UNDERGARMENT AND METHODS OF TREATING PAIN SYMPTOMS USING SAME

Abstract

The present disclosure provides undergarments, kits including undergarments, and methods of using same to relieve pain, such as abdominal, vaginal, and/or perianal pain, using undergarments and kits including undergarments.

Description

BACKGROUND

Pain in the abdominal region is often debilitating, and is difficult to relieve topically using heat- or cold-based topical therapies without significantly limiting mobility. While some wearable devices are available, they perform poorly, often completely failing to maintain an initial position of an included thermal pack with even the slightest movement by the wearer.

A need persists for devices enabling localized thermal treatment of pain in the abdominal/pelvic area that do not significantly limit mobility of the user.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides undergarments, kits including undergarments, and methods of using same to relieve pain, such as abdominal pain.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides an undergarment comprising: a gusset for positioning adjacent to a crotch region of a user and having an anterior end and a posterior end substantially opposite the anterior end; a first front panel including a distal portion that overlaps with the anterior end of the gusset, and a proximal portion that extends up to an anterior pelvic edge; a second front panel including a distal portion that overlaps with the anterior pelvic edge of the first front panel, and a proximal portion that extends up to an anterior umbilical edge; and a rear panel including a distal portion that overlaps with the posterior end of the gusset, and a proximal portion that extends up to a posterior waist edge, wherein the first front panel and the second front panel form a pouch.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an undergarment comprising: a wrap-around panel including a right rear portion, a left rear portion, a front portion disposed between the right rear portion and the left rear portion, and a gusset portion extending from the front portion; an anterior umbilical edge at one end of the right rear portion, the left rear portion, and the front portion; a posterior distal edge disposed substantially opposite the anterior umbilical edge and at a second end of the left rear portion and/or a second end of the rear portion; a pouch opening disposed in the front portion; an inner panel adjacent to the right rear portion, the left rear portion, and the front portion; and a pouch cavity disposed between (i) the inner panel and (ii) the right rear portion, the left rear portion, and the front portion.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a kit comprising an undergarment as disclosed herein and at least one thermal pack for inserting into the pouch or pouch cavity of the undergarment.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of reducing abdominal pain in a subject, the method comprising: providing an undergarment as disclosed herein; positioning the undergarment about the abdominal area of the subject; inserting a thermal pack into the pouch or pouch cavity to a position adjacent to a pain locus; and leaving the thermal pack in the position for a period of time to reduce the abdominal pain.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of treating perianal pain in a subject, the method comprising: providing an undergarment as disclosed herein; positioning the undergarment about the abdominal area of the subject; inserting a thermal pack into the pouch cavity to a position adjacent to a pain locus; and leaving the thermal pack in the position for a period of time to reduce the perianal pain, wherein the pain locus is associated with a perianal area of the subject.

These and other embodiments are described in greater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of an undergarment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a front perspective of the undergarment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of the undergarment of FIGS. 1-2 including a thermal pack inserting into the undergarment's pouch.

FIG. 4 shows a rear perspective view of the undergarment of FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a gusset portion of an undergarment of the prior art.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a gusset portion of an undergarment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective front view of an undergarment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in use by a subject.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective front view of an undergarment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows a rear perspective view of the undergarment of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 shows a plan view of a fabric pattern for forming the undergarment of FIGS. 8-9.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a folded fabric piece for forming the undergarment of FIGS. 8-9.

FIG. 12A shows a front perspective view of an undergarment consistent with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12B shows a front perspective view of an undergarment consistent with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 shows a front perspective view of an undergarment consistent with one embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the proximal edge has been folded downwards toward the distal end of the undergarment.

FIG. 14 shows a rear perspective view of an undergarment consistent with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 15A-15B show photographs of an undergarment consistent with one embodiment of the present disclosure from the front (FIG. 15A) and the rear (FIG. 15B).

FIGS. 16A-16C show photographs of an undergarment consistent with another embodiment of the present disclosure from the front (FIGS. 16A-16B) and rear (FIG. 16C).

FIGS. 17A-17D show photographs of an undergarment consistent with another embodiment of the present disclosure from the front (FIGS. 17A-17C) and rear (FIG. 17D).

FIGS. 18A-18C show photographs of an undergarment consistent with another embodiment of the present disclosure from the front (FIGS. 18A-18B) and rear (FIG. 18C).

FIG. 19A shows a front plan view of an undergarment consistent with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19B shows a rear plan view of the undergarment of FIG. 19A.

The figures depict various embodiments of this disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-18C, the present disclosure provides undergarments, kits including undergarments, and methods of using same to relieve pain, such as abdominal pain.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 1-6, an undergarment consistent with one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a first front panel 200, and a second front panel 100, a third front panel 300, a rear panel 500, and a gusset bridging the first front panel 200 and the rear panel 500.

