Lipowear

Abstract

Contemplated padded undergarments are form-fitted to have a higher than normal ratio of waist circumference to leg circumference and include a padded area that covers substantially the entire contact area of buttocks and legs with a chair when a person wearing such undergarment is sitting on the chair. Such undergarments are particularly advantageous to provide symptomatic relief for a person diagnosed with HIV infection, a neoplastic disease, chronic diabetes, and/or advanced age, which is typically accompanied by lipoatrophy, lipodystrophy, and/or sarcopenia.

Description

This application claims the benefit of our U.S. provisional patent application with the Ser. No. 60/666,684, which was filed Mar. 29, 2005, and which is incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is functional clothing, especially as it relates to undergarments with a padding that is configured to alleviate symptomatic discomfort associated with various conditions, and particularly lipodystrophy, lipoatrophy, and/or sarcopenia.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various conditions and diseases are associated with loss or maldistribution of body mass, and especially fat and muscle tissue. For example, long-term treatment of patients infected with the HIV virus is often accompanied by lipodystrophy, lipoatrophy, and/or sarcopenia. Similar problems are also encountered by patients undergoing chemotherapy for treatment of cancer, and/or long-term diabetes patients.

While pain due to lipodystrophy, lipoatrophy, peripheral neuropathy, and/or sarcopenia can be treated with analgesics, drug therapy is often not desirable due to high costs and/or side effects of the drugs. Most significantly, loss of body mass, and especially loss of fatty tissue in the buttocks and legs typically lead to tenderness, and more typically severe pain in such patients which transforms routine daily activities (e.g., sitting on a chair, lacing shoes) into a challenge. Thus, the quality of life is significantly reduced and even prevents at least some of these patients from participation in ordinary daily life, Remarkably, there are numerous garments known in the art that increase sitting comfort of a person on bicycle seat or provide cushioning for sports activities, however, none of them has been shown to substantially alleviate personal discomfort for patients having lipodystrophy, lipoatrophy, peripheral neuropathy, and/or sarcopenia.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,304 describes an undergarment with a pad that shapes and uplifts the lower buttocks for cosmetic reasons. Clearly, such undergarment is not suitable for patients with lipodystrophy, lipoatrophy, peripheral neuropathy, and/or sarcopenia and further fails to significantly cushion affected areas. In another example, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,969,216, an undergarment has a large unitary cushion that is configured to cover the buttocks area. While at least some protection is provided to the pericoxxigeal area, the side and back of the legs, and the waist area remains unprotected.

Still further known undergarments with a pair of cushioned inserts are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,894,867, in which the pads are relatively small and designed for sports events. Similarly, even smaller and very thin buttock-protecting pads are provided in a comfort garment as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,103,505 and 5,749,101. Sport pants with larger padding are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,328, in which inner, tight-fitting, and outer, loose-fitting shorts include inner and outer pads, respectively to provide cushioning to an in-line skater in case of a fall. While such garments are generally suitable for their intended purpose, the padding is either too small to effectively protect back and legs of a person, or the sports garment is too bulky to be worn as undergarment. In yet other known garments, the cushioning pad has a unitary construction that extends across the crotch and is typically used in bicycling shorts as depicted in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,961,233, 4,805,243, 5,365,610, and 5,271,101, and U.S. Pat. App. No. 2003/0131399. While such shorts typically significantly improve sitting comfort on a bicycle seat, the cushioning area is limited to the crotch area, which is of little or no help to a person suffering from lipodystrophy, lipoatrophy, peripheral neuropathy, and/or sarcopenia.

Therefore, while numerous padded pants and undergarments are known in the art, all or almost all of them suffer from one or more disadvantages. Thus, there is still a need for improved undergarments that effectively and discreetly provide cushioning for the legs, buttocks, and belt area of a person wearing such garment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to undergarments and methods therefor, and especially to form-fitted undergarments having a waist portion with a waist circumference and a leg portion with a leg circumference, wherein the ratio of the waist circumference to the leg circumference is higher than normal. Such undergarments include a padded area configured to provide preferably continuous protection extending from an upper area of the waist portion to a lower area of the leg portion such that the area of the buttocks and legs of a person contacting a seat (while sitting on a chair) are substantially completely covered by the padded area.

