WO2005081938A2

WO2005081938A2 - Undergarment pant with double fluid barrier

Info

Publication number: WO2005081938A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/005632
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frederica V Coates
Original assignee: Tailored Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 2004-02-23
Filing date: 2005-02-23
Publication date: 2005-09-09
Also published as: WO2005081938A3

Abstract

An undergarment pant suitable for preventing leakage when the wearer is in a horizontal position includes and outer waterproof pant and an inner water retaining garment, which can be in the form of another waterproof pant or can include a water absorbent layer forming a double fluid bearer. The inner layer or pant is positioned closer to the wearer's groin and the outer waterproof pant surrounds the wearer's legs below the inner layer. An outer boxer can be included and the outer pant is suspended from the waistband. The inner layer can either be suspended from the undergarment waistband or it can be secured to the outer waterproof pant below the waistband.

Description

UNDERGARMENT PANT WITH DOUBLE FLUID BARRIER

CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR CO-PENDING APPICATIONS

(0001) This application claims the benefit of prior co-pending US Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60/546,172 filed February 23, 2004 and prior co- pending US Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60/546,193 filed February 23, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

(0002) This application is related to undergarments suitable for use in managing incontinence or for use in potty training where it is necessary to prevent bodily fluids from leaking onto a bed or other surface when the wearer is in a prone position.

Description of the Prior Art

(0003) US Patent 5,707,364 discloses and example in which a cradle, sling or layer can be incorporated into a pull-up panty or a side fastened panty. In that device an arcuate liner suspends the cradle or sling for free floating, so that the function of the panty leg holes can be limited to fitting the legs of the wearer.

(0004) Another example of a publication, which deals with a protective undergarment that can accept a pad is US Published Patent Application 2003/0216705. The device disclosed therein includes an S-shaped pocket in a sling, which can accept a fluid absorbent pad.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

(0005) The various embodiments of this invention provide body coverage while the wearer is sleeping or in a prone position so that a continuous uninterrupted fabric forms a barrier to fluid, which might otherwise leak. This can eliminate the need for a bed pad of bed cover that is waterproof. The double barrier water proof pant is not pierced by needle holes on the outer sides, and these embodiments solve the problem posed by the fact that no reusable material is both waterproof and form fitting. The various embodiments of this invention employ an outer waterproof pant and an inner water resistant or water absorbent core, layer, pant or sling which can stretch so that it is form fitting. This reusable pull-up undergarment pant has substantially the same perforrαance as prior art disposable garments or diapers, but its reuse should render it more economical.

(0006) Elastic around leg holes or openings close up any leakage paths, and both the inner water retaining garment or core and the outer waterproof pant seal against the legs at different locations to reduce the possibility of leakage. This undergarment pant can cover more surface area where leaks, which would soil a bed, would otherwise occur. By employing two layers to form a double barrier, one layer can be closer to the body than the other. The inner core or layer can be closer to the groin area to trap most fluid, while the outer waterproof pant can cover more area and need not be form fitting. Both, layers can be suspended from the waist together with one fitting the groin area and the other fitting the legs. A disposable pad can be inserted or dropped behind a fabric pad in the inner core to provide for additional water absorption. Since the fabric pad remains in contact with the skin, a child can sense some moisture, which can aid potty training. When employed with an outer boxer, employed primarily as a cover up or for aesthetic purposes, the waterproof pant can be tacked or attached adjacent the leg openings so that the various layers do not become tangled during cleaning so that the inner water resistant core can be exposed for effective cleaning.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(0007) Figure 1 is a frontal view of a protective undergarment pant comprising a first embodiment of this invention.

(0008) Figure 2 is a top view of the undergarment pant of Figure 1 showing the interior of the undergarment pant.

(0009) Figure 3 is a view of the undergarment pant of Figures 1 and 2 with an inner water retaining garment inverted or pulled out of an outer waterproof pant.

(0010) Figure 4 is a view of individual pieces that are assembled to form the outer waterproof pant of the embodiment of Figures 1-3. (0011) Figure 5 is a view of the individual pieces that are stitched together to form an inner water retaining garment or pant that is employed with the outer waterproof pant assembled from the individual pieces shown in Figure 4.

