Reusable swimming diaper

Abstract

A reusable swimming diaper has a main body made of a waterproof coating (bonded polyurethane) polyester, the main body being configured to have an elastic waist opening and an elastic leg opening, the main body having improved washing degradability and being suitable for multiple washing and reuse without degradation, the swimming diaper has a plurality of leg openings, and has leakproof partitions formed at and extending from the leg openings to minimize the flow of particulate matter, such as fecal matter, between the interior and exterior of the swimming diaper.

Description

[0001] References to related applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 482,387, entitled “REUSABLE SWIM DIAPER,” filed on January 31, 2023. Benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of that U.S. Provisional Application is hereby claimed and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0002] The present disclosure relates to reusable swim diapers that provide a snug fit. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present inventive concept relates to a reusable swim diaper that includes a specially designed gusset having elastic and reinforced material that is configured to provide a snug fit and prevent leakage of human waste in swimming pools or other bathing facilities.

[0003] Diapers have been used to absorb accidents caused by infants, young children, and even the elderly. These diapers are generally formed to include insertion holes for the legs of the user (i.e., infants, young children, and the elderly) to pass through and a waistband that can be secured around the waist of the user. Such diapers are designed to capture human waste, including feces.

[0004] However, the insertion holes formed for the legs to pass through are often not designed to fit snugly around the user's legs to prevent gaps from forming between the legs and the diaper insertion hole, thereby allowing a certain amount of body waste to escape from the diaper and leak between the user's legs and the leg insertion hole. This problem is particularly harmful when infants, young children, or the elderly wear diapers in swimming pools, where such waste leaking into the pool may require the pool to be closed and the water within to be thoroughly disinfected before it can be reopened for use.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a diaper having a structure that prevents body waste from leaking from the diaper through the holes designed to receive the legs of the user.

[0006] There is also a need for a diaper having a special reinforcement material formed around an aperture designed for the user's legs to pass through, wherein the reinforcement material will conform around the leg inserted through the aperture.

[0007] The general inventive concept of the present invention provides a reusable swim diaper that provides a snug fit. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present concept provides a reusable swim diaper that includes a specially designed barrier edge having elastic and reinforced material, the barrier edge being configured to provide a snug fit and prevent accidental leakage of human waste in swimming pools or other bathing facilities.

[0008] In one aspect, a swim diaper according to the present disclosure includes a body made of a waterproof coated bonded polyurethane polyester material comprising a composite material made of one or more polymer resin layers joined by urethane bonds and a polyester backing. The body is constructed with an elasticized waist opening and elasticized leg openings, including leak-resistant welt interiors of the leg openings that are also made of the waterproof coated bonded polyurethane polyester material of the body.

[0009] The body has improved wash degradability and is suitable for multiple washes and reuse without degradation. The body and the leak-proof barrier material work together to minimize the flow of fecal matter between the interior and exterior of the swim diaper. The diaper is made of a waterproof coated bonded polyurethane knitted polyester material. More specifically, the waterproof coated bonded polyurethane knitted polyester material is a composite material made of one or more polymer resin layers joined by urethane bonds and a knitted polyester backing. This material has been observed to provide improved durability and performance when used as a reusable swim diaper. This material has been observed to have improved wash degradability and is suitable for multiple washes and reuse without degradation.

[0010] The foregoing and / or other features and utilities of the overall inventive concept of the present invention can be achieved by providing a reusable swim diaper, which includes: a main body having a circular elastic waist opening configured to fit around the waist of a user and two circular elastic leg insertion openings, each circular elastic leg insertion opening being used to receive a corresponding leg of the user therethrough, one side of the main body being configured to be opened and closed by at least two sets of snaps vertically attached thereto, so that when these sets of snaps are opened, the circular elastic waist opening is disconnected and one of the two circular leg insertion openings is disconnected, and when the at least two sets of snaps are closed, the circular elastic waist opening is formed and one of the two circular elastic leg insertion openings is formed; and a leak-proof barrier hem sewn to the lower half of the inner circumferential section of each elastic leg insertion hole to form enhanced contact with the user's legs to prevent particulate matter from leaking from the inside of the diaper to the outside of the diaper.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, each leak-proof barrier edge can be sewn to the lower half of the inner circumferential section of the corresponding leg insertion hole from approximately the three o'clock position to approximately the nine o'clock position of the elastic insertion hole, thereby forming a pocket-shaped section extending from the lower half of the corresponding elastic leg insertion hole.