Most typically, the higher than normal ratio is characteristic of a person diagnosed with lipoatrophy, lipodystrophy, sarcopenia, HIV infection, a neoplastic disease, and/or chronic diabetes. For example, such contemplated ratios will be at least 1.9, and more typically at least 2.0 (as compared to a normal ratio of about 1.6 to 1.8, or lower). It is typically preferred that at least one of the waist portion and the leg portion comprises an elastic material, and/or the padded area extends to a substantially topmost and/or lowermost end of the waist portion and/or leg portion. Where desirable, the padded area is configured as an independent right and left area, wherein each area includes a removable pad. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the padded area and/or pad includes a plurality of vent openings and that it is further contoured to have a thicker than average thickness in the buttock area and optionally a thinner than average thickness in a peripheral area of the padded area.

In another aspect of the inventive subject matter, a method of providing symptomatic relief for a person suffering from HIV infection, chronic diabetes, neoplastic disease, lipoatrophy, lipodystrophy, and/or sarcopenia will comprise a step of providing the form-fitted undergarment according to inventive subject matter and a further optional step of informing the person that the undergarment reduces symptomatic discomfort associated with the conditions indicated above. Moreover, contemplated undergarments may also be of significant advantage where the patient is a geriatric patient as advanced age is often accompanied by loss of muscle tissue and/or fatty tissue in the buttocks and/or legs.

Alternatively, or additionally, a method of providing improved sitting comfort to a person is contemplated in which a form-fitted undergarment having a waist portion, a leg portion, and a padded area is provided, wherein the padded area is configured to provide protection extending from an upper area of the waist portion to a lower area of the lea portion such that the area of the buttocks and legs of a person contacting a seat (while sitting on a chair) are substantially completely (i.e., at least 90%, more typically at least 95%) covered by the padded area. In another step, the person is informed that the undergarment will provide reduction in at least one of pain, numbness, local hemostasis, and deep vein thrombosis when the garment is worn during a prolonged period of sitting (e.g., over at least one, more typically at least two, and most typically at least three hours). Most preferably, the padded area in such methods has an average thickness of between 0.5 inch to 1 inch, and is contoured to have a thinner than average thickness in a peripheral area of the padded area. Furthermore, it is generally preferred that the padded area is configured as an independent right and left area, wherein each area includes a removable pad.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a photograph of a front view of an exemplary undergarment according to the inventive subject matter.

FIG. 2 is a photograph of a rear view of the exemplary undergarment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a photograph of a padding insert of the exemplary undergarment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a photograph of the foam pad of the padding insert of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventor has discovered that quality of life of a person diagnosed with lipodystrophy, lipoatrophy, peripheral neuropathy, and/or sarcopenia can be significantly improved by providing a form-fitted undergarment that not only accommodates the altered anatomical features of such persons, but that also provides a relatively large padding to thereby reduce painful and potentially destructive pressure to the legs and buttocks during sitting.

It should be noted that patients diagnosed with the above conditions will typically exhibit a substantially reduced amount of muscle an or fat tissue in the buttock area and/or the posterior thigh area, which exposes muscles, nerves, and blood vessels to significant compression and thus renders sitting even over a relatively short period not only painful but also potentially dam acing to the compressed tissues. Unfortunately, loss of functional vasculature and neuropathic pain are often common in such compressed-tissues and further decrease sense of well-being for geriatric and/or patients diagnosed with the conditions listed above, Viewed from a different perspective, undergarments according to the inventive subject matter will not only distribute the weight of a sitting person from a few compression points to a relatively large area, but will also provide cushioning to the load-bearing surface of a body while the person is in a sitting position. Therefore, contemplated undergarments will significantly increase quality of life, allowing normal daily activities and social life, and thereby reducing depression and use of analgesics.

