WO2015177307A1

WO2015177307A1 - Article of clothing

Info

Publication number: WO2015177307A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/061323
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sarah GROBLER; Lucy Morgan
Original assignee: Grobler Sarah; Lucy Morgan
Priority date: 2014-05-21
Filing date: 2015-05-21
Publication date: 2015-11-26
Also published as: GB2526335A; GB201409071D0

Abstract

The present invention provides an article of clothing 20 which in a preferred embodiment comprises pyjama bottoms 20 in the form of either sleep trousers or sleep shorts which have the appearance of normal/regular/standard sleep shorts or sleep trousers. However, the pyjama bottoms incorporate a concealed underwear component comprising absorbing material. Furthermore the pyjama bottoms have liquid barrier layers 4, 50 to prevent liquid from penetrating through the pyjama bottoms. In addition, an inner liquid barrier layer 50 also helps to prevent the return of liquid back towards the skin of the wearer. The pyjama bottoms 20 also include a number of seals 60, 62, 64 which help to prevent liquid from flowing up through between a waistband 7a, 7b, 7c of the pyjama bottoms and the skin of the wearer. Similarly, the concealed underwear component 2 has elasticated leg cuffs 30 which also include seals 62 to prevent liquid from flowing down towards the legs of the wearer. The pyjama bottoms have an inner trouser lining 6 which is relatively skin tight at an upper portion but provides loose fitting legs. The inner lining 6 also includes auxiliary leg seals 64 located below the leg cuff seals 62 which helps to further prevent liquid from flowing down the legs of a wearer. Accordingly, the pyjama bottoms are discreet and are reusable since they are made from entirely washable materials which do not require any special washing procedures, i.e. they can be washed using conventional a washing machine.

Description

Article of Cloth

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to articles of clothing and a method of assembling an article of clothing. In particular the present invention relates to nightwear (especially sleep trousers and/or sleep shorts) and a method of making nightwear. BACKGROUOND TO THE INVENTION

Bedwetting can be concerning and at times frustrating for parents but it is common place for children to wet the bed up until the age of 5 and less frequently can continue up until a child is 10.

In the UK, it is estimated that about:

1 in 12 children wet the bed regularly at four and a half years old (regularly is defined as at least twice a week)

1 in 40 children wet the bed regularly at seven and a half years old

1 in 65 children wet the bed regularly at nine and a half years old

About 1 in 100 people continue to wet the bed into adulthood.

Bedwetting is slightly more common in boys than girls. Bedwetting could be due to your child:

producing more urine than their bladder can cope with

having an overactive bladder, meaning it can only hold a small amount of urine

being a very deep sleeper so they do not react to the signals telling their brain their bladder is full.

Volume of night time urine: When we go to sleep the brain releases a chemical messenger called vasopressin that reduces the amount of urine the kidneys make. Making less urine at night allows an individual to sleep until morning without having to wake up to go to the toilet. Studies have shown that some children wet the bed because they do not make enough vasopressin and as a result make more urine than their bladder can hold on to.

Reduced Bladder Capacity:

Health professionals calculate that the average bladder capacity for a child is:

Their age x 30 + 30 = average capacity for age

E.g. 7 x 30 + 30 = 240 mis average capacity for a 7 year old

Failure to wake:

Children with nocturnal enuresis are unable to wake up from sleep in response to full bladder signals. For many years, it was thought that children wet the bed in deep states of sleep. However, recent research demonstrated that some children, regardless of their sleep state, just don't respond to their internal bodily signals to wake up, and so wet the bed. Functional Incontinence:

This is where the child is physically unable to reach the toilet. It may be due to problems with movement or it could be because the child uses a wheelchair.

As well as having physical effects such as skin irritations or possibly infection, bedwetting can also have an adverse effect on the child's self-esteem and confidence and prevent them from participating in social activities such as group camping or sleepovers.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an article of clothing suitable for wearing at night that helps to alleviate some of the disadvantages mentioned above. It is an aim of the present invention top overcome at least on e problem associated with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an article of clothing, the article of clothing comprising:

an outer layer including a waistband, two leg portions and a body portion extending between the waistband and the leg portions;

- a liquid retaining element comprising an absorbent layer of material capable of absorbing a liquid and a liquid-proof barrier layer,

wherein, the liquid retaining element is secured to the outer layer such that, in use, the liquid retaining element is located between the body portion of the outer layer and a wearer of the article of clothing, the barrier layer being located between the absorbent layer and the outer layer; and

wherein the article of clothing is washable and reusable.

Preferably the article of clothing is in the form of a pair of trousers or shorts. Preferably the article of clothing comprises nightwear.

Preferably the article of clothing comprises pyjama bottoms which may be in the form of sleep trousers or sleep shorts. Preferably the article of clothing comprises an inner lining, said lining being joined to the outer layer at an end of each of the leg portions furthest from the waistband.

Preferably the inner lining is joined to the outer layer at an upper region at or towards the waistband.

The inner lining may be secured to the outer layer at the waistband. The waistband may comprise an elasticated waistband.

The waistband may comprise a drawstring arrangement to secure the article of clothing around the waist of a wearer.

Preferably the inner lining provides a complete liner for the article of clothing. Preferably the barrier layer comprises a layer of non-absorbent material. The inner lining may comprise an inner (first) barrier layer secured to a part thereof. The inner barrier layer may be secured to a part of an outer surface of the inner lining. The inner (first) barrier layer may be heat bonded to the outer surface of the inner lining. The inner (first) barrier layer may be secured to and preferably sewn or stitched to the inner lining and seams may be secured between the two layers by heat bonding and/or silicone glue (adhesive).

Preferably the inner barrier layer is heat bonded to the inner lining.