The first front panel 200 includes a proximal portion 205 and a distal portion 230 substantially opposite the proximal portion 205. The distal portion 2:30 connects with the distal portion 530 of the rear panel 500, described in greater detail below. In use, the first front panel 200 covers an anterior portion of the user's torso, such as a sub-umbilical anterior portion of the user's pelvic area.

Second front panel 100 includes a proximal portion 105 that terminates in an anterior umbilical edge 108, and a distal portion 130 substantially opposite the proximal portion 105. In use, the second front panel 100 covers an anterior portion of the user's torso, such as an umbilical anterior portion of the user's torso.

The third front panel 300 is disposed between the user torso and the first and second front panels 200, 100, and Is disposed at the distal portion 130 of the second front panel and the proximal portion 205 of the first front panel 200. In some embodiments, the third front panel 300 includes a distal portion that is continuous with the gusset 600. In other embodiments, the third front panel includes a distal portion that terminates separately from the anterior end 610 of the gusset 600. In use, the front panel 300 covers an anterior portion of the users torso at least between the anterior umbilical region of the user's torso and the pelvic region of the user's torso.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the undergarment 10 includes a pouch 350 formed by the third front panel 300 and the overlapping distal portion 130 of the second front panel 100 and the proximal portion 205 of the first front panel 200. In some embodiments, the distal portion 130 of the second front panel 100 extends over the proximal portion 205 of the first front panel 200. In other embodiments, the proximal portion 205 of the first front panel 200 extends over the distal portion 130 of the second front panel 100. The pouch 350 is sized to accommodate a thermal pack 400, as shown in FIG. 3.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 4, the rear panel 500 includes a proximal portion 505 that terminates in a posterior waist edge 508, and a distal portion 530 substantially opposite the proximal portion 505. In use, the rear panel 500 covers a posterior portion of the user's torso including, for example, the posterior lower back region and buttocks of the user. In some embodiments, the first front panel 200 and the rear panel 500 are continuous, that is, without a seam between the first front panel 200 and the rear panel 500. In some embodiments, the second front panel 100 and the rear panel 500 are continuous, that is, without a seam between the second front panel 100 and the rear panel 500. The first front panel 200 and the rear panel 500 together include two voids to accommodate legs of the user. For example, the first front panel 200 and the rear panel 500 includes a right leg hole 210 and a left leg hole 220 to accommodate the right leg RL and the left leg LL of the user, respectively, as shown in FIG. 7.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the gusset 600 includes an anterior end 610 and a posterior and 620 substantially opposite the anterior and 610. In contrast to gusset structures 600′ of the prior art Which have at least one end 620′ secured to the rear panel 500′ or the front panel 200′, such as those shown in FIG. 5, the gusset 600 of undergarment 10 forms a tubular structure with the distal portion 530 of the rear panel 500 and with the distal portion 230 of the first front panel 200. The gusset 600 may have a minimum width dimension W of at least about 2 inches, such as at least about 2 inches, at least about 2.5 inches, or at least about 3 inches. In some embodiments, the anterior end 610 is partially stitched to the first front panel 200. In other embodiments, the anterior end 610 of the gusset 600 is not stitched to the first front panel 200. In some embodiments the posterior end 620 of the gusset 600 is partially stitched to the rear panel 500. In other embodiments the posterior end 620 of the gusset 600 is not stitched to the rear panel 500. In use, the gusset 600 is positioned adjacent to a crotch region of the user, and may accommodate a thermal pack in the tubular passageway between the gusset 600 and the first front panel 100/rear panel 500.

The undergarment 10 may be made of any suitable material. For example and without limitation, the undergarment 10 may be formed of a polyester, a rayon, a cotton, a nylon, or a combination of any of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the undergarment 10 comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of polyester. In some embodiments, the undergarment 10 comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of bamboo, polyester jersey, cotton organic, charcoal fibers, charcoal coating, silk, nylon, acrylic, rayon, hemp, soy, acetate, modacrylic fibers, vinylon fibers, polypropylene fibers, polyurethane fibers, polyvinyl chloride fibers, polyethylene fibers, vinylidene fiber, polychlal fibers, benzoate fibers, aramid fibers, sisal, manilla, pina, cellulose, and/or cuprammonium rayon. In some embodiments, the undergarment 10 comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a blend of polyester and spandex. In some embodiments, the undergarment 10 consists essentially of a blend of polyester and spandex in a ratio of about 80:20 to about 95:5. In some embodiments, the undergarment 10 consists essentially of a blend of polyester and spandex in a ratio of about 88:12. In some embodiments, the undergarment 10 consists essentially of or consists of recycled polyester (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the undergarment 10 consists essentially of or consists of polyester (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the undergarment 10 consists essentially of or consists of polyester (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the undergarment 10 consists essentially of or consists of cotton (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the undergarment 10 consists essentially of or consists of cotton (10-100%), bamboo (10-100%), and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (1-50%). In some embodiments, the undergarment 10 consists essentially of or consists of lyocell (e.g., Tencel) (50-100%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-0%). In some embodiments, the undergarment 10 consists essentially of or consists of bamboo (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the undergarment 10 consists essentially of or consists of wool (10-100%), cotton (10-100%), and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (1-50%). In some embodiments, the undergarment 10 consists essentially of or consists of nylon (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the undergarment 10 consists essentially of or consists of acrylic (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the undergarment 10 consists essentially of or consists of rayon (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the undergarment 10 consists essentially of or consists of hemp (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the undergarment 10 consists essentially of or consists of cotton (10-100%), hemp (10-100%), elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (1-50%).

