Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02827795 2013-09-19
HIGHLY ABSORBENT RESISTANT WASHABLE AND REUSABLE
UNDERGARMENT
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present subject-matter relates to undergarments, and more
particularly to undergarments that are highly absorbent, resistant, washable,
and
reusable.
INTRODUCTION
[0002] Urinary incontinence is a condition affecting both men and
women,
which causes involuntary leakage of urine. According to some researches, 1 in
3
women are affected by this condition. This condition can often cause
embarrassment, discomfort and even depression. Some causes of urinary
incontinence are pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, exercise, post-surgery, and
aging. In some cases, the actions of sneezing, coughing, or laughing can cause
urinary leaks in some women who have a weakness in the bladder. For other
women, the condition can be more severe. For example, some women feeling an
urge cannot reach a washroom on time.
[0003] Excessive perspiration, feminine discharge, and menstruation
are other
causes that can lead to liquid being produced out of the vagina.
[0004] Disposable adult diapers provide a solution for urinary
incontinence of
both men and women. However, they can be uncomfortable and cause
embarrassment to the wearer. This may result in psychological and social
anxiety.
Moreover, since they must be disposed, usage of many adult diapers can become
expensive. Usage of many adult diapers may also be harmful to the environment
due
to the amount of materials needed.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] It would thus be highly desirable to be provided with an
article that
would at least partially address the disadvantages of existing technologies.
[0006] According to one aspect, there is provided an undergarment
article that
includes a fabric layer for wearing about a pelvic region of a person. A water-
repellent layer is coupled to the fabric layer. The water-repellent layer and
the crotch
portion of the fabric layer define an inner chamber and an inner pad is
disposed
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within the inner chamber between the water-repellent layer and the fabric
layer. The
inner pad is resistant to heat and has a liquid-absorbent layer and a
waterproof layer.
The liquid-absorbent layer contacts the water-repellent layer and absorbs a
volume
of liquid greater than 2 fluid ounces. The waterproof layer restricts liquid
from
reaching the fabric layer.
[0007] According to another aspect, there is provided an undergarment
article
that includes a fabric layer defining right and left leg openings and for
wearing about
a pelvic region of a person. A water-repellent layer is coupled to at least a
right
lateral side and left lateral side of a crotch portion of the fabric layer.
The water-
repellent layer and the crotch portion of the fabric layer define an inner
chamber and
an inner pad is disposed within the inner chamber between the water-repellent
layer
and the fabric layer. The inner pad has a liquid-absorbent layer and a
waterproof
layer. The liquid-absorbent layer contacts the water-repellent layer and the
waterproof layer restricts liquid from reaching the fabric layer. The crotch
portion of
the fabric layer and the water-repellent layer are substantially elastic in at
least one
of a lateral direction or a longitudinal direction of the crotch portion.
[0008] It was observed that by using the undergarments of the present
disclosure, it was possible to provide to customers comfortable reusable
undergarments that absorb high volumes of body liquids as opposed to
previously
proposed solutions. It was also observed that such undergarments were
efficient for
reducing the amount of material necessary for treating incontinency since
these
undergarments of the present disclosure are reusable. It was also found that
the
undergarments of the present disclosure are washable and resistant for example
to
heat and washing cycles. The undergarments of the present disclosure are thus
efficient in helping the environmental cause.
DRAWINGS
[0009] The following drawings represent non-limitative examples, in
which:
[0010] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an undergarment
article
according to various exemplary embodiments;
[0011] Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the undergarment article
according to
various exemplary embodiments;
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[0012] Figure 2A illustrates an enlarged view of a crotch portion of
the
undergarment article according to various exemplary embodiments;
[0013] Figure 3 illustrates cross-sectional view along the lines A-A
of a crotch
portion of the undergarment article according to various exemplary
embodiments;
[0014] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the water-repellent layer,
liquid-
absorbent layer, waterproof layer and the fabric layer of the undergarment
article
according to various exemplary embodiments;
[0015] Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view along the lines A-A
of a
crotch portion of the undergarment article according to an alternative
exemplary
embodiment;
[0016] Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view along the lines A-A
of a
crotch portion of the undergarment article according to a further alternative
exemplary embodiment; and
[0017] Figure 7 illustrates a top view of the undergarment article
according to
various alternative exemplary embodiments.
DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0018] The following examples are presented in a non-limiting manner.
[0019] For example, the undergarments of the present disclosure can be
women undergarments or men undergarments.
[0020] For example, the undergarments of the present disclosure can be
panties, bikini underwear, thongs, G-strings, swimsuits, nightwear, etc.
[0021] For example, the undergarments of the present disclosure can be
shorts, boxer shorts, boxer briefs, swimsuits, nightwear, etc.
[0022] For example, the liquid-absorbent layer can be effective to
absorb a
volume of liquid greater than 2 fluid ounces.
[0023] For example, the liquid-absorbent layer can be effective to
absorb a
volume comprised between 2 fluid ounces (59.1 mL) and 7 fluid ounces (207.0
mL).
[0024] For example, the liquid-absorbent layer can be effective to
absorb a
volume comprised between 2 fluid ounces (59.1 mL) and 6 fluid ounces (177.4
mL).
