Underwear abstract
The underwear is fabricated from washable fabric formed into a
pant. The pant has a front, a seat, a waistband and leg openings.
The front includes a first portion having an inner flap with an
edge and a second portion having an outer flap with an edge. The
flaps are situated in overlapping relation, sewn to the pant front
at spaced locations, to define a normally closed fly. First and
second panels are provided. Each of the panels includes a liquid
absorbent layer and a liquid barrier layer. The panels are attached
to the pant front, on opposite sides of the fly, with the edge of
the first panel substantially co-extensive with the edge of the
inner flap. The edge of the second panel may be substantially aligned
with the edge of the outer flap, or spaced a short distance therefrom,
so as to form a substantially continuous liquid absorbent layer
across the garment front.
Underwear claims
1. Reusable underwear for men fabricated from washable fabric formed
into a pant comprising a front, a seat, a waistband and leg openings,
said front comprising a first portion having an inner flap with
an edge, a second portion having an outer flap with an edge, means
for connecting said flaps in overlapping relation at spaced locations
to define a normally closed fly opening, a first panel having an
edge, a second panel having an edge, each of said panels comprising
a liquid absorbent layer and a liquid barrier layer, means for attaching
said first and second panels to said front, on opposite sides of
said fly, with said edge of said first panel substantially co-extensive
with said edge of said inner flap and said edge of said second panel
substantially aligned with said edge of said first panel so as to
form a substantially continuous liquid absorbent layer across said
pant front.
2. The underwear of claim 1 wherein said edge of said second panel
is spaced from said edge of said outer flap by a given distance.
3. The underwear of claim 2 wherein said given distance is equal
to or less that the width of said inner flap.
4. The underwear of claim 1 wherein said liquid absorbent layer
comprises cotton or a cotton blend.
5. The underwear of claim 1 wherein said liquid barrier layer comprises
urethane.
6. The underwear of claim 5 wherein said urethane comprises a thin
film.
7. The underwear of claim 6 wherein said film is less than 0.002''
thick.
8. The underwear of claim 1 wherein said liquid absorbent layer
is laminated to said liquid barrier layer.
9. The underwear of claim 1 wherein said pant comprises relatively
loose fitting "boxer" shorts.
10. The underwear of claim 1 wherein said pant comprises relatively
snug fitting briefs.
11. The underwear of claim 1 wherein said attaching means comprises
thread.
12. The underwear of claim 1 wherein said liquid barrier layer
is moisture vapor permeable.
13. The underwear of claim 1 wherein said liquid absorbent layer
comprises rayon.
14. The underwear of claim 1 wherein said liquid absorbent layer
comprises hydrophilic polyester.
15. The underwear of claim 1 wherein said liquid absorbent layer
comprises hydrophilic polypropylene.
16. The underwear of claim 1 wherein said liquid absorbent layer
comprises hydrophilic polyethylene.
17. The underwear of claim 1 wherein said liquid absorbent layer
comprises multiple fiber blends.
18. The underwear of claim 1 wherein said liquid absorbent layer
has antimicrobial properties.
19. The underwear of claim 1 wherein said pant has leg portions
and wherein said panels extend down said leg portions.
20. Reusable underwear for men fabricated from washable fabric
formed into a pant comprising a front, a seat, a waistband and leg
openings, said front comprising a first portion having an inner
flap with an edge, a second portion having an outer flap with an
edge, means for connecting said flaps in overlapping relation at
spaced locations to define a normally closed fly opening, a first
panel having an edge, a second panel having an edge, each of said
panels comprising a liquid absorbent layer and a liquid barrier
layer, means for attaching said first and second panels to said
front, on opposite sides of said fly, with said edge of said first
panel substantially co-extensive with said edge of said inner flap
and said edge of said second panel substantially co-extensive with
said edge of said outer flap, so as to form a substantially continuous
liquid absorbent layer across said pant front.
21. The underwear of claim 20 wherein said liquid absorbent layer
comprises cotton or a cotton blend.
22. The underwear of claim 21 wherein said liquid barrier layer
comprises urethane.
23. The underwear of claim 22 wherein said urethane comprises a
thin film.
