US20220256938A1

US20220256938A1 - Underwear Garment having a Detachable Absorbent Pad

Info

Publication number: US20220256938A1
Application number: US17/562,602
Authority: US
Inventors: Johanna King
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-02-13
Filing date: 2021-12-27
Publication date: 2022-08-18

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an underwear garment comprising a crotch lining having an absorbent pad which is machine washable, and which is detachably connected to the underwear garment by a plurality of snap fittings on the inner surface of the crotch region of the garment. The garment may also be provided as a kit with a plurality of such machine-washable crotch linings. The undergarment is thereby designed to absorb secretions from menstruating women, women with postpartum bleeding, and men or women with urinary incontinence.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit and priority of US provisional application no. U.S. 63/149,233, filed 13 Feb. 2021.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of underwear garments. More specifically, the present invention relates to a women's underwear garment comprising a detachable absorbent pad for menstruation, urinary incontinence, postpartum bleeding, and other such conditions.

BACKGROUND

Typically, a woman who is menstruating uses a tampon or a sanitary pad, in addition to wearing the undergarment, to keep both undergarments and outer garments from being soiled by bodily secretions and discharges. Women undergoing postpartum bleeding or urinary incontinence must take similar measures such as wearing mesh underwear to absorb heavy bleeding after giving birth. Alternative solutions for absorbing bodily secretions and discharges include adult “briefs” which offer a larger area of protection and may be particularly useful for men or women who have urinary incontinence. The current selections of adult briefs and mesh underwear are, however, unattractive due to their bulk, which makes their concealment under outer clothing difficult or impossible.
Further, because most pads/tampons and adult briefs are disposable and not reusable, the cost of purchasing the products may be an economic burden since it may add up to a significant sum per year. Additionally, the waste produced is environmentally unsustainable. Moreover, the pads/tampons may be occasionally positioned incorrectly (e.g., too far up or back), or even if they are positioned correctly can be liable to sliding/shifting/scrunching up, and the adult briefs may be wrapped too loosely, all resulting in severe leakage.
Consequently, there is a need for undergarments that eliminate the need for using disposable pads/tampons and adult briefs while effectively absorbing liquid flow and reducing the risk of leaks and stains. Additionally, it is desirable that the undergarments provide stain prevention, antimicrobial management, and skin comfort.
It is within this context that the present invention is provided.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides an underwear garment comprising a crotch lining having an absorbent pad which is machine washable, and which is detachably connected to the underwear garment by a plurality of snap fittings on the inner surface of the crotch region of the garment. The garment may also be provided as a kit with a plurality of such machine-washable crotch linings.
Thus, according to one aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an underwear garment, comprising: a garment body, the garment body comprising a waist loop and a crotch portion with a length, wherein the waist loop and crotch portion are connected together to form two openings for receiving a wearer's legs, and wherein an inner surface of the crotch portion has a first set of snap fittings and a second set of snap fittings attached at opposing ends of the length of the crotch portion; and a crotch lining element, the crotch lining element comprising an elongate fabric strip with an absorbent pad set along the length and held between opposing ends, and wherein a third set of snap fittings and a fourth set of snap fittings are affixed to each of the opposing ends configured to form a detachable connection with the first and second sets of snap fittings.
In some embodiments, the crotch lining element further comprises a pair of tabs or wings protruding at outwards from a middle portion of its length, the pair of tabs comprising a matching pair of snap fittings for forming a detachable connection.
The outer surface of the crotch portion of the garment body may also comprise a second pair of tabs for forming a detachable connection with the tabs of the wings of the crotch lining element.
In such embodiments, the garment may further comprise an additional layer covering the outer or inner surface of the crotch portion, the outer layer serving to protect and cover the connection between the wings.
In some embodiments, the crotch lining element is formed of one or more absorbent pads stitched between two fabric layers.
In some embodiments, the garment comprises a material chosen from woven, non-woven, or a combination thereof. Specifically, the material may be chosen from cotton, nylon, polyester, or a combination thereof.
The absorbent pad may comprise any one of zorb, cotton, flannel, Sherpa, cotton fleece, hemp, bamboo, linen, rayon, wool, french terry, microfiber, push fabric, modal fabric, or any other type of suitable absorbent material.
In some embodiments, the absorbent pad contains an antimicrobial agent.
The garment may be any one of the following styles: briefs, boyshorts, hipster, bikini, thong, hi-waist, and swimwear. These are merely example styles and are not an exhaustive list, other styles not listed herein may also be used.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a kit, the kit comprising an underwear garment according to any one of the above-described embodiments and a plurality of additional crotch lining elements.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided method of using an underwear garment according to any one of the above-described embodiments, the method comprises the steps of: aligning the crotch lining element with the inner surface of the crotch portion of the garment body such that the absorbent pad faces inwards; and affixing the crotch lining element in place against the garment body by connecting the first and second sets of snaps to the third and fourth sets of snaps, respectively.
In some embodiments, the crotch lining element has the above-described wings and the method further comprises affixing the opposing tabs of the wings of the crotch lining element to one another. The method may further comprises affixing the tabs of the wings of the crotch lining element to the tabs on on the outer surface of the crotch portion of the garment body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example configuration of the underwear garment and crotch lining of the present disclosure in perspective view with the crotch lining ready to be attached to the underwear garment body.

