WO2005081937A2

WO2005081937A2 - Disposable pads for undergarments

Info

Publication number: WO2005081937A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/005631
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fredrica V. Coates
Original assignee: Tailored Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 2004-02-23
Filing date: 2005-02-23
Publication date: 2005-09-09
Also published as: WO2005081937A3

Abstract

A disposable pad for use in an undergarment includes hook and loop fasteners at opposite ends, which secure the pad to the undergarment during normal use. When removed for disposal, the pad can be folded or rolled up and the hook and loop fasteners will be positioned for mutual engagement to secure the pad in a bundle. The soiled interior surface need never be exposed to the user. The disposable pad can include predefined fold line to assist the user if folding the pad into a bundle for disposal. A disposable boxer can also employ this pad.

Description

DISPOSABLE PADS FOR UNDERGARMENTS

CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS

(0001) This application claims benefit of US Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60/546,175 filed February 23, 2004 and US Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60/546/176 filed February 23, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

(0002) This invention is related to undergarments that can be used to manage incontinence. This invention is also related to undergarments that can be used for potty training. This invention is especially related to disposable undergarments and disposable absorbent pads that can be used for these and similar purposes.

Description of the Prior Art

(0003) Disposable pads are used in adult diapers and undergarments to help manage incontinence. In some applications, these disposable pads can be mounted in pants and panties by employing an adhesive to secure the disposable pads to the undergarment in which it is used. However, when these disposable pads are soiled and must be removed for disposal, the adhesives and adhesive residues can cause problems. The adhesives can get on the user's hands as he or she attempts to remove and dispose of the soiled pad. One technique for bundling these prior art disposable pads is to roll them up lengthwise. However, continuous strips of adhesive commonly located along the sides of disposable pads, will be exposed while the wearer is attempting to roll up the pad. This task can require a degree of dexterity that many elderly users simply do not possess.

(0004) Other disposable undergarments require disposal of the undergarment after a single use, even though only a portion of the undergarment has been soiled. The use of a disposable pad on an undergarment, even an otherwise disposable undergarment, would alleviate the need to immediately dispose of an undergarment, that while it may not be washable or capable of prolonged use, might nevertheless be suitable for multiple reuse. (0005) US Patent 5,707,364 discloses and example in which a cradle, sling or layer can be incorporated into a pull-up panty or a side fastened panty. In that device an arcuate liner suspends the cradle or sling for free floating, so that the function of the panty leg holes can be limited to fitting the legs of the wearer.

(0006) Another example of a publication, which deals with a protective undergarment that can accept a pad is US Published Patent Application 2003/0216705. The device disclosed therein includes an S-shaped pocket in a sling, which can accept a fluid absorbent pad.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

(0007) A disposable pad according to one aspect of this invention is capable of use in a reusable or disposable undergarment. This disposable pad includes a fluid absorbent core having a length and width exceeding the fluid absorbent core's thickness. This fluid absorbent core is collapsible so that it can be folded or rolled up. Hook and loop fasteners are affixed to the fluid absorbent core adjacent opposite ends of a first exterior surface of the fluid absorbent core. An opposite inner surface of the fluid absorbent core will be adjacent the wearer's skin during normal use. The hook and loop fasteners are positioned such that when the fluid absorbent core is folded or rolled with the inner surface being concealed interiorly in a bundle for disposal, the hook and loop fasteners on the outer surface engage each other to retain the bundle in a closed configuration so that the inner surface, after being soiled, need not be exposed during disposal. Predefined fold lines can be formed in the disposable pad so that the pad will automatically fold in a direction that will isolate the soiled surface from the user.

(0008) In one version of this disposable pad, the hook fastener and the loop fastener are each stiffer than the fluid absorbent core so that a hook fastener inwardly facing edge and a loop fastener inwardly facing edge each form fold lines so that the sections of the fluid absorbent core on which the hook fastener and the loop fastener are positioned will fold inwardly toward each other into side by side relationship over an interior surface of the fluid absorbent core to cover the soiled interior surface. The fluid absorbent core can then be foldable between the hook fastener and the loop fastener to bring the hook fastener and the loop fastener into contact to form a folded bundle so that the user need not handle the soiled interior surface during disposal. (0009) An undergarment using a disposable pad can itself be reusable or disposable. The undergarment can include an outer pant and an inner layer, pant or sling depending from the pant and including inwardly facing hook and loop fasteners spaced apart on the inner layer. The disposable pad with pad hook and loop fasteners adjacent opposite ends can then be positioned in opposing relationship relative to the hook and loop fasteners on the inner layer to secure the pad to the undergarment. The disposable pad would be removable from the inner layer and when folded or rolled up the pad hook and loop fasteners would secure the disposable pad in a bundled configuration for disposal.