24. The underwear of claim 23 wherein said film is less than 0.002"
thick.
25. The underwear of claim 20 wherein said liquid absorbent layer
is laminated to said liquid barrier layer.
26. The underwear of claim 20 wherein said pant comprises relatively
loose fitting "boxer" shorts.
27. The underwear of claim 20 wherein said pant comprises relatively
snug fitting briefs.
28. The underwear of claim 20 wherein said attaching means comprises
thread.
29. The underwear of claim 20 wherein said liquid barrier layer
is moisture vapor permeable.
30. The underwear of claim 20 wherein said liquid absorbent layer
comprises rayon.
31. The underwear of claim 20 wherein said liquid absorbent layer
comprises hydrophilic polyester.
32. The underwear of claim 20 wherein said liquid absorbent layer
comprises hydrophilic polypropylene.
33. The underwear of claim 20 wherein said liquid absorbent layer
comprises hydrophilic polyethylene.
34. The underwear of claim 20 wherein said liquid absorbent layer
comprises multiple fiber blends.
35. The underwear of claim 20 wherein said liquid absorbent layer
has antimicrobial properties.
36. The underwear of claim 20 wherein said pant has leg portions
and wherein said panels extend down said leg portions.
Underwear description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO A "SEQUENCE LISTING", A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER
PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON COMPACT DISC
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to men's reusable undergarments
of the type having a "fly" opening to permit withdrawal
of the penis for urination and more particularly undergarments including
loose fitting "boxer" shorts that include post void dribbling
absorbent panels providing continuous protection across the front
of the garment, without interfering with the operation of the "fly"
opening.
[0006] 2. Description of Prior Art Including Information Disclosed
Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98
[0007] The process of male urination is such that urine is excreted
from the body via the urethra in the male penis. Upon completion,
the sphincter muscle contracts shutting off the flow from the bladder.
When that occurs, a small amount of residual urine is usually left
in the urethra. This additional urine is often dispensed with by
manually shaking the penis.
[0008] However, since the penis is extremely elastic, a few unexpected
drops of residual urine may be excreted at a later time simply from
penile movement. These droplets are usually absorbed by underwear
to some extent, but due to the generally nonabsorbent nature of
the fabric from which the underwear is made, they can also wick
through the underwear and into the wearer's outer clothing (trousers,
etc.). The wet spot can be visible on the outer clothing, especially
if it is lightly colored. This can be annoying and is often perceived
by most cultures as embarrassing. Further, once the wet spot on
the outer clothing dries, an unsightly stain may remain.
[0009] A solution to this problem is to prevent the urine from
wicking into the wearer's outer clothing. This can be accomplished
in a variety of ways seen in prior art. Once solution is to form
the crotch area of the undergarment itself of multilayer material
with enhanced moisture management capacity, such as is disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,210,882, entitled "Undergarment with Combination
of Loose Fitting Seat, Upper Abdomen and Leg Areas and Crotch Area"
issued to Moretz et al. on May 18, 1993. However, the undergarments
disclosed in some of the embodiments of Moretz U.S. Pat. No. 5,210,882
have a tight fitting crotch area made of several layers and may
be uncomfortable to wear.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,291,617 entitled "Moisture Management
Garment" issued Mar. 8, 1994 to Moretz et al. and U.S. Pat.
No. 6,782,557 entitled "Undergarment with Polymer Coated Fabric
Layer For Protection Against Incontinence" issued Aug. 31,
2004 to Feder each teach garments with absorbent front portions
that absorb moisture. However, those structures interfere with the
function of the fly opening.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,217,782, entitled "Multi-Layer Moisture
Management Fabric" issued to Moretz on Jun. 8, 1993 and U.S.
Pat. No. 5,906,876 entitled "Absorbent Fabric and Undergarments
Incorporating Same" issued to Conway on May 25, 1999 each teach
a fabric for such an undergarment. However, neither of those fabrics
has resulted in garments that provide the necessary protection across
the entire front of the garment, which do not interfere with the
function of the fly and at the same time are comfortable to wear.
[0012] The most common solution is to insert an absorbent disposable
pad into the underwear such as disclosed in Moretz U.S. Pat. No.