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[0025] For example, the liquid-absorbent layer can be effective to
absorb a
volume comprised between 2 fluid ounces (59.1 mL) and 5 fluid ounces (149.7
mL)
[0026] For example, the liquid-absorbent layer can be effective to
absorb a
volume of about 3 fluid ounces (88.7 mL) to about 6 fluid ounces (177.4 mL).
[0027] For example, the liquid-absorbent layer can be effective to absorb a
volume of about 3 fluid ounces (88.7 mL) to about 5 fluid ounces (149.7 mL).
[0028] For example, the liquid-absorbent layer can be effective to
absorb a
volume of about 3 fluid ounces (88.7 mL) to about 4 fluid ounces (118.3 mL).
[0029] For example, the water-repellent layer can be liquid-permeable,
wherein liquid contacting an exterior surface of the water-repellent layer can
permeate through the water-repellent layer and can reach an interior surface
of the
water-repellent layer contacting the liquid-absorbent layer, the liquid-
absorbent layer
absorbing the liquid.
[0030] For example, the inner pad can be cleanable.
[0031] For example, the inner pad can maintain its shape and liquid-
absorbent
properties after being submitted to heat.
[0032] For example, the inner pad can be resistant to heat.
[0033] For example, the heat can correspond to a heat emitted from a
clothes
drying machine.
[0034] For example, the inner pad can be resistant to exposure from a heat
from a flame positioned at about 1 to about 3 cm from the inner pad up to a
duration
of about 1 to about 3 seconds.
[0035] For example, the inner pad can be resistant to exposure from a
heat
from a flame positioned at about 1 to about 4 cm from the inner pad up to a
duration
of about 1 to about 4 seconds.
[0036] For example, the inner pad can be resistant to exposure from a
heat
from a flame positioned at about 1 to about 2 cm from the inner pad up to a
duration
of about 2 to about 3 seconds.
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[0037] For example, the inner pad can be reusable, and whereby the
undergarment is reusable, renewable and resistant to heat.
[0038] For example, the water-repellent layer can comprise a
hydrophobic
material.
[0039] For example, the water-repellent layer can comprise polypropylene.
[0040] For example, the water-repellent layer can comprise
polypropylene and
polyester.
[0041] For example, the water-repellent layer can comprise
polypropylene and
knitted polyester.
[0042] For example, the liquid-absorbent layer can comprise tangled
cellulose
fibers.
[0043] For example, the fibers can be chosen from bamboo, cotton,
viscose
and poly-micro.
[0044] For example, the waterproof layer can comprise polyurethane.
[0045] For example, the water-repellent layer can be coupled to at least
one of
a right lateral side and a left lateral side of a crotch portion of the fabric
layer, the
water-repellent layer and the crotch portion of the fabric layer can be
defining an
inner chamber, the crotch portion of the fabric layer and the water-repellent
layer can
be substantially elastic in at least one of a lateral direction and a
longitudinal
direction of the crotch portion.
[0046] For example, the inner pad can be disposed within the inner
chamber
between the water-repellent layer and the fabric layer. The inner pad can have
a
liquid-absorbent layer and a waterproof layer, the liquid-absorbent layer can
be
contacting the water-repellent layer, the waterproof layer can be effective
for
restricting liquid from reaching the fabric layer.
[0047] For example, the undergarments of the present disclosure can
further
comprise:
a first elastic trim coupled to the right lateral side of the crotch portion
of the fabric layer and the water-repellent layer to form a first elastic
seam; and
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a second elastic trim coupled to the left lateral side of the crotch portion
of the fabric layer and the water-repellent layer to form a second elastic
seam.
[0048] For example, the first elastic trim can extend around the right
leg
opening and the second elastic trim extends around the left leg opening.
[0049] For example, the inner pad can be detached from the water-repellent
layer and the fabric layer.
[0050] For example, the undergarments of the present disclosure can
further
comprise at least one stitch joining the water-repellent layer, the inner pad
and the
fabric layer at a location remote of the right lateral side and left lateral
side of the
crotch portion of the fabric layer.
[0051] For example, the undergarments of the present disclosure can
further
comprise at least one transverse stitch joins at least one end of the water-
repellent
layer with the fabric layer, the inner pad being detached from the transverse
stitch;
and
wherein the water-repellent layer and the fabric layer are elastic in a
longitudinal direction of the crotch portion.
[0052] For example, at least a first transverse stitch joins a first
end of the
water-repellent layer with the fabric layer and at least a second transverse
stitch can
join a second end of the water-repellent layer with the fabric layer, the
inner pad
being detached from the at least first transverse stitch and the at least
second
transverse stitch; and
wherein the water-repellent layer and the fabric layer are elastic in a
longitudinal direction of the crotch portion.
[0053] For example, a continuous stitch extending about the perimeter
of the
water-repellent layer can couple the water-repellent layer to the crotch
portion of the
fabric layer, the inner pad being detached from at least one transverse
portion of the
continuous stitch; and
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wherein the water-repellent layer and the fabric layer are elastic in a
longitudinal direction of the crotch portion.
[0054] For
example, a continuous stitch extending about the perimeter of the
water-repellent layer can couple the water-repellent layer to the crotch
portion of the
fabric layer, a first end of the inner pad being detached from at least a
first
transverse portion of the continuous stitch and second end of the inner pad
being
detached from at least a second transverse portion of the continuous stitch;
and
wherein the water-repellent layer and the fabric layer are elastic in a
longitudinal direction of the crotch portion.
