Patent Publication Number: US-2023157376-A1

Title: Menstrual garment

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to protective garments and more specifically, to washable menstrual undergarments. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Menstrual products have been evolving for as long as women have walked on Earth. More recently, washable or reusable menstrual products have (re-)gained popularity, spurred, in part, by the desire to preserve that same Earth by reducing waste and otherwise being more environmentally-friendly. For example, one existing product is a washable menstrual pad designed to be attached to regular undergarments, in place of disposable pads or liners. While the reusable nature of such product does help reduce waste, it does not solve the issue of menstrual leaks and staining that is also present with disposable products. 
     Another existing reusable product is a washable menstrual undergarment with a built-in pad or liner, designed to be used in place of regular undergarments. One drawback of such menstrual undergarments, however, is that the entire undergarment must be replaced when the built-in pad is at capacity. Moreover, such undergarments typically only include protective layers in a central region of the undergarment where a disposable pad would normal sit, thus leaving the rest of the garment prone to leaks and staining. 
     Other existing products include washable menstrual undergarments with a removable portion (i.e. pad or liner) that is both washable and replaceable. However, the removable portion tends to shift within the undergarment during wear and may even move out of place, especially during exercise or other physical activity. Moreover, the removeable portion only covers a limited, central region of the undergarment, such that these existing undergarments are also prone to menstrual leaks and staining. 
     Thus, there is still a need for a washable and reusable garment that is capable of absorbing fluid and preventing leakage of that fluid to outside the garment, and is particularly suited as a protective menstrual undergarment. 
     SUMMARY 
     An improved washable menstrual garment is provided herein. On the outside, the garment is made of fabric and generally looks like any standard pair of underwear. On the inside, an entire gusset area of the garment is lined with a second fabric that has been treated with a Durable Water Repellant (DWR) substance that helps to prevent fluids from soaking through the fabric to the outside of the garment. On top of the gusset fabric is a layer of moisture-wicking mesh fabric that lines the entire gusset area of the garment and is designed to hold an absorbent, removable liner or pad. In some embodiments, the mesh fabric covers the entire inside of the gusset from front to back, with an opening at the back waist for insertion of the removable liner. In other embodiments, the mesh fabric is comprised of two panels sewn together so that they partially overlap and leave an opening at a crotch area of the undergarment for receiving the removable liner. The liner comprises three layers of fabric that are sewn together and configured to collect and trap any fluids coming from the user, including menstrual fluids. The liner is sized and shaped to match, or substantially match, the length and width of the gusset area and to fit inside the mesh fabric layer against the gusset fabric. The mesh fabric layer is secured to the gusset fabric and the outer fabric layer using bartack stitching. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, a washable garment comprises a main portion configured to be worn on a lower body of a wearer, the main portion comprising an outer fabric layer, a gusset layer, and an inner fabric layer, each layer having a substantially similar length; and a removable portion coupled to the main portion between the inner fabric layer and the gusset layer, the removable portion configured to absorb fluids while worn against the lower body of the wearer, wherein the inner fabric layer includes an opening for receiving and removing the removable portion, and the removable portion is sized and shaped to extend substantially across a length and width of the gusset layer. 
     While certain features and embodiments are referenced above, these and other features and embodiments of the present invention will be, or will become, apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional embodiments and features included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
         FIG.  1 A  is a front view of an exemplary washable garment, in accordance with embodiments. 
         FIG.  1 B  is a rear view of the washable garment of  FIG.  1 A , in accordance with embodiments. 
         FIG.  2    is a top view of a gusset portion of the washable garment of  FIG.  1 A , in accordance with embodiments. 
         FIG.  3    is a cross-sectional view of the washable garment of  FIG.  2   , in accordance with embodiments. 
         FIG.  4    is a bottom view of a removable liner of the washable garment of  FIG.  2   , in accordance with embodiments. 
         FIG.  5 A  is an exploded view of the removable liner of  FIG.  4   , in accordance with embodiments. 
         FIG.  5 B  is a cross-sectional view of the removable liner of  FIG.  4   , in accordance with certain embodiments. 
         FIG.  6    is a front view of another exemplary washable garment, in accordance with embodiments. 
