WO2015088441A1

WO2015088441A1 - Garment liners for concealment of bodily protrusions and epidermal therapy

Info

Publication number: WO2015088441A1
Application number: PCT/SG2013/000531
Authority: WO
Inventors: Su Chuen CHEW; Chee Keong YEE
Original assignee: Chew Su Chuen; Yee Chee Keong
Priority date: 2013-12-13
Filing date: 2013-12-13
Publication date: 2015-06-18

Abstract

The present invention covers flexible, adhesive liners that attach to garments for concealment of bodily protrusions, and provides therapy and cushioning to the epidermis. The adhesive back of the liner is pressed to the garment and semi-permeable/breathable material faces the skin when garment is worn. The cushioning layer of the liner comprises of a gel/gauze/foam/elastomeric material that can store and deliver bioactive molecules, fragrances, and therapeutic and beautifying compounds to the skin as they pass through the semi-permeable/breathable material that faces the skin.

Description

Garment Liners for Concealment of Bodily Protrusions and

Epidermal Therap

DESCRIPTION

FIELD

The present invention relates to flexible, adhesive liners that attach to garments for concealment of bodily protrusions, and provides therapy and cushioning to the epidermis. More particularly, this invention relates to the concealment, therapy and cushioning of the nipple and areola of a woman's breast.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The wearing of brasseries has increasingly become optional for women, as brasseries may be visible and unsuitable to wear with low-cut or backless apparel. Some individuals deem brasseries uncomfortable and brasserie support unnecessary. However, the concealment of the nipple and areola that comes with the wearing of the brasserie is often desirable. As such, nipple- concealment, brasserie-free systems were invented to better fulfill the specificities of this demand. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,672 issued on Jul. 21, 1998 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,350,175 issued on Feb. 26, 2002 discloses devices that provide nipple coverage by applying material to pad or flatten the nipple via adhesives that attach to the epidermis at the periphery of the areola.

The above example inventions provide moderate coverage of the nipple and the use of adhesives to the skin can result in discomfort, reduced dissipation of perspiration, and skin sensitivity or allergy. As a result, they are not worn for long durations. The use of adhesives on the epidermis makes it unhygienic for numerous reuses as the adhesive side sticks to and accumulates epidermal cells, commensal bacteria, and bodily secretions, which cannot be washed away effectively as this would reduce adhesiveness of adhesive side.

An invention that does not require applying adhesives to the skin, but instead absorbs sweat and grime, and is able to deliver bioactive molecules, fragrances, and therapeutic compounds to the skin, would be a novel and significant improvement to the previous inventions. This patent application relates to the above-mentioned invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to Figure 2, the liner comprises of cushioning layer (ii) sandwiched between inner layer (i) and outer layer (iii). (i) is a semi-permeable/breathable material which is ideally hypoallergenic and exposed to skin side. Cushioning layer (ii) is a gel/gauze/foam/elastomeric material that cushions and hides nipple and areola contours, (ii) Bioactive molecules, chemicals,

l fragrances, and lotions may be stored in the material for slow diffusion and delivery to the inner layer (i). Additionally, (ii) absorbs small amounts of fluid such as sweat and bodily secretion that might transfer from (i), allowing an exchange of molecules to take place between the skin, (i) and (ii). Outer layer (iii) serves as a thin backing material with adhesive for attachment to garment, (i), (ii) and (iii) layers are pressed together to make the liner. After the bust of-the garment has been lined with the liner(s), visibility of nipples and areolas are reduced when compared to wearing garment without the liners.

Figure 1 and Figure 2 each shows one piece of nipple-lirier. Two discrete pieces of nipple-liners are required to cover a pair of nipples and areolae. Figure 3 shows a bust liner, which is a singular and larger piece that extends across the bust and covers both the breasts. The periphery of the liners is thin to avoid or reduce visible trace when in use. The liners are packaged with release liners to cover the adhesive backing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

Figure 1. Front view of liners for nipple and areola coverage in different shapes and colors as example. Each shape covers one nipple, and a pair of shapes is required to cover both nipples and areolas. (A) Diamond shaped nipple liner. (B) Flower shaped nippie liner.

Figure 2. Exploded view with the following flexible layers: (i) semi-permeable/breathable material exposed to skin side (ii) gel/gauze/foam/elastomeric cushion (iii) thin material backing with adhesive for attachment to garment.

Figure 3. Front view of bust-liner for attachment to the garment (B) Perspective view (non- exploded). The bust-liner may be curved to conform to the breast and add shape to the bustline.

Claims

1. To give coverage of the nipple and areola without the need to wear a brasserie.

2. No adhesives used on the epidermis (skin), which can result in rashes and pinch skin during movement, offering full comfort and flexibility of a brasserie-free or bandage-free environment.

3. Sweat absorbent and lightweight.

4. To allow exchange molecules between the liner and epidermis at any area of the body,

5. Drugs, chemicals, lotions, and fragrances can be inserted into the cushioning layer (ii), which diffuses to the epidermis side for functions such as, but not limited to bust and epidermal beautification, promotion of capillary blood microcirculation, antibacterial/fungi function, comfort and enhancement of senses.

6. Air permeability throughout the invention to avoid discomfort and skin irritation caused by airtight constriction.

7. Reduce skin sensitivity and cushion against garment abrasion.