Abstract:
An article of clothing can be used to reduce or prevent the occurrence of prolonged skin-on-skin contact, rashes, irritation, intertrigo, infections, discomfort, or chaffing. Such an article of clothing has a moisture management material made up of at least an outer layer, an inner layer, and a tab. The moisture management material is attached to a portion of the article of clothing via a tab of the moisture management material. The moisture management material may be of various shapes and sizes and preferably fits within a prescribed area of the article of clothing. The moisture management material may be variably positioned within the article of clothing to provide differing results such as additional support and/or moisture absorbing or moisture moving where necessary. Preferably the article of clothing is a brassiere but may be a shirt, diaper, pants, socks, panties, or other undergarments.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/118,578 filed on Feb. 20, 2015, the contents of which are herein fully incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention and its embodiments relate to protective devices that provide relief and prevention to users who experience discomfort due to prolonged skin-on-skin contact and/or perspiration throughout the course of a day and/or night, namely a medical device that may be coupled to articles of clothing thereby providing a barrier to skin-on-skin contact to alleviate chaffing, rashes, infections, intertrigo, soreness, irritation, discomfort, and the potential embarrassment caused by these conditions. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Excessive moisture in a variety of scenarios can cause numerous undesirable effects. Often, places susceptible to such excessive moisture content are breeding grounds for bacteria, funguses, and various other types of pathogens. When these locations are persistent on the human body various afflictions such as intertrigo and bacterial infections often occur jeopardizing the health of the host body. 
     Historically, men and women alike have attempted, utilizing various methodologies, to alleviate, prevent, or otherwise limit the wetness and odor caused by perspiration. In humans, excessive moisture (i.e. perspiration) can be trapped in any number of crevices along the human body. This increased moisture level can then, in turn, be exacerbated by heat (including body heat), a lack of air circulation, and friction between places of skin-on-skin contact (i.e. skin folds). Often such a combination of factors results in tenderness, redness, friction, and intertrigo amongst other afflictions. These conditions can then lead to secondary infections caused by funguses, bacteria, yeasts, and the like. Once these ailments have set in, treatment is typically seen in the form of creams, ointments, powders, and anti-inflammatories, anti-fungals, and even antibiotics in extreme cases. 
     There are a number of options available to help alleviate, avoid, or reduce such ailments including: avoiding tight clothing, losing weight, and wearing a brassiere or other garment with sufficient support. However, these steps are not necessarily practical or effective for all of those who suffer from these conditions as there are a wide variety of reasons and medical issues that can cause the aforementioned ailments. 
     For example, for many the “underbust,” or area below/underneath the breasts is particularly problematic, especially for those women who are overweight or have particularly large breasts. Yet, women with “average” breasts are not exempt from this condition and should be cognizant of the implications of such an affliction. Typically, women attempt to combat this problem and discomfort by using various objects of relief such as but not limited to napkins, tissues, gauze, anti-fungals, toilet paper, and other suggested remedies, and the like only to be greeted with tepid results. Further, when such remedies are used one must be fearful of losing the placed objects of relief and being subjected to embarrassment due to the unfixed nature of these items. 
     Additionally, in other settings, older adults may have difficulties with incontinence or are bed ridden which can lead to similar symptoms around the buttocks and genital region, especially the inner thighs and between the buttocks. Even still, overweight individuals may have a number of skin folds which require constant cleaning and moisture absorbing powders to prevent excess sweating and moisture build up. 
     Thus, there is a need for the moisture management material to be integrated with a garment, medical device, or article of clothing that helps to reduce or move away excess moisture and create a barrier to skin-on-skin contact to prevent or limit the frequency of the aforementioned and other not named afflictions. The present invention and its embodiments meets and exceeds these objectives. The present invention uses at least one moisture management material strategically located and capable of being variably positioned to further create a barrier to skin-on-skin contact. This allows one to target problem areas and increase the relief from discomfort. 
     Review of Related Technology: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,794,304 pertains to a foldable one-piece insert worn between the brassiere and the body having irritation reducing and/or absorbent material portions which line the brassiere cup and that lie under the supported breast, and portions which extends toward the torso rear under the brassiere side straps and a portion extending below the brassiere line along the torso. The invention further includes a material tab disposed between the material portions lining the brassiere cups, which can optionally be worn up to bridge the area between the brassiere cups for added protection, comfort and absorption of perspiration, or be folded down and out of sight when worn with lower cut neckline outer garments. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,359 pertains to a brassiere barrier device comprising a flexible, substantially flat absorptive protective band worn on an abdomen of a woman&#39;s body. A top edge of the band extends under the breasts and a lower border at the cups of a brassiere, so as to prevent dermal irritation and lesions caused by heat, moisture and chaffing associated with use of the brassiere. 