(0010) According to another aspect, the undergarment disclosed herein includes an outer boxer having a waistband and pant legs extending around leg openings spaced below the waistband. A fluid absorbent sling means is suspended within the boxer and extends between a front boxer section and a rear boxer section and between the leg openings. The sling means lies adjacent the wearer and separate from the boxer so that fluid will be captured by the fluid absorbent sling means instead of the boxer. Here the boxer and the fluid absorbent sling means are fabricated from a disposable material so that the undergarment can be disposed of after a single use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(0011) Figure 1 is a top view showing the interior of a boxer undergarment, which employs a disposable pad. The undergarment may also be disposable.

(0012) Figure 2 is a view of the undergarment shown in Figure 1 in which an inner layer or sling of the boxer has been extracted to show the disposable pad attached to the inner layer.

(0013) Figure 3 is a view of the boxer undergarment shown in Figures 1 and 2 showing the inner layer or sling after the disposable pad has been removed.

(0014) Figure 4 is a plan view of the disposable pad employed in the embodiment of Figures 1-3.

(0015) Figure 5 is a side view showing the manner in which the disposable pad of Figure 4 is initially folded for disposal. (0016) Figure 6 shows the disposable pad of Figures 4 and 5 after two outer sections have been folded over two central sections with hook and loop fasteners exposed and with the opposite soiled side of the disposable pad covered.

(0017) Figure 7 shows the disposable pad of Figure 1-4 in a bundled configuration in which the hook and loop fasteners are opposed and secure the pad in the bundled configuration for disposal.

(0018) Figure 8 is side view showing an alternate embodiment employing a disposable pad, which is secured on the wearer's midsection by elastic straps.

(0019) Figure 9 is a front view showing the undergarment also seen in Figure 8

(0020) Figure 10 is a view of the disposable pad shown in Figures 8 and 9 as it is being bundled for disposal.

(0021) Figure 11 is another view of the bundling of the disposable pad shown in Figure 8-10.

(0022) Figure 12 is a view of the exterior surface of the disposable pad shown in Figure 8-11.

(0023) Figure 13 is a view of an elastic strip, including hook and loop fasteners, which is employed to secure a disposable pad, as shown Figures 8 and 9.

(0024) Figure 14 is a view of the interior surface of another embodiment of the disposable pad according to this invention.

(0025) Figure 15 is a view of the exterior surface of the disposable pad shown in Figure 14.

(0026) Figure 16 shows the manner in which the disposable pad of Figures 14 and 15 is bundled for disposal.

(0027) Figure 17 is a view of the interior surface of a panty liner incorporating this invention.

(0028) Figure 18 is a view of the exterior surface of the panty liner of Figure 17.

(0028) Figure 19 shows the bundled configuration of the panty liner shown in Figures 17 and 18.

(0029) Figure 20 is view of the exterior of a disposable diaper pad, which can be rolled up for disposal in accordance with another aspect of this invention.

(0030) Figure 21 is a view of the interior surface of the disposable diaper of Figure 20. (0031) Figure 22 is a view of the disposable diaper of Figures 20 and 21 being rolled up.

(0032) Figure 23 is a view of a subsequent step of rolling up disposable diaper of Figures 20 -22.

(0033) Figure 24 shows the bundled disposable diaper of Figures 20-13 ready for disposal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(0034) A disposable pad according to this invention can be employed in a number of different configurations. This disposable pad can be employed in a completely disposable undergarment or it can also be employed with a reusable undergarment. Although this disposable pad can be used with a disposable undergarment, only the disposable pad need be limited to a single use. If for instance, the pad is used as part of a disposable boxer, only the soiled pad need be discarded after initial use if the boxer or other garment has not been soled. Alternatively the disposable pad can be employed with a washable garment, such as a boxer, a boxer with a pocketed sling, a brief or panties, and pads can be replaced for the normal life of the washable garment.

