Abstract: A garment station including a frame, a conveyor coupled to the frame, a gantry, and a folding assembly. The gantry is disposed over the conveyor and includes a tool head moveable over the conveyor. The folding assembly includes a first platen moveable relative to a second platen between a folded position and an unfolded position. The first platen is substantially co-planar with the second platen in the unfolded position. The first platen is disposed above the second platen in the folded position.

Abstract: In a half-open underpants-shaped diaper, a lateral end portion of a back waist portion is joined by a first joining portion to a lateral end portion of a front waist portion. The back waist portion includes an elastic region and a fastening portion on the other lateral side, the elastic region stretching/contracting in the lateral direction. The fastening portion is fastenable to the front waist portion when putting on the diaper, so that an end of the fastening portion closer to the elastic region is positioned on an end of an absorbent main body opposite to the first joining portion, the elastic region being located on a non-skin side of the other lateral end portion of the front waist portion, and having a stacking part in which the elastic region is stacked on the other lateral end portion of the front waist portion.

Abstract: A ladies' visual privacy garment presents a smooth appearance over the vaginal area. The garment comprises a panty having a crotch portion provided with a layer of thin, flexible semi-rigid material that presents a smooth outer surface and overlies the vaginal area of the wearer, and a second layer of absorbent material.

Abstract: A medical undergarment system effective for supporting an ostomy system consists of a first diagonal catheter channel, a second diagonal catheter channel, a first vertical catheter channel, and a second vertical catheter channel. The system consists of tubing, a base undergarment, and a fluid bag. The medical undergarment system provides a comfortable yet stable ostomy system that can easily be slipped on and off by a user. The system enables convenient and easy removal of bodily fluid when using a catheter.

Abstract: A pant has a garment shell. The garment shell includes a front region, a back region, a contracted crotch region, side seams connecting the front region to the back region, two leg openings, and hanging legs. At least a portion of each of the front region, the back region, the contracted crotch region and the hanging legs include portions of a single flat web. The hanging legs include no elasticization around a full periphery of the leg openings and are adapted to hang loosely about a wearer's thigh.

Abstract: The method comprises the phases of: knitting at least one part (5A, 5B) of the body (1) with reciprocating motion of the two cylinders of a double-cylinder machine; -knitting the leg pieces (9A, 9B) with a continuous rotational motion of the two cylinders (11, 13), a first leg piece being knitted by a first of said cylinders and a second leg piece being knitted by a second of said cylinders. It is provided for an arc of needles (C) to be maintained temporarily inactive on each of said two cylinders while knitting said at least one part (5A, 5B) of the body (1) with reciprocating motion. Furthermore, it is provided that the temporarily inactive needles are set to work at the end of the knitting of said at least one part (5A, 5B) of the body (1) with reciprocating motion, thus forming an interknitting line (CC) for joining the two leg pieces (9A, 9B), then continuing the knitting with continuous rotary motion with all the needles (15) of both the cylinders (11, 13).

Abstract: The invention provides a panty realizing easy fit of a sanitary napkin for night use to a crotch portion, preventing the napkin from shifting out of position, alleviating digging into the crotch portion, and thus being comfortable to wear without giving feeling of constriction to the wearer. The panty includes a front part, a back part, a crotch part provided so as to bridge between the front part and the back part, a slightly elastic member is provided at the substantially center area of the back part, a highly elastic member is provided from a back parts lifting member to the entire area of the front part except for the waist hold part, a fixing member is provided on the substantially center area of the front part, a crotch lifting member is provided at the substantially center area of the crotch part.

Abstract: The invention provides a panty realizing easy fit of a sanitary napkin for night use to a crotch portion, preventing the napkin from shifting out of position, alleviating digging into the crotch portion, and thus being comfortable to wear without giving feeling of constriction to the wearer. The panty includes a front part, a back part, a crotch part provided so as to bridge between the front part and the back part, a slightly elastic member is provided at the substantially center area of the back part, a highly elastic member is provided from a back parts lifting member to the entire area of the front part except for the waist hold part, a fixing member is provided on the substantially center area of the front part, a crotch lifting member is provided at the substantially center area of the crotch part.

