Abstract: A protective undergarment, such as a diaper, includes a sling that is suspended from an outer shell. The sling forms a pocket in which a reusable or disposable absorbent pad can be positioned. The sling has an S-pocket or overlapping pocket at the front end and a cuff at the rear end. The cuff forms a slimmer outer profile than the S-pocket or overlapping pocket and is used only in the rear where leakage is not as significant as at the front. The S-pocket or overlapping pocket and the cuff are both suspended from bumper strips that extend from the waistband. Rectangular hook and loop fasteners and extension members allow a diaper to fit wearers of different waist size.

Abstract: A protective undergarment having an outer layer of fluid-resistant material shaped to conform to the buttock and leg region of a user, and an elongated sling of material connected to the outer layer. Opposite sides of the sling are bowed inward and joined together at a first end of the sling to form a first pocket part for retaining one end of a fluid absorbent pad. A cuff is connected between the first end of the sling and the outer layer. The second end of the sling is connected to the outer layer, and an intermediate portion of the sling between the first and second ends of the sling is folded longitudinally into an S-shape so as to provide three plies of the material establishing a second pocket part for retaining an opposite end of the fluid absorbent pad.

Abstract: A protective undergarment comprises an outer layer of fluid-resistant material shaped to conform to the buttock and leg region of a user, and an elongated sling of material connected to the outer layer. Opposite sides of the sling are bowed inward and joined together at a first end of the sling to form a first pocket part for retaining one end of a fluid absorbent pad. A cuff is connected between the first end of the sling and the outer layer. The second end of the sling is connected to the outer layer, and an intermediate portion of the sling between the first and second ends of the sling is folded longitudinally into an S-shape so as to provide three plies of the material establishing a second pocket part for retaining an opposite end of the fluid absorbent pad.

Abstract: A reusable infant or adult diaper with an inner anchored pocketed sling structure adjoining an outer shell or pant-type garment. The outer shell or garment fits the wearer's torso and legs, and the inner anchored sling fits and conforms to the wearer's pubic region. Included are mechanisms to fasten and remove the anchored sling from underwear and to stabilize and/or anchor the sling when retrofitted to conventional underwear.

Abstract: A protective undergarment in the form of, for example, a short having a waistband together with extending portions of material shaped to conform to the buttock and leg region of a user, and an elongated sling of material having opposite ends connected to the waistband and frontal and rear parts of the short. Parts of the sling between its ends are folded longitudinally into complimentary S-shapes so as, at each fold, to provide three plies of the material establishing a pocket part for retaining an end of a fluid absorbent pad.

Abstract: A reusable infant or adult diaper with an inner anchored pocketed sling structure adjoining an outer shell or pant-type garment. The outer shell or garment fits the wearer's torso and legs, and the inner-anchored sling fits and conforms to the wearer's pubic region. Included are mechanisms to fasten and remove the anchored sling from underwear and to stabilize and/or anchor the sling when retrofitted to conventional underwear.

Abstract: A reusable infant or adult diaper comprising an inner anchored pocketed sling structure adjoining an outer shell or pant-type garment. The outer shell or garment fits the wearer's torso and legs, and the inner anchored sling fits and conforms to the wearer's pubic region. One embodiment of the invention includes mechanisms to fasten and remove the anchored sling from underwear. Other embodiments provide novel mechanisms to stabilize and/or anchor the sling when retrofitted to conventional underwear.

Abstract: A protective undergarment comprises an outer layer of fluid-resistant material shaped to conform to the buttock and leg region of a user, and an elongated sling of material connected to the outer layer. Opposite sides of the sling are bowed inward and joined together at a first end of the sling to form a first pocket part for retaining one end of a fluid absorbent pad. A cuff is connected between the first end of the sling and the outer layer. The second end of the sling is connected to the outer layer, and an intermediate portion of the sling between the first and second ends of the sling is folded longitudinally into an S-shape so as to provide three plies of the material establishing a second pocket part for retaining an opposite end of the fluid absorbent pad.