[0055] For
example, the water-repellent layer can be liquid-permeable,
wherein liquid contacting an exterior surface of the water-repellent layer
permeates
through the water-repellent layer and reaches an interior surface of the water-
repellent layer contacting the liquid-absorbent layer, the liquid-absorbent
layer
absorbing the liquid.
[0056] Referring
now to Figure 1, therein illustrated is a perspective view of an
undergarment article 2 according to various exemplary embodiments. The
undergarment article 2 has a fabric layer 10. The fabric layer 10 is shaped so
that it
can be worn about a pelvic region of a person. A top side 12 of the fabric
layer 10
defines a torso opening 14. A right side 16 of the fabric layer 10 defines a
right leg
opening 18 and a left side 20 of the fabric layer 10 defines a left opening
22. When
the undergarment article 2 is worn by the person, the top side 12 of the
fabric layer
contours the person's torso, which passes through the torso opening 14, the
right
side 16 of the fabric layer 10 contours the right leg of the person, which
projects
through the right leg opening 18, and the left side 20 of the fabric layer 10
contours
the left leg of the person, which projects through the left leg opening 22.
[0057] The
fabric layer 10 can be seamless (formed of one piece of fabric) or
can have one or more seams (formed of a plurality of pieces of fabric). Where
the
fabric layer 10 is formed a plurality of pieces of fabric, the pieces can be
joined
together according to known undergarment patterns.
[0058] The
fabric layer 10 can have various shapes according known
undergarment patterns. For example, the fabric layer 10 can be mid-waist, high-
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waist, low-waist, bikini cut, thong, boy cut, tummy control panties, classic
brief,
hipster, tanga, and G-string
[0059] The fabric layer 10 can be formed of fabric material typically
used for
undergarments, such as cotton, polyester, silk, lace, or a combination
thereof. Where
the fabric layer 10 is formed of a plurality of pieces of fabric, more than
one fabric
material may be used, such as a cotton core with lace trims.
[0060] The fabric layer 10 has an inner surface 24 and an outer
surface 26.
When worn by the person, portions of the inner surface 24 may contact the skin
of
the person.
[0061] The undergarment 2 further has a water-repellent layer 30, which is
positioned on an inner surface 24 of the fabric layer 10. The water-repellent
layer 30
covers at least the inner surface 24 of a crotch portion 32 of the fabric
layer 10. The
crotch portion 32 is a portion of the fabric layer 10 that is positioned over
the crotch
area, including the genital area, of the person when the undergarment article
2 is
worn. For example, the water-repellent layer 30 has a generally hour-glass
planar
shape to substantially cover the crotch area of the person.
[0062] According to various exemplary embodiments, the water-repellent
layer
30 comprises polypropylene.
[0063] According to various exemplary embodiments, the water-repellent
layer
30 comprises polypropylene and polyester.
[0064] According to various exemplary embodiments, the water-repellent
layer
comprises a mixture of polypropylene and knitted polyester. For example, the
water-repellent layer 30 is a two-ply material having a first polypropylene
ply and a
second knitted polyester ply. For example, the water-repellent layer 30 is
formed of
25 about 40% polypropylene and about 60% polyester knitted fabric.
[0065] Referring now to Figure 2 and 2A, therein illustrated are a top
view of
the undergarment article 2 and a top view of a side of the crotch portion 32
of the
undergarment article 2 respectively, according to various exemplary
embodiments. It
can be seen that the water-repellent layer 30 covers the crotch portion 32 of
the
30 fabric layer 10. According to various exemplary embodiments, the water-
repellent
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layer 30 is coupled to at least a right lateral side 36 and a left lateral
side 40 of the
crotch portion 32 of the fabric layer 10 to define an inner chamber 44 (Fig.
3). For
example, a first stitch 48 along the right lateral side 36 and a second stitch
52 along
the left lateral side 40 join the water-repellent layer 30 to the crotch
portion 32 of the
fabric layer 10.
[0066] For example, a first transverse stitch 56 at a first end 57 of
the water-
repellent layer 30 can be added to better join the water-repellent layer 30.
It will be
appreciated that the first transverse stitch 56 is made at an end
corresponding to the
front side of the person when the undergarment article 2 is worn. Additionally
or
alternatively, a second transverse stitch 60 at a second end 59 of the water-
repellent
layer 30 may be further added to better join the water-repellent layer 30 and
the
fabric layer 10. It will be appreciated that the second transverse stitch 60
is made at
an end corresponding to the backside of the person when the undergarment
article 2
is worn. The addition of the first transverse stitch 56 and/or second
transverse stitch
60 is made at the ends of the water-repellent layer 30 so that it still
defines the inner
chamber 44 with the crotch portion 32 of the fabric layer 10.
[0067] The water-repellent layer 30 forms an exterior layer of the
undergarment article 2 in that the outer surface 61 (Fig. 3) of the water-
repellent
layer 30 contacts the skin of the person when the undergarment article 2 is
worn. For
example, a portion of the water-repellent layer 30 contacts the genital area
of the
person.
