US20130000013A1

US20130000013A1 - Adjustable Undergarment Device and Method

Info

Publication number: US20130000013A1
Application number: US13/474,031
Authority: US
Inventors: Eric Schifone
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: POLIDAN Inc
Priority date: 2012-05-17
Filing date: 2012-05-17
Publication date: 2013-01-03

Abstract

An undergarment apparatus and method is provided. The undergarment apparatus includes a quantity of fabric is affixed to a waistband, wherein the quantity of fabric has at least two leg holes formed therein, and wherein the quantity of fabric has a first area positioned substantially between the at least two leg holes, wherein the first area is sized to support a genitalia of a user of the undergarment apparatus. At least one conduit is affixed to the quantity of fabric and positioned at least partially proximate to the first area of the quantity of fabric. A cord is positioned within the at least one conduit and movable between at least a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein movement of the cord from the first configuration to the second configuration constricts the first portion of the quantity of fabric around the genitalia of the user of the undergarment apparatus.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally related to clothing and more particularly is related to adjustable undergarment devices and methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Men's underwear typically suffers from several inadequacies including but not limited to: lack of support, improper positioning and isolation from direct contact with the inner thigh or perineum areas combined with a high degree of contact between such areas and improper fitting undergarments typically is known to cause friction, chaffing, and discomfort while sitting, walking, running, or other numerous activities and athletic activities. In addition to unwanted contact with the thigh or perineum region and undergarment seams, most undergarments lack appropriate support and positioning for the genitalia, limit freedom of movement, do not provide comfortable natural resting position for the genitalia, lack of moisture control and lack temperature control. Currently undergarments offer limited sizes, shapes and materials without adjustability for proper fitment failing to isolate the genitalia from making direct contact with inner thighs, perineum region and legs while increasing comfort, support and positioning attributes for male genitalia.
Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an undergarment apparatus. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. A quantity of fabric is affixed to a waistband, wherein the quantity of fabric has at least two leg holes formed therein, and wherein the quantity of fabric has a first area positioned substantially between the at least two leg holes, wherein the first area is sized to support a genitalia of a user of the undergarment apparatus when the user is wearing the undergarment apparatus. At least one conduit is affixed to the quantity of fabric and positioned at least partially proximate to the first area of the quantity of fabric. A cord is positioned within the at least one conduit and movable between at least a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein movement of the cord from the first configuration to the second configuration constricts the first portion of the quantity of fabric around the genitalia of the user of the undergarment apparatus when the user is wearing the undergarment apparatus.
The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing a genital-supporting undergarment apparatus for supporting male genitalia. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the apparatus, among others, can be implemented as follows. A quantity of fabric is affixed to a waistband positioned about a user, wherein the quantity of fabric has at least two leg holes formed therein and positioned about legs of the user, and wherein the quantity of fabric has a first area positioned substantially between the legs of the user, wherein the first area is sized to support a genitalia of a user of the undergarment apparatus. At least one conduit is affixed to the quantity of fabric and positioned at least partially proximate to the first area of the quantity of fabric. A cord is positioned within the at least one conduit and movable between a plurality of positions, wherein movement of the cord constricts the first portion of the quantity of fabric around the genitalia of the user.
The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing method of using a genital-supporting undergarment. In this regard, one embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: placing the genital-supporting undergarment on a user, wherein a waistband of the genital-supporting undergarment is positioned about a waist of the user, and wherein a quantity of fabric affixed to the waistband and having at least two leg holes formed therein is positioned proximate to a crotch area of the user, and wherein a first area of the quantity of fabric is positioned substantially between the at least two leg holes proximate to a genitalia of the user; and constricting the first area of the quantity of fabric around the genitalia of the user by moving a cord positioned within at least one conduit affixed to the quantity of fabric and positioned at least partially proximate to the first area of the quantity of fabric.
Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1A is a front view illustration of an undergarment apparatus, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a back view illustration of an undergarment apparatus, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a front view illustration of an undergarment apparatus, in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a back view illustration of an undergarment apparatus, in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a front view illustration of an undergarment apparatus, in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a back view illustration of an undergarment apparatus, in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a front view illustration of an undergarment apparatus, in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a back view illustration of an undergarment apparatus, in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustration of a cord positioned within a conduit affixed to an underwear garment, in accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6A-6E are schematic illustrations of conduit connections on an undergarment apparatus, in accordance with a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using a genital-supporting undergarment, in accordance with a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is a front view illustration of an undergarment apparatus 10 and FIG. 1B is a back view illustration of an undergarment apparatus 10, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As is shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the undergarment apparatus 10, which may be referred to simply as ‘apparatus 10’ includes a quantity of fabric 20 affixed to a waistband 22, wherein the quantity of fabric 20 has at least two leg holes 24 formed therein, and wherein the quantity of fabric 20 has a first area 26 positioned substantially between the at least two leg holes 24, wherein the first area 26 is sized to support a genitalia of a user of the undergarment apparatus 10 when the user is wearing the undergarment apparatus 10. At least one conduit 30 is affixed to the quantity of fabric 20 and positioned at least partially proximate to the first area 26 of the quantity of fabric 20. A cord 40 is positioned within the at least one conduit 30 and is movable between at least a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein movement of the cord 40 from the first configuration to the second configuration constricts the first portion 26 of the quantity of fabric 20 around the genitalia of the user of the undergarment apparatus 10 when the user is wearing the undergarment apparatus 10.
The undergarment apparatus 10 may be used by everyone including athletes, laborers, medical patients, inactive wearers and others. The quantity of fabric 20 may include any type of fabric or fabric-like material that is formed in any size or configuration. The waistband 22 may generally be formed from an elastic material that is sized to sit on the waist of the user. Although the apparatus 10 may include a variety of holes and openings, at least two leg holes 24 formed at a lower portion of the apparatus 10 to accommodate the legs of the user. Materials may include but not limited to flexible or non-flexible fabrics, flexible or non-flexible material, breathable or non-breathable materials, etc.
The first area 26 of the quantity of fabric 20 may be characterized as any portion of the apparatus 10 that is at least partially positioned between the two leg holes 24 formed within the quantity of fabric 20, such that at least a portion of the first area 26 is positioned proximate to the genitalia of the user when the user is wearing the undergarment apparatus. The first area 26 may be formed from a variety of materials, including materials that are stretchable or substantially non-stretchable. The first area 26 may have a variety of sizes and designs for supporting the genitalia of the user, including configurations where the first area 26 forms a pouch over the genitalia.
The conduit 30 may include any type of structure that can be affixed to the quantity of fabric 20 and allow the cord 40 to be at least partially positioned therein. For example, the conduit 30 may be an elongated pocket formed along the quantity of fabric 20 that is positioned along desired areas of the apparatus 10, such as proximate to the first area 26. More than one conduit 30 may be used with the apparatus 10, such as two or more conduits 30 that are or are not connected to each other. The cord 40 may be sized to fit within the conduit 30, such that it can be moved relative to the conduit 30. The cord 40 may have any size or length and may be made from a variety of materials. It is often preferable for the cord 40 to be formed from substantially non-stretchable materials, although material that stretches may be used.