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides an undergarment 10 comprising: a gusset 600 for positioning adjacent to a crotch region of a user and having an anterior end 610 and a posterior end 620 substantially opposite the anterior end 610; a first front panel 200 including a distal portion 230 that overlaps with the anterior end 610 of the gusset 600, and a proximal portion 205 that extends up to an anterior pelvic edge 208; a second front panel 100 including a distal portion 130 that overlaps with the anterior pelvic edge 208 of the first front panel 200, and a proximal portion 105 that extends up to an anterior umbilical edge 108; and a rear panel 500 including a distal portion 530 that overlaps with the posterior end 620 of the gusset 600, and a proximal portion 505 that extends up to a posterior waist edge 508, wherein the first front panel 200 and the second front panel 100 form a pouch 350. In some embodiments, the undergarment 10 further comprises a substantially open tube formed between the gusset 600, the first distal portion 230 of the first front panel 100, and the distal portion 530 of the rear panel 500. In some embodiments, the gusset has a minimum width of not less than about 3 inches. In some embodiments, the second front panel extends over the proximal portion of the first front panel. In some embodiments, the first front panel extends over the distal portion of the second front panel. In some embodiments, the gusset has a minimum width W of at least about 2 inches. In some embodiments, the gusset has a minimum width W of at least about 2.5 inches. In some embodiments, the gusset has a minimum width W of at least about 3 inches. In some embodiments, the undergarment 10 further comprises a third front panel 300 disposed between the second front panel 100 and a user when the undergarment 10 is in use by the user. In some embodiments, the undergarment is seamless.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-14, an undergarment 20 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a unitary piece of material including a front portion 2000, a rear portion 5000A-5000B, a gusset portion 6000 bridging the front portion 2000 and the rear portion 5000A-5000B, and a pouch cavity 3500 formed between an outer panel layer 2500A and an inner panel layer 2500B.

The front portion 2000 includes a proximal edge 2300 and a pouch opening 3550 distal to the proximal edge 2300 and formed in the outer panel surface 2500A. The front portion 2000 includes an outer panel layer 2500A and an inner panel layer 2500B formed for example, by folding a single piece of material along fold line 2300 as shown in FIGS. 10-11 and joining edges of the folded piece together. The shape of the pouch cavity 3500 may therefore be defined by the shapes of the outer panel layer 2500A and the inner panel layer 2500B and may, for example, include a gusset pouch portion between an outer gusset layer 6000A and an inner gusset layer 6000B.

The pouch cavity 3500 may include a pouch opening 3550 formed in the outer panel layer 2500A. In other embodiments, the pouch opening 3550 is formed in the inner panel layer 2500B. In either embodiment, the pouch opening 3550 may be surrounded or partly surrounded by pouch opening stitching 3700 to prevent the material from fraying at the pouch opening 3550. In other embodiments, the pouch opening 3550 may be thermally sealed to prevent fraying. In some embodiments, such as those consistent with the embodiment specifically shown in FIG. 8, the pouch opening 3550 is horizontal or substantially horizontal (e.g., is parallel or substantially parallel with the proximal edge 2300). In other embodiments, the pouch opening 3550 is vertical or substantially vertical (e.g., is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the proximal edge 2300).

As shown in FIG. 9, the unitary piece of material may be formed into the undergarment by joining a right rear portion edge 2400A to a left rear portion edge 2400B with a rear seam 5100, and by joining the gusset edge 6200 to the distal edge 5200A/5200B of the left rear portion 5000B and/or the right rear portion 5000A with a gusset seam 5150. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the rear seam 5100 divides the right rear portion 5000A and the left rear portion 5000B substantially evenly, Although in other embodiments the rear seam 5100 maybe offset from the midline of the undergarment 20. Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the gusset seam 5150 Joins the gusset edge 6200 to both the left posterior distal edge 5200B of the left rear portion 5000B and the right posterior distal edge 5200A to the right rear portion 5000A.

