GB2503865A

GB2503865A - A waterproof brassiere

Info

Publication number: GB2503865A
Application number: GB201207141A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sara-Jane Hose
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-04-24
Filing date: 2012-04-24
Publication date: 2014-01-15
Also published as: GB201207141D0

Abstract

A brassiere formed from a waterproof material. The device may be suitable to prevent leakage of breast milk on to outer clothing. Disposable breast pads may be provided and the brassiere may be stretchable. The brassiere may have a cotton or polyester layer and a polyurethane lining which is stitched or embossed to a cup. A breathable fabric may also be provided to help prevent bacteria thriving. Also disclosed is a pair of shorts with panels that have integrated waterproof regions. The shorts may be designed to be tight fitting and be made from a synthetic woven material such as spandex. The shorts may be made from polyurethane and have a breathable fabric.

Description

A GARMENT

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a garment and more particularly, but not exclusively to a garment such as an undergarment, underwear, sportswear and a leisurewear garment.

Embarrassing episodes can occur with accidental staining menstrual flow, due to inadequate sanitary protection, it is evident that this was a common occurrence and complaint of women of all demographics in which their ages ranged from as young as eight years old up to and including pre-menopausal Sometimes available sanitary protection is insufficient for not only a large segment of women, who suffered from a heavy menstrual cycle but here was also a need for extra protection for normal menstrual flow that leaked onto clothing, bedding and furniture.

Background

A number of shorts have been adapted to accept a removable sanitary pad as an alternative to higher cut under garments. These adapted shorts have been developed to include waterproof properties to assist to prevent leakage.

However, there is still a requirement for a user to accurately place a pad in position and remove it. The addition of a sanitary pad within tight filling shorts can also leave a user more susceptible to rubbing if a pad is slightly mis-positioned or if it moves in use.

A number of menstrual garments have been developed to collect or absorb menstrual flow so as to prevent visible leakage and to allow women to carry out her daily activities.

Typically a woman has the choice of using an internal or external product to control the menstrual flow. For some women, and in particular for young women or children, the use of internal product may not be suitable or may be detrimental to health. Therefore an external garment such as a sanitary pad is required.

A variety of sanitary pads have been developed that are designed to line a standard underwear product such as sanitary towels. Typically a sanitary pad is a disposable item that is used once and then disposed of. This leads to considerable expense to a user and inconvenience once a stock of sanitary pads is depleted.

Traditionally a sanitary pad has one or more adhesive back portions that attach to an under garment to secure the sanitary pad in place and to prevent movement when in use. However, this is not always totally reliable as the sanitary pad may move position, in some circumstances such as sporting activities leaving the user susceptible to leakage and the potential embarrassment associated with this.

Various adaptations have been made to the shape and materials used of sanitary pads in order to improve the flexibility and durability however this does not overcome the possibility of leakage from the gusset area particularly whilst sleeping.

Prior Art

An example of a garment is described in US-B-5 527 261 (Osborne et al) discloses a female protection system including a menstrual short having an outer protective layer and an inner gusset layer. A catamenial pad assembly is connectable to the menstrual short and includes front and rear ends. The catamenial pad assembly includes an absorbent member for absorbing menses and a cinch for biasing the absorbent member into the gluteal groove and against the perineum of the female However the garment does not address the specific problem of leakage in the event of movement.

It was thus apparent that there is a need for a garment that would solve this problem that is experienced in one way or another during a female's menstrual cycle, especially if she is engaging in active sports, such as running and cycling and during rest, especially when asleep in bed.

Summary of Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a garment comprising washable shorts with a plurality of panels that fit within it and include an integrated inner waterproof region.

The garment enables a woman to go about her daily and nightly activities with complete assurance that her menstrual flow will be contained, without hindering, in any way, her daily routine.

This light weight garment fits and looks like a second skin, liberating women from the fear of potential embarrassment and offers freedom for those wearing the garment.

The garment is a sanitary protection short that supplements sanitary protection already available.

In a preferred embodiment the garment prevents leakage of menstrual flow onto clothes that may escape from sanitary protection that is already in place. This not only protects clothes but also bed linen and any other material that may become soiled, thus providing peace of mind.

Ideally the garment is stretchable and completely waterproof as well as still comfortable enough to wear next to the skin.

Ideally the garment is made from a lightweight, woven material such as a synthetic woven material, for example spandex (Trade Mark), that is secured with a waterproof panel stitched, in a method that prevents liquid from permeating through its structure.

