US20210360982A1

US20210360982A1 - Separable Undergarment

Info

Publication number: US20210360982A1
Application number: US17/325,379
Authority: US
Inventors: Karl Princic
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-05-22
Filing date: 2021-05-20
Publication date: 2021-11-25

Abstract

A separable undergarment is provided. The device includes a flexible body having a front panel affixed to a rear panel via a central portion. A first set of complementary fasteners is disposed along a first lateral edge of each of the front and rear panels. A second set of complementary fasteners is disposed along a second lateral edge of each of the front and rear panels. The front panel is removably securable to the rear panel via the first and second sets of complementary fasteners to define an assembled configuration. A pair of cutouts are disposed between the front panel and the rear panel on opposing sides of the flexible body defining a pair of leg openings when the flexible body is in the assembled configuration. A pair of pull tabs are affixed to each of the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge of the rear panel.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/028,656 filed on May 22, 2020. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to undergarments. More particularly, the present invention pertains to an undergarment that is separable into a front and rear panel to allow a user to easily dress or remove the undergarment from a seated, standing, or lying position.
Many individuals suffer from health issues, limited mobility, or other disabilities that make it difficult to perform everyday tasks that require bending, balancing, or moving their legs, such as getting dressed. Particularly, putting on undergarments may require more movement than the individual is capable of, including balancing and lifting legs, or sitting and lifting legs into the undergarment. The individual must then stand if dressing in a seated position to fully lift the undergarment into a proper position. This amount of movement can be tiresome or difficult for many individuals and may also result in the individual slipping or falling if they lose their balance during the process. Additionally, dressing with limited mobility often requires a considerable amount of time to complete independently. Therefore, an undergarment that can easily be worn or removed by an individual with minimal required mobility is desired.
In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing undergarments. In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of undergarments now present in the known art, the present invention provides an undergarment wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when dressing independently in a seated, standing, or lying position.
The present system comprises a flexible body having a front panel affixed to a rear panel via a central portion. A first set of complementary fasteners are disposed along a first lateral edge of each of the front panel and the rear panel. A second set of complementary fasteners is disposed along a second lateral edge of each of the front panel and the rear panel. As such, the first and second sets of complementary fasteners removably secure the front panel to the rear panel in an assembled configuration. A pair of cutouts are defined between the front panel and the rear panel on opposing sides of the flexible body, wherein the pair of cutouts define a pair of leg openings when the flexible body is in the assembled configuration. In some embodiments, a pair of leg panels are affixed to the pair of cutouts extending along the front panel, the rear panel, and the central portion, wherein a set of leg panel fasteners are disposed along opposing lateral edges of each of the pair of leg panels. In such embodiments, when the flexible body is in the assembled configuration, the set of leg panel fasteners removably secure the pair of leg panels together to define an enclosed sleeve. A pair of pull tabs are affixed on each of the first latera edge and the second lateral edge of the rear panel.
In some embodiments, an upper edge of each of the front panel and the rear panel comprise an elastic material. In another embodiment, each of the pair of pull tabs comprise a loop. In other embodiments, the pair of pull tabs are disposed adjacent to an upper edge of the rear panel. In yet another embodiment, the first set of complementary fasteners are disposed on an interior surface of the rear panel and an exterior surface of the front panel. In some embodiments, the second set of complementary fasteners are disposed on an interior surface of the rear panel and an exterior surface of the front panel. In another embodiment, an opening is disposed through the front panel, wherein the opening is defined by overlapping portion of the front panel. In other embodiments, the opening extends perpendicularly from an upper edge of the front panel and extends towards the central portion. In yet another embodiment, a distal end of each of the pair of leg panels comprises an elastic material. In some embodiments, a height of each of the front panel and the rear panel are identical. In another embodiment, the pair of cutouts comprise an elastic material along a border thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1A shows a top plan view of an embodiment of the separable undergarment.

FIG. 1B shows a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the separable undergarment.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the separable undergarment in a partially assembled configuration.

FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the separable undergarment in a partially assembled configuration.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the separable undergarment in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the separable undergarment. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there is shown a top plan view of various embodiments of the separable undergarment. The separable undergarment 11 comprises a front panel 12 affixed to a rear panel 13 via a central portion 14. A pair of cutouts 19 are defined between the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13, wherein the pair of cutouts 19 extend continuously along the front panel 12, rear panel 13, and central portion 14. When the separable undergarment 11 is in an assembled configuration (as shown in FIG. 2A), the pair of cutouts 19 define a pair of leg openings (as shown in FIG. 2A, 20) through the separable undergarment 11. The pair of cutouts 19 comprise an arcuate edge, such that a width of the separable undergarment tapers inwardly from each of the front and rear panels 12, 13 towards the central portion 14. In the shown embodiment of FIG. 1A, the separable undergarment 11 is dimensioned to replicate briefs. In some embodiments, a border of the pair of cutouts 19 comprises an elastic material, such that the pair of leg openings defined thereby contract about a wearer's leg during use. A first set of complementary fasteners 15 are disposed along a first lateral edge 16 of each of the front and rear panels 12, 13, such that the first set of complementary fasteners 15 removably secure the front panel 12 to the rear panel 13 along the first lateral edge 16. Similarly, a second set of complementary fasteners 17 are disposed along a second lateral edge 18 of each of the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13, such that the second set of complementary fasteners 17 removably secure the front panel 12 to the rear panel 13 along the second lateral edge 18. In the shown embodiment of FIG. 1A, the first and second sets of complementary fasteners 15, 17 extend along an entirety of the first and second lateral edges 16, 18 to ensure that the strength of the securement between the front and rear panels 12, 13 is maximized. In the illustrated embodiments, each of the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13 comprise an identical height, such that when the front panel 12 is secured to the rear panel 13 via the first and second sets of complementary fasteners 15, 17, an upper edge 28 and cutout 19 of each panel 12, 13 is aligned.
In the shown embodiment of FIG. 1B, the separable undergarment 11 is dimensioned to replicate a pair of boxers or boxer briefs. In such embodiments, a leg panel 22 is affixed to each of the pair of cutouts 19, wherein the leg panels 22 define a pair of enclosed leg sleeves that wrap about the upper leg of the wearer when the separable undergarment 11 is in the assembled configuration (as shown in FIG. 2B). A set of complementary leg fasteners 23 are disposed along opposing edges 24 of each leg panel 22, wherein the set of complementary leg fasteners 23 removably secure the opposing edges 24 of the leg panels 22 together to form leg sleeves. In the shown embodiment, the set of complementary leg fasteners 23 comprise two pairs of discontinuous fasteners disposed colinearly along each opposing edge 24. In this manner, a user can more easily disconnect the set of complementary leg fasteners 23 than embodiments having a singular elongated set of complementary leg fasteners 23. As the separable undergarment 11 is contemplated for use with individuals with limited mobility or strength, it is desirable to minimize the effort required to disconnect each set of complementary fasteners 15, 17, 23, while ensuring the separable undergarment 11 is retained in the assembled configuration in use. In the illustrated embodiment, the set of complementary leg fasteners 23 are colinear with each of the first and second sets of complementary fasteners 15, 17. In some embodiments, a distal end 29 of each leg panel 22 comprises an elastic material therein, such that the distal end 29 contracts about a wearer's leg during use. In this manner, the pair of leg sleeves defined by the leg panels 22 are retained in a desired position along a wearer's leg, reducing the risk of the leg sleeves riding up during use.
A pair of pull tabs 21 are disposed on the rear panel 13, wherein a pull tab of the pair of pull tabs 21 is disposed on each of the first and second lateral edges 16, 18 of the rear panel 13 adjacent to the upper edge 28. The pair of pull tabs 21 provide the user with a gripping surface to easily disconnect the front panel 12 from the rear panel 13. In some embodiments, an additional pair of pull tabs 21 are disposed on the first and second lateral edges 16, 18 of the front panel 12 adjacent to the upper edge 28 to allow a user to grip and apply opposite forces to remove the front panel 12 from the rear panel 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of pull tabs 21 comprise loop members, wherein the loop members allow a user to insert a finger through the loop to facilitate removal of the front panel 12 from the rear panel 13, which can be particularly beneficial for users with limited grip strength. In some embodiments, the upper edge 28 of each of the front and rear panels 12, 13 comprises an elastic material therein, such that the separable undergarment 11 secures about a user and is adjustable in size to flex during use. In the shown embodiments, an opening 27 is disposed through the front panel 12, wherein the opening 27 is defined by overlapping portions of the front panel 12. In this manner, the front panel 12 can be selectively opened to allow a wearer to urinate without removing the separable undergarment 11. In the shown embodiment, the opening 27 extends perpendicularly from the upper edge 28 of the front panel 12 towards the central portion 14.
Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, there is shown a perspective view of various embodiments of the separable undergarment in a partially assembled configuration. In the assembled configurations shown in the illustrated embodiments, the first and second sets of complementary fasteners 15, 17 are affixed together to removably secure the front panel 12 to the rear panel 13. In embodiments having leg panels 22, the set of complementary leg fasteners 23 are similarly affixed together to removably secure the opposing edges 24 of the leg panels 22 together. The first and second sets of complementary fasteners 15, 17 are disposed on each of an interior surface 25 of the rear panel 13 and an exterior surface 26 of the front panel 12. Similarly, the set of complementary leg fasteners 23 are disposed on an interior surface and an exterior surface of the leg panels 22. In this manner, the front panel 12, rear panel 13, and the leg panels 22 can be wrapped around a user's waist and legs to secure each set of complementary fasteners 15, 17, 23 together to define briefs, boxers, boxer briefs, or other desired undergarment format. When in the assembled configuration, the pair of cutouts define a pair of leg openings 20 through the separable undergarment to receive the legs of the user therethrough. In the shown embodiment of FIG. 2B, the leg panels 22 define a pair of leg sleeves extending between the cutout and the distal end of the leg panels 22.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the separable undergarment in use. In one use, the user 30 can lay out the separable undergarment on a bed, chair, or other support surface, such that the user 30 can sit or lay back upon the rear panel 13. In this manner, the user 30 can avoid standing or balancing on a single leg for extended periods to assist in dressing. When dressing, the user 30 can lift the front panel 12 to cover a front portion of the user 30, such that the rear panel 13 and the front panel 12 can be secured together via the first set of complementary fasteners 15. Similarly, the opposing side of the separable undergarment can be affixed together utilizing the second set of complementary fasteners. In embodiments having leg panels 22, the user 30 can wrap the leg panels 22 about the thigh and secure the leg panels 22 together via the set of complementary leg fasteners 23 such that the user's 30 leg extends through the leg opening 20 defined thereby. Alternatively, the undergarment can be applied to a standing individual in a similar fashion, applying and fastening the rear panel 13 to the front panel 12 about the user's 30 body from a standing position. In this manner, the user 30 need not lift a leg to dress, ensuring a stable position and minimizing the risk of falling. When the user 30 wishes to remove the separable undergarment, the user 30 can stand, or if standing is difficult, sit or lay back on a support surface and grasp the pull tab 21 to separate the front panel 12 from the rear panel 13. In this manner, the user 30 can easily wear and remove undergarments without standing or balancing on one leg for extended periods.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly, and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