(0035) These disposable pads employ hook and loop fasteners to mate with corresponding loop and hook fasteners on the garment with which the disposable pad is used. The pad hook and loop fasteners function not only to hold the disposable pad in position for normal use, but the relative position of the pad hook and loop fasteners is such that engagement of hook pad fasteners with loop pad fasteners will secure a soiled disposable pad in a bundled configuration for disposal. Furthermore it will not be necessary for user to touch a soiled surface of the disposable pad as it is removed from the undergarment and bundled for disposal. Although a number of hook and loop fasteners are available for use in this invention, the preferred embodiment employs disposable versions of a short mushroom hook and short pile loop fasteners on the disposable pads, because they are relatively economical, and because they offer sufficient strength to secure the disposable pads to the undergarment for use, but also are relatively easy to remove for disposal.

(0036) Figures 1 -3 show a undergarment 2 in the form of a boxer in which a disposable pad 30 is employed in the management of incontinence or similar problem involving the discharge of excretion or elimination of bodily wastes or fluids. Although the specific undergarment 2 shown in Figure 1-3 is a disposable type boxer, this invention can be employed with reusable boxers or reusable undergarments in general.

(0037) Undergarment 2 comprises a pant 10 or boxer having a waistband 12 and a front section 14 and rear section 16 with openings for legs extending below a crotch section 18 in a conventional fashion. Aside from being fabricated from a disposable material, such as a plastic coated paper, the major difference between undergarment 2 and a conventional boxer is the presence of an inner layer or sling 20 positioned within the boxer or pant 10. Sling 20 can also be fabricated from a disposable or limited use material, such as a plastic coated paper. Sling 20 extends between the front section 14 are the rear section 16 on the interior of boxer pant 10. Sling 20 is attached at the waistband 12 on the front and rear, and in this embodiment the sides of this sling 20 are free and are not attached or secured to the pant 10. In the preferred embodiment the forward and rearward ends of sling 20 are stitched to the waistband 12. It should be understood that the use of disposable pad 30 in accordance with this invention is not limited to use with a sling 20 and the inner layer could comprise a pocketed sling, an inner pant or liner or numerous other support configurations.

(0038) The disposable pad 30 is securable to the sling or other inner layer 20 so that the disposable pad will be between the layer 20 and the wearer's body during normal use. The inner layer or sling includes pant hook fasteners 26 and pant loop fasteners 24, of similar construction to pad hook and loop fasteners 36 and 38 for securing the pad 30 to the sling 20. The pad 30 is secured so that an exterior pad surface 50, opposite from the surface on which pad hook and loop fasteners 36 and 38, will be exposed to the wearer's body and to any waste matter that may be excreted from the body. In the preferred embodiment of Figures 1-3, the disposable pad 30 is mounted to assist in the management of incontinence by capturing urine that may be discharged by a male. As shown in Figure 3, the pant hook fasteners 26 will be located adjacent the crotch section of the pant. It should be understood that other versions can employ a disposable pad that extends from the front end to the rear end of the sling 20 or only adjacent the rear section 16 of the pant 10.

(0039) A disposable pad that can be used with pant 10 to form the undergarment 2 of Figures 1-3 is shown in Figures 4-7. As seen in Figure 4, pad 30 has a generally rectangular configuration, and when in use the lengthwise direction between ends 40 and 42, will extend between the forward and rearward sections 14 and 15 of the pant 10. The width dimension between sides 44 and 46 is sufficiently small so that the pad can fit through the crotch and between the legs of its wearer. Of course the pad 30 is sufficiently supple so that opposite sides 44 and 46 can be compressed to achieve both a proper fit and proper coverage in the crotch area. The depth of the supple pad is small enough so that the pad can be easily collapsed, folded or rolled about axes extending perpendicular to pad side edges 44 and 46. One preferred embodiment of this invention measures approximately fourteen (14) inches in length, four (4) inches in width and has a depth of between approximately one- eights (1/8) and one-fourth (1/4) inch.

(0040) The disposable pad has a fluid absorbent core 32 that has a fibrous construction. Many suitable fluid absorbent materials are used in disposable pads employed for incontinence and potty training, and any of these material with suitable suppleness and softness can be employed in disposable pad 30. The inner absorbent core 32 is surrounded by a sheath 34 through which fluids can pass so that they can be absorbed by the fluid absorbent core 32. A number of suitable materials are available for similar purposes, and conventional porous papers can be employed to form sheath 34. The sheath is wrapped around the fluid absorbent core 31 and overlaps the core at each end 40 and 42 of the pad 30.