Once formed, the undergarment 20 includes a right leg hole 2100 and a left leg hole 2200 for accommodating a right leg RL and a left leg LL of a user. The right leg hole 2100 is surrounded or partially surrounded by right leg hole stitching 2600 to prevent a thermal pack from exiting the pouch cavity 3500. The left leg hole 2200 is surrounded or partially surrounded by left leg hole stitching 2700 to prevent a thermal pack from exiting the pouch cavity 3500.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides an undergarment 20 comprising: a wrap-around panel including a right rear portion 5000A, a left rear portion 5000B, a front portion 2000 disposed between the right rear portion 5000A and the left rear portion 5000B, and a gusset portion 6000 extending from the front portion 2000; an proximal edge 2300 at one end of the right rear portion 5000A, the left rear portion 5000B, and the front portion 2000; a posterior distal edge 5200A/5200B disposed substantially opposite the proximal edge 2300 and at a second end of the left rear portion 5000B and/or a second end of the rear portion 5000A; a pouch opening 3550 disposed in the front portion 2000; an inner panel 2500B adjacent to the right rear portion 5000A, the left rear portion 5000B, and the front portion 2000; and a pouch cavity 3500 disposed between (i) the inner panel 2500B and (ii) the right rear portion 5000A, the left rear portion 5000B, and the front portion 2000. In some embodiments, the gusset portion 6000 comprises a gusset edge 6200 substantially opposite the proximal edge 2300 and adjacent the posterior distal edge 5200A/5200B. In some embodiments, the left rear portion 5000B comprises a left rear portion edge 2400B, and wherein the right rear portion 5000A comprises a right rear portion edge 2400A that is adjacent to the left rear portion edge 2400B. In some embodiments, the posterior distal edge 5200A/5200B comprises: a left posterior distal edge 5200B at a second edge of the left rear portion 5000B that is substantially opposite the proximal edge 2300; and a right posterior distal edge 5200A at a second edge of the right rear portion 5000A that is substantially opposite the proximal edge 2300. In some embodiments, the gusset portion 6000 has a minimum width W of about 2 inches. In some embodiments, the gusset portion 6000 has a minimum width W of about 2.5 inches. In some embodiments, the gusset portion 6000 has a minimum width W of about 3 inches. In some embodiments, the left rear portion 5000B, the front portion 2000, the right rear portion 5000A, and the gusset portion 6000 are formed from a unitary piece of material. In some embodiments, the left rear portion 5000B, the front portion 2000, the right rear portion 5000A, the gusset portion 6000, and the inner panel 2500B are formed from a unitary piece of material.

As shown in FIG. 13, the proximal edge 2300 may be folded down towards the distal portion of the undergarment 20. In this configuration, the pouch cavity 3500 may be limited in size and location such that an included thermal pack will not rise above a desired location of the user's abdominal area, and/or such that the proximal edge 2300 is not visible above a waist line of an outer garment worn by the user.

Referring now to FIGS. 15A-15B, an undergarment consistent with one embodiment of the present invention includes a pouch cavity 3500 in an outer panel layer 2500A. The pouch cavity 3500 includes a pouch opening 3550 and optionally pouch opening stitching 3700 surrounding the pouch opening 3550. The undergarment may include a right rear portion 5000A, a left rear panel portion 5000B, a rear seam 5100, a right posterior gusset seam 5200A, and a left posterior gusset seam 5200B consistent with the embodiment described above with respect to FIG. 9.

Referring now to FIGS. 16A-16C, an undergarment consistent with one embodiment of the present invention includes a pouch cavity 3500 in an outer panel layer 2500A. The pouch cavity 3500 includes a pouch opening 3550 and optionally pouch opening stitching 3700 surrounding the pouch opening 3550. The undergarment may include a right rear portion 5000A, a left rear panel portion 5000B, a rear seam 5100, a right posterior gusset seam 5200A, and a left posterior gusset seam 5200B consistent with the embodiment described above with respect to FIG. 9.

Referring now to FIGS. 17A-17D, an undergarment consistent with one embodiment of the present invention includes a pouch cavity 3500 in an outer panel layer 2500A. The pouch cavity 3500 includes a pouch opening 3550 and optionally pouch opening stitching 3700 surrounding the pouch opening 3550. The inner panel layer 2500B may form a second layer of the pouch cavity 3500. Right leg hole stitching 2600 and left leg hole stitching 2700 may surround the right leg hole and the left leg hole, respectively. The undergarment may include a rear panel 5000 that is joined to the outer panel layer 2500A by a right seam 5100A and a left seam 5100B, and to the gusset portion 6000 by a gusset seam 5150.

