CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 17/665,103, filed on February 4, 2022, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to the concealment of genitalia and, more particularly, to devices and methods for concealing genitalia.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Tight clothing, such as leggings, yoga pants, biker shorts, swimsuits, unitards, athletic attire, and the like, have become increasingly popular for women and men in recent years. Because this type of clothing is designed to fit tightly, the clothing also fits very tightly around the user’s groin, which may draw unwanted attention to the outline of the genitals. Not only can this exposure lead to embarrassment, it also can cause physical discomfort including, but not limited to, irritation and infection due to the lack of breathability.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a discrete and comfortable way of relieving the emotional and physical discomfort that may arise from wearing tight clothing.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] One or more embodiments may address one or more of the aforementioned problems. Certain embodiments provide discrete, comfortable devices and methods for concealing genitalia. In particular, according to a first aspect, an intimate device configured to conceal genitalia is provided. The intimate device comprises a rounded end, a tapered end opposite the rounded end, a skin-facing surface, and a garment-facing surface opposite the skin-facing surface. The garment-facing surface comprises an adhesive. The garment-facing surface and the skin-facing surface meet to form an edge around a circumference of the intimate device. The intimate device comprises a polymeric material.

[0006] According to certain embodiments, the intimate device may be configured to adhere to an undergarment. In some embodiments, the intimate device may be configured to adhere to athletic attire. In further embodiments, the intimate device may be configured to fit into a gusset of an undergarment.

[0007] According to certain embodiments, the polymeric material may be liquid resistant, non-absorbent, and non-moisture wicking. In some embodiments, the polymeric material may be silicone rubber. In further embodiments, the silicone rubber may be medical grade silicone rubber. In certain embodiments, the silicone rubber may be food grade silicone rubber. In some embodiments, the polymeric material may have a Shore A hardness of about 10 to 40. In further embodiments, the polymeric material may have a Shore A hardness of about 30.

[0008] According to certain embodiments, the garment-facing surface of the intimate device may be convex. In some embodiments, the skin-facing surface of the intimate device may be concave.

[0009] According to certain embodiments, the adhesive on the intimate device may be liquid resistant.

[0010] According to certain embodiments, the edge of the intimate device may be beveled.

[0011] According to certain embodiments, the intimate device may comprise a length and a width, and the length to width ratio of the intimate device may be about 2:1 to 4:3.

[0012] In another aspect, a method of concealing genitalia is provided. The method comprises providing an intimate device, the intimate device comprising a rounded end, a tapered end opposite the rounded end, a skin-facing surface, and a garment-facing surface opposite the skin-facing surface and comprising an adhesive; exposing the adhesive from the garment-facing surface of the intimate device; adhering the intimate device to a garment to align with the genitalia of a user; and concealing the genitalia.

[0013] According to certain embodiments, the method may further comprise removing the intimate device from the garment, cleaning the intimate device, and reusing the intimate device.

[0014] According to certain embodiments, the garment may be underwear, a swimsuit, pants, yoga pants, tights, or unitard. According to certain embodiments, the intimate device may be made of a polymeric material.

[0015] In yet another aspect, an additional method of concealing genitalia is provided. The method comprises providing an intimate device, the intimate device comprising a rounded end, a tapered end opposite the rounded end, a skin-facing surface, and a garment- facing surface opposite the skin-facing surface; inserting the intimate device into a gusset of an undergarment to align with the genitalia of a user; and concealing the genitalia.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0016] Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an example intimate device in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG 2 illustrates the intimate device positioned in an undergarment in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates the intimate device within a gusset in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an intimate device in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a method of concealing genitalia of a user in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0022] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a method of concealing genitalia of a user in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in w hich some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be constmed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used in the specification, and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, “the”, include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0024] The present disclosure describes devices and methods for concealing genitalia that are both discrete and comfortable. While the devices and methods are frequently described herein in the context of concealing the vulva, the intimate devices may be suitable for concealing both male and female genitalia. [0025] Intimate Device

[0026] According to a first aspect, an intimate device 100 configured to conceal genitalia is provided. With reference to FIGs. 1 and 4, the intimate device 100 includes a rounded end 120, a tapered end 110 opposite the rounded end 120, a skin-facing surface 420, and a garment-facing surface 410 opposite the skin-facing surface 420. The rounded end 120 of the intimate device 100 is configured to align with the front of a user’s genitalia. The tapered end 110 is configured to align with the back of a user’s genitalia. This unique shape of the intimate device 100 conforms to the shape of the user, as the space narrows toward the back of the genital region. This unique shape also allows the intimate device 100 to fit at least partially or completely within a gusset 305 that is pre-sewn into many commercially available undergarments.

