Patent Publication Number: US-7594279-B2

Title: Incontinence dress

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This invention claims priority under 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/717,974, which was filed on Sep. 16, 2005 and is incorporated by reference herein. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates generally to dresses. More particularly, this invention relates to an incontinence dress. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Incontinence, such as urinary incontinence, refers to the lack of voluntary control over excretory functions. The disorder is typically observed in adults. However, incontinence can be observed in children as well. Because individuals who have the disorder are not able to control their excretory functions, their clothing is often soiled with urine. In order to prevent their clothing from being soiled, many of these individuals wear diapers which are designed to absorb the urine. 
   Many older adults, however, are unable to wear the diapers due to physical complications that are related with their advanced age. For example, older adults often do not have the mobility, flexibility, strength or coordination to properly place the diapers in the correct position. Moreover, some older adults may not even be able to wear a diaper if he/she has a skin disorder that might be irritated by the diaper. Accordingly, there is a need for an incontinence garment which can be used by individuals with limited physical capabilities. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   This need, as well as others, is met by various embodiments of the invention which provide an incontinence dress that is water absorbent. 
   In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a first panel; a second panel; a third panel, a fourth panel; the first panel being connected to the third panel, the third panel being connected to the fourth panel, the fourth panel being connected to the second panel; means for detachably connecting the first panel to the second panel; and wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth panels is made from a three ply material that is water absorbent. 
   In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a first panel; a second panel; a third panel; the second panel being connected to the third panel; means for detachably connecting the first panel to the second panel; means for detachably connecting the first panel to the third panel; a pocket disposed on an interior surface of the third panel; means for detachably connecting the pocket to the interior surface; a water absorbent pad contained within the pocket; and wherein each of the first, second, and third panels is made from a three ply material that is water absorbent. 
   In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, an incontinence dress comprising: a first panel; a second panel; a third panel; each of said first and second panels being connected to said third panel; means for detachably connecting said first panel to said second panel; and wherein each of said first, second, and third panels is made from a three ply material that is water absorbent. 
   One aspect to this invention is provided an incontinence dress that is capable of absorbing urine. 
   Another aspect to this invention is to provide an incontinence dress that limits the amount of skin irritation that is caused by the dress when the dress comes into contact an individual&#39;s skin. 
   Yet another aspect to this invention is to provide an incontinence dress that can easily be removed or “slipped on” on an individual that has limited physical capabilities. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A full understanding of the disclosed and claimed concept can be gained from the following Description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of the incontinence dress in accordance with an embodiment of the invention: 
       FIG. 2  is a back elevational view of the incontinence dress of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a back elevational view of the incontinence dress in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a back elevational view of the incontinence dress of  FIG. 3  with a first portion of a mechanical fastener engage with a second portion of the mechanical fastener; 
       FIG. 5  is a back elevational view of the incontinence dress in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a front elevational view of the incontinence dress of  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a front elevational view of the incontinence dress in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a back elevational view of the incontinence dress of  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a side elevational view of the incontinence dress of  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 9A  is another side elevational view of the incontinence dress of  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a front elevational view of another embodiment of the incontinence dress; 
       FIG. 11  is a back elevational view of the incontinence dress of  FIG. 10 ; and 
       FIG. 12  is a cross sectional view of the water absorbent three ply material from which the incontinence dress may be made. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, upper, lower, left, right, vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, above, beneath, clockwise, counterclockwise and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein. 
   As employed herein, the term “mechanical fastener” or variations thereof shall refer broadly to any suitable fastening, connecting or tightening mechanism including, but not limited to, snaps and clips. 
   As employed herein, the term “number” means one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality). 
