AN UNDERGARMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an undergarment and more particularly relates to a leakproof undergarment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] When females attain puberty, they tend to experience menstruation on a periodic basis. While on menstrual cycle, women tend to discharge body fluid. Normally, absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, panty-liners and the like, are typically worn in the crotch region of underwear. The absorbent articles are designed to absorb and retain bodily fluids, and further, prevent body and clothing stain.

[0003] In this regard, absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, are attached to the undergarment of the wearer and normally positioned between legs of the wearer and adjacent to a perineal area of the body of the wearer. The sanitary napkins must be replaced based on the volume of discharge of the body fluid and may not be reusable. In most cases, the sanitary napkins are non-biodegradable, and hence leading to environmental concerns.

[0004] Further, the absorbent articles used as such may be uncomfortable for the wearer. As the absorbent article is required to be positioned between the perineal area of the wearer and the undergarment, the absorbent article may tend to shift from a position of convenience. On shifting, the body fluid may be leaked to the clothing of the wearer, and thereby cause staining. As such, a fear of such leakage may prevent the wearer from performing day to day activities.

[0005] In certain cases, the absorbent articles are adapted to be fixed to the undergarment via, but not limited to, flaps. However, the flaps may cause irritation, such as chafing, to skin of the wearer, thereby causing discomfort.

[0006] In view of the above, there is a dire requirement for an undergarment adapted to overcome at least the above indicated problems taking into consideration comfort of the wearer, and reusability of the undergarment. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] One or more embodiments of the present invention provides an undergarment and method for constructing the undergarment.

[0008] In one aspect of the invention, an undergarment is provided. The undergarment includes a first fabric, having a first and a second periphery, adapted to cover a front pelvic region of a user. The undergarment further includes a second fabric, having a first and a second periphery and adapted to be attached to the first and the second periphery of the first fabric, to cover a rear pelvic region of the user. Furthermore, the undergarment includes a third fabric attached along a first and a second periphery of each of the first and the second fabric, to cover a crotch region of the user. The third fabric includes a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer is positioned in contact with a crotch region of the user and is adapted to receive body fluid. The second layer is attached to the first layer and is adapted to receive the body fluid from the first layer and temporarily retain the body fluid therein. The third layer, having at least two sub-layers, is attached to the second layer and the third fabric of the undergarment, and is adapted to prevent passage of the body fluid towards the third fabric, and thereby prevent leakage of the body fluid and soiling of the undergarment.

[0009] In another aspect of the invention, a method of constructing an undergarment is provided. The method includes a step of attaching a first and a second periphery of a first fabric to a first and a second periphery of a second fabric and attaching a third fabric along a first and a second periphery of each of the first and the second fabric. Thereafter, the method includes the step of providing a leakproof attachment to the third fabric of the undergarment. The leakproof attachment includes a first layer attached to the third fabric of the undergarment and in contact with a crotch region of a user of the undergarment. The first layer is adapted to receive body fluid of the user. The leakproof attachment further includes a second layer attached to the first layer. The second layer is adapted to receive body fluid from the first layer and temporarily retain the body fluid therein. The leakproof attachment further includes the third layer attached to the second layer and to the third fabric of the undergarment. The third layer includes at least two sub-layers laminated to form a single unit and adapted to prevent passage towards the third fabric of the undergarment. A periphery of the third fabric is, thereafter, inwardly folded to align each of the first, the second, and the third layer on the third fabric to securely position the leakproof attachment thereon, and thereby prevent leakage of the body fluid and to prevent soiling of the undergarment.

[0010] Other features and aspects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. The features and advantages described in this summary and in the following detailed description are not all- inclusive, and particularly, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art, in view of the drawings, specification, and claims hereof. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter, resort to the claims being necessary to determine such inventive subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, are illustrative of one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and together with the description explain various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and are intended to be illustrative. Further, the accompanying figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale, and any values or dimensions in the accompanying figures are for illustration purposes only and may or may not represent actual or preferred values or dimensions. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments. [0012] FIGS. 1A-1C is an exemplary illustration of an undergarment, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 2 is an exemplary illustration of the third fabric of the undergarment of FIG. 1 including a leakproof attachment, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 3 is an exemplary illustration of the leakproof attachment of the undergarment of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; and

[0015] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method for constructing the undergarment of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, corresponding or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts. References to various elements described herein, are made collectively or individually when there may be more than one element of the same type. However, such references are merely exemplary in nature. It may be noted that any reference to elements in the singular may also be construed to relate to the plural and vice-versa without limiting the scope of the invention to the exact number or type of such elements unless set forth explicitly in the appended claims. Moreover, relational terms such as first and second, and the like, may be used to distinguish one entity from the other, without necessarily implying any actual relationship or between such entities.