[0027] According to some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 4 the skin-facing surface 420 may be concave, and the garment-facing surface 410 may be convex to better conform to the user’s genitalia and body. In this way, the size and shape of the intimate device may be configured to fit between an undergarment and a user’s body to appropriately conceal the outline of the user’s genitalia. In some examples, the garment-facing surface 410 of the intimate device 100 has an adhesive layer 440 to adhere the intimate device to a garment. The skin-facing surface 420 and the garment-facing surface 410 meet to form an edge 430. In some embodiments, the edge 430 may be beveled to seamlessly fit between an undergarment and a user’s body, as shown in FIG. 4. In other embodiments, the edge 430 may be feathered to seamlessly fit between an undergarment and a user’s body. A seamless fit between an undergarment and a user’s body is desired for privacy so that others may not know that the user is wearing or using the intimate device.

[0028] In some embodiments, the intimate device may be sized to conceal the genitalia of an adolescent or adult female, male, or transgender human. The intimate device 100 also has a length L and a width W. In certain embodiments, for example, the length L may be about 6 cm to about 12 cm. In some embodiments, for instance, the width W may be about 3 cm to about 8 cm. In this way, according to certain embodiments, the intimate device 100 may have a length to width ratio of about 2: 1 to about 3:2. In some embodiments, the intimate device 100 may have a length to width ratio of about 8:5. In some embodiments, the intimate device 100 may have a length to width ratio of about 5:3.

[0029] The intimate device 100 comprises a polymeric material. In certain embodiments, for example, the polymeric material may be liquid resistant, non-absorbent, and/or non- moisture wicking. Liquids include, but are not limited to, urine, blood, or water. In some embodiments, for instance, the polymeric material may contain an antimicrobial agent. For the purposes of this disclosure, antimicrobial agents include antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, and/or antiviral agents. In accordance with certain embodiments, for example, the polymeric material may be a medical grade material, such as medical grade silicone rubber. In other embodiments, the polymeric material may be a food grade material, such as food grade silicone rubber. In some embodiments, the polymeric material may be polyurethane. In other embodiments, the polymeric material may be a polyolefin or blend thereof. In further embodiments, the polymeric material may be a polyamide or blend thereof. According to some embodiments, at least a portion of the intimate device 100 is constructed of a polymeric material that is coated or infused with a second polymer or material. According to certain embodiments, 20%-100 wt% of the polymeric material of the intimate device 100 is coated or infused with a second polymer or material. In some embodiments, the skin-facing surface 420 of the intimate device 100 comprises one or more coated or infused polymeric materials. In other embodiments, the garment-facing surface 410 may comprise one or more coated or infused polymenc materials. Additionally, or alternatively, both the skin-facing surface 420 and the garment-facing surface 410 may comprise one or more coated or infused polymeric materials. According to certain embodiments, the intimate device 100 is coated or infused with at least one of the materials selected from an antimicrobial agent, a deodonzing agent, or an antiperspirant.

[0030] The intimate device may be configured to have desirable visual effects. According to certain embodiments, the intimate device 100 may be configured to be non-reflective, wherein the intimate device 100 is comprised of poly meric material that is configured to be matte, or non-reflective. In some embodiments, the polymeric material is coated or infused with a mattifying agent. Additionally, or alternatively, the intimate device 100 may be coated with a mattifying agent. In other embodiments, the intimate device 100 may be configured to be light-reflective or shiny. Additionally, or alternatively, the intimate device 100 may be configured to be translucent. In another example, the intimate device 100 is configured to be opaque. In some embodiments, the intimate device 100 is configured to be a particular color so that the intimate device may be concealed, for instance the intimate device may be a nude color to blend with the skin of the wearer, or the intimate device may be any range of colors to blend with a garment of the wearer. In one example, the intimate device 100 is comprised of a polymeric material infused or coated with a dye. Additionally, or alternatively, the intimate device 100 is coated with a dye. For the purposes of this disclosure, a dye is any natural or synthetic substance used to add color to or change the color of a substance or article.

[0031] The intimate device may have a desirable stiffness or hardness such that the intimate device 100 may be configured to prevent the seam of an undergarment or pants from interfering with the device’s ability to conceal the user’s genitalia while also being soft enough to conform to the user’s body. In some examples, the polymeric material of the intimate device 100 has a Shore A hardness of about 10 to about 40. In other examples, for instance, the polymeric material of the intimate device 100 has a Shore A hardness of about 30. As such, in certain examples, the polymeric material of the intimate device 100 has a Shore A hardness of at least about any of the following: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 and/or at most about 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, and 15 (e.g., about 20-30, about 25-40, etc.). In other examples, the intimate device may have a gradient sti ffness or hardness. In one example, the edge of the intimate device has a greater stiffness or hardness than the center of the intimate device. In another example, the center of the intimate device may have a greater stiffness or hardness than the edge of the intimate device.

[0032] The garment-facing surface 410 of the intimate device 100 comprises an adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive may be pre-applied to the intimate device 100.

