GB2504306A

GB2504306A - Absorbent garment with wings

Info

Publication number: GB2504306A
Application number: GB201213185A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Havva Huseyin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-07-24
Filing date: 2012-07-24
Publication date: 2014-01-29
Also published as: GB201213185D0

Abstract

An absorbent garment comprises an absorbent lining 3 for holding excreted waste, fasteners and a protective outer layer. Also provided are wings or flaps 1, 2 that are folded in use to form a cuff around a leg so as to inhibit leakage. Preferably the wings 1, 2 have fasteners and more preferably the fasteners are elasticated. The wings 1, 2 may form a cuff to resemble shorts. Optionally, the garment further comprises a channel for localising the collection of waste, the channel being created by a pair of raised lips 5 or indents. Also disclosed is a method of making an absorbent garment and separately available wings.

Description

AN ABSORBENT GARMENT

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an absorbent garment, in particular an absorbent garment with increased capacity to reduce leakage.

Background and Prior Art

A variety of absorbent garments are available to prevent the leakage of waste. Most commonly these are nappies used for children, or occasionally adults that are not fully able to control (heir bowel habits.

A number of nappies have been developed, resembling a padded pair of underwear that acts to hold and absorb and waste, having an absorbent front panel and rear panel joined under a users crotch area and typically fastened about sides, and sometimes with an elastic waist band. Typically the nappies are sized and can be fitted and adjusted to suit the user.

However, often waste can escape from the nappy crotch area or by spilling from the waist band which is undesirable and leads to a requirement for extensive and effective cleaning, and may cause skin conditions such as nappy rash.

Adaptations have been made to the size, design add absorbency of nappies and parts of nappies however, particularly during illness or teething when diarrhoea can be a problem. excessive production of waste and therefore likelihood of leakage still often causes a leakage problem and other waste containment issues.

In attempt to overcome this, problem, fasteners on nappies have been adapted so they can be adjusted to be tighter so as to reduce leakage however this can be uncomfortable and may lead to rubbing.

Improvements to the absorbent lings have also been made as well as increases in quantity of absorbent lining can be increased however, this can restrict movement due to increased bulk particularly around the crotch area and can be uncomfortable for the user or wearer and consequently are of little use in day to day life, particularly where diarrhoea is not absorbed quickly enough by the material.

In contrast the present invention provides a means by which to contain extra quantities of waste when desired, and even when unanticipated, so as to prevent soiling of clothing and minimise leakage.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an absorbent garment that has an absorbent lining for holding excreted waste, fasteners and a protective outer layer, characterised in that wings are provided which, in use, when folded form a cuff around a leg so as to inhibit leakage.

In the preferred embodiment therefore the absorbent garment includes wings that are located in or below a users crotch region in use so as to form a cuff around each leg and inhibit leakage of waste from the crotch area onto the leg or legs. When fitting the absorbent garment the wings are folded to form a constant and consistent tight-fitting curve around each limb to create the cuff.

It is envisaged that the wings are comprised of a flexible, lightweight, breathable material that has an absorbent lining and an impervious outer layer. Typically when the wings are fitted and are in use the absorbent garment resembles shorts.

In the preferred embodiments the wings include fasteners at the longitudinalends of each wing so as so facilitate the adjustable joining of the wing ends to form the cuff around the limb.

The position at which the fasteners connect to a wing can bo varied to accommodate a different size or shape on limb to ensure an optimal fit. It is envisaged the fastener is preferably at least 0.001 m2 and preferably less than O.005m2.

In some preferred embodiments the fasteners have adhesive properties enabling them to adhere to the outer layer of the absorbent garment. Said properties may be covered before use by disposable covers.

In another embodiment the fastener has a hook or loop portion such as VELCRO (Trade Mark) and/or allowing it to attach to a corresponding portion or an adhesive pad located on the outer layer of the absorbent garment. The adhesive pad is typically greater than the size of the lastener so as to provide the ability for adjustment to accommodate different limb size.

In addition or the alternative the fasteners are elasticated or include an elastic section to enable flexibility when in use and to allow adjustment to suit the user.

In other embodiments the fasteners may be on another part of the wing.

In the present invention a channel is defined through all of the absorbent garment's centre in order to create a localised and determined collection point for waste.

Said channel is ideally formed by provision of two raised lips that run along the absorbent garment's length through the crotch area. Said raised lips are positioned so as to follow a line reflected by where the legs joins the crotch in use.

It is envisaged that the lips are formed of absorbent, flexible material so as to not rub the user whilst ensure a tight fit. In this way it is preferable the lips are capable of resilient deformation particularly along their edges. Typically the raised lips may be elasticated, ridged and/or pleated in order to provide maximum flexibility, adaptability and resilience.

In yet a further embodiment the channel's width and or depth can be varied. It is envisaged that materials within the channel may have increased absorbency properties so as to assist in the successful holding of excreted products and to reduce problems associated with skin irritations such as nappy rash. Ideally therefore the materials used include a one-way outer barrier above an absorbent layer.