[0017] Various embodiments of the invention provide an undergarment and a method for constructing the undergarment. Accordingly, below indicated are a few technical advantages/technical effects derived from the same.

[0018] The undergarment constructed utilizing the method is adapted to prevent leakage of body fluid, such as menstrual flow, of a user of the undergarment and thereby prevent soiling of the undergarment and outer garment of the user. [0019] The undergarment as provided includes a leakproof attachment attached onto a third fabric of the undergarment. The leakproof attachment includes a first, a second, and a third layer arranged thereon so as to ensure maximum coverage of a crotch region of the user.

[0020] A periphery of the third fabric is inwardly folded to align each of the first, the second, and the third layer on the third fabric to securely position the leakproof attachment thereon. By doing so, the user doesn’t experience discomfort, such as but not limited to chaffing.

[0021] The leakproof attachment as provided may be washed multiple times without compromising on functionality of the same. Hence, the undergarment as provided may be reused multiple times.

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary illustration of an undergarment 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. For the purpose of illustration and description, the undergarment 100, as per a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is embodied as an underwear. However, in alternate embodiments, the undergarment 100 may be one of, but not limited to, a brassiere and a thong, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] The undergarment 100 as embodied includes a first fabric 105a and a second fabric 105b. The first fabric 105a is adapted to cover a front pelvic region of a user of the undergarment 100. The first fabric 105a includes a first surface 110a and a second surface 110b (as shown in FIG. 1C) opposite to the first surface 110a. More specifically, the first surface 110a of the first fabric 105a is adapted to be in proximity with the front pelvic region of the user and thereby cover the front pelvic region of the user and the second surface 110b of the first fabric 105a is adapted to face outwards. In one embodiment, the first fabric 105a is made of cotton. In another embodiment, the first fabric 105a is made of one at least one of, but not limited to, a natural and man-made fabric, as is known in the art, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, in one embodiment, the first fabric 105a is formed of a single fabric. In another embodiment, the first fabric 105a constitutes of multiple fabrics stitched together.

[0024] Referring to FIG. IB, FIG. IB illustrates a rear view of the undergarment 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The second fabric 105b is adapted to cover a rear pelvic region of the user. Similar to the first fabric 105a, the second fabric 105b includes a first surface 115a and a second surface 115b (as shown in FIG. 1A) opposite to the first surface 115a of the second fabric 105b. More specifically, the first surface 115a of the second fabric 105b is adapted to be in proximity with the rear pelvic region of the user and thereby cover the rear pelvic region of the user and the second surfalce 115b of the second fabric 105b is adapted to face outwards. In one embodiment, the second fabric 105b is made of cotton. In another embodiment, the second fabric 105b is made of at least one of, but not limited to, a natural and a man-made fabric, as is known in the art, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, in one embodiment, the second fabric 105b is formed of a single fabric. In another embodiment, the second fabric 105b constitutes of multiple fabrics stitched together. [0025] Referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. IB, each of the first and the second fabric 105a, 105b includes a first periphery 120a, 125a and a second periphery 120b, 125b, respectively. It is to be understood that the term “periphery” as used in herein refers to a boundary of the respective fabrics of the undergarment 100, without limiting the scope or deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. The first periphery 120a of the first fabric 105a is adapted to be attached to the first periphery 125a of the second fabric 105b via means, such as, but not limited to, stitching. Likewise, the second periphery 120b of the first fabric 105a is adapted to be attached to the second periphery 125b of the second fabric 105b via means, such as, but not limited to, stitching. Owing to the attachment, the first and the second fabric 105a, 105b defines an opening 130 along a periphery 135 of the first and the second fabric 105a, 105b. In one embodiment, the opening 130 includes an elastic stitched along the periphery 135 of the opening 130 in order to securely position each of the first and the second fabric 105a, 105b around a waist of the user of the undergarment 100. [0026] In addition to the first and the second fabric 105a, 105b, the undergarment 100 includes a third fabric 140 adapted to cover a crotch region of the user. In this regard and referring to FIG.1C, FIG. 1C illustrates an inner view of the undergarment, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The third fabric 140 includes a first surface 140a and a second surface 140b (as shown in FIG. IB) opposite to the first surface 140a of the third fabric 140. More specifically, the first surface 140a of the third fabric 140 is adapted to be in proximity with the crotch region of the user and thereby cover the crotch region of the user and the second surface 140b of the third fabric 140 is adapted to face outwards. In one embodiment, the third fabric 140 is made of cotton. In another embodiment, the third fabric 140 is made of at least one of, but not limited to a natural and a manmade fabric, as is known in the art, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In yet another embodiment, the first surface 140a of the third fabric 140 is made of at least one of, but not limited to a natural and a man-made fabric, as is known in the art, and the second surface 140b of the third fabric 140 is made of at least one of a shell fabric, a natural fabric and a man-made fabric. Further, in one embodiment, the third fabric 140 is formed of a single fabric. In another embodiment, the third fabric 140 constitutes of multiple fabrics stitched together.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1A, FIG. IB, and FIG. 1C, the third fabric 140 is adapted to be attached to each of the first and the second fabric 105a, 105b. More specifically, the third fabric 140 is attached to the first fabric 105a along a first periphery 145a (as shown in FIG. 2) of the third fabric 140 via means, such as, but not limited to, stitching. Likewise, the third fabric 140 is attached to the second fabric 105b along a second periphery 145b (as shown FIG. 2) of the third fabric 140 via means, such as, but not limited to, stitching. In one embodiment, a third periphery 120c, 125c of each of the first and the second fabric 105a, 105b is folded inwardly and subsequently stitched to the first periphery 145a (as shown in FIG. 2) of the third fabric 140. Owing to such an attachment between the first and the second fabric 105a, 105b, and the third fabric 140, openings 150 are defined along a periphery 155 thereof. In one embodiment, each of the openings 150 include an elastic stitched along the periphery 155 of the opening 150 in order to securely position the third fabric 140 around a respective thigh region of the user of the undergarment 100.

