Particular To Female Patents (Class 2/406)
  • Patent number: 5809577
    Abstract: The invention relates to the emplacement of a water-insoluble, polymeric scent-emitting tablet in a fabric chamber formed by a medallion stitched to the surface of women's intimate apparel to provide a long-lasting fragrance despite repeated laundering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Scent-Sation, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew S. Getz
  • Patent number: 5778457
    Abstract: A quick-attach absorbent pad 14 for use with a panty 10 is provided with an upper surface 16 and a lower surface 18, the pad 14 being sized to fit against a crotch panel 12 of a panty 10 with the lower surface 18 of the pad 14 adjacent the crotch panel 12. The pad 14 further includes a plurality of hook fasteners 20 associated with the pad lower surface 18, which enables the pad 14 to be readily attached to the undergarment 10, and which prevents the pad 14 from shifting during use. Also provided is a panty 10 having a thin yet absorbent crotch panel 12. In a preferred embodiment of the panty 10, the crotch panel 12 includes a fluid absorbent layer 38 overlying a fluid barrier 40. The fluid absorbent layer 38 preferably is made of a single-ply fabric having a hydrophobic upper surface 42 facing toward the user and a hydrophilic lower surface 44 facing away from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Intellitecs International Ltd.
    Inventor: David W. Conway
  • Patent number: 5762535
    Abstract: This invention relates to a garment having a crotch part and the function of keeping an upward profile for the hip and buttock line comprising a main body covering at least a buttock region, and a band-shaped patch being stretchable in at least the longitudinal direction. The patch is attached to the portion from the vicinity of the back center of the lower part of a buttock obliquely upward to the side direction of the main body, wherein the part covering at least a buttock part of the main body comprises a stretchable fabric containing an elastic fiber and the stretchable patch comprises a stretchable fabric which substantially does not contain an elastic fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Wacoal Corp.
    Inventors: Naruo Nishiyama, Junko Kasai, Kei Oya
  • Patent number: 5758367
    Abstract: Lumbar protector with underpants incorporated, including a pair of underpants; and a closed band sewn to an upper part of the pair of underpants and having a band height such that the band covers at least lumbar vertebrae of a user, the band being produced in natural textile fibers with a significant caloric effect and at least ten per cent selected from the group consisting of elastomeric polyurethane, rubber and similar fibers, and the lumbar protector has either natural colors of the fiber, or colors from treatment with natural dyes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventors: Eva Torrent Lopez, Patricia Torrent Lopez
  • Patent number: 5729835
    Abstract: A panty liner for use with thong underwear including a pliable body portion having a generally oblong configuration. The body portion includes a first end portion of a predetermined width and a second end portion of a predetermined width. The width of the first end portion is greater than the width of the second end portion. The body portion includes a tapered intermediate portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion. The body portion is positionable within a pair of thong underwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Magda Williams
  • Patent number: 5711034
    Abstract: A menstrual underpants (12) comprising a garment (14) configured with a front portion (16), a rear portion (18), a crotch area (20), having two leg openings (22) and a waist opening (24), so as to be worn about a lower torso of a woman (26). Provision is made for engaging opposite ends (29) of an absorbent pad (30). A facility (32) is for securing the engaging structure (28) to the crotch area (20) of the garment (14). The absorbent pad (30) will be held in place at the crotch area (20) and not move up and down, while edges of the absorbent pad (30) will not curl up, to allow the woman (26) to have more comfort, when wearing the garment (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Inventor: Timea Cillik
  • Patent number: 5708986
    Abstract: The invention is an undergarment to be worn by a person on their lower torso area. The undergarment includes an opening having a support for each buttock of the wearer. The support is adapted to support the buttock of the wearer in an upraised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Marie Belardinelli
  • Patent number: 5701608
    Abstract: An undergarment apparatus (20) and method for reducing menstrual cramping includes an elastic panel (30) mounted to at least one of a front portion (24) and a rear portion (25) of an underpant brief (21) in a manner exerting inward pressure across a lower torso region (31) of an individual wearer (23). At least one movable pressure bearing insert (32) is formed for positioning between the elastic panel (30) and the lower torso region (31) at a plurality of positions along the elastic panel (30). The elastic panel (30) cooperates with an apex portion (33) or small area side of the pressure bearing insert (32) to exert substantial localized point pressure on a relatively small area of the torso region (31) for mitigation of menstrual cramping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventor: Joel M. Kohn