The garment is ideally lightweight, flexible, soft, durable as well as breathable and has the added advantage of providing a "tummy control' function that can be an added advantage when menstruating. It can be worn under clothes without being obvious and is light enough to be ignored.

The garment offers full protection against menstrual leakage and eliminates the need to wash/clean menstrual blood from clothing, bedding and furniture.

Preferably the garment does not show under clothing and is not bulky in any shape or form.

The garment is aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to wear. The garment has the added advantage of providing a "bottom lift" and silhouette effect in the fabric that gives the illusion of a more flattering shape, which is advantageous if women are feeling unattractive at this time of the month.

The garment provides a water proof barrier that is very durable so it can withstand multiple washings without losing its shape. It is therefore very easy to care for and conveniently machine washable.

Ideally the garment take the form of shorts made from polyurethane laminated (PUL) fabric. Although PUL is non-biodegradabie, the product is reusable and has a long lifespan The shorts can be worn at any time, be it leisure or business where soiling on bedding or furniture could be prove embarrassing. It provides full coverage for night or day use.

The advantage of the shorts is that they may be worn to prevent leakage of other bodily fluids and not just menses, therefore they can be used for urinary incontinence especially stress incontinence.

The shorts are aesthetically pleasing and can be easily incorporated with the rest of ones lingerie and not look out of place.

The shorts give added protection to physically active women in which conventional sanitary protect is inclined to move out of place and cause leakage.

The shorts uses breathable fabric which is sympathetic to the skin and has excellent resistance to bacteria and fungus therefore they help to prevent conditions in which bacteria thrive The shorts have been tested and proven to be suitable for children, adolescents and adults.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention there is shown a brassiere formed from a water resistant material.

The brassiere is suitable for use as a nursing brassiere as it prevents leakage of breast milk from the brassiere on to outer clothing.

The nursing brassiere prevents leakage of breast milk onto clothing so avoiding embarrassment and staining of clothing.

The nursing brassiere shall be used with either disposable or reusable breast pads.

Previously breast pads were used and these were reasonably effective.

However, in order to ensure breast milk leakage did not occur they needed to be changed frequently and they could not guarantee complete protection from leakage.

Often two pads at a time were used for each breast. Not only was this costly but also caused anxiety for the nursing mother as the breast pads could move out of place and breast milk leakage onto outer clothing could not be guaranteed.

If the nursing brassiere is water resistant breast pad leakage does not matter as the water resistant lining of the brassiere prevents leakage of breast milk through the brassiere and subsequent soiling of the outer garments.

The waterproof nursing bra can also be used to prevent other bodily fluids from leaking onto outer clothing and bed linen which makes it ideal for use in the medical field in conditions of the breast where this leakage may happen.ie post operatively following breast surgery.

The garment allows for comfort, stretch, durability complete waterproofing and the soft cotton/polyester lamination and lack of seams in the bra cup helps prevent friction and soreness of the nipples should the breast pad become detached.

The nursing brassiere is made from a cotton/polyester material with a polyurethane laminated fabric lining. The waterproof lining is stitched and/or embossed into the cup of the brassiere.

The garment is a nursing brassiere that is lined with a complete waterproof lining. The lining prevents leakage of breast milk including any bodily fluids through the brassiere and onto any outer garments.

The waterproof lining can either be made from 100% polyester knit fabric coated on one side with a thin layer (1mm) of polyurethane (PUL) or from 100% cotton woven laminated with 1mm polyurethane. Both are coated with a durable water resistant coating.

The polyurethane laminated fabric original application is in the medical field and it is still used for this purpose. It provides a waterproof barrier needed in the medical field that can survive multiply institutional washings. The PUL application in the nursing brassiere is not subject to autoclaving. However the PUL can also be used as a single entity which can be autoclaved. A brassiere may be made totally of PUL which could then be used solely for hospital/medical use.

The brassiere uses breathable fabric thus minimizing the conditions in which bacteria thrive.

The brassiere is aesthetically pleasing.

The polyurethane laminated fabric lining does not crack, wrinkle or fade.

The brassiere lining allows for good stretch and is soft enough to wear next to the skin.

The brassiere provides full protection from leakage of breast milk through the brassiere onto outer garments.

The brassiere eliminates the need to wash/launder outer garments that become soiled by breast milk leaking through the brassiere.