         FIG.  7 A  is a top view of a gusset portion of another exemplary washable garment, in accordance with embodiments. 
         FIG.  7 B  is a cross-sectional view of the washable garment of  FIG.  7 A , in accordance with embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The description that follows describes, illustrates and exemplifies one or more particular embodiments of the present invention in accordance with its principles. This description is not provided to limit the invention to the embodiments described herein, but rather to explain and teach the principles of the invention in such a way to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to understand these principles and, with that understanding, be able to apply them to practice not only the embodiments described herein, but also other embodiments that may come to mind in accordance with these principles. The scope of the present invention is intended to cover all such embodiments that may fall within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents. 
     It should be noted that in the description and drawings, like or substantially similar elements may be labeled with the same reference numerals. However, sometimes these elements may be labeled with differing numbers or serial numbers in cases where such labeling facilitates a more clear description. Additionally, the drawings set forth herein are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated to more clearly depict certain features. Also, some of the drawings include partial views that have select parts removed for the sake of clarity with respect to the depicted portions. As stated above, this specification is intended to be taken as a whole and interpreted in accordance with the principles of the invention as taught herein and understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In this application, the use of the disjunctive is intended to include the conjunctive. The use of definite or indefinite articles is not intended to indicate cardinality. In particular, a reference to “the” object or “a” and “an” object is intended to denote also one of a possible plurality of such objects. 
       FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  are front and back views of an exemplary washable garment  100 , respectively, in accordance with embodiments. The washable garment  100  may be available in various sizes (e.g., XS to 3X). The garment  100  is preferably made of fabric and designed to be washed and reused multiple times. In the illustrated embodiment, the garment  100  (also referred to herein as a “menstrual garment”) is a bikini, or bikini-style underwear. In other embodiments, the garment  100  may be any other type of undergarment, including, for example, a thong, briefs, boy shorts, or other underwear. In some embodiments, the garment  100  may be another type of clothing configured to be worn on a lower body of a wearer, including, for example, pants, leggings, shorts, skort (or skirt with integrated shorts), swimwear, leotard, tights, etc. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1 A , the garment  100  includes a main portion  102  configured to be worn on a lower body of a wearer (not shown). The main portion  102  defines the overall shape of the garment  100  and may also be referred to as the main body of the garment  100 . The main body  102  comprises an outer fabric layer  104 , a gusset layer  106 , and an inner fabric layer  108 . In embodiments, each of the layers  104 ,  106 , and  108  may be substantially similar in length, as shown and described herein. As shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , the outer fabric layer  104  extends across the entire main body  102  and is visible from the outside of the garment  100 . In embodiments, the outer fabric layer  104  may be made of cotton, polyester, silk, or any other suitable material, alone or in any combination. In one exemplary embodiment, the outer fabric layer  104  is a fabric made of polyester and elastane (such as, e.g., JL Avantgarde Melodie). 
     Referring additionally to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the gusset layer  106  comprises, or is lined with, a water-resistant and/or water-repellant substance, such as, e.g., Polyurethane Laminate (PUL) or other Durable Water Repellant (DWR) material, configured to prevent fluid from leaking through the gusset layer  106  and/or the outer fabric layer  104 . In some embodiments, the gusset layer  106  may be a separate piece of fabric attached to an underside of the outer fabric layer  104 . In other embodiments, the gusset layer  106  may be a substance disposed on the underside (or inner surface) of the outer fabric layer  104 . In one exemplary embodiment, the gusset layer  106  is a fabric made of nylon, polyurethane, and Lycra (such as, e.g., Wazoodle ProSoft Stretch-Fit US190502-41354). 