  • Patent number: 5678251
    Abstract: The invention relates to the emplacement of a water-insoluble, polymeric scent-emitting tablet in a fabric chamber formed by a medallion stitched to the surface of women's intimate apparel to provide a long-lasting fragrance despite repeated laundering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Scent-Sation, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew S. Getz
  • Patent number: 5671615
    Abstract: A fixation panty brief (7, 29) comprises a tubular body portion (10) and a crotch portion (11). The panty brief comprises a waistband portion (16) for encircling the body of the user and at the same time a snug fit to the user known from ordinary circular knitted panty briefs. The body portion (10) and the crotch portion (11) of the fixation panty brief are produced in one singular piece by circular knitting and at the same time a looser knitting has been used in one or several areas for providing containment and fixation pockets (21, 30) for containing a diaper or hip protection bowls which are held in place in that the delimiting edge areas have an elastic and firm knitting which forms a close fit to the user's body. The edge areas will consequently be in firm contact with the user's body while the pockets (21, 30) are able to contain a diaper or a hip protection bowl. A panty brief may also comprise a loose net-like structure for providing an inspection window (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventors: Finn Kj.ae butted.rgaard, Johannes Nyvang Kristensen
  • Patent number: 5651779
    Abstract: An improved panty liner and crotch construction for panties or the like featuring, in the first embodiment, a moisture absorbent layer secured to a moisture impermeable layer to form a pad-like structure which is sandwiched between an external layer and internal moisture permeable layer of the crotch section of the panty. The moisture absorbent layer and moisture impermeable layer can be stitched along their respective edges, and any seam holes created in the moisture impermeable layer by such stitching is sealed using a seam sealer. In the second embodiment of the invention the moisture impermeable layer is releasably secured to both the moisture absorbent layer and the external layer of the panty so that the moisture absorbent layer can be disposed of once soiled, and the moisture impermeable layer can be re-used once the normal lifetime expectancy of the panty has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Helen Burrell
  • Patent number: 5636387
    Abstract: A penetration resistant undergarment in the form of pants for preventing sexual assault upon a wearer. The pants have a front portion and a back portion secured together so as to define a narrowed waist and a pair of laterally-spaced legs remote therefrom. An elongated opening extending between the laterally-spaced legs to a point in the front portion proximate the narrowed waist is selectively closed by a protective flap secured to the back portion of the pants. The protective flap has a tubular sleeve at is free end through which a waist belt may be drawn. A locking mechanism secured to the pants locks the waist belt snugly against the narrowed waist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventor: Al T. Lundy
  • Patent number: 5613893
    Abstract: A dorso-abdominal support belt constituted by unitary assembly having a crotch piece, and organized to exert permanent compression on the zone concerned of the body. According to the invention, the unitary assembly comprises two complementary portions connected together by an associated seam, said portions comprising an enveloping front-and-back main portion made of a first elastic textile material selected to exert controlled support, and an abdominal portion made of a second elastic textile material which is substantially more stretchable than said first material, such that said abdominal portion allows freer swelling of the abdomen, and wherein a peripheral band is associated with the unitary assembly, being connected to said assembly via seams that are disposed so that the peripheral band can exert additional support in the super-pubic and/or pre-umbilical zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Andre Zagame
  • Patent number: 5606748
    Abstract: At the front waistband of a feminine undergarment, a clip holding band is equipped by sewing horizontal and vertical threads in a grid form, and below the clip holding band, a date portion is located in which numerals and heart shapes are printed in two lines. Both edges of the clip holding band are designed to be sewn as to extend from the date portion. At first, a gold heart-shaped clip is hooked on the right end portion and a silver heart-shaped clip is hooked on the left end of the clip holding band with a vertical pin and a horizontal pin. Moving the clip on to the clip holding band above the date of the date portion below and allowing the vertical pin tip end to protrude from the clip holding band enables the clip to indicate the date below. This enables the recording of the date when the period began and allows for the computation of the time until the next period begins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: Shiomi Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 5593398