Abstract: An improved undergarment is disclosed for allowing a wearer of the undergarment to selectively communicate a message relating to bedroom behavior. Disclosed also is system for an undergarment consisting of an undergarment comprising a front external face, a back external face and a means for removable attachment of at least one label to the front external face or the back external face, and at least one label comprising a message that relates to human behavior in the bedroom, the label for removable attachment to the undergarment.

Abstract: A garment includes a bifurcated body having front and rear sections wherein the front section is provided with a sheath oriented about a genital region and includes a ribbed outer surface. The rear section is provided with a plurality of apertures and is oriented about a buttock region respectively. The ribbed outer surface includes a plurality of protrusions. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for fastening the garment about the user's waist. A condom is positionable about a user's penis wherein a proximal end portion of the condom is engageable about the ribbed outer surface of the sheath, defining a frictional contact area for assisting to maintain the condom positioned about the penis during sexual activities.

Abstract: A protective undergarment is provided according to exemplary aspects of this invention. The undergarment includes a waist portion adapted to encircle the waist of a user. The undergarment also includes a crotch portion having an end segment extending from the waist portion, a central segment, and a terminal end segment attachable to the waist portion. The terminal end segment of the crotch portion extends substantially perpendicular to the waist portion.

Abstract: A positioning structure for the male reproductive organ, and more particularly provides a positioning structure which contributes to the hygiene, health and comfort of the male reproductive organ, and mainly includes a main body, a spacing portion, a holding portion and a positioning portion, wherein the main body further comprises at least one lower retaining portion and a waistband portion. The present invention is able to avoid the pants crotch, and enables upwardly centrally fixing the position of the penis to prevent it from falling down to one side, thereby resolving the problems of ill health, unhygienic state and discomfort of the penis resulting from constant skin contact between the penis and the scrota, while at the same time effectively preventing the problem of compression deformation of the penis when an erection occurs when wearing tight-fitting pants.

Abstract: A distinctive process for making a garment including an absorbent assembly is disclosed. The process includes transporting a first web and a second web and joining the first web and the second web to provide a crotch seam. Portions of the webs may also be removed to provide an opening, and an absorbent assembly may be disposed on the first web proximate the opening. Portions of one or both of the webs may also be directed in the cross machine direction and the edges of the webs attached together to form a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.

Abstract: The invention concerns a knitted-fabric garment in the shape of underpants, in which the crutch area is made up by a knitted-fabric prolongation without interruption with the rear part and folded up in order to be placed upon the front part of the garment body, forming there a front central panel. This front panel is fixed only at the outer points of a free end of the front part and at level with the waist-encircling edge, defining with the front part two side symmetrical openings, both communicating with a horizontal opening that comes out between the panel itself and the front-part free end. The invention concerns also a manufacturing method of the said garment.

Abstract: A women's waistless and seamless clothing adherable underwear includes an oval pad made of a soft absorbent material, wherein the pad has double sided strips of adhesive tape with removable peel-off cover strips to attach to the inside crotch area of low slung clothing pants, such as tight pants, leotards or dungaree jeans facing upward to the skin and crotch of the wearer. The material is preferably a soft, non-woven, absorbent material. The underwear is particularly suited for women who wear tight pants, or low waist hip hugger pants, which widely reveal waist bands and seams of panty underwear, or expose underwear waist bands. The underwear is minimally intrusive and is attractive for women who like to wear jeans without underwear but who fear bacterial infection or exposure to clothing dyes or irritating stitching.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of a single-piece woven garment which can be converted into a full-body garment, similar to an overall or a hospital gown, using a minimum number of seams and a minimum amount of cutting. The garment is made a two-dimensional fabric, with the various parts produced as a single piece. Additionally, the garment can include an integrated infrastructure component for collecting, processing, transmitting and receiving information, giving it intelligence capability.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment forming apparatus and methods are provided for forming disposable undergarments. The apparatus preferably includes a core former positioned to form a stream of undergarment cores. The core former includes a mat securer positioned to secure each of a plurality of undergarment mats to a sheet of a polymeric material and a first separator positioned downstream from the mat securer for separating the stream of undergarment cores into a plurality of individual cores. An elastic waistband former preferably is positioned adjacent the core former for forming elastic waistbands. A waistband securer is positioned downstream from the core former and positioned to receive the elastic waistbands from the elastic waistband former for securing the waistbands to the plurality of individual undergarment cores to thereby form a chain of a plurality of undergarments. A folder is positioned downstream from the waistband securer for folding each of the plurality of undergarments of the chain.

