CA2377021C - Padless protection for bladder control - Google Patents
Padless protection for bladder control Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2377021C CA2377021C CA002377021A CA2377021A CA2377021C CA 2377021 C CA2377021 C CA 2377021C CA 002377021 A CA002377021 A CA 002377021A CA 2377021 A CA2377021 A CA 2377021A CA 2377021 C CA2377021 C CA 2377021C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- garment
- thong
- lower extension
- urine
- leakage
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
- A61F5/48—Devices for preventing wetting or pollution of the bed
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Nursing (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Undergarments, Swaddling Clothes, Handkerchiefs Or Underwear Materials (AREA)
- Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
- Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
Abstract
A garment for preventing the leakage of urine comprising a waistband connected to resilient front and back portions with respective lower extensions that form a continuous thong portion. The front and back portions are adapted to pull the thong portion to cause sufficient pressure against a wearer's urethra to prevent the leakage of urine when the garment is worn. The resilient front and back portions may be constructed of fabric containing 88% nylon and 12% lycra.
Description
PADLESS PROTECTION FOR BLADDER CONTROL
Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to protective garments for women who suffer urinary incontinence.
Background of the Invention Existing products for protection against incontinence include dispos-able products and washable, reusable garments.
Disposable products typically consist of liners, pads and shields.
Washable, reusable garments vary in construction; they may have waterproof shells, center panels, snaps or distinctive closures but all employ some means of attaching liners or pads. Whether disposable or reusable, all existing incontinence products work by acting as a receptacle for leaked urine.
The inconveniences of existing incontinence products are manifold.
Many current products are bulky, heavy and not suitable for individuals who play sports or otherwise lead active lifestyles. Reusable products often lack "wash and wear" versatility. Disposable products have the disadvantage of environmental consequences.
As well, almost all available products are prone to some degree of odor and leakage during use and demand constant personal awareness. High cost, skin irritation, "pit stops" and the need for frequent changes are other common disadvantages of existing incontinence products.
Patents related to incontinence garments include:
~ U.S. Patent No. 3,554,184 (Habib);
~ U.S. Patent No. 4,352,356 (Tong);
~ U.S. Patent No. 4,940,464 (Van Gompel et al);
~ U.S. Patent No. 5,683,373 (Darby); and ~ U.S. Patent No. 6,520,946 (Krueger).
U.S. Patent No. 5,683,373 (Darby) exemplifies existing incontinence products for women by teaching an undergarment that receives a sanitary napkin that absorbs leaked urine.
U.S. Patent No. 3,554,184 (Habib) attempts to overcome the disadvantages of receptacle-based incontinence products by means of a device that presses against the anterior wall of the vagina to block the flow of urine from the bladder to the urethra. However, the Habib device is clearly invasive, unwieldy and uncomfortable for the user.
There exists a need for a simple, discrete and versatile garment that overcomes the disadvantages of existing protection against incontinence.
Summar)i of the Invention One aspect of the invention relates to a garment for preventing the leakage of urine comprising a waistband connected to resilient front and back portions with respective lower extensions that form a continuous thong portion. The front and back portions are adapted to pull the thong portion to cause sufficient pressure against the wearer's urethra to prevent the leakage of urine when the garment is worn.
Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to protective garments for women who suffer urinary incontinence.
Background of the Invention Existing products for protection against incontinence include dispos-able products and washable, reusable garments.
Disposable products typically consist of liners, pads and shields.
Washable, reusable garments vary in construction; they may have waterproof shells, center panels, snaps or distinctive closures but all employ some means of attaching liners or pads. Whether disposable or reusable, all existing incontinence products work by acting as a receptacle for leaked urine.
The inconveniences of existing incontinence products are manifold.
Many current products are bulky, heavy and not suitable for individuals who play sports or otherwise lead active lifestyles. Reusable products often lack "wash and wear" versatility. Disposable products have the disadvantage of environmental consequences.
As well, almost all available products are prone to some degree of odor and leakage during use and demand constant personal awareness. High cost, skin irritation, "pit stops" and the need for frequent changes are other common disadvantages of existing incontinence products.