Preferably the inner barrier layer defines a fluid flow region whereby fluid can flow away for the wearer (and preferably through the inner lining) into the liquid retaining element.

Preferably the inner barrier layer prevents or inhibits the flow of liquid from a part (or portion) of the liquid retaining element back towards the inner lining.

The inner barrier layer may comprise a polyurethane lining. Preferably the inner lining is heat bonded to a portion of the inner lining to create an area of a polyurethane laminate on the inner lining. The absorbent layer may comprise comprises polyester and viscose. The absorbent layer may comprise substantially 50% polyester and 50% viscose. Preferably the absorbent layer comprises tangled cellulose fibres which may comprise bamboo/cotton/viscose and poly micro fibres. The fibres may be non- allergenic, durable and easy to sanitise. Preferably the absorbent layer wicks away moisture and may prevent compression leaks.

Preferably the absorbent material included in the inner underwear component is washable.

Preferably the absorbent material comprises an anti-microbial material. The antimicrobial material may comprise an additive material which is incorporated into the absorbent material. The anti-microbial material may comprise silver ions. The absorbent material may comprise an additive to prevent and/or inhibit the growth of bacteria.

The absorbent material may comprise a deodorising additive. The additive may comprise silver ions.

The absorbent layer may comprise activated carbon and preferably comprises activated carbon fibres. The absorbent layer may be secured and or retained adjacent to an activated carbon layer (woven fabric). The activated carbon layer may locate on adjacent to or on an inner (and/or an outer) side relative to the absorbent layer.

The absorbent material may be located centrally within the edge of an inner underwear component with the absorbent material spaced from the edge created by the liquid-proof barrier layer.

The liquid proof barrier layer may comprise an outer (second) liquid proof barrier layer wherein the article of clothing also comprises an inner (first) liquid proof barrier layer The first and second liquid proof barrier layers may define a liquid proof envelope within which the absorbent material is contained. The second liquid proof barrier layer may be heat bonded to the first liquid proof barrier layer around a border region to define an envelope.

The outer (second) barrier layer may be heat bonded to the outer surface of the inner lining and/or the inner barrier layer. The outer (second) barrier layer may be secured to and preferably sewn or stitched to the inner lining and/or the inner barrier layer and seams may be secured between the two layers by heat bonding and/or silicone glue (adhesive).

The or each liquid proof barrier layer may comprise polyurethane and preferably comprises a polyurethane film.

The article of clothing may comprise sealing portions.

The waistband may comprise a sealing border which may prevent and/or inhibit the flow of liquid between the waistband and the skin of a wearer. The sealing border around the waistband may comprise one or two or preferably three individual seals. The waistband seal may comprise a plurality (preferably three) of spaced apart and parallel strips of silicone.

The or each seal preferably comprise a strip of silicone (or other liquid proof material).

Each seal preferably extends around a complete inner circumference from the waistband. The waistband seal(s) may be defined on an inner surface of the inner lining or on the outer layer.

The article of clothing may comprise upper leg cuffs which may be urged into contact with the skin of a wearer. The upper leg cuffs may be elasticated. The upper leg cuffs may be provided around leg openings defined by the inner underwear portion.

The upper leg cuffs (a first upper leg cuff and a second upper leg cuff) may comprise a sealing border which may prevent and/or inhibit the flow of liquid between the upper leg cuffs and the skin of a wearer.

Each sealing border may comprise a seal which projects inwardly from the inner lining. The leg cuff seals may comprise a plurality (preferably two) of spaced apart seals which may comprise parallel strips of silicone.

The or each seal preferably comprise a strip of silicone (or other liquid proof material). The article of clothing may comprise auxiliary seals located on leg portions. The auxiliary seals may be provided on a first leg portion and on a second leg portion. The auxiliary seals may be provided between the leg cuffs of the inner underwear and bottom edges of the leg portions of the article of clothing. Preferably the auxiliary seals are arranged, in use, to form a seal between the inner lining and a part (upper part) of a thigh of a user.

The auxiliary seals preferably extend around the complete inner periphery of an upper leg portion of the inner lining. Each auxiliary seal may comprise a plurality (preferably two) of spaced apart and parallel strips of silicone.

The or each auxiliary seal preferably comprise a strip of silicone (or other liquid proof material).

At least a part of the inner lining may be arranged to be skin tight. The inner lining may be arranged to be skin tight around an upper part and may be arranged to provide two loose fitting lower leg portions.

The inner lining may comprise an elasticated material. The outer layer may comprise an outer trouser. The outer trouser may be arranged to be loose fitting. Preferably the outer trouser is only connected to the inner lining at (or adjacent to) the waistband region and at bottom edges of the leg portions. The present invention may provide an article of clothing in the form of trousers or shorts that incorporate an absorbent layer. Preferably, the trousers or shorts are designed to be worn by children or other persons who are prone to bedwetting.

In some embodiments the invention may provides a pair of fully washable and reusable sleep trousers with integrated underwear capable of absorbing and retaining liquids and an inner trouser for concealing the integrated underwear. The sleeping trousers may comprise an outer sleep trouser with integrated underwear. The underwear may comprise a layered material comprising at least one inner absorbent layer and at least one outer impermeable layer, and a layered hem sewn, welded or glued at the waist and top of the legs with at least one inner impermeable layer and at least one outer absorbent layer for retaining liquid inside the underwear when wet. The inner trouser may be joined at the waist of the underwear and fed through the legs of the underwear, coming into contact with the skin of the wear in use, thus allowing the underwear to remain hidden from view.

The sleep trousers are preferably used by a wearer as a sleep garment.