The movement of the cord 40 within the conduit 30 may be described as movement between two configurations: a first configuration where the cord 40 is relatively free from tension; and a second configuration where the cord 40 is placed under tension. It is noted that any additional number of configurations may be used with the apparatus 10, and the first and second configurations described herein may include variations. When the cord 40 is placed under tension while it is within the conduit 30, it may constrict the conduit 30 and the portions of the quantity of fabric 20 that are proximate. Movement of the cord 40 within the conduit 30 may allow for the portions of the quantity of fabric 20 positioned proximate thereto, namely the first area 26, to be constricted. To place the cord 40 under tension or release it therefrom, the cord 40 may be affixed at an end to a structure of the apparatus 10, such as the waistband 22, as is described with respect to FIGS. 6A-6E.
As is shown in FIG. 1A, the conduit 30 is affixed to the quantity of fabric 20, wherein a portion of the conduit 30 is positioned, or two distinct conduits 30 are positioned, at least partially proximate to the first area 26 of the quantity of fabric 20. In this positioning, the conduit 30 or conduits 30 allows for the cord 40 positioned therein to be placed proximate to the first area 26, such that it can construct the genitalia of the user when the apparatus 10 is worn. In FIGS. 1A-1B, the conduit 30 and cord 40 are positioned to surround the first area 26, such that they are positioned around a circumference of the pouch shape of the first area 26 and the first area 26 can be constructed around the user's genitalia by tensioning the cord 40 to itself. When For example, as is shown in FIG. 1A, the ends of the cord 40 may be tied together after they are tensioned. When the cord 40 is tensioned and tied to itself, it may be moved from the first configuration to the second configuration, as described above.
FIG. 2A is a front view illustration of an undergarment apparatus 110 and FIG. 2B is a back view illustration of an undergarment apparatus 110, in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The second exemplary embodiment may include any of the structures and features disclosed within any of the other embodiments if this disclosure. As is shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the undergarment apparatus 110, which may be referred to simply as ‘apparatus 110’ includes a quantity of fabric 120 affixed to a waistband 122, wherein the quantity of fabric 120 has at least two leg holes 124 formed therein, and wherein the quantity of fabric 120 has a first area 126 positioned substantially between the at least two leg holes 124, wherein the first area 126 is sized to support a genitalia of a user of the undergarment apparatus 110 when the user is wearing the undergarment apparatus 110. At least one conduit 130 is affixed to the quantity of fabric 120 and positioned at least partially proximate to the first area 126 of the quantity of fabric 120. A cord 140 is positioned within the at least one conduit 130 and is movable between at least a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein movement of the cord 140 from the first configuration to the second configuration constricts the first portion 126 of the quantity of fabric 120 around the genitalia of the user of the undergarment apparatus 110 when the user is wearing the undergarment apparatus 110. As is shown, the conduit 130 and cord 140 may be positioned about the first area 126 is a horseshoe shape. The horseshoe shape may include the conduit 130 and cord 140 being positioned about the first area 126 on the front of the apparatus 110 (FIG. 2A) and connected to the waistband 122 at different locations on the back of the apparatus 110 (FIG. 2B).
FIG. 3A is a front view illustration of an undergarment apparatus 210 and FIG. 3B is a back view illustration of an undergarment apparatus 210, in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The third exemplary embodiment may include any of the structures and features disclosed within any of the other embodiments of this disclosure. As is shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the undergarment apparatus 210, which may be referred to simply as ‘apparatus 210’ includes a quantity of fabric 220 affixed to a waistband 222, wherein the quantity of fabric 220 has at least two leg holes 224 formed therein, and wherein the quantity of fabric 220 has a first area 226 positioned substantially between the at least two leg holes 224, wherein the first area 226 is sized to support a genitalia of a user of the undergarment apparatus 210 when the user is wearing the undergarment apparatus 210. At least one conduit 230 is affixed to the quantity of fabric 220 and positioned at least partially proximate to the first area 226 of the quantity of fabric 220. A cord 240 is positioned within the at least one conduit 230 and is movable between at least a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein movement of the cord 240 from the first configuration to the second configuration constricts the first portion 226 of the quantity of fabric 220 around the genitalia of the user of the undergarment apparatus 210 when the user is wearing the undergarment apparatus 210.
