MALE UNDERGARMENT TO PROTECT AGAINST EXCESS HEAT, MOISTURE, AND FRICTION

Abstract

A novel genital support undergarment for men is disclosed comprising a material pouch which supports male genitalia such that in use a back edge of the pouch tucks underneath the scrotum above a lowest point of the pouch. The back edge includes a thickened material seam that contacts the scrotum of the user. The pouch is a soft material and can be simply attached to an elastic waistband or affixed to a larger undergarment, such as briefs or boxers. No strap or other material between the legs is used to connect the bottom of the pouch to a waistband at the back.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to male undergarments. More particularly, this invention relates to male undergarments designed to promote men's health and wellness.

2. Description of the Related Art

Previously, several differing types of male undergarments were designed to either protect or support male genitalia. More common examples of such male undergarments are jock-straps, thongs, and tangas. More traditional and cultural examples include the fundoshi and kaupina. While many of these provide some support and protection from chafing between the genitalia and the legs, all of these items have either a string or a strap to connect the front panel of the undergarment to the back portion of the waistband. The jock-strap has two, one on either side that connect the front cup to the waistband. Tangas and kaupina are essentially a front panel and a back panel, attached together by string and worn similar to briefs. Thongs and fundoshi have a strand of cloth that run from the bottom of the front panel to the bottom of the waistband in the back. However, none of these items offer stand-alone and strapless support for the genitalia. A few examples of the prior art are described.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,284,632, issued Nov. 12, 1918, by Fine, describes a suspensory jock-strap that has relation to improvements in suspensory bandages, and the object of the invention is to provide a bandage.

International Application Publication No. WO1989007896, published Sep. 8, 1989, by Bergman discloses a strapless and cupless athletic support with front and rear parts of a fabric material, preferably a cotton/Lycra fabric, with the front part being of a piece of flat fabric not in the shape of a pocket or pouch. The front and rear parts are attached or stitched to a waistband and can be in two separate parts to connect along three seams or made from one sheet of fabric. Preferably, the front part is of a double thickness of fabric with a pocket between the fabric layers to receive a protective guard therebetween. The double thickness layers are preferably identical. Conveniently, the junction of the front and rear parts is at the waistband leaving a high cut leg line at the upper thigh/hip portion. Advantageously the stitching throughout the jockstrap comprises reverse stitching to provide a smooth interior surface to the jockstrap. This type of supporter focuses on not having any shape of a pouch within its design. Instead, it relies on elastic fabrics to support the penis and genitalia.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,128,675, published Mar. 6, 2012, by Nahhas, discloses a cooling apparatus (and method) for reducing the risk of, and/or alleviating, male infertility, particularly in a heated environment, includes: a pouch to enclose the scrotal area of the male user; a thermoelectric cooling device to be worn by the male user at a distance from the pouch; and a fluid pump also to be worn by the male user for pumping a cooling fluid from the cold side of the thermoelectric cooling device to the pouch, and a cooling fluid over the hot side of the thermoelectric cooling device to dissipate the heat generated therein to the atmosphere. The thermoelectric cooling device and pump are incorporated in a waistband to be worn around the waist of the male user.

The Go Softwear Strapless Jock is a jock strap without any straps. This garment is designed for appearance rather than function. The garment includes a waistband having elastic at a top edge and a contoured pouch with elastic trim which merges into the waistband to provide a bottom edge of elastic as well. The pouch is formed and supported directly by the tension associated with the waist band and its own elastic trim. This tension creates a direct adverse effect on the backside of the scrotum that is incompatible with long term comfort. Because the lower seam merges into the waistband along a nearly horizontal line, the seam does not rise far enough underneath the backside of the scrotum leaving a significant, critical gap. In addition, the material of this product is a cotton and lycra blend that does not absorb sweat/moisture well resulting in an irritating effect when worn for an extended period of time, particularly in warm conditions.

Other products currently marketed include the Good Devil Suspended Pouch and the Male Power Branded Elastic Power Sock from Freshpair.com. This jock is also strapless and includes an elastic waistband. Like the Go Softwear product, these products are designed for appearance rather than function. The genital pouch does not surround the scrotum at a high point behind, only enclosing the genitals from the front. These products also do not absorb sweat/moisture well resulting in an irritating effect when worn for an extended period of time, particularly in warm conditions.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need in the art for male undergarment apparatuses and methods that offer improved protection against heat, friction, and moisture for male genitalia. There is also a need for such apparatuses and methods that offer stand-alone and strapless support for male genitals to aid in the prevention and relief of rashes and/or infections. There is further a need for such undergarments to be readily manufacturable. These and other needs are met by the present invention as detailed hereafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a novel genital support garment for men. The garment comprises a material pouch which supports male genitals such that in use a back edge of the pouch cups behind the testicles above a lowest point of the pouch. The back edge includes a thickened material edge. The pouch can be simply attached to an elastic waistband or affixed to a larger undergarment, such as briefs or boxers. No strap or other material between the legs is used to connect the bottom of the pouch to a waistband at the back.

