ERGONOMICALLY CORRECT UNDERWEAR

Abstract

A garment that includes a waistband, a first strap, and a second strap. The waistband has a front portion opposite a back portion. Each of the first and second straps extends from the front portion to the back portion. The first strap is configured to cross the second strap at a crossover location alongside a selected anatomical region. The first and second straps are configured to apply pressure to the selected anatomical region.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed generally to articles of manufacture configured to provide support to a woman's pelvic floor.

Description of the Related Art

Referring to FIG. 1, anatomically, a “pelvic floor” area or pelvic floor hammock 10 extends from the pubic bone 12 to the tailbone 14. The pelvic floor hammock 10 inserts into the pubic bone 12 in the front, the tailbone 14 in the back, and sidewalls 16 and 18 of the pelvis 20 along both the left and right sides. A perineal body 30 is positioned at the center of the pelvic floor hammock 10 and supports the pelvic floor hammock 10. The perineal body 30 is positioned at the intersection of a muscle group called the urogenital diaphragm 32 and perianal muscle groups 34. Together these muscle groups define an X-shaped structure 36 with the perineal body 30 (or the perineum) being positioned at the center (or crossover point) of the X-shaped structure 36. As shown in FIG. 1, a vagina 40 and an anus 42 both pass through the pelvic floor hammock 10.

When a woman gives birth, the entire pelvic floor hammock 10 is stretched and the tone of her pelvic floor weakens, which may lessen elasticity and/or rebound. After just one vaginal birth, the resting position of the pelvic floor hammock 10 is lower. In other words, the center of the pelvic floor hammock 10 (or the perineal body 30) hangs lower, like a hammock that is sagging at its center nearer to the ground. The degree of elasticity and/or rebound may lessen more with each successive vaginal birth. Elasticity and/or rebound may also lessen with age and/or following menopause when estrogen is no longer produced. Estrogen is a key factor in the tone of the pelvic floor.

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

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a woman's pelvic floor hammock.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a garment configured to provide support to at least a portion of the pelvic floor hammock worn by a woman.

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded front perspective view of the garment of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded front perspective view of an inner support structure of the garment of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the garment of FIG. 2 omitting an optional gel insert.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the garment of FIG. 2 including the optional gel insert.

Like reference numerals have been used in the figures to identify like components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a garment 100 configured to be worn by a woman 102. The garment 100 is configured to be worn on the lower half of the woman's body with the woman's legs 104L and 104R passing through the garment 100. The garment 100 may be configured to be ergonomically correct. The garment 100 includes a fabric layer 110, a waistband 112, and an inner support structure 114.

Referring to FIG. 3, in the embodiment illustrated, the fabric layer 110 (see FIG. 2) includes a front panel 120, a back panel 122, an outer intermediate panel 124, and an internal intermediate panel 126. Together, the panels 120-126 define a pair of woman's underwear. While in the embodiment illustrated, the garment 100 has been implemented as a pair of underwear, the garment 100 may alternatively be implemented as a pair of pants, a pair of leggings, a pair of tights, a girdle, support wear, a control garment, workout wear, lycra or spandex shorts, yoga wear, and the like.

The internal intermediate panel 126 is sewn to the outer intermediate panel 124 along its edges 130 and 132 but is free along its front and back edges 134 and 136. Thus, an open-ended through-channel 140 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) is defined between the outer and internal intermediate panels 124 and 126. Referring to FIG. 2, when the garment 100 is worn by the woman 102, the through-channel 140 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) is positioned between her legs 104L and 104R.

Referring to FIG. 3, the waistband 112 may be sewn inside the fabric layer 110 (see FIG. 2). In the embodiment illustrated, the waistband 112 has a front portion 150 sewn to the front panel 120 and a back portion 152 sewn to the back panel 122. The waistband 112 has an outwardly facing surface 154 opposite an inwardly facing surface 156. At least one of the surfaces 154 and 156 may include two or more fasteners 160 (e.g., buttons 160A-160D, snaps, Velcro, and the like). In the embodiment illustrated, the fasteners 160 have been illustrated as being attached to only the front portion 150 of the waistband 112. However, in alternate embodiments, the fasteners 160 may be attached to the back portion 152 of the waistband 112 in addition to or instead of the front portion 150 of the waistband 112.