FIG. 4A is a front view illustration of an undergarment apparatus 310 and FIG. 4B is a back view illustration of an undergarment apparatus 310, in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The fourth exemplary embodiment may include any of the structures and features disclosed within any of the other embodiments of this disclosure. As is shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, the undergarment apparatus 310, which may be referred to simply as ‘apparatus 310’ includes a quantity of fabric 320 affixed to a waistband 322, wherein the quantity of fabric 320 has at least two leg holes 324 formed therein, and wherein the quantity of fabric 320 has a first area 326 positioned substantially between the at least two leg holes 324, wherein the first area 326 is sized to support a genitalia of a user of the undergarment apparatus 310 when the user is wearing the undergarment apparatus 310. At least one conduit 330 is affixed to the quantity of fabric 320 and positioned at least partially proximate to the first area 326 of the quantity of fabric 320. A cord 340 is positioned within the at least one conduit 330 and is movable between at least a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein movement of the cord 340 from the first configuration to the second configuration constricts the first portion 326 of the quantity of fabric 320 around the genitalia of the user of the undergarment apparatus 310 when the user is wearing the undergarment apparatus 310.
FIG. 5 is a plan view illustration of a cord 440 positioned within a conduit 430 affixed to an underwear garment 410, in accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The fifth exemplary embodiment may include any of the structures and features disclosed within any of the other embodiments of this disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 5 depicts the cord 440 positioned within the conduit 430 that is affixed to the quantity of fabric 420. As can be seen the conduit 430 may be sized to allow for space between the exterior surface of the cord 440 and the interior surface of the conduit 430. This may allow the cord 440 to move within the conduct 430 when it is placed under tension or moved laterally.
FIGS. 6A-6E are schematic illustrations of conduit connections on an undergarment apparatus 510, in accordance with a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The sixth exemplary embodiment may include any of the structures and features disclosed within any of the other embodiments of this disclosure. The conduit 530 may be affixed to the quantity of fabric 520 (shown in FIG. 6B) or the waistband 522 with either or both of the ends of the conduit 530 (shown in FIG. 6A). In FIG. 6A, the ends of the conduit 530 may be affixed to the waistband 522 at different locations along the waistband 522. In FIG. 6C, multiple conduits 530 may be positioned at the same location on the quantity of fabric 520 or the waistband 522. FIG. 6D depicts ends of the conduit 530 being positioned on either the quantity of fabric 520 or the waistband 522.
The conduit 530 may be affixed to the waistband 522 or the quantity of fabric 520 with any connection or fastener. For example, the conduit 530 may be sewn directly to the waistband 522 or the quantity of fabric 522, or it may be affixed with a fastener 528. The fastener 528 may include any type of device or system, such as a button, a hook-and-loop system, a removable or irremovable fastener, or any other fastener known within the industry. The fastener 528 may be used to not only retain the conduit 530 within a specific location, but it may also be used to retain the cord (not shown) to the conduit 530, the quantity of fabric 520, and/or the waistband 522. Accordingly, the fastener 528 may be useful when affixing and end of the cord (not shown) to the waistband 522 or quantity of fabric 520 exterior of the conduit 530.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart 600 illustrating a method of using a genital-supporting undergarment, in accordance with a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understood as representing modules, segments, portions of code, or steps that include one or more instructions for implementing specific logical functions in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the present disclosure in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure.
As is shown by block 602, the genital-supporting undergarment is placed on a user, wherein a waistband of the genital-supporting undergarment is positioned about a waist of the user, and wherein a quantity of fabric affixed to the waistband and having at least two leg holes formed therein is positioned proximate to a crotch area of the user, and wherein a first area of the quantity of fabric is positioned substantially between the at least two leg holes proximate to a genitalia of the user. The first area of the quantity of fabric is constricted around the genitalia of the user by moving a cord positioned within at least one conduit affixed to the quantity of fabric and positioned at least partially proximate to the first area of the quantity of fabric (Block 604). Any additional number of steps or variations thereof may be included, including steps directed to any of the functions disclosed with respect to FIGS. 1A-6E.
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present disclosure and protected by the following claims.

