GB2592873A

GB2592873A - Washable incontinence undergarment

Info

Publication number: GB2592873A
Application number: GB1916067.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Fuller Ruth
Original assignee: Maybo Underwear Ltd
Current assignee: Maybo Underwear Ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-05
Filing date: 2019-11-05
Publication date: 2021-09-15
Also published as: GB201916067D0

Abstract

The garment comprises an aesthetic outer fabric 4 and an absorbent lining 10 which narrows from front UFR and rear upper regions towards the crotch region LCR. The absorbent lining may comprise a laminated fabric (fig 3) comprising different fabrics having different absorptivity. The absorbent lining may be secured in lengthways lines 5a, 5b.

Description

WASHABLE INCONTINENCE UNDERGARMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a washable incontinence undergarment. In particular, but not exclusively, they relate to a washable incontinence undergarment for children or adults such as boxer shorts or briefs or boxer briefs.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

An incontinence undergarment is underwear that is configured to absorb moderate to large quantities of urine.

One example of an incontinence undergarment is a disposable pad or diaper.

These disposable products contain superabsorbent polymers which are highly effective at absorbing body wastes and liquids. However, disposable products are not washable which is environmentally wasteful. Further, diapers are bulky which can cause embarrassment to older children or adults.

Washable fabric incontinence undergarments are available on the market, as a fashionable and environmentally friendly alternative to disposable products because they can be washed.

However, some washable incontinence undergarments achieve their absorbency using bulky linings. The bulkiness of the lining makes the undergarment visually stand out from regular undergarments, and the lining may chafe between the legs. Some bulky linings may be crushed between closed legs which can create leakage paths.

Some washable incontinence undergarments have loosely attached linings to provide a fly hole and/or to save cost. However, loosely attached linings are easily displaced from their desired position which can create leakage paths.

Some undergarments are more discreet and have smaller linings. However, the linings are ineffective for more than light bladder leakage.

Some washable incontinence undergarments can visibly stain when the lining is saturated, causing potential embarrassment to wearers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

According to various, but not necessarily all embodiments of the invention there is provided a washable incontinence undergarment comprising: an aesthetic outer fabric; and an absorbent lining extending lengthwise from an upper front region towards a lower crotch region while narrowing, and extending lengthwise from an upper rear region towards the lower crotch region while narrowing.

This provides the advantage of a longer absorbent lining that better conforms to the shape of the legs, and is less likely to get crushed between the legs when the legs are together. Therefore, the undergarment is less bulky and less likely to leak.

According to various, but not necessarily all embodiments of the invention there is provided a washable incontinence undergarment comprising: an aesthetic outer fabric; leg holes; an absorbent lining extending lengthwise from above the leg holes towards a lower crotch region between the leg holes; and securing means securing the absorbent lining to the aesthetic outer fabric, the securing means arranged in at least a first lengthwise line to a first lateral side of the absorbent lining, and in a second lengthwise line to a second lateral side of the absorbent lining.

This provides the advantage of an absorbent lining that is less likely to be displaced from its desired position. Therefore, the undergarment is less likely to leak.

According to various, but not necessarily all embodiments of the invention there is provided an absorbent lining for an undergarment, the absorbent lining 10 comprising: a comfort fabric for skin contact, the comfort fabric comprising fleece; and/or a plurality of absorbent fabrics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present invention reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig 1 illustrates a front view of an example washable incontinence undergarment; Fig 2 illustrates a side view of the example washable incontinence undergarment; and Fig 3 illustrates an example of an absorbent lining.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Fig 1 illustrates a washable incontinence undergarment 1. The undergarment 1 is inside-out to reveal the absorbent lining 10. In Fig 1, but not necessarily all examples the washable incontinence undergarment 1 is a lower body undergarment.

In Fig 1, but not necessarily in all examples, the washable incontinence undergarment 1 is shaped and arranged as a pair of boxer briefs. Boxer briefs have leg extensions 6a, 6b terminating in leg holes 3a, 3b, like boxer shorts.

Boxer briefs are generally tight fitting, like briefs. The leg extension is short and does not reach the knee of the wearer.

Alternatively, the washable incontinence undergarment 1 may be shaped as a pair of boxer shorts, having the leg extensions 6a, 6b but loose-fitting fabric.

