MXPA00004733A - Garment for use with an absorbent article - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to garments that have close body fit. The garment of the present invention comprises an elasticized waistband, a front panel having first and second sections, a rear panel having first and second sections, a crotch region disposed between and joining the front panel to the rear panel and a pair of elasticized leg openings. The first section of the front panel has a greater resistance to stretching in the lateral direction than the second section of the front panel. The first section of the rear panel has a greater resistance to stretching in the lateral direction than the second section of the rear panel. The crotch region is provided with a longitudinal stretch control member that is disposed along the longitudinal centerline of the undergarment. The longitudinal stretch control member limits the stretch of the crotch region in the longitudinal direction causing the crotch region to conform toa wearer's skin surface. A front stretch control member is disposed in the front panel and extends from the longitudinal stretch control member to the waistband. A rear stretch control member is disposed in the rear panel and extends from the longitudinal stretch control member to the waistband.

Description

GARMENT FOR USE WITH AN ABSORBENT ARTICLE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to garments, particularly to garments that may be used in combination with an absorbent article, and more particularly to garments that a wearer may wear with an incontinence device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As is known, disposable incontinence devices are commercially available in a wide range of configurations for the specific purpose of absorbing and retaining urine and other bodily discharges. Typically these garments have a part that is designed to retain or place a disposable absorbent article against the wearer's body. A number of these garments also have structural features that keep the absorbent article in a desired position until the disposable absorbent article is soiled and removed. Developments of the prior art include GB 2 282 053, which describes a panty that can be used by men who need to carry an absorbent product in the region of their groin as a result of a medical condition. The pantyhose also configured and constructed so that, in use, the absorbent product firmly embraces the wearer's body through the panty through a partial coating of impermeable material, and the movement of the absorbent product is prevented. This solution has a serious defect, but problems still arise with respect to narrowing which can cause discomfort to the user, curling of leg areas leading to fluid leakage, and movement of the user can create gaps in the groin and the posterior regions. GB 2 185 678 A discloses a disposable undergarment comprising an integral absorbent pad which can function as a garment for light incontinence. The absorbent pad stretches upwards from the crotch region both in the posterior region and in the frontal region to a higher point than normal absorbent pads. The device is designed to substantially minimize the leakage of fluids during nighttime use. The configuration can lead to user discomfort due to the formation and high placement of the absorbent pad. U.S. Patent No. 4,355,425 discloses an improved pantyhose and method for making same which has both porous non-woven fabric panels and elastic non-woven members. The panties are characterized by elasticizing in all directions. Problems may arise with respect to body contact and placement of the absorbent product. In addition, the pant is designed solely for use by a woman or child. The international publication WO 92/00051 discloses an undergarment that includes a permanently stretched region within which an incontinence protection is placed and in which the material has a lower resilience than the remaining regions of the undergarment. These features allow correct and easy placement of protection for incontinence and improved user confidence. However, the configuration leads to stacking in the posterior region and does not guarantee and degree of contact to the raised body. In addition, when the incontinence protection is loaded, the undergarment is unable to effectively cover the incontinence protection and leakage may occur.