[0012] In another exemplary embodiment, the body may be formed of a waterproof coating bonded polyurethane knitted polyester material.

[0013] In another exemplary embodiment, each leak-proof barrier may be formed from a waterproof coating bonded polyurethane knitted polyester material.

[0014] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the circumferential elastic waist opening includes an elastic waist seam to elastically surround the user's waist and provide a secure fit to the user's waist.

[0015] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the elastic waist seam comprises an elastic material sewn to the interior of the waist region to form a comfort seam around the circumferential elastic waist opening.

[0016] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the at least two vertically attached groups of snaps include four vertically attached snaps.

[0017] The foregoing and / or other features and utilities of the present general inventive concept may also be achieved by providing a swim diaper comprising: a main body formed of a waterproof coated bonded polyurethane knitted polyester material and comprising: a first end portion and a second end portion, and an elastic waist seam extending along the length of the main body from the upper first end portion to the upper second end portion, and an elastic leg seam extending along the length of the main body from the lower first end portion to the lower second end portion; a first circular elastic leg opening having the elastic leg seam, the first circular elastic leg opening being adapted to receive one leg of a user therethrough; and at least two snap fasteners, the at least two snap fasteners A snap is attached at each of the first end and the second end, so that when the snap at the first end is snapped to the snap at the second end, a circular elastic waist opening is formed and a second circular elastic leg opening with an elastic seam is formed to receive the user's other leg through; and a leak-proof hem is sewn to the lower half of the inner circumferential section of the first elastic leg seam and is interposed between the two sections of the elastic leg seam, so that when the at least two snaps are snapped together, each leak-proof hem forms an enhanced contact with the user's corresponding leg to prevent particulate matter from leaking from the inside of the diaper to the outside of the diaper.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, each leak-proof barrier is formed from a waterproof coating bonded polyurethane knitted polyester material.

[0019] In another exemplary embodiment, the at least two sets of snaps include four sets of snaps vertically attached along the first and second ends of the body.

[0020] In another exemplary embodiment, when the four sets of snaps are snapped together, each leak-proof barrier extends along the lower half of the inner circumferential section of the corresponding elastic leg opening and seam from approximately the three o'clock position to approximately the nine o'clock position of the elastic leg opening and seam, thereby forming a pocket-like section extending from the lower half of the corresponding elastic leg opening and seam.

[0021] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the elastic waist seam comprises an elastic material stitched along an interior portion thereof to form a comfort seam along its length. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 A front plan view of a diaper including a leak-proof barrier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept is shown.

[0023] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1 A perspective view of a first side of a diaper of an exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 is shown showing the first leg aperture and containment barrier assembly.

[0024] Figure 3 Shown according to Figure 1 1 and 2. An interior and perspective view of a second side of a diaper in an open position according to an exemplary embodiment of FIG.

[0025] Figure 4 Shown according to Figure 1 is a perspective view of a second side of a diaper in a closed position showing the second leg apertures and containment barrier assembly of an exemplary embodiment of FIG.

[0026] The accompanying drawings illustrate several exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept and should not be considered limiting of its scope, as the overall inventive concept may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The elements and features shown in the drawings are drawn to scale and are intended to clearly illustrate the principles of the exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept. In the drawings, reference numerals designate similar or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements throughout the several views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present general inventive concept, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings to illustrate the present general inventive concept. Furthermore, in describing the present general inventive concept, detailed descriptions of related well-known functions or configurations that may reduce the clarity of the present general inventive concept are omitted.