[0068] According to various exemplary embodiments, the water-repellent
layer
is formed of a liquid-permeable material that allows a body liquid to pass
between
the outer surface 61 (FIG. 3) and an inner surface 62 (FIG. 3) of the water-
repellent
25 layer 30. In fact, the body liquid will be forced to pass through the
layer 30 and to be
absorbed by the liquid-absorbent layer 74. The water-repellent layer 30 allows
for
keeping dry the skin and/or hair of a user that contact the outer surface 61
since
body liquids will be repelled from the outer surface 61 and urged to pass
through the
inner surface 62 so as to contact the liquid-absorbent layer 74 and to be
absorbed by
30 the layer 74. When worn by a person, liquid leaked from the person flows
from an
outer surface 61 of the water-repellent layer 30 towards an inner surface 62
of the
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water-repellent layer 30. For example, the flow of liquid can be aided by the
force of
gravity. Exterior surface of the water-repellent layer 30 herein refers to a
surface
contacting the person when the undergarment article is worn around the pelvic
region. Interior surface of the water-repellent layer 30 herein refers to a
surface not
contacting the person when the undergarment article is worn. The inner surface
62
of the water-repellent layer 30 also defines a surface of the inner chamber
44.
Accordingly, the outer layer 61 of the water-repellent layer 30 feels less wet
to the
wearer, thereby improving comfort. For example, excess liquid or humidity
remaining
on the outer surface 61 is allowed to evaporate (in view of the liquid-
repellent
property), thereby further contributing to a less wet feel.
[0069] According to various exemplary embodiments, fabric layer 10 and
water-repellent layer 30 are both formed of elastic materials. For example,
the water-
repellent layer 30 is coupled to at least the right and left lateral sides 36,
40 of the
crotch portion 32 of the fabric layer 10 such that the water-repellent layer
30 and the
crotch portion 32 of the fabric layer 10 are elastic in at a lateral direction
of the crotch
portion between the two leg openings 18, 22. For example, the lateral
direction
between the two leg openings is defined by arrows 64 and 67. It will be
appreciated
that the lateral direction defined by the arrows 64 and 67 represent a side-to-
side
direction of the undergarment article 2, which is transverse to a front-to-
back axis of
the undergarment article 2. For example, the first stitch 48 and the second
stitch 52
can include elastic material, such as lycra, to provide elasticity. .
[0070] Additionally or alternatively, the water-repellent layer 30 is
coupled to at
least the right and left lateral sides 36, 40 of the crotch portion 32 of the
fabric layer
10 such that the water-repellent layer 30 and the crotch portion 32 of the
fabric layer
10 are elastic in at least a longitudinal direction of the crotch portion
defined by arrow
69. It will be appreciated that the longitudinal direction represents a front-
to-back axis
of the undergarment article 2.
[0071] According to various exemplary embodiments, the water-repellent
layer
and each of the lateral sides 36, 40 of the crotch portion 32 of the fabric
layer 10
30 are further coupled to an elastic trim 68 extending along the sides of
the crotch
portion 32. As shown in Figure 2, a right elastic trim 68 is coupled, for
example
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through the right stitch 48, to the water-repellent layer 30 and the right
lateral side 36
to form a right elastic seam. A left elastic trim 72 is coupled, for example,
through the
left stitch 52, to the water-repellent layer 30 and the left lateral side 40
to form a left
elastic seam. The elastic trims 68, 72 improve longitudinal elasticity of the
water-
repellent layer 30 and the crotch portion 32 of the fabric layer 10. The
elastic trims
68, 72 may further improve lateral elasticity of the water-repellent layer 30
and the
crotch portion 32 of the fabric layer 10. The elastics trims 68, 72 may be
formed
using additional fabric pieces, such as knit lace edging. Alternatively, the
elastic trims
68, 72 may be formed by folding back edges of the fabric layer 10 so as to
provide
fabric strips having a defined width between the lateral sides 36, 40 and the
stitches
48,52.
[0072] According to one exemplary embodiment, the right elastic trim
70
extends about the entire length of the right side 16 of the fabric layer 10
defining the
right leg opening 18 and the left elastic trim 72 extends about the entire
length of the
left side 20 of the fabric layer 10 defining the left leg opening 22.
[0073] Advantageously, lateral elasticity of the water-repellent layer
30 and
the crotch portion 32 of the fabric layer 10 allows the leg openings 18, 22 to
better
contour and conform to the legs and crotch of the person wearing the
undergarment
article 2. This increases comfort and/or fit of the undergarment article 2
when worn.
According to embodiments where the elastic trims 70, 72 extend about the
entire
length of the leg openings 18, 22, comfort and fit can be further improved.
The
elastic trims 70, 72 may further aid in restricting liquid contacting the
water-repellent
layer 30 from flowing past the sides 36, 40 of the crotch portion 32.
[0074] Referring now to Figure 3, therein illustrated is a cross-
section view of
the crotch portion 32 of the undergarment article 2 along the lines A-A. As
described
above, the water-repellent layer 30 is coupled to the right lateral side 36
and left
lateral side 40 of the crotch portion 32 of the fabric layer 10 to define an
inner
chamber 44. For example, the coupling can be provided by stitches 48 and 52.
The
lateral sides 36, 40 and the water-repellent layer 30 can be further joined to
elastic
trims 68 and 72 to form the right elastic seam and the left elastic seam.