At the waist and top of the legs of the underwear there is preferably provided a ribbon made of elastic or non-elastic material that enhances the water retention effect of the hem. Preferably, at least at the waist, the layered material and hem of the underwear is attached using stitches/weld lines/glue lines. The inner absorbent layer of the underwear is preferably made of a super absorbent material. There may be multiple absorbent layers within the underwear for super absorbency of fluids. The outer sleep trouser is preferably made of a light cotton material.

The legs of the outer sleep trousers and inner trousers may be of varying lengths. Preferably the outer sleep trousers and inner trouser have a draw string waistband. The outer sleep trousers may have an elasticated waistband. The inner absorbent layer of the underwear is preferably joined to the middle impermeable layer at further points, dots or lines through welding, gluing or sewing. The underwear may be joined to the inner trouser at further points, dots or lines through welding, gluing or sewing. Preferably the outer sleep trouser is joined at least at the waist of the underwear and the inner trouser. The inner trouser is preferably made of a material capable of wicking away moisture. In preferred embodiments the outer sleep trouser is joined to the bottom hem of the inner trouser. The outer sleep trouser may be joined to the bottom of the inner trousers with a cuff. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of making an article of clothing in which the article of clothing is washable and reusable, the article of clothing comprising:

wherein, the method comprises securing a liquid retaining element to the outer layer such that, in use, the liquid retaining element is located between the body portion of the outer layer and a wearer of the article of clothing, the barrier layer being located between the absorbent layer and the outer layer.

Preferably, the invention also provides, in some embodiments, a method for producing a pair of fully integrated, washable and reusable sleep trousers with integrated underwear capable of absorbing and retaining liquids. The method may comprise the steps of (a) cutting a sheet of material into a size appropriate pattern for outer sleep trousers; (b) making seams at front and rear, and the inner seams of material to form the material into the outer sleep trousers; (c) cutting a sheet of impermeable material and a sheet of absorbent material and cutting the sheets into size appropriate underwear pattern to form a layered material to form the underwear; (d) hemming the underwear at a waist band and around leg holes by sewing, welding or gluing; (e) making seams on both sides of the underwear; (f) cutting a sheet of material into a size appropriate pattern for inner sleep trousers; (g) making seams at front and rear, and the inner seams of material to form the material into the inner sleep trousers; (h) feeding the inner sleep trousers through the leg holes of the underwear; (i) feeding the underwear and inner sleep trousers through the legs of the outer sleep trousers; (j) joining the outer sleep trousers, underwear and the inner sleep trousers at their waistbands; and (k) joining the inner trousers to the outer sleep trousers on the bottom of the leg hems of the trousers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a pair of fully washable and reusable sleep trousers, according to an embodiment of the present invention, with integrated underwear capable of absorbing and retaining liquids and an inner trouser for concealing said integrated underwear;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the integrated underwear of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a front view of the underwear and inner trouser of Figure 1 ; Figure 4 is a view of the waistband of the sleep trousers of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is a view of the inner trouser of Figure 1 ; Figure 6 is a view of the outer trouser of Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 shows a fluid retaining element for an article of clothing according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 shows layers of material used to form the fluid retaining element of Figure 7;

Figure 9a illustrates an article of clothing, comprising a fluid retaining element, an inner layer and an outer layer, according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9b illustrates an article of clothing, comprising a fluid retaining element, an inner layer and an outer layer, according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10a illustrates an article of clothing, comprising a fluid retaining element, an inner layer and an outer layer, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10b illustrates an article of clothing, comprising a fluid retaining element, an inner layer and an outer layer, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 1 1 a illustrates an article of clothing, comprising a fluid retaining element, an inner layer and an outer layer, according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 1 1 b illustrates an article of clothing, comprising a fluid retaining element, an inner layer and an outer layer, according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 1 1 c illustrates an article of clothing, comprising a fluid retaining element and an outer layer, according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 1 1 d illustrates an article of clothing, comprising a fluid retaining element and an outer layer, according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 12 to 17 shows stages in the construction of an article of clothing, comprising a fluid retaining element, an inner layer and an outer layer, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 18 is a plan view of a cut-out of one section of an inner trouser lining in accordance with a preferred embodiment; Figure 19 is a schematic cross-section through the waistband region of a complete garment in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 20 is a schematic cross-section through the waistband region of a complete garment in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 21 is a schematic cross-section through the waistband region of a complete garment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides an article of clothing 20 which in a preferred embodiment comprises pyjama bottoms 20 in the form of either sleep trousers or sleep shorts which have the appearance of normal/regular/standard sleep shorts or sleep trousers. However, the pyjama bottoms incorporate a concealed underwear component comprising absorbing material. Furthermore the pyjama bottoms have liquid barrier layers 4, 50 to prevent liquid from penetrating through the pyjama bottoms 20. In addition, an inner liquid barrier layer 50 also helps to prevent the return of liquid back towards the skin of the wearer. The pyjama bottoms 20 also include a number of seals 60, 62, 64 which help to prevent liquid from flowing up through between a waistband 7a, 7b, 7c of the pyjama bottoms and the skin of the wearer. Similarly, the concealed underwear 2 component has elasticated leg cuffs 30 which also include seals 62 to prevent liquid from flowing down towards the legs of the wearer. The pyjama bottoms have an inner trouser lining 6 which is relatively skin tight at an upper portion but provides loose fitting legs. The inner lining 6 also includes auxiliary leg seals 64 located below the leg cuff seals 62 which helps to further prevent liquid from flowing down the legs of a wearer. Accordingly, the pyjama bottoms are discreet and are reusable since they are made from entirely washable materials which do not require any special washing procedures, i.e. they can be washed using conventional a washing machine.