5,210,882, noted above, wherein the pad is received in a pouch,
and U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,877 entitled "Male Incontinence Device"
issued to Sivilich on May 20, 1986 where an absorbent shield is
adhesively attached to the undergarment. However, disposability
becomes an issue, in that the pad or shield must be removed from
the undergarment before washing. Moreover, such disposable articles
tend to be thick and uncomfortable to wear and are not wide enough
to provide protection across the entire front of the garment.
[0013] In the present invention, a reusable undergarment is provided
with washable absorbent panels that are "permanently"
fixed to the undergarment. The panel(s) are designed to absorb residual
urine and and at the same time to provide a barrier to prevent it
from wicking to the outer clothing.
[0014] Many of the styles of men's underwear have a front "fly"
opening to allow for easy withdrawal of the penis from the underwear
for urination. This fly opening is typically formed of overlapping
flaps of the fabric from which the underwear is made. The flaps
are sewn at the top and bottom creating a flexible aperture. Obviously,
attaching an absorbent panel across the front of such a garment
or retaining an absorbent pad or shield in the crotch area, as taught
by the prior art, would cover the fly and seal it closed, rendering
it non-functional.
[0015] In general, those problems are avoided in the present invention
by utilizing two separate absorbent panels. The panels are attached
to the front of the undergarment, on opposite sides of the fly opening,
in a manner which provides continuous protection across the entire
front of the undergarment. This allows the penis to be withdrawn
and put back into the wearer's underwear through the fly opening,
but still provide protection from embarrassing wetness.
[0016] The present invention is particularly useful for loose fitting
undergarments such as "boxer" shorts that are typically
made of a thin woven fabric. The fabric is usually not very absorbent
and therefore transfers urine wetness quickly to the wearer's outer
garment. However, the present invention is also applicable to tighter
fitting undergarments, such as briefs.
[0017] It is, therefore, a prime object of the present invention
to provide men's reusable underwear with built-in absorbent panels.
[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide
men's reusable underwear with built-in absorbent panels in which
the fly opening is fully functional but, at the same time, full
protection is provided.
[0019] It is still another object of the present invention to provide
men's reusable underwear with built-in absorbent panels which protect
the entire front of the garment from transmission of wetness resulting
from post void dribbling.
[0020] It is still another object of the present invention to provide
men's reusable underwear with built-in absorbent panels that looks
and feels like conventional underwear.
[0021] It is still another object of the present invention to provide
men's reusable underwear with built-in absorbent panels particularly
suited for use in "boxer" shorts type underwear.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
reusable underwear for men is provided. The underwear is fabricated
from washable fabric formed into a pant. The pant has a front, a
seat, a waistband and leg openings. The front includes a first portion
having an inner flap with an edge and a second portion having an
outer flap with an edge. Means are provided for connecting the flaps
in overlapping relation, at spaced locations, to define a normally
closed fly. A first panel having an edge is provided. A second panel
having an edge is provided. Each of the panels includes a liquid
absorbent layer and a liquid barrier layer. Means are provided for
attaching the first and second panels to the pant front, on opposite
sides of the fly, with the edge of the first panel substantially
co-extensive with the edge of the inner flap and the edge of the
second panel substantially aligned with the edge of the outer flap,
so as to form a substantially continuous liquid absorbent layer
across the garment front.
[0023] The liquid absorbent layer of each of the panels preferably
includes a knit cotton or cotton blend material. However, rayon,
hydrophilic polyester, hydrophilic polypropylene, hydrophilic polyethylene
or multiple fiber blends can also be utilized.
[0024] The liquid absorbent layer is preferably laminated to the
liquid barrier layer. It also preferably has antimicrobial properties.
[0025] The liquid barrier layer is preferably moisture vapor permeable.
[0026] The liquid barrier layer preferably comprises urethane.
The urethane is in the form of a thin film. The film is preferably
less than 0.002'' thick.
[0027] The underwear preferably takes the form of a loose fitting
garment such as boxer shorts.
[0028] Preferably, the panels are sewn to the pant front using
thread. The panels may extend down the pant front and along the
leg portions of the garment.