The international publication WO 95/09594 relates to a brief incontinence panty which is characterized by elastic devices, which extend from the front to the back of the panty. The elastic devices may comprise elastics, ribbons or elastic bands that are preferably mounted between two layers or sheets comprising the panty. The invention, however, does not disclose a garment that incorporates elasticity through integral sewing technology. The panty can suffer from these disadvantages as discomfort for the user, loosening of the waistband and poor fit. U.S. Patent No. 5,61 1, 722, issued to Osborn on March 18, 1997, describes a panty-type undergarment. The panty type undergarment has a front panel, a back panel and a crotch portion. The undergarment further includes a support panel substantially in the shape of an anchor that has a greater resistance to stretching than the rest of the undergarment, which is integrally sewn on the back panel. The support panel is said to lift and separate the cheeks from the user's buttocks. The support panel includes a vertical strip and upwardly curving portions extending towards and along a portion of the leg openings of the undergarment. Although these undergarments can lift and separate the cheeks from the user's buttocks, the undergarment fails to provide a lifting force that would improve body contact between the catamenial device and a pudendal region of the wearer. As is evident, the prior art garments reveal many disadvantages, generally poor body contact due to user movement, poor fit, lack of comfort for the user, increased volume leading to an unwieldy and unattractive appearance and leakage of the fluids. It has been found that the above disadvantages can be mitigated by a garment as disclosed in the present invention. The garment of the present invention allows both the upper body contact and an excellent fit when the disposable absorbent article is both wet and dry. This leads to several benefits such as better placement and containment of the absorbent article, improved acquisition properties, reduction in leakage and superior user confidence and comfort.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to garments / undergarments that have tight fit to the body, almost "second skin". In particular, the garments of the present invention are particularly unsuitable for helping to retain an absorbent article, such as an incontinence pad or incontinence device, in close contact with the body throughout a wide range of user movements. The garment of the present invention comprises an elasticised waistband, a front panel having first and second sections, a rear panel having first and second sections, a crotch region disposed between and attaching the front panel to the rear panel and a pair thereof. Elastic leg openings. The first section of the front panel has a greater resistance to stretching in the lateral direction than the second region of the front panel. The first section of the rear panel has a greater resistance to stretching in the lateral direction than the second section of the rear panel. The crotch region is provided with a longitudinal stretch control member that is disposed along the longitudinal centerline of the undergarment. The longitudinal stretch control member limits the stretching of the crotch region in the longitudinal direction causing the crotch region to conform to a skin surface of the wearer. The front stretch control member is disposed on the front panel and extends from the longitudinal stretch control member to the waistband. A rear stretch control member is disposed on the rear panel and extends from the longitudinal stretch control member to the waistband. Although the garment of the present invention can be assembled from materials that may be known in the art as having the required mechanical properties, it is preferably woven. When the garment of the present invention is woven, the mechanical properties of the various components thereof can be provided by a combination of woven pattern used for a particular component and the yarns that are used. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the longitudinal stretch control member is integrally woven with the crotch region, the front stretch control member is integrally woven with the front panel, and the back stretch control member is integrally woven with the back panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the description concludes with the claims pointing out in a particular way and claiming differently the matter that is considered as formant of the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description which is taken in combination with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the garment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a rear view of the garment shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a plan view of the garment shown in Figure 1 that has been opened at the sides, the elastic components being pulled flat. Figure 4 is a plan view of the absorbent article suitable for use with the garment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a rear view of an alternate embodiment of a garment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of a garment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a front view of the garment shown in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the garment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to garments, more specific to garments suitable for retaining a disposable absorbent article in close contact with the wearer's body. A particularly preferred form of the present invention relates to a garment intended for use with incontinence devices, such as incontinence pads and diaper inserts, and the like, to retain these devices in close contact with the body to help reduce leaks from these devices. However, it should be understood that the present invention is also applicable for use not only with incontinence devices but also with other absorbent articles such as feminine hygiene articles, such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and the like. As used herein, the term "incontinence device" refers to an absorbent article generally worn by incontinent persons around the lower torso to absorb and contain body fluids, such as urine. Also as used herein, the term "disposable" refers to structures that are not intended to be washed or restored or reused in another way after use (ie, they are intended to be disposed of after a single use). , and, preferably, to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner.) As used herein, the terms "fluid", "liquid" and the like are intended to be interchangeable and refer to the materials that are in a liquid state when they are at a temperature of approximately 100 ° F.

General description of the garment Although, as noted above, the present invention is suitable for use with a wide variety of absorbent articles, it will be described in terms of a garment 20 that can be used in conjunction with an incontinence device 100. FIGS. 1 and 2 show front and back views of the incontinence garment 20 of the present invention. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the garment 20 of the present invention comprises a front panel 30 comprising the first section 36 and the second section 38, a rear panel 40 comprising the first section 46 and the second section 48, a region crotch 50, a pair of elasticized leg openings 60, and an elasticized waistband 22. The garment 20 is also provided with a waist opening 21 that allows entry to the garment 20. The garment 20 further comprises a control member of longitudinal stretch 52 disposed along the longitudinal center line in the crotch region 50, a front stretch control member 54 disposed on the front panel 30 and extending from the longitudinal stretch control member 52 to the waistband 22, and a rear stretch control member 56 disposed on the rear panel 40 and extending from the longitudinal stretch control member 52 to the Waistband 22. Each of these elements will be described in more detail in the following sections. Figure 3 shows the garment 20 of the present invention in a fully flattened position where each of the sides 32, 34 have been opened and the elastic components have been completely pulled. Figure 3 can also be considered to be a plan view of a model for the garment 20 (see formation of the garment below). As can be seen from Figure 3, the garment 20 has a longitudinal centerline L and a transverse centerline T. As also shown more clearly in Figure 3, the garment 20 of the present invention is symmetrical about the axis longitudinal L and symmetrical about the transverse axis T. The garment 20 can also be symmetrical about the longitudinal line L and asymmetric about the transverse axis T. The garment 20 can comprise woven, non-woven or woven fabrics. Preferably, the garment 20 comprises a woven fabric. A particularly preferred weaving means involves first weaving a seamless tubular pattern at about half the final width of the garment 20. The tubular model can be woven to have an hourglass shape to provide the leg openings 60 in the garment interior 20 is finished or, alternatively, portions of the open tube can be cut to provide these leg openings 60 (see garment formation below).

Elasticized waistband As noted above, the waist opening 21 allows entry of the garment 20 of the present invention. Preferably, the waist opening 21 is provided with an elasticized waistband 22 such that the waist opening 21 closely conforms to the wearer's waist. Elasticized waistband 22 can be formed by providing an elastic member, such as a Lycra® or SPANDEX material, adjacent to each distal end of the model that is shown in Figure 3, bending between each distant end around itself to form the edges end 23 and 24, and sewing the ends distant to the front panel 30 and the rear panel 40 to form the waist opening 21 and the elasticized waistband 22. Preferably, the elasticized waistband 22 comprises the same threads as and is integrally woven with the front panel 30 and back panel 40. More preferably, the elasticised waistband 22"comprises a flipped edging A particularly preferred fabric pattern for the elasticized waistband 22 comprises a combination of a flat stitch of a knit fabric and a float stitch where each four Relief is provided with a positive float stitch.

