Patent Application
20240172808
The present invention relates to an article of clothing, specifically next-to-skin undergarments for men and boys.
Men's underwear typically suffers from several deficiencies, including a propensity for the scrotum to contact and stick to the inner thigh and a high degree of contact between a zipper or underwear seam and the penis, a lack of support for the genitalia, limited freedom of movement and natural resting position for the genitalia, and a lack of moisture control friction on the inner thighs of the wearer which can lead to chafing and discomfort while sitting, walking, running, skating, or other numerous athletic activities.
Various underwear designs in the prior art have tried to address one or more of these problems. For example, Typical loose fitting boxer shorts provide ample freedom of movement but suffer from a propensity for the scrotum to contact and stick to the inner thigh, and lack of support and comfort. Sports boxer-briefs are typically tight and form-fitting to provide support, but compress the genitalia and support the scrotum too close to the body leading to any combination of scrotum contact with inner thighs and legs and moisture problems resulting from perspiration and skin irritation. Typical underwear briefs prevent the scrotum from contacting with the legs but suffer from unnaturally restricting the genitalia into a small compartment pressing with an unnatural proximity to the body with the resultant increase in moisture problems and lack of comfort.
Male anatomy provides a pendant scrotum, in part to cool the testicles relative to the warmer body heat that accumulates within the groin area. Thermal isolation of the genitalia from that body area and use of breathable fabric can improve sperm motility and fertility.
To date, no underwear product has successfully addressed the problem of a lack of isolation of scrotum from contacting inner thighs and legs while increasing comfort and support attributes for male genitalia.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,029,345 which issued to Angheluta, et al, on Jul. 9, 1991, entitled Man's Underwear with an Integral Codpiece-like Construction. Angheluta discloses a man's garment, particularly a man's underwear garment, providing a codpiece compartment secured to a front of a trunk panel of the garment. The trunk panel provides an opening for communicating a man's genitals therethrough into the codpiece compartment. The compartment loosely holds the man's genitals. The trunk panel and a slot 24 provides for forward biasing and separation of the genitals by constricting of the sides of the slot behind the testicles and heat insulation to reduce the thermal influence of the man's torso on the man's reproductive organs. Angheluta describes the use of compartment 40 which is a loose-fitting compartment around the genitals, it being taught that such a loose-fitting compartment prevents compression of the genitals against the male's lower trunk, such as occurs in shorts known to the art, and that by properly selecting the lengths of the front, right and left side panels 32, 38, and 36 a suitably loose compartment 40 is formed. Angheluta concludes that by reducing compression of the genitals against the trunk, the thermal influence of the trunk to the genitals is reduced, and pressure on the genitals is reduced.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,958,571 to Kitsch on Jun. 14, 2011, teaches a genital pouch that is materially pear-shaped when viewed from the front. A lower extremity of the pouch extends under and rearwardly of the front wall of the undergarment to form a perineum portion for covering rearwardly past the scrotum and to the perineum of the user. The pouch also has a phallus supporting portion and a scrotum supporting portion extending from and between the phallus supporting portion and the perineum portion for containing a portion of the scrotum of the user. Like most underwear, the undergarment in Kitsch has a seam line in approximately the center of the pouch. The design of Kitsch, however, remains complex and insufficient for some men who might be anatomically bigger than an average wearer.
To reduce the complexity and length of the Detailed Specification, and to fully establish the state of the art in certain areas of technology, Applicant(s) herein expressly incorporate(s) by reference all the following materials identified in each numbered paragraph below. The incorporated materials are not necessarily “prior art.”
Applicant(s) believe(s) that the material incorporated above is “non-essential” in accordance with 37 CFR 1.57, because it is referred to for purposes of indicating the background of the invention or illustrating the state of the art. However, if the Examiner believes that any of the above-incorporated material constitutes “essential material” within the meaning of 37 CFR 1.57(c)(1)-(3), applicant(s) will amend the specification to expressly recite the essential material that is incorporated by reference as allowed by the applicable rules.
The present invention provides among other things a male against-the-skin undergarment with an ergonomic pouch for male genitalia. The pouch may be a single panel of material and seamless at and around the center of the pouch.
It is an object of the invention to provide an ergonomic pocket for male against-the-skin undergarments.
It is another object of the invention to provide an ergonomic pocket with a seamless front to prevent chafing with a wearer.
It is another object of the invention to provide an ergonomic pouch with elastic properties to support male genitalia and provide separation between the genitals and the groin area.
It is another object of the invention to provide an ergonomic pouch configured to accommodate varying sizes and shaped anatomies of wearers.