(0012) Figure 6 is a top view of a second embodiment of an undergarment pant with double barrier protection, which includes an outer boxer.

(0013) Figure 7 is a view of the undergarment pant of Figure 6 with the inner water retaining pant extracted from the outer wateiproof pant and the boxer to show the three principal subcomponents.

(0014) Figure 8 is a side view of the undergarment pant of Figures 6 and 7 showing the water retaining inner pant extracted from the waterproof pant and the boxer.

(0015) Figure 9 is a top view of a training pant suitable for use in potty training an infant.

(0016) Figure 10 is a side view of the training pant of Figure 9 showing the inner double barrier pant assembly extracted from an outer boxer.

(0017) Figure 11 is a front view of the training pant of Figures 9 and 10 showing a water absorbent fabric pad incorporated into the inner double barrier pant assembly.

(0018) Figure 12 is a front view of the training pant of Figure 9-11 showing the position of the double barrier pant assembly within the outer boxer.

(0019) Figure 13 is a top view of a fourth embodiment showing an internal water retaimng sling.

(0020) Figure 14 is a view of the undergarment pant of Figure 13 in which the sling is extracted from the boxer and the waterproof pant, which remains inside the boxer to which it is attached.

(0021) Figure 15 is a side view of the undergarment pant in the same configuration as shown in Figure 14.

(0022) Figure 16 is a view of the undergarment pant of Figures 13-15 showing the operative position of the sling within the waterproof pant and the outer boxer.

(0023) Figure 17 is a view of a prior art disposable water absorbent pad, which can be used as an auxiliary component with the various embodiments of this invention.

DETAILED DESCIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (0024) The representative examples of undergarments depicted herein include layers fabricated from different types of materials. Waterproof materials are materials that substantially prevent the passage of fluids through the fabric. If fluids leak past waterproof layers they will leak around the layer, for example through leg holes. Water or fluid absorbent articles on the other hand are materials that retain water or fluid within the volume of the water absorbent layer itself. As used herein the term water retaining material or layer refers to either a waterproof, a water absorbent or some combination thereof. In several of the embodiments depicted herein, the undergarment includes a boxer or a boxer layer. The term boxer is intended to refer to an undergarment or undergarment layer in which the garment does not closely conform to the legs of a wearer so a boxer will not prevent leakage, other than the extent to which the material from which the boxer is formed is water or fluid absorbent. The boxer will therefore tend to absorb what little excess fluid may leak past the waterproof pant around the legs and prevent that fluid from soiling the bed.

(0025) Figure 1 -5 show a first embodiment of an undergarment pant 2. Figures 1-3 show the assembled undergarr ent pant 2, and Figures 4 and 5 show the pieces, which are stitched together to form the undergarment pant 2.

(0026) This first embodiment of the undergarment pant 2 in accordance with this invention includes an outer waterproof pant 10 and an inner water retaining pant 20, which together form a double fluid barrier, which will prevent fluid leakage especially when the wearer is in a prone position. In this embodiment, the outer waterproof pant 10 also forms the exterior of the undergarment pant 2. In many respects this outer waterproof pant 10 is similar to conventional bloomer underwear, except that its outer layer 22 is formed of a waterproof material, such as a coating of polyurethane laminated to a light weight polyester fabric. In this preferred embodiment, the outer waterproof pant 10 also has an inner liner 24 fabricated from a water absorbent material, such as a brushed polyester that is more comfortable next to the skin. Both the outer waterproof layer 22 and the adjacent water absorbent liner 24 are attached around their top to an elastic waistband 4, which extends completely around a waist opening 6. Both the layer 22 and the liner 24 have leg holes 14, which are surrounded by a stretchable material or elastic trim 16 to form a snug fit with a wearer's legs. In this manner fluid leakage is eliminated or at least minimal through the leg holes 14. As shown in Figure 4, the outer waterproof layer 22 is formed of two sections 22A and 22B, and the adjacent water absorbent liner 24 is also formed of two sections 24A and 24B, which are only slightly smaller than their corresponding outer sections 22 A and 22B. Each of these sections will be stitched to the elastic waistband 4 along their top edges 12. The layer sections 22A, 22B, and liner sections 24 A, 24B each have two partially circular leg openings 14A and 14B formed along the lower edges. These four overlapping layer and liner sections are stitched together with vertical seams 18 and lateral seams 20 between the leg holes 14 securing the four overlapping sections to form the outer waterproof pant 10 when also stitched to the waistband 4 at the upper edge 12.