Figures 1 to 6 illustrate a first embodiment of a discreet pair of sleep trousers 20 that have discreet fluid absorbent and retaining underwear 2 that prevents the fluid leaking onto the lower legs and upper body of a wearer, to prevent irritation. The pair of sleep trousers 20 from the outside and inside look like normal pyjamas or regular sleep trousers. They are reusable and washable. The sleep trousers 20 comprise an outer sleep trouser 1 , hidden inner underwear 2 and an inner sleep trouser 6.

The inner underwear 2 comprises any number of outer layers of PUL (Polyurethane Laminate) or any other waterproof material 4 and any number of inner layers of highly absorbent material 3 for example Zorb RTM. Just one layer of this fabric (Zorb RTM) will replace two traditional layers of absorbent material such as microfibre terry, and up to four layers of cotton or absorbent French terry. Zorb RTM will absorb moisture up to twenty times faster than cotton, absorbent or hemp. In some embodiments, the Zorb RTM material comprises activated charcoal (carbon) fibre. The activated charcoal fibres are incorporated into the Zorb RTM material. In particular, activated charcoal fibres are weaved into the Zorb RTM material and this results in the Zorb RTM being super absorbent and also deodorizing. The activated charcoal absorbs odours and releases them on washing. Accordingly, the article of clothing 20 in accordance with the present invention is not only absorbent but is also odour neutralizing.

Activated carbon fibre is also an excellent functional absorbent material due to its high porosity and large surface area. It can be made into many different patterns such as felt, cloth and other fabric. Activated carbon fibre has many advantages over other forms of activated carbon such as powered activated carbon because of its unique shape, and is widely used in a multitude of applications including environmental (carbon fibre filters for air purification and water treatment), chemical (recovery of organic solvents and compounds), and military defence (gas masks and fire-resistant clothing). Accordingly, the present invention also relates to the use of this absorbing and deodorising material within an article of clothing 20. The present invention uses a composition of Zorb RTM to which activated charcoal fibres are then added to create a more superior material.

As mentioned above, the present invention provides an improved fabric comprising Zorb RTM with activated charcoal fibres incorporated therein. This produces a material which is super absorbent and which also eliminates odour.

The activated carbon may be incorporated in other forms and not solely as fibres. For example, an activated carbon woven sheet 56 may be incorporated into the product (as shown in Figure 21 ). The activated carbon woven sheet 56 can be added as a further layer between the Zorb RTM pad 3 and the PUL 50 as a further option and instead of adding the carbon fibre to the absorbent material (Zorb RTM). In particular, the activated carbon woven sheet 56 locates towards the skin of the wearer relative to the absorbent layer 3. In one example, Zorflex RTM may be used.

Zorflex RTM is an activated carbon cloth (textile/fabric) with a micro porous structure and provides an extremely large relative surface area. For example, 1 g of Zorflex RTM activated carbon cloth 56 has the surface area of over half the size of a football pitch. This, combined with the strong electrostatic forces within the cloth, enables the cloth to be highly efficient at adsorbing both liquids and gases.

As shown in Figure 21 , the activated carbon layer 56 is located and secured between the absorbent material 3 and an inner trouser layer 6. In practice, the activated carbon fabric 56 and the Zorb RTM material 3 form a laminar structure which forms the absorbent structure of the inner underwear 2 and is arranged to retain the liquids and associated odours.

In some preferred embodiments, the absorbent material 3 may also incorporate a further material with antibacterial properties. In particular, the super absorbent material 3 (Zorb RTM with or without the activated carbon fibres) is impregnated with silver ions. The silver ions provide antibacterial properties which thereby provide improved capabilities of the articles of clothing in accordance with the present invention. Typically the underwear 2 has at least two layers of material, one or more layers of fluid absorbent material 3 and one or more layers of outer impermeable material 4 to retain the fluid. The underwear 2 is hemmed 5 with one or more layers of impermeable material 4 and one or more layers of fluid absorbent material 3. The underwear waist 7b and leg cuffs 30, around the leg holes 9, are tight to the skin of the wearer due to the incorporation of an elasticated material and are hemmed 5 with any number of layers of PUL (Polyurethane Laminate) or any other waterproof material 4 and any number of external layers of highly absorbent material 3 to prevent leaks.

The inner sleep trouser 6 lining is made of any light weight material.

The underwear 2 is worn (or located and retained) over the inner sleep trouser lining 6 and the outer sleep trousers 1 are worn over the underwear 2 and inner lining 6. The waistband 7a of the outer sleep trousers 1 is positioned over the underwear 2 and inner trouser lining 6 and either sewn, glued or welded through each layer to further conceal the inner underwear 2. In particular embodiments the waistband 7a on the outer trouser 1 is sewn over the underwear waistband 7b and inner trouser waistband 7c to further conceal the inner underwear 2. The bottom of the inner trouser 6 lining is sewn, glued or welded to the outer trouser leg 10. In some embodiments the bottom hems of the inner trouser legs 6 are sewn to the outer bottom hems 10 of the outer trouser 1 .

In the event that the wearer does urinate, then the sleep trousers 20 can discreetly be removed and placed in a watertight overnight bag and may be replaced for a new pair stored in the overnight bag meaning that at no time will it be evident that the wearer has urinated.

As shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8, the article of clothing comprises an item of inner underwear 2. The inner underwear 2 comprises an elasticated waistband 7b and elasticated leg apertures 30. The inner underwear 2 also provides a central gulley or gusset section 32. The inner underwear 2 has an outer polyurethane laminate (PUL) layer 4 and an internal or inner absorbent layer 3. The inner absorbent layer 3 comprises a super absorbent layer including impregnated silver ions. As shown in Figure 9a, the article of clothing comprising a pair of sleep trousers 20 includes an inner lining pant 6 included in the waistband. In particular, the outer trouser component 1 or trouser has an elasticated waistband 7a. The elasticated waistband 7a on the outer pyjanna 1 is positioned (and secured) or locates over the polyurethane laminate lining 4 of the internal underwear 2 and the inner lining 6 of the inner pyjama. Accordingly, the PUL lining 4 is secured between the inner lining of the inner pyjama 6 and the waistband 7a of the outer pyjama 1 .

In the preferred embodiment, a liquid barrier element 60 (liquid flow prevention means) is located internally around the waistband. In particular, the liquid barrier element 60 comprises a layer (one or more strips) 60 of silicone around inside of waistband 7. This silicone comprises a silicone rubber/adhesive, for example Elastosil RTM (E43, E91 and/or E92).

Similarly, the article of clothing 20 includes a liquid flow prevention means or a liquid barrier element 62 located and positioned around the periphery of each leg aperture 30.

The article of clothing 20 includes an outer pyjama 1 and an inner lining 6 which provide the appearance of a regular pyjama trouser. As mentioned above, the inner lining 6 is secured to the outer pyjama 1 around the waistband 7a, 7c to function and appear as regular pyjama trousers. In addition, the bottom sections of the inner lining 6 and the outer pyjama 1 are hemmed together.

However, the pyjama bottoms 20 or trousers of the present invention also comprises liquid flow prevention or inhibition barriers 60, 62 which are located around the waistband 7a, 7b, 7c of the pyjama trousers and also around the leg openings 30 or leg apertures of the inner concealed underwear section 2. As discussed above, the inner underwear component 2 provides super absorption characteristics together with anti bacterial characteristics. The use of liquid containing means in the form of the silicone strips 60, 62 located around the waistband 7a and the leg apertures 30 also helps to contain any liquid. Accordingly, in the event of a release of liquid, the silicone strips 60, 62 help to contain the liquid whilst the absorbing material 3 absorbs and withholds (or retains) the liquid. The present invention contains the liquid and prevents or inhibits any obvious and signs of the presence of the liquid. Even over time, the absorbing properties of the material 3 will contain the liquid and the liquid will be safely retained therein. The liquid is drawn away from the skin of the wearer for comfort and reduces any irritation to the skin of the user in the event of the liquid (urine) being released during the night whilst sleeping.

In another embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figure 9b the inner lining pant 6 is spaced below the waistband 7a of the outer trouser section 1 . In this embodiment, it can be seen that the elasticated waistband 7a of the outer section 1 locates at the top of the article of clothing 20 and above the elasticated waistband 7c of the inner trouser section 6. In addition, the top of the inner underwear section 7b is substantially coincidental with the elasticated waistband 7c of the inner trouser section 6. This embodiment provides a relatively broad upper waistband 7a.

As in the previous embodiment, the bottoms of the inner trouser section 6 are secured (hemmed) 40 to the outer trouser section 1 to provide the appearance of a single, albeit double, layered article of clothing 20. The inner underwear section 2 comprises the absorbing and anti bacterial properties previously described and has the central gusset portion 32 for retaining a desired volume of liquid.

The waistband 7c of the inner trouser section 6 is again provided with a strip 60 (or strips) of silicone located around the entire internal periphery. The silicone strip(s) 60 aim to prevent any leakage of liquid up the body of the wearer. Similarly, a strip(s) of silicone 62 is located around the upper leg locations of the user. The leg apertures 30 are again elasticated and urge the silicone strip(s) 62 comfortably towards and on to the skin around the legs of the user to prevent leakage down the legs from the underwear region.

In a further embodiment of the article of clothing 20 the waistbands 7a, 7b, 7c of the inner trousers 6, outer trousers 1 and underwear section 2 are again generally coincidental with each other, as shown in Figure 10a. However, in this embodiment, a polyurethane layer 50 is secured on the outside of the inner trouser lining 6. This helps to contain the liquid within the underwear section 2 and to prevent the liquid from escaping back towards the skin. In particular, the elasticated waistband 7a on the outer pyjama 1 is secured over and around the PUL lining 4 of the internal underwear 2 and the inner lining 6 of the inner pyjama which thereby are both under the waistband 7a. The article of clothing 20 may again have a silicone barrier 60 located around the main waistband region 7a. In addition, a silicone barrier 62 may be located around the leg openings 30 of the inner trouser section 6. Furthermore, there may be a silicone (auxiliary) barrier 64 located around the bottom of the polyurethane barrier section 50 of the inner trouser section 6.

In another embodiment (shown in Figure 10b), the waistbands 7b, 7c of the inner underwear section 2 and the inner trouser section 6 are spaced apart (below) from the main waistband 7a provided by the outer trouser section 1 . Again, in this embodiment, an auxiliary barrier layer 50 is provided by a PUL lining. This PUL lining 50 is secured and preferably sewn under the outer trouser waistband 7a. In addition, the PUL lining 50 is sewn on to the outside of the inner lining 6.

The PUL lining 50 again helps to prevent the liquid leaking back away from the underwear section 2. The garment 20 again is provided with silicone barriers 60, 62, 64 to prevent the flow of liquid down the legs of the wearer or up towards the torso (back/stomach) region of the wearer.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 1 a, the inner trouser 6 comprises two leg sections 70, 72 which are secured within the outer trouser garment 1 . In this embodiment, a PUL lining 4 is again provided on the external portion of the inner underwear 2. The upper region of the inner underwear 2 (and the PUL lining) is secured within the waistband 7a of the outer trouser section 1 . Again, an optional layer or barrier of silicone 60 may be provided on the internal surface of the waistband 7a.