     In embodiments, the gusset layer  106  is configured to extend across, or substantially cover, a gusset region  110  of the main body  102  and has a size and shape selected to substantially match a size and shape of the gusset region  110 . For example, the gusset layer  106  can have a maximum length that is nearly or substantially equal to a maximum length, L, of the gusset region  110  and a maximum width that is nearly or substantially equal to a maximum width, W, of the gusset region  110 , as shown in  FIG.  2   . The gusset region  110  extends, lengthwise, from a top front edge  112  of the garment  100 , down the frontside of the garment  100  to a crotch panel  113  (as shown in  FIG.  1 A ), across the crotch panel  113  to the backside of the garment  100 , and up the backside to a top back edge  114  of the garment  100  (as shown in  FIG.  1 B ). The gusset region  110  also spans, width-wise, across a central portion of the garment  100 . As shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , this central portion may be outlined by opposing seams  115  on both the frontside and the backside of the garment  100 . In one exemplary embodiment, the gusset portion  110  has a width of about six inches along the top front edge  112 , a width of about two and a half inches across the crotch panel  113 , and a maximum width (W) of about six and a half inches along the top back edge  114 , plus a maximum length (L) of about seventeen inches from top front edge  112  to top back edge  114 . As will be appreciated, the actual dimensions of the gusset portion  110  will vary depending on the overall size of the garment  100  and the type of garment  100 . 
     Referring additionally to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the garment  100  further comprises a removable portion  116  coupled to the main body  102  between the inner fabric layer  108  and the gusset layer  106 . The removable portion  116  is an absorbent pad or liner configured to capture and/or absorb fluids while worn against the lower body of the wearer. The removable portion  116  can be sized and shaped to extend substantially across a length and width of the gusset layer  106 , in order to provide maximum coverage for the wearer. Moreover, the removable portion  116  is washable and reusable and thus, may be removed from the main body  102  and replaced with another removable portion  116  (or pad), for example, after the first one becomes saturated. 
     The inner fabric layer  108  extends across the entire, or at least a substantial portion of, the gusset layer  106  and is disposed over the removeable portion  116  once it is installed in the main portion  102 . Bartack stitches  117 , or the like, are used to secure the inner fabric layer  108  to the gusset layer  106  and the outer fabric layer  104  along the seams  115 , as shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B . In embodiments, the inner fabric layer  108  is configured to create a “pocket” against the gusset layer  106  for snugly receiving the removable portion  116  therein. This pocket also provides an opening  118  at the crotch panel  113  to facilitate replacement of the removable portion  116 , including receiving and removing the pad and inserting a new pad. 
     According to embodiments, the inner fabric layer  108  is comprised of at least two mesh panels arranged to form an overlapping region  120  that creates the above-mentioned pocket and provides the opening  118 . For example, in  FIG.  2   , the overlapping region  120  is formed by a first end  121  of a first mesh panel  122  at least partially overlapping with a second end  123  of a second mesh panel  124 . As shown, the first end  121  includes a first central region  125  configured to form a “U” shape that opens towards the second mesh panel  124  and first side regions  126   a  and  126   b  (also referred to as “first flaps”) that extend away from the top front edge  112  to form the sides of the U-shaped central region  125 . Similarly, the second end  123  includes a second central region  127  configured to form a “U” shape that opens towards the first mesh panel  122  and second side regions  128   a  and  128   b  (also referred to as “second flaps”) that extend away from the top back edge  114  to form the sides of the U-shaped central region  127 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , the mesh panels  122  and  124  are arranged on the gusset layer  106  such that the first side regions  126   a  and  126   b  overlap with the second side regions  128   a  and  128   b , respectively, on opposite sides of the crotch panel  113 , thus forming the overlapping region  120 . In addition, the mesh panels  122  and  124  are further arranged so that the U shapes of the first and second central regions  125  and  127  join together to form an oval, thus creating the opening  118 . 
     In embodiments, the mesh panels  122  and  124  may be partially secured to the gusset layer  106  in order to create the pocket for receiving the removable portion  116 . For example, in  FIG.  2   , the outer edges or borders of the first mesh panel  122  and the second mesh panel  124  are sewn or otherwise secured to the gusset layer  106  of the main body  102 , while the inner edges of the first end  121  and the second end  123  are unattached from the gusset layer  106 , thus creating the opening  118  and the pocket underneath it. In addition, the fabric around the opening  118  may be stitched with a flexible thread, or otherwise configured so that the opening  118  is springy or stretchy enough to expand, at least slightly, as the user inserts or removes the removeable portion  116 , and retract to its original position once released, so as to keep the removable portion  116  securely in place behind the mesh panels  122  and  124  once inserted. As an example, a serger or top-stitching technique may be used to conceal the raw edges of the mesh panels  122  and  124  around the opening  118  with the flexible thread. In one exemplary embodiment, the overlapping region  120  has a length of about five inches in order to create an opening  118  that is large enough to receive the removable portion  116 . 