(0027) The undergarment pant 2 also includes an inner water retaining garment 30, which in this embodiment is also in the form of a second inner pant. This second inner pant 30 is referred to as a water retaining garment because in this embodiment pant 30 includes both waterproof sections 22 and relatively more water absorbent sections 24. This second pant 30 forms an inner fluid barrier, while outer waterproof pant 10 forms the outer fluid barrier. Any fluid that escapes the inner pant 30 will be trapped by the outer waterproof pant 10, thus forming a double barrier, which is especially useful when the wearer is in a prone position, such as while asleep or lying down. This double fluid barrier will, at least in most normal situations, prevent any fluid leakage, which might soil bedding or any surface on which the wearer may be laying. As shown in Figure 5, the second water retaining pant 30 includes a central waterproof fabric 36 having a substantially rectangular shape and a central washable fabric pad 42, which will comprise a water absorbent section that will be adjacent a wearer's groin section when in use. The central waterproof fabric 36 will be continuous in the vicinity of and will overlay the seams 18 and 20 in the outer waterproof pant 10, so any leakage around the central waterproof fabric 36 will be isolated from the seams in the other waterproof pant 10. Fabric pad 42 also has a generally rectangular shape and can consist of multiple layers of a relatively thick pile material forming a washable water absorbent material. In the preferred embodiment, the fabric pad can be formed of a material, such as rayon(viscose) or cotton flannel.

(0028) The central waterproof fabric 36 is wider and longer than the central washable fabric pad 42, and two intermediate panels or drop strips 44 will be stitched between the central water proof fabric 36 and the fabric pad 42, which will overlap when assembled to form a central section of the inner water retaining pant 30. Top and bottom edges of the central waterproof fabric 36 will be folded to envelop the top and bottom edges of the fabric pad 42, and an elastic trim will be stitched to the top and bottom of to folded edge of the waterproof fabric 36. A pocket 40 will be formed between the central waterproof fabric 36 and the washable fabric pad 42, and will be laterally bounded by the two intermediate panels 44. This pocket 40 will extend continuously along front and rear portions of the wearer's groin area. Top and bottom attachment stretch panels 45 will be stitched at joining lines adjacent the elastic trim on the top and bottom edges of the central waterproof fabric 36 and will be in turn stitched to stretchable sections 49 to join this central subassembly to the waistband area on the front and rear of the undergarment pant 2. Two side panels 48, also formed of a stretchable material complete the inner pant assembly 30. These side panels 48 are stitched to subassembly 49 then to the waistband 4 along their top assembled edges and are joined to elastic trim 12. The same stitching forms the outer edges of each leg opening 34 in the inner pant 30. Semicircular cutouts on the edges of intermediate panels or drop strips 44 form the remainder of the two leg openings 34, and side edges of the side panels 48 are stitched to segments 45 and 49 so that the entire assembly forms an inner pant which will fit snugly adjacent the wearer's groin area. A stretchable fabric, such as Lycra, is used to form panels 48 and 49 close to the groin of the inner pant 30 that both snugly conforms to the wearer in the groin area and is waterproof in the central section where moisture will be concentrated. Lycra is a trademark of E.I. duPont de Nemours and Company. The subassembly forming the second or inner pant 30, however, forms an water retaining garment, which in conjunction with the outer waterproof pant forms a double barrier that is effective when the wearer is in a horizontal position, such as a prone, prostrate, sleeping, reclining, recumbent, or flat position, including on the person's back or side.