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[0075] Continuing with Figure 3, an inner pad 70 is disposed inside
the inner
chamber 44 between the water-repellent layer 30 and the fabric layer 10. The
inner
pad 70 has a liquid-absorbent layer 74 and a waterproof layer 78. The liquid
absorbent layer 74 and the waterproof layer 78 are aligned and disposed
against
each other. For example, the liquid absorbent layer 74 and the waterproof
layer 78
are coupled together by one or more stitches 82. For example, the liquid
absorbent
layer 74 and the waterproof 78 have substantially the same planar shape. For
example, the inner pad 70 has a planar shape corresponding to the generally
hour-
glass planar shape of the water-repellent layer 30 and the crotch portion 32
of the
fabric layer 10. For example, planar area of the water-repellent layer 30 is
slightly
larger than the planar area inner pad 70 so that the inner pad 70 fits snugly
with the
inner chamber 44.
[0076] The liquid-absorbent layer 74 is formed of a material that is
highly
absorbent to liquid and has good liquid retention. For example, the liquid-
absorbent
layer 74 is formed of tangled cellulose fibers. For example, the tangled
cellulose
fibers may be chosen from bamboo, cotton, viscose, poly-microfiber or a
combination of one or more thereof. According to one exemplary embodiment, the
liquid-absorbent layer 74 includes ZorbTM material manufactured by Wazoodle
Inc.
The amount of material used to form the liquid-absorbent layer 74 is selected
so that
the inner pad 70 can retain a volume of liquid greater than 2 fluid ounces
(59.1 mL).
[0077] The amount of material forming the liquid-absorbent layer 74 is
selected to retain a volume of liquid greater than 2 fluid ounces is selected
specifically to address the problems associated with urinary incontinence.
While
absorption below 2 fluid ounces is sufficient for light leaks, such as
excessive
perspiration and feminine discharge, only a portion of the causes of leakage
is
addressed by this range of volumes. Many cases of urinary incontinence are
associated with leakages having a volume greater than 2 fluid ounces. These
cases
are addressed by selecting an amount of material forming the liquid-absorbent
layer
74 to retain a volume of liquid greater than 2 fluid ounces.
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[0078] According to one exemplary embodiment, the amount of material
forming the liquid-absorbent layer 74 is selected to be effective to absorb a
volume
of liquid between 2 fluid ounces (59.1 mL) and 7 fluid ounces (207.0 mL).
[0079] According to one exemplary embodiment, the amount of material
forming the liquid-absorbent layer 74 is selected to be effective to absorb a
volume
of liquid of about 3 fluid ounces (88.7 mL) to about 6 fluid ounces (177.4
mL).
[0080] According to one exemplary embodiment, the amount of material
forming the liquid-absorbent layer 74 is selected to be effective to absorb a
volume
of about 3 fluid ounces (88.7 mL) to about 5 fluid ounces (149.7 mL).
[0081] According to various exemplary embodiments, the liquid-absorbent
layer 74 is formed of one or more sub-layers of the tangled cellulose fibrous
material.
The number of sub-layers used depends on the desired liquid-absorption
properties.
As shown in Figure 3, a first sublayer 74a and a second sublayer 74b are
disposed
one above another. It has been found that two sub-layers of the ZOrbTM
material
provide a liquid-retention ability of the inner pad 70 of more than 2 fluid
ounces and
up to about 3 ounces. It has been further found that three sub-layers of
ZorbTM
material provide a liquid-retention ability of the inner pad 70 of up to about
5 fluid
ounces. Each of the sub-layers and the waterproof layer 78 can be joined
together
by stitches 82.
[0082] According to various exemplary embodiments, the liquid-absorbent
layer 74 is formed of a material that is highly resistant to heat. For
example, the
liquid-absorbent layer is formed of a material that can withstand heat up to
the
maximum heat emitted from a clothes drying machine. The terms "withstanding
heat"
or being "resistant to heat" used herein in relation to the liquid-absorbent
layer 74
refers to the liquid-absorbent layer 74 maintaining its shape and liquid
retention
properties after being exposed to heat.
[0083] According to various exemplary embodiments, the liquid-
absorbent
layer 74 is further formed of a material that is washable. For example, the
liquid-
absorbent layer 74 is formed of a material that can be exposed to standard
cleaning
products used for washing clothes, such as cloth-washing detergent, soap or
bleach.
The terms "washable" or "cleanable" used herein in relation to the liquid-
absorbent
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layer 74 refers to the liquid-absorbent layer 74 maintaining its shape and
liquid
retention properties after being exposed to standard cleaning products used
for
washing clothes. Moreover, substances contained in liquid absorbed by the
liquid-
absorbent layer 74, such as bacteria and odors from urinary leakage, can be
washed
away when the liquid-absorbent layer 74 is exposed to standard cleaning
products.
[0084] The waterproof layer 78 is formed of a material that is highly
impermeable to liquid. For example, the waterproof layer 78 includes
polyurethane.
[0085] According to various exemplary embodiments, the waterproof
layer 78
is formed of a material that is highly resistant to heat. For example, the
waterproof
layer 78 is formed of a material that can withstand heat up to the maximum
heat
emitted from a cloth drying machine. The terms "withstanding heat" or being
"highly
resistant to heat" used herein in relation to the waterproof layer 78 refers
to the
waterproof layer 78 maintaining its shape and liquid impermeable properties
after
being exposed to heat.