[0028] Further, the third fabric 140 is adapted to include a leakproof attachment 300 attached thereon. The construction of the leakproof attachment 300 will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 illustrates the leakproof attachment 300, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The leakproof attachment 300 includes multiple layers attached to each other to prevent leakage of the body fluid and staining of the outer garment of the user. More specifically, the multiple layers include a first layer 305, a second layer 310, and a third layer 315 attached to each other.

[0029] The first layer 305 includes a first surface 305a and a second surface 305b opposite to the first surface 305a. The first surface 305a is adapted to be in at least one of proximity and in contact with the crotch region of the user. In a preferred embodiment, the first layer 310 is made of a breathable mesh fabric and is adapted to receive, or more specifically absorb, body fluid and keep skin of the user dry.

[0030] Further, the second layer 310 is adapted to receive the body fluid from the first layer 305, and further absorb, wick, and temporarily retain the body fluid therein, for example, during menstruation of the user of the undergarment 100. As per the illustrated embodiment, the second layer 310 is adapted to be positioned beneath the first layer 305 of the leakproof attachment 300. More specifically, the second layer 310 includes a first surface 310a and a second surface 310b opposite to the first surface 310a. Accordingly, the first surface 310a of the second layer 310 is positioned in line with and in contact with the second surface 305b of the first layer 305. Subsequent to positioning, the first layer 305 is adapted to be attached to the second layer 310 via means, such as, but not limited to, stitching along edges thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the second layer 310 is made of fleece fabric. In an alternate embodiment, the second layer 310 is made of at least one of natural and man-made fiber as is known in the art, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. [0031] Further, the leakproof attachment 300 includes the third layer 315. The third layer 315 includes at least two sub-layers laminated to each other to form a single unit. In the preferred embodiment, the third layer 315 includes a first sublayer 325a and a second sub-layer 325b. The third layer 315, or more specifically the first sub-layer 325a and the second sub-layer 325b, is adapted to prevent passage of the body fluid towards the third fabric 140 of the undergarment 100. As per a preferred embodiment, each of the first sub-layer 325a and a second sub-layer 325b is made of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) and jersey fabric, respectively. In an alternate embodiment, the first sub-layer 325a is made of at least one of natural and man-made fibers, as is known in the art, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] The third layer 315 is adapted to be positioned in line and in contact with the second layer 310. In this regard and more specifically, a first surface 330a of the first sub-layer 325a is adapted to be positioned in line and in contact with the second surface 310b of the second layer 310. Subsequent to positioning, the third layer 315 is adapted to be attached to the second layer 310 via means, such as, but not limited to, stitching along edges thereof. Accordingly, the first, the second, and the third, layer 305, 310, 315 of the leakproof attachment 300 are attached to each other and positioned one over the other.