Alternatively, the washable incontinence undergarment 1 may be shaped as a pair of briefs without leg extensions. The term 'briefs' as referred to herein includes men's briefs and women's briefs. Women's briefs are sometimes referred to as panties or knickers. Briefs are generally tight fitting.

Alternatively, the washable incontinence undergarment 1 may be shaped as a different known type of lower body undergarment from the examples mentioned above.

The illustrated washable incontinence undergarment 1 does not have a fly opening. Alternatively, the washable incontinence undergarment 1 could have a fly opening.

In some, but not necessarily all examples the washable incontinence undergarment 1 may be available in child sizes starting from a nominal circumferential waist size of approximately 50 cm or more, and/or in adult sizes.

Fig 1 shows that the washable incontinence undergarment 1 may have a waistband 2, an aesthetic outer fabric 4, and laterally separated leg holes 3a, 30 3b.

The waistband 2 may be elasticated. The elastication may be directional, being stretchable along the tangent of the waistband 2. Directional elastication can be achieved with a particular knit or weave pattern of elastic yarn, or with strands of rubber, latex or other stretchable material.

In some, but not necessarily all examples the aesthetic outer fabric 4 is a woven or knit textile. In some implementations, the aesthetic outer fabric 4 comprises polyester, cotton or polyester-cotton yarns.

The aesthetic outer fabric 4 may be tight-fitting or loose-fitting. Tight-fitting aesthetic outer fabric 4 may be elasticated. Elastication may be directional or omnidirectional.

The aesthetic outer fabric 4 may have a solid colour or may depict a decorative image. The decorative image may be formed using different coloured yarns or by fabric printing.

The washable incontinence undergarment 1 has an upper front region UFR, a lower crotch region LCR, and an upper rear region URR. The upper rear region URR may be identical or different from the upper front region UFR.

A lower crotch region LCR as referred to herein is the portion of the washable incontinence undergarment 1 above the leg extensions 6a, 6b and between the inner thighs of the wearer.

The upper front region UFR and upper rear region URR are the opposite-side regions starting above the lower crotch region LCR. The upper front region UFR and upper rear region URR extend above the leg holes 3a, 3b and meet the waistband 2.

Therefore, a washable incontinence undergarment 1 may comprise an upper front region UFR, a lower crotch region LCR, an upper rear region URR, and optional leg extensions 6a, 6b.

The absorbent lining 10 will now be described. The absorbent lining 10 is washable and configured to absorb bodily discharge such as urine.

The absorbent lining 10 is located at one or more of the lower crotch region LCR, the upper front region UFR, or the upper rear region URR. In the Figures, but not necessarily all examples, the absorbent lining 10 is located at the lower crotch region LCR, the upper front region UFR and the upper rear region URR.

In the Figures, but not necessarily all examples, the absorbent lining 10 extends lengthwise from the upper front region UFR towards the lower crotch region LCR. Fig 2 shows the lengthwise curved path of the absorbent lining 10.

In Fig 1, but not necessarily all examples, the absorbent lining 10 extends lengthwise far enough above the lower crotch region LCR and above the tops of the leg holes 3a, 3b to meet the lower edge 2a of the waistband 2 at the upper front region UFR. The absorbent lining 10 may extend to the same or a different height at the upper rear region URR.

Alternatively, the absorbent lining 10 may terminate lower than the lower edge 2a of the waistband 2. For example, the absorbent lining 10 may terminate at a lower position above the tops of the leg holes 3a, 3b but below the lower edge 2a of the waistband 2.

Fig 1 shows the width of the absorbent lining 10.

As illustrated, the absorbent lining 10 may extend less than the full width of the washable incontinence undergarment 1, leaving portions of the aesthetic outer fabric 4 uncovered. In the illustration, outer thigh regions and leg extensions 6a, 6b of the aesthetic outer fabric 4 are uncovered. The absorbent lining 10 is located in the centre of the washable incontinence undergarment 1 between the leg holes 3a, 3b.

Alternatively, the absorbent lining 10 could provide 100% coverage however this would be bulky and would involve unnecessary material.

In Fig 1, but not necessarily all examples, the width of the absorbent lining 10 is variable with respect to its lengthwise position. The absorbent lining 10 may be less wide at the lower crotch region LCR than at other regions of the washable incontinence undergarment such as the upper front region UFR and/or upper rear region URR.