     U.S. Patent Application 2013/0104914 pertains to a brassiere accessory for eliminating or substantially reducing the discomfort, chaffing, pain, rash, intertrigo, and infections caused by pressure of a woman&#39;s brassiere cup rim against her chest, and by perspiration trapped between the woman&#39;s breast and chest. 
     Various devices are known in the art. However, their structure and means of operation are substantially different from the present disclosure. The other inventions fail to solve all the problems taught by the present disclosure. The present invention provides for a reconfigurable moisture management material that can be placed to target areas of the body susceptible to moisture buildup. In some embodiments, such as when applied to a brassiere, the moisture management material can be folded into the cup of the brassiere providing increased levels of support and lifting of the breast. At least one embodiment of this invention is presented in the drawings below and will be described in more detail herein. 
     SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Generally, the present invention and its embodiments provide for an article of clothing to alleviate the occurrence buildup of excess moisture or prolonged skin-on-skin contact which can lead to recurring rashes, irritation, intertrigo, discomfort, infections, or chaffing. The article of clothing or garment has at least one and preferably multiple pieces of moisture management material strategically positioned and coupled thereto. The moisture management material can be shaped to conform to certain garments and/or locations on the body. Further, the moisture management material is capable of being removed and cleaned and/or replaced in addition to being repositionable. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention is a system to alleviate the occurrence of prolonged skin-on-skin contact, rashes, irritation, intertrigo, infections, discomfort, or chaffing or any combination thereof, the article of clothing comprising: a material forming a wearable garment; and a moisture management material comprising at least an outer layer, an inner layer, and a tab being coupled to a portion of the length of material, wherein the tab extending from the moisture management material providing a surface to couple the moisture management material to the wearable garment. 
     In another embodiment there is a medical accessory to alleviate the occurrence of prolonged skin-on-skin contact, rashes, irritation, intertrigo, infections, discomfort, or chaffing or any combination thereof, the medical accessory comprising: a moisture management material having an inner layer, an outer layer, and at least a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first edge is a flat edge and the second edge is a flat edge or a curved edge; and a tab extending from the moisture management material sized to enable the medical accessory to be coupled to an article of clothing. 
     In another embodiment of the invention there is a brassiere accessory comprising: a moisture management material having a flat edge and an additional flat or curved edge, wherein the moisture management material has at least an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the inner layer is bounded on both sides by the outer layer; and a tab extending from the moisture management material sized to enable the brassiere accessory to be coupled to a brassiere, wherein the moisture management material is configured to be positioned into a cup of the brassiere or positioned to extend outwardly from the cup of the brassiere; and wherein if the brassiere has an underwire the tab is coupled to the brassiere above and/or below the underwire, and if the brassiere has no underwire the tab is coupled to a fabric strip of the brassiere. 
     In another embodiment there is a pair of underwear having a length of material configured to cover at least a part of a genital region of a user; and a moisture management material comprising at least an outer layer and an inner layer and being coupled to a portion of the length of material, wherein the moisture management material has a flat edge and an additional flat or curved edge, wherein at least one of the edges has a tab or tabs extending therefrom providing a surface to couple the moisture management material to the wearable garment; wherein the moisture management material is coupled to the pair of underwear along the waistline or along leg openings or other openings or along the side seams or a combination thereof. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention there is a shirt having a length of material configured to cover at least a torso of a user; and at least one piece of the moisture management material comprising at least an outer layer and an inner layer and being coupled to a portion of the length of material, wherein the moisture management material has a flat edge and an additional flat or curved edge, wherein at least one of the edges has a tab or tabs extending therefrom providing a surface to couple the moisture management material to the wearable garment; wherein the moisture management material is coupled to an interior surface of the shirt in the chest region and is capable of being positioned in areas subjected to skin-on-skin contact. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention there is a diaper or other full coverage undergarment having a length of material configured to cover a genital region of a user; and a moisture management material comprising at least an outer layer and an inner layer and being coupled to a portion of the length of material, wherein the moisture management material has a flat edge and an additional flat or curved edge, wherein at least one of the edges has a tab or tabs extending therefrom providing a surface to couple the moisture management material to the wearable garment; wherein the moisture management material is coupled to the diaper along leg openings or the rear central portion of the diaper or a combination thereof. 
