Patent Publication Number: US-2016242478-A1

Title: Underarm absorptive article

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of and is a continuation in part of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/627,442, filed Feb. 20, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Perspiration under the arm can be very uncomfortable and embarrassing for most people. Depending on the level of perspiration, one can simply stain and ruin clothing from sweating. The options to remedy excessive sweating under the arm are limited, instead particularly to two primary solutions; antiperspirant and deodorant. 
     Antiperspirant contains a form of aluminum compound that when applied to the underarm, only partially blocks the sweat glands, ineffectively barring the ability to sweat. Furthermore, applying antiperspirant multiple times can potentially damage the sweat ducts. 
     Deodorant is more like perfume for the armpits. It is not intended to reduce the production of sweat, but created to only mask the body odor. Some deodorants may become immune to the skin if one uses the same brand for years, possibly causing odorous bacteria. 
     People often sweat when there is emotional instability. These problems may arise during occasions that causes one to be extremely nervous, anxious, and/or stressed. For instance, a job interview or first date would cause one to be apprehensive which in turn causes perspiration. Having an excessive amount of sweat underneath the arm is unattractive and quite embarrassing that causes an odor. 
     Profuse sweating is likely to soil a shirt leaving a stain in the underarm region of the garment. Few shirts come with sweat pads pre-installed in the shirt itself. This requires additional shirt material, which traps more heat, causing more sweat. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present inventor has recognized the armpit area is a unique surface with unique challenges that the present art does not address. The disclosed article may not only reduce or eliminate sweat stains, but also capture sweat by way of the article&#39;s attachment to the skin of the wearer in the area corresponding to a human armpit. 
     Embodiments relate to an article adhesively attachable to at least a portion of the skin surrounding a user&#39;s armpit, the article having a first surface facing the body of a user and at least a second surface aligned approximately opposite the first surface. The article is a cruciform shaped article comprising a centrally located absorbent padding exposed on at least the first surface of the article. 
     The cruciform shape of the article means that it has at least four arms radiating from a central portion of the article. These arms are a top arm, bottom arm, and two side arms. The top arm is adapted for adhesive attachment to the skin in a location approximately corresponding to skin covering a human coracobrachialis. The bottom arm is adapted for adhesive attachment to the skin in a location approximately corresponding to skin covering a human serratus anterior. The two side arms are adapted for adhesive attachment to the skin in a location approximately corresponding to skin covering a human pectoralis major and a human teres minor, respectively. Other embodiments of the article are envisioned as detailed in the detailed description below, the disclosure of which is incorporated in this Summary. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more particular description briefly stated above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an assembled view of the article, in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of the skin facing surface of the article, in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded view of the surface opposite the skin facing surface of the article, in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an environmental view of the article attached to a user, in accordance with an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments are described herein with reference to the attached figures wherein like reference numerals are used throughout the figures to designate similar or equivalent elements. The figures are not drawn to scale and they are provided merely to illustrate aspects disclosed herein. Several disclosed aspects are described below with reference to non-limiting example applications for illustration. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide a full understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein. One having ordinary skill in the relevant art, however, will readily recognize that the disclosed embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details or with other methods. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring aspects disclosed herein. The embodiments are not limited by the illustrated ordering of acts or events, as some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts or events are required to implement a methodology in accordance with the embodiments. 
     Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope are approximations, the numerical values set forth in specific non-limiting examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of “less than 10” can include any and all sub-ranges between (and including) the minimum value of zero and the maximum value of 10, that is, any and all sub-ranges having a minimum value of equal to or greater than zero and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10, e.g., 1 to 4. 
     Disclosed is an article  10  which is applied to the skin in and around the armpit so as to absorb perspiration. The article further serves to protect the user&#39;s clothing from unseemly staining. The article is adapted for use by individuals suffering from excessive sweating for which traditional deodorants or antiperspirants prove ineffective. 
     Broadly, the article  10  has a first surface facing the body of a user and at least a second surface aligned approximately opposite the first surface. The first surface is also referred to as the “skin facing surface” and is the side shown in the view of  FIGS. 1 and 2  (assembled and exploded views, respectively). The second surface of the article is the side that faces the user&#39;s garment when the article is worn underneath clothing. The exploded view of  FIG. 3  shows the second surface. 
     The article  10  is a cruciform (cross shaped) article preferably having four arms which are communicably connected at a central portion  12 , which is a generally central portion of the assembled article making up the area in and surrounding the intersection of axes  34 ,  36 , and  38 . These four arms comprise a top arm  24  and a bottom arm  26 . The top arm  24  is shorter than the bottom arm  26  in an embodiment. There are also two side arms  28   a ,  28   b , which are of equal length in an embodiment. 