The front panel As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, and the front panel 30 is that part of the garment 20 that cooperates with the back panel 40 (discussed below) to encircle a waist and hip of the wearer. As can also be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the front panel 30, the back panel 40, and the crotch region 50 also cooperate to define the leg openings of 60 (discussed in detail below). The front panel 30 comprises the first section 36 and the second section 38.

Although alternate structures may be used, for example, the front panel 30 may be cut to an appropriate shape from a woven or non-woven material and attached to the remaining portions of the garment 20. The front panel 30 of the present invention it is preferably single woven totally, more preferably knitted, from a combination of elastically extensible and non-elastically extensible yarns. As is clear to a person with ordinary skill in the art, the elastic properties of the individual threads and the particular knitting pattern can be used by a designer to define the mechanical properties of the front panel 30. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front panel 30 comprises alternating courses of completely flat fabric, preferably knitted fabric, nylon and Lycra® or SPANDEX yarns as available from Unifi, Inc. of Greensboro, NC. In an alternate embodiment, the front panel 30 may be fully woven, preferably knitted, using a Lycra® or SPANDEX yarn having suitable mechanical properties in all directions. As will be clear from the discussion of the mechanical properties of the front panel 30 below, a person skilled in the art can define other fabric patterns using alternative threads to provide these mechanical properties. As noted above, front panels 30 having these mechanical properties comprising woven or nonwoven materials are also contemplated. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 1 to 3, the first section 36 has a greater resistance to stretching in the lateral direction than the second region 38. Preferably, the first section 36 also has a greater resistance to stretch in the longitudinal direction of the second section 38. The greater elastic extension capacity of the second section 38 allows the garment 20 to fit a variety of body shapes and sizes and provides good compliance to the wearer's body. The greater resistance to stretching of the first section 36, particularly in the lateral direction, provides a deviation force in the "z-direction" to the incontinence device 100 over the entire scale of the user's movement. This biasing force helps maintain the incontinence device 110 worn with the garment 20 in close contact with the body.

The back panel As mentioned above, the back panel 40 is that part of the garment 20 that cooperates with the front panel 30 to encircle the wearer's waist and hip. The rear panel 40 comprises the first section 46 and the second section 48. Although alternate structures may be used, for example, the back panel 40 may be cut to an appropriate shape from a woven or non-woven material and attached to the portions thereof. of the garment 20. The panel 40 of the present invention is preferably completely flat fabric, more preferably knitted fabric, from a combination of elastically extensible and non-elastically extensible yarns. As is clear to one of ordinary skill in the art, the elastic properties of the individual threads and the particular fabric pattern can be used by a designer to define the mechanical properties of the back panel 40. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rear panel 40 comprises alternating courses of completely flat fabric, preferably knitted fabric, nylon and Lycra® or SPANDEX yarns as available from Unifi, Inc. of Greensboro, NC: In an alternative embodiment, the rear panel 40 may be totally flat fabric, preferably knitted fabric, using a Lycra® or SPANDEX yarn that has mechanical properties in all directions. As will be clear from the discussion of the mechanical properties of the back panel 40 below, a person skilled in the art can define other tissue patterns using alternative threads to provide these mechanical properties. As noted above, back panels 40 having these mechanical properties comprising woven or nonwoven materials also contemplated. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 1 to 3, the first section 46 has greater resistance to stretching in the lateral direction than the second section 48. Preferably, the first section 46 also has a greater resistance to stretch in the longitudinal direction of the second section 48. The greater elastic extension capacity of the second section 48 allows the garment 20 to fit a variety of body shapes and sizes and provides good compliance to the wearer's body. The greater stretch resistance of the first section 46 provides a deviation force in the "z direction" to the incontinence device 100 over the full scale of the user's movement. This biasing force helps maintain the incontinence device 100 carried with the garment 20 in close contact with the body.

The crotch region The crotch region 50 is positioned along the longitudinal center line L of the undergarment 20 of the present invention between the front panel 30 and the back panel 40. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 1 a 3, the crotch region 50 cooperates with the front panel 30 and the back panel 40 to define the leg openings 60. As is shown more clearly in Figure 3, a longitudinal stretch control member is disposed along the longitudinal center line L in the crotch region 50. The crotch region dots the distance between the elasticized leg openings 60.

Although alternate structures may be used, for example, the crotch region 50 may be cut to an appropriate shape from a woven or non-woven material and attached to the remaining portions of the garment 20. The crotch region 50 of this invention is preferably completely flat woven, more preferably knitted fabric, from a combination of elastically extensible and non-elastically extensible yarns. As is clear to one of ordinary skill in the art, the elastic properties of the individual threads and the particular knitting pattern can be used by a designer to define the mechanical properties of the crotch region 50. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the crotch region 50 comprises alternating courses of totally flat fabric, preferably knitted fabric, using a Lycra® or SPANDEX yarn having suitable mechanical properties throughout the courses. As will be clear from the discussion of the mechanical properties of the crotch region 50 below, one skilled in the art can define other fabric patterns using alternative threads to provide these mechanical properties. As noted above, also crotch regions 50 having these mechanical properties comprising woven or non-woven materials. Preferably the crotch region 50 comprises a woven material having a less longitudinal stretch modulus than the elasticized leg openings 60 or the longitudinal stretch control member 52. More preferably, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the panel Crotch 50 is integrally woven with the front panel 30 and the back panel 40 using a simple weave pattern and yarns having high extensibility.