    Abstract: Protective underwear made of air-tight polyurethane-coated nylon (10) with elastic sewn around the waist (12) and around the bifurcated legs (14a, 14b). An exit hole (24) for the flatus is cut from the back, near the bottom, of the underwear. The exit hole is covered with a pocket (16a, 16b) made of porous fabric, and designed in the same shape as the exit hole (24), only larger. The bottom layer of the pocket (16b) is sewn (22) around the edge of the exit hole (24) connecting it to the underwear. The top layer (16a) is sewn (20) around the edge of the bottom layer (16b) and onto the underwear, except at the top, leaving the pocket opening. The pocket opening is kept closed by a fastener. The replaceable filter is large all around than the exit hole (24), but smaller all around than the pocket (16). The top and bottom layers are of wool felt (26a, 26b); and both layers are cut larger than all other layers to facilitate sewing (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Chester L. Weimer
  • Patent number: 5590548
    Abstract: The invention discloses a legged panty having strategically-located support panels for minimizing the appearance of undesirable body bulges, particularly along a wearer's stomach, hips and thighs. The panty is circularly knit, and the support panels are integrally knit using a modified knit structure to provide these regions with a greater resistance to stretching, particularly coursewise stretching. In a preferred form of the invention, first and second support panels extend vertically along the outer side of the leg portions, to correspond with the outer thigh regions of a wearer. The panty legs are finished via an integrally knit turned welt located at their terminal ends. The panty also desirably includes a U-shaped or anchor shaped support panel about the gluteal crease region in order to provide support for the buttocks, and additional yarn courses provide areas of added fabric fullness, particularly at the regions corresponding to the buttock cheeks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Alba-Waldensian, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold G. Osborne
  • Patent number: 5551093
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventor: Mildred L. Stricker
  • Patent number: 5546607
    Abstract: A hygienic panty is comprised of a front portion, a back portion, and a crotch portion, and if desired, side portions, conventionally joined to form a waist opening and two leg openings, the crotch portion comprising an outer layer made from a waterproof material and an inner layer of any suitable material, and the front portion and back portion comprising an outer layer made from a waterproof material, an inner layer, and at least one absorbent interliner sandwiched between the inner layer and outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: Mary K. Roberts
  • Patent number: 5546608
    Abstract: An undergarment is provided which affords a patient a sense of dignity and modesty while affording medical personnel access to the patient's crotch. This undergarment has a flap which acts to cover or uncover an opening in the crotch area of the undergarment. Such access may be sued for the insertion of a catheter which may continue being used while the patient wears the undergarment, thereby preventing exposure of the patient's buttocks and genitalia to other persons present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: Jama K. Russano
  • Patent number: 5533212
    Abstract: The invention is a combination moisture management panty and panty hose system for women. The moisture management system includes both a panty and panty hose. The panty includes a moisture management panty shield for being positioned in the crotch area of the wearer during garment wear. The panty shield has a first fabric layer with a skin side surface including moisture wicking fibers for residing next to the skin during garment wear. These such fibers wick moisture outwardly away from the skin towards drier areas of the garment for evaporation. The pair of panty hose is worn in combination with the panty, and includes a moisture management crotch gusset for being position adjacent to the panty shield in the crotch area of the wearer. The crotch gusset is constructed of an open mesh fabric for receiving moisture from the panty shield, and for facilitating the flow of air through the gusset into the panty shield. The open mesh fabric promotes moisture evaporation from the panty shield and the gusset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Intelpro Corporation
    Inventors: Herbert L. Moretz, Daniel L. Brier
  • Patent number: 5528775
    Abstract: A women's' abdominal support undergarment includes a waistband of horizontally elastic material with its ends joined to the side edges of a one piece control panel of horizontally elastic corset elastic different from the waistband material. The waistband is substantially more elastic than the control panel. The waistband and upper segment of the control panel form a horizontally aligned waist encircling portion on a standing wearer and have a smooth, continuous upper edge. A lower segment of the control panel cooperates with a panty portion and a thong portion to define a depending transverse portion of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventor: Madonna A. Marenda