As shown in FIGS. 18A-18C, the proximal edge 2300 of any undergarment disclosed herein may be folded down towards the distal portion of the undergarment 20. In this configuration, the pouch cavity 3500 may be limited in size and location such that an included thermal pack will not rise above a desired location of the user's abdominal area, and/or such that the proximal edge 2300 is not visible above a waist line of an outer garment worn by the user.

The undergarment 20 may be made of any suitable material. For example and without limitation, the undergarment 20 may be formed of a polyester, a rayon, a cotton, a nylon, or a combination of any of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the undergarment 20 comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of bamboo, polyester jersey, cotton organic, charcoal fibers, charcoal coating, silk, nylon, acrylic, rayon, hemp, soy, acetate, modacrylic fibers, vinylon fibers, polypropylene fibers, polyurethane fibers, polyvinyl chloride fibers, polyethylene fibers, vinylidene fiber, polychlal fibers, benzoate fibers, aramid fibers, sisal, manilla, pina, cellulose, and/or cuprammonium rayon. In some embodiments, the undergarment 20 comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of polyester. In some embodiments, the undergarment 20 comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a blend of polyester and spandex. In some embodiments, the undergarment 20 consists essentially of a blend of polyester and spandex in a ratio of about 80:20 to about 95:5. In some embodiments, the undergarment 20 consists essentially of a blend of polyester and spandex in a ratio of about 88:12. In some embodiments, the undergarment 20 consists essentially of or consists of recycled polyester (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the undergarment 20 consists essentially of or consists of polyester (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the undergarment 20 consists essentially of or consists of polyester (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the undergarment 20 consists essentially of or consists of cotton (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the undergarment 20 consists essentially of or consists of cotton (10-100%), bamboo (10-100%), and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (1-50%). In some embodiments, the undergarment 20 consists essentially of or consists of lyocell (e.g., Tencel) (50-100%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-0%). In some embodiments, the undergarment 20 consists essentially of or consists of bamboo (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the undergarment 20 consists essentially of or consists of wool (10-100%), cotton (10-100%), and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (1-50%). In some embodiments, the undergarment 20 consists essentially of or consists of nylon (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the undergarment 20 consists essentially of or consists of acrylic (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the undergarment 20 consists essentially of or consists of rayon (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the undergarment 20 consists essentially of or consists of hemp (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the undergarment 20 consists essentially of or consists of cotton (10-100%), hemp (10-100%), elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (1-50%).

Referring now to FIGS. 19A-19B, an undergarment 30 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a central portion 31 flanked by a left hip panel 32 and a right hip panel 33. The central portion 31 includes an external layer 31A and an internal layer 31B that, together, form an internal pouch. The internal pouch may extend at least partially through (e.g., partially through or fully through) the crotch portion 31C of the central portion 31 The central portion 31 further includes a pouch opening 35 that may be disposed on the external layer 31A or the internal layer 31B, and may be disposed on the front of the undergarment 30, on the back of the undergarment 30, or both. The pouch opening 35 may be disposed horizontally or substantially horizontally in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the pouch opening 35 is disposed vertically or substantially vertically.

The central portion 31 may be made of any suitable material. For example and without limitation, the central portion 31 may be formed of a polyester, a rayon, a cotton, a nylon, or a combination of any of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the central portion 31 comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of bamboo, polyester jersey, cotton organic, charcoal fibers, charcoal coating, silk, nylon, acrylic, rayon, hemp, soy, acetate, modacrylic fibers, vinylon fibers, polypropylene fibers, polyurethane fibers, polyvinyl chloride fibers, polyethylene fibers, vinylidene fiber, polychlal fibers, benzoate fibers, aramid fibers, sisal, manilla, pina, cellulose, and/or cuprammonium rayon. In some embodiments, the central portion 31 comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of polyester. In some embodiments, the central portion 31 comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a blend of polyester and spandex. In some embodiments, the central portion 31 consists essentially of a blend of polyester and spandex in a ratio of about 80:20 to about 95:5. In some embodiments, the central portion 31 consists essentially of a blend of polyester and spandex in a ratio of about 88:12. In some embodiments, the central portion 31 consists essentially of or consists of recycled polyester (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the central portion 31 consists essentially of or consists of polyester (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the central portion 31 consists essentially of or consists of polyester (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the central portion 31 consists essentially of or consists of cotton (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the central portion 31 consists essentially of or consists of cotton (10-100%), bamboo (10-100%), and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (1-50%). In some embodiments, the central portion 31 consists essentially of or consists of lyocell (e.g., Tencel) (50-100%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-0%). In some embodiments, the central portion 31 consists essentially of or consists of bamboo (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the central portion 31 consists essentially of or consists of wool (10-100%), cotton (10-100%), and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (1-50%). In some embodiments, the central portion 31 consists essentially of or consists of nylon (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the central portion 31 consists essentially of or consists of acrylic (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the central portion 31 consists essentially of or consists of rayon (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the central portion 31 consists essentially of or consists of hemp (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the central portion 31 consists essentially of or consists of cotton (10-100%), hemp (10-100%), elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (1-50%).