Member of longitudinal stretch control As previously noted the longitudinal stretch control member 52 serves to limit the crotch region stretch 50 along the longitudinal centerline L. In particular, the longitudinal stretch control member 52 limits the longitudinally oriented stretch of the crotch region 50 along the longitudinal center line L. Although not bound by theory, applicants believe that this limitation of the longitudinal stretch serves to transfer the deflection force in the "z direction" from the rear panel 40 and from the front panel 30 to the crotch region 50. This transfer of force causes the crotch region 50 and any incontinence device 100 disposed thereon to be held tightly against the wearer's body (particularly along the length of the body). longitudinal center line L of the garment 20) in all a wide scale of movements of The user Applicants have found that the garment 20 of the present invention is particularly comfortable to wear, despite the close conformity of the present garment and the contact with the wearer's body, particularly in the crotch area as discussed. here. Garments and / or underwear of the prior art have attempted to achieve compliance to the crotch area by elasticized lifting means, such as belts, or by a very tight fit that encompasses everything. These undergarments are often described as being uncomfortable. One source of this discomfort, particularly for belt-type undergarments, is the pressure on the wearer's anus. The tissue surrounding the anus is particularly sensitive to pressure and forces applied to the anus that can cause discomfort. Belt-type undergarments, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 3,608,551, typically utilize an elastically extensible member to provide a lifting force for sealing an absorbent article against a user's perineum. These elastic members are commonly attached to the undergarment in a location that is placed above the wearer's anus when the undergarment is worn. As a result, not only is there the desirable lifting force to seal an absorbent article against the user's perineum but also an uncomfortable pressure on the wearer's anus. On the other hand, the garment 20 of the present invention distributes the "z-direction" deflection forces discussed above in such a way that body contact is maintained over a wide range of user movements without unacceptable pressure on the user. user's year. As shown more clearly in Figure 3, the longitudinal stretch control member 52 is disposed along the longitudinal center line L in the crotch region 50. The longitudinal stretch control member 52 may be, either, a separate member attached to the crotch region 50 or this may be integral with the crotch region 50. Preferably, the longitudinal stretch control member 52 is integral to the crotch region 50. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention , the longitudinal stretch control member 52 and the crotch region 50 are integrally woven. As noted above, the longitudinal stretch control member 52 serves to limit the stretch, particularly the longitudinally oriented stretch in the crotch region 50 along the longitudinal centerline L. For this purpose, the stretch control member longitudinal 52 may comprise any material having a stretch modulus greater than crotch region 50. For example, longitudinal stretch control member 52 may comprise a film material with a high modulus or even a single strand of thread or monofilament. that has a relatively high module. For the preferred integrally woven longitudinal stretch control member 52, the longitudinal stretch control member may comprise the same yarns used for the crotch region, wherein the yarns comprising the stretch control member 52 were woven in a pattern known in the art as being stretch limiters. By longitudinal stretch control member 52 may comprise a tissue pattern wherein the alternating courses thereof are tightened. Alternatively, an elastic yarn may be floated to provide the longitudinal stretch control member 52 with additional resistance to stretching as is also known in the art. Suitable yarns for the longitudinal stretch control member 52 are substantially the same yarns or combinations of yarns as have been found to be suitable for the crotch region 50. The longitudinal stretch control member 52 has a greater tensile strength in the longitudinal direction of the first region 36 of the front panel 30. The longitudinal stretch control member 52 has a greater stretch resistance in the longitudinal direction than said first section 46 of said rear panel 40.

The front stretch control member The front stretch control member 54 cooperates with the longitudinal stretch control member 52 to provide a "z direction" deflection force along the longitudinal center line L of the garment 20, particularly in the region crotch 50. This force aids in lifting the crotch portion 50, particularly the longitudinal stretch control member 52 which is disposed therein, such that any incontinence device 100 that may be disposed thereon is in contact close to the body. In particular, applicants believe that the front stretch control member 54 directs the forces provided by the longitudinal stretch control member 52 toward the waistband 22 to assist in lifting the crotch region 50 toward close contact with the body. As noted above, the front stretch control member 54 helps to provide the "z direction" deviation force along the longitudinal center line L. Therefore, the front stretch control member 54 is preferably arranged along the longitudinal center line L on the front panel 30. More preferably, the front stretch control member 54 divides the first section 36 of the front panel 30 into two identical sections. The front stretch control member 54 may be attached to the front panel 30 along the longitudinal center line L. Preferably, the front stretch control member 54 is integral with the front panel 30. In a particularly preferred embodiment shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 3, the front stretch control member 54 is integrally woven with the first section 36 of the front panel 30. To facilitate the direction of the forces, the front stretch control member 54 must have less stretch than the sections first and second 36, 38 of the front panel 30. To provide this minor stretch, the front stretch control member 54 may comprise a material having a higher stretch modulus than the front panel 30 or a woven material having a pattern of fabric as is known in the art to provide greater stretch resistance. Materials with upper stretch module suitable for use, the front stretch control member 54 include the high modulus film materials, such as a polyester film material or even a single strand of yarn or monofilament having a relatively modulus elevated (for example, cotton, polyester or nylon). Preferably, the front stretch control member 54 comprises the same yarns as are suitable for the first and second sections 36, 38 of the front panel 30 and is integrally woven therewith using a woven pattern having less stretch than the first sections. and second 36, 38. That is, the yarns discussed above with respect to the first and second sections 36, 38 of the front panel 30 are also suitable for the front stretch control member 54. A particularly preferred weave pattern for the member The front stretch control 54 utilizes stitches known in the art to provide reduced stretch. For example, a stitch pattern has been found to be adequate.