(0041) A hook fastener 36 is mounted adjacent pad end 40 and a loop fastener 38 is mounted adjacent opposite end 42. In this embodiment a rectangular hook fastener pad 36 and a rectangular loop fastener pad 38 can be stitched on top of the sheath 34. Each of these fastener pads 36 and 38 are mounted on the same exterior surface 48 of disposable pad 30. The disposable pad 30 is divided into four sections 58, 60, 62 and 64 by predefined fold lines 52, 54 and 56. A first hook pad fold line 52 is defined adjacent to the hook fastener pad 36, a second central fold line 54 is located approximately equidistance from the pad ends 40 and 42. These three fold lines 52, 54 and 56 divide the disposable pad 30 into four sections of approximately equal surface area. The fluid absorbent core 32 and the sheath 34 are fabricated from a material having substantially no resilient memory or tendency to return to their original shape. The fold lines 52, 54 and 56 can therefore be formed by folding the pad 30 into a configuration in which the four sections 58, 60, 62 and 64 are overlapping. The disposable pad 30 can be packaged in this folded or bundled configuration so that the fold lines 52, 54 and 56 are preformed or predefined prior to removal of the disposable pad 30 from its initial packaging for use.

(0042) The predefined fold lines 52, 54 and 56, which in turn define sections 58, 60, 62 and 64 are formed so that when the disposable pad is folded, the hook and loop fasteners 36, 38 remain on the exterior of the folded bundle. The interior surface 50, which will be the soiled surface when the pad 30 is prepared for disposal, will be covered and the wearer need not contact that soiled exterior surface 50. As shown in Figure 5 the disposal pad 30 after removal is first folded about fold lines 52 and 56 adjacent the hook fastener 36 and loop fastener 38 respectively. When this initial step is completed the hook fastener 36 will be positioned adjacent the loop fastener 38 with the soiled interior surface completely covered as shown in Figure 6. The next step is to fold the soiled disposable pad 30 about the central fold line 54 to bring the hook pad 36 into contact with the loop pad 38. The disposable pad 30 will be held in a bundle 70 as shown in Figure 7 by the now intermeshed hook and loop fasteners 36 and 38 that previously served to mount the disposable pad on sling 20 in pant 10. The pad 30 is now ready for disposal, and it has not been necessary for the wearer to come into contact with the soiled interior pad surface 50.

(0043) It is not even necessary for the wearer to come into contact with the soiled surface 50 during removal of a soiled disposable pad 30 from the pant 10. As seen in Figure 4 the sheath 34 and a portion of the fluid absorbent core extends beyond the hook and loop fastener pads 36 and 38 to form flaps 66 and 68. These flaps will not be attached to the sling or inner layer 20, and they can be grasped to disengage pad hook and loop fasteners 36 and 38 from pant loop and hook fasteners 24 and 22 respectively. The pad hook and loop fasteners 36 and 38 extend sufficiently across the pad 30 so that they separate the flaps 66 and 69 from the portion of the disposable pad 30 that will have been soiled.

(0044) This configuration provides another mechanism for folding the disposable pad 30 into a bundle 70 without the need for contact with a soiled interior surface 70. Both the hook fastener 36 and the loop fastener 38 are somewhat stiffer than the fluid absorbent core. Therefore the sections on which the relatively stiffer hook and loop fasteners are positioned will be stiffer and will function essentially as a unit. Thus these sections can be folded as shown in Figures 5-7 even in the absence of predefined fold lines. When the pad 30 is folded into the position shown in Figure 6, the space between the relatively stiffer hook and loop fasteners 36 and 38 will be the natural location about which the fluid absorbent core 32 will bend to fold the pad 30 into the bundle 70 shown in Figure 7.

(0045) One other advantages of the use of hook and loop fasteners 36 and 38 is that these fasteners can be color coded to match corresponding fasteners on the inner layer or sling 20 to which they will be attached. This will simplify installation, especially for the elderly.