Patents related to incontinence garments include:
~ U.S. Patent No. 3,554,184 (Habib);
~ U.S. Patent No. 4,352,356 (Tong);
~ U.S. Patent No. 4,940,464 (Van Gompel et al);
~ U.S. Patent No. 5,683,373 (Darby); and ~ U.S. Patent No. 6,520,946 (Krueger).
U.S. Patent No. 5,683,373 (Darby) exemplifies existing incontinence products for women by teaching an undergarment that receives a sanitary napkin that absorbs leaked urine.
U.S. Patent No. 3,554,184 (Habib) attempts to overcome the disadvantages of receptacle-based incontinence products by means of a device that presses against the anterior wall of the vagina to block the flow of urine from the bladder to the urethra. However, the Habib device is clearly invasive, unwieldy and uncomfortable for the user.
There exists a need for a simple, discrete and versatile garment that overcomes the disadvantages of existing protection against incontinence.
Summar)i of the Invention One aspect of the invention relates to a garment for preventing the leakage of urine comprising a waistband connected to resilient front and back portions with respective lower extensions that form a continuous thong portion. The front and back portions are adapted to pull the thong portion to cause sufficient pressure against the wearer's urethra to prevent the leakage of urine when the garment is worn.
The garment may comprise two leg openings respectively finished with elastic leg bindings. The back portion of the garment may be smaller than the front portion of the garment. The thong portion may be no wider than '/2 inch.
The waistband may be no greater than 1 inch wide and may be constructed of a non-roll elastic material. The resilient front and back portions may be constructed of fabric containing 88% nylon and 12% lycra.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a garment for preventing the leakage of urine comprising a resilient front and back portions with connecting side extensions forming a waist portion. The front and back portions further comprise respective lower extensions that form a continuous thong portion.
The front and back portions are adapted to pull the thong portion to cause sufficient pressure against the wearer's urethra to prevent the leakage of urine when the garment is worn.
A further aspect of the invention relates to a garment having a thong portion adapted to cause sufficient pressure to be applied against the wearer's urethra to prevent the leakage of urine when the garment is worn.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is an isometric view of a garment embodying the present invention;
Figure 2 is a plan view of the front portion of the garment in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a plan view of the back portion of the garment in Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a partial view of the waistband of the garment in Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a partial view of one of the leg bindings of the garment in Figure 1;
Figure 6 is a rear view of the garment of Figure 1 seen in place upon a wearer; and Figure 7 is a front view of the garment of Figure 1 seen in place upon a wearer.
The waistband may be no greater than 1 inch wide and may be constructed of a non-roll elastic material. The resilient front and back portions may be constructed of fabric containing 88% nylon and 12% lycra.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a garment for preventing the leakage of urine comprising a resilient front and back portions with connecting side extensions forming a waist portion. The front and back portions further comprise respective lower extensions that form a continuous thong portion.
The front and back portions are adapted to pull the thong portion to cause sufficient pressure against the wearer's urethra to prevent the leakage of urine when the garment is worn.
A further aspect of the invention relates to a garment having a thong portion adapted to cause sufficient pressure to be applied against the wearer's urethra to prevent the leakage of urine when the garment is worn.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is an isometric view of a garment embodying the present invention;
Figure 2 is a plan view of the front portion of the garment in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a plan view of the back portion of the garment in Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a partial view of the waistband of the garment in Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a partial view of one of the leg bindings of the garment in Figure 1;
Figure 6 is a rear view of the garment of Figure 1 seen in place upon a wearer; and Figure 7 is a front view of the garment of Figure 1 seen in place upon a wearer.
Detailed Descrption Figure 1 shows one particular embodiment of the present invention.
Garment 1 has a waistband 2 attached to front portion 3 and back portion 4.
Side extensions 5 of front portion 3 attach to corresponding side extensions 6 of back portion 4 at sideseams 11 and 22. The lower extension of front portion 3 and the lower extension of back portion 4 narrow and connect at seam 33 to form a continuous thong portion 7. Leg bindings 20 and 20' (not shown in Figure 1 ) finish the openings for the legs.