The above and other objects may be achieved using devices involving a male undergarment with an elastomeric waistband and at least one panel extending down from the waistband in the direction of the legs of the user. The panels may include a front panel and a rear panel shaped and sewn to fit about the waist and legs of the user, covering the groin area and potentially a portion of the user's legs. A pocket is coupled to at least one of the front panel and the rear pane to create a pouch in the area where the user's genitals would reside.
The pocket is formed from at least one cloth cutout and is generally hourglass-shaped. The cutout includes a front portion that starts at a front width at a front top edge and narrows parabolically on the sides to a crease. A support portion joins the front portion at the crease and widens parabolically on each side to a support width at a support top edge. The front top edge may be coupled to the waste band or at a point near the waistband such that the front width spans approximately the width of the male genitalia. The ratio between the front width and the support width is about 1:2.
The support width may be greater than the front width and the height between the front top edge and the crease (the front height) greater than the height between the support top edge and the crease (the support height). The front top edge may couple directly to the waistband or may couple to a portion of the front panel that extends from the waistband. The front flap may also extend upward from the front top edge.
The pouch folds at the crease and the sides are sewn together. The front top edge is sewn to the waistband or on the front panel about an inch below the waistband. The pouch is positioned essentially in the center of the front panel of the undergarment. The support top edge is sewn to the undergarment near the portion of the undergarment that covers the perineum of the user. In one embodiment, the support top edge is approximately 2 inches from the midline of the underside of the undergarment corresponding to about where the user's testicles attach to the perineum.
The pouch defines a pocket that extends out and down from the rest of the body of the undergarment. An elastomeric strip may be coupled between at least one of the front top edge and the support top edge and the body of the undergarment such that the pouch is elastically compressive.
The above and other objects may be achieved using methods involving providing a body portion and a pouch portion for an undergarment. The body portion includes an elastomeric waistband with at least one panel coupling to the waistband and extending from the waistband. The panels and the waistband are configured to create a waistband, a length, and two leg holes. The pouch portion has a front flap and a support flap meeting at a crease. The front flap has a front top edge and a front width that narrows on its side edges parabolically from the top edge to the crease. The support flap has a support top edge with a support width that narrows on its side edges parabolically to the crease.
The front flap is folded about the crease to overlap with support edge and the side edges of the support flap are coupled to at least a portion of the side edges of the front flap. The front top edge and the support top edge are coupled to the undergarment to create a pocket that extends forward and down from the body of the undergarment. An elastomeric strip may be coupled between at least one of the front top edge and the support top edge and the body of the undergarment such that the pouch is elastically compressive.
Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description of the invention. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventors' intent and desire that the simple, plain, and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.
The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above.
Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for, and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of [insert function]”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . ” or “step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are invoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.
A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures.
Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment.
In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices, and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.
In one application of the invention, a male undergarment 10 with an elastomeric waistband 12 and at least one panel 14 extending down from the waistband 12 in the direction of the legs of the user. The undergarment 10 may be of any style such as a bikini, brief, boxers, boxer brief, trunks, jock strap, or other style. The panel 14 may be made of fabric of practically any type used in the clothing industry even, for example, the standard cotton or cotton/polyester materials, from which men's underwear is generally fashioned. For example, the material may be constructed of an elasticized breathable mesh fabric, a soft elasticized breathable mesh knit weave (in a so-called four-by-four stretch weave) containing 80% Nylon™ and 20% Spandex™. Pouch 20 may be of a material containing 82% polyester and 18% Spandex™. Alternatively, the fabric may be made of a 92% cotton, 8% Spandex™ fabric. The material of the undergarment 10 provide the intended isolating function while improving comfort, airflow, and support for the scrotum. The mesh fabric is light and soft to reduce discomfort and improve feel for the scrotum and phallus while in contact with fabric and garment design in the sensitive groin area including the genitalia.
The panels may include a front panel and a rear panel shaped and sewn to fit about the waist and legs of the user, covering the groin area and a portion of the user's legs. A cutout 16 is coupled to the at least one panel 14 to create a pouch 20 in the area where the user's genitals would reside.
The pouch 20 is formed from at least one cloth cutout 16 and has a generally hourglass shape as shown in
The support width 45 may be greater than the front width 25 and the height between the front top edge and the crease (the front height 28) greater than the height between the support top edge and the crease (the support height 48). Specifically, the support width 45 may be between about 6 and 8 inches wide, preferable between 6½ and 7½ inches, and still more preferably between about 6¾ and 7¼ inches. The front height 28 may extend about 6 inches from the waistband 12, and the support height 48 may extend about 5½ inches from the crease 30. The front top edge 24 may couple directly to the waistband 12 or may couple to a portion of the at least one panel 14 that extends from the waistband 12. The front flap 22 may also extend upward from the front top edge 24.