The member of post stretch control The rear stretch control member 56 cooperates with the longitudinal stretch control member 52 to provide a "z-direction" deflection force. This force aids in lifting the crotch region 50, particularly the longitudinal stretch control member 52 that is disposed therein, such that any incontinence device 100 that may be disposed thereon is in close contact with the body. In particular, applicants believe that the rear stretch control member 56 directs the forces provided by the longitudinal stretch control member 52 toward the waistband 22 to assist in lifting the crotch region 50 toward close contact with the body. As noted above, the stretch control member 56 helps to provide a "z-direction" deflection force. The rear stretch control member 56 extends preferably from the longitudinal stretch control member 52 along two spaced lines of the longitudinal center line L on the rear panel 40. Separating the rear stretch control member 56 from the longitudinal center line L, the high forces of the rear stretch control member 56 are deviated away from the longitudinal center line L. Applicants have found that this is particularly important since this allows the first section 46 of the rear panel 40 to be placed over the anus Since the first section 46 has a lower stretch strength in both of the lateral longitudinal directions than the rear stretch control member 56, the first section is capable of expanding under lower forces. This zone of minor force expansion creates a cavity 58 in the back panel 40 which can expand to contain the fecal eses. The rear stretch control member 56 may be attached to the rear panel 40. Preferably, the rear stretch control member 56 is integral with the rear panel 40. In the particularly preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. rear stretch control 56 is integrally woven with the first section 46 of the rear panel 40. To facilitate the direction of the forces the rear stretch control member 56 must have less stretch than the first and second sections 46, 48 of the rear panel 40 To provide this minor stretch, the rear stretch control member 56 may comprise a material having a higher stretch modulus than the rear panel 40 or a woven material having a knitting pattern as is known in the art to provide greater resistance to stretching. Materials with upper stretch modulus suitable for use as the rear stretch control member 56 include high modulus film materials, such as a polyester film material or even a single strand of yarn or monofilament having a relatively high modulus (for example, cotton, polyester or nylon). Preferably, the rear stretch control member 56 comprises the same yarns as are suitable for the first and second sections 46, 48 of the back panel 40 and is integrally woven therewith using a woven pattern having less stretch than the first sections. and second 46, 48. That is, the yarns discussed above with respect to the first and second sections 46, 48 of the rear panel 40 are also suitable for the back stretch control member 56. A particularly preferred knitting pattern for the member Stretch control 56 uses stitches known in the art to provide reduced stretch. For example, a stitch pattern has been found to be adequate.

Elastic leg openings As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, the garment 20 of the present invention is also provided with a pair of elasticized leg openings 60. As noted above, the front panel 30, the rear panel 40, and the region of crotch 50 cooperate to define the periphery of each leg opening 60. This periphery is provided with a leg elastic 62 for elastification of the leg opening 60. The leg elastics 62 both provide a seal against leakage of bodily fluids. around the periphery of each leg. Although the leg elastics 62 must provide a minimum force of contraction that helps seal the periphery of the leg opening 60 against leakage of bodily fluids, it is important that the contraction force is not so great as to cause discomfort to a patient. user. Minimizing the stretching module on the scale of elastic extensions expected during the use cycle also minimizes the risk of discomfort to the user. That is, if the leg elastics are designed to provide a contraction force at a typical extent of use, this force should not substantially increase for larger extensions that may be due to a different user's leg circumference or due to to the movement of the user. The leg elastics 62 can be attached to the front panel 30, the back panel 40, and the crotch region 50 around the periphery of the leg opening 60 using means known to those skilled in the art. Specifically, the leg elastics 62 are attached to that part of the side edges 25, 26, 27, 28 which surround the leg openings 60 (ie, they form the periphery thereof). For example, the leg elastics 62 can be attached to the front panel 30, the back panel 40, and the crotch region 50 using adhesive means or by mechanical means, such as stitches. For the preferred knitted garment 20 of the present invention, the leg elastics 62 are preferably attached to the front panel 30, the back panel 40, and the crotch panel 50 by stitching thereto.