A typical embodiment of the invention comprises an undergarment for covering, supporting, and preventing excess moisture on male genitals, including a contoured pouch of soft, absorbent fabric to hold both penis and scrotum of a wearer in use such that a top edge of the contoured pouch is disposed at a waist of the wearer and a back edge of the contoured pouch is disposed tucked up behind a back side of the scrotum of the wearer and a seam around the pouch edge, the seam at the back edge having a thickened material portion such that in use the thickened material portion contacts the back side of the scrotum of the wearer. The soft, absorbent fabric can comprises cotton and/or lycra.

The contoured pouch can comprise mirrored halves of material sewn together along a central seam. Typically, the central seam can intersect the seam around the edge of the pouch at the back edge. The mirrored halves can comprise a single material piece or a pair of separate material pieces. The thickened material portion of the seam can comprise a separate material piece sewn folded over the pouch edge or a sewn folded over edge of the soft, absorbent fabric. The seam around the edge of the contoured pouch can comprise an overlock with single needle down stitch.

In further embodiments, the undergarment can further comprise a waistband affixed to the contoured pouch at a top edge of the contoured pouch. The waistband can comprise an elastic material. Alternately, the contoured pouch can be further affixed to a pants garment at least proximate to the waistband at a top edge of the contoured pouch. The pants garment can be selected from the group consisting of briefs, boxers, long underwear, pants, and shorts.

In a similar manner, a typical method embodiment of producing an undergarment for covering, supporting, and preventing excess moisture on male genitals, comprises the steps of sewing a contoured pouch of soft, absorbent fabric, the contoured pouch shaped to hold both penis and scrotum of a wearer in use such that a top edge of the contoured pouch is disposed at a waist of the wearer and a back edge of the contoured pouch is disposed tucked up behind a back side of the scrotum of the wearer, sewing a seam around the pouch edge, and sewing the seam at the back edge to have a thickened material portion such that in use the thickened material portion contacts the back side of the scrotum of the wearer. This method embodiment of the invention can be further modified consistent with any undergarment embodiment described herein.

Another undergarment embodiment for covering, supporting, and preventing excess moisture on male genitals, can comprise a contoured pouch means for holding both penis and scrotum of a wearer in use such that a top edge of the contoured pouch means is disposed at a waist of the wearer and a back edge of the contoured pouch means is disposed tucked up behind a back side of the scrotum of the wearer, and a seam around the pouch edge, the seam at the back edge having a thickened material portion means for contacting the back side of the scrotum of the wearer. This undergarment embodiment of the invention can be further modified consistent with any undergarment or method embodiment described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1A is the view of the pouch in a basic undergarment from the left side;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the pouch in the basic undergarment from the top;

FIGS. 1C-1E show exemplary detailed construction of the thickened material portion disposed along a back edge of the pouch;

FIGS. 1F and 1G show exemplary fabric patterns for construction of the pouch;

FIG. 2 is a view of a more rugged embodiment of the invention from the right side; and

FIG. 3 is a frontal view of the pouch incorporated into a sports brief.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

1. Overview

As previously mentioned, embodiments of the present invention encompass male undergarments designed to protect the groin region from problems associated with excess heat, moisture, and friction, which normal undergarments cannot address. One exemplary embodiment comprises an pouch to support male genitalia that is attached to a waistband. The seam touches the skin of the wearer. The pouch also has additional material at the base of the seam on the back edge, which tucks underneath the scrotum to hold and further support the genitalia. In further embodiments, the pouch can be attached at or near the waistband of other suitable pant garments.

Although there are other undergarments employing a pouch supported from the top to hold the male genitals, none employ the unique combination of features as embodiments of the present invention. Notably, embodiments of the present invention incorporate a novel seam having a thickened material portion disposed along a back edge of the pouch at the base. This additional material at the base of the pouch increases the support and absorption qualities in this critical heat zone. In addition, the pouch is shaped so that it tucks up underneath the scrotum, further enhancing the support and absorption qualities.