Figures 2 and 3 show isolated plan views of front portion 3 and back portion 4 of garment 1, respectively. Front portion 3 and back portion 4 are resilient and preferably constructed from fabric that can stretch horizontally and vertically such fabric containing 12% spandex and 88% nylon, for example.
The front portion 3 has symmetric front leg openings 8 and 8' comprising symmetric arcuate sections 9 and 9', respectively. The back portion 4 has symmetric back leg openings 11 and 11' comprising symmetric arcuate sections 12 and 12'. Preferably, the radius 10 of arcuate sections 9 and 9' is greater than the radius 13 of arcuate sections 12 and 12'. This difference in radii, and the resulting difference in the position of the leg openings, facilitates greater pressure of the thong portion 7 against the wearer's urethra while at the same time providing a more comfortable fit at the wearer's buttocks.
Garment 1 has a waistband 2 attached to front portion 3 and back portion 4.
Side extensions 5 of front portion 3 attach to corresponding side extensions 6 of back portion 4 at sideseams 11 and 22. The lower extension of front portion 3 and the lower extension of back portion 4 narrow and connect at seam 33 to form a continuous thong portion 7. Leg bindings 20 and 20' (not shown in Figure 1 ) finish the openings for the legs.
Figures 2 and 3 show isolated plan views of front portion 3 and back portion 4 of garment 1, respectively. Front portion 3 and back portion 4 are resilient and preferably constructed from fabric that can stretch horizontally and vertically such fabric containing 12% spandex and 88% nylon, for example.
The front portion 3 has symmetric front leg openings 8 and 8' comprising symmetric arcuate sections 9 and 9', respectively. The back portion 4 has symmetric back leg openings 11 and 11' comprising symmetric arcuate sections 12 and 12'. Preferably, the radius 10 of arcuate sections 9 and 9' is greater than the radius 13 of arcuate sections 12 and 12'. This difference in radii, and the resulting difference in the position of the leg openings, facilitates greater pressure of the thong portion 7 against the wearer's urethra while at the same time providing a more comfortable fit at the wearer's buttocks.
For an average-sized wearer, front portion 3 and back portion 4 may comprise the following measurements: total width 70 and 70' of 14 '/z inches;
total height 71 and 71' of 7'/2 inches; side extension height 72 and 72' of 1 '/4 inches; back portion side extension length 73 of 3'/4 inches; front portion thong length 74 of 1 inch; back portion thong length 75 of 2 '/2 inches; and thong width 76 of'h inch. Arcuate section 10 may have a radius of 7'/2 inches and arcuate section 13 may have a radius of 3 3/ inches.
Figure 4 shows an isolated partial view of the waistband 2. As shown, waistband 2 is constructed from a web-fashioned elastic material in this particular embodiment. In terms of fabric composition, the waistband may consist of 49% rubber and 51 % polyester, for example. The waistband 2 is preferably no wider than 1 inch.
Figure 5 shows an isolated partial view of a leg binding 20 (identical to leg binding 20' - not shown) in an open position. Leg bindings 20 and 20' are preferably constructed from an elastic material, such as 59% nylon and 41 other fibers. Leg bindings 20 and 20' are preferably no wider than '/2 inch in the open position.
Figures 6 and 7 show back and front views, respectively, of garment 1 in place on a wearer. Preferably, garment 1 will sit lower in the back than in the front, where waistband 2 should approach the wearer's navel. Thong portion 7 extends from the back between the wearer's buttocks 60 to the front between the wearer's labia minora 61. The crotch seam 33 should sit approximately on the wearer's perineum (not shown).
When garment 1 is worn, the front portion 3 and back portion 4 stretch vertically. The resilience of the front portion 3 and back portion 4 causes thong portion 7 to stretch and become narrower, creating continual upward and lateral pressure against the wearer's urethra to prevent any leakage of urine. Frictional resistance of waistband 2 at the wearer's waist and frictional resistance of leg bindings 20 and 20' at the wearer's thighs provide added support for the upward and lateral pull of the thong portion 7 against the wearer's urethra.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.