The inner lining comprising two leg sections 70, 72 are connected and secured around the elasticated leg openings 30 of the inner underwear 2. An internal strip 62 or barrier of silicone may be provided around these leg openings 30. As in previous embodiments, the lower or bottom sections of the leg portions 70, 72 are hemmed 40 to the leg sections of the outer trouser section 1 . In another embodiment similar to that shown in Figure 1 1 a, the inner trouser section 6 is again provided with two leg sections 70, 72, as shown in Figure 1 1 b. However, the waistband of 7b the inner underwear 2 is spaced below the main waistband 7a of the outer trouser section 1 . An optional barrier of silicone 60 may be located around and under the main waistband 7a of the garment 20. In addition, silicone barrier 62 may be located around each leg hole 30 of the inner underwear section 2. Again, the inner leg lining sections 70, 72 are secured at an upper end to the elasticated leg openings 30 of the inner underwear 2. The lower ends of the leg lining sections are joined and hemmed 40 at a lower end to the outer trouser section 1 to give the appearance of a single item of clothing 20 which helps to conceal the absorbing underwear 2.

In some embodiments, the article of clothing 20 does not include the inner lining trouser 6 as shown in Figure 1 1 c and 1 1 d . In these embodiments, the inner underwear 2 is secured to the outer trouser section 1 either at the waistband 7a (Figure 1 1 a) or spaced below the main waistband 7a (Figure 1 1 b).

The outer PUL lining 4 of the inner underwear 2 is secured to the waistband 7a to prevent penetration of the liquid through the article of clothing 20. The article of clothing 20 may have a silicone barrier 60 to prevent the escape of liquid upwardly relative to the wearer.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the article of clothing 20 comprises a pair of sleep trousers for a child, as shown in Figures 12 to Figure 17. These figures help to show a particular method of manufacturing or assembling a preferred embodiment. In this embodiment, the garment 20 is assembled layer by layer. In particular, the complete underwear component is not pre-formed but the functional underwear component is formed as the various layers are assembled and secured together.

As shown in Figure 12, the junior sleep trousers comprise an inner lining pant 6 including a gusset region 22. The inner lining pant 6 are cut and sized to locate tight (or at least adjacent to) the skin of the wearer around the upper region. The lower bottom sections of the leg portions are cut in to a bell shape and are thereby loose for the wearer. As in previous embodiments, the inner lining trousers 6 have an elasticated waistband 7c.

As shown in Figure 13, the inner trouser lining 6 comprises a plurality of liquid barriers 60, 62, 64. In particular, on an internal surface of the inner trouser lining 6 there is provided lines or strips of silicone 62. These are provided to coincide with the area around the leg openings 30 of the inner underwear 2. There are two spaced apart silicone strips 62 for each leg opening 30. Similarly, there are two parallel strips of silicone 64 located around the top of the loose leg regions (or at the bottom of the tight lower leg/thigh regions). Finally, there are three parallel strips of silicone 60 on or around the waistband region 7c. All the silicone strips 60, 62, 64 are naturally urged towards the skin of the wearer and they aim to prevent the egress and flow of liquid from within a contained region of the sleep trousers 20. The sleep trousers 20 and these silicone strips 60, 62, 64 are sized for comfort for the wearer and since it is solely the inner trouser lining 6 which is snug against the skin, it is not obvious that the garment 20 is any different from a standard article, i.e. there are no visible signs that the garment 20 provides internal leak prevention and liquid absorption capabilities. As shown in Figure 14, the inner trouser lining also comprises a PUL lining 50 to help contain liquid within the absorption region and to prevent the liquid leaking back towards the skin of the wearer. The PUL lining 50 locates generally around the waist and hips and tops of the legs of the user and the inner lining 6 has an uncovered central area. This uncovered central area is required to enable the liquid to follow into the absorption material 3 of the inner underwear 2 whilst the covered area 50 helps to prevent the flow back away from the inner underwear 2.

In the preferred embodiment, the polyurethane laminate providing the barrier layer 50 is a medical grade polyurethane which is heat bonded to the inner trouser lining 6. In particular, the polyurethane comprises a medical grade aliphatic polyurethane/urethane/tpu (thermoplastic polyurethane) film. This may be an extruded film. The lining is a breathable transparent medical grade aliphatic polyether polyurethane/urethane/tpu film provided on a paper carrier. However, a medical grade film or non-medical grade film may be used and both options are available for use with different embodiments of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the PUL layer(s) 50, 4 may be stitched or sewn to the inner lining 6 and the seams may be sealed either via heat bonding or a silicone glue.

As shown in Figure 15, the garment 20 comprises an inner underwear component 2 which is designed to retain the liquid. The inner underwear component 2 comprises a super absorbent pad. The super absorbent pad comprises Zorb RTM material. In particular, the super absorbent material 3 comprises polyester and viscose. For example, the material 3 may comprise 50.4% polyester and 49.6% viscose. In particular, the super absorbent material 3 may comprise solely tangled cellulose fibres which may comprise bamboo/cotton/viscose and poly micro fibres. The fibres are non-allergenic, durable and easy to sanitise. The super absorbent material 3 is designed to wick away moisture and prevent compression leaks as the moisture moves instantly through the material rather than being forced out of the material 3. The absorbent material 3 included in the inner underwear 2 component is washable and this is important due to the sleep trousers 20 being washable and reusable. Accordingly, the garment 20 is not a single use garment which is thrown away as with some conventional sleep pants used with children.

As mentioned previously, the absorbent material 3 may include silver ions in order to take advantage if their intrinsic properties. In particular, the silver ions are antimicrobial and prevent/inhibit the growth of bacteria. In addition, the silver ions help to control any bad odours.