(0046) Although the hook and loop fasteners provide an advantageous means of mounting a disposable pad in a disposable boxer of the type shown in Figures 1-3, it should be understood that some of the advantages of a disposable boxer, such as that shown in Figures 1-3, can be attained without the necessity of hook and loop fasteners. The disposable boxer and sling can in and of themselves comprise a boxer type undergarment of the type preferred by many users, especially men. By adding a sling fabricated of a disposable material, the entire undergarment can be disposable. Either the sling can itself be of a fluid absorbent material, or a fluid absorbent pad can be added to a sling in the form of a disposable sheet or layer. In those instances when reuse of the boxer and sling are not required, a fluid absorbent pad can be secured to the sling by any number of means, even including adhesives, since the pad need not be removable in such a modified version.

(0047) A disposable pad according to this invention is not limited to use with a boxer or pant of the type shown in the first embodiment of Figures 1-7. Figures 8- 13 depict another embodiment in which a disposable pad 130 is used with two elastic strips 180 to form a belted undergarment. Disposable pad 130 also employs hook fasteners 136A and 136B, located on the exterior surface 148 adjacent one end, and loop fasteners 138A and 138B located on the same exterior surface 148 adjacent the other end of the disposable pad 130. Other than the fact that two hook or loop fasteners are employed on each end of disposable pad 130, the construction of pad 130 is similar to or substantially the same as pad 30. Disposable pad 130 also includes a fluid absorbent core embedded in a surrounding fluid penetrable sheath 134. A waterproof exterior surface can be provide as an additional feature for this embodiment. The hook and loop fasteners are located along the side edges 144 and 146 of the pad 130 so that they are in position for attachment of two elastic straps 180, which extend around the wearer's waste to connect the front portion of pad 130 with the rear portion on each side. Belted strap hook and loop fasteners 182 and 184 serve not only to hold the disposable pad in its operational position, but that can also be employed to assist in bundling the pad 130 for disposal. Predefined fold lines 152, 154 and 156 are located at approximately the same longitudinal positions as the fold lines in the disposable pad 30. These fold lines again divide the disposable pads into four sections 158, 160, 162 and 164 of substantially the same surface area. When disposable pad 130 is soiled, it can be folded in precisely the same manner as shown for pad 30 in Figures 4-7. Although the hook and loop fasteners 136A, 136B, 138A and 138B, may not occupy the same surface area, opposed hook and loop pads will still secure a soiled pad 130 in the same bundled configuration with the soiled surface 148 being on the inside where it need not be handled or exposed. The straps 180 provide an additional means for securing a soiled pad 130 in a bundled configuration after it is folded. The two straps 180 can be wrapped around opposite ends to provide additional means for securing the pad in the bundled configuration. (0048) The third embodiment of this invention shown in Figures 14-16 demonstrates that the disposable pad 230 need not have a generally rectangular shape. Disposable pad 230 also includes a fluid absorbent core 232 positioned within a fluid penetrable sheath 234, but that core 232 is not as large as that employed in the first two embodiments. Hook and loop fasteners 236 and 238 are located on opposite ends of an exterior surface 248 and the opposite internal surface is to be positioned adjacent the wearer's midsection. Instead of a single rectangular shaped hook pad, this version employs two hook coins 236, and the these hook fasteners serve the same dual purpose as for the first two embodiments. This version has only two preformed fold lines 252 and 256, each of which is located adjacent hook or loop fasteners. These fold lines 252 and 256 do not divide the disposable pad 130 into four sections having equal areas as with the two previous embodiments. In this version, the edges of the sheath are weakened by a series of short creases 255 so that the central section is weakened or elasticized. When the soiled pad 230 is removed for disposal, the pad 230 is first folded along predefined fold lines 252 and 256 in a manner similar to the other embodiments. However in this configuration only two relatively small sections 258 and 260 extend between the fold lines 252 and 256 and the adjacent ends of the pad. However, the weakened sections allow the central section 262 to be doubled over as shown in Figure 16, again allowing formation of a bundle 270 without exposing the soiled interior surface 250. This particular configuration can be more suitable for solid waste. (0049) A disposable pad in accordance with this invention is not limited to use with adult undergarments or diapers for managing incontinence or for use in potty training a child. Figures 17-19 illustrate use of a disposable panty liner 330 employing the elements of the disposable pads discussed with reference to the first three embodiments. Panty liner 330 also has a fluid absorbent core 332 and the interior surface 350 will be placed next to the wearer when the panty liner 330 is properly positioned. A hook fastener 336 and a loop fastener 338 are disposed at opposite ends similar to the previously discussed embodiments, and predefined fold lines 352 and 356 are located in a position similar to that shown in the embodiment of Figure 14. A central fold line 354 is also formed. A elastic panty liner attachment means 380 with hook coins 382 is located on the exterior surface 348. The panty liner 330 can be folded into the bundle shown in Figure 19 in substantially the same manner as the previously discussed embodiments. The hook coins 382 extend beyond the sides of the panty liner so that when the panty liner is folded, these hook coins can be folded over to engage loop fasteners, not shown, to provide added security to the bundled panty liner during disposal.