[0028] It should be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

[0029] Expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

[0030] All terms used herein, including descriptive or technical terms, should be interpreted as having meanings that are obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. However, these terms may have different meanings depending on the applicant's intention, case precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. In addition, some terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, the meaning of the selected terms will be described in detail in the detailed description of the invention provided herein. Therefore, the terms used herein must be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the description throughout the specification.

[0031] Hereinafter, one or more exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Example embodiments of the present general inventive concept are directed to a reusable swim diaper including a specially designed leak-proof barrier having elastic and reinforcing materials, the leak-proof barrier being configured to provide a snug fit and prevent leakage accidents of human waste in a swimming pool.

[0033] Figure 1 A front plan view of a diaper 10 including a specially designed leak-proof barrier edge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept is shown. Figure 1 The diaper 10 comprises a unitary body 10a formed from a waterproof-coated, bonded polyurethane knitted polyester material. More specifically, the waterproof-coated, bonded polyurethane knitted polyester material is a composite material made from one or more polymer resin layers joined by urethane bonds and a knitted polyester backing. This material provides improved durability and performance for use as a reusable swim diaper 10, as described in more detail below. Furthermore, the material exhibits increased resistance to degradation during laundering (which occurs in conventional diapers) and is suitable for multiple launderings and reuses with minimal degradation.

[0034] The one-piece body 10a is configured to include a circular waist region 10b surrounding the user's waist and a pair of circular elastic leg insertion holes 10c receiving the user's corresponding legs.

[0035] The waist region 10b may include an elastic waist seam 10bb to elastically encircle the user's waist and provide a secure fit. The waist seam 10bb may be formed by sewing an elastic material to the interior of the waist region 10b to provide a comfort seam 12. The comfort seam 12 may be formed by turning the two edges of the outer and inner waist region 10b materials inwardly and sewing them together so that the rough end edges of the materials are hidden within the seam and are not exposed, thereby eliminating any edges that would otherwise rub against the user's waist.

[0036] The circular elastic leg insertion holes 10c may also include elastic leg insertion hole seams 10cc to elastically surround the user's legs and provide a secure fit. The elastic leg insertion hole seams 10cc may be formed in the same manner as the waist seam 10bb, wherein a comfort seam (not shown) is formed by turning both the inner and outer edges of the leg opening material inward and sewing them together so that the rough end edges of the material are hidden within the seam and are not exposed, thereby eliminating any edges that would otherwise rub against the user's legs.

[0037] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1 A perspective view of a first side of a diaper 10 of an exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 is provided showing a first leg insertion aperture 10c and a barrier hem 10d combination. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The elastic leg insertion holes 10c are configured to have a predetermined circumferential diameter to receive the user's legs therein. Note that the size of the diaper 10, the circumference of the waist region 10b, and the circumference of the leg insertion holes 10c can vary to accommodate users of different sizes.

[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, a leak-proof welt 10d may be sewn around the lower and inner circumferential section of each elastic leg insertion hole 10c. More specifically, the leak-proof welt 10d may be sewn to the inner circumferential section of the elastic insertion hole 10c from approximately the 3 o'clock position to approximately the 9 o'clock position, thereby forming a pocket-like section 10d1 extending from the lower half of the elastic leg insertion hole 10c. The leak-proof welt 10d may be formed from the same waterproof-coated (bonded polyurethane) knitted polyester material as the main body 10a. The leak-proof welt 10d may be manufactured in the same manner as the comfort seam 12 of the waist seam 10bb, with the raw edges turned inward and sewn together so that the raw edges are not exposed. The leak-proof welt 10d, including the pocket-like section 10d1, is configured to achieve a snug fit and provide added protection against swimming pool accidents, such as feces leaking through the elastic leg insertion hole 10c.