The absorption pad extends to a gusset region which may help to retain the liquid in a spaced apart relationship with the skin of the user. It can be seen in Figure 15 that the gusset region 22 of the inner trouser lining 6 may be adjacent to the skin of the user whilst the majority of the absorbent material 3 will be held in a spaced location. In this preferred embodiment, the underwear section 2 is assembled and constructed in a laminar way rather than having a complete under pant which is secured within the pyjama bottoms 20. In particular, the absorbent pad is held in a front location and a rear location and does not extend around the lateral sides of the wearer. In use, the absorbent pad may comprise an inverted truncated triangle shape extending upwardly at the front and rear from the gusset region.

As shown in Figure 16, the inner underwear component 2 is contained within an outer layer of polyurethane 4. In this Figure, the shading lines previously used for the inner liquid barrier layer 50 and for the underwear section 2 (comprising the absorbent material 3) have been removed for clarity purposes.

The outer layer of polyurethane 4 prevents the escape and penetration of the liquid through the garment 20 to the outer exposed layer 1 . This outer PUL lining 4 contains the inner underwear component 2. In particular, the outer PUL lining 4 is bonded (preferably heat bonded) around the complete periphery to the first inner PUL lining 50 previously described. Accordingly, the outer PUL layer 4 and the inner PUL layer 50 effectively create an envelope for the inner underwear component 2 (or absorbent/deodorising material) but leave an open region through which the liquid is able to flow (see directional arrows 80 in Figure 19, Figure 20 and Figure 21 ) into the super absorbent material 3 of the inner underwear component 2. The PUL envelope creates a liquid containing region which prevents any penetration of the liquid to the outer trouser 1 . The PUL envelope also inhibits the return of the liquid towards the skin of the wearer.

As shown in Figure 17, the garment 20 is completed through the addition of the outer trouser material 1 . The waistband 7a of the outer trouser conceals and is secured over the waistband 7c of the inner trouser lining 6 and the PUL lining 50 on the inner trouser lining 1 . The outer trouser 1 is not skin tight and provides a loose feel and look to the overall garment 20. This helps to conceal the inner components and, in particular, it would not be obvious that the sleep trousers included such liquid absorbing and retaining capabilities. The outer trouser 1 is connected at the top around the complete waistband 7a to the inner trouser lining 1 and also the legs are connected around the bottoms via a hemmed (sewn) edge 42 to the bottoms of the leg sections of the inner trouser lining 6.

As mentioned previously, the complete garment 20 is washable and reusable. All of the components are securely retained together and the various components and layers will not move and separate through repeat washing and/or drying cycles.

Figure 18 demonstrates an initial cut out layout of part of the inner trouser lining 6. This shows the inner (first) PUL lining 50 heat bonded to the external surface of the inner trouser lining 6. The garment 20 requires two such cut-outs which are then folded and joined together to form the inner trouser lining 6.

Figure 19 shows a schematic cross section through the waistband region of the complete assembled garment 20. The waistband is provided at the upper part of this Figure with the internal side being on the right hand side side and the external side being on the left hand side. The assembled garment 20 has an external waistband around the complete upper periphery thereof. The outer trousers 1 hang downwardly from this waistband. On the inner surface of the inner lining 6 there is provided three silicone barriers 60 to prevent the flow of liquid upwardly between the garment 20 and the skin of the wearer.

The external side of the inner trouser lining 6 has an inner PUL lining 50 bonded thereto. This does not cover the complete area and provides a region for liquid to flow through the inner trouser 6 lining to the absorbing material contained within the envelope region (see arrows 80). The envelope region is completed on the external surface by a second outer PUL lining 4 which covers the external surface of the inner underwear component 2 (and/or the absorbent material 3). The periphery of the outer PUL lining 4 is again heat bonded to the inner PUL lining 50 to completely contain the inner underwear component 2 (and/or the absorbent material 3) and to prevent any liquid from penetrating outwardly through the garment. The garment 20 is completed with the external trousers 1 which are a loose fitting and which are secured at the waistband to the inner trouser lining 6 (and the inner PUL lining 50) and at the bottom of the legs to the inner trouser lining 6.

A further embodiment of a schematic cross section of an arrangement through the complete garment at the waistband is provided in Figure 20. The super absorbent layer 3 may extend partially into the waistband region. It can be seen that the garment 20 comprises a laminar fabric with a first inner layer comprising the inner trouser lining 6, a second layer comprising the super absorbent material 3 and/or inner barrier layer 50, a third layer of the outer barrier layer 4 and a fourth outer layer of the outer trouser 1 material.

A yet further embodiment (as mentioned above) and as shown schematically in cross section in Figure 21 includes a layer of woven activated carbon 56. In this example, the garment 20 again essentially comprises a laminar fabric with a first inner layer comprising the inner trouser lining 6, a second layer comprising the activated carbon layer 56 (and/or inner barrier layer 50 depending upon the cross section) and then a super absorbent material layer 3 (and/or inner barrier layer 50 depending upon the cross section), a layer of the outer barrier layer 4 and a final outer layer of the outer trouser 1 material.

The present invention, therefore, provides an article of clothing in the form of sleepwear that provides protection from urine leakage, prevents skin irritation on the legs and upper body of the wearer and is discreet in appearance so that the internal waterproof and absorbent pants are not visible from the outside or the inner side of the pyjamas.

Articles of clothing in accordance with the present invention may comprise sleep trousers (or shorts or skorts) or the like, incontinence underwear for adults that is super absorbent and also absorbs odour. The article of clothing may be incorporated into a kit including a bag for containing the article of clothing after use (and/or prior to use) whereby the bag may comprise a liquid proof liner for containing any liquids released from the garment whilst contained in the bag.