Optional features When used as a system with an incontinence device 100, the garment 20 of the present invention may also comprise means for reliably securing the incontinence device 100 to the garment 20. For example, the device for incontinence 100 it may be provided with a first portion of an adherent material and the crotch region 50 may be provided with a second part of an adherent material. As used herein, an "adherent material" is one that potentially adheres to itself and not to other materials. These fastening systems are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,415,650 which was issued to Sigl on May 16, 1995, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Alternatively, a "hook and loop" fastening system may be used wherein the garment surface of the incontinence device 100 may be provided with a hook material. For example, a prong made in accordance with U.S. Patent No. 5,058,247, which was issued to Thomas et al. On October 22, 1991, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, would be a hook material. satisfactory. The crotch region 50 may be provided with a curl material as is known in the art or, preferably, the yarns and / or the weave pattern used for the crotch region 50 may be modified with the technique to provide curls or eyelets. to attach a hook material. The crotch region 50 can optionally also be provided with signals to assist a user in optimally positioning an incontinence device 100 there. For example, these signals may comprise marks along the longitudinal center line L that would allow a user to place the incontinence device 100 reliably each time a new device is placed on the surface that is in contact with the body (i.e. , internal) of the crotch region 50. In addition, the front panel 30 and the rear panel 40 may also be optionally provided with signals to assist a user in optimally positioning an incontinence device 100 therein .

Formation of the undergarment A model for the garment 20 is first knitted in a tubular form using means known in the art. In particular, the front panel 30, the back panel 40, the crotch region 50 is integrally woven. The first section 36 of the front panel 30 is provided with a front stretch control member 54 having said strip integrally woven there. The first section 46 of the back panel 40 is provided with a back stretch control member 56 having said strip integrally woven there. Similarly, the crotch region 50 is provided with an integrally woven longitudinal stretch control member 52. Appropriate tissue patterns as described above are used. The tubular model is then cut into a column and opened. Excess material that would otherwise fill the leg openings 60 is removed to form a flat model for the garment 20 having a shape similar to the plan view of the garment 20 which is shown in Figure 3. As more shown in Figure 3, the model for the garment has a front end edge 23, a rear end edge 24, front side edges 25, 26 and rear side edges 27, 28. Leg elastics 62 are joined to the garment 20 around the periphery of the leg openings 60 as discussed above. The model for the garment 20 is then folded around the transverse center line T and the opposite portions of the lateral edges which are located between the leg opening 60 and the end edges 23, 24 are joined to form lateral seams 32. , 34 completing the garment assembly 20 (i.e., the part of the side edge 25 which is located between the end of the leg elastics 62 on the front panel 30 and the end edge 24 is attached to the side of the side edge 27 which is located between the end of the leg elastics 62 which is located on the rear panel 40 and the end edge 23 to form the seam 32. The side edge 26 is attached to the side edge 28 in a similar way to form the seam 34). Alternatively, parts of the woven tubular model can be cut to provide the leg openings 60. For example, a tubular model can be flattened, such that the inner surfaces thereof are in contact with each other and a pair of edges is formed longitudinally oriented laterals. The leg opening precursors can then be formed by cutting matching portions having a semicircular, semi-elliptical, or other desired shape of the transversely opposite lateral edges at regular intervals along the flattened pattern. The garment models are then formed by transversally cutting the tubular model lying in a predetermined repetitive pattern where a first cross-section is made through the material that was not removed when the precursors of the leg opening were formed to create a portion precursor. of crotch and a second cross-section is made across the total width of the flat tubular model forming the waist opening 21. The leg elastics 62 are arranged around the periphery of each leg opening 60 and attached thereto. The two ends formed by the first cross section are joined by a simple cross seam to complete the crotch region 50. The garment 20 is then finished by arranging the elasticized waistband 22 around the periphery of the waist opening 21 and joining the Elasticized waistband 22 to this one.

Alternative modalities Turning now to Figure 5, there is shown a rear view of an alternative embodiment of a garment 120 of the present invention. The garment 120 is identical to the garment 20 except for the configuration of the back stretch control member 156. The back stretch control member 156 cooperates with the longitudinal stretch control member 152 to provide a deflection force in the "direction" z " This force helps to lift the crotch region 150, particularly the longitudinal stretch control member 152 which is disposed therein, so that any incontinence device 100 may be disposed thereon in close contact with the body. In particular, applicants believe that the rear stretch control member 156 directs the forces provided by the longitudinal stretch control member 152 toward the waistband 122 to assist in lifting the crotch region 150 toward close contact with the body. As noted above, the rear stretch control member 156 helps to provide a "z-direction" bypass force. The rear stretch control member 156 preferably extends from the longitudinal stretch control member 152 along two arcuate lines spaced apart from the longitudinal center line L along a portion of its length and then converges to form a line simple along the longitudinal center line L before reaching the waistband 122. By separating the rear stretch control member 156 from the longitudinal center line L at least along a part of its length, the elevated forces of the leg member back stretch control 156 are made to diverge away from the longitudinal center line L creating a cavity 158. Applicants have found that this is particularly important since garment design 120 places cavity 158 over the anus. Because the cavity 158 has a lower stretch strength in both the longitudinal and lateral directions than the rear stretch control member 156, the cavity 158 is capable of expanding under lower forces. This zone of small force expansion creates a cavity 158 in the panel 140 which expands to contain the fecal eses. The rear stretch control member 156 may be attached to the rear panel 140. Preferably, the rear stretch control member 156 is integral with the rear panel 140. In the particularly preferred embodiment shown in Figure 5, in the control member of back stretch 156 is integrally woven with first section 146 of back panel 140.