In one particularly preferred aspect of the inventive subject matter, the undergarment is configured as a form-fitting undergarment as depicted in FIG. 1. Here undergarment 100 has a to waist portion 110 with an elastic waistband 112 and optional drawstring 114. The leg portion 120 includes first and second legs 122A and 122B. Waist circumference is schematically indicated by arrow W, while leg circumference is schematically indicated by arrow L. In preferred aspects of the inventive subject matter, the ratio of the waist circumference W to leg circumference L in contemplated undergarments is higher (e.g., about 1.9-2.1) than a W to L ratio ordinarily encountered in form-fitted undergarments (e.g., about 1.6-1.8). While not limiting to the inventive subject matter, it is generally preferred that the waist is elasticized to allow a person to wear the undergarment above, at, or below the hip bones. Thus such garment can be worn with or without belt, or with loose or close fitted clothing.

Pads 130A and 130B are disposed in respective pouches (not shown), which are formed in the rear of the undergarment 100. FIG. 2 depicts a rear view of the undergarment 100 of FIG. 1. Here, the positioning and configuration of the pads 230A and 230B is more readily apparent. Most significantly, it should be noted that the pads in the exemplary embodiment are two separate pads that extend along the length X from the upper area of the waist portion to the lower area of the leg portion. In such exemplary undergarment, it should be noted that X is between about 75% to 95%, more typically about 80% to 95%, and most typically about 90% to 95% of the entire length of the garment. Similarly, the pads extend along the width Y from one side of the leg to the other side of the leg, wherein Y is typically at least 30% to 40%, and more typically at least 35% to 50% of the leg circumference L. The term “about” as used herein in conjunction with a numeral refers to a range of the numeral of +/−5%, inclusive.

FIG. 3 depicts the removable pad insert 330 of one side of the undergarment, while FIG. 4 shows the contoured foam pad that is normally contained in a textile envelope to thereby form the pad insert of FIG. 3. Here peripheral area 432 has a lower than average thickness (typically between ¼ inch and less than ¼ inch), while the area proximal and overlapping the buttock area 442 has a higher than average thickness (typically between more than ¾ inch and 1 inch). A substantially horizontal seam may be included that assists in formation of a pad shape similar to a normal anatomy of buttocks, Vent openings 436 and lateral cuts 438 assist in heat and moisture transport across the pad and further allow for extra deformation. Of course, while the exemplary undergarment of FIG. 1 is depicted for male users, it should be recognized that modifications known in the art can be made to accommodate female and/or pediatric users as well. It should be noted that contemplated pads and pad inserts may also have flex grooves and/or flex hinges that allow to the pad to conform to a persons anatomy while the person is moving. Among other advantages, such flexibility will reduce or even entirely eliminate the possibility for the undergarment to ride up or chaff during walking and sitting.

Thus, it should be recognized that a (preferably form-fitted) undergarment will typically include a waist portion with a waist circumference and a leg portion with a leg circumference, wherein the ratio of waist to leg circumference is higher than a normal ratio (see below). Such unusual ratio is not only considered beneficial in retaining the padded area in a desired place (prevents the pads from ‘flopping around’), but is also though to provide support for the anatomical areas covered. Where the fit is relatively tight, such support may also provide drainage and/or vascular support. It is further generally preferred that a padded area is included that is configured to provide protection that extends from an upper area of the waist portion to a lower area of the leg portion. The protection is typically such that the area of the buttocks and legs of a person contacting a seat (while sitting on a chair) are substantially completely covered by the padded area. The term “form-fitted” as used herein and with respect to a garment refers to a fit of a garment that generally follows the anatomy of a person. Therefore, and most typically, form-fitted undergarments will be in substantial complete (i.e., at least 80%, more typically at least 90%) contact with the persons body when worn by the person. While not limiting to the inventive subject matter, the waist portion and/or the leg potion will comprise an elastic material that assists in the form fit. As also used herein and with respect to a person, the term “ratio of waist to leg circumference is higher than a normal ratio” means that the person's leg circumference relative to the person's waist circumference is abnormally greater than the same ratio of an average healthy person. In most cases, a higher than normal ratio is observed where the leg circumference is significantly reduced due to lipoatrophy and/or sarcopenia (which may be precipitated by a disease and/or advanced age [e.g., older than 65, and more typically older than 75 years]). Such higher than normal ratio may also (and/or further) be precipitated by exacerbated lipid accumulation around a person's waist (e.g., due to lipodystrophy) while having a normal or reduced leg circumference.