Abstract: Disposable pants of trunks-type include a pair of inner sheets each having a cutout lying between their front and rear side portions and a pair of outer sheets wherein the inner sheets having respective sheet surfaces bonded together along zones of the front and rear side portions extending in vicinity of upper ends of these sheets as well as along the respective cutouts and the respective sheet surfaces of the inner sheets and respective sheet surfaces of the outer sheets are bonded together along the front and rear side portions of these sheets and wherein elastic members are attached to the outer sheets along the upper ends thereof.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a three dimensional disposable garment, subassemblies of the garment, and apparatus and methods for making the garment and subassemblies. The garment is designed to hold a primary absorbent sanitary pad. The garment may have elasticized leg and waist openings and be stretchable about the hip and stomach regions of a user. The garment provides backup protection to control egress of fluids that leak or seep around or through the primary sanitary pad. The garment includes a secondary absorbent positioned in the crotch area and extending into the body of the disposable garment, front and back, and preferably over the leg elastics to trap, inside the garment, leakage from the primary absorbent, and to prevent strike through onto e.g. outer clothing and bed linen.

Abstract: Spaced seams in a disposable garment web containing a plastic component and moving rapidly along a direction of manufacture is formed by bringing an ultrasonic welder into pressurized contact with the machine web for a predetermined period of time, heating the web along the seam for a first segment of the predetermined period of time and then maintaining pressurization with the ultrasonic welder during a second segment of the predetermined time period without heat sufficient to permit the plastic material to resolidify.

Abstract: A method for forming an undergarment comprises the steps of transporting a two-dimensional web in a substantially flattened position on a transport device, cutting the web along a transverse edge to form a two-dimensional pre-form, gripping the pre-form adjacent each waist section with a gripping device in four gripping areas, jointly rotating at least the gripping means which hold the gripping areas in the region of the first transverse edge of the pre-form around a first axis of rotation extending substantially parallel to the transverse edges of the pre-form, rotating each gripping device around a respective axis of rotation extending generally parallel to the longitudinal sides of the pre-form to place the sealing areas located along the same longitudinal side in a contacting relationship, joining the superimposed sealing areas in a sealing unit, and releasing the undergarment from the gripping device. The apparatus comprises an umbrella-type mechanism.

Abstract: A method for forming an undergarment having side seams from a two-dimensional preform comprises the steps of cutting a continuous web along transverse cut lines to form individual preforms; cutting each preform along a leg contour extending along each longitudinal side of the preform in the region of a central section, wherein each leg contour does not touch the respective longitudinal side, thus forming two gripping flaps; gripping the preform at the gripping flaps; pulling the gripping flaps outwardly away from the longitudinal sides such that the preform is doubled over along a transverse centerline and such that sealing areas in the region of back waist sections are placed in a superimposed relationship with sealing areas in the region of front waist sections; mutually connecting the sealing areas.

Abstract: A process for making disposable absorbent articles including continuously moving a first layer in a first direction and a second layer in a second direction, continuously providing elongate elastic members to the first layer and to the second layer, folding the layers over the elongate elastic members, joining the elongate elastic members to the layers to form first and second continuous elastic composites, continuously moving a base layer having opposite edge portions, continuously delivering the first and the second continuous elastic composites to respective edge portions of the base layer, joining the first and the second continuous elastic composites to the edge portions of the base layer, providing a plurality of spaced apart absorbent structures on the base layer, folding the continuously moving base layer, bonding the folded base layer between the absorbent structures, and cutting the folded base layer to form a plurality of disposable absorbent articles.

Abstract: An undergarment including an outer layer and a coextensive inner lining. The undergarment is substantially rectangular and it also includes fastening elements adjacent the sides for securing the undergarment to the wearer. Elastic ruffles extend along each side of the undergarment from adjacent the middle of the garment to adjacent the fastening elements. When the garment is worn the elastic ruffles are present on each side of the front portion of the undergarment to cause the garment to conform to the curves of the wearer. The ruffles terminate at the crotch of the wearer. The undergarment is of such a width that the back portion will cup in, where it meets the ruffles, at the back of the inside of the legs.