(0050) A fifth embodiment depicted in Figures 20-24 shows that this invention, at least in its broader aspects, is not limited to a disposable pad that must be folded. Disposable pad 430 is instead rolled up for disposal. The pad 430 includes two loop fasteners 438 located adjacent one end of the exterior surface 448. Two hook fasteners 436 are also located on the exterior surface, but the hook fasteners 436 are located on laterally extending tabs 476 and 478 that extend beyond the side edges of the disposable pad 430. When pad 430 is removed for disposal, the pad 430 is rolled up starting from the end at which the hook fasteners 436 are located. The pad 430 is rolled so that soiled interior surface 450 will be enclosed as shown in Figure 22. When the pad 430 is completely rolled up, as shown in Figure 23, the tabs 476 and 478 will still extend laterally. However, once the pad 430 has been rolled into this position, with the soiled surface 450 now completely enclosed, the tabs 476 and 478 can then be folded over the exposed loop fastener strips 438 to secure the rolled bundle as shown in Figure 24. Although this configuration could be used with a pant or similar garment, it should be noted that the outer shape of the configuration shown in Figures 20-24 is substantially the same as a disposable diaper. Therefore this aspect of the invention is suitable for use as a diaper and is not limited to use in the other four embodiments of this invention. Indeed, numerous other configurations can take advantage of a disposable pad fabricated according to the principles of this invention. For example, a reusable fluid absorbent pad of similar size could be incorporated with a sling boxer or other undergarment, and hook and loop fasteners in the same relative positions could be meshed so as to leave the soiled surface exposed to facilitate washing a reusable pad of this type. Therefore this invention is not limited to the five representative embodiment described herein, but is instead defined by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 A disposable pad for use in an undergarment, the disposable pad comprising: a fluid absorbent core having a length and width exceeding the fluid absorbent core's thickness, the fluid absorbent core being collapsible about axes extending perpendicular to the length of the fluid absorbent core; and hook and loop fasteners being affixed to the fluid absorbent core adjacent opposite ends of a first exterior surface of the fluid absorbent core, an opposite second surface of the fluid absorbent core being disposable adjacent the wearer's skin, the hook and loop fasteners being positioned such that when the fluid absorbent core is collapsed with the second surface being disposed interiorly in a bundle for disposal, the hook and loop fasteners are engagable to retain the bundle in a closed configuration so that the second surface, after being soiled, need not be exposed during disposal.

2. The disposable pad of claim 1 wherein the hook and loop fasteners comprise means for securing the disposable pad to the undergarment when in use prior to disposal.

3. The disposable pad of claim 1 wherein the fluid absorbent core is prefolded to form fold lines so that the fluid absorbent core is predisposed to fold inward to enclose the second surface.

4. The disposable pad of claim 3 wherein the hook and loop fasteners are disposed between opposite sides of the first surface, each fastener being adjacent outer fold lines so that the fasteners are exposed after the fluid absorbent core is initially folded along the outer fold lines.

5. The disposable pad of claim 4 wherein the fluid absorbent core includes a central fold line, the hook and loop fasteners being opposable after the fluid absorbent core is folded along the central fold line.

6. The disposable pad of claim 5 wherein three fold lines divide the fluid absorbent core into four sections of substantially the same size.

7. The disposable pad of claim 6 wherein end portions of the fluid absorbent core extend beyond the hook and loop fasteners to form flaps of sufficient length that the flaps can be gripped to disengage the disposable pad from an undergarment, the hook and loop fasteners separating the flaps from portions of the fluid absorbent core which may become soiled during use.