In Fig 1, but not necessarily in all examples, the absorbent lining 10 is narrowest at the lower crotch region [CR. The absorbent lining 10 may be 5-10cm wide at the lower crotch region LCR, for example.

Fig 1 shows that at the lower crotch region LCR the aesthetic outer fabric 4 may be wider than the absorbent lining 10. The width of the absorbent lining 10 at the lower crotch region LCR is less than the spacing between the leg holes 3a, 3b. Inner thigh portions of leg extensions 6a, 6b of the aesthetic outer fabric 4 may be uncovered for 1cm or more between the lateral edge of the aesthetic outer fabric 4 and the adjacent leg hole 3a, 3b. Alternatively, the absorbent lining 10 may extend over the whole width of the aesthetic outer fabric 4 at the lower crotch region [CR.

In Fig 1, but not necessarily in all examples, the absorbent lining 10 is wider at the upper front region UFR than the lower crotch region [CR. The absorbent lining 10 extends lengthwise from the upper front region UFR towards the lower crotch region LCR while narrowing. The narrowing may be continuous or discontinuous narrowing. In Fig 1 the narrowing gives the absorbent lining 10 a trapezoidal shape narrowing towards the lower crotch region [CR.

In a non-limiting example, the widest point of the absorbent lining 10 at the upper front region UFR may be more than 10cm. The widest point may occur at the top of the absorbent lining 10.

In some, but not necessarily in all examples, the absorbent lining 10 is wider at the at the upper rear region URR than the lower crotch region LCR. The absorbent lining 10 extends lengthwise from the upper rear region URR towards the lower crotch region LCR while narrowing. The narrowing may be continuous or discontinuous narrowing. The narrowing may give the absorbent lining 10 a trapezoidal shape narrowing towards the lower crotch region LCR.

In a non-limiting example, the widest point of the absorbent lining 10 at the upper rear region URR may be more than 10cm. The widest point may occur at the top of the absorbent lining 10.

The narrowing may follow a curved profile as shown, or a straight profile.

Figs 1-2 also show the manner in which the absorbent lining 10 may be secured to the rest of the washable incontinence undergarment 1. The absorbent lining 10 is secured at the skin-facing side of the washable incontinence undergarment 1. The absorbent lining 10 may be secured to the aesthetic outer fabric 4 as shown, and/or to the waistband 2 or some other structure.

An example of securing means 5 for securing the absorbent lining 10 to the aesthetic outer fabric 4 is stitching. Additionally or alternatively, adhesive could be used.

The Figures show that the absorbent lining 10 may be secured to the aesthetic outer fabric 4 over at least part of the upper front region UFR, over at least part of the lower crotch region LCR, and over at least part of the upper rear region URR. This secures the absorbent lining 10 better than alternative products which just secure linings at the lengthwise ends.

In the Figures, but not necessarily in all examples, the securing means 5 extends in a first lengthwise line 5a to a first lateral side of the absorbent lining 10, and in a second lengthwise line 5b to a second lateral side of the absorbent lining 10. The lines may be stitch lines. A combination of lateral lengthwise lines 5a, 5b secures the absorbent lining 10 better than alternative products which secure linings at discrete points.

The first lengthwise line 5a may extend continuously through all the regions, or discontinuously. The second lengthwise line 5b may extend continuously through all the regions as shown, or discontinuously.

The first lengthwise line 5a may extend over the upper front region UFR, the lower crotch region LCR, and the upper rear region URR. The first lengthwise line 5a may extend the full length of the absorbent lining 10.

The second lengthwise line 5b may extend over the upper front region UFR, 20 the lower crotch region LCR, and the upper rear region URR. The second lengthwise line 5b may extend the full length of the absorbent lining 10.

In the Figures, but not necessarily all examples, the securing means 5 comprises one or more of: a first widthwise line 5c at the upper front region UFR, a second widthwise line 5d at the lower crotch region LCR, and/or a third widthwise line 5e at the upper rear region URR.

The widthwise lines 5c-5e extend over at least a portion of the width of the absorbent lining 10, for example across the whole width as shown.

The combination of lengthwise and widthwise lines 5a-5e form an enclosed pouch to help protect the absorbent lining 10 during washing.