In another embodiment the channel includes indents or raised and lowered parts to further localise collection of waste and reduce movement of waste when in use.

Typically the indents are perpendicular to the length of the absorbent garment although in some embodiments alternative orientations such as diagonal or crossed indents may also be used in addition or the alternative.

In the preferred embodiment and according to a second aspect of the present invention the waist band is extended, typically beyond the point of waist, extending to the upper torso, so as to improve containment of the excreted waste and to further prevent leakage.

Typically the length of the absorbent material is extended to facilitate this and in some embodiments absorbent material may be included and/or in lesser quantities to follow the extended high waist band to the nappy rear in use, for example wherein the waist band includes bands of absorbent material to preclude escape of waste.

The number or size of waist fasteners may be adjusted to ensure an optimal fit of the extended waist portion.

In preferred embodiments and according to the third aspect of the present invention *the absorbent garment includes.at least one internal area that is treated with, soaked or otherwise releases soothing substances such as aloe vera, herbal treatments, creams or lotions. This improves the wearability of for the user and reduces the risks of skin irritation such as nappy rash.

According to an fourth aspect the wings may be a separate modular part that can be attached to any absorbent garment. It is envisaged that according to this embodiments of this aspect the modular wings include adhesive panels, typically along the length of the wing, that enable the secure attachment of the wings to an absorbent garment.

Such wings therefore may be available separately or independently, and may be impregnated with soothing substance and in addition or the alternative have coatings that encourage adhesion to skin. Preferably independently provided wings may be equipped with adhesive strips that may be uncovered in use to attach or adhere to.

standard nappies.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

* 20 Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the garment ready for * use; -Figure 2 shows a second view of the embodiment from above; And * * Figures 3 show side views of the embodiment.

Detailed Description of Figures

The pictured and preferred embodiment of the invention provides nappies that are specifically designed for babies going through the teething stage, wherein during this stage, diarrhoea is a common problem which can lead to messy nappies and spoiled clothing for those changing the nappies.

The pictured embodiment features: Two wings (1 and 2); Absorbent patch 3 for receipt of excreta and urine; Raised back 7 as part of a waist band 4; And 10.

Lips 5.

The embodiment therefore provides a high-back, short-style nappy which contains waste more effectively than conventional nappies.

The embodiments also have three areas (1, 3, 4) which have been specifically treated with aloe vera, or in other embodiments other preparations, to help soothe an infant's or user's skin.

A rectangular sheet of absorbent.elastic on either side of the nappy forms wings 1 and 2 to make the nappy into cuffed shorts. These wings are secured around the user's leg with hook and loop tabs, such as VELCRO (Trade Mark).

The nappy has a waist band 4 formed of an elasticated hem with an aloe vera coating, this hem combines with a waist band that is high at the user back to help ensure that no waste will escape.

Absorbent elastic sides 4 also combine to form the shorts and hook and loop portions ensure that the nappy fits snug around the user's waist and legs.

In use a carer would take the following procedure: With the user laid on his/her back, slide the nappy underneath the user's buttocks, with the absorbent patch 3 towards the front.

Fold the front of the nappy around the user's buttocks and over the user's genital area.

Stretch the waist band 4 around the user and fasten down to secure the nappy around the user's waist.

Wrap the wings 1 and 2 around the user's legs and fasten the hook and loop down so that the wings form cuffs and act as an additional barrier to contain waste.

Claims

Claims 1. An absorbent garment that has an absorbent lining for holding excreted waste, fasteners and a protective outer layer, characterised in that wings are provided which, in use, when folded form a cuff around a leg so as to inhibit leakage.
2. An absorbent garment according to claim 1 wherein the wings have fasteners.
3. An absorbent garment according to claim 2 wherein the fastener has elasticated properties.
4. An absorbent garment according to claim 1 or 2 wherein each wing is adjustable to form a cuff.
5. An absorbent garment according to claim 1 or 2 wherein, in use, the wings that form the cuff resemble shorts.
6. An absorbent garment according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the wing is formed from a liquid impervious layer.
7. An absorbent garment according to claim 1 or 2 wherein an extended waistband is provided.
8. An absorbent garment according to claim 1 or 2 wherein there is a channel for localising collection of waste.
9. An absorbent garment according to all preceding claims wherein a soothing substance such as aloe vera is included on the lining.
10. An absorbent garment according to claim 9 wherein a channel is created by a pair of raised lips.
11. An absorbent garment according to claim 10 where in the raised lips are elasticated or pleated.
12, An absorbent garment according to claim 8-11. wherein the channel includes indents to localise the collection of waste.
13. An absorbent garment according to any preceding claim wherein there are adhesive patches for fasteners to connect.
14. A method of making an absorbent garment forming an absorbent lining in contact with a protective outer layer, arranging fasteners and wings on the absorbent garment which when the wings are in use, when folded forms a cuff around a leg so as to inhibit leakage.
15. An absorbent garment substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings.
16. A method of forming an absorbent garment according to any preceding claim.
17. Separately available wings for providing a method according to claim 16.