  • Patent number: 5517832
    Abstract: A panty brief is made by flat knitting a front piece (1) and a back piece (1'), leg openings (8,9) being formed at a marginal edge zone (6) at the bottom of the panty brief. The marginal bottom edge zones (6) are partially made of soluble yarn (8) for forming larger stitches (19,20) and thereby a looser structure in the panty brief after dissolution of the yarn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignees: Tytex A/S, Molnlycke AB
    Inventor: Johannes N. Kristensen
  • Patent number: 5492496
    Abstract: A garment (10) provides comforting support to the abdomen when in a reclining position, particularly adapted for wear by pregnant women, however may also be worn by other individuals in need of abdominal support as described. The garment (10) includes a non-padded, expandable front panel (12) attached to two side panels (14,16) constructed of layered padding (34,36,38,40,42) encased in soft material (30,32). The side panels (14,16) extend into back flaps (18,20) that secure the garment (10) at the back of the wearer. The back flaps (18,20) include adjustable fastening means (44,46,48). The layered padding (34,36,38,40,42) in the side panels (14,16) provides more cushioning support toward the front or anterior part of the abdomen. In one embodiment, the front panel (12) is expandable and gently gathered at the top and bottom (22,24) of the front panel (12) to allow automatic adjustment to increases in abdominal girth and changes in body contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Lesa R. Walker
  • Patent number: 5485636
    Abstract: A rape preventing undergarment is formed from flexible cut-resistant cable and covered with fabric. The cable forms a crotch covering web with very small openings. Each side of the crotch covering web is attached to a leg encircling cable free at one end which can be wrapped around the thigh and then length adjusted and removably locked into a cable clasp at the front end of the crotch covering. A waist encircling cable is attached by cable to the rear of crotch covering and in front descends to also lock into one of the cable clasps. The cable clasps are arranged to both be locked by a single padlock. The device is easily adjusted to fit snugly so that it cannot be pulled aside, yet it is comfortable and easily removed when unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Inventor: Clifford N. Yandell
  • Patent number: 5483705
    Abstract: A protective device for protecting a female genital region, particularly during athletic competition, having an elongated, banana-shaped cup portion with an elongated concave cavity having sufficient volume to bridge over the wearer's vagina and perineum without contact therewith, and adapted to extend rearwardly between the wearer's upper thighs with the edge of the cavity proximate to the superior ramii, the inferior ramii, and/or the Ischial ramii of the pelvis, with minimal contact with the upper thighs, and a resilient padding mounted onto the edge of said cavity adapted to absorb at least a major portion of any impact experienced by said cup, and optionally including a curved, kidney-shaped shield portion adapted to fit against a wearer's bowel area sufficient to overlay and shield the ovaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: Frank J. DiMatteo
  • Patent number: 5467482
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventor: William E. Crawford, II
  • Patent number: 5440764
    Abstract: Disposable pants having a front body comprising a sheet having elastic stretchability in the transverse direction and a rear body comprising a sheet having no elastic stretchability. The sheets are bonded to each other with a transverse dimension of the front body in its transversely contracted state being smaller than a transverse dimension of the rear body so that laterally opposite waist sides of the user's body wearing the pants may be covered by a part of the rear body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michiko Matsushita
  • Patent number: 5435015
    Abstract: An undergarment for people who have an overhanging upper abdomen, a fat apron, which when wearing ordinary undergarments would rub against the lower abdomen. The undergarment includes a pouch in the upper abdomen area to contain the fat apron, thereby eliminating any skin-to-skin rubbing. The pouch is formed by adding a panel to the ordinary construction of the undergarment. The pouch and crotch of the garment is lined to absorb perspiration and increase comfort for the user. The leg openings can be made adjustable in size by including fasteners on the leg. The fasteners can be of any easily adjusted construction, such as typical hook-and-eye fasteners like Velcro.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Inventor: Evelyn M. Ellis-Brewer
  • Patent number: 5435014
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Intelpro Corporation
    Inventors: Herbert L. Moretz, Daniel L. Brier
  • Patent number: 5416929
    Abstract: The present invention entails a panty having a crotch area that is specifically designed to kill and inhibit the growth of yeast, bacteria and fungi. In particular, the panty includes a crotch made up of an open knit construction that is formed of both treated and non-treated yarn. The treated yarn is treated with an antimicrobial agent that is capable of killing and inhibiting yeast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Robert A. Braunstein