For example:
~ the garment may be constructed without a separate waistband.
Instead, the garment may rely on resiliency of the side extensions of the front portion 3 and back portion 4 to provide sole support for the garment around the wearer's waist;
~ the garment may be constructed out of a single piece of resilient material, obviating the requirement to assemble distinct front and back portions together; and ~ instead of directly pressing against the wearer's urethra, thong portion 7 may be adapted to cause another element, such as a resilient pad, to apply direct pressure against the urethra.
total height 71 and 71' of 7'/2 inches; side extension height 72 and 72' of 1 '/4 inches; back portion side extension length 73 of 3'/4 inches; front portion thong length 74 of 1 inch; back portion thong length 75 of 2 '/2 inches; and thong width 76 of'h inch. Arcuate section 10 may have a radius of 7'/2 inches and arcuate section 13 may have a radius of 3 3/ inches.
Figure 4 shows an isolated partial view of the waistband 2. As shown, waistband 2 is constructed from a web-fashioned elastic material in this particular embodiment. In terms of fabric composition, the waistband may consist of 49% rubber and 51 % polyester, for example. The waistband 2 is preferably no wider than 1 inch.
Figure 5 shows an isolated partial view of a leg binding 20 (identical to leg binding 20' - not shown) in an open position. Leg bindings 20 and 20' are preferably constructed from an elastic material, such as 59% nylon and 41 other fibers. Leg bindings 20 and 20' are preferably no wider than '/2 inch in the open position.
Figures 6 and 7 show back and front views, respectively, of garment 1 in place on a wearer. Preferably, garment 1 will sit lower in the back than in the front, where waistband 2 should approach the wearer's navel. Thong portion 7 extends from the back between the wearer's buttocks 60 to the front between the wearer's labia minora 61. The crotch seam 33 should sit approximately on the wearer's perineum (not shown).
When garment 1 is worn, the front portion 3 and back portion 4 stretch vertically. The resilience of the front portion 3 and back portion 4 causes thong portion 7 to stretch and become narrower, creating continual upward and lateral pressure against the wearer's urethra to prevent any leakage of urine. Frictional resistance of waistband 2 at the wearer's waist and frictional resistance of leg bindings 20 and 20' at the wearer's thighs provide added support for the upward and lateral pull of the thong portion 7 against the wearer's urethra.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.
For example:
~ the garment may be constructed without a separate waistband.
Instead, the garment may rely on resiliency of the side extensions of the front portion 3 and back portion 4 to provide sole support for the garment around the wearer's waist;
~ the garment may be constructed out of a single piece of resilient material, obviating the requirement to assemble distinct front and back portions together; and ~ instead of directly pressing against the wearer's urethra, thong portion 7 may be adapted to cause another element, such as a resilient pad, to apply direct pressure against the urethra.
Claims (5)
1. A female garment for preventing the leakage of urine, said garment comprising:
(a) a waistband;
(b) a resilient front portion extending from a front part of the waist-band, said front portion having a first lower extension;
(c) a resilient back portion extending from a back part of the waist-band, said back portion having a second lower extension;
(d) wherein the first lower extension and the second lower extension form a continuous thong portion;
(e) wherein the front and back portions are elastic in at least a verical direction;
(f) wherein the back portion is narrower than the front portion;
(g) wherein the resiliency of the front and back portions pull the thong portion to cause sufficient pressure against a wearer's urethra to prevent the leakage of urine when the garment is worn; and (h) wherein the thong portion is no greater than one half inch wide.