The left hip panel 32 and the right hip panel 33 may be formed of any suitable material, preferably a material that stretches at least laterally to provide tension forces to the edges of the left hip panel 32 and the right hip panel 33. In some embodiments, the left hip panel 32 and the right hip panel 33 are formed of the same material as the central portion 31. In other embodiments, the left hip panel 32 and the right hip panel 33 are formed of a different material than the central portion 31. In some embodiments, the left hip panel 32 and the right hip panel 33 may be formed of a polyester, a rayon, a cotton, a nylon, or a combination of any of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the left hip panel 32 and the right hip panel 33 comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of bamboo, polyester jersey, cotton organic, charcoal fibers, charcoal coating, silk, nylon, acrylic, rayon, hemp, soy, acetate, modacrylic fibers, vinylon fibers, polypropylene fibers, polyurethane fibers, polyvinyl chloride fibers, polyethylene fibers, vinylidene fiber, polychlal fibers, benzoate fibers, aramid fibers, sisal, manilla, pina, cellulose, and/or cuprammonium rayon. In some embodiments, the left hip panel 32 and the right hip panel 33 comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of polyester. In some embodiments, the left hip panel 32 and the right hip panel 33 comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a blend of polyester and spandex. In some embodiments, the left hip panel 32 and the right hip panel 33 consists essentially of a blend of polyester and spandex in a ratio of about 80:20 to about 95:5. In some embodiments, the left hip panel 32 and the right hip panel 33 consists essentially of a blend of polyester and spandex in a ratio of about 88:12. In some embodiments, the left hip panel 32 and the right hip panel 33 consist essentially of or consist of recycled polyester (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the left hip panel 32 and the right hip panel 33 consist essentially of or consist of polyester (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the left hip panel 32 and the right hip panel 33 consist essentially of or consist of polyester (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the left hip panel 32 and the right hip panel 33 consist essentially of or consist of cotton (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the left hip panel 32 and the right hip panel 33 consist essentially of or consist of cotton (10-100%), bamboo (10-100%), and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (1-50%). In some embodiments, the left hip panel 32 and the right hip panel 33 consist essentially of or consist of lyocell (e.g., Tencel) (50-100%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-0%). In some embodiments, the left hip panel 32 and the right hip panel 33 consist essentially of or consist of bamboo (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the left hip panel 32 and the right hip panel 33 consist essentially of or consist of wool (10-100%), cotton (10-100%), and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (1-50%). In some embodiments, the left hip panel 32 and the right hip panel 33 consist essentially of or consist of nylon (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the left hip panel 32 and the right hip panel 33 consist essentially of or consist of acrylic (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the left hip panel 32 and the right hip panel 33 consist essentially of or consist of rayon (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the left hip panel 32 and the right hip panel 33 consist essentially of or consist of hemp (50-95%) and elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (50-5%). In some embodiments, the left hip panel 32 and the right hip panel 33 consist essentially of or consist of cotton (10-100%), hemp (10-100%), elastane (e.g., Spandex or Lycra) (1-50%).

The present disclosure provides kits comprising an undergarment as disclosed herein and at least one thermal pack for inserting into the pouch of the undergarment. In some embodiments, the thermal pack is a cooling pack. In some embodiments, the thermal pack is a heating pack. In some embodiments, the kit includes at least one cooling pack and at least one heating pack. The thermal packs may be single-use or multiple-use heating packs or cooling packs. In some embodiments, the undergarment is washable and may be used more than once. In other embodiments, the undergarment is intended for only a single-use and may be discarded after that use.

Undergarments and kits including undergarments consistent with the present disclosure are useful for reducing abdominal pain. In general, and with reference to FIG. 7, a method of reducing abdominal pain includes positioning an undergarment 10/20 of the present disclosure about the lower torso/pelvic area T of a subject, inserting a thermal pack into the pouch 350 or the pouch cavity 3500 of the undergarment, and leaving the thermal pack in the pouch 350 or the pouch cavity 3500 for a period of time to reduce the abdominal pain.

The thermal pack may be a heating pack or a cooling pack, and the thermal pack may be intended for single use or multiple uses.

