Abstract:
An undergarment with an aperture in the pelvic region and a covering flap for the aperture suitable for use in medical examination of the pelvic region. Prior to an examination the flap covers the aperture. The flap may then be easily removed by the physician thereby providing access to the body. In some versions of the device the flap can then re-cover the aperture and in others the flap is removed entirely at the beginning of the examination. The device provides a degree of modesty before and after, for example, a gynecological examination. Other important features include a hypoallergenic flap, easy entry side leg openings and abdomen hugging bands that slim the wearer.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Applicant relies on the disclosure made in earlier filed provisional application No. 61/553, 520 filed by the same sole inventor on or about 31 Oct. 2011. Applicant hereby incorporates by reference the entirety of provisional application 61/533,520 and claims benefit of said filing date for all disclosures therein so eligible. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for an undergarment. More specifically, the undergarment has a removable piece located in the crotch. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Several designs for undergarments have been designed in the past. None of them, however, includes features best suited for gynecological exams including, among other features, a genital covering flap with anti-microbial characteristics that is open-able by a medical professional reducing unnecessary patient exposure. 
         [0006]    Applicant believes that the closest reference corresponds to known devices such as disposable or paper underwear and the like. However, all known prior art differs from the present invention because the present invention allows a wearer of the device to put the device on in the comfort of their own home or a private examination or changing room yet allows a physician access for examination and treatment all while maintaining a hypoallergenic and sterile condition. 
         [0007]    Other patents describing the closest subject matter provide for a number of more or less complicated features that fail to solve the problem in an efficient and economical way. None of these patents suggest the novel features of the present invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    It is one of the main objects of the present invention to provide a discreet undergarment specifically suited to use for feminine gynecological examinations that eliminates some of the stressors that are used for excuses to avoid such exams, thereby improving feminine health. 
         [0009]    It is another object of this invention to provide a level of comfort and security to a woman to reduce discomfort or embarrassment in an examination room before actual examination and treatment by the attending physician. 
         [0010]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide an undergarment that, in addition to the other described features, also has body shape slimming abdomen compression features. 
         [0011]    In situations such as gynecological examinations, it is necessary for an individual such as a doctor to examine an individual&#39;s genitalia. This process is often uncomfortable and awkward for the examinee. This is due in large part to the fact that individuals must remove their undergarments before such a procedure. Previous articles of clothing that contain a removable portion reveal significant areas normally covered by undergarments. 
         [0012]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an undergarment suitable for use in gynecological examinations and other similar situations that reveals as little of the individual&#39;s body as possible, thereby increasing comfort and a feeling of modesty. 
         [0013]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide an undergarment that may be adjusted to fit individuals of various different sizes and that may be disposed of after use in the examination. 
         [0014]    It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a removable portion of the undergarment that is hypoallergenic and not likely to cause adverse reactions to a wearer. 
         [0015]    It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a device that is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain while retaining its effectiveness. 
         [0016]    Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    With the above and other related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  represents a perspective view of a primary version of the device with the principal flap closed. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a device similar to that shown in  FIG. 1  with the flap open as it may be configured during an examination procedure. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of a version of the device laying flat demonstrating the elements of the device. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view representation of a variation of the device configured as it may be worn. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another adaption of the device configured as is might be worn. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0023]    Referring now to the drawings, where the present invention is generally referred to with numeral  10 , it can be observed that it basically includes a rear band  12 , a front band  13 , a rear panel  14 , a front panel  16 , an aperture  18 , an aperture  20 , a flap  22 , perforations  24 , a lace  26 , a seam  28 , a closure  30 , a pad  32  and an aperture  34 . 
         [0024]    The invention generally forms an undergarment dimensioned for use by a human. The sizes may be adapted for the varying size of the human form. 
         [0025]    Aperture  18  and aperture  20  are provided to act essentially as leg holes for human legs. Generally, a user of the device would place her right leg through aperture  18  and left leg through aperture  20 . The device can then be grasped by the user on either or both of the rear band  12  and front band  13  to be pulled over the body so that rear panel  14  covers the buttocks and front panel  16  covers the anterior of the pelvic region. 
         [0026]    Rear band  12  and front band  13  are preferably constructed of an elastic or other stretchable material that performs to aid in keeping the device in place on the body while in use. Closure  30  on a first side of the device is optionally present to permit easier entry into the device. The closure  30  allows easier entry into the device by permitting separation of the front panel  16  from the rear panel  14  at seam  28 . 