(a) a waistband;
(b) a resilient front portion extending from a front part of the waist-band, said front portion having a first lower extension;
(c) a resilient back portion extending from a back part of the waist-band, said back portion having a second lower extension;
(d) wherein the first lower extension and the second lower extension form a continuous thong portion;
(e) wherein the front and back portions are elastic in at least a verical direction;
(f) wherein the back portion is narrower than the front portion;
(g) wherein the resiliency of the front and back portions pull the thong portion to cause sufficient pressure against a wearer's urethra to prevent the leakage of urine when the garment is worn; and (h) wherein the thong portion is no greater than one half inch wide.
2. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the garment further comprises two leg openings each finished with an elastic leg binding.
3. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the waistband is no greater than one inch wide.
4. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the front and back portions are made of fabric containing 88% nylon and 12% lycra.
5. A female garment for preventing the leakage of urine, said garment comprising:
(a) a resilient front portion comprising two side extensions and a first lower extension;
(b) a resilient back portion comprising two side extensions and a second lower extension;
(c) wherein the side extensions of the front portion connect to the corresponding side extensions of the back portion to form a continuous waist portion;
(d) wherein the first lower extension and the second lower extension connect to form a continuous thong portion;
(e) wherein the front and back portions are elastic in at least a vertical direction;
(f) wherein the back portion is narrower than the front portion;
(g) wherein the resiliency of the front and back portions pull the thong portion to cause sufficient pressure against a wearer's urethra to prevent the leakage of urine when the garment is worn; and (h) wherein the thong portion is no greater than one half inch wide.
(a) a resilient front portion comprising two side extensions and a first lower extension;
(b) a resilient back portion comprising two side extensions and a second lower extension;
(c) wherein the side extensions of the front portion connect to the corresponding side extensions of the back portion to form a continuous waist portion;
(d) wherein the first lower extension and the second lower extension connect to form a continuous thong portion;
(e) wherein the front and back portions are elastic in at least a vertical direction;
(f) wherein the back portion is narrower than the front portion;
(g) wherein the resiliency of the front and back portions pull the thong portion to cause sufficient pressure against a wearer's urethra to prevent the leakage of urine when the garment is worn; and (h) wherein the thong portion is no greater than one half inch wide.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002377021A CA2377021C (en) | 2002-04-10 | 2002-04-10 | Padless protection for bladder control |
| US10/167,495 US20030229933A1 (en) | 2002-04-10 | 2002-06-13 | Fem |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002377021A CA2377021C (en) | 2002-04-10 | 2002-04-10 | Padless protection for bladder control |
| US10/167,495 US20030229933A1 (en) | 2002-04-10 | 2002-06-13 | Fem |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2377021A1 CA2377021A1 (en) | 2002-07-31 |
| CA2377021C true CA2377021C (en) | 2006-09-19 |
Family
ID=32178100
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002377021A Expired - Fee Related CA2377021C (en) | 2002-04-10 | 2002-04-10 | Padless protection for bladder control |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20030229933A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2377021C (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20060264881A1 (en) * | 2005-05-23 | 2006-11-23 | Carstens Jerry E | System comprising thong-shaped holder and absorbent article |
| US7867211B2 (en) | 2005-05-23 | 2011-01-11 | Rusl, Llc | System comprising thong-shaped holder and absorbent article |
| US7458961B2 (en) * | 2005-05-23 | 2008-12-02 | Rusl, Llc | Thong-shaped holder for use with absorbent article |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3554184A (en) * | 1968-04-17 | 1971-01-12 | Henry N Habib | Pubo-vaginal incontinence device |
| US5023957A (en) * | 1990-12-20 | 1991-06-18 | Harvey Mary A | Panty hose for wearing under an abbreviated outer garment |
| US5683373A (en) * | 1996-04-22 | 1997-11-04 | Darby; Kamela J. | Sanitary napkin shaped for use with a thong garment |
| US6189155B1 (en) * | 2000-05-12 | 2001-02-20 | Lyne L. Boulanger | Close-fitting undergarment for women |
-
2002
- 2002-04-10 CA CA002377021A patent/CA2377021C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-06-13 US US10/167,495 patent/US20030229933A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2377021A1 (en) | 2002-07-31 |
| US20030229933A1 (en) | 2003-12-18 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20140410 |