If the absorbent lining 10 meets the lower edge 2a of the waistband 2, the first widthwise line 5c and/or the third widthwise line be may comprise the same stitching coupling the absorbent lining 10 to the aesthetic outer fabric 4 at the skin-facing side, and coupling the waistband 2 to the aesthetic outer fabric 4 at the non-skin-facing side (exterior side).

The fabrics of the absorbent lining 10 will now be described. However, the example of Fig 3 is an optional unique combination of fabric layers and materials, described below, to provide a combination of comfort, high absorption, and low bulkiness. Some or all of the fabrics of Fig 3 may be used, in the same or a different order to that illustrated, to provide some or all of the above advantages. Alternatively, a different known type of absorbent lining 10 could be used, with different materials and/or numbers of fabrics from the example illustrated in Fig 3.

In Fig 3 the absorbent lining 10 comprises a comfort fabric 11 for contact with the skin 100. In Fig 3 the comfort fabric 11 is water-permeable (urine-permeable) and not absorbent, enabling passage of liquid therethrough to other absorbent fabric layer(s) and/or material(s) that are not in contact with the skin 100. Therefore, because the comfort fabric 11 retains minimal liquid, the absorbent lining 10 feels more comfortable after incontinence as there is not a damp, saturated fabric/material directly in contact with the skin 100.

In a specific example, the comfort fabric 11 may comprise a fleece fabric.

Fleece is typically hydrophobic and absorbs little liquid. Fleece is an example of wicking material. Wicking material draws moisture away from the skin 100 quickly, with low absorptivity. The fleece fabric may be micropolar fleece or micro fleece, for added comfort and reduced bulkiness. Micro fleece is thin, lightweight and soft. The soft texture is achievable by brushing its fibres.

The space between the comfort fabric 11 and the aesthetic outer fabric 4 is considered the interior of the absorbent lining 10. The interior of the absorbent lining 10 comprises one or more absorbent fabrics. In Fig 3 the absorbent lining 10 comprises a first absorbent fabric 13 and a second absorbent fabric 15.

In Fig 3, but not necessarily all examples, the illustrated first absorbent fabric 13 is not attached to the comfort fabric 11 except at the lines 5a-5e of securing means 5. The first absorbent fabric 13 is separated from the comfort fabric 11 by a first layer gap 12. The first layer gap 12 improves distribution of liquid across the first absorbent fabric 13.

The first absorbent fabric 13 may have the same or a different absorptivity from the second absorbent fabric 15. In some, but not necessarily all examples the first absorbent fabric 13 closest to the skin 100 may have a greater absorptivity than the second absorbent fabric 15.

The first absorbent fabric 13 may be permeable to enable passage of water from its first face to its opposite face, which is useful when a second absorbent fabric 15 is provided behind the first absorbent fabric 13.

The first absorbent fabric 13 may comprise a superabsorbent fabric. Superabsorbent fabrics can absorb large amounts of liquid relative to their own mass. The superabsorbent fabric may comprise superabsorbent polymers.

The first absorbent fabric 13 may comprise nonwoven fabric 13b. The first absorbent fabric 13 may comprise a laminated nonwoven fabric 13a-13c to improve washing durability of the first absorbent fabric 13. The lamination 13a, 13c also helps to stop liquid that has a high kinetic energy.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the first absorbent fabric 13 comprises a nonwoven blend of superabsorbent polymers and other material such as air-laid paper. The nonwoven fabric 13b is sealed at both of its faces by water-permeable lamination layers 13a, 13c. The lamination layers may be perforated polymer-based films or intrinsically permeable.

The second absorbent fabric 15 absorbs liquid, particularly when the first absorbent fabric 13 is saturated.

The second absorbent fabric 15 is not attached to the first absorbent fabric 13 except at the lines 5a-5e of securing means 5. The second absorbent fabric 15 is separated from the first absorbent fabric 13 by a second layer gap 14. The second layer gap 14 improves distribution of liquid across the second absorbent fabric 15.

The second absorbent fabric 15 may comprise a woven or knit fabric. The second absorbent fabric 15 may comprise raised naps to improve liquid capture and absorption. The second absorbent fabric 15 may comprise terry cloth, for example. Terry cloth provides good washing durability.