Abstract: A protective undergarment having an outer shell of fluid resistant material and a fluid containment sling of fluid resistant material connected to the inner surface of the shell and adapted to receive and retain a fluid absorbent pad. The ends of the shell are folded in to establish frontal and rear bumpers. One end of the sling is folded under the frontal bumper to form a pocket that is attached to and hidden beneath the frontal bumper, and remains open to receive one end of the fluid absorbent pad. The other end of the sling is attached to the rear bumper. This construction accommodates a pad of greater length for improved absorption without increasing the length of the shell. Methods of constructing protective undergarments with unique hidden pocket slings and fasteners are described.

Abstract: A tailored diaper or diaper cover is constructed of a waterproof diaper shell enclosing an elongated sling of waterproof or non-waterproof material having its upper and lower ends attached to, and its opposite sides free and floating on, the shell. A fluid absorbent pad on the inner surface of the sling is circumscribed by the waterproof material of the sling so as to establish a channel to entrap and isolate fluid from the shell. The lines of attachment between the waterproof and fluid absorbent materials at the upper and lower ends of the sling are arcuate, and the periphery of the sling is covered by elastic trim, causing the sling and pad to cup the pubis of a user when the diaper is worn. Entrapment of fluid within the sling may be enhanced by different pad inserts. A washable pad of novel "butterfly" construction within the diaper or diaper cover enhances fluid absorption and drying.

Abstract: A tailored diaper or diaper cover is constructed of a waterproof diaper shell enclosing an elongated sling of waterproof material having its upper and lower ends attached to, and its opposite sides free and floating on, the shell. A fluid absorbent pad on the inner surface of the sling is circumscribed by the waterproof material of the sling so as to establish a channel to entrap and isolate fluid from the shell. The lines of attachment between the waterproof and fluid absorbent materials at the upper and lower ends of the sling are arcuate, and the periphery of the sling is covered by elastic trim, causing the sling and pad to cup the pubis of a user when the diaper is worn. Entrapment of fluid within the sling may be enhanced by jell pad inserts. A washable pad of novel "butterfly" construction within the diaper or diaper cover enhances fluid absorption and drying.

Abstract: A reusable infant or adult diaper comprises a fluid absorbent pad on the inner surface of a waterproof, hourglass-shaped, diaper shell. Extending from the rear corners of the diaper shell is a pair of fastener tabs carrying filamentary hook fastener material. Slightly larger strips of filamentary loop material on the inner surface of the diaper shell cover the fastener tabs during washing to protect the filamentary hook material from buildup of lint. Each fastener tab and its cover, assembled to the diaper shell by a single continuous line of stitching and turned to the inside of the diaper, presents a finished edge at a corner of the diaper shell. The diaper is fitted to the infant or adult by wrapping the shell around the pelvic region and coupling the fastener tabs to a pair of strips carrying filamentary loop material and arranged in a V-pattern on the front of the diaper.

Abstract: A tailored diaper or diaper cover is constructed of a waterproof diaper shell enclosing an elongated sling of waterproof or non-waterproof material having its upper and lower ends attached to, and its opposite sides free and floating on, the shell. A fluid absorbent pad on the inner surface of the sling is circumscribed by the waterproof material of the sling so as to establish a channel to entrap and isolate fluid from the shell. The lines of attachment between the waterproof and fluid absorbent materials at the upper and lower ends of the sling are arcuate, and the periphery of the sling is covered by elastic trim, causing the sling and pad to cup the pubis of a user when the diaper is worn. Entrapment of fluid within the sling may be enhanced by different pad inserts. A washable pad of novel "butterfly" construction within the diaper or diaper cover enhances fluid absorption and drying.

Abstract: A tailored diaper or diaper cover is constructed of a waterproof diaper shell enclosing an elongated sling of waterproof material having its upper and lower ends attached to, and its opposite sides free and floating on, the shell. A fluid absorbent pad on the inner surface of the sling is circumscribed by the waterproof material of the sling so as to establish a channel to entrap and isolate fluid from the shell. The lines of attachment between the waterproof and fluid absorbent materials at the upper and lower ends of the sling are arcuate, and the periphery of the sling is covered by elastic trim, causing the sling and pad to cup the pubis of a user when the diaper is worn. Entrapment of fluid within the sling may be enhanced by gel pad inserts. A washable pad of novel "butterfly" construction within the diaper or diaper cover enhances fluid absorption and drying.