(0029) The undergarment pant 2 is reusable, since both the outer pant 10 and the inner pant 30 can be fabricated from washable materials. The performance of this pant 2 can, however, be improved by inserting a disposable water absorbent pad in the pocket 40 formed within the inner pant 30.

(0030) Figure 2 shows a top view through the waist opening 6 of undergarment pant 2. The washable fabric pad 42 can be seen between the two leg openings 34. Figure 3 shows the undergarment pant 2 with the inner pant 30 pulled out to expose the inner surface of the inner pant 30, which will be adjacent the i wearer's groin area when in use. The outer waterproof pant and the inner water retaining pant 30 are only joined along the waistband 4, and this configuration exposes the inner pant 30 for cleaning.

(0031) A second embodiment of an undergarment pant 102 is shown in Figures 6-8. One significant difference between this second representative embodiment and the first embodiment is the presence of a boxer pant 170 on the exterior of the undergarment pant 102. This version also has a waterproof pant 110, which envelops an inner water retaining pant or layer 130, and the boxer 170 functions first as a decorative outer cover and secondly to absorb minor amounts of fluid that may leak through the waterproof pant, especially around the leg opening where the boxer fabric around the legs can absorb some moisture. The waterproof pant 110 in this embodiment consists only of a single waterproof layer fabricated of a material such as laminated polyester. This second waterproof pant 110 does not have a second water absorbent liner as in the first embodiment. Nevertheless, waterproof pant 110 still functions as the outermost fluid barrier, which captures any spillover from the inner water retaining pant 130. The extra liner is not needed as the boxer itself serves as a second layer over the lamination. Waterproof pant 110 is still stitched to and suspended from an elastic waste band 104, which also forms the waistband of outer boxer 170. Elastic trim still extends around the leg holes 114 in the waterproof pant for a snug, fluid trapping, fit around the wearer's legs. The boxer legs 176 extend beyond the leg holes 114, and will completely encloses the undergarment pant 102.

(0032) The construction of the inner water retaining pant or layer 130 is virtually identical to the construction of water retaining pant 30 in the first embodiment. The only difference is the absence of an elastic strip extending completely around the leg openings 134. As best seen in Figure 8, the elastic trim only extends around the portion of the leg opening 134 formed by the central waterproof fabric 136. The elastic trim does not extend along the lower edges of the side panels 148. However, since these side panels 148 are formed of a stretchable material the leg openings 134 will still fit snuggly around the wearer's leg above the leg holes 114 and closer to the wearer's groin area.

(0033) Figures 6-8 show this second embodiment of the undergarment pant 102 in several configurations. In Figure 7, the boxer 160 has been deployed to the side to expose both the waterproof pant 110 and the inner water resistant pant or layer 130. This configuration is for illustrative purposes only. It should be understood that in the preferred embodiment, the boxer 170 would be tacked to the exterior of the wateiproof pant 110 in at least one location to prevent the boxer 170 from separating from the waterproof pant 110 in this manner. Normally the boxer 170 would be stitched or tacked at 119 to the waterproof pant 110 adjacent the interior edge of each leg hole 114. This will prevent the boxer from becoming entangled with the other layers during cleaning or handling. This will also retain the boxer in a position to absorb minor amounts of fluid that may leak through the leg openings of the pant to which the boxer is attached. The inner water retaining pant or layer 130 is not stitched or tacked to either the 170 or the waterproof pant 110 at any position other than around the waistband 104. This will permit the inner water retaining pant or layer 130 to be inverted or pulled out of the waterproof pant 110 to expose soiled or moistened sections during cleaning.