I claim:

1. A separable undergarment, comprising:

a flexible body having a front panel affixed to a rear panel via a central portion;

a first set of complementary fasteners disposed along a first lateral edge of each of the front panel and the rear panel;

a second set of complementary fasteners disposed along a second lateral edge of each of the front panel and the rear panel;

such that each of the first set of complementary fasteners and the second set of complementary fasteners secure the front panel to the rear panel in an assembled configuration;

a pair of cutouts disposed through opposing sides of the flexible body between the front panel and the rear panel;

wherein the pair of cutouts define a pair of leg openings when the flexible body is in the assembled configuration; and

a pair of pull tabs, wherein a pull tab of the pair of pull tabs is affixed to each of the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge of the rear panel.

2. The separable undergarment of claim 1, wherein an upper edge of each of the front panel and the rear panel comprise an elastic material.

3. The separable undergarment of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of pull tabs comprise a loop.

4. The separable undergarment of claim 1, wherein the pair of pull tabs are disposed adjacent to an upper edge of the rear panel.

5. The separable undergarment of claim 1, wherein the first set of complementary fasteners are disposed on an interior surface of the rear panel and an exterior surface of the front panel.

6. The separable undergarment of claim 1, wherein the second set of complementary fasteners are disposed on an interior surface of the rear panel and an exterior surface of the front panel.

7. The separable undergarment of claim 1, further comprising an opening through the front panel, wherein the opening is defined by overlapping portions of the front panel.

8. The separable undergarment of claim 7, wherein the opening extends perpendicularly from an upper edge of the front panel and extends towards the central portion.

9. The separable undergarment of claim 1, wherein the pair of cutouts comprise an elastic material along a border thereof.

10. The separable undergarment of claim 1, wherein a height of each of the front panel and the rear panel are identical.

11. A separable undergarment, comprising:

a pair of leg panels affixed to the pair of cutouts, wherein one the pair of leg panels extends continuously along each of the pair of cutouts;

a set of leg panel fasteners disposed along opposing lateral edges of each of the pair of leg panels;

such that each of the first set of complementary fasteners, the second set of complementary fasteners, and the set of leg panel fasteners secure the front panel, the rear panel, and the pair of leg panels together in an assembled configuration;

wherein the pair of cutouts define a pair of leg openings when the flexible body is in the assembled configuration;

wherein the pair of leg panels define an enclosed sleeve when the flexible body is in the assembled configuration; and

12. The separable undergarment of claim 11, wherein an upper edge of each of the front panel and the rear panel comprise an elastic material.

13. The separable undergarment of claim 11, wherein each of the pair of pull tabs comprise a loop.

14. The separable undergarment of claim 11, wherein the pair of pull tabs are disposed adjacent to an upper edge of the rear panel.

15. The separable undergarment of claim 11, wherein the first set of complementary fasteners are disposed on an interior surface of the rear panel and an exterior surface of the front panel.

16. The separable undergarment of claim 11, wherein the second set of complementary fasteners are disposed on an interior surface of the rear panel and an exterior surface of the front panel.

17. The separable undergarment of claim 11, further comprising an opening through the front panel, wherein the opening is defined by overlapping portions of the front panel.

18. The separable undergarment of claim 17, wherein the opening extends perpendicularly from an upper edge of the front panel and extends towards the central portion.

19. The separable undergarment of claim 11, wherein a distal end of each of the pair of leg panels comprises an elastic material.

20. The separable undergarment of claim 11, wherein a height of each of the front panel and the rear panel are identical.