[0029] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
reusable underwear for men is provided. The underwear is fabricated
from washable fabric formed into a pant. The pant has a front, a
seat, a waistband and leg openings. The front includes a first portion
having an inner flap with an edge and a second portion having an
outer flap with an edge. Means are provided for connecting the flaps
in overlapping relation, at spaced locations, to define a normally
closed fly. A first panel having an edge is provided. A second panel
having an edge is provided. Each of the panels includes a liquid
absorbent layer and a liquid barrier layer. Means are provided for
attaching the first and second panels to the underwear front, on
opposite sides of the fly, with the edge of the first panel substantially
co-extensive with the edge of the inner flap and the edge of the
second panel spaced from the edge of the outer flap, by a distance
equal to or less than the with of the inner flap, so as to form
a substantially continuous liquid absorbent layer across the garment
front.
[0030] The liquid absorbent layer of each of the panels preferably
includes a knit cotton or cotton blend material. However, rayon,
hydrophilic polyester, hydrophilic polypropylene, hydrophilic polyethylene
or multiple fiber blends may also be used.
[0031] The liquid absorbent layer is preferably laminated to the
liquid barrier layer. It also preferably has antimicrobial properties.
[0032] The liquid barrier layer is preferably moisture vapor permeable.
[0033] The liquid barrier layer preferably comprises urethane.
The urethane is in the form of a thin film. The film is preferably
less than 0.002'' thick.
[0034] The underwear preferably takes the form of a loose fitting
garment such as boxer shorts.
[0035] Preferably, the panels are sewn to the pant front using
thread. The panels may extend down the pant front and along the
leg portions of the garment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWINGS
[0036] To those and to such other objects that may hereinafter
appear, the present invention relates to reusable underwear for
men with built-in absorbent panels, as described in detail in the
following specification and recited in the annexed claims, taken
together with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals refer
to like parts, and in which:
[0037] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a `boxer" shorts
type undergarment of the present invention, as it would appear on
an individual;
[0038] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the interior of the
front of the undergarment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the front of
the undergarment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of a first brief type style
of undergarment of the present invention, as it would appear on
an individual;
[0041] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of a second brief type
style of undergarment of the present invention, as it would appear
on an individual;
[0042] FIG. 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the front
of a first preferred embodiment of the construction of an undergarment
of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the front
of a second preferred embodiment of the construction of an undergarment
of the present invention; and
[0044] FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of a second preferred version
of the "boxer" shorts embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] FIGS. 1, 4 and 5 respectively show the exterior of a loose
fitting "boxer" shorts type, long-legged brief type and
short-legged brief type versions of undergarments of the present
invention. In each case, the exterior of the undergarment is virtually
indistinguishable in appearance from the conventional counterpart.
Thus, a man wearing the undergarment of the present invention will
not be embarrassed because others will not be able to tell from
the appearance of the exterior that he is wearing an undergarment
with absorbent properties.
[0046] In each version of the present invention, the undergarment
is fabricated from washable woven cotton or cotton blend fabric
formed into a pant having a front 10, a seat (not shown), an elastic
waistband 12 and leg openings 14. In the "boxer" shorts-type
version of FIG. 1, the body and leg portions of the undergarment
are relatively loose fitting. In the brief-type version, the body
and leg portions are relatively tight fitting.
[0047] Pant front 10 includes a first portion 16 having an outer
flap 18 with an edge 20. Front 10 also includes a second portion
22 having an inner flap 24 with an edge 26.
[0048] Means in the form of stitches 28, 30 are provided at vertically
spaced location on pant front 10 for connecting outer flap 18 and
inner flap 24 in overlapping relation to define a fly opening 32.
Fly 32 is normally closed but can be opened to withdraw the penis
for urination. In the "boxer" shorts version of FIG. 1,
the fly is substantially a vertical line, off set slightly from
the line vertically bisecting the garment. In the briefs of FIGS.
4 and 5, the fly is arcuate, and off set from the garment line bisecting
the garment to a somewhat greater degree.
[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a first absorbent panel 34 is
provided with an edge 36. A second absorbent panel 38 is provided
having an edge 40. Each of the absorbent panels 34, 38 is formed
of a liquid absorbent layer 34a, 38a and a liquid barrier layer
34b, 38b, respectively.
