portion of said at least one band securing means to at least a portion of one of said at least one first belt securing means and said at least one second belt securing means;

(g) placing said second surface which is void of any securing means of said at least one short waist band against a waist of a user;

(h) wrapping said at least one waist belt around said waist of said user, and securing said apron in close proximity of said user's genital area;

(i) taking said distal end of said at least one first strap and wrapping a portion of said at least one first strap around a user's first thigh, and removeably and securely attaching at least portion of said at least one first strap securing means with one of said first belt securing means, said second belt securing means, said band securing means, and said strap securing means, such that said at least one first strap is below said user's intergluteal cleft;

(j) taking said distal end of said at least one second strap and wrapping a portion of said at least one second strap around a user's second thigh, and removeably and securely attaching at least portion of said at least one second strap securing means with one of said first belt securing means, said second belt securing means, said band securing means, and said strap securing means, such that said at least one second strap is below said user's intergluteal cleft.

16. The method of using a unisex pelvic groin support garment of claim 15, wherein at least a portion of said at least one first corner securing means is removeably and securely attached to at least a portion of said at least one second corner securing means, so as to create a pouch.

17. The method of using a unisex pelvic groin support garment of claim 15, wherein at least a portion of said at least one first corner securing means is removeably and securely attached to at least a portion of said at least one second corner securing means, so as to create a pouch, and wherein in step (i) said at least one first strap goes around a user's second thigh, and wherein in step (j) said at least one second strap goes around a user's first thigh.

18. The method of using a unisex pelvic groin support garment of claim 15, wherein said at least one apron is adapted to accommodate and cradle at least one injury to said user, and wherein said at least one injury is selected from a group consisting of a labial injury, a pelvic injury, a groin injury, a testicular injury, a scrotal injury, a genital injury, a degloving injury, and combinations thereof.

19. The method of using a unisex pelvic groin support garment of claim 15, wherein each of said securing means, are selected from a group consisting of stitching, welding, adhesive, adhesive tape, double sided adhesive tape, double sided hook and loop means, gluing, hook and loop means, hook-and-loop fasteners, hook-and-pile fasteners, buttons, pins, and combinations thereof.

20. The method of using a unisex pelvic groin support garment of claim 15, wherein each material for said unisex pelvic groin support garment is selected from a group consisting of a breathable material, a stretchable material, a material having moisture wicking capabilities, an antimicrobial fabric material, and combinations thereof.