The pouch 20 folds at the crease 30 and the sides 26, 46 are sewn together. The sides 46 and 26 may be sewn directly together or may have a strip of material such as an elastomeric material intermediating between the front sides 26 and the support sides 46. The front top edge 24 is sewn directly or indirectly to the waistband 12 or on the front panel 14 about an inch below the waistband 12. The pouch 20 is positioned essentially in the center of the front panel 14 of the undergarment. The support top edge 24 is sewn to the undergarment 10 near the portion of the undergarment 10 that covers the perineum of the user. In one embodiment, the support top edge 24 is approximately 2 inches from the midline of the underside of the undergarment corresponding to about where the user's testicles attach to the perineum.
The pouch 20 defines a pocket 21 that extends out and down from the rest of the body of the undergarment 10. An elastomeric strip (not shown) may be coupled between at least one of the front top edge 24 and the support top edge 44 and the body of the undergarment 10 such that the pouch 20 is elastically compressive. The undergarment 10 remains tight against the waist, legs, and buttocks of the user, but allows extra room and support for the user's penis and scrotum. Advantageously, the pouch 20 does not have a seam in contact with the user's phallus but is one continuous soft, light piece of material.
The size of the pocket 21 may vary for differently sized users. The undergarment could have one general size that is standard for most users and a second pocket size. The size is adjusted by maintaining the proportions of the pouch 20 and shrinking or enlarging the entire structure.
In construction and assembly of an undergarment having a body portion 100 and a pouch portion 101, the body portion may include an elastomeric waistband 12 with at least one panel 14 coupling to the waistband 12 and extending from the waistband 12. The panels 14 and the waistband 12 are configured to create a waistband circumference 102, a length 104, and two leg holes 106. The pouch portion 101 has a front flap 22 and a support flap 42 meeting at a crease 30. The front flap 22 has a front top edge 24 and a front width 25 that narrows on its side edges 26 parabolically from the top edge 24 to the crease. The support flap 42 has a support top edge 42 with a support width 45 that narrows on its side edges 46 parabolically to the crease 30. The support width 45 is greater than the front width 25 by, for example, a ratio of about 2:1. As shown in
The front flap 22 is folded about the crease 30 to overlap the support flap 42 and the side edges 46 of the support flap 42 are coupled to at least a portion of the side edges 26 of the front flap 22. The front top edge 24 and the support top edge 44 are coupled to the undergarment 10 to create a pocket 21 that extends forward and down from the body 100 of the undergarment 10. An elastomeric strip (not shown) may be coupled between at least one of the front top edge 24 and the support top edge 44 and the body 100 of the undergarment 10 such that the pouch 20 is elastically compressive.
In some embodiments, the pouch is removable. The hourglass-shaped cutout has a peripheral edge and at least a portion of the peripheral edge has a hook and loop fastener configured to couple to a corresponding hook and loop fastener on the at least one panel.
A method is also provided for customizing undergarments. The method involves providing an undergarment with a waistband forming a top side and an undercarriage and two leg openings forming a bottom side opposite to the top side. At least one panel extends from the waistband to form a rear, sides, and at least part of a front, the at least one panel defining a pouch gap having a gap periphery. At least one garment fastener is located on the gap periphery.
A a plurality of differently-sized pouches is offered, each pouch comprising an hourglass-shaped cutout having a pouch periphery, a first portion having a first width and a second portion having a second width greater than the first width. The first portion narrows from the first width and the second portion narrows from the second width to meet at a crease. The crease and the first width define a first length and the crease and the second width define a second length, wherein the first length is longer than the second length. The cutout is coupled to the at least one panel and the waistband to form a pouch about the genitalia such that the first portion at least partially defines the front and the second portion at least partially defines the undercarriage. Each pouch also includes at least one pouch fastener configured to correspond to the at least one garment fastener. A user is allowed to select a pouch size and coupling a pouch having the selected pouch size to the undergarment. In one embodiment, the garment fastener and the pouch fastener are hook and loop fasteners.
In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the present specification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosed embodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular methodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such, various modifications, changes to, or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present specification. Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those precisely as shown and described.
Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the methods and devices described herein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. The terms “including” and “such as” are not limiting and should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” and “such as, for example,” respectively. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/428,810, filed on Nov. 30, 2022, which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63428810 | Nov 2022 | US |