For example, a healthy person with a waist circumference (measured at about the navel) of about 34 to 40 inches will typically have a leg circumference (measured at about midpoint between knee joint and hip Joint) of between about 20 and 24, resulting in a typical ratio of between about 1.60 to 1.80, and even lower. In contrast, in a person with abnormal and reduced leg circumference and possible increased waist circumference, the ratio will typically be between about 1.9 to 2.2, and even higher. Most commonly, and viewed from a different perspective, ratios that are considered higher than normal will be those characteristic of a person diagnosed with lipoatrophy, lipodystrophy, sarcopenia (e.g., due to HIV infection, neoplastic disease, advanced age, and/or chronic diabetes). For example, higher than normal ratios will be at least 1.85, more typically at least 1.9, even more typically at least 2.0, and most typically at least 2.1.

It is further generally preferred that the padded area in contemplated undergarments will extend to the substantially topmost end of the waist portion and/or the substantially lowermost end of the leg portion. Thus, the length X of the padded area is preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, even more preferably at least 90%, and most preferably at least 92% of the entire length of the undergarment. It should be noted that such extensive length of the padded area will not only provide the lower portion of the legs with sufficient padding, but also protect the spinal area around the iliac crest from pressure of a belt worn with pants. Thus, the upper end of the padding in at least some of the embodiments is configured such that the padding extends to a position that is at, or even above the iliac crest of the hip bone when the undergarment is worn. In less preferred aspects, however, the upper end of the padded area may also extend to a position below the iliac crest (e.g., 1 cm below, less preferably 2 cm below, and even less preferably 2-6 cm).

With respect to the lower end of the padding, it is typically preferred that the lower end extends (preferably at least) to a position that corresponds to a portion of a leg in contact with a chair when a person sits on a chair. Therefore, viewed from another perspective, the lower end of the padding extends to a position that corresponds to the lower point of attachment of the abductor longus to the femoral bone, and even lower (e.g., at least 1 cm, more typically at least 2 cm, and most typically at least 2-5 cm). Viewed from yet another perspective, the padding extends to a position that is about 30 cm above the knee, more typically between 30 cm and 20 cm above the knee, and most typically between 20 cm and 10 cm above the knee (when the undergarment is worn on a person). With respect to the width Y of the padded area in the leg portion, it is generally preferred that the padded area extends to at least 30% of the leg circumference, and more typically at least 40% of the leg circumference. Viewed from a different perspective, the width (and length) of the padding is preferably selected such that the padding will cover the entire area of a leg and buttocks that would otherwise make contact with a seat surface when the person wearing the undergarment is sitting on a chair. Consequently, it is contemplated that the ratio of padded area to the entire garment area (inside) is between about 20% to 80%, more typically between about 30% and 70%, and most typically between about 35% and 65%.