     In general, the present invention succeeds in conferring the following, and others not mentioned, benefits and objectives. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an article of clothing that prevents or limits prolonged skin-on-skin contact. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an article of clothing that prevents or limits buildup of excess moisture. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an article of clothing that has a disposable or non-disposable moisture management material coupled thereto. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an article of clothing that alleviates irritation, swelling, chaffing, redness, soreness, intertrigo, discomfort, infections, and the like. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an article of clothing that is machine and/or hand washable. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an article of clothing that can be worn in multiple fashions by both men and women. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a brassiere that can provide an increase in support and lift to the breasts. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a shirt, pants, jacket, undergarment, and the like that has moisture management material that can be positioned between skin folds. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an undergarment that can be sized to be worn by adults and/or children. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an article of clothing that may have multiple pieces of moisture management material. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of the moisture management material of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the moisture management material of another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a rear view of a brassiere with the moisture management material coupled thereto and folded into the cups of the brassiere. 
         FIG. 2B  is a rear view of a brassiere with the moisture management material coupled thereto and folded outwardly from the cups of the brassiere enabling the tucking between the bottom of the breast and the underbust. 
         FIG. 3A  is a side view of a user wearing an embodiment of the present invention with the moisture management material placed and/or tucked under the breast. 
         FIG. 3B  is a side view of a user wearing an embodiment of the present invention with the moisture management material placed into the cup and supporting and lifting the breast. 
         FIG. 3C  is a side view of a user wearing an embodiment of the present invention with the moisture management material positioned under the straps, clasps, etc. 
         FIG. 4A  is another embodiment of the present invention and is a front view of a female user wearing an embodiment of the present invention with multiple pieces of the moisture management material placed along the openings. 
         FIG. 4B  is another embodiment of the present invention and is a front view of a male user wearing an embodiment of the present invention with multiple pieces of the moisture management material placed along the openings and over the groin area. 
         FIG. 5  is another embodiment of the present invention illustrating the moisture management material as shown in  FIG. 1B  coupled to a shirt. 
         FIG. 6  is another embodiment of the present invention, shown from the rear, of a user wearing the embodiment of the present invention as an undergarment. 
         FIG. 7  is another embodiment of the present invention wherein the moisture management material is located under and around the underarm of a user. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals. 
     Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , there are multiple embodiments of the moisture management material  100  in accordance with the present invention. Generally, the moisture management material  100  has an outer layer  103  and an inner layer  107 . The exact number of layers may vary and include up to about ten layers, but most all embodiments should provide for at least these two layers. These layers may be comprised of or combinations of the below materials and other material not explicitly listed herein. In some embodiments, medical grade fabrics and other medical grade materials. Such materials may have inherent antimicrobial, antibacterial, etc. properties or may be coated in such a material. 
     The outer layer  103  is preferably comprised of natural or synthetic textiles including but not limited to papers, woven, knitted, or non-woven fabrics, cloth, woven or non-woven fibers of wool, flax, rayon, cotton, bamboo, hemp, lyocell, and/or yarn, and synthetic textile including but not limited to microfibers, nylon, polyester, aramid fibers, olefins, and/or acrylic, or any combinations thereof. 
     The inner layer  107  is preferably comprised of natural or synthetic materials exhibiting hydrophilic properties including but not limited to spacer, natural rubber, polychloroprene, acrylonitrile butadiene, polyisoprene, polysiloxane, vinyl methyl silicone, polyurethane, fluoro silicone, polyester and other polyurethane foams, foam-backed fabrics, and the like or any combinations thereof. 
     The shape of the moisture management material  100  is largely dependent on the particular application for which it is to be employed. The overall shape of the moisture management material  100  may be polygonal or irregular. Generally, the moisture management material  100  has a body section  101  which comprises the main area of the material and a tab  105  extending therefrom. In many iterations that tab  105  is ancillary to the moisture management material  100  as a whole. The tab  105  provides a surface for coupling the moisture management material  100  to an article of clothing. The tab  105  may or may not have the multiple layers or the same arrangement of layers as the body section  101  of the moisture management material  100  and may not necessarily be moisture absorbent in and of itself. 
     In addition, the moisture management material  100  may be shaped and configured to reduce heat, friction, increase air circulation, and the like. Such factors will help to combat the environment which breeds the various afflictions described herein. 