     The inner fabric layer  108  (also referred to as a “mesh lining”) is configured to retain the removable portion  116  within the main portion  102 . For example, the mesh lining  108  and the removable pad  116  can be sized and shaped to have matching, or substantially matching, dimensions, so that the removable pad  116  fits snugly between the inner fabric layer  108  and the gusset layer  106 . In addition, the inner fabric layer  108  can be made of a stretchy but sturdy fabric that can be pulled apart to reveal the opening  118  and allow insertion and removal of the removable pad  116  therethrough, but is also capable of retaining its original shape, to keep the pad  116  pressed against the gusset layer  106  and securely inside the main portion  102 . The inner fabric layer  108  may also be configured to cause liquids or fluids to move quickly through the layer  108  and into the removable portion  116  below it. In one exemplary embodiment, the mesh panels  122  and  124  are made of polyester and Spandex (such as, e.g., T4003 Mesh Tricot). 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the removable portion  116  may include a grabbing element  129  to facilitate removal of the pad from the main portion  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, the grabbing element  129  may be an elastic loop that is large enough to receive a finger that may be used to lift and pull the pad  116  out of the mesh pocket. A backside of the loop  129  may be tacked down so that it lies flat against the back of the removable pad  116 , as shown in  FIG.  4   . As will be appreciated, other types of grabbing elements  129  may also be used to facilitate removal of the pad  116 , such as, for example, a pull tab or the like. 
     Referring additionally to  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , the removable portion  116  includes a water-repellant layer  130 , and an absorbent padding comprised of one or more fabric layers  132 ,  134 . In one exemplary embodiment, the water-repellant layer  130  is comprised of PUL or DWR, and may be substantially similar to the gusset layer  106 . In one exemplary embodiment, the absorbent fabric layers may include a first layer  132  comprised of Bamboo Viscose and Polyester (such as, e.g., ProECO Bamboo Sherpa Silver) and a second layer  134  comprised of silver (such as, e.g., Zorb 3D Poly Stay Dry Dimple Silver Fabric with SILVADUR). As shown, the water-repellant layer  130  may be the outermost fabric or layer of the removable pad  116 , such that it resides against the gusset layer  106 , and the second layer  134  may be the innermost fabric or layer of the pad  116 , such that it resides against the mesh lining  108 . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates another exemplary washable undergarment  200  that may be substantially similar to the undergarment  100  of  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , except for the addition of a waistband  201 , in accordance with certain embodiments. 
       FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  illustrate another exemplary washable undergarment  300  (also referred to herein as “garment”), in accordance with various embodiments. In general, the garment  300  may be substantially similar to all or portions of the undergarment  200  shown in  FIG.  6    and/or the undergarment  100  shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B . For example, garment  300  may comprise a waistband like the waistband  201  shown in  FIG.  6   . As another example,  FIG.  7 B  shows that the garment  300  is comprised of multiple layers of material, like the garment  100  shown in  FIG.  3   . In particular, the garment  300  comprises an outer fabric layer  304  that is substantially similar to the outer fabric layer  104  shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , and a gusset layer  306  that is substantially similar to the gusset layer  106  shown in  FIG.  2   , the gusset layer  306  extending across, or substantially covering, a gusset region  310  of the garment  300 , like the gusset layer  106 . The garment  300  also comprises an inner fabric layer  308  made of moisture-wicking mesh fabric and configured to secure the removable portion  116  of  FIG.  4    to the main body within a pocket formed between the inner fabric layer  308  and the gusset layer  306 , like the inner fabric layer  108  shown in  FIG.  2   . For the sake of brevity, the components common to garments  100  and  300  will not be described in great detail herein. 