The inner support structure 114 may be characterized as being a pelvic floor supportive inlay. Referring to FIG. 3, the inner support structure 114 includes a pair of straps 170 and 172 and an optional gel insert 174.

The straps 170 and 172 may be sewn, embedded, tacked, or otherwise disposed inside the fabric layer 110 (see FIG. 2). Each of the straps 170 and 172 has a first end portion 176 opposite a second end portion 178. In the embodiment illustrated, the first end portions 176 of the straps 170 and 172 are attached to the front portion 150 of the waistband 112 and the second end portions 178 of the straps 170 and 172 are attached to the back portion 152 of the waistband 112.

By way of a non-limiting example, the first end portions 176 of the straps 170 and 172 may be sewn to the front portion 150 of the waistband 112. Alternatively, the first end portions 176 of the straps 170 and 172 may be attached to the front portion 150 of the waistband 112 by the fasteners 160. Referring to FIG. 4, the first end portions 176 of each of the straps 170 and 172 may include one or more fasteners 180 (e.g., buttonholes, snaps, Velcro, and the like) each configured to mate with one of the fasteners 160 (e.g., one of the buttons 160A-160D). In the embodiment illustrated, the fastener(s) 180 have been implemented as a series of linearly arranged and spaced apart buttonholes 180A-180E.

By way of a non-limiting example, referring to FIG. 3, the second end portions 178 of the straps 170 and 172 may be sewn to the back portion 152 of the waistband 112. Alternatively, the second end portions 178 of the straps 170 and 172 may be attached to the back portion 152 of the waistband 112 by the fasteners 160. In such embodiments, the second end portions 178 of each of the straps 170 and 172 may include one or more fasteners (e.g., like the fasteners 180) each configured to mate with one of the fasteners 160 (e.g., one of the buttons 160A-160D).

The straps 170 and 172 each extend from the front portion 150 of the waistband 112 to the back portion 152 of the waistband 112 and pass through the through-channel 140 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Referring to FIG. 5, in the embodiment illustrated, the strap 172 crosses over the strap 170 inside the through-channel 140. However, in alternate embodiments, the strap 170 may cross over the strap 172 inside the through-channel 140.

At or near a crossover location 192 where one of the straps 170 and 172 crosses over the other, the straps 170 and 172 apply force or pressure against the internal intermediate panel 126, which is positioned directly adjacent to a selected anatomical region 190. The internal intermediate panel 126 translates this pressure to the selected anatomical region 190. Referring to FIG. 1, the selected anatomical region 190 may include a portion (e.g., a center) of the pelvic floor hammock 10, the perineal body 30, the vagina 40, the anus 42, and the like.

As mentioned above, referring to FIG. 4, the fastener(s) 180 connected to each of the straps 170 and 172 may be implemented as the buttonholes 180A-180E. Referring to FIG. 3, one of the buttonholes 180A-180E (see FIG. 4) of the strap 170 may be selected and attached to one of the buttons 160C and 160D to determine a length of a portion 194 (see FIG. 2) of the strap 170 extending between the front and back portions 150 and 152 of the waistband 112. The length of the portion 194 (see FIG. 2) may be adjusted or changed by attaching a different one of the buttonholes 180A-180E (see FIG. 4) of the strap 170 to the one of the buttons 160C and 160D. Which of the buttons 160C and 160D to use may be selected based upon the comfort and/or preference of the woman 102 (see FIG. 2).