The brassiere allows peace of mind" freedom to go about your normal activities with the reassurance that embarrassing stains will not occur on outer garments.

A preferred embodiment of the garment will now be described, by way of examples, and with reference to the drawings in which:

Brief Description of the Figures

Figures la and lb show front and back views of an embodiment of a garment in the form of menstrual shorts; Figures 2a and 2b show front and back views of the menstrual short with a central panel; Figures 3a and 3b show diagrammatically, side front and side back views, where contiguous panels, joining the front and rear of the menstrual short, meet; Figure 3c shows diagrammatically an overall side views of the menstrual shorts; Figure 4 shows an external view of a gusset panel view with a shaped gusset panel 1; Figure 5 shows a Front view of an alternative embodiment of a garment which is a brassiere, with an insert showing a rear view of the brassiere; and Figure 6 shows a front view of the garment of Figure 5 showing a rear view of the brassiere.

Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to the drawings generally there is shown various views of a garment designed as an effective and aesthetically pleasing garment to address the needs of women worldwide.

Figure 1 shows a front view of a menstrual short with a central panel 4 extending from a gusset panel, 1, to a waist band 2. Contiguous panels, 5, 6, 7 extend from said central panel 4 to create increased width at the point of hip.

Said panels also provide support to the stomach area, functioning as shaping underwear.

Panels 4 and 5 include a waterproofing layer external to an inner absorption gusset id that acts to prevent the leakage of fluid. It is envisaged the waterproof layer may be the outer most layer or may be an inner, concealed layer which is ideally an outer absorption gusset id. In a yet further alternative embodiment, a recess is envisioned which is adapted to receive a slim or low profile towel or absorptive sheet.

If the waterproof layer is a concealed inner layer the aesthetic outer appearance of a menstrual short is improved, so reducing the requirement for multiple materials to be used in the fabrication of the shorts.

Figure 2 shows a back view of the menstrual short with a central panel 8 extending from a gusset panel ito a waist band 2. Contiguous panels 9, 10, 11 extend from central panel 8 to encompass the gluteal region of a user providing comfort and support.

Figures 3a -Sc show the point at which contiguous panel 7 and ii meet, joining the front and rear of the menstrual short. The contiguous panels create a widest point at the hip for maximum comfort. The proximal and distal portion of said side section of short are filled with triangular sections of material that join the contiguous panels to a waist band 2 and to a leg band 3.

The waist and legs of the shorts maintain their shape and elasticity by overlapping some of the Spandex (Trade Mark) material in a structured fashion to form a thick edge of at least 2 cm depth; this has the benefit of acting as a leak free seal against blood and bodily fluids.

It is envisaged that these portions may have increased elasticity to prevent said waist band and leg band creating a visible indent on the skin surface that may be visible under clothing.

In the pictured embodiment, shown in Figures 1 to 5, all panels are stitched together to create a strong connection along the length of a seam that function effectively with multiple angle forces applied, making it suitable of all activities including sports.

Figure 4 shows an external view of a gusset panel view with a shaped gusset panel 1. Gusset panel 1 is shaped to have a narrow mid-section 1 a that passes between a user's limbs and is typically below the point of pubis.

A narrow mid-section splays at both the anterior lb and posterior lc ends to form a continuous shaped gusset panel 1 that covers the pubic and anal regions. The outer rim of a gusset panel is the point of attachment for a plurality of contiguous panels. It is envisaged that any visible stitching will be outward facing to ensure it does not come in to contact with the skin of a user that may cause rubbing when in use.

In the preferred embodiment the inner absorption panel id matches the external facing gusset panel 1. Inner absorption gusset panel is formed of a breathable, absorbent material such as cotton, microfiber or alike. An inner absorption panel may include channel indents to assist in the absorption of menstrual flow.

Figures 5 and 6 show front and rear views of a brassiere. The brassiere is suitable for use as a nursing brassiere as it prevents leakage of breast milk from the brassiere on to outer clothing.

Previously breast pads were used and these were reasonably effective.