   As stated above, many individuals that have incontinence wear diapers in order to prevent their clothing from being soiled with bodily excretions, such as urine. Some of these individuals, however, are unable to wear these diapers for a variety of reasons. Accordingly, this invention provides an incontinence dress that is capable of absorbing urine thereby keeping the individual wearing the incontinence dress substantially dry. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the incontinence dress  2  is comprised of a front panel  4  and a back panel  6 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, the front panel  4  as well as the back panel  6  is made from a three ply material, such as a three ply quilted material, which is water absorbent. Continuing with  FIG. 1 , the front panel  4  has a first panel  8  that is removably connected to a second panel  10 , thereby allowing access to the interior  12  of the incontinence dress  2 . Each of the first and second panels  8 , 10  has a first edge  14 ,  16  and a second edge  18 , 20 . Disposed on the first edge  14 , 16  of the first and second panels  8 , 10  are means  22  for removably connecting the first panel  8  to the second panel  10 . The means  22  can include, but shall not be limited to, a zipper, buttons, or Velcro. In one embodiment of the invention, the means  22  extends substantially along the entire length of the first edge  14 ,  16  of the first and second panels  8 , 10 . Alternatively, the means  22  can also extend along a portion of the first edge  14 , 16  of the first and second panels  8 , 10 . 
   In the embodiment that is depicted in  FIG. 1 , the first and second panels  8 , 10  have a pocket  24 , 25  that is disposed on a surface of the first panel  8 . Typically, the pocket  24  that is disposed on the first panel  8  is adapted to receive a catheter or Foley bag  26  which is connected to the individual that is wearing the incontinence dress  2  by means  28 , such as a tube, that are well known in the in the art. Positioned substantially adjacent to the pocket  24 , and disposed on the surface of the first panel  8 , is an aperture  30  through which the means  28  for connecting the catheter or Foley bag to the individual wearing the incontinence dress  2  is extended. It should be noted, however, that despite  FIG. 1  depicting the pockets  24 , 25  as being disposed on each of the first and second panels  8 , 10 , in other embodiments the incontinence dress  2  has one pocket that is disposed on either the first or second panel  8 , 10 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , the back panel  6  is comprised of a third panel  32  and a fourth panel  34 . Each of the third and fourth panels  32 , 34  has a first edge  36 , 38  and a second edge  40 , 42 . The first edge  36  of the third panel  32  is connected to the first edge  40  of the fourth panel  34  while the second edge  40 , 42  of the third and fourth panels  32 , 34  are connected to the second edge  18 , 20  of the first and second panels  8 , 10 , respectively, using means that are commonly known in the art. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in one embodiment of the invention, each of the third and fourth  32 , 34  panels has means  48 , such as Velcro, a zipper, or buttons, which is disposed on the first edge  36 , 38  of the third and fourth panels  32 , 34  for removably connecting a portion  44  of the third panel  32  to a portion  46  of the fourth panel  34 . For example, two inch (in.) Velcro squares can be disposed intermittently along the first edge  36  of the third panel  32  while corresponding pieces of fabric, which the Velcro squares can mechanically engage, are disposed along the first edge of the fourth panel  38 . As can be seen from these figures, the means  48  for removably connecting the third panel  32  to the fourth panel  34  does not extend along the entire length of the first edge  36 , 38  of the third and fourth panels  32 , 34 . Moreover, unlike the embodiment that is depicted in  FIG. 2 , when the separable portions  44 , 46  of the third and fourth panels  32 , 34  are separated (detached), an opening  50  is created between the first edges  58 , 60  of the separable portions  44 , 46 . The opening  50  allows for access to the interior  12  of the incontinence dress  2 . Continuing with  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a mechanical fastener  54 , such as a snap, can be used to ensure that the separable portions  44 , 46  of the third and fourth panels  32 , 34  remain separated. For example, a first portion  56  of the mechanical fastener  54  can be disposed on or adjacent the first edge  58 , 60  of each the separable portions  44 , 46  of the third and fourth panels  32 , 24 , while a second portion  62  of the mechanical fastener  54  is disposed on the second edge  40 , 42  of the third and fourth panels  32 , 34 . When the first portion  56  of the mechanical fastener  54  is engaged with the second portion  62  of the mechanical fastener  54 , the separable portions  44 , 46  of the third and fourth panels  32 , 34  will remain separated until the first and second portions  56 , 62  of the mechanical fastener  54  are disengaged from one another ( FIG. 4 ). It should be noted, however, that despite  FIGS. 3 and 4  depicting the means  48  for detachably connecting the third and fourth panels  32 , 34  as extending only along the separable portions  44 , 46  of the third and fourth panels  32 , 34 , the means  48  can also extend along the entire length of the first edge  36 , 38  of the third and fourth panels  32 , 34  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ). 
