Abstract:
An inside pocket is formed in a pair of underpants by attaching an inside panel to the front portion of the underpants. The pocket is open at the top to receive a spare sanitary napkin which is carried horizontally in the pocket during the menses.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to undergarments, and more particularly, to a woman&#39;s underpants useable during menstruation. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A woman typically uses an absorbent napkin, tampon or other sanitary device to control the menses. Because the menses lasts for several days at a time, it is necessary to change the device during the course of the menses. The frequency of change varies but most women find it necessary or desirable to change the device while at work or at other settings where others are present. While the actual change can be made in privacy in a bathroom, the trip to the bathroom is noticeable, which can be embarrassing. This is especially so when a woman normally journeys to the bathroom without her purse, but has the purse when the menstrual device is to be changed. The purse is generally necessary because women&#39;s clothes are normally void of useful pockets. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that it would be highly desirable to have a way to carry sanitary devices unnoticed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to overcoming the problem of carrying a concealed sanitary device to maintain privacy during the menses. According to one aspect of the present invention, a woman&#39;s underpants comprises front and rear portions, a crotch portion and an inner panel. The front portion has an inside and an outside. The front and rear portions define a waist opening for fitting about the lower torso of a woman with the inside of the front portion adjacent the torso. The crotch portion connects the front and rear portions. The front, rear and crotch portions define first and second leg openings for receiving the legs of a woman when the underpants are worn about the lower torso of a woman. An inner panel attached to the inside of the front portion forms a pocket inside the underpants. 
     The pocket provides a place for carrying a sanitary item making it unnecessary for a woman to carry a purse. The purse is normally necessary because women&#39;s fashions are very often void of useful pockets. The pocket provides a way to carry sanitary devices unnoticed to thereby maintain privacy. 
     These and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood and appreciated from a review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and appended claims, and by reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a panty incorporating a pocket according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line  2 — 2  of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 but illustrating another embodiment. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a woman&#39;s underpants  10  have a front portion  12 , a rear portion  14  and a crotch portion  16 . The front portion  12  has an inside worn next to the body and an outside. The front and rear portions  12 ,  14  define a waist opening for fitting about the lower torso of a woman. A waistband  18  at the tops of the front and rear portions fits about the waist and preferably contains rubber or other elastomeric material for a more comfortable fit. The crotch portion  16  connects the front and rear portions with the front, rear and crotch portions defining left and right leg openings for receiving the legs when the underpants are worn about the lower torso of a woman. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1-2, an inner panel  20  is attached to the inside of the front portion  12  forming a pocket  22  inside the underpants. The inner panel  20  extends upward to the waist opening and extends downward to the crotch portion. Inner panel  20  may extend the entire width of the front portion or may only extend enough to provide sufficient room for carrying a sanitary napkin in the pocket. Inner panel  20  may be attached by sewing it to the front portion leaving the top unstitched to provide access to the pocket formed. Where the front and rear portions form a seam, inner panel  22  may be incorporated in the seam. Similarly, lower edges of the inner panel  22  may terminate in a single seam with the front panel at the leg openings. 
     Referring to FIG. 3, an inner panel  20 ′ is attached to the inside of the front portion  12 ′ above the leg openings. This placement allows room for a sanitary napkin oriented horizontally. More than one horizontally oriented sanitary napkin can be carried at a time depending upon the size of the undergarment and length and thickness of the sanitary napkin. 
     Operation of the present invention is believed to be apparent from the foregoing description and drawings, but a few words will be added for emphasis. After the undergarment is positioned on the body, the waistband is pulled away from the body to open the pocket. The sanitary items are inserted into the pocket and the waistband is released. When the sanitary item is needed, the waistband is pulled away from the body to open the pocket. 
     While the invention has been described with particular reference to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements of the preferred embodiments without departing from invention. For example, while the invention has been described with particular reference to sanitary napkins, it is equally suited for tampons and other devices. It is accordingly intended that the claims shall cover all such modifications and applications as do not depart from the true spirit and scope of the invention.