[0050] Means, in the form of a thread 35, is provided for sewing
first and second absorbent panels 34, 38 to the interior surface
of the pant front 10, on opposite sides of the fly 32, along a stitch
line 42. However, other conventional attachment techniques such
as gluing, sonic welding, heat sealing and the like can be employed,
if desired.
[0051] The panels are attached to the pant with edge 36 of first
panel 34 substantially co-extensive with edge 26 of inner flap 24.
The edge 40 of second panel 38 can be spaced a short distance from
the edge 20 of outer flap 18, a distance equal to or less than the
width of flap 24, and therefore be substantially aligned with edge
26 of inner flap 24, and proximate with edge 36 of first panel 34,
when fly 32 is closed, as illustrated in FIG. 6, so as to form a
substantially continuous liquid absorbent layer across front 10.
Alternatively, edge 40 of second panel 38 can be substantially aligned
with the edge 20 of the outer flap 18, as illustrated in FIG. 7,
such that the panels 34, 38 will overlap in the fly area, and provide
extra protection by forming a substantially continuous liquid absorbent
layer across front 10, even when the fly 32 is partially open.
[0052] Panels 34, 38 can be constructed of a variety of materials
that are absorbent, wicking and provide a moisture-proof barrier.
In the preferred embodiment, each of the panels has two layers,
being constructed of a liquid absorbent layer 34a, 38a and a liquid
barrier layer 34b, 38b. The absorbent layer of the panel can be
fabricate of a woven, knit or non-woven fabric made of absorbent
fibers such as cotton but not limited to, rayon, cotton, hydrophilic
polyester, hydrophilic polypropylene, hydrophilic polyethylene or
multiple fiber blends. The liquid barrier layer can be, but is not
limited to relatively thin films, foils, or other moisture proof
substrates.
[0053] Preferably, the liquid absorbent layer 34a, 38a has antimicrobial
properties. Those properties may be the result of treating the material
of the liquid absorbent layer using an antimicrobial treatment.
In the preferred embodiment, an advanced silane chemical treatment
called AEGIS MICROBE SHIELD developed by AEGIS Environments, 2205
Ridgewood Drive, Midland Mich., 48642-5884 is utilized. That treatment
involves an active ingredient that forms a colorless, odorless positively
charged polymer which permanently bonds to the treated surface.
It kills harmful microbes on contact, but does not affect normal
skin flora.
[0054] In the preferred embodiment, an absorbent layer 34a, 38a
of knit cotton or cotton blend fabric is laminated to a thin liquid
barrier layer 34b, 38b of urethane film. The urethane film is preferably
less than 0.002'' thick. The film acts as a liquid barrier, but
has a high moisture vapor transmission rate. Thus, the wetness is
contained, but it "breathable" to perspiration and evaporating
urine. Strips of the laminate are cut and sewn by stitches 42 of
thread 35 into the front area of an undergarment to either side
of the fly opening 32. Thus the penis can be withdrawn from the
pant for purposes of urination through the fly opening and returned
through the same aperture.
[0055] As illustrated in FIG. 3, any residual urine will be absorbed
into the knit fabric absorbent layer of the panel where it is contained
by the liquid barrier urethane film layer. Depending on the relative
humidity of the environment, the water component of the urine can
evaporate. The wearer's trousers are discretely protected from wetness.
[0056] FIG. 8 shows a second version of the "boxer" shorts
preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. In the version there
shown, absorbent panels 34', 38' extend downwardly beyond the crotch
portion of the front of the pant, along the interior front surfaces
of the leg sections, so as to provide additional protection in that
area.
[0057] It will now be appreciated that the present invention relates
to reusable men's underwear that is virtually indistinguishable
in appearance from conventional garments of this type but which
provides protection against wetting of outer clothing resulting
from post void dribbling. That is accomplished through the use of
absorbent panels located on either side of the fly opening. Each
of the panels includes a liquid absorbent layer laminated to a liquid
barrier layer made of a thin film such that the panel retains the
liquid but is moisture vapor transmissive to permit evaporation. |