Abstract: Spaced seams in a disposable garment web containing a plastic component and moving rapidly along a direction of manufacture is formed by bringing an ultrasonic welder into pressurized contact with the machine web for a predetermined period of time, heating the web along the seam for a first segment of the predetermined period of time and then maintaining pressurization with the ultrasonic welder during a second segment of the predetermined time period without heat sufficient to permit the plastic material to resolidify.

Abstract: A self supporting thong type brief has no side or waist portions and can be shaped to custom fit the wearer for substantial exposure of the midsection and buttocks area and is particularly suited for sun bathing and tanning. In a preferred embodiment the tanning brief has an interior frame formed of a length of small diameter resilient malleable wire bent to form a relatively short front portion, opposed elongate side portions which extend rearwardly and angularly inward from said front portion and converge toward each other and then extend rearwardly parallel to one another to form a longitudinal rear portion. At least the longitudinal rear portion of the frame is covered by a soft cushioning material. The frame and cushioning material is completely enclosed by a fabric covering. The brief is preferably packaged and sold in a straight configuration, and is thereafter manually shaped into a generally C-shaped configuration curved along its length to custom fit the body of an individual wearer.

Abstract: A garment having a moisture management suspended panel attached at one end thereof to a front waist area of the garment, and attached at a second end thereof to a back seat area of the garment. The suspended panel includes inner, intermediate, and outer fabric layers. The inner fabric layer is constructed of moisture wicking fibers for residing in skin contact during garment wear. The intermediate fabric layer resides adjacent to the inner fabric layer, and is formed of one or more fabrics for receiving and dispersing moisture wicked outwardly by the inner fabric layer. The intermediate fabric layer transports the moisture upwardly away from a lower crotch area of the garment and outwardly away from the skin of the wearer. The outer fabric layer includes a liquid impermeable, vapor permeable shield for providing a leak-proof barrier which prevents passage of liquid but permits dissipation of moisture in vapor form through the fabric.

Abstract: A moisture management component incorporated in a garment for moving moisture away from the skin of a wearer. The moisture management component includes a first and second fabric. The first fabric comprises a moisture wicking panel carried by the garment for moving moisture away from the skin. The moisture wicking panel has a skin-side surface and an obverse surface, and an opening therethrough from the skin-side surface to the obverse surface. The second fabric comprises a moisture transport insert extending through the opening in the moisture wicking panel to move moisture from the skin of the wearer to the outer fabric layers of the garment for dispersal and evaporation.

Abstract: A breathable garment having an inner panel in the crotch area made of an open knit material formed of hydrophobic fiber having a large surface area and longitudinally extending channels which transports or "wicks" moisture away from the body, thereby helping to keep intimate areas drier, cooler, and more comfortable.

Abstract: A garment and attachment system of the present invention include a pair of first attachment pads attached to a first waist section of a garment shell. Each first attachment pad has a primary axis directed generally toward the nearest corner of the garment shell and forming an angle of from 25 to 45 degrees with the transverse axis of the garment shell. At least one second attachment pad is attached to a second waist section of the garment shell. A pair of strap members each have forward and rearward end portions with fasteners attached thereto. The fasteners are releasably engageable with the attachment pads. In particular embodiments, the attachment pads are formed of a loop material having a predetermined loop tip orientation.

Abstract: A swimsuit is provided having the holding power of a typical figure control swimsuit using a single panel construction. The fabric of the swimsuit includes a substantially uniform stretch in both the longitudinal and horizontal directions. The fabric is cut to include a high modulus in the horizontal direction of the suit, as compared to the vertical direction, so as to provide improved retention and camouflage of body parts.