[0086] According to various exemplary embodiments, the waterproof layer 78
is further formed of a material that is cleanable. For example, the waterproof
layer 78
is formed of a material that can be exposed to standard cleaning products used
for
washing clothes, such as cloth-washing detergent, soap, or bleach. The terms
"washable" or "cleanable" used herein in relation to the waterproof layer 78
refers to
the waterproof layer 78 maintaining its shape and impermeability after being
exposed to standard cleaning products used for washing clothes.
[0087] As a result of the liquid-absorbent layer 74 being cleanable
and heat-
resistant and the waterproof layer 78 also being cleanable and heat-resistant,
the
inner pad 70 is also resistant to heat and cleanable. Consequently, inner pad
70 is
reusable. Furthermore, the entire undergarment article 2 is washable,
reusable, and
resistant to heat. Advantageously, by being reusable, the undergarment article
2 is
more environmentally friendly than disposable options treating urinary
incontinence,
such as adult diapers. As a result of being reusable, the undergarment article
2 also
becomes more cost effective than disposable options.
[0088] Continuing with Figure 3, the inner pad 70 is disposed within the
inner
chamber 44 so that a surface of the liquid-absorbent layer 74 contacts the
water-
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CA 02827795 2013-09-19
repellent layer 30. As shown in Figure 3, a top surface 87 of the liquid-
absorbent
layer 74 contacts an interior surface 62 of the water-repellent layer 30. The
waterproof layer 78 is joined to a bottom surface 88 of the liquid-absorbent
layer 74
that is opposite the top surface 87. For example, the waterproof layer 78
corresponds to a layer adjacent to the fabric layer 10. For example, the
waterproof
layer 78 may be in contact with the fabric layer 10.
[0089] Referring now to Figure 4, therein illustrated is an exploded
view of the
water-repellent layer 30, the liquid-absorbent layer 74, the waterproof layer
78 and
the fabric layer 10. Liquid expelled from a person reaches the outer surface
61 of the
water-repellent layer 30 in contact with the genital area of a person. Since
the water-
repellent layer 30 is liquid permeable, the expelled liquid permeates through
the
water-repellent layer 30 and reaches the inner surface 62 of the water-
repellent layer
30. The expelled liquid then contacts the top surface 87 of the liquid-
absorbent layer
74, which absorbs the expelled liquid. The expelled and absorbed liquid
spreads
throughout the liquid-absorbent layer 74. A large portion of the liquid is
retained
within the liquid-absorbent layer 74, but a small portion of the liquid may
flow from
the bottom surface 88 of the liquid-absorbent layer 74 to the waterproof layer
78.
Since the waterproof layer 78 is impermeable to liquid, the expelled liquid is
restricted from reaching the fabric layer 10, thereby ensuring that the liquid
stays in
the liquid-absorbent layer 74 and that the fabric layer 10 stays substantially
dry.
Accordingly, liquid expelled from the person does not reach other clothing
articles
worn by the person, thereby preventing the appearance of potentially
embarrassing
wet spots and ensuring comfort of the wearer.
[0090] Referring back to Figure 3, according to one exemplary
embodiment,
the inner pad 70 is disposed within the inner chamber 44 such that the inner
pad 70
is detached from the water-repellent layer 30 and the crotch portion 32 of the
fabric
layer 10. For example, stitches 48, 52 only join together the lateral sides
36, 40 of
the crotch portion 32 of the fabric layer 10 with the water-repellent layer 30
but do
not further join the inner pad 70. Alternatively, the stitches 48, 52 further
join only the
elastic trims 68, 72 to the water-repellent layer 30 and fabric layer 10.
Similarly,
stitches 82 only joins the liquid-absorbent layer 74 and the waterproof layer
78 but
does not further join the water-repellent layer 30 and/or the fabric layer 10.
In many
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CA 02827795 2013-09-19
cases, either or both of the liquid-absorbent layer 74 and the waterproof
layer 78 are
formed of an inelastic material. Using the water-repellent layer 30 and the
fabric
layer 10 to define an inner chamber 44 in which to position the inner pad 70
ensures
that the inner pad 70 is properly aligned with the water-repellent layer 30
and the
crotch portion 32 of the fabric layer. For example, a snug fit of the inner
pad 70 within
the inner chamber 44 improves the maintaining of the alignment. Detachment of
the
water-repellent layer 30 and the fabric layer 10 from the inner pad 70
maintains the
lateral elasticity of the water-repellent layer 30 and the fabric layer 10,
thereby
improving the fit and comfort of the undergarment article 2 when worn. It will
be
appreciated that the lateral elasticity is maintained despite the inelasticity
of the inner
pad 70.
[0091] Referring now to Figure 5, therein illustrated is a cross-
sectional view
along the line A-A of the undergarment article 2 according to an alternative
exemplary embodiment. According to the alternative exemplary embodiment, at
least
one stitch 86 further joins the water-repellent layer 30, the inner pad 70,
and the
fabric layer 10. As shown, the stitch 86 is made at a location remote from a
lateral
side of the crotch portion 32 of the fabric layer 10. For example, the stitch
86 is
separated by a distance d from the right lateral side 36 of the crotch portion
32 of the
fabric layer 10. For example, the stitch 82 of the inner pad is positioned
between the
location of the stitch 86 and right lateral side 36. The stitch 86 ensures
proper
attachment and alignment of the inner pad 70 with the water-repellent layer 30
and
fabric layer 10. The separation between the stitch 86 and the lateral side 36
ensures
that the water-repellent layer 30 and the fabric layer 10 remains
substantially elastic
in the lateral direction despite the attachment to the inelastic inner pad 70.