     As shown,  FIGS. 1A and 1B  reflect differing shapes of the moisture management material  100 . However, other shapes and sizes while not explicitly shown are contained under the purview of the present invention. 
     In  FIGS. 2A and 2B , there is one embodiment of the present invention acting as an accessory for a brassiere  200 . This brassiere accessory can readily be coupled to either cup  205  or both cups  205  of the brassiere  200 . Preferably, to seek maximum relief and protection from discomfort the moisture management material  100  may be coupled to each cup  205  of the brassiere  200  or in alternate embodiments the straps, bands, closures, or other components of the brassiere  200 . 
     In  FIG. 2A , the moisture management material  100  is sized and positioned to fit within each cup  205  of the brassiere  200 . The tab  105  provides a surface for attachment to the brassiere  200 . The tab  105  may be coupled by any appropriate mechanism including stitching, glues, epoxies, resins, chemicals, tapes, tacks, pins, clips, snaps, hook and loop fasteners (Velcro®), and the like or any combination thereof. It may also be appropriate to utilize a mechanism that allows for easy removal and replacement of the moisture management material  100 . In some instances, the moisture management material  100  is permanently attached but may be machine and/or hand washable along with the brassiere  200 . The tab  105  may further be covered by a layer of fabric that is also attached to the brassiere  200  to provide an additional layer of securement for the moisture management material  100  to the brassiere  200 . 
     In  FIG. 3B , a user  150  is shown wearing the brassiere  200  in the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 2A . Here, the moisture management material  100  is positioned within the cup  205  of the brassiere  200 . When positioned on the user  150 , the moisture management material  100  resides between the brassiere  200  and the breast  155  of the user  150 . In this configuration, the moisture management material  100  provides an increase in support to the breast  155 . This increase in support is noted by an increase in lift provided by the brassiere  200  and the moisture management material  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2B , the moisture management material  100  is shown in an alternate configuration. Here, the moisture management material  100  is positioned outwards from the cup  205  of the brassiere  200 . The tab  105  still secures the moisture management material  100  in place in such a way as previously described. 
     In  FIG. 3A , a user  150  is shown wearing the brassiere  200  in the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 2B . Here, the moisture management material  100  has been positioned and folded outwardly from the brassiere  200 . When wearing the brassiere  205  in this configuration, the user  150  places the moisture management material  100  between the breast  155  and the underbust  157 , with the moisture management material  100  being tucked underneath the breast  155 . 
     The underbust is the area located underneath where the breast would naturally “sit” or lie on the human torso and is where the underside of the breast would typically contact the skin of the torso when unsupported. The underbust terminates approximately where the breast and torso meet and outside the boundary of where the breast typically would contact the torso when unsupported. The moisture management material  100  can then prevent skin-on-skin contact in the underbust  157  as well as move or otherwise remove excess moisture such as from perspiration. This keeps the skin in this region dryer and limits environmental factors that many bacteria and fungus rely on for growth. The end result being a much greater decrease in the likelihood of infection, irritations, chaffing, intertrigo, discomfort, and the like. 
     In  FIG. 3C , there is an alternate embodiment of the brassiere  200  wherein the moisture management material  100  is positioned under the varying straps, clasps, and the like of the brassiere  200 . Any of the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 3A-C  may be combined with one another in varying fashions to achieve the desired level of relief to the user  150 . 
     In  FIGS. 4-7  there are alternate embodiments of the present invention. As described in at least  FIGS. 1A and 1B , any embodiment of the present invention, including those described in  FIGS. 4-7  preferably has at least an inner layer, outer layer, body section, and tab. The exact shape and materials used in the execution may vary depending on individuals&#39; various sizes, allergies, specific conditions or ailments, and the like. The usage of antimicrobial or antibacterial fibers such as metal infused fibers (i.e. copper, silver, zinc) is also contemplated when being used to combat or prevent certain infections, fungus, and bacterial afflictions. 
     In  FIG. 4A , there is an undergarment or underwear  300  which has various openings include at least a waistline  305  and leg openings  310 . The underwear  300  is intended to at least partially cover the genital region of a user extending from about the waistline to upper thigh area of a user. The underwear  300  may be worn with various pieces of moisture management materials  100  coupled thereto. Here, there is a moisture management material positioned at the waistline  305  and each leg opening  310 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4B , the undergarment  300  is targeted towards men, as such the undergarment  300  may have a moisture management material  100  positioned inside the underwear  300 . Such a location would enable the moisture management material  100  to be positioned underneath the man&#39;s testicles to prevent or limit any irritation, infection, or discomfort from occurring in such sensitive regions. 