To facilitate the direction of the forces, the rear stretch control member 156 must have less stretch than the first and second sections 146, 148 of the rear panel 140. To provide this less stretch, the rear stretch control member 156 may comprise a material having a higher stretch modulus than the back panel 140 or a woven material having a knitting pattern as has been known in the art to provide greater stretch strength. Materials with upper stretch modulus suitable for use as the rear stretch control member 156 include high modulus film materials, such as a polyester film material or even a single strand of yarn or monofilament having a relatively high modulus (for example, cotton, polyester or nylon). Preferably, the rear stretch control member 156 comprises the same yarns as are suitable for the first and second sections 146, 148 of the back panel 140 and are integrally woven therewith using a woven pattern having less stretch than the first sections. and second 146, 148. That is, the yarns discussed above with respect to the first and second sections 146, 148 of the rear panel 140 are also suitable for the back stretch control member 156. A particularly preferred weave pattern for the member of the post stretch control 156 utilizes stitches known in the art to provide reduced stretch. For example, a stitch pattern has been found to be adequate. Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, there is shown an alternative embodiment of a garment 220 of the present invention. The garment 220 is identical to the garment 20 except for the addition of the side panels 280.

As can be seen in Figures 6 and 7, the side panel 280 is that part of the garment 220 that cooperates with the front panel 230 and the back panel 240 to encircle a waist and hip of the wearer. More specifically, the side panel 280 is that part of the garment 220 that joins the second section 238 of the front panel 230 with the second section 248 of the back panel 240. Although alternate structures may be used, for example, the side panel 280 it can be cut to an appropriate shape from a woven and non-woven material and attached to the remaining portions of the garment. The side panel 280 is preferably completely flat fabric, more preferably knitted fabric, from a combination of elastically extensible and non-elastically extensible yarns. As is clear to one of ordinary skill in the art, the elastic properties of the individual threads and the particular knitting pattern can be used by a designer to define the mechanical properties of the side panel 280. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the side panel 280 comprises alternating courses of completely flat fabric, preferably knitted fabric, nylon and Lycra® or SPANDEX yarns as available from Unifi, Inc. of Greensboro, NC: In an alternative embodiment, the side panel 280 can be totally flat fabric, preferably knitted fabric, using a Lycra® or SPANDEX thread that has adequate mechanical properties in all directions. As will be clear from the discussion of the mechanical properties of the side panel 280 below, one skilled in the art can define other fabric patterns using alternative threads to provide these mechanical properties. As noted above, side panels 280 having these mechanical properties comprising woven or nonwoven materials are also contemplated. In the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, the side panel 280 has greater stretch resistance in the lateral direction than in the second section 238 of the front panel 230 and the second section 248 of the back panel 240. Preferably, the side panel 280 has a greater stretch resistance in the longitudinal direction than the second section 238 of the front panel 230 and the second section 248 of the back panel 240. In the embodiment shown, the first section 236 of the front panel 230 has a resistance to the greater stretch in the lateral direction than in the side panel 280. The first section 246 of the rear panel 240 has a greater resistance to stretching in the lateral direction than the side panel 280. The first section 236 of the front panel 230 has a greater strength to the stretch in the longitudinal direction than the side panel 280. The first section 246 of the rear panel 240 has a greater resistance to stretching in the longitudinal direction than the side panel 280. During use it is preferred that the second sections 238 and 248 stretch first since these provide the least resistance to stretching. If the forces of use are increased, the side panels 280 should stretch immediately with the last portions of the brief to expand which are the first sections 236 and 246. This is preferred since the first sections 236 and 246 are intended to hold the pad for the incontinence in place while the other sections, the second sections 238 and 248 and the side panels 280, are intended to provide tight fit to the body. Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a preferred embodiment of a rear stretch control member 56 which extends from the longitudinal stretch control member 52 along two separate lines of the longitudinal center line L at the back panel 40. A similar construction of the front stretch control member 54 to that of the rear stretch control member 56 shown in Figure 2, ie, having the front stretch control member 54 extending from the member of longitudinal stretch control 52 along the two separate lines of the longitudinal centerline L, it may be advantageous for the male user to provide a region of less force in the garment adjacent to the male genital organs. Similarly, the front stretch control member can be constructed similar to the rear stretch control member 156 shown in Figure 5 to provide a cavity for the male genital organs which has a lower strength to the stretch than the control member of stretching. Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown an alternative embodiment of a garment 320 of the present invention. The garment 320 is identical to the garment 20 except for the configuration of the elasticized leg openings 360. As can be seen in Figure 8, the elasticized leg openings 360 are of superior cut compared to the elasticized openings of the leg. leg 60 shown in Figure 1. The upper cut of the elasticized leg openings 360 provides a larger opening than the leg openings 60. In addition, the garment 320 uses less material including everything than the garment 20.

TEST METHODS Stretching module and elastic contractions Tried This method is intended to quantify a force comparable to the force exerted on the wearer's body by the extensible materials that can be used in an undergarment on an extension scale similar to that seen during the wear cycle of an undergarment.