(0034) A third embodiment of this invention is shown in Figures 9-12. This third embodiment is primarily suited for use as a training pant for small children. Primarily because of size restrictions, the undergarment pant 202 of this third embodiment differs significantly from the first two versions. Undergarment pant 202 employs a outer waterproof pant 210 having only a single layer. As in the second embodiment, the wateiproof pant 210 fits within a boxer 270, which again primarily forms a decorative cover, but is in a position to absorb some leakage. The waterproof pant 210 is stitched to the waistband 204 and extends below as in the first two embodiments. Leg holes 214 are formed in waterproof pant 210, and an elastic trim surrounds leg holes 214 as in the first embodiment. The outer waterproof pant 210 has only a single layer. It is the inner water retaining garment 230 of this embodiment that differs significantly from the other embodiments. This water retaining garment 230 is not in the form of a separate pant as in the first two embodiments. Water retaining garment 230 does include a wateiproof fabric 236 formed by front and back sections, each of which is stitched at 219 along a portion of its top edge to the outer wateiproof pant 210 below the waistband 204. These front and back sections 237 and 239 are stitched together where they meet on the sides at 211 just above the leg holes 214. Side edges of these front and back sections 237 and 239 are also joined to the waterproof pant 210 around the periphery of the leg holes 214, where an elastic trim is stitched to the inner and outer layers. The stitch along the top edges of the front and back sections 237 and 239 is not continuous and a central portion of each front and back edge is separated from the wateiproof pant 210 to form a pocket 240 which extends from the front to the back of the inner water retaining garment. 230. A water absorbent pad 242, similar to pads 42 and 142, is joined to the front and back water retaining sections 237 and 239 along continuous seams that extend from front to back flanking the pocket 240. Since the pocket 240 is open on both ends, a disposable water absorbent pad can be inserted into and removed from the pocket 240. Although both layers are joined together at left and right leg openings 214, a double barrier is still formed by the waterproof pant 210 surrounding the inner retaining layer 230, at least between the front and back upper edges of the pocket 240 and the absorbent fabric pad 242 forming the layer of this pocket closest to the wearer' s groin. Any leakage or spillage will still be trapped by the outer waterproof pant 210, and the water absorbent pad, and surrounding sections 237 and 239, still form an inner water retaining garment. Since the fabric pad 242 will be closest to a child's skin in this area, the child can feel a little moisture despite the fact that moisture will be drawn away by the thicker absorbent fabric pad 242 and any disposable insert contained within pocket 240. Slight exposure of moisture to the skin should promote effective potty training. The presence of the surrounding waterproof pant 210 will, however, insure that only a minimal amount, if any, of this moisture will leak out onto the child's bedding.

(0035) Figures 9-11 show the training pant 202 in several deployed configurations and Figure 12 further clarifies the manner in which the inner water retaining garment 230 is suspended not from the waistband 202, but from the wateiproof pant 210.

(0036) A fourth embodiment of an undergarment pant 302 is shown in Figure 13-16. This version differs from the first two versions primarily in that the inner water retaining garment 330 comprise a sling. This sling is joined to the waistband 304 at the front and back but the side of this sling is not connected to the waterproof pant 310, which is shown only in Figure 16. The waterproof pant 310 and the boxer 370 are substantially the same as those employed in the embodiment of Figures 6-8 and need not be discussed in further detail. The sling 330, however does not conform to the legs as for the water retaining garments of the other embodiments. Sling 330 is however positioned within the outer waterproof pant 310 in use and therefore a dual barrier is still formed. Sling 330 also includes a water absorbent fabric pad 342 and a pocket is formed between pad 342 and a wateiproof inner sling layer 360.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An undergarment pant adapted to prevent the leakage of fluids when a wearer of the undergarment pant is in a horizontal position, the undergarment pant comprising: a waistband extending peripherally around the undergarment pant; a outer wateiproof pant secured to the waistband and deployed below the waistband, the outer waterproof pant including leg holes bordered by a stretchable material to fit snugly against a wearer's legs to prevent leakage through the leg holes when the wearer is in a horizontal position; and an inner water retaining garment deployed below the waistband within the outer waterproof pant, the inner water retaining garment being at least partially separate from the outer waterproof pant so that the inner water retaining garment can be proximate to a wearer's groin area, fluid overflow from the inner water retaining garment being captured by the outer waterproof pant, with the outer waterproof pant and the inner water retaining garment forming a double fluid barrier.

