Abstract:
An incontinence undergarment and accessory for persons of obese body type. The accessory includes a belt member sized to surround the user&#39;s torso having an anterior and posterior segment joined by to connecting segments, and further includes at least one anterior and one posterior vertical suspension member, both having sufficient length to terminate proximate to or above the user&#39;s pelvis. The vertical suspension members provide a desired fixation location for receiving an absorbent incontinence component. The incontinence undergarment includes an absorbent panel having anterior and posterior vertically extending suspension members, which are linked to a belt member sized to encircle a user&#39;s torso. Variations of the invention include alternative belt member configurations for user&#39;s of different body mass and shape, and alternative vertical suspension member arrangements.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     Current studies show that 30% of the US population is considered overweight by medical standards, and that 50% of the future US population will be considered obese. Of this population, a certain portion has or will have need for incontinence-type undergarments. Current solutions for this need primarily consist of providing “oversized” versions of conventional diapers or incontinence undergarments, that are sized based upon a user&#39;s waist or hip measurements. However, this solution does not take into account at least one very important factor.  
         [0002]     A human body having an obese characterization as compared to an average body is not merely a scaled up version of the average body. Instead, obese body types are characterized as having disproportionate mass distributions about the body, which account for most of the mass differential. Primarily, the increased mass distribution occurs from below the breast to the top of the thighs, with a concentration of body fat around the central part of the body.  
         [0003]     Because the body mass distribution for obese persons differs from that of non-obese persons, and because conventional “oversized” diapers or incontinence undergarments do not have the structure necessary to properly fit obese persons, the fit of such conventional diapers or incontinence undergarments is wanting. Moreover, all obese persons do not share the same type of mass distributions. Some persons have an “apple” mass distribution while others have a “pear” mass distribution. Consequently, any successful diaper or incontinence undergarment should take these diverging body types into consideration if a proper fit is desired.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     The invention is directed to an incontinence undergarment and system for persons of obese body types. The invention comprises an absorbent panel preferably having a first fluid absorption value, and support structure, preferably having a second absorption value less than the first absorption value, for maintaining the relative position of the absorbent panel with respect to the user&#39;s body during use of the undergarment. The support structure comprises a belt member for encircling the user&#39;s torso, an anterior suspension member extending from the belt member and a posterior suspension member extending from the belt member. Either or both of the suspension members may comprise all, part or none of the belt member, depending upon the mode of implementation. Each suspension member includes at least one vertical strap extending from the belt member and linking with the absorbent panel. Thusly configured and during use, the belt member provides an anchor for suspending the absorbent panel, through the anterior and posterior suspension members.  
         [0005]     A feature of the invention provides for the accommodation of various body types associated with obese persons. Because obese persons frequently have an enlarged midsection at or above the pelvis region, conventional absorbent undergarments usually fail to maintain a proper position on the person&#39;s body. It is therefore considered desirable to provide a secure anchor location such that undesirable dropping of the undergarment can be prevented. By positioning the belt member above the enlarged mid section, a secure anchor location can be established. Through the use of suspension members extending from the belt member and having an appropriate length, the absorbent panel can be securely held in place.  
         [0006]     To this end, appropriate length sizing of the suspension members can be accomplished by several non-exclusive means: a) providing a plurality of generally inelastic, pre-established length suspension members for each belt member having absorbent panel engagement means at the distal ends thereof (the engagement means may be either permanent or temporary); b) providing a plurality of generally elastic, pre-established length suspension members for each belt member having absorbent panel engagement means at the distal ends thereof (the engagement means may be either permanent or temporary); c) providing a plurality of generally inelastic, pre-established length suspension members for each belt member having absorbent panel engagement means at the distal ends thereof and at one or more locations between the distal ends and proximal ends (the engagement means may be either permanent or temporary); d) providing a plurality of generally elastic, pre-established length suspension members for each belt member having absorbent panel engagement means at the distal ends thereof and at one or more locations between the distal ends and proximal ends (the engagement means may be either permanent or temporary).  