Similarly, one of the buttonholes 180A-180E (see FIG. 4) of the strap 172 may be selected and attached to one of the buttons 160A and 160B to determine a length of a portion 196 (see FIG. 2) of the strap 172 extending between the front and back portions 150 and 152 of the waistband 112. The length of the portion 196 (see FIG. 2) may be adjusted or changed by attaching a different one of the buttonholes 180A-180E of the strap 172 to the one of the buttons 160A and 160B. Which of the buttons 160A and 160B to use may be selected based upon the comfort and/or preference of the woman 102 (see FIG. 2).

The length of each of the portions 194 and 196 (see FIG. 2) helps determine an amount of pressure applied by the straps 170 and 172 to the selected anatomical region 190 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). For example, the length of each of the portions 194 and 196 (see FIG. 2) may be configured to anchor and lift the pelvic floor hammock 10 (see FIG. 1). By way of a non-limiting example, the straps 170 and 172 may each be constructed from an elastic material.

Referring to FIG. 6, the optional gel insert 174 may be positioned inside the through-channel 140 and rest upon the straps 170 and 172 at or near the crossover location 192. The straps 170 and 172 press the gel insert 174 against the internal intermediate panel 126. The internal intermediate panel 126 translates this pressure to the selected anatomical region 190.

By way of a non-limiting example, the gel insert 174 may be used by a woman with a vaginal wall prolapse (cystocele or rectocele) or with both vaginal walls prolapsing (vaginal vault prolapse). The gel insert 174 may be positioned adjacent the vagina 40 (see FIG. 1) of such a woman to apply pressure to the vaginal introitus and the distal vagina. This pressure may help treat the vaginal wall prolapse(s).

By way of another non-limiting example, the gel insert 174 may comfortably prevent the vaginal walls from prolapsing out of the body while the woman 102 (see FIG. 2) engages in high or low impact exercise. Similarly, the gel insert 174 may be positioned within the through-channel 140 alongside the anus 42 (see FIG. 1) to apply support to that structure during high or low impact exercise or lifting. Non-limiting examples of high and/or low impact exercise may include Valsalva interval training such as kettle bell lifting, free weight lifting, running, rebounding, and the like.

The gel insert 174 may be implemented as a soft malleable insert constructed from a flexible gel, cushioning substance, or shock absorbing substance. The gel insert 174 may be constructed from materials having different densities, such as a soft gel, a firm gel, combinations thereof, and the like. By way of a non-limiting example, the gel insert 174 may be constructed from a soft malleable silicone gel.

Referring to FIG. 3, the inner support structure 114 (with or without the optional gel insert 174) may be configured to be comfortable and improve function by supporting the pelvic floor hammock 10 (see FIG. 1) of the woman 102 (see FIG. 2). Referring to FIG. 1, the inner support structure 114 (see FIGS. 2-4) is configured to support the pelvic floor hammock 10 even when the woman 102 (see FIG. 2) is walking or actively engaging in activities (e.g., exercise) that stress the pelvic floor hammock 10, including its muscles and connective tissue as well as skin covering the pelvic floor hammock 10.

Referring to FIG. 3, the inner support structure 114 (with or without the optional gel insert 174) may be configured to support to the center of the pelvic floor hammock 10 (see FIG. 1) or the perineal body 30 (see FIG. 1). Referring to FIG. 1, the perineal body 30 extends anteriorly (or forwardly) to support the urogenital diaphragm 32, which holds in the sidewalls of the vagina 40. The perineal body 30 also extends posteriorly (or rearwardly) to support the perianal muscle groups 34 (that insert into the ischial tuberosities) and helps hold in the sidewalls of the anus 42 and rectum (not shown). Thus, by supporting the perineal body 30, the inner support structure 114 (see FIGS. 2-4) helps support the urogenital diaphragm 32, the sidewalls of the vagina 40, the perianal muscle groups 34, and the sidewalls of the anus 42 and rectum.