  • Patent number: 5414870
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Intelpro Corporation
    Inventors: Herbert L. Moretz, Daniel L. Brier
  • Patent number: 5398346
    Abstract: A panty garment has a single seam in its construction, which is positioned at the gluteal crease of the wearer and is devoid of any seams at the frontal portion thereof. The panty garment is stretchable in a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, and a bias direction, with the stretch in the transverse and bias directions being greater than the stretch in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: I. Appel Corporation
    Inventors: Herbert Feinberg, Norman Katz, Denise Bro
  • Patent number: 5396662
    Abstract: A relatively simple frame for use in bikini bottoms or briefs includes two lengths of wire which are bent to define mirror images of each other, the lengths defining a major portion of an oval of sufficient length to extend around the crotch of a wearer between a V-shaped line across the rectus abdominous muscle in the front and the sacrum in the rear of the wearer. Each of the lengths of wire includes a straight, vertical rear portion extending downwardly from an inverted L-shaped top rear end to approximately the bottom center of the crotch area, and a front portion flaring outwardly and upwardly from the vertical plane of the straight rear portion to a top end and then downwardly to the vertical plane of the rear portion. The two lengths of wire are interconnected using conventional cable connectors to define a T-shaped rear and a generally triangular front with a V-shaped depression in the top thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: L.C.G. Consulting
    Inventors: Cynthia D. Leonard, Lawrence Gayne
  • Patent number: 5392467
    Abstract: A moisture-management garment and support garment including a moisture-management panel which extends from an upper crotch area of the garment to a lower crotch area of the garment. The panel includes an inner fabric layer, intermediate fabric layer, and an outer fabric layer. The inner fabric layer is constructed of wicking yarns for residing in skin contact during garment wear. The intermediate fabric layer comprises one or more moisture transport inserts which reside adjacent to the inner fabric layer for transporting moisture away from the inner fabric layer and away from the skin of the wearer. An outer fabric layer resides adjacent the intermediate fabric layer for receiving and dispersing moisture wicked outwardly from the inner and intermediate fabric layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Intelpro Corporation
    Inventors: Herbert L. Moretz, Daniel L. Brier
  • Patent number: 5390376
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Gilda Marx Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilda G. Marx, Robert S. Marx
  • Patent number: 5388275
    Abstract: A protective device primarily intended for female water skiers inhibits flow of water into the female reproductive organs. In the preferred embodiment, the lower portion of a swimsuit includes a pocket in the crotch region and a slit on the interior wall of the crotch for providing access to the pocket. In an alternate embodiment, the swimsuit includes a region of hook or loop fasteners disposed on the interior wall of the crotch region. In the preferred embodiment, a deflector which comprises outer layers of a soft, resilient material and a thin inner layer of more rigid, fluid impervious material is placed either in the pocket or secured by complementary hook and loop fasteners. An alternate embodiment comprehends a generally hourglass shaped sponge which is fabricated of open or preferably closed cell foam and which is placed in the pocket or includes complementary hook and loop fasteners for securing to the crotch region of the swimsuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: Stephen W. Oram
  • Patent number: 5368050
    Abstract: A rape prevention device including a belt adapted to encircle the waist of a wearer and a shield portion extending through the legs and crotch of the wearer from a rear region of the belt to a front region of the belt. The shield portion includes a plurality of shield segments adapted to cover the genitalia of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventor: John P. Donelan
  • Patent number: 5367715
    Abstract: In general, bikini bottoms or briefs are somewhat unimaginative in terms of shape, uncomfortable and expensive to produce. A relatively simple frame for use in bikini bottoms or briefs includes two lengths of wire which are bent to define mirror images of each other, the lengths defining a major portion of an oval of sufficient length to extend around the crotch of a wearer between a V-shaped line across the rectus abdominous muscle in the front and the sacrum in the rear of the wearer. Each of the lengths of wire includes a straight, vertical rear portion extending downwardly from an inverted L-shaped top rear end to approximately the bottom center of the crotch area, and a front portion flaring outwardly and upwardly from the vertical plane of the straight rear portion to a top end and then downwardly to the vertical plane of the rear portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: L.C.C. Consulting Inc.