FIG. 2 illustrates the example configuration of FIG. 1 wherein the crotch lining has been secured to the crotch region of the underwear garment body.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example configuration of the construction of the crotch lining in an exploded view to show the multiple layers.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second example configuration of the underwear garment of the present disclosure, wherein an outer surface of the crotch portion of the garment comprises a pair of tabs/snap fittings.

FIG. 5 illustrates a third example configuration of the underwear garment of the present disclosure in a thong style.

FIG. 6 illustrates a fourth example configuration of the underwear garment of the present disclosure having an additional layer applied on the inner surface of the gusset.

FIG. 7 illustrates the fourth example configuration with the removable crotch lining attached.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the figures and the detailed description to indicate like elements. One skilled in the art will readily recognize that the above figures are examples and that other architectures, modes of operation, orders of operation, and elements/functions can be provided and implemented without departing from the characteristics and features of the invention, as set forth in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following is a detailed description of exemplary embodiments to illustrate the principles of the invention. The embodiments are provided to illustrate aspects of the invention, but the invention is not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalent; it is limited only by the claims.
Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the invention is not unnecessarily obscured.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Referring to FIG. 1 an example configuration of the underwear garment 100 and crotch lining 200 of the present disclosure are shown in perspective view, with the crotch lining 200 ready to be attached to the underwear garment body.
As can be seen, the underwear garment comprises a garment body 102 having a waist loop 104 and a crotch portion 106 with a length that runs across and connects two portions of the waist loop 104 to form two openings 108 for receiving a wearer's legs. The waist loop 104 may comprise an elastic loop stitched into the fabric of the garment. This is a standard underwear garment construction and well known in the art.
However. the garment body further comprises, along an inner surface 110 of the crotch portion, a first set of snap fittings 112 and a second set of snap fittings 114. These snap fittings are positioned in the illustrated example in an approximately horizontal line stretch across the upper back portion of the crotch and the upper front region of the crotch. The snap fittings can be any kind of snap fitting and may be male or female. In the present example each set of snap fittings comprises four snap fittings however any number may be used in a set.
The underwear garment of the present disclosure further provides a crotch lining element 200 formed of an elongate fabric strip with an absorbent pad 202 set along the length and held between opposing ends of the fabric strip. For example, the absorbent pad 202 may be stitched between two layers of fabric at a point along their length to form an absorbent middle portion of the crotch lining element 200.
The crotch lining element 200 has a third set of snap fittings 204 and a fourth set of snap fittings 206 which are affixed to each of the opposing ends of the fabric strip and are configured to form a detachable connection with the first and second sets of snap fittings 112, 114. For example, if the first and second set of snap fittings on the underwear garment body each comprise four male snap fittings then the third and fourth sets of snap fittings would each comprise four matching female snap fittings.
In the illustrated example, the crotch lining element 200 also comprises a pair of wings 208, each wing protruding at outwards from a middle portion of its length. Each wing has a snap fitting or other kind of attachment mechanism 210 that allows the wings to be connected when folded around the crotch portion of the garment body. These wings or tabs may provide additional structural strength securing the crotch lining element 200 to the garment body 100 more securely, preventing movement or slipping between the two, and preventing stains on the sides of the fabric of the underwear garment body.
The crotch lining element 200 is machine washable, being made of a durable fabric and re-usable absorbent composite. It is also easily detachable and re-attachable form the garment body 100, allowing the garment to be provided as a kit with multiple crotch lining elements 200 which can be switched out easily.
Referring to FIG. 2, the example configuration of FIG. 1 is shown wherein the crotch lining element 200 has been secured to the crotch region of the underwear garment body 100.
As can be seen, the first and second pairs of snap fittings on the inner surface of the garment body 100 line up with and mate with the third and fourth pairs of snap fittings on the crotch lining element 200. Furthermore, the wings 208 fold over and around the crotch portion 106, with the snap fittings 210 on the wings mating with each other to secure the crotch lining element 200 in place.
Referring to FIG. 3, an example configuration of the construction of the crotch lining element 200 is shown in an exploded view to show the multiple possible layers.
In the example of FIG. 3, the crotch lining element 200 is formed of two absorbent pad layers 302 and 304, stitched together between two layers of fabric 306 and 308 that hold the absorbent pads in place, and to which the snap fittings 204 and 206 may be affixed. In alternative examples, only one absorbent layer may be included, or more than two layers.
The absorbent pads of the crotch lining element 200 may be infused with any number of beneficial compositions, including compositions for perfuming them, moisture wicking compositions, and anti-microbial compositions to reduce the risk of infection.
Referring to FIG. 4, in some examples, an additional pair of snap fittings or tabs 116 may be provided on an outer surface of the crotch portion of the garment to form a detachable connection with the wings of the crotch lining element, thereby holding it in place securely.
Furthermore, it should be noted that the style of the garment is not limited, and may be provided in any number of styles.
Additionally, any re-usable attachment means may be used instead of snap fittings, including but not limited to hook and eye fittings and re-usable adhesives.
Thus, referring to FIG. 5, another example configuration of an underwear garment 300 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in a thong style.
Referring to FIG. 6, a fourth example configuration of the underwear garment 100 of the present disclosure is shown having an additional layer covering the inner surface of the gusset or crotch portion. This additional layer also covers the second pair of tabs 116 on the outer surface.
Referring to FIG. 7, the fourth example configuration of the underwear garment is shown with the removable crotch lining 100 attached.
As can be seen, the additional layer forms a pocket in which the tabs/layer of fabric 116 are located and which the wings 208 of the crotch lining element 100 can wrap around and snap together. The inner layer thus serves to protect and cover the connection between the tabs 210 on the wings 208 of the crotch lining element 100 and the second pair of tabs 116 on the outer surface of the gusset.
This both hides the folded wings 208 from sight to give a more aesthetically appealing appearance and protects them from external forces that may cause the detachable connection to come undone, leading to a more secure connection.
It should be noted that while in the illustrated example the additional layer of fabric is formed on the inner surface of the gusset, it could also equally be applied on the outer surface to have the same effect.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The disclosed embodiments are illustrative, not restrictive. While specific configurations of the underwear garment and detachable crotch lining have been described in a specific manner referring to the illustrated embodiments, it is understood that the present invention can be applied to a wide variety of solutions which fit within the scope and spirit of the claims. There are many alternative ways of implementing the invention.
It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An underwear garment, comprising:

a garment body, the garment body comprising a waist loop and a crotch portion with a length, wherein the waist loop and crotch portion are connected together to form two openings for receiving a wearer's legs, and wherein an inner surface of the crotch portion has a first set of snap fittings and a second set of snap fittings attached at opposing ends of the length of the crotch portion; and

a crotch lining element, the crotch lining element comprising an elongate fabric strip with an absorbent pad set along the length and held between opposing ends, and wherein a third set of snap fittings and a fourth set of snap fittings are affixed to each of the opposing ends configured to form a detachable connection with the first and second sets of snap fittings.

2. An underwear garment according to claim 1, wherein the crotch lining element further comprises a pair of tabs or wings protruding at outwards from a middle portion of its length, the pair of tabs comprising a matching pair of snap fittings for forming a detachable connection.

3. An underwear garment according to claim 2, wherein an outer surface of the crotch portion of the garment body comprises a second pair of tabs for forming a detachable connection with the tabs of the wings of the crotch lining element.

4. An underwear garment according to claim 3, wherein the garment further comprises an additional layer covering the inner surface of the crotch portion, the additional inner layer serving to protect and cover the connection between the wings.

5. An underwear garment according to claim 1, wherein the crotch lining element is formed of one or more absorbent pads stitched between two fabric layers.

6. An underwear garment according to claim 1, wherein the garment comprises a material chosen from woven, non-woven, or a combination thereof.

7. An underwear garment according to claim 6, wherein the material is chosen from cotton, nylon, polyester, or a combination thereof.

8. An underwear garment according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent pad comprises any one of zorb, cotton, flannel, Sherpa, cotton fleece, hemp, bamboo, linen, rayon, wool, french terry, microfiber, push fabric, and modal fabric.

9. An underwear garment according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent pad contains an antimicrobial agent.

10. An underwear garment according to claim 1, wherein the garment is any one of the following styles: briefs, boyshorts, hipster, bikini, thong, hi-waist, and swimwear.

11. A kit, the kit comprising an underwear garment according to any one of claims 1-10 and a plurality of additional crotch lining elements.

12. A method of using an underwear garment according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprises the steps of: aligning the crotch lining element with the inner surface of the crotch portion of the garment body such that the absorbent pad faces away from the crotch portion; and affixing the crotch lining element in place against the garment body by connecting the first and second sets of snaps to the third and fourth sets of snaps, respectively.

13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the garment is the garment of claim 2 and the method further comprises affixing the opposing tabs of the wings of the crotch lining element to one another.

14. A method according to claim 12, wherein the garment is the garment of claim 3 and the method further comprises affixing the tabs of the wings of the crotch lining element to the tabs on the outer surface of the crotch portion of the garment body.