     The article  10  is adapted for placement directly on a user&#39;s skin, as shown in  FIG. 4 . The central portion  12  on the skin facing surface is adapted for absorbing perspiration and wicking moisture away from the user&#39;s skin. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 2-3 , this may be accomplished by configuring the article in three layers.  FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the article of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2  shows a backing layer  14  and a top layer  16  adapted for communication with one another. An absorbent padding  18  is sandwiched between the backing layer  14  and the top layer  16  when the article is assembled, as shown. 
     The backing layer  14  may be a planar, thin, substantially flat (less than 2 mm thin) surface having the aforementioned cruciform shape. The top layer  16  may have the same cruciform shape as backing layer  14 , but modified so as to receive the absorbent padding  18 . This may be accomplished in the embodiment shown by a raised portion  22  in the location corresponding to the central portion  12 . This raised portion  22  is a raised platform with a recess underneath. The absorbent padding nests in the raised portion  22  such that the raised portion  22  conforms to and surrounds the absorbent padding  18 . ( FIG. 3  shows that the absorbent padding  18  lying in the recess of the raised portion, flush with the second surface of the top layer. In the embodiment shown, the raised portion  22  is raised 2.5 mm above the plane of the four arms so as to accommodate an absorbent padding  18  that is 2.5 mm thick. The raised portion  22  has an opening  20  from which the underlying absorbent padding  18  may be exposed to the skin facing surface (as can be seen in  FIG. 1 ). This opening  20  may also be cruciform in shape, with proportions corresponding to the proportions of the article&#39;s overall cruciform shape. The opening  20  may also be circular or oval in shape. 
     The design pictured shows the absorbent padding  18  may be larger than the opening  20 . By having the absorbent padding  18  larger than the opening  20 , moisture is first absorbed at the portion of the absorbent padding  18  exposed by the opening  20 . That moisture then migrates outwards in a radiating fashion so as to fill the absorbent padding  18  by diffusion of the fluid across absorbent padding&#39;s absorbent surface. This way, moisture is drawn under the raised portion  22  of the top layer  16  and a significant portion of the absorbent padding  18  is not directly exposed therefore to the user&#39;s skin. This aids in the comfort and overall dryness of the article when worn because this configuration aids in keeping the moisture away from the user&#39;s skin. 
     The absorbent padding itself may be made from fibrous absorbent materials, tissue, or other absorbent materials known in the art including foam, cotton (cellulose fibers), fabric, or other fabric or fibrous netting, whether in a single or multiple layer configuration. The absorbent padding  18  may also incorporate anhydrous materials adapted to absorb moisture, such as sodium sulfate or other desiccants, preferably incorporated in portions not exposed to skin due to possible skin irritation—one location for such materials would be in the portion of the absorbent padding  18  located underneath the raised portion  22 . 
     The three layers may communicate with one another by means known in the art. In one embodiment, the backing layer  14  is a clear, flexible material resistant to ripping and skin irritation, such as silicone, having a bonded adhesive on its skin facing surface. This adhesive permits the top layer to lie down on the backing layer (such that the absorbent padding is sandwiched between the layers) so as to form a seal around the perimeter of the absorbent padding  18 . Alternatively, the top layer can be coated with adhesive on its second surface bonding to the backing layer, or both the top and backing layers are coated at least in part with an adhesive. 
     Other embodiments may join the components of the article differently. For example, the adhesive may be applied after the absorbent padding  18  is laid atop the backing layer  14  during manufacture, allowing the adhesive to be applied in those portions of the backing layer  14  not covered by the absorbent padding. The top layer  16  may then be laid atop the absorbent padding  18 , so that it adheres to the backing layer  14  only where the adhesive has been applied, allowing the absorbent padding to “float” within the raised portion  22 . This configuration also improves breathability and circulation throughout the article  10 . The absorbent padding  18  may also be adhered to the backing layer as well, but this is not required, as the absorbent padding  18  will remain in place underneath the raised portion  22  without the absorbent padding&#39;s  18  having to be bonded to the backing layer  14 . Alternatively, the top layer  18  itself may be have an adhesive on its second surface for bonding to the backing layer  14 . An example adhesive for bonding the components to themselves is cyanoacrylate adhesive. 