         [0007]     Another feature of the invention provides for lateral linkage between an anterior portion of the absorbent panel and a posterior portion of the absorbent panel. In a preferred embodiment, the lateral linkage is accomplished by at least one band or strap extending from the anterior portion of the absorbent panel to the posterior portion of the absorbent panel wherein the band or strap is attached (either removably with respect to both panels or just one) to the panels. Most preferably, at least two straps extend from lateral edge portions of one of the anterior or posterior portion of the absorbent panel to an opposing portion. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention shown in a pre-use state, particularly illustrating multi-attachment point suspension members to permit user-selected distances between a belt member and an absorbent panel;  
         [0009]      FIG. 2  shows a variation of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  during use by an obese person having an “apple” body type;  
         [0010]      FIG. 3  shows a variation of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  during use by an obese person having a “pear” body type;  
         [0011]      FIG. 4  is plan view of a first belt member arrangement;  
         [0012]      FIG. 5  is plan view of a second belt member arrangement, particularly for use by very obese persons;  
         [0013]      FIG. 6  is plan view of a third belt member arrangement;  
         [0014]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention shown in a pre-use state, particularly illustrating a lateral connection member arrangement and alternative multi-attachment point suspension members to permit user-selected distances between a belt member and an absorbent panel;  
         [0015]      FIG. 8  is a side elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7  during use; and  
         [0016]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention wherein the anterior suspension member comprises a unitary vertical suspension member. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0017]     Turning then to the several Figures, wherein like numbers indicate like parts, and more particularly, to  FIGS. 1-6 , a first embodiment of the invention is shown. As best illustrated in  FIG. 1 , undergarment  10  comprises belt member  20 , anterior suspension member  40 , posterior suspension member  50 , and absorbent panel  60 . Those persons skilled in the art will appreciate the substitution of various materials for others. Thus, it is presently contemplated that absorbent panel  60  functions as a fluid retaining undergarment, the same as or similar to conventional infant diapers or adult incontinence pads. The basic construction of absorbent panel  60  prevents the unintentional escapement of fluids from the interior portion thereof to the environment, and further functions to bind such fluids in a manner to prevent unintentional continued contact with the user. In contrast, belt  20 , anterior suspension member  40  and posterior suspension member  50  may be constructed of higher strength and lesser absorptive value material. Preferably, the belt  10  and suspension members  40  and  50  have a soft surface that contacts the user, while having an outer surface constructed from a material which beneficially provides the desirable high strength features.  
         [0018]     Turning in particular to belt member  20 , it comprises anterior belt portion  22 , posterior belt portion  26 , and lateral belt portions  28   a/b . As used herein, the term “portions” may, depending upon the embodiment being discussed, refer to discrete segments or pieces of belt member  20 , or may reference areas or zones of the belt member, with those persons being skilled in the art appreciating the diversity of construction available for a basic body encircling device. Thus, and as will be shown in additional embodiments, belt member  20  may be comprised of separate pieces or segments to be joined during use of undergarment  10 , or may be a substantially continuous singular element, such as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , having identifiable areas or zones for labeling purposes.  
         [0019]     Belt member  20  further comprises two-part fasteners  24   a  and  24   b , which are positioned on the free ends of anterior belt portion  22 . While an arrangement similar to that of a conventional belt may be used (wherein the inside surface of belt  20  has one part of a two-part fastener and the outside surface of belt  20  has a second part of a two-part fastener so that, when the ends of the anterior portion are overlapped, an encircling structure can be formed), the presently contemplated arrangement positions both fasteners on the same surface (a common surface) of anterior belt portion  22 , as shown in  FIG. 1  for the reasons expressed below. Fasteners  24   a  and  24   b  may be both first parts, both second parts, or respective first and second parts of the two-part fastener, depending upon design considerations. It is considered desirable to have at least one such fastener at or proximate to each free end of anterior belt portion  22 , although such fastener may extend posteriorly or additional fasteners may be present posterior of the preferred location to increase fit or resistance to separation. As used herein, two-part fasteners include any means for removably fastening two flexible, panel-like materials together, such as chemical means, e.g., adhesives, cohesives; physical means, e.g., buttons and holes, laces; mechanically interacting means, e.g., hook and loop fasteners, slide fasteners.  
         [0020]     Functioning in cooperation with belt member  20  in  FIG. 1  is anterior suspension portion  122 , which also unifies vertical straps  42   a  and  42   b  at first ends  46   a  and  46   b . As noted above, fasteners  24   a  and  24   b  are preferably positioned on a common surface of anterior belt portion  22  at or near the free ends thereof. For ease of use, the most preferred location for fasteners  24   a  and  24   b  is on the inside surface of anterior belt-portion  22 . The complementary portion to fasteners  24   a  and  24   b  can be found on the outer surface of anterior suspension portion  122  and are represented as fastener  124 . This fastener, which may be segmented, is intended to be complementary to fasteners  24   a  and  24   b  found on anterior belt portion  22  of belt member  20 . While a suitable functionality could be achieved by merely mating the free distal ends of anterior belt portion  22 , a larger variety of user torso diameters is possible through the use of anterior suspension portion  122 , and the corresponding second part of the two-part fasteners  124 . The resulting arrangement permits encircling a user&#39;s torso through a wide range of diameters, as represented by the relative distance between the distal ends of anterior belt portion  122 .  