The thermal pack is inserted into the pouch 350/pouch cavity 3500 and positioned within the pouch 350/pouch cavity 3500 to be adjacent to a pain locus experienced by the subject. The pain locus may be associated with an abdominal area of the subject, with a vaginal area of the subject, and/or with a perianal area of the subject. Tension applied to the thermal pack by the first front panel 200 and second front panel 100, or by the outer panel layer 2500A, draws the thermal pack towards the subject. At the same time, the third front panel 300 or the inner panel layer 2500B prevents the thermal pack from making direct contact with skin of the subject, preventing injury or discomfort to the subject's skin such as burns, irritation, or frostbite. The tension from the first front panel 200 and second front panel 100, or from the outer panel layer 250A, also effectively Preserves the position of the thermal pack relative to the subject's anatomy, even when the subject moves (e.g., shifts position, walks, bends over, etc.).

Any pain experienced by a subject between the umbilical area and the perianal area, in the abdominal area, and/or in the lower back area may be reduced by undergarments and thermal packs disclosed herein. For example, undergarments and thermal packs consistent with the present disclosure may be used to reduce pain caused by child birth, a cesarean section procedure, an appendectomy procedure, a vasectomy procedure, a hernia repair procedure, an episiotomy correction procedure, a pelvic organ prolapse (“POP”) repair procedure, a stress urinary incontinence (“SUI”) repair procedure, a gynecological procedure (e.g., a hysterectomy procedure, an adhesiolysis procedure, a cervical biopsy procedure, a colporrhaphy procedure, a colposcopy procedure, a dilation and curettage (“D&C”) procedure, an endometrial ablation procedure, an endometrial biopsy procedure, a uterine biopsy procedure, a fluid-contrast ultrasound (“FCUS”) procedure, a hysterosalpingography procedure, a hysteroscopy procedure, a myomectomy procedure, an oophorectomy procedure, a pelvic ultrasound procedure, a pelviscopy (pelvic laparoscopy) procedure, a selective salpingography procedure, a uterine suspension procedure, a vaginal vault suspension procedure, a toluidine blue dye test procedure, a trachelectomy procedure, a tubal ligation procedure, a uterine fibroid embolization (“UFE”) procedure, or a vulvectomy procedure), a hemorrhoid or a hemorrhoid correction procedure, a cancer, a sexually transmitted infection, an anal fissure, a muscle spasm (e.g., proctalgia fugax and/or levator syndrome), an anal fistula, a perianal hematoma, a rectal ulcer (e.g., solitary rectal ulcer syndrome), a thrombosis (e.g., a thrombosis hemorrhoid), tenesmus, inflammatory bowel disease, proctitis, a perianal or perirectal abscess, fecal impaction, rectal prolapse, abdominal pain, labial pain, perineal pain, pain resulting from fertility treatments (e.g., injection site pain, bloating, sensitivity), Bartholinitis, post-surgical pains (e.g., pain resulting from hysterectomy, pain resulting from Bartholin marsupialization, or pain resulting from vaginal tightening due to, e.g., vaginoplasty, perineoplasty, labia majora plasty, labiaplasty, hymenoplasty, or vulvar lipoplasty), pain related to endometriosis, plastic surgeries, post-D&C procedure, post-harvesting of eggs for freezing, lower back pain, hemorrhoids, gender reassignment surgeries, yeast infections, pain from Bartholin cyst, marsupialization of Bartholin cyst, surgical drainage of Bartholin cyst, pain and itching related to menopause, pain and itching related to vulvar cancer, pain associated with sex, pain and itching associated with sexually transmitted disease, vaginosis, pain and abdominal swelling associated with menstrual cycles, bladder inflammation, interstitial cystitis, cystitis, pain related to urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, pain and/or abdominal swelling related to pelvic or abdominal adhesions, pain and/or abdominal swelling related to ovarian cysts, pain and/or abdominal swelling related to uterine fibroids, pain and/or abdominal swelling related to tumors, pain and/or abdominal swelling related to kidney stones, pain and/or abdominal swelling related to PMS, pain and/or abdominal swelling related to vulvodynia, and/or pain and/or abdominal swelling related to adenomyosis.

EXAMPLE

An undergarment 20 was prepared according to the method illustrated in FIGS. 8-11 from a unitary piece of fabric consisting of 88% polyester and 12% spandex, and having a weight value of 280 GSM (Alpha Soft Max-Dri Performance Jersey, Mood Fabrics, Carlstadt, NJ). The pouch opening 3550 was surrounded by a zig-zag stitch 3700 using T-60 spun poly 100% polyester thread. The right leg hole 2100 and the left leg hole 2200 were each surrounded by a flat stitch 2600/2700 using T-60 spun poly 100% polyester thread. The resulting undergarment 20 is shown in FIGS. 15-18C.