         [0027]    There may also be a second closure (without reference character but shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) on a second side of the device similar to that of closure  30 . Closure  30  and the corresponding second closure generally bisect the rear band  12  and front band  13 . When closure  30  and the second closure are opened, the device may be donned placing it around the legs rather than stepping through the legs as a typical pair of underwear may be put on. This provides an easier method of putting on the device that many users may prefer. 
         [0028]    Front panel  16  and rear panel  14  are preferably opaque and flexible. Typically construction from a fabric, paper, non-woven or plastic materials are contemplated. Preferably, the material used for construction of the front panel  16  and rear panel  14  are breathable to improve comfort and sanitary conditions. In an important variation, paper or non-woven synthetics are used in a one-use or disposable configuration. 
         [0029]    A key feature of the device is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  to be the flap  22 , perforations  24  and lace  26  and aperture  34  combination. An expected primary use of the device is to allow a physician access to the wearer&#39;s anterior pelvic region for purposes of a medical examination or treatment. To this end, the wearer of the device typically would thread the lace  26  through the perforations  24  to hold the flap  22  securely over the aperture  34 . In this mode the device promotes modesty, even while in examination stirrups. 
         [0030]    When the physician enters the examination room the patients modesty remains preserved. The physician can then, when ready to commence the examination, unlace the lace  26  for access to the body through the aperture  34 . Upon completion of the examination the physician can re-thread the lace  26  through the perforations  24  to re-cover the aperture  34  with the flap  22 . Alternatively, upon conclusion of the examination during re-dressing, the patient may discard the entirety of the device. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 3 through 5  show alternate versions of the invention to include, inter alia, a hinge  36 , a closure  38 , bands  40 , a band  42 , a flap  44 , a closure  46 , a hinge  48 , bands  50 , a band  52 , a closure  54 , bands  56 , a flap  58 , points  60 , a rear panel  62 , a front panel  64 , a rear panel  66  and a front panel  68 . 
         [0032]    Now referring to  FIG. 3 , a variation of the device is shown to have a plurality of closures  38  on the ends of rear band  12  and front band  13  near where said bands would be over the lateral sides of the wearer&#39;s hips during normal use. Closures  38  may be characterized as pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) strips that have a peel off tab exposing the PSA for adherence to the respective rear panel  14  and front panel  16 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  shows the device open such as might be presented before use of the device. The flap  22  is open thereby exposing the aperture  34  forming the opening the crotch of the device. The panel  22  is affixed to the crotch of the device at hinge  36  that allows the flap  22  remain attached to the device yet permitting access via the aperture  34 . In normal use of the device the lace  26  is secured to the front panel  16  by means of the perforations  24 . Optionally, the hinge  36  can provide a break-away means whereby the flap  22  may be torn off of the device and discarded immediately prior to the medical examination. 
         [0034]    Still referring to  FIG. 3  where the pad  32  can be seen affixed to the interior side of the flap  22 , that when closed is against the skin of a wearer of the device. The pad  32 , optionally present, can provide features such as being absorbent, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and/or hypoallergenic. 
         [0035]    Bands  40  on the front panel  16  are optionally present to provide a girdle or compression feature whereby the wearer&#39;s abdomen is held firmer somewhat compressing the abdomen and thereby creating a slimmer appearance of the wearer. A corresponding series of bands (not shown in the drawings) may also be integral to the rear panel  14 . 
         [0036]    Generally, the bands  40  are constructed integral to the device and made of an elastic material. In a preferred embodiment the bands  40  are comprised of a series of curved yet parallel strips of stretchy material and are oriented to conform to the lower portion of the wearer&#39;s abdomen that may be covered by the front panel  16  of the device. 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  shows a version of the invention with a single flap  54 , in this instance closing over the right leg of the wearer. Obviously, there could equally effectively be a single or complementary closure on the left or opposite leg. If as shown in this Figure the user of the device can don the device by stepping into the leg opening with their left leg and pull up the device over the pelvic region and then seal the device on their body with closure  54 . It should be recognized that closure  54 , as with all the side closure means disclosed herein, may be embodied by a pressure sensitive adhesive, tie strings, buttons, hook and loop fasteners (i.e. Velcro) or other suitable fastener known in the art. 
         [0038]    Band  52  encircles part or all of the top edge of the rear panel  62  and front panel  64 . This band  52  encircles the waist of the wearer and holds the device onto the hips. The band  52  can also add the slimming effect of the bands  56 . 