         [0021]     Both anterior suspension member  40  and posterior suspension member  50  are either removably or fixedly attached to absorbent panel  60  at respective attachment points  48   a/b  and  58   a/b . The means of connection is considered to be wholly a design consideration, and those persons skilled in the art will appreciate the diversity of available attachment means, depending upon the construction of materials used and the intended purposes of the absorbent panel and supporting structure. Nevertheless, if an entirely disposable unit is desired, then use of stitching, RF spot welding, or adhesives are considered most economical, while reusable arrangements are considered more advantageous and may comprise use of hook-and-loop fasteners (two-part fastening systems) or more conventional forms, such as button and button holes, snap connectors and the like. Similarly, the attachment means for connecting vertical straps  42   a/b  and  52   a/b  to belt member  20  (and/or any portions or segments thereof) may be either removable or permanent. However, the embodiments shown herein presume that such attachment is permanent since this portion of undergarment  10  is clearly reusable.  
         [0022]     Turning momentarily to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , it can be seen that various users will have different positioning requirements. As a consequence of body features and mass distribution, certain users will find it necessary to place the belt member  20  above the waist, while other will find greater utility by placement of the belt member  20  proximate to the waist. To facilitate these differing modes of implementation, anterior and posterior suspension members  40  and  50 , respectively, are preferably adjustable in length. This feature can be accomplished either through the use of resilient or elastic material, thereby permitting tension stretching of the suspension members; otherwise, temporarily adjustable vertical suspension members may be employed. In this regard, a plurality of attachment points  48   a  and  48   b  of vertical straps  42   a  and  42   b  and, similarly, a plurality of attachment points  58   a  and  58   b  of vertical straps  52   a  and  52   b  can be used.  
         [0023]     Also shown in these Figures are several modes of securing belt member  20  to absorbent panel  60 . In  FIG. 2 , a snap-type fastener (similar to that used with respect to bed sheets and certain garters) is shown, with attachment points  48   a  and  48   b  on vertical straps  42   a  and  42   b  being user selectable. In  FIG. 3 , adhesive strips covered by release film are located at attachment points  48   a  and  48   b  on vertical straps  42   a  and  42   b ; the user need only remove the release film to expose the adhesive strip of interest and firmly engage the same with absorbent panel  60 . Again, it should be understood by those persons skilled in the art that the previously mentioned attachment means can be used in various combinations depending upon design considerations.  
         [0024]      FIGS. 4-6  demonstrate several alternative belt member configurations.  FIGS. 4 and 6  are related and differ only with respect to the sides of anterior portions  22   a  and  22   b , and the sides of anterior suspension portion  122  to which the first and second parts of the fasteners are located.  FIG. 5  provides a solution for extremely obese persons while at the same time permitting use by the less obese or those with smaller body diameters at the point of belt location.  
         [0025]     An alternative undergarment  110  to that shown in  FIG. 1  is best illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . In this embodiment, the general structure of the anterior belt portion  22  (also in these embodiments referred to as anterior suspension portion  122 ), anterior suspension member  40 , and posterior suspension member  50  remain substantially the same, as does the general nature and configuration of absorbent panel  60 . However, lateral connection members  30   a  and  30   b  are employed to provide additional support and fitment of absorbent panel  60 . As best shown in these Figures, lateral connection members  30   a  and  30   b  comprise lateral straps  32   a  and  32   b , each of which has respective first-ends  34   a  and  34   b . Respective first ends  34   a  and  34   b  cooperatively engage corresponding attachment points  62   a  and  62   b  on absorbent panel  60 . As with respect to the first embodiment, first ends  34   a  and  34   b  may be attached to absorbent panel  60  in any conventional manner; however, removable attachment means such as the use of hook-and-loop fasteners, temporary adhesives and the like may be beneficially used. Thus, when a user wears undergarment  110 , compression around the user&#39;s hip may be enhanced through the engagement of first ends  34   a  and  34   b  with attachment points  62   a  and  62   b , as is best shown in  FIG. 8 . Again, it should be noted that only at least one end of lateral straps  32   a  and  32   b  should be removably engagable with absorbent panel  60 ; the second ends of lateral straps  32   a  and  32   b  may also, but need not, be removable. Fitment advantages can be realized by having both ends removably attached to absorbent panel  60 ; however, manufacturing and costing considerations may create additional advantages for embodiments wherein only a single end is removable.  
         [0026]      FIG. 9  is provided to illustrate that the anterior or posterior suspension member may comprise a single vertical strap; in this Fig., strap  42 ′ illustrates this option. Such a configuration may find usefulness in situations wherein the user has medical reasons that require a midline mode of attachment, e.g., a recent surgical closure. As with all prior embodiments, various modes for attachment are shown to illustrate the diversity and not necessarily a preferred mode of implementation.