Referring to FIG. 3, the inner support structure 114 (with or without the optional gel insert 174) may be configured to apply external support that helps prevent the center of the pelvic floor hammock 10 (see FIG. 1) or the perineal body 30 (see FIG. 1) from bottoming out or sagging. Referring to FIG. 1, this may help the woman 102 (see FIG. 2) feel more confident and helps prevent her from feeling like her vagina 40 (see FIG. 1) and/or anus 42 (see FIG. 1) might bulge or extend outwardly when she is performing high and low impact exercises.

Referring to FIG. 3, the straps 170 and 172 may be sold as a kit for use with the fabric layer 110 and/or the waistband 112. Optionally, the kit may include the optional gel insert 174, the fasteners 160, and/or the fastener(s) 180.

The foregoing described embodiments depict different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected,” or “operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this invention. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is solely defined by the appended claims. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).

Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A garment comprising:

a waistband having a front portion opposite a back portion;

a first strap extending from the front portion to the back portion; and

a second strap extending from the front portion to the back portion, the first strap being configured to cross the second strap at a crossover location alongside a selected anatomical region, the first and second straps being configured to apply pressure to the selected anatomical region.

2. The garment of claim 1, further comprising:

a malleable insert configured to be positioned on top of the first and second straps at the crossover location, the first and second straps being configured to push the malleable insert against the selected anatomical region and thereby apply pressure to the selected anatomical region.

3. The garment of claim 2, wherein the selected anatomical region is a vagina or an anus.

4. The garment of claim 2, wherein the malleable insert is constructed from silicone gel.

5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the selected anatomical region is a portion of a pelvic floor hammock.

6. The garment of claim 1, further comprising:

a fabric layer, the waistband being attached to an inside of the fabric layer.

7. The garment of claim 6, wherein the fabric layer comprises a through-channel configured to be positioned between legs of a wearer of the garment, and

the crossover location is positioned inside the through-channel.

8. The garment of claim 7, further comprising:

a gel insert configured to be positioned inside the through-channel and on top of the first and second straps at the crossover location, the first and second straps being configured to push the gel insert against the selected anatomical region and thereby apply pressure to the selected anatomical region.

9. The garment of claim 6, wherein the fabric layer is a pair of woman's underwear.

10. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first and second straps are each constructed from an elastic material.

11. The garment of claim 1, wherein a length of at least one of the first and second straps is configured to be adjustable to position the crossover location alongside the selected anatomical region.

12. A kit for use with a garment comprising a waistband, the kit comprising:

a first strap configured to extend from a front portion of the waistband to a back portion of the waistband; and

a second strap configured to extend from the front portion to the back portion, the first strap being configured to cross the second strap at a crossover location between legs of a wearer of the garment, the crossover location being alongside a selected anatomical region of the wearer, the first and second straps being configured to apply pressure to the selected anatomical region.

13. The kit of claim 12, further comprising:

a malleable insert configured to be positioned on the first and second straps at the crossover location, the first and second straps being configured to push the malleable insert against the selected anatomical region and thereby apply pressure to the selected anatomical region.

14. The kit of claim 13, wherein the selected anatomical region is a vagina or an anus.

15. The kit of claim 13, wherein the malleable insert is constructed from silicone gel.

16. The kit of claim 12 for use with the garment comprising a through-channel configured to be positioned between the legs of the wearer, wherein the crossover location is inside the through-channel.

17. The kit of claim 16, further comprising:

a gel insert configured to be positioned inside the through-channel and on top of the first and second straps at the crossover location, the first and second straps being configured to push the gel insert against the selected anatomical region and thereby apply pressure to the selected anatomical region.

18. The kit of claim 12, wherein the selected anatomical region is a portion of a pelvic floor hammock.

19. The kit of claim 12, further comprising:

at least one first fastener configured to attach the first strap to the front portion of the waistband, and

at least one second fastener configured to attach the second strap to the front portion of the waistband.

20. The kit of claim 19, further comprising:

at least one third fastener configured to attach the first strap to the back portion of the waistband, and

at least one fourth fastener configured to attach the second strap to the back portion of the waistband.