   Referring to  FIGS. 7-9A , similar to the other embodiments that are described above, the incontinence dress  2  in this particular embodiment is comprised of a front panel  4  and a back panel  6  that, as will be discussed in greater detail below, are made from a three ply water absorbent material. The front panel  4  has a first panel  8  that is removably connected to a second panel  10  thereby allowing access to the interior  12  of the incontinence dress  2 . However, unlike the other embodiments that are described above, the back panel  6  only has one panel, a third panel  32 . Disposed on the first edge  14 , 16  of each of the first and second panels  8 , 10  are means  22  for removably connecting the first panel  8  to the second panel  10 . The means  22  can include, but shall not be limited to, a zipper or Velcro. As with the other embodiments described above, the means  22  can extend substantially along the entire length of the first edge  14 , 16  of the first and second panels  8 , 10  or the means  22  can extend along a portion of the first edge  14 , 16  of the first and second panels  8 , 10 . Continuing with  FIG. 7 , the first and second panels  8 , 10  each have a pocket  24 , 25  that is disposed on a surface of the first and second panels  8 , 10 . Typically, the pocket  24  that is disposed on the first panel  8  is adapted to receive a catheter or Foley bag  26  that is connected to the individual that is wearing the incontinence dress  2  by means  28 , such as a tube, that are well known in the in the art. Positioned substantially adjacent to the pocket  24 , and disposed on the surface of the first panel  8 , is an aperture  30  through which the means  28  for connecting the catheter or Foley bag to the individual is extended. It should be noted, however, that despite  FIG. 6  depicting the pockets  24 , 25  as being disposed on the first and second panels  8 , 10 , in other embodiments the incontinence dress  2  has one pocket that is disposed on either the first or second panel  8 , 10 . 
   As stated above, the back panel  6  is comprised of a third panel  32 . Continuing with  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the third panel  32  has a first edge  36  and a second edge  40 . The first edge  36  of the third panel  32  is removably connected to the first edge  14  of the first panel  8  by means  64  that are disposed on the first edge  14 , 36  of each of the first and third panels  8 , 32  ( FIG. 9 ). Accordingly, the interior  12  of the incontinence dress  2  can be accessed not only by separating the first panel  8  from the second panel  10 , but by separating the first panel  8  from the third panel  32  as well. The second edge  40  of the third panel  32  is connected to the second edge  20  of the second panel  10  by means that are commonly known in the art. 
   Disposed on an interior surface  66  of the third panel  32  is a pocket (second pocket)  68 . The pocket  68  is detachably connected to the interior surface  66  of the third panel  32  by means  72  including, but not limited to, Velcro or a zipper. Additionally, the pocket  68  has a number of apertures  70  disposed on its surface (not shown). In the embodiment that is depicted in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the pocket  68  has a substantially rectangular shape and at least one side  74  of the pocket  68  has means  72  for detaching the side  74  from the interior surface  66  of the third panel  32 , thereby allowing access to the interior  76  of the pocket  68 . Contained within the pocket  68  is a water absorbent pad  78  that can be replaced by detaching the side  74  of the pocket  68  on which the means  72  is disposed. Accordingly, urine that is excreted from an individual with a urinary incontinence disorder, and who is wearing the incontinence dress  2 , can flow through the apertures disposed on the surface of the pocket  68  and be absorbed by the water absorbent pad  78  that is contained within the pocket. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , similar to other embodiments of the incontinence dress  2  described above, this embodiment of the incontinence dress  2  is comprised of a front panel  4  and a back panel  6 . The front panel has a first panel  8  and a second panel  10  while the back panel has a third panel  32  and a fourth panel  34 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, the front panel  4  as well as the back panel  6  is made from a three ply material, such as a three ply quilted material, which is water absorbent. As best shown in  FIG. 10 , the front panel  4  has a first panel  8  that is removably connected to a second panel  10 , thereby allowing access to the interior  12  of the incontinence dress  2 . Each of the first and second panels  8 , 10  has a first edge  14 ,  16  and a second edge  18 , 20 . Disposed on the first edge  14 , 16  of the first and second panels  8 , 10  are means  22  for removably connecting the first panel  8  to the second panel  10 . The means  22  can include, but shall not be limited to, a zipper, buttons, or Velcro. In one embodiment of the invention, the means  22  extends substantially along the entire length of the first edge  14 ,  16  of the first and second panels  8 , 10 . Alternatively, the means  22  can also extend along a portion of the first edge  14 , 16  of the first and second panels  8 , 10 . Continuing with  FIG. 10 , the incontinence dress  2  further includes a pocket  24 , which is disposed on the first panel  8  that is adapted to receive a catheter or Foley bag  26 . Disposed substantially adjacent to the pocket  24  is an aperture  30  for receiving the means  28  that connect the catheter or Foley bag  26  to the individual wearing the incontinence dress  2 . 