     Unlike the overlapping panels of the inner fabric layer  108 , however, the inner fabric layer  308  is comprised of a one-piece mesh panel for creating said pocket for snugly receiving the removable portion  116  therein. In embodiments, the inner fabric layer  308  (also referred to herein as a “mesh lining”) can be configured to entirely, or at least substantially, cover the gusset region  310 , for example, by extending from a front of the gusset region  310  to a back of the gusset region  310 . Moreover, instead of having the opening  118  at the crotch panel  113  of the garment  100 , the inner fabric layer  308  can be configured to include, or form, an opening  319  for receiving and removing the removable portion  116  at or near an edge of the gusset region  310 . As shown in  FIG.  7 A , the opening  319  may be formed from, or by, an edge of the inner fabric layer  308  that is located at the back of the gusset region  310 , for example, near a top back edge  314  of the garment  300 . In some embodiments, the opening  319  may be located at or near a back waistband of the garment or any other suitable location near the back of the garment  300 . In other embodiments, the opening  319  may be formed from, or by, an edge of the inner fabric layer  308  that is located at the front of the gusset region  310 , for example, near a top front edge  312  of the garment  300 , a front waistband of the garment  300 , or any other suitable location near the front of the garment  300 . In still other embodiments, the opening  319  may be formed by an edge of the inner fabric layer  308  that is located at one side of the mesh panel, such as, e.g., along a left side or right side of the layer  308 . In some embodiments, the garment  300  may include multiple openings  319 , such as, for example, a first opening at or near the front of the gusset region  310  and a second opening at or near the back of the gusset region  310 . 
     According to various embodiments, the opening  319  can be a slit or hole in the mesh lining  308  that is configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to create a space sufficient for insertion or removal of the removable portion  116 , or other absorbent pad. For example, the opening  319  may have a width of about 5 to 6 inches in order to create a gap in the mesh lining  308  that is large enough to receive the removable portion  116 . The remainder of the mesh lining  308  can be secured to the gusset layer  306  in order to create the pocket for receiving the removable portion  116 , or other absorbent pad. In embodiments, the mesh fabric adjacent the opening  319  may be stitched with a flexible thread, or otherwise configured so that the opening  319  is springy or stretchy enough to expand, at least slightly, as the user inserts or removes the removeable portion  116 , and retract to its original position once released, so as to keep the removable portion  116  securely in place behind the mesh lining  308  once inserted. As an example, a serger or top-stitching technique may be used to conceal the raw edges of the mesh fabric opening  319  with the flexible thread. 
     According to embodiments, the mesh lining  308  can be further configured to retain the removable portion  116  within the main body of the garment  300 , like the inner fabric layer  108 . For example, the mesh lining  308  and the removable pad  116  can be sized and shaped to have matching, or substantially matching, dimensions, so that the removable pad  116  fits snugly between the inner fabric layer  308  and the gusset layer  306 . In addition, the mesh lining  308  can be made of a stretchy but sturdy fabric that can be pulled apart to reveal the opening  319  and allow insertion and removal of the removable pad  116  therethrough, but is also capable of retaining its original shape, to keep the pad  116  pressed against the gusset layer  306  and securely inside the main body of the garment  300 . The mesh lining  308  may also be configured to cause liquids or fluids to move quickly through the inner fabric layer  308  and into the removable portion  116  below it. In one exemplary embodiment, the mesh lining  308  is made of polyester and Spandex (such as, e.g., T4003 Mesh Tricot). 
     Thus, a washable menstrual undergarment is provided that differs from existing products at least in that the inside of the undergarment, itself, is the interlocking mechanism between the mesh fabric and the removable pad. In particular, the mesh fabric is made in such a way that is covers the entire inside of the gusset area from front to back, and the shape and dimensions of the mesh pocket and removable pad made to be substantially the same in order to create pieces that fit snugly together. As a result, the removable pad is locked in place once it is inserted into the mesh pocket. Moreover, unlike other existing products, the removable pad described herein covers the wearer entirely from front to back, thus providing more coverage and protection from leaks. Also unlike existing products, the removable pad includes a finger sized loop for easy removal of the pad when needed. 
     It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the novel and non-obvious techniques disclosed in this application. Therefore, it is intended that the novel teachings of the present invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that they will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.