Most typically, the padded area comprises an independent right area and left area, each containing at least one padding element, which is most preferably a removable pad. However, in less preferred aspects, the padded area may also comprise a single padding element covering both sides of the body. The padded area and/or padding elements preferably comprise a plurality of vent openings through which moisture and heat can dissipate. It is still further preferred that the padded area and/or padding element is further contoured to enhance it's functional and/or esthetic character. For example, it is typically preferred that the padded area and/or padding elements have a thicker than average thickness in the buttock area while having a thinner than average thickness in the periphery of the padded area. The padding will preferably comprises a molded, or shaped and precut foam pad, which will typically be made of medical quality foam, high-grade furniture padding, memory foam, open cell foam, or other elastomeric material that will retain its shape over a prolonged period of use. Alternatively, it is also contemplated that the padded area may comprise a plurality of padded elements that can preferably be individually inserted, exchanged, and/or removed to either personalize the undergarment to a particular body shape, and/or to achieve a desirable body contour while wearing the undergarment. It should be noted that it is especially preferred that the undergarment according to the inventive subject matter is worn underneath a regular pair of pants, and that the undergarment will therefore serve at least two distinct functions. First and foremost, contemplated undergarments will reduce if not even eliminate subjective discomfort associated with sitting. Second, and especially where the wearer suffers from lipoatrophy and/or sarcopenia, contemplated undergarments will provide a more desirable body profile when worn with relatively tight fitting pants.

With respect to the padding material, it is generally contemplated that all elastic materials are suitable, however, especially preferred materials have an elasticity such that the padding is compressed to less than about 60% (or less than 30-50%, or less than 50-60%, but also less than 60-70%, and even higher) of full compression when a person's weight compresses the padding in use in garments contemplated herein. Therefore, suitable materials include high-grade synthetic foam commonly used in medical uses and or furniture trade, but also other materials, including memory foam optionally foamed polymers (e.g., polyurethane, polyethylene, etc.), and all reasonable combinations thereof. Furthermore, it should be recognized that the padding may have a thickness and/or density that is not even, especially where the material is molded. For example, areas of higher weight load may have a greater thickness as compared to areas where less weight load is commonly expected (e.g. side of the legs). Additionally, or alternatively, the padding may be configured such that a user can adjust the thickness (e.g., by adding or removing material).

In further aspects of the inventive subject matter, it is contemplated that the padding may be permanently coupled to the garment (e.g., directly sewn in, or enclosed in a pouch), or that the padding may be temporarily retained at a predetermined location (slipped into an envelope, attached via hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, etc.). Still further, in less preferred aspects, it is contemplated that the entire garment may be fabricated from a padding, wherein the areas to be protected correspond to areas contemplated above and are of greater thickness, while the non-protected areas may be fabricated from a relatively thin padding. The padding may thereby be added to the garment in a manner such that the padding or portion thereof forms a portion of a design element, or in a manner such that the padding is substantially invisible from the outside of the garment when the garment is worn on a person.

Regardless of the particular nature and configuration of the padding, it is contemplated that the non-padding portion of the undergarment may be formed from all materials known in the art, and particularly suitable materials include cotton, synthetic and natural fibers, wool, and all reasonable combinations thereof. For example, especially suitable materials include wicking fabrics, and particularly lycra, polyester, spandex, and all reasonable combinations thereof. Moreover, preferred materials also include fabric with added or built-in antimicrobial properties. Still further, it is contemplated that padding to reduce painful conditions (e.g., due to lipodystrophy, lipoatrophy, and/or sarcopenia) may be included in clothing articles other than undergarments. Therefore, contemplated alternative garments include shorts, pants, shirts, shoes, socks, etc., wherein the padding is provided in areas to reduce pressure to one or more anatomic structures. In still further contemplated aspects, the undergarment may also be made from a material with sufficient resiliency to allow formation of a compression garment that supports and compresses a wearers body.

Especially contemplated uses include those in which symptomatic relief from pain and other discomfort associated with HIV infection, chronic diabetes, neoplastic disease, lipoatrophy, lipodystrophy, sarcopenia, and/or advanced age is provided by wearing the undergarment according to the inventive subject matter. Additionally, the inventor observed that contemplated undergarments also provide relief from generalized or non-specific hip and pelvic pain, which may be due to injury, osteoarthritis, and or osteonecrosis (or other unknown etiology). Such methods may further include various steps of providing information that the undergarment will provide symptomatic relief, improve appearance, quality of life, and/or reduce pain in a person wearing the undergarment. Information may be provided in numerous manners, including pictorial information, written description, and/or auditory information. Consequently, advantages and properties of contemplated undergarments may be advertised on a sales brochure, on the packaging in which the undergarment is contained, in websites, etc. Therefore, target markets for such undergarments will include geriatric patients, HIV patients, post-surgical patients with hip and/or thigh bone surgery.