    Inventors: Cynthia D. Leonard, Lawrence Gayne
  • Patent number: 5363511
    Abstract: A panties is described which includes a shell-form body having a back panel and a generally "T" shaped front panel. The back panel is adapted to substantially cover a ladies buttocks and has a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side. The generally "T" shaped front panel has a front crotch strip and a generally hourglass shaped waist band. The front crotch strip is secured to the bottom of the back panel and is adapted to extend to a top of a pubic bone. The generally hourglass shaped front waist band has a first end secured to the first side of the back panel and a second end secured to the second side of the back panel. The waist band has a symmetrical centre point to which is attached the crotch strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventor: Christine G. Brewer
  • Patent number: 5359732
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventors: Herman B. Waldman, Mark S. Waldman
  • Patent number: 5347657
    Abstract: A swim suit bottom for both genders having a unique attachment of each end thereof to the user. The swim suit bottom is formed into a single flexible fabric cover having a narrow mid section sized to cover the crotch area and widening at either end thereof to define a front and a back panel. When fully extended over the user in an in-use position, the front panel covers essentially the pubic area and the back panel covers a central buttocks area of the user. The back panel is supported in position by a slender resilient arcuate band which only partially encircles and biasingly engages against the lower torso, extending across the lower back, up around the right and left iliac crests and diagonally downward toward, but not to, the stomach and pubic area. The front panel is held in position by a strip of replaceable double-sided adhesive tape adhered adjacent the end margin of the front panel and then across the skin of the upper pubic area below the stomach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Inventor: Robert D. Unsell
  • Patent number: 5341515
    Abstract: A medical examination garment (10) has a trunk (11) and a right and left leg (19, 20) extending from the trunk. The trunk, right leg and left leg each have a front portion (17) and a rear portion (18). The garment has an opening (23) therein which extends into the front and rear portions. The garment also has a front flap (24) for covering and uncovering a front portion (25) of the opening, and a rear flap (30) for covering and uncovering a rear portion (31) of the opening. VELCRO strips (28, 29) are provided for securing the front flap to the trunk. Additional VELCRO strip (33,34) are provided for securing the rear flap and rear flaps to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Dignity Wear, Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert A. Cohen
  • Patent number: 5325543
    Abstract: A disposable undergarment for releasably securing an absorbent pad in a pocket located in the crotch portion of the undergarment and a method for making the same is disclosed. The undergarment is made with a body portion and pocket portion. The pocket portion overlays the crotch portion and is attached to the body portion along a sufficient portion of its peripheral edge to form a pocket therebetween. The pocket is sufficient in size to secure or store an absorbent pad or the like. Preferably, the undergarment is made of an inexpensive material so that it may be disposable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventor: Tanya R. Allen
  • Patent number: 5315717
    Abstract: A multi-layer moisture management fabric for being placed in garments. The multi-layer fabric includes a relatively thick inner moisture permeable hydrophobic fabric layer having for being positioned next to the skin of the wearer of the garment, a first, relatively thin intermediate hydrophilic fabric layer positioned adjacent the hydrophobic fabric layer on the side thereof away from the skin of the wearer, and a second, relatively thick outer hydrophilic fabric layer positioned adjacent the first hydrophilic fabric layer on the opposite side thereof from the hydrophobic fabric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventors: Herbert L. Moretz, Daniel L. Brier
  • Patent number: 5295945
    Abstract: The present invention provides a garment to be worn externally on the female person and a method for positioning and securing a radiotherapeutic appliance internally within the female genital organs during local radiation therapy. The garment provides at least one supporting band of material to be worn around the female body and provides access on-demand to the vulva of the person. The garment also provides at least one extensible member for positioning and securing the radiotherapeutic appliance such that the appliance is maintained in position and secured against movement during the radiation therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Beth Israel Hospital Assoc. Inc.