The Go Softwear product and the Freshpair products also provide a pouch for male genitalia. However, in contrast the design, material, and intended function are quite different from that of the present invention. These products are designed primarily for appearance, whereas embodiments of the present invention are designed to provide support while protecting against heat, friction, and moisture. Particularly, extra material at the back edge of the pouch in the present invention serves to hold and support the genitalia and also reduce moisture and chafing in the area. The pouch of the present invention, while soft and flexible, provides greater structural support than the Go Softwear Strapless Jock or the Freshpair products. The Go Softwear Strapless Jock and the Freshpair products do not include any thickened material portion disposed along a back edge of the pouch at the base.

Furthermore, the Go Softwear pouch is formed and supported directly by lateral tension associated with the waist band. This lateral tension is due to the fact that the edge of the pouch of the Go Softwear pouch merges into the waistband tangentially, rather than substantially vertically as with embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the Go Softwear product employs separate elastic around the pouch which then merges directly into a lower edge of the waistband. Accordingly, the entire pouch of the Go Softwear product has an elastic edge coupled directly into elastic of the waistband which creates lateral tension across the back of the pouch. This lateral tension creates a direct adverse effect on the backside of the scrotum that is not intended for long term comfort. Because the entire edge of the pouch is elastic and directly connected to the waist band, the backside of the pouch does not rise far enough behind the scrotum leaving a significant, critical gap. In addition, the material of this product is a cotton/lycra blend that does not absorb sweat/moisture well resulting in an irritating effect when worn for an extended period of time in warm conditions. In contrast, the present invention is contoured and formed specifically with the genitalia in mind. Extra material at the base of the present invention's pouch serves to hold and support the genitalia. The present invention's pouch, while soft and flexible, provides greater structural support than the Go Softwear Strapless Jock.

2. Novel Pouch for Male Undergarment

Embodiments of the present invention encompass a male genital support undergarment designed to provide direct containment support, protection against perspiration, as well as provide a layer of separation between the genitals and the inner thighs to minimize the impact of heat and friction. These attributes inherently aid in extending male hygiene in-between showers, which helps promote health and well-being in this region of the male anatomy. In addition, embodiments of the present invention can also enable healing to occur rapidly when recovering from ailments such as jock itch, rashes, scratches, and chafing burns. The essential element for embodiments of the invention comprises a unique pouch which covers, supports, and prevents excess moisture on male genitals. In the most basic form, the pouch can be simply attached to an elastic waistband.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate the pouch in a basic undergarment 100 in left side and perspective views, respectively. The undergarment 100 comprises a contoured pouch 102 of soft, absorbent fabric to hold both penis and scrotum of a wearer in use such that a top edge 110 of the contoured pouch 102 is disposed at a waist of the wearer and a back edge 106 of the contoured pouch is disposed tucked up behind a back side of the scrotum of the wearer. The pouch 102 includes a seam 104 around the pouch edge. Significantly, the seam 104 at the back edge 106 includes a thickened material portion 112 such that in use the thickened material portion 112 contacts the back side of the scrotum of the wearer. This thickened material portion 112 aids in supporting, absorbing moisture and reducing irritation.

In use, the contoured pouch 102 is held its top edge 110. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B the pouch 102 is affixed at its top edge 110 to a waistband 108. Typically, the waistband 108 is an elastic material. However, it is also conceivable that a non-elastic waistband can be employed, e.g. with a drawstring. Any known suitable type of waistband can be implemented with embodiments of the invention as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

It should be noted that the seam 104 around the edge of the contoured pouch 102, particularly where the pouch meets the waistband, does not employ an elastic. However, it is possible for a some elastic to be used only in the area of the 0 material portion as will be described hereafter. Elastic around the edge seam 104 of the contoured pouch 102 into the waistband would cause irritation over long periods, particularly in warm environments.

In one exemplary embodiment, the undergarment 100 can be constructed using high quality thick cotton, such as typical T-shirt material. The undergarment includes a simple elastic waistband 108, along with a uniquely crafted pouch 102 designed to hold the male genitalia. Key features that make this embodiment unique include an enclosed pouch 102 that is double layered with cotton to provide structural integrity, resilience, and increased moisture absorption. The seam 104 around the edge of the pouch 102 touches the skin and is folded over and sewn to provide additional material to increase absorption. Additional seam material is also located at the back edge 106 of the pouch 102, which tucks up underneath the scrotum, increases the support and absorption qualities in this critical heat zone. These seams 104, 112 along the pouch edge provide additional structure to the pouch itself, so that only the top portion of the pouch is attached to the waistband, while the portion surrounding the genitalia is not directly attached to the waistband.