Further contemplated uses include those for healthy persons that are subject to relatively long periods of sitting. For example, a method of providing improved sitting comfort to a person may include a step in which a form-fitted undergarment having a waist portion, a leg portion, and a padded area is provided, wherein the padded area is configured to provide protection extending from an upper area of the waist portion to a lower area of the leg portion such that buttocks and legs of a person contacting a seat while sitting on a chair are substantially completely covered by the padded area (average thickness of between 0.5 inch to 1 inch), In another step, the person is informed that the undergarment provides reduction in at least one of pain, numbness, local hemostasis, and deep vein thrombosis when the garment is worn during a period of sitting over at least three hours. While such persons are typically of advanced age, younger persons are also expressly contemplated herein. With respect to the undergarment, materials, and dimensions, similar, or even same considerations as described above apply.

Thus, specific embodiments and applications of functional undergarments have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Furthermore, where a definition or use of a term in a reference, which is incorporated by reference herein is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

Claims

1. An item of manufacture, comprising:

a form-fitted undergarment comprising a waist portion having a waist circumference and a leg portion having a leg circumference, wherein a ratio of the waist circumference to the leg circumference is higher than a normal ratio; and

a padded area that is configured to provide protection extending from an upper area of the waist portion to a lower area of the leg portion such that buttocks and legs of a person contacting a seat while sitting on a chair are substantially completely covered by the padded area.

2. The item of claim 1 wherein at least one of the waist portion and the leg portion comprises an elastic material.

3. The item of claim 1 wherein the ratio is characteristic of a person diagnosed with at least one of lipoatrophy, lipodystrophy, and sarcopenia.

4. The item of claim 1 wherein the ratio is further characteristic of the person diagnosed with at least one of an HIV infection, a neoplastic disease, advanced age, and chronic diabetes.

5. The item of claim 1 wherein the ratio is at least 1.9.

6. The item of claim 1 wherein the ratio is at least 2.0.

7. The item of claim 1 wherein the padded area extends to a substantially topmost end of the waist portion.

8. The item of claim 1 wherein the padded area extends to a substantially lowermost end of the leg portion.

9. The item of claim 1 wherein the padded area is configured as an independent right and left area, and wherein each area includes a removable pad.

10. The item of claim 1 wherein the padded area comprises a plurality of vent openings and is further contoured to have a thicker than average thickness in a buttock area.

11. The item of claim 10 wherein the padded area is further contoured to have a thinner than average thickness in a peripheral area of the padded area.

12. A method of providing symptomatic relief for a person suffering from at least one of HIV infection, chronic diabetes, neoplastic disease, lipoatrophy, lipodystrophy, and sarcopenia comprising a step of providing the form-fitted undergarment according to claim 1.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the ratio is at least 1.9.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein the ratio is at least 2.0.

15. The method of claim 12 wherein the padded area is configured as an independent right and left area, and wherein each area includes a removable pad.

16. The method of claim 12 wherein the padded area comprises a plurality of vent openings and is further contoured to have a thicker than average thickness in a buttock area.

17. A method of providing improved sitting comfort to a person, comprising:

providing a form-fitted undergarment comprising a waist portion and a leg portion, and further comprising a padded area;

wherein the padded area is configured to provide protection extending from an upper area of the waist portion to a lower area of the leg portion such that buttocks and legs of a person contacting a seat while sitting on a chair are substantially completely covered by the padded area; and

informing the person that the undergarment provides reduction in at least one of pain, numbness, local hemostasis, and deep vein thrombosis when the garment is worn during a period of sitting over at least three hours.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the padded area has an average thickness of between 0.5 inch to 1 inch.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein the padded area is contoured to have a thinner than average thickness in a peripheral area of the padded area.

20. The method of claim 17 wherein the padded area is configured as an independent right and left area, and wherein each area includes a removable pad.