         [0039]    Another noted feature on the variation of the device shown in  FIG. 4  is the flap  58  that is secured to the front panel  64  at a series of points  60 . In this example, flap  58  is generally square, thus having four corners, each of the corners comprising a point  60 . The points  60  are frangible and adapted to be torn by the physician immediately prior to an examination. In this version of the device, due to the frangible points  60 , it would be better to be constructed of a disposable material. 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  demonstrates yet another variety of features comprising the invention, particularly the alternate flap  44  and lack of lateral hip side closures. Without the hip side closures such as the closure  30  in  FIG. 1  or the closures  38  in  FIG. 3  the device is donned similar to that of a traditional pair of underwear with a leg opening for each leg. Optionally, bands  50  are also provided as a compression girdle feature resulting in a slimming effect. Rear panel  66  provides covering for the buttocks of the wearer. 
         [0041]    Flap  44 , in this version of the invention, covers an aperture similar to aperture  34  in  FIG. 2 . However, it differs in that a hinge  48  connects the flap  44  to the front panel  68  so that the flap  44  may be opened and closed indefinitely contrasted to the fungible points  60  in the version of the device exemplified in  FIG. 4 . Hinge  48  may be a simple flexible fabric seam connecting the front panel  68  to the flap  44 . A closure  46  may be provided to hold the flap  44  in the closed position over the aperture (not identified in  FIG. 5  as it is covered by the flap  44 ). 
         [0042]    The present invention is an undergarment with a removable piece located in a crotch area. The undergarment comprises a main undergarment, an elastic waist, a waist tie string, an elastic front, the removable piece, a plurality of perforations, and a front tie string. 
         [0043]    When in the closed position, the removable piece is located in the crotch and is in communication with the main undergarment through the perforations. In the preferred embodiment, the removable piece is only large enough to expose male or female genitalia. The removable piece is preferably as small as possible to give a wearer as great a feeling of modesty and comfort as possible when undergoing an examination by a doctor or any other activity requiring exposure of the genitalia. 
         [0044]    The front tie string is attached to the removable piece. In the preferred embodiment, the front tie string forms a loop on the distal end to allow the wearer or another individual to easily insert and finger into the loop. Pulling on the front tie string breaks the perforations and removes the removable piece from the crotch area of the undergarment. Once the removable piece is removable, the removable piece hangs from the front of the undergarment and remains connected to the front of the undergarment either through the front tie string or through a thin strip of material that connects the removable piece and the main undergarment and has no perforations. Because the removable piece is connected by perforations, the wearer cannot reattach the removable piece after it has been removed. The undergarment may therefore be disposed of after use, making the undergarment a disposable undergarment. The removable piece is preferably made of a hypo allergenic material to prevent adverse reactions with the wearer, although any desired material may be used. 
         [0045]    In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the removable piece may be completely removed from the undergarment so that the removable piece does not hang from the front of the undergarment. In additional alternative embodiments of the present invention, the removable piece may be reattached to the front of the undergarment after the perforations have been broken. The undergarment may contain an adhesive to keep the removable piece in place or any other desired attachment or reattachment means. 
         [0046]    The undergarment is designed to be worn by people of various sizes. The waist size of the undergarment may be easily adjusted through the waist tie string. The waist tie string may be a plurality of tie strings. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the undergarment comprises a back waist tie string and a front waist tie string. 
         [0047]    The wearer or any other individual can adjust the size of the waist by pulling tying the waist tie string at different lengths. The waist of the undergarment is also elastic to further accommodate individuals with different waist sizes. 
         [0048]    The elastic front of the undergarment allows the undergarment to accommodate individuals with large abdomens or stomachs. The elastic front is preferably constructed of a single thread elastic that can easily enlarge, although any other desired material of construction may be used. 
         [0049]    A primary version of the device can be fairly characterized as an undergarment device adapted to fit around a human pelvic region and cover a human genitalia comprising a panel, an aperture, a flap and a waistband. Said panel having a front side adapted to cover an anterior (front) side of said human pelvic region and a back side adapted to cover a posterior (rear) side of the human pelvic region. The aperture is positioned in said front side of the panel and when worn is located over said human genitalia to provide modesty for the wearer before and after the examination. The flap is dimensioned to cover said aperture and is adapted to be moveable to provide access to said human genitalia through said aperture. The waistband is joined to said panel at a first edge that when worn effectively encircling said human pelvic region. 
         [0050]    Variations of the device may further include (1) that device is constructed of a disposable material selected from a paper, a non-woven synthetic or a fabric; (2) that on an interior side of said flap is a hypoallergenic material; (3) that said flap is affixed to said panel at a plurality of frangible points; or (4) that a plurality of elastic bands are integrated into said front side of said panel that are adapted constrict an abdomen to provide a slimming feature. 
         [0051]    The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.