Abstract: A disposable garment manufactured from a fusion-slit chassis having a pair of seams. The seams are formed by folding the chassis in the crotch portion so that the longitudinal side regions of the front portion and rear portion are superposed to form seaming areas; each seaming area is treated with ultrasonic energy sufficient to sever the material of the seaming area in a first area while simultaneously bonding the material of the seaming area in a marginal area adjacent the first area to form a flangeless seam which extends from the disposable garment 1/16" or less, preferably 1/32" or less, and in a preferred embodiment will form a splice between the front portion and rear portion of the chassis. The seaming area will consist of layers of polymeric material and in a preferred embodiment will consist of nonwoven webs of 100% polypropylene fibers.

Abstract: An undergarment characterized by a loose comfortable fit in the seat, upper abdomen and leg areas and by a snug, supporting fit in the crotch area. The undergarment includes a relatively narrow expansible waistband component for encircling the waist of the wearer, a relatively loose, woven non-stretch fabric seat, upper abdomen and leg component attached to and carried by the waistband component for providing a loose, comfortable fit in the seat, upper abdomen and leg areas of the wearer and a relatively stretchable crotch component attached to and positioned in relation to the leg, upper abdomen and seat component to snugly support the crotch of the wearer. Embodiments are disclosed which include a multi-layer crotch with enhanced moisture management capacity and a crotch which includes a pouch for holding a separate moisture absorbing pouch.

Abstract: An elongated circular knit tube having a central body and a self contained waistband at each end of said central body is flattened to form a double layer of fabric having two longitudinal folded edges. The body portion is severed to remove selected portions therefrom and to divide the tube into two brief blanks. Coursewise extending severed portions are aligned and subsequently sewn together to form the brief crotch and leg openings.

Abstract: Women's body wear is provided with a panel in the crotch area which is formed of open or loosely knit material formed using threads made up of a bundle of hydrophobic fibers having a large surface area and longitudinally extending channels to provide drier, more comfortable and "breathable" body wear. The body wear garment may be provided with an open knit exterior panel generally coextensive with the inner panel, and of the same color as the remainder of the body wear garment.

Abstract: A hygienic device for protecting the genital, urinary and rectal areas of human beings during bathing and swimming activities as disclosed. The device is intended for protecting said areas against irritation, inflammation or infection. It is made of a flexible, thermoplastic and impermeable material and shaped to closely adhere to said areas by all its edges.

Abstract: Comfort pants having cushioned buttocks portions. The pants comprise a pair of boxer-like shorts having a rear, reinforced panel including a pair of pads which are disposed on either side of a center line of the rear panel at locations thereon corresponding to those portions of a wearer's buttocks which come into contact when the wearer is seated on a flat surface.

Abstract: An undergarment which include a centrally-located pocket for the storage of small items, such as prophylactics. A crotch panel is generally attached by its edges to the front of the garment, the crotch panel extending from the waist opening to an area between the leg openings, forming a closed space between the garment and the crotch panel. An opening is defined to provide access to the enclosed space.

Abstract: The process consists in producing a body of knitting having a substantially tubular extension, with portions which are to be removed and a remaining part. The remaining part is knitted with a plurality of threads. The portions which are to be removed are knitted with fewer threads than the remaining part.

Abstract: The present invention involves an undergarment and an integral pocket secured thereto. The invention is applicable to men's brief, men's boxer shorts, women's panties, women's brassieres, and to pockets which may be secured thereto. The undergarment is generally made of a first material, and the pocket is made of second material which is different from the first material. The pocket has an elasticized band of material disposed across the opening thereof, the elasticized band of material being stretched taut across the body portion. The pocket opening includes a double density of material. Preferably, the pocket material is made of a plurality of stretch fibers which are oriented transversely from a plurality of nonstretch fibers.

Abstract: A protective device for temporary wear against the skin of a person trying on garments, the device comprising a thin flexible sheet, and pressure-sensitive adhesive at opposite ends of the sheet to hold the sheet temporarily to the skin of a wearer. The sheet is a composite comprised by a an imperforate liquid impervious sheet of polyolefin about 3 to 15.mu. in thickness and having bonded thereto on the same side as the adhesive a hydrophilic web of fibers having a diameter of about 5 to 20.mu. selected from the group consisting of polypropylene and polyester, the web having a weight of about 10 to 30 g/m.sup.2.