To stop excess liquid from reaching the aesthetic outer layer and causing a visible stain, a waterproof layer 16 may be provided as illustrated in Fig 3. The waterproof layer 16 is a barrier layer for protecting the aesthetic outer fabric 4 from staining due to incontinence. The waterproof layer 16 also helps to distribute liquid.

The illustrated waterproof layer 16 is a substrate of (attached to) one of the absorbent fabrics such as the terry cloth, or the waterproof layer 16 could be a separate fabric. An example of a suitable waterproof layer 16 is polyurethane laminate, or a known alternative.

The waterproof layer 16 is between the absorbent fabric(s) 13, 15 and the aesthetic outer fabric 4. The illustrated waterproof layer 16 may be separated from the aesthetic outer fabric 4 by a third layer gap 17.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, the absorbent lining 10 may be applied to various types of undergarments such as brassieres or nursing brassieres. The absorbent lining 10 may be used in breast pads for fitting to brassieres or nursing brassieres.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

I/we claim:

Claims

CLAIMS1. A washable incontinence undergarment comprising: an aesthetic outer fabric; and an absorbent lining extending lengthwise from an upper front region towards a lower crotch region while narrowing, and extending lengthwise from an upper rear region towards the lower crotch region while narrowing.
2. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the narrowing of the absorbent lining at the upper front region forms a trapezoidal shape and/or wherein the narrowing of the absorbent lining at the upper rear region forms a trapezoidal shape.
3. The undergarment of claim 1 or 2, wherein the aesthetic outer fabric is wider than the absorbent lining at the lower crotch region.
4. The undergarment of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the absorbent lining extends lengthwise from above leg holes of the undergarment towards the lower crotch region.
5. The undergarment of any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent lining is secured to the aesthetic outer fabric over at least part of the upper front region, at least part of the lower crotch region, and at least part of the upper rear region.
6. The undergarment of any preceding claim, comprising securing means securing the absorbent lining to the aesthetic outer fabric, the securing means arranged in at least a first lengthwise line to a first lateral side of the absorbent lining, and in a second lengthwise line to a second lateral side of the absorbent lining.
7. The undergarment of any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent lining comprises a comfort fabric for skin contact.
8. The undergarment of claim 7, wherein the comfort fabric comprises a wicking material.
9. The undergarment of claim 8, wherein the wicking material comprises a fleece fabric.
10. The undergarment of any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent lining comprises a first absorbent fabric.
11. The undergarment of claim 10, wherein the first absorbent fabric is a laminated fabric
12. The undergarment of claim 11, wherein the laminated fabric is a laminated nonwoven fabric
13. The undergarment of claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein the first absorbent fabric is a superabsorbent fabric.
14. The undergarment of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the first absorbent fabric is permeable.
15. The undergarment of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the absorbent lining comprises a second absorbent fabric.
16. The undergarment of claim 15, wherein the second absorbent fabric is different from the first absorbent fabric.
17. The undergarment of claim 16, wherein the first absorbent fabric has greater absorptivity than the second absorbent fabric, and wherein the first absorbent fabric is layered closer to the skin than the second absorbent fabric.
18. The undergarment of claim 15, 16 or 17, wherein the second absorbent fabric comprises a woven or knit fabric.
19. The undergarment of claim 18, wherein the second absorbent fabric comprises terry cloth.
20. The undergarment of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the absorbent lining comprises terry cloth.
21. The undergarment of any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent lining comprises a waterproof layer.
22. The undergarment of claim 21, wherein the waterproof layer comprises polyurethane laminate.
23. A washable incontinence undergarment comprising: an aesthetic outer fabric; leg holes; an absorbent lining extending lengthwise from above the leg holes towards a lower crotch region between the leg holes; and securing means securing the absorbent lining to the aesthetic outer fabric, the securing means arranged in at least a first lengthwise line to a first lateral side of the absorbent lining, and in a second lengthwise line to a second lateral side of the absorbent lining.
24. An absorbent lining for an undergarment, the absorbent lining comprising: a comfort fabric for skin contact, the comfort fabric comprising fleece; and/or a plurality of absorbent fabrics.
25. The undergarment of any preceding claim, wherein the undergarment is shaped and arranged as a pair of boxer shorts or briefs or boxer briefs.