     It should be noted that the article is adapted for use by a user in the underarm area. The article must then be adapted for attachment, either fixedly or removably, to a user. For this end, the article may have a medical grade tacky substance coated on all or a part of its skin facing surface. Alternatively, the top layer itself may be constructed in whole or in part of a sticky silicone, silicone gel, silicone paste, or other tacky substance for attaching an article to skin firmly. The embodiment using silicone gel is preferred, as it is removable without discomfort and provides a gentle but firm adhesion to the skin. Other adhesives known in the art for attaching an article to skin firmly may be employed. The 
     If the means for adhering the article to the user&#39;s skin comprises adhesive coated on all or a portion of the skin facing surface of the top layer, the coating may be perforated or applied only in portions of the skin facing surface of the top layer  16 . One embodiment, as shown, depicts a quadrangular adhesive tab  30   a,b,c,d  (collectively the “tab” or “tabs”), located on each arm of the article. Other shaped adhesive areas may be used. All or any portion of the top layer  16  may comprise similar types of adhesive for bonding the article  10  to the user&#39;s skin, and various shaped tabs may be employed. The adhesive of the tabs must be non allergenic, and dermatologically acceptable, which means that after continuous contact with the skin there is little or no adhesive residue or skin irritation upon removal, or while adhered to the skin. The adhesive of the tabs may be topped with medical grade paper to protect the adhesive when the article is not in use. 
     The cruciform shape of the article is suited for the particular anatomy of the underarm. The human underarm is subject to forces present with the single ball and socket joint movement of the arm about the torso. The article&#39;s four arms and cruciform shape accommodate the unique forces present in this area of the human anatomy. The inventors have determined one of the largest moving force against the article is in the location just below the armpit. Also, as perspiration would tend to gravitate down the body, the article is designed to provide additional support in the area of the bottom arm  26 . The inventors have also recognized that although it would seem perspiration would tend to all migrate downward due to gravity, a cruciform shaped opening  20  as well as a large absorbent pad is better able to capture perspiration that can travel generally horizontally in the seam of the arm. The article has therefore been designed so as to capture moisture travelling in both general directions. 
     For an adult human, the article may be between 6 and 9 inches along the line of symmetry of the longitudinal axis  34  and between 5-7 inches in length on the longest portion of its horizontal axis  36  (the axis bisecting the side arms  28   a.b ). Each arm has a narrow, tapered neck  32   a,b,c,d , as depicted. The bottom arm  26  is preferably longer than the top arm  24 . The bottom arm may be 3 inches wide at its widest point and 2.5 inches wide at the neck  32   b . The side arms have a necks  32   a,c , which are narrower than the neck  32   b  of the bottom arm  26 . The location where the arms join the central portion are narrowed, in such a way that the arms can be described as having a head and neck configuration, the neck serving to join the arm to the central portion. The bottom arm preferably has a wider neck relative to the “head” of the arm. The edges of the arms are curved as shown, aiding in the comfort and conformance of the article with the user&#39;s skin in the general armpit area. The arms may be configured with right angle turns in an embodiment. 
       FIG. 4  shows the article in use on a user. In an embodiment, the bottom arm  26  is the bottom arm of a Christian cross and attaches via tab  30   b  on the skin approximately corresponding to the skin covering a human serratus anterior muscle. The top arm  24  attaches via tab  30   d  on the skin approximately corresponding to the skin covering a human coracobrachialis. Side arms  28   a,b  attach to the skin via tabs  30   a  and  30   c  in the area arm corresponding to the skin covering the pectoralis major and the lattisimus dorsi, respectively. 
     As used in this disclosure, the term “approximately” as it relates to the position of the arms when the article is worn shall mean that the arms are located on skin corresponding to skin covering the muscles described within a range covering adjacent muscles. For instance, the side arm  28   a , which attaches to the skin in the area corresponding to the pectoralis major can also extend so as to attach to skin covering an adjacent muscle, such as the pectoralis minor or the serratus anterior. The side arm  28   b , which attaches to the skin in the area corresponding to that which covers a human teres minor muscle similarly may extend to skin covering the teres major or to the skin covering the lattisimus dorsi (the portion of the lattisimus dorsi located on a human back). The bottom arm  26 , which attaches to the skin in the area corresponding to that which covers the serratus anterior muscle may also extend to skin covering the adjacent serratus anterior and/or lattisimus dorsi muscles. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “including,” “includes,” “having,” “has,” “with,” or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and/or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Moreover, unless specifically stated, any use of the terms first, second, etc., does not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc., are used to distinguish one element from another. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
     While various disclosed embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Numerous changes, omissions and/or additions to the subject matter disclosed herein can be made in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the embodiments. Also, equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. In addition, while a particular feature may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the embodiments without departing from the scope thereof. 
     Further, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the relevant art(s) who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of this technical disclosure. The Abstract is not intended to be limiting as to the scope of the present disclosure in any way. 
     Therefore, the breadth and scope of the subject matter provided herein should not be limited by any of the above explicitly described embodiments. Rather, the scope of the embodiments should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.