Claims

1. An undergarment comprising: a gusset for positioning adjacent to a crotch region of a user and having an anterior end and a posterior end substantially opposite the anterior end;a first front panel including a distal portion that overlaps with the anterior end of the gusset, and a proximal portion that extends up to an anterior pelvic edge;a second front panel including a distal portion that overlaps with the anterior pelvic edge of the first front panel, and a proximal portion that extends up to an anterior umbilical edge; anda rear panel including a distal portion that overlaps with the posterior end of the gusset, and a proximal portion that extends up to a posterior waist edge,

2. The undergarment of claim 1 further comprising a substantially open tube formed between the gusset, the first distal portion of the first front panel, and the distal portion of the rear panel.

3. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the gusset has a minimum width of not less than about 3 inches.

4. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the second front panel extends over the proximal portion of the first front panel.

5. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the first front panel extends over the distal portion of the second front panel.

6. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the gusset has a minimum width of at least about 2 inches.

7. The undergarment of claim 1 further comprising a third front panel disposed between the second front panel and a user, when the undergarment is in use by the user.

8. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the undergarment is seamless.

9. A kit comprising: an undergarment of claim 1; andat least one thermal pack for inserting into the pouch of the undergarment.

10. The kit of claim 9, wherein the thermal pack is a cooling pack.

11. The kit of claim 9, wherein the thermal pack is a heating pack.

12. A method of reducing pain in a subject, the method comprising: providing an undergarment of claim 1 to the subject;positioning the undergarment about the abdominal area of the subject;inserting a thermal pack into the pouch to a position adjacent to a pain locus; andleaving the thermal pack in the position for a period of time to reduce the pain.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the pain is selected from the group consisting of: pain caused by child birth, a cesarean section procedure, an appendectomy procedure, a vasectomy procedure, a hernia repair procedure, an episiotomy correction procedure, a pelvic organ prolapse (“POP”) repair procedure, a stress urinary incontinence (“SUI”) repair procedure, a gynecological procedure (e.g., a hysterectomy procedure, an adhesiolysis procedure, a cervical biopsy procedure, a colporrhaphy procedure, a colposcopy procedure, a dilation and curettage (“D&C”) procedure, an endometrial ablation procedure, an endometrial biopsy procedure, a uterine biopsy procedure, a fluid-contrast ultrasound (“FCUS”) procedure, a hysterosalpingography procedure, a hysteroscopy procedure, a myomectomy procedure, an oophorectomy procedure, a pelvic ultrasound procedure, a pelviscopy (pelvic laparoscopy) procedure, a selective salpingography procedure, a uterine suspension procedure, a vaginal vault suspension procedure, a toluidine blue dye test procedure, a trachelectomy procedure, a tubal ligation procedure, a uterine fibroid embolization (“UFE”) procedure, or a vulvectomy procedure), a hemorrhoid or a hemorrhoid correction procedure, a cancer, a sexually transmitted infection, an anal fissure, a muscle spasm (e.g., proctalgia fugax and/or levator syndrome), an anal fistula, a perianal hematoma, a rectal ulcer (e.g., solitary rectal ulcer syndrome), a thrombosis (e.g., a thrombosis hemorrhoid), tenesmus, inflammatory bowel disease, proctitis, a perineal, perianal or perirectal abscess, fecal impaction, rectal prolapse, abdominal pain, labial pain, perineal pain, pain resulting from fertility treatments (e.g., injection site pain, bloating, sensitivity), Bartholinitis, post-surgical pains (e.g., pain resulting from hysterectomy, pain resulting from Bartholin marsupialization, or pain resulting from vaginal tightening due to, e.g., vaginoplasty, perineoplasty, labia majora plasty, labiaplasty, hymenoplasty, or vulvar lipoplasty), pain related to endometriosis, plastic surgeries, post-D&C procedure, post-harvesting of eggs for freezing, lower back pain, hemorrhoids, gender reassignment surgeries, yeast infections, pain from Bartholin cyst, marsupialization of Bartholin cyst, surgical drainage of Bartholin cyst, pain and itching related to menopause, pain and itching related to vulvar cancer, pain associated with sex, pain and itching associated with sexually transmitted disease, vaginosis, pain and abdominal swelling associated with menstrual cycles, bladder inflammation, interstitial cystitis, cystitis, pain related to urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, pain and/or abdominal swelling related to pelvic or abdominal adhesions, pain and/or abdominal swelling related to ovarian cysts, pain and/or abdominal swelling related to uterine fibroids, pain and/or abdominal swelling related to tumors, pain and/or abdominal swelling related to kidney stones, pain and/or abdominal swelling related to PMS, pain and/or abdominal swelling related to vulvodynia, and/or pain and abdominal swelling related to adenomyosis.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the pain is abdominal or vaginal pain.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the abdominal or vaginal pain is associated with child birth.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the abdominal or vaginal pain is associated with a cesarean section procedure.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the abdominal pain is associated with a vasectomy procedure.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the abdominal pain is associated with a hernia repair procedure.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the abdominal and/or vaginal pain is associated with an episiotomy correction procedure.