     Further, in other embodiments, such a location would also enable the moisture management material  100  to be positioned underneath a man or a woman&#39;s loose lower abdomen or pannus, as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , often referred to as the “apron” to prevent or limit any irritation, infection, or discomfort from occurring in such sensitive regions. 
     Further, the moisture management material  100  may be repositionable so that it can be situated to reside between, for example, the leg openings  310  and the skin of the user, as well as at the waistline  305  of the user. The waistline  305  implementation may be particularly appropriate for users that are overweight and whose stomach area may fold over on itself above the underwear  300 . Further, such a moisture management material  100  may fully encircle each of openings include those of the waistline  305  and/or legs  310 . Thus, the size and shape of the moisture management material  100  may depend on the size and gender of the user, as well as the targeted area. 
     In  FIG. 5 , there is a shirt  400  with the moisture management material  100  attached thereto. Such a shirt  400  may be sized to cover the torso region extending from about a neck of a user to about the waistline of the user or an extension beyond the torso. The shirt  400  may be particularly useful for male individuals or for females who do not or are not wearing a brassiere. 
     The moisture management material  100  may be coupled to the shirt  400  to be placed in the chest area. This allows the moisture management material  100  to be used in a similar fashion as described in the brassiere embodiment in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . Further, the shirt  400  is shown utilizing the embodiment described in  FIG. 1B . This particular embodiment may be more suitable for use by men as it provides appropriate coverage without needing to be constrained by a brassiere. 
     The moisture management material  100  can be tucked underneath the breast in the case of females, overweight males, and males exhibiting medical conditions such as gynecomastia. This allows for the movement of moisture and prevention of skin on skin contact. Other areas of interest in which moisture management material  100  can be positioned may be the armpits, near the waistline, or at strategically positioned places to target and prevent skin on skin contact, skin irritation, and general discomfort from the skin folds along the user&#39;s torso, or at the terminal end of the shirt  400 . 
     In  FIG. 6 , there is an embodiment of the present invention shown an undergarment such as a diaper or underwear or the like. The undergarment  500  with a waistband  505  and associated opening along with leg openings  510 . In this embodiment, the moisture management material  100  may be placed along the various openings include the waistband  505  and/or leg openings  510 , or along an interior surface (i.e. between buttocks) of the undergarment  500 . Such an embodiment may be used with individuals of all age ranges who experience incontinence, irritation, and/or discomfort. 
     In  FIG. 7 , there is another embodiment of the present invention showing the moisture management material  100  positioned under the “armpits” of the user. The shape of the moisture management material  100 , in this embodiment, may reflect a crescent-like shape enabling full coverage of the underarm or armpit without interfering with the user. 
     The moisture management material  100  is attached in the same or a similar manner as previously described. The undergarment  500 , in some embodiments, may be disposable or non-disposable diaper. The material of the undergarment may also aid in prevention of the buildup of undesirable moisture. 
     The present invention and its embodiments as described in  FIGS. 1-7  may vary in size in accordance with manner of use and materials used. Preferably the moisture management material  100  when used in a brassiere  200 , can be multiple shapes including but not limited to a semi-oval or semi-circle. The height and width of the moisture management material  100  in this embodiment is largely dependent on the breast or other body area to be relieved. Further, the moisture management material  100  may be washable, either by machine or by hand, to provide cleaning and prevent spreading of disease. In some instances, the entire embodiment is disposable. In other embodiments, the outer layer forms a sheath over the inner layer and the outer layer may be removed and discarded. In other embodiments, the layers are fused or otherwise adhered forming a single piece of material. 
     In other embodiments, the shape of the moisture management material  100  may vary and may not be the same as with the embodiment described above. For example, in the shirt  400  configuration, the moisture management material  100  may or may not be similar in shape to the brassiere  200  embodiment. However, the undergarment  500  and/or underwear  300  embodiment may have a moisture management material  100  that fully encircles a waistband or leg openings. This moisture management material  100  would then limit or prevent any type of chaffing, discomfort, or moisture issues from arising in these areas. Any such variations or implementations are clearly under the scope of this invention. Thus, the moisture management material may or may not be circular in shape and have multiple tabs or points of attachment to the article of clothing in any of the described embodiments. 
     Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts, as noted above and otherwise not mentioned, may be resorted to without departing from the intention and the scope of the invention.