[0092] As shown a second stitch 90 is made at a location remote of the left
lateral side 40 of the crotch portion 32 of the fabric layer 10.
[0093] According to an alternative exemplary embodiment, the at least
one
stitch extends in a direction parallel to a lateral side of the crotch portion
32 of the
fabric layer 10. As shown in Figure 2, stitch 86 extends along a right lateral
side 36
and stitch 90 extends along a left lateral side 40 of the crotch portion 32 of
the fabric
layer 10. More than one stitch remote of the lateral side may be formed.
According to
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CA 02827795 2013-09-19
one exemplary embodiment, the stitches only extend along a portion of the side
of
the fabric layer so as to form discontinuities therebetween. The
discontinuities further
provide for elasticity of the water-repellent layer 30 and the fabric layer 10
in the
lateral direction.
[0094] Referring now to Figure 6, therein illustrated is a cross-sectional
view
along the line A-A of the undergarment article 2 according to a further
alternative
exemplary embodiment. According to the alternative exemplary embodiment, at
least
one stitch 94 joins the water-repellent layer 30, the inner pad 70, and the
fabric layer
at a lateral side of the crotch portion 32 of the fabric layer 10. The stitch
94
10 ensures proper attachment and alignment of the inner pad 70 with the
water-
repellent layer 30 and fabric layer 10. Accordingly, the first transverse
stitch 56
and/or the second transverse stitch 60 only join the first and/or second ends
57, 59
of the water-repellent layer 30 and the fabric layer 10 while the inner pad 70
is
detached from the first transverse stich 56 and the second transverse stitch
60. This
detachment allows the water-repellent layer 30 and the fabric layer 10 to
remain
substantially elastic in the longitudinal (front-to-back) direction defined by
arrow 69.
[0095] Referring now to Figure 7, therein illustrated is a top view of
the
undergarment article 2 according to various exemplary embodiments. According
to
various exemplary embodiments, the water-repellent layer 30 and the crotch
portion
32 of the fabric layer 10 can be joined by one continuous stitch 96 extending
about
the perimeter of the water-repellent layer 30. For example, at least a
transverse
portion of the continuous stitch 96 joins at least one end of the water-
repellent layer
with a corresponding end of the crotch portion of the fabric layer 10, but is
detached from the inner pad 70. For example, first transverse portion 98a
joins a first
25 end 57 of the water-repellent layer 30 with the fabric layer 10 but is
detached from a
first end of the inner pad 70 and a second transverse portion 98b joins a
second end
59 of the water-repellent layer 30 with the fabric layer 10 but is detached
from a
second end of the inner pad 70. Accordingly, the water-repellent layer 30 and
the
crotch portion of the fabric layer 10 are elastic in a longitudinal direction
of the crotch
30 portion 32 defined by arrow 69.
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CA 02827795 2013-09-19
[0096] For example, at least a longitudinal portion of the continuous
stitch 96
joins at least one lateral side of the water-repellent layer 30 with a
corresponding
side of the crotch portion of the fabric layer 10, but is detached from the
inner pad
70. For example, first longitudinal portion 99a joins the water-repellent
layer 30 to the
right lateral side 36 of the crotch portion 32 and second longitudinal portion
99b joins
the water-repellent layer 30 to the left lateral side 40 of the crotch portion
32.
Accordingly, the water-repellent layer 30 and the crotch portion of the fabric
layer 10
are elastic in a lateral direction of the crotch portion 32 defined by arrow
64.
[0097] For example, the continuous stitch 96 is detached completed
from the
inner pad 70. Accordingly, the water-repellent layer 30 and the crotch portion
of the
fabric layer 10 are elastic in both a lateral direction and longitudinal
direction of the
crotch portion. In some exemplary embodiments, a stitch remote from a lateral
side
40, 42 of the water-repellent layer 30 can join the water-repellent layer 30,
fabric
layer 10, and inner pad 70 while maintaining lateral elasticity of the water-
repellent
layer 30 and crotch portion of the fabric layer 10.
EXPERIMENT 1
[0098] According to a first experiment, the absorbency of the
undergarment
article 2 was compared with a commercially available liquid-absorbent
underwear
from StrideTM. In particular, the first experiment tested absorbency for a
volume of
liquid greater than 2 fluid ounces, such a volume being associated with
urinary
incontinence.
[0099] A volume of colored liquid solution was prepared.
[00100] The undergarment article 2 was placed on a first sheet of a
liquid-
absorbent material with the crotch portion of the fabric layer contacting the
sheet.
The sheet can be a sheet of paper towel that will absorb and show the color
liquid
solution.
[00101] The StrideTM underwear was also placed on a second sheet of the
liquid absorbent material with the crotch portion of the StrideTm underwear
also
contacting the sheet.
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CA 02827795 2013-09-19
[00102] A volume of approximately 1 fluid ounce of the prepared liquid
solution
was excreted over an inner surface of the crotch portion of the StrideTm
underwear. It
was observed that the colored liquid solution is partially absorbed by the
crotch
portion. When lifting the StrideTM underwear from the sheet of liquid
absorbent
material, it was observed that a substantial amount of the colored liquid
solution was
absorbed by the sheet, thereby showing that the colored liquid solution had
leaked
from the StrideTm underwear.