Claims

1. An undergarment apparatus comprising:

a quantity of fabric affixed to a waistband, wherein the quantity of fabric has at least two leg holes formed therein, and wherein the quantity of fabric has a first area positioned substantially between the at least two leg holes, wherein the first area is sized to support a genitalia of a user of the undergarment apparatus when the user is wearing the undergarment apparatus;

at least one conduit affixed to the quantity of fabric and positioned at least partially proximate to the first area of the quantity of fabric; and

a cord positioned within the at least one conduit and movable between at least a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein movement of the cord from the first configuration to the second configuration constricts the first portion of the quantity of fabric around the genitalia of the user of the undergarment apparatus when the user is wearing the undergarment apparatus.

2. The undergarment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one conduit is affixed to the quantity of fabric with both a first end and a second end of the at least one conduit positioned proximate to the waistband.

3. The undergarment apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first and second ends of the at least one conduit are positioned proximate to different locations along the waistband

4. The undergarment apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first and second ends of the at least one conduit are positioned proximate to a single location along the waistband.

5. The undergarment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one conduit affixed to the quantity of fabric further comprises two conduits affixed to the quantity of fabric, wherein each of the two conduits are positioned at least partially proximate to the first area of the quantity of fabric.

6. The undergarment apparatus of claim 5, wherein the two conduits are positioned on opposing sides of the first area of the quantity of fabric.

7. The undergarment apparatus of claim 5, wherein the two conduits each have a first end and a second end, wherein each of the first and second ends of each of the two conduits is positioned proximate to the waistband in a different location along the waistband.

8. The undergarment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cord is substantially non-stretchable.

9. The undergarment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first area of the quantity of fabric is substantially non-stretchable.

10. The undergarment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first area of the quantity of fabric further comprises a pouch shape.

11. The undergarment apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one conduit is positioned around a circumference of the pouch shape of the first area.

12. The undergarment apparatus of claim 1, wherein a tensioning force of the cord moves the cord from the first configuration to the second configuration.

13. The undergarment apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first end and a second end of the cord, wherein at least one of the first and second end of the cord are positioned exterior from the at least one conduit.

14. The undergarment apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first end and a second end of the cord, wherein at least one of the first end and the second end of the cord is affixed to at the waistband.

15. The undergarment apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first end and a second end of the cord, wherein both the first and second end of the cord are positioned exterior from the at least one conduit.

16. The undergarment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one conduit is affixed to the quantity of fabric and positioned to substantially surround the first area of the quantity of fabric in a horseshoe shape.

17. The undergarment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one conduit affixed to the quantity of fabric and positioned at least partially proximate to the first area of the quantity of fabric is constructed from a substantially non-stretchable material, and the cord positioned within the at least one conduit and movable between at least a first configuration and a second configuration is constructed from a substantially stretchable material, wherein the cord is stretched when moved from the first configuration to the second configuration.

18. A genital-supporting undergarment apparatus for supporting male genitalia, the genital-supporting undergarment apparatus comprising:

a quantity of fabric affixed to a waistband positioned about a user, wherein the quantity of fabric has at least two leg holes formed therein and positioned about legs of the user, and wherein the quantity of fabric has a first area positioned substantially between the legs of the user, wherein the first area is sized to support a genitalia of a user of the undergarment apparatus;

a cord positioned within the at least one conduit and movable between a plurality of positions, wherein movement of the cord constricts the first portion of the quantity of fabric around the genitalia of the user.

19. The genital-supporting undergarment apparatus for supporting male genitalia of claim 18, further comprising a retaining device for retaining the cord in a tensioned state, wherein retaining the cord in the tensioned state retains the first portion of the quantity of fabric in a constricted state around the genitalia of the user.

20. A method of using a genital-supporting undergarment comprising the steps of:

placing the genital-supporting undergarment on a user, wherein a waistband of the genital-supporting undergarment is positioned about a waist of the user, and wherein a quantity of fabric affixed to the waistband and having at least two leg holes formed therein is positioned proximate to a crotch area of the user, and wherein a first area of the quantity of fabric is positioned substantially between the at least two leg holes proximate to a genitalia of the user; and

constricting the first area of the quantity of fabric around the genitalia of the user by moving a cord positioned within at least one conduit affixed to the quantity of fabric and positioned at least partially proximate to the first area of the quantity of fabric.