According to certain embodiments, the adhesive may be liquid resistant. Providing a liquidresistant adhesive allows the intimate device 100 to be used in a swimsuit or any other garment that may be exposed to water or other liquids. In one example, the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). In one example, the adhesive is a food grade or a medical grade PSA. In one example, the adhesive is an acrylic PSA. In other examples, the adhesive is a urethane PSA. In one example, the adhesive may contain an antimicrobial agent.

[0033] The intimate device 100 may be configured to fit between a garment and body of the user. Garments include items such as undergarments, pants, and athletic wear. In one example, the intimate device 100 is sized to fit between the user’s body and garments such as undergarments, pants, and athletic wear. Suitable garments for receiving the intimate device may include, but are not limited to, a body suit, unitard pants, leggings, yoga pants, biker shorts, women’s undergarments, and men’s undergarments. Examples of suitable undergarments for receiving the intimate device may include, but are not limited to, high briefs, hipster briefs, bikini briefs, and thongs. Other examples of suitable undergarments for receiving the intimate device may include, but are not limited to, boxers, briefs, and boxer- briefs. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, many undergarments 300 contain a gusset 305 or pocket located between the front surface of the undergarment 310 and the back surface of the undergarment 320. The intimate device 100 may be positioned at least partially within the gusset 305.

[0034] The intimate device 100 may be manufactured from a sheet of polymeric material from which the intimate device is punched or stamped out. In one example, the adhesive is applied to the sheet of polymeric material prior to stamping the intimate device. In one example, the adhesive is applied to the intimate device after the device is punched out.

[0035] Methods of Concealing Genitalia

[0036] In another aspect, methods of concealing genitalia are provided. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a method 500 of concealing genitalia. As shown in block 510, the method 500 may begin with providing an intimate device 100. As shown in block 520, the method may continue with exposing the adhesive from the garment-facing surface 410 of the intimate device 100. As shown in block 530, the method may continue with adhering the intimate device 100 to a garment to align with the genitalia of the user, and, as shown in block 540, concealing the genitalia. The intimate device 100 has a rounded end, a tapered end opposite the rounded end, a skin-facing surface 420, and a garment-facing surface 410 opposite the skin-facing surface 420. The garment-facing surface 410 has an adhesive. According to some embodiments, the adhesive is exposed by removing a protective covering from the garment-facing surface 410 revealing the adhesive. According to some embodiments, adhering the intimate device 100 to a garment 200 to align with the genitalia of a user involves aligning the intimate device 100 with the vulva of a female user, as shown in FIG. 2. In another example, adhering the intimate device 100 to a garment to align with the genitalia of a user involves aligning the intimate device 100 with the genitalia of a male user. In some examples, the intimate device 100 is configured to adhere to inside of the user’s garment, between the user’s genitalia and the garment. In other examples, the intimate device 100 is configured to adhere to the outside of the user’s garment (i.e. between an undergarment and an outer garment).

[0037] The intimate device 100 is reusable. According to some embodiments, the method 500 may further include the optional step of removing the intimate device 100 from the garment, as shown in block 550. As shown in block 560, the method may continue with the optional step of cleaning the intimate device 100. As show n in block 570, the method may include the optional step of reusing the intimate device 100. In some embodiments, reusing the device may comprise the steps shown in method 500. Additionally, or alternatively, reusing the device may comprise the steps shown in method 600 in FIG. 6. According to some embodiments, the method includes adhering the intimate device 100 to underwear. Additionally, or alternatively, the method includes adhering the intimate device 100 to a swimsuit. In another embodiment, the method includes adhering the intimate device 100 to tights. In yet another embodiment, the method includes adhering the intimate device 100 to skin-tight elastic garments, including but not limited to a unitard or body suit.

[0038] After a series of uses, the intimate device 100 may lose its ability to adhere. The intimate device 100 may still be used after this point. FIG. 6 is a block diagram representing the method 600 of using the intimate device 100. As shown in block 610, the method 600 may begin with obtaining an intimate device 100. As shown in block 620, the method may continue with inserting the intimate device 100 into a gusset 305 of an undergarment to align with the genitalia of a user. As shown in block 630, the method may continue with concealing the genitalia. As shown in FIG. 3, many undergarments 300 contain a gusset 305 or pocket located between the front surface of the undergarment 310 and the back surface of the undergarment 320. The intimate device 100 may be positioned at least partially within the gusset 305.

[0039] As with the method 500 illustrated in FIG. 5, the method 600 shown in FIG. 6 may also include the optional steps of removing the intimate device 100 from the garment (block 640), cleaning the intimate device 100 (block 650), and reusing the intimate device 100 (block 660). Reusing the intimate device 100 may include the steps of method 600 shown in FIG. 6.

[0040] Modifications of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genenc and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.