Method The method described in INDA (Association of the Non Woven Fabric Industry) test stand110.1-92 is adequate. The following initial adjustment conditions are used: Measured length: 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) Crosshead speed: 10 inches / minute (25.4 centimeters / minute) Appropriate voltage and cell test machine for load force scale: expected, a model 5564 is available, available from Instron Corporation, Canton, MA.

Sample width: 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) For samples less than 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) in width, measured the width of the sample and adjusted the force measured by the ratio of one inch (2.54 centimeters) with respect to the measured width .

Direction of the samples: The samples with longitudinal stretching module are cut in such a way that the width of the sample is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The samples with lateral stretching module are cut in such a way that the width of the sample will be perpendicular to the lateral direction.

Sample size: At least three samples per material are tested.

Calculations Strength0: The strength at the start of the data collection (gram / inch or gram / centimeter) is there before a stretch before starting to take the data.

Force 25- Strength at 25% elongation (grams / inch or gram / centimeter) Elastic contractions = Force25 Stretching module = (Force2s - Force0) /0.25 Report the mean and standdeviation for the elastic contractions (only the leg elastics) and for the stretching module.

Disclosures of all patents, patent publications (and any of the patents issued thereon, as well as any of the corresponding published foreign patent applications), and publications mentioned throughout this description are hereby incorporated by reference here. However, it is not expressly admitted that any of the documents incorporated herein by reference will teach or disclose the present invention. Although the particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, attempts are made to protect all these changes and modifications within the scope of this invention in the appended claims.

Claims (23)

1. A garment for retaining a disposable absorbent article in close contact with the body, the garment having a longitudinal centerline defining a longitudinal direction and a lateral center line defining a lateral direction, the garment comprising: an elasticized waistband; a front panel having first and second sections, said first section having a greater resistance to stretching in the lateral direction than that of the second section; a back panel having first and second sections, said first section having a greater resistance to stretching in the lateral direction than that of said second section; a crotch region disposed between and joining the front panel and the back panel; a pair of elasticized leg openings; a longitudinal stretch control member disposed along the longitudinal center line in said crotch region, the longitudinal stretch control member serving to limit the extension of the longitudinally oriented stretch of the crotch region along the center line longitudinal; a front stretch control member disposed on the front panel and extending from the longitudinal stretch control member to the waistband to direct the forces coming from the longitudinal stretch control member toward the waistband; a rear stretch control member disposed on said rear panel and extending from the longitudinal stretch control member to the waistband to direct the forces coming from the longitudinal stretch control member toward said waistband.

A garment according to claim 1, wherein said first section of said front panel has a greater resistance to stretching in the longitudinal direction than that of said second section of said front panel.

3. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the first section of the rear panel has a greater resistance to stretching in the longitudinal direction than that of the second section of the rear panel.

4. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal stretch control member has a greater stretch resistance in the longitudinal direction than that of said first front panel section.

5. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal stretch control member has a greater stretch resistance in the longitudinal direction than that of said first section of the rear panel.

6. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein the front stretch control member extends along the longitudinal center line.

7. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the back stretch control member extends toward the waistband along two spaced lines of the longitudinal center line.

8. A garment according to claim 8, wherein the back stretch control member extends toward the waistband along two lines to form a cavity in the back panel.

9. A garment according to claim 1, wherein said first and second sections of the front panel have a longitudinal stretching module, said longitudinal stretching module of the first section being larger than the longitudinal stretching module of the second section.

A garment according to claim 1, wherein the first and second sections of the rear panel have a longitudinal stretching module, said longitudinal stretching module of the first section being larger than the longitudinal stretching module of the second. section.

1 1. A garment in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first and second sections of the front panel have a lateral stretching module, said lateral stretching module of the first section being larger than the lateral stretching module of the second section.

12. A garment according to claim 1, wherein said first and second sections of the rear panel have a lateral stretch modulus, said lateral stretch modulus of the first section being larger than the lateral stretch modulus of the second. section.

13. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the garment comprises a woven material.

A garment according to claim 13, wherein said longitudinal stretch control member comprises a fabric pattern having less longitudinal stretch than a fully woven pattern.

15. A garment according to claim 14, wherein said longitudinal stretch control member comprises a stitch pattern of tuck.

16. A garment according to claim 13, wherein said front and back stretch control members comprise a fabric pattern having less longitudinal stretch than a fully woven pattern.

17. A garment according to claim 16, wherein said front and rear stretch control members comprise a stitch pattern of stitching.

18. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal stretch control member is integrally woven with the crotch region, said front stretch control member being integrally woven with said first section of the front panel, and said back stretch control member is integrally woven with the first section of the back panel.

19. A garment according to claim 1, further comprising a side panel joining the first panel to the back panel.

20. A garment according to claim 19, wherein said side panel has a greater stretch resistance in the lateral direction than that of the second region of the front panel.

21. A garment according to claim 19, wherein the side panel has a greater stretch resistance in the lateral direction than that of the second section of the back panel.

22. A garment according to claim 19, wherein said first section of the front panel has a greater resistance to stretching in the lateral direction than that of the side panel.

23. An article of clothing according to claim 19, wherein said first section of the rear panel has a greater resistance to stretching in the lateral direction than that of the side panel.