[00103] An additional volume of approximately 1 fluid ounce of the
prepared
color liquid solution was excreted over the outer surface of the inner surface
of the
crotch portion of the same StrideTM underwear. It was further observed that
the
liquid-absorbent material had absorbed an additional amount of the colored
liquid
solution, thereby showing that more colored liquid solution had leaked from
the
StrideTm underwear.
[00104] A volume of approximately 1 fluid ounce of the prepared colored
liquid
solution was excreted over the outer surface 61 of the water-repellent layer
30 of the
undergarment article 2. It was observed that the colored liquid solution
permeates
through the water-repellent layer 30. When lifting the undergarment article 2
from the
sheet of liquid-absorbent material, it was further observed that the liquid-
absorbent
material did not absorb any of the colored liquid solution, thereby showing
that the
colored liquid solution was retained by the inner pad 70 and prevented from
reaching
fabric layer 10 and the liquid-absorbent material.
[00105] An additional volume of approximately 1 fluid ounce of the
prepared
color liquid solution was excreted over the outer surface 61 of the water-
repellent
layer 30 of the same undergarment article 2. It was further observed that the
liquid-
absorbent material did not absorb any of the additional volume of the colored
liquid
solution, thereby showing that the color liquid solution was retained by the
inner pad
70 and prevented from reaching the fabric layer 10 and the liquid-absorbent
material.
[00106] In other tests, further additions of liquid were made and it
was
observed that the inner pad 70 was efficient to absorb up to about 5 fluid
ounces of
liquid.
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CA 02827795 2013-09-19
[00107] It was found that the StrideTM underwear has a considerably
different
absorbing layer as compared to the underwear articles of the present
disclosure. The
StrideTM underwear has an absorbing layer comprising a blue substance similar
to a
gel that looks like a nonwoven used in disposable products for example
disposable
products that use a kind of gel to absorb fluids.
EXPERIMENT 2
[00108] According to a second experiment, the heat resistance of the
undergarment article 2 was compared with a commercially available liquid-
absorbent
underwear from StrideTM.
[00109] In some tests, the undergarment article 2 and the StrideTM
underwear
were placed in an operating clothes drying machine and submitted to the drying
cycles of the machine. These tests showed that the undergarment article 2
described
herein is resistant to heat emitted from a clothes drying machine. After the
drying
cycle, the undergarment article 2 maintained its shape and liquid-absorbent
properties. The StrideTm underwear was damaged during the drying cycle.
[00110] In some tests, the inner pad 70 of the undergarment article 2
and an
absorbent layer of the StrideTm underwear were both exposed to a flame from a
conventional lighter placed at about 1 to about 2 cm away for a duration of
about 2 to
about 3 seconds. The inner pad 70 of the undergarment article 2 resisted the
heat
from the flame. After being exposed to the flame, the inner pad 70 maintained
its
shape and liquid-absorbent properties. The absorbent layer of the StrideTm
underwear melted when exposed to the flame and was therefore not resistant to
the
heat from the flame.
EXPERIMENT 3
[00111] In some tests, the elasticity of a crotch portion of the StrideTm
underwear was compared with the elasticity of a crotch portion of the
undergarment
article 2.
[00112] It was observed that the crotch portion of the StrideTm
underwear was
not elastic in neither a longitudinal direction nor a lateral direction.
Without being
bound to a particular characterization of the StrideTM underwear, it was
observed that
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CA 02827795 2013-09-19
the inelasticity of the StrideTM underwear may be due to the peripheral stitch
of the
StrideTM underwear, which joined all of the materials forming the crotch
portion of the
StrideT" underwear.
[00113] Various embodiments of the undergarment article 2 were tested
for
elasticity. According to embodiments where the water-repellent layer 30 and
the
crotch portion of the fabric 10 are joined but the inner pad 70 is detached
from a
transverse stitch or a transverse portion 98 of a continuous stitch 96, it was
observed
that the water-repellent layer 30 and the crotch portion of the fabric layer
10 are
elastic in a longitudinal direction of the crotch portion.
[00114] According to embodiments where the water-repellent layer 30 and the
crotch portion of the fabric layer 10 are joined but the inner pad 70 is
detached from
a lateral side of the water-repellent layer 30, it was observed that the water-
repellent
layer 30 and the crotch portion of the fabric layer 10 are elastic in a
longitudinal
direction of the crotch portion.
[00115] According to embodiments where the water-repellent layer 30 and the
crotch portion of the fabric layer 10 are joined but the inner pad 70 is
detached from
a lateral side of the water-repellent layer 30 and an end of the water-
repellent layer
30, and that the water-repellent layer 30, inner pad 70 and fabric layer 10
are joined
by stitch 86 positioned remote of a lateral side of the crotch portion, it was
observed
that the water-repellent layer 30 and crotch portion of the fabric layer 10
are elastic in
both a longitudinal direction and lateral direction of the crotch portion.
[00116] While the above description provides examples of the
embodiments, it
will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described
embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit
and
principles of operation of the described embodiments. Accordingly, what has
been
described above has been intended to be illustrative and non-limiting and it
will be
understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications
may be
made without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined in the
claims
appended hereto.
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[00117] The scope
of the claims should not be limited by specific embodiments
and examples provided in the disclosure, but should be given the broadest
interpretation consistent with the disclosure as a whole.
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