   However, unlike the other embodiments of the incontinence dress  2 , the first and second panels  8 , 10  in this embodiment of the incontinence dress  2  each have an access slit  80 , 82  for accessing the interior  12  of the incontinence dress  2 . Means  84 , such as Velcro, a zipper, or buttons, for opening and closing the access slit  80 , 82  are disposed on or adjacent one or more sides  86  of the access slit  80 , 82 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 11 , the back panel  6  of the incontinence dress  2  has a third panel  32  and a fourth panel  34 . Each of the third and fourth  32 , 34  panels has means  48 , such as Velcro, a zipper, or buttons, which is disposed on the first edge  36 , 38  of the third and fourth panels  32 , 34  for removably connecting a portion  44  of the third panel  32  to a portion  46  of the fourth panel  34 . Similar to other embodiments of the incontinence dress  2 , when the separable portions  44 , 46  of the third and fourth panels  32 , 34  are separated (detached), an opening  50  is created between the first edges  58 , 60  of the separable portions  44 , 46 . The opening  50  allows for access to the interior  12  of the incontinence dress  2 . A mechanical fastener  54 , such as a snap, can be used to ensure that the separable portions  44 , 46  of the third and fourth panels  32 , 34  remain separated. For example, a first portion  56  of the mechanical fastener  54  can be disposed on or adjacent the first edge  58 , 60  of each the separable portions  44 , 46  of the third and fourth panels  32 , 24 , while a second portion  62  of the mechanical fastener  54  is disposed on the second edge  40 , 42  of the third and fourth panels  32 , 34 . When the first portion  56  of the mechanical fastener  54  is engaged with the second portion  62  of the mechanical fastener  54 , the separable portions  44 , 46  of the third and fourth panels  32 , 34  will remain separated until the first and second portions  56 , 62  of the mechanical fastener  54  are disengaged from one another. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1-11 , the embodiments of the incontinence dress  2  that are depicted in these figures all have long sleeves  82 . Preferably, these long sleeves  82  are made from cotton or a double knit material. If a double knit material is used, then it is preferred that the double knit material is a cotton/polyester double knit material. However, other embodiments of the incontinence dress  2  can either have short sleeves (not shown) or no sleeves (not shown).  FIGS. 1-11  also depict the incontinence dress as having elastic cuffs  84  located at an end of the long sleeve  82 . It is noted, however, that an incontinence dress that lacks the elastic cuffs  84  ( FIG. 10 ) also falls within the scope of this invention. 
   As stated above, the front  4  and back panels  6  of the incontinence dress  2  is made from a water absorbent three ply material. Referring to  FIG. 12 , the three ply material has a first layer  92 , a second layer  94 , and a third layer  96 . The first and third layers  92 , 96  can be made from cotton while the second layer  94  can be made from a polyester fabric. Moreover, the first and third layers  92 , 96  may be finished and/or have a pattern printed on the surface  98 , 100  of the layer  92 , 96  as is commonly known in the art. 
   While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail above, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the disclosed and claimed concept which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.