2. The undergarment pant of claim 1 wherein a boxer is attached to the waistband to overlay the outer waterproof pant so that only the boxer is visible when the undergarment pant is worn.

3. The undergarment pant of claim 2 wherein the outer waterproof pant is attached to the boxer at least one location to keep the boxer over the outer waterproof pant when the undergarment pant is cleaned, the inner water retaining garment being free to extend though an opening formed by the waistband when the undergarment pant is cleaned so that the outer waterproof pant and the inner water retaining garment can be separated to permit the water retaining garment to be cleaned.

4. The undergarment pant of claim 1 wherein the inner water retaining garment comprises a second pant that is at least partially waterproof.

5. The undergarment pant of claim 4 wherein the second pant includes leg openings which are at least partially stretchable to fit snugly around a wearer's legs above the leg holes in the outer waterproof pant.

6. The undergarment pant of claim 1 wherein the inner water retaining garment comprises a water absorbent layer.

7. The undergarment pant of claim 1 wherein the inner water retaining garment comprises a sling attached only along a front section and rear section of the waistband.

8. The undergarment pant of claim 1 wherein the inner water retaining gam ent is attached to the waistband completely around the waistband.

9. The undergarment pant of claim 1 wherein the inner water retaining garment is attached to the outer waterproof pant below the waistband.

10. The undergarment pant of claim 1 wherein a washable fabric pad is secured within the water retaining garment, and a pocket extending from front to back on the water retaining garment is formed, so that a removable, disposable water absorbent pad can be inserted between the washable fabric pad and the water retaining garment.

11. The undergarment pant of claim 1 wherein the undergarment pant is formed of washable fabrics so that the undergarment pant can be reused.

12. The undergarment pant of claim 1 wherein the water retaining garment includes a central wateiproof fabric secured to side panels having relatively greater elasticity than the central waterproof fabric for forming a snug fit around a wearer's legs.

13. The undergarment pant of claim 12 wherein the central waterproof fabric forms an outer barrier to an absorbent pad disposed between the side panels.

14. The undergarment pant of claim 13 wherein a pocket is formed between the central waterproof fabric and the absorbent pad so that a disposable absorbent pad can be inserted into the pocket.

15. The undergarment pant of claim 1 wherein the outer waterproof pant includes an outer waterproof layer and an adjacent inner water absorbent layer.

16. The undergarment pant of claim 1 wherein the inner water retaining garment includes a water absorbent section on an interior surface so that a wearer can sense moisture while wearing the undergarment pant.

17. A reusable undergarment pant adapted to prevent the leakage of fluids when a wearer of the undergarment pant is in a horizontal position, the undergarment pant comprising: a reusable outer waterproof pant fabricated from a washable fabric and forming an outer fluid impervious barrier; an inner layer secured to the outer waterproof pant along a portion of peripheral edges of the inner layer and fabricated from a washable fabric, the inner layer forming a water retaining barrier, the outer pant surrounding the inner layer, the inner layer being at least partially separated from the outer pant; the outer wateiproof pant and the inner layer forming a double fluid barrier.

18. The reusable undergarment pant of claim 17 further comprising a disposable absorbent pad insertable between the outer waterproof pant and the inner layer for form and additional water retaining garment.

19. A reusable training pant for use in potty fraining a child, the training pant comprising: an outer wateiproof pant formed of a reusable material and including leg holes snuggly fitting a child's legs to form a fluid barrier; an inner water retaining garment formed of a reusable material and surrounded by the outer waterproof pant, the inner water retaining garment being attached to the outer waterproof pant along at least a portion of peripheral edges of the inner water retaining garment and separate from the outer waterproof pant along overlapping central surfaces of the outer wateiproof pant and the inner water retaining garment so that the inner water retaining garment can contact a child's groin area so that the child can sense moisture; and a disposable fluid absorbent pad insertable between the inner water retaining garment and the outer waterproof pant.

20. The reusable training pant of claim 19 further comprising an outer boxer surrounding the outer waterproof pant, the outer waterproof pant being secured to a waistband of the outer boxer.