[0033] Thereafter, the leakproof attachment 300, or more specifically the first, the second, and the third layer 305, 310, 315, is adapted to be positioned on the third fabric 140. As mentioned earlier, the third fabric 140 includes the first surface 140a and the second surface 140b. Accordingly, the leakproof attachment 300 is adapted to be positioned in line and in contact with the first surface 140a of the third fabric 140. More specifically, a second surface 330b of the second sub-layer 325b is positioned in line and in contact with the first surface 140a of the third fabric 140.

[0034] Subsequent to positioning, a periphery 335 (as shown in FIG. 2) of the third fabric 140 is inwardly folded to align each of the first, the second, and the third layer 305, 310, 315 to securely position the leakproof attachment 300 on the first surface 140a of the third fabric 140 of the undergarment 100. Thereafter, the leakproof attachment 300 is attached to the third fabric 140 via means, such as, but not limited to, stitching along the periphery 335. Accordingly, each of the first, the second, and the third layer 305, 310, 315 of the leakproof attachment 300 is securely positioned on the third fabric 140 of the undergarment 100.

[0035] As such, advantageously, the leakproof attachment 300 is stationary, ensuring the user may participate in their day-to-day activities without an angst of the leakproof attachment 300 moving away from the crotch region of the user. Further, by doing so, the body fluid is arrested within the leakproof attachment 300, and thereby prevents any leakage of the body fluid along sides of the first, the second, and the third layer 305, 310, 315 of the leakproof attachment 300.

[0036] Further, in a preferred embodiment, each of the first, the second, and the third layer 305, 310, 315 of the leakproof attachment 300 is adapted to be extended across an area of the third fabric 140 so as to substantially cover the crotch region of the user. Further in one embodiment, the material of at least one of the first, the second, and the third layer, 305, 310, 315 and a combination thereof may be adapted to incorporate antimicrobial agents so as to exhibit antibacterial properties.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method 400 for constructing the undergarment 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. For the purpose of description, the method 400 is described with the embodiments as illustrated in FIGs 1-3. Further, in order to avoid repetition and for the sake of brevity, the description for the FIGs 1-3 should be referred and should nowhere be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] At step 405, the method 400 includes the step of attaching a first and a second periphery 120a, 120b of a first fabric 105a to a first and a second periphery 125a, 125b of a second fabric 105b, respectively. Owing to the attachment, the first and the second fabric 105a, 105b defines the opening 130 along the periphery 135 of the first and the second fabric 105a, 105b. In one embodiment, the opening 130 includes the elastic stitched along the periphery 135 of the opening 130 in order to securely position each of the first and the second fabric 105a, 105b around a waist of the user of the undergarment 100. [0039] At step 410, the method 400 includes the step of attaching a third fabric 140 along a third periphery 120c, 125c of each of the first and the second fabric 105a, 105b. In one embodiment, the third periphery 120c, 125c of each of the first and the second fabric 105a, 105b is folded inwardly and subsequently stitched to the first periphery 145a of the third fabric 140. Owing to the attachment between the first and the second fabric 105a, 105b, and the third fabric 140, openings 150 are defined along the periphery 155 thereof. In one embodiment, each of the openings 150 include the elastic stitched along the periphery 155 of the opening 150 in order to securely position the third fabric 140 around a respective thigh region of the user of the undergarment 100.

[0040] At step 415, the method 400 includes the step of providing a leakproof attachment 300 to the third fabric 140 of the undergarment 100. The leak proof attachment 300 includes the first, the second, and the third layer 305, 310, 315. The first layer 305 is in contact with a crotch region of the user of the undergarment 100. The first layer 305 is adapted to receive body fluid. Accordingly, the second layer 310 is attached to the first layer 305 and is adapted to receive the body fluid from the first layer 305 and temporarily retain the body fluid therein.

[0041] The third layer 315 is attached to the second layer 310 and is adapted to prevent passage of the body fluid from the second layer towards the third fabric 140 of the undergarment 100. The third layer 315 is, further, adapted to be attached to second surface 140b of the third fabric 140 of the outer garment. In this regard, the periphery 335 of the third fabric 140 is inwardly folded to align and position each of the first, the second, and the third layer 305, 310, 315 on the first surface 140a of the third fabric 140 of the undergarment 100. Thereafter, the leakproof attachment 300 is attached to the third fabric 140 via means, such as, but not limited to, stitching along the periphery 335. Accordingly, each of the first, the second, and the third layer 305, 310, 315 of the leakproof attachment 300 is securely positioned on the third fabric 140 of the undergarment 100.

[0042] Various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the illustrative and explanatory sense and should in no way be construed as limiting of the present invention. While aspects of the present invention have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present invention as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.