8. The disposable pad of claim 1 wherein the hook and loop fasteners each comprise spaced apart strips located on each end of the fluid absorbent core, the strips being adjacent side edges on each end of the fluid absorbent core.

9. The disposable pad of claim 1 wherein the hook and loop fasteners are located on tabs extending beyond side edges on each end of the fluid absorbent core.

10. The disposable pad of claim 1 wherein the fluid core comprises a fibrous sheet surrounded by a fluid penetrable sheath.

11. The disposable pad of claim 1 wherein the hook and loop fasteners are stitched to the fluid absorbent core.

12. The disposable pad of claim 1 wherein the fluid absorbent core is foldable about a center fold line into two sections comprising the majority of the length of the fluid absorbent core, smaller sections adjacent the ends containing the hook and loop fasteners being inwardly folded to secure the disposable pad in a folded configuration for disposal.

13. The disposable pad of claim 1 wherein the fluid absorbent core is rollable for disposal with hook and loop fasteners securing the diposeable pad in a rolled configuration.

14. An undergarment assembly for preventing escape of fluid, the undergarment comprising: an outer pant: an inner layer depending from the pant and including inwardly facing hook and loop fasteners spaced apart on the inner layer; a disposable pad having pad hook and loop fasteners adjacent opposite ends positioned in opposing relationship relative to the hook and loop fasteners on the inner layer, the disposable pad being removable from the inner layer and being collapsible with the pad hook and loop fasteners being mutually engagable to secure the disposable pad in a bundled configuration for disposal.

15. The undergarment assembly of claim 14 wherein the disposable pad includes predefined fold lines between multiple sections so that the disposable pad can be folded for disposal.

16. The undergarment assembly of claim 15 wherein the disposable pad includes flaps located beyond the pad hook and loop fasteners, the flaps comprising means for disengaging the disposable pad from hook and loop fasteners on the inner layer.

17. The undergarment assembly of claim 16 wherein the pad hook and loop sections are between the flaps and a central section of the disposable pad, so that the disposable pad can be removed from the inner layer without touching soiled portions of the central section.

18. The undergarment assembly of claim 14 wherein the inner layer comprises a sling suspended between front and rear sections of a waistband on the outer pant.

19. The undergarment assembly of claim 14 wherein the outer pant and the inner layer are reusable and disposable pads can be affixed and removed from the inner layer.

20. A disposable pad for use in an undergarment, the disposable pad comprising: a fluid absorbent core; a hook fastener located on an exterior surface of the fluid absorbent core adjacent one end thereof; a loop fastener located on the exterior surface of the fluid absorbent core adjacent an opposite end thereof; the hook fastener and the loop fastener each being stiffer than the fluid absorbent core so that a hook fastener inwardly facing edge and a loop fastener inwardly facing edge each form fold lines so that the sections of the fluid absorbent core on which the hook fastener and the loop fastener are positioned will fold inwardly toward each other into side by side relationship over an interior surface of the fluid absorbent core to cover the interior surface, the fluid absorbent core then being foldable between the hook fastener and the loop fastener to bring the hook fastener and the loop fastener into contact to form a folded bundle so that a soiled interior surface of the fluid absorbent core need not be contacted during disposal.

21. A disposable undergarment kit for use in managing the effects of incontinence or for use in potty training, the disposable undergarment comprising: a disposable pant: disposable pads each having pad hook and loop fasteners adjacent opposite ends positioned in opposing relationship relative to the hook and loop fasteners on the inner layer, the disposable pad being removable from pant and being collapsible with the pad hook and loop fasteners being mutually engagable to secure the disposable pad in a bundled configuration for disposal, the disposable pant being reusable by replacement with a fresh disposable pad.

22. A disposable undergarment for use in managing the effects of incontinence, the disposable undergarment comprising: an outer boxer having a waistband and pant legs extending around leg openings spaced below the waistband; fluid absorbent sling means suspended, within the boxer and extending between a front boxer section and a rear boxer section and between the leg openings, the sling means lying adjacent the wearer and separate from the boxer so that fluid will be captured by the fluid absorbent sling means instead of the boxer; wherein the boxer and the fluid absorbent sling means are fabricated from a disposable material so that the undergarment can be disposed of after a single use.

23. The disposable undergarment of claim 501 wherein the sling means comprises a sling and a pad, having a greater fluid absorbency than the sling, attached to the sling adjacent the leg openings.