Claims

1 . An article of clothing, the article of clothing comprising:

a liquid retaining element comprising an absorbent layer of material capable of absorbing a liquid and a liquid-proof barrier layer,

wherein the article of clothing is washable and reusable.

2. An article of clothing according to Claim 1 in which the article of clothing comprises nightwear consisting of pyjama bottoms in the form of a pair of sleep trousers or sleep shorts.

3. An article of clothing according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the article of clothing comprises an inner lining, said lining being joined to the outer layer at an end of each of the leg portions furthest from the waistband.

4. An article of clothing according to Claim 3 in which the inner lining is joined to the outer layer at an upper region at or towards the waistband.

5. An article of clothing according to any preceding claim in which the inner lining comprises an inner barrier layer secured to a part of an outer surface of the inner lining.

6. An article of clothing according to Claim 5 in which the inner barrier layer is heat bonded to the inner lining.

7. An article of clothing according to Claim 5 or Claim 6 in which the inner barrier layer defines a fluid flow region whereby fluid can flow away from a wearer and through the inner lining into the liquid retaining element.

8. An article of clothing according to Claim 7 in which the inner barrier layer prevents or inhibits the flow of liquid from a portion of the liquid retaining element back towards the inner lining.

9. An article of clothing according to any one of Claim 5 to Claim 8 in which the inner barrier layer comprises a polyurethane lining.

10. An article of clothing according to any preceding claim in which the absorbent layer comprise comprises polyester and viscose.

1 1 . An article of clothing according to Claim 10 in which the absorbent layer comprises substantially 50% polyester and 50% viscose.

12. An article of clothing according to Claim 10 or Claim 1 1 in which the absorbent layer comprises tangled cellulose fibres comprising viscose and poly micro fibres and wherein the fibres are non-allergenic, durable and easy to sanitise

13. An article of clothing according to any preceding claim in which the absorbent layer comprises an anti-microbial material.

14. An article of clothing according to Claim 13 in which the anti-microbial material comprises an additive material which is incorporated into the absorbent material and wherein the anti-microbial material comprises silver ions.

15. An article of clothing according to any preceding claim in which the absorbent layer comprises a deodorising additive.

16. An article of clothing according to any preceding claim in which the absorbent layer is located centrally within an edge of an inner underwear component with absorbent material spaced from the edge created by the liquid- proof barrier layer.

17. An article of clothing according to any preceding claim in which the article of clothing comprises a liquid proof barrier layer comprising an outer liquid proof barrier layer wherein the article of clothing also comprises an inner liquid proof barrier layer and in which the first and second liquid proof barrier layers define a liquid proof envelope within which absorbent material of the absorbent layer is contained.

18. An article of clothing according to Claim 17 in which the second liquid proof barrier layer is heat bonded to the first liquid proof barrier layer around a border region to define an envelope.

19. An article of clothing according to Claim 17 or Claim 18 in which each liquid proof barrier layer comprises a polyurethane film.

20. An article of clothing according to any preceding claim in which the waistband comprises a sealing border which inhibits the flow of liquid between the waistband and skin of a wearer.

21 . An article of clothing according to Claim 20 in which the sealing border around the waistband comprises a plurality of spaced apart and parallel strips of silicone.

22. An article of clothing according to Claim 21 in which each seal extends around a complete inner circumference from the waistband and the waistband seals are defined on an inner surface of the inner lining.

23. An article of clothing according to any preceding claim in which the article of clothing comprises upper leg cuffs which may be urged into contact with skin of a wearer and wherein the upper leg cuffs are elasticated, the upper leg cuffs are provided around leg openings defined by the inner underwear portion.

24. An article of clothing according to Claim 23 in which a first upper leg cuff and a second upper leg cuff each comprise a sealing border which inhibits the flow of liquid between the upper leg cuffs and skin of a wearer.

25. An article of clothing according to Claim 24 in which each sealing border comprises a seal which projects inwardly from the inner lining and in which the leg cuff seals comprise a plurality of spaced apart seals which comprise parallel strips of silicone.

26. An article of clothing according to any preceding claim in which the article of clothing comprise auxiliary seals located on leg portions and wherein the auxiliary seals are provided on a first leg portion and on a second leg portion, and in which the auxiliary seals are provided between leg cuffs of an inner underwear section and bottom edges of leg portions of the article of clothing.

27. An article of clothing according to Claim 26 in which the auxiliary seals are arranged, in use, to form a seal between the inner lining and an upper part of a thigh of a wearer.

28. An article of clothing according to Claim 26 or Claim 27 in which the auxiliary seals extend around the complete inner periphery of an upper leg portion of the inner lining and in which each auxiliary seal comprises a plurality of spaced apart and parallel strips of silicone.

29. An article of clothing according to any preceding claim in which at least a part of the inner lining is arranged to be skin tight and wherein the inner lining is arranged to be skin tight around an upper part and is arranged to provide two loose fitting lower leg portions.

30. An article of clothing according to any preceding claim in which the inner lining comprises an elasticated material.

31 . An article of clothing according to any preceding claim in which the outer layer comprises an outer trouser and in which the outer trouser is arranged to be loose fitting and the outer trouser is only connected to the inner lining at (or adjacent to) the waistband region and at bottom edges of leg portions.

32. A pair of pyjama bottoms for use by persons prone to bedwetting, the pyjama bottoms being in accordance with the article of clothing according to any preceding claim.

33. A method of making an article of clothing in which the article of clothing is washable and reusable, the article of clothing comprising:

34. An article of clothing substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying Figures.

35. A method of making an article of clothing in which the article of clothing is washable and reusable substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying Figures.