KEY

Figures 1-4 1= waterproof panel I b= increased angle/width of gusset 2= strong elastane knit (waistband) with scallop edge 3= medium strength support panel 4 = waterproof panel with high strength rib knit = waterproof panel, medium strength support panel 6 = medium strength support panel 8= waterproof panel, high strength rib knit 9= waterproof panel, medium strength support panel = medium strength support panel Seam free apart from gusset Lines included of textured knit to form smooth contours, essentially for decoration/design only Extra coverage for waterproof fabric on bottom * S Figure 5 Cups are moulded to provide a smooth silhouette rE Cups are padded with a spacer foam Spacer foam is for support without volume ***. : Spacer foam is lined with waterproof fabric * Both cups are drop cups formed from waterproof fabric * Decorative elastic on outer edges Decorative stitching includes 5 point zig-zag stitching Decorative bow Deeper cradle for increased support 3 hook and eye connectors for back of brassier (4+ for changing sizes) Wider straps for extra comfort Nursing clip to connect strap to cup Elastic support behind cups Soft boning in side seam for added support

Claims

Claims 1. A brassiere formed from a water proof material.
2. A brassiere according to claim 1 is suitable for use as a nursing brassiere for preventing leakage of breast milk from the brassiere on to outer clothing.
3. A brassiere according to claim 1 or 2 includes one or more disposable or reusable breast pads.
4. A brassiere according to any of claims ito 3 which is stretchable.
6. A brassiere according to any of claims 1 to 4 includes portions formed from soft cotton/polyester lamination which reduce friction and soreness of the nipples should the breast pad become detached.
6. A brassiere according to any of claims 1 to 5 made from a cotton/polyester material with a polyurethane laminated fabric lining.
7. A brassiere according to claim 6 wherein the waterproof lining is stitched and/or embossed into the cup of the brassiere.
8. A brassiere according to any preceding claim includes a breathable fabric for minimizing the conditions in which bacteria thrive.
9. A garment comprising washable shorts with a plurality of panels that fit within it and include an integrated inner waterproof region.
1O.A garment according to claim 9 wherein the garment enables a woman to go about activities without hindrance.
ii.A garment according to claim 9 or 10 wherein the garment is tight fitting.
i2.A garment according to any of claims 9 to ii wherein the garment is waterproof.
13.A garment according to any of claims 9 to 12 wherein the garment is made from a lightweight, woven material such as a synthetic woven material.
14.A garment according to of claims 9 to 13 wherein the garment is made from spandex (Trade Mark).
15.A garment according to any of claims 9 to 14 wherein the garment is secured with a waterproof panel stitched in a manner that prevents liquid from permeating through its structure.
16.A garment according to any of claims 9 to 15 includes a "tummy control' and bottom lift function.
17.A garment according to of claims 9 to 16 wherein the garment is made from a material that withstands multiple washings.
18.A garment according to any of claims 9 to 17 wherein the garment is made from polyurethane laminated (PUL) fabric.
19. A garment according to of claims 9 to 18 wherein the garment is suitable for use by persons wanting protection from menstrual leakage, urine leakage or stress incontinence.
20.A garment according to of claims 9 to 19 wherein the garment is made from a breathable fabric thus minimizing the conditions in which bacteria thrive.
21.A brassiere according to any of claims 1 to 8 substantially as herein described and with reference to Figures 6 and 7.Amendments to claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A garment comprising washable shorts with a plurality of panels that fit within it and include an integrated inner waterproof region.2. A garment according to claim I wherein the garment enables a woman to go about activities without hindrance.3. A garment according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the garment is tight fitting.4. A garment according to any preceding claim wherein the garment is waterproof.5. A garment according to any preceding claim wherein the garment is made from a lightweight, woven material such as a synthetic woven material.6. A garment according to any preceding claim wherein the garment is made from spandex (Trade Mark). S. S. * S *7. A garment according to any preceding claim wherein the garment is secured with a waterproof panel stitched in a manner that prevents liquid from S. S . .: permeating through its structure.* S. . 8. A garment according to any preceding claim includes a tummy control and *". : bottom lift function. * S.* 9. A garment according to any preceding claim wherein the garment is made from a material that withstands multiple washings.1O.A garment according to any preceding claim wherein the garment is made from polyurethane laminated (PUL) fabric.11. A garment according to any preceding claim wherein the garment is suitable for use by persons wanting protection from menstrual leakage, urine leakage or stress incontinence.12.A garment according to any preceding claim wherein the garment is made from a breathable fabric thus minimizing the conditions in which bacteria thrive.13.A garment as substantially herein described with reference to the figures. *. *s t * . $*.. . a * I *1 * * I S * 0tI*S*..I * I S. * I * * * -*I *1II