FIGS. 1C-1E show exemplary detailed construction of the thickened material portion 112 disposed along a back edge 106 of the pouch 102. The specific construction of the thickened material portion 112 can be accomplished using different techniques. The result in all cases provides a back edge 106 portion of the edge seam 104 of the pouch 102 that is thicker than the remainder of the edge seam 104. This is illustrated by the thicker seam portion 114 at the back edge 106 and the thinner seam portion 116 elsewhere around the pouch 102. In some embodiments, the edge seam 104 can comprises an overlock stitch of some type as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the back edge of the pouch can also include an elastic or retractable and expandable seam that can readily adjust to different size genitals while maintaining comfort. Those skilled in the art will understand that Computer Aided Design (CAD) instructions can be developed to drive a plotter to add extra end of cotton near the base/rear of the pouch to add extra material and provide increased structural integrity. Spandex can also be added in this same manner or a blend of both cotton and spandex.

In the example of FIG. 1C, the thickened material portion 114 is formed by altering the stitch in the area to increase the thickness, e.g. by overstitching, stitching additional folded over material (compared with the remainder of the pouch edge) or any other suitable known technique for changing the local material thickness from specialized stitching. It should also be noted that the thickened material portion 114 can be formed from extra material being folded over the edge of the pouch in this area (or even a rolled piece or even stuffing disposed in the rolled over seam) and sewn into place.

In the example of FIG. 1D, the thickened material portion 114 is formed by stitching a separate piece 118 of material over the back edge 106 of the pouch 102. The separate piece 118 can be from the same material as the pouch 102 or any suitable alternate material suitable for absorption and/or heat dissipation.

In the example of FIG. 1E, the thickened material portion 114 is formed by stitching a short piece of elastic into the back edge to form gathers 120 into the pouch material at the back edge 106 of the pouch 102 as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The gathers 120 can be altered to yield the appropriate thickened material portion 114. Particularly, the use of gathers 120 can be readily and cheaply implemented into mass production. Note that this small section of elastic is completely disconnected from the waistband and is limited to the area at the back edge to provide the thickened material portion 114.

FIGS. 1F and 1G show exemplary fabric patterns for construction of the pouch 102. Both patterns comprise mirrored halves 130A, 130B of material sewn together along a central seam 126. The top edge 110 is where the pouch is attached to the waistband. These material patterns are only examples to illustrate certain key features. The pouch edge seam 104 is formed by the right and left sides of the patterned material after the central seam 126 is sewn together. When the pouch is formed, the central seam intersects the seam 104 around the edge of the pouch at the back edge 106. It can be seen from the patterns that the pouch bottom is lower than the back edge as shown by the height difference 122 between the bottom edge of the pattern and the location for the back edge 106 of the pouch.

FIG. 1F illustrates a pattern where the mirrored halves 130A, 130B comprise a single material piece which is folded along the dotted line 128 when the central seam 126 is sewn. FIG. 1G illustrates a pattern where the mirrored halves 130A, 130B comprise a pair of separate material pieces. In this case, there is no folding line 128; the central seam 126 joins the separate material pieces together. It should be noted that other material patterns are also possible employing additional separate material pieces as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The curve of the pouch is formed by the seam line (including the fold if applicable) which made so that when a man puts the pouch on, it cups the entire genitals extending all the way up in the back where the scrotum meets the inner thighs.

FIG. 2 is a view of a more rugged undergarment 200 embodiment of the invention from the right side. The basic components and features are the same as with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. However, in this case the front area of the pouch 202 includes sewn in padding material 204. This padded pouch 202 can provide extra support for various non-contact sports. This embodiment 200 can include woven in padded material that houses thin sheets of impact resistant plastic sheets yielding a degree of impact protection.

Embodiments of the invention can also incorporate further features. For example, material for the pouch can include anti-microbial properties to help promote hygiene. Beyond cotton, more advanced, innovative materials are now available that can be employed in embodiments of the invention to wick moisture away from body and help cool body temperature by up to 3° F. In some embodiments, special materials can be used, e.g. including microscopic jade embedded in to the fabric to further reduce temperatures. Other materials, such as a 90% modal, 10% lycra blend can also be used.

3. Other Male Undergarments Employing Novel Pouch

As previously mentioned, the novel pouch can also be incorporated into other undergarments, e.g. attached at or near the waistband of a brief or boxer undergarment or even any other suitable pant garments. For example, the novel pouch can be affixed to a brief or boxer undergarment. The attachment can be fixed, e.g. by sewing, or even removable, e.g. with hook and loop material (Velcro®). An example pants undergarment version is described here.

Although the top edge of the pouch is typically affixed directly to a waistband, if employed as part of a pants garment having a waistband, the pouch need only be affixed proximate the waistband (on the pants material) provided the waistband supports the pants on the wearer. Typically, the attached pants garment can be briefs, boxers, long underwear, pants, shorts or any other suitable closed leg garment.