    Inventor: Donna M. Miller
  • Patent number: 5291617
    Abstract: A moisture-management garment having a moisture management panel constructed of a moisture management fabric which extends generally between a crotch area of the garment and a waist area of the garment. The moisture management panel includes a first fabric having an inner moisture transport fabric layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns for residing in skin contact during garment wear and an inner dispersal fabric layer constructed of hydrophilic yarns and positioned adjacent to the inner moisture transport layer to receive and disperse moisture transported to it by the inner moisture transport layer. A second fabric is provided having an outer moisture vaporization fabric layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns which is the outermost surface of the moisture management fabric during wear, and an outer moisture dispersal fabric layer constructed of hydrophilic yarns and positioned adjacent to the outer moisture vaporization layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Inventors: Herbert L. Moretz, Daniel L. Brier
  • Patent number: 5285531
    Abstract: The present invention provides a female garment with an infolding or cleft at the surface level of the labia majora to subtly define the contours of the external female genitalia. The linear infolding is in the sagittal plane of the body and has a first material which represents the outer cloth surface of the female garment and a second, firmer material which is attached to the inner surface of the first material so that the subtle contours of the external female genitalia are maintained throughout the infolding. Alternatively, the features of the external female genitalia in situ may be represented in a variety of female garments by utilizing first and second layers where the first layer constitutes material of the female garment and the second layer constitutes material of a different color or texture from that of the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventor: Robert M. Nalbandian
  • Patent number: 5243974
    Abstract: A garment in the general form of an improved athletic supporter includes a genital pouch depending from and attached to a waist band. The pouch comprises a front panel and a rear panel, joined at the bottom to form an open-top pocket. The respective top portions of the front and rear panels are provided with releasable fastening means, preferably hook-and-loop fasteners, so that the pocket can be selectively closed and reopened. A packet containing a chilling medium, such as ice, and conforming to the pocket, is inserted into the pocket. When the garment is worn with the chilling medium packet installed in the pocket, the chilling medium is held in close proximity to a surgical site or a site of mild trauma in the scrotal or inguinal area, thereby affording a degree of relief from pain and inflammation. The pouch offers genital support and limits the movement of the genitals, thereby reducing strain that can exacerbate the pain and inflammation and inhibit healing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: Marcus W. Allen
  • Patent number: 5241710
    Abstract: A two piece panty with one of the pieces being a removable lower or crotch portion. This portion has an inner section designed for the absorption of menses, and an outer moisture resistant backing that includes both a front and rear engaging means and a pocket adapted to hold a pre-wrapped moistened towelette. Thus, when the inner section becomes soiled, it is easily replaceable by disengaging the crotch portion and replacing it with a new one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Inventor: Janice T. Lockhart
  • Patent number: 5241708
    Abstract: A restraining device is disclosed for maintaining an individual in a seated position in a chair or similar and providing containment and absorption of waste materials produced by the individual. An external garment portion with appearance similar to ordinary clothing for the lower portion of the body has opposing, closeable side slots, and straps extending from rear waistband portions of the garment are removably disposable through loops attached to front waistband portions of the garment and tied behind the individual. A three-ply liner is attached to the interior of the garment, and a disposable, absorbent pad is removably attached to the interior of the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Inventor: Pamela A. Rodarmel