Abstract: In a garment, such as briefs or diapers for incontinent patients, which employ hook-and-loop fasteners, impairment of fastener operation by accumulation of lint on the hook-fastener tab is avoided by storing the hook-fastener tab in a pocket of the garment when the garment is being laundered. Preferably, the hook-fastener tab is secured in the pocket by elastic material so that it can be extended, stretching the elastic material, to fasten it to the corresponding female or loop-type fastener tab and will automatically be retracted into the pocket by the elastic material, as soon as it is released. The pocket may comprise PVC or other semi-rigid pliable smooth material and may be fabricated together with the fastener tab separately from the garment and attached to it is a "retrofit". Alternatively, it may be formed integrally with the garment.

Abstract: The invention relates to V-shaped briefs which can be produced in one piece and which consist of a preferably elastic crotch or gusset part and two side bands of essentially uniform width made of a decorative knitted border. The briefs are produced by continuously knitting single or double layer material widths which after having separated only need to be worked on along one seam or not at all in order to obtain the finished briefs. In addition, it is possible to sew on stocking parts with a very steep leg line. Production is considerably simplified and costs greatly reduced without adversely affecting the wearing properties and the fashionable appearance of the garment.

Abstract: A disposable protective lower undergarment intended for use primiarly by women while trying on clothing such as bathing suits and the like at a store. The invention is structured to fit around, and be held to prevent, the woman's crotch area from coming into contact with the clothing being tried when conventional lower undergarments are removed. Several embodiments are disclosed; however, a very thin polypropylene strip connected by heat sealing the looped ends of this material around a thin endless elastic band is preferred.

Abstract: An under garment is provided with size adjustment means for the waist-band in the form of a frangible tab that holds a pleat closed, but permits expansion of the pleat when broken. A tampon is also provided which has gore formed within the rear end portion so as to provide a more intimate fit over the buttocks of a wearer.

Abstract: Disclosed are pants formed of a rectangular piece of flexible material. The pants include two elongated elements extending along the longitudinal edges of the piece, provided with elastics which are in stretched conditions and are integral by at least their ends with longitudinal ends of the piece in order to form two elastic belt elements for the slip-shaped pilch.

Abstract: Disposable apparel shorts fabricated from a single blank of non-woven textile sheeting, the blank having opposing isosceles triangular indentations therein whose vertices lie at the opposite ends of a transverse center line. When the blank is folded on this line to form identical superposed sections, these constitute the front and rear sections of the shorts in which the upper margins of the sections define the waist, and the folded-over triangular indentations define the leg openings. The side margins of the front section are folded in and the corresponding side margins of the rear section are folded over the folded-in margins to define side vents in the leg openings to provide additional space, should it be required by the wearer. An elastic band is bonded in its stretched state to the inner surface of the upper margins of the sections to create a shirred circular waist which is expandable to conform to the waist of the wearer.

Abstract: This invention is a disposable panty made from a single rectangular sheet of paper or plastic, having two side by side leg holes at its center, and then being folded over across the leg holes so as to form front and rear panels, and the overlapped side edges of the panels being taped together.

Abstract: A one-piece brief comprises an upper band portion with front and rear panels. A short tab portion depends from the center of the front panel while a longer crotch portion descends from the center of the rear panel. Fastening tapes are provided at the edges of the front and rear panels and at the lower edges of the tab and crotch portions. A resilient waist band extends along a top edge of the upper band portion and carries at one end an outwardly extending fastening tape which engages another fastening tape at an opposite end of the waist band to be used in properly aligning side edges of the front and rear panels.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment is formed of a single sheet of non-woven cellulose material such as paper. The material is cut into a generally hour-glass shape defining a front portion, back portion, intermediate crotch portion, two generally semicircular opposed cut-outs at each side of the material, a detachable crotch insert portion formed within one of the opposed cut-outs, and may include a detachable circular container portion formed within one of the opposed cut-outs and adjoined to the front portion. The crotch insert is secured to the intermediate crotch portion in superposed relation forming a double ply crotch area. The front and back portions are secured together at their sides to form a main body portion having a pair of leg openings and a waist portion at the top thereof. The outer edges of the leg openings and side edges of the crotch insert are folded over and sewn along the fold with elastic thread or rubber band elastic to form a stretchable elastic hem about the leg openings.