FIG. 3 is a frontal view of the pouch 102 incorporated into a conventional sports brief 300. The basic components and features are the same as with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Integrated novel pouch can be incorporated into a sports or casual boxer brief as shown. (The brief can be considered inside-out to show the pouch 102.) The pouch 102 can be wholly integrated into the brief where it is only attached at or near the waistband 108. Or, the front of boxer brief, with either a traditional fly opening with a button or a ¾ inch overlap type opening, can include a convenient easy access opening directly in front of the pouch 102.

Further embodiments of the invention can include the novel pouch in a medical version that can be issued to patients for temporary recovery purposes. Swimming or surfing shorts can employ an integrated pouch constructed from mesh or net material for quick drying. Military underwear can include the novel pouch to help improve and prolong proper hygiene in challenging environments and prolonged engagements when showers are not available. The novel pouch can be implemented in compression shorts (e.g. for soccer) to provide overall support with an increased degree of genital protection as compared to a rigid plastic cup that is required for sports like baseball and football; the rigid cup can impede movement in sports like soccer. Smaller versions, e.g. for children, can provide all normal pouch functions. An outdoor version from suitable materials, e.g. for hikers or campers, can be hand washed and hung out to dry overnight. In addition, in almost all cases the pouch can be considered “reversible” such that it can be worn a second time in-between cleanings.

This concludes the description including the preferred embodiments of the present invention. The foregoing description including the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the foregoing teachings. Additional variations of the present invention may be devised without departing from the inventive concept as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An undergarment for covering, supporting, and preventing excess moisture on male genitals, comprising:

a contoured pouch of soft, absorbent fabric to hold both penis and scrotum of a wearer in use such that a top edge of the contoured pouch is disposed at a waist of the wearer and a back edge of the contoured pouch is disposed tucked up behind a back side of the scrotum of the wearer; and

a seam around the pouch edge, the seam at the back edge having a thickened material portion such that in use the thickened material portion contacts the back side of the scrotum of the wearer.

2. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the contoured pouch comprises mirrored halves of material sewn together along a central seam.

3. The undergarment of claim 2, wherein the central seam intersects the seam around the edge of the pouch at the back edge.

4. The undergarment of claim 2, wherein the mirrored halves comprise a single material piece.

5. The undergarment of claim 2, wherein the mirrored halves comprise a pair of separate material pieces.

6. The undergarment of claim 1, further comprising a waistband affixed to the contoured pouch at a top edge of the contoured pouch.

7. The undergarment of claim 6, wherein the waistband comprises an elastic material.

8. The undergarment of claim 6, wherein the waistband is further affixed to a pants garment.

9. The undergarment of claim 1, further comprising a pants garment having a waistband;

wherein the contoured pouch is affixed at least proximate to the waistband at a top edge of the contoured pouch.

10. The undergarment of claim 9, wherein the pants garment is selected from the group consisting of briefs, boxers, long underwear, pants, and shorts.

11. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the soft, absorbent fabric comprises cotton.

12. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the soft, absorbent fabric comprises lycra.

13. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the thickened material portion of the seam comprises a separate material piece sewn folded over the pouch edge.

14. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the thickened material portion of the seam comprises a sewn folded over edge of the soft, absorbent fabric.

15. A method of producing an undergarment for covering, supporting, and preventing excess moisture on male genitals, comprising the steps of:

sewing a contoured pouch of soft, absorbent fabric, the contoured pouch shaped to hold both penis and scrotum of a wearer in use such that a top edge of the contoured pouch is disposed at a waist of the wearer and a back edge of the contoured pouch is disposed tucked up behind a back side of the scrotum of the wearer;

sewing a seam around the pouch edge; and

sewing the seam at the back edge to have a thickened material portion such that in use the thickened material portion contacts the back side of the scrotum of the wearer.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising affixing the contoured pouch at a top edge of the contoured pouch proximate to a waistband.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein sewing the contoured pouch comprises sewing together mirrored halves of material along a central seam.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the central seam intersects the seam around the edge of the pouch at the back edge.

19. An undergarment for covering, supporting, and preventing excess moisture on male genitals, comprising:

a contoured pouch means for holding both penis and scrotum of a wearer in use such that a top edge of the contoured pouch means is disposed at a waist of the wearer and a back edge of the contoured pouch means is disposed tucked up behind a back side of the scrotum of the wearer; and

a seam around the pouch edge, the seam at the back edge having a thickened material portion means for contacting the back side of the scrotum of the wearer.