[0039] The outer surface of the polyester material of the diaper 10 may be printed with ornamental and decorative features. The inner surface of the polyester material of the diaper 10 advantageously has an absorbent material 14, such as terry cloth, bonded thereto. The absorbent material 14 may be a two-layer terry cloth provided as a polyester / polyamide fiber blend. However, the absorbent material 14 may be formed of other equivalent materials that will serve the intended purpose of retaining fecal matter without departing from the spirit and scope of the present inventive concept.

[0040] Figure 3 Shown according to Figure 1 an interior and open perspective view of a second side of a diaper of an exemplary embodiment of Figure 4Shown according to Figure 1 A close up perspective view of the second side of a diaper of an exemplary embodiment of FIG, showing the second leg aperture and the containment hem combination. Figure 3 , one side of the swim diaper 10 can be divided into two sections, wherein the end of each of the two sections includes at least two snaps 10e. In this exemplary embodiment, each of the two sections includes four snaps. Figure 4 When the two separate sections are brought together, they can be pressed together to form the second of the two elastic leg insertion holes 10c. It is noted that alternative equivalent means of closing the two sections of the swim diaper 10 together, such as, for example, Velcro, may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the overall inventive concept. ® or button.

[0041] The structure of the diaper 10, including the materials used, the elastic apertures at the waist and leg openings, and the addition of the barrier barriers 10d, serves to minimize or eliminate the flow of particulate matter, such as fecal matter, between the interior and exterior of the swim diaper 10. Specifically, the barrier barriers 10d provide enhanced protection against leakage of particulate matter, such as fecal matter, between the elastic leg insertion apertures 10c and the corresponding user's legs inserted therethrough.

[0042] Although several embodiments of the general inventive concept of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general inventive concept, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A reusable swim diaper comprising: a body comprising a circular elastic waist opening configured to fit around a user's waist and two circular elastic leg insertion openings, each circular elastic leg insertion opening being configured to receive a corresponding leg of the user therethrough, one side of the body being configured to be opened and closed by at least two sets of snap fasteners vertically attached thereto, such that when the set of snap fasteners is opened, the circular elastic waist opening and one of the two circular leg insertion openings are disconnected, and when the at least two sets of snap fasteners are closed, the circular elastic waist opening and one of the two circular elastic leg insertion openings are formed; as well as A leak-proof hem is sewn to a lower half of an inner circumferential section of each elastic leg insertion hole to form an enhanced contact with a user's legs to prevent particulate matter from leaking from the interior of the diaper to the exterior of the diaper.

2. The reusable swim diaper according to claim 1, wherein each leak-proof barrier edge is sewn to the lower half of the inner circumferential section of the corresponding leg insertion hole from approximately the three o'clock position to approximately the nine o'clock position of the elastic insertion hole, thereby forming a pocket-like section extending from the lower half of the corresponding elastic leg insertion hole.

3. The reusable swim diaper according to claim 1, wherein the main body is formed of a waterproof coating bonded polyurethane knitted polyester material.

4. The reusable swim diaper according to claim 3, wherein each leak-proof barrier is formed of a waterproof coated bonded polyurethane knitted polyester material.

5. The reusable swim diaper of claim 1 , wherein the circumferential elastic waist opening comprises an elastic waist seam to elastically surround a user's waist and provide a secure fit thereabout.

6. The reusable swim diaper of claim 5, wherein the elastic waist seam comprises an elastic material sewn to the interior of the waist region to form a comfort seam around the circumferential elastic waist opening.

7. The reusable swim diaper of claim 1 , wherein the at least two vertically attached sets of snaps comprise four vertically attached snaps.

8. A swimming diaper comprising: A body formed of a waterproof coated bonded polyurethane knitted polyester material and comprising: a first end portion and a second end portion, and an elastic waist seam extending along the length of the chassis from the upper first end portion to the upper second end portion, and elastic leg seams extending along the length of the chassis from the lower first end portion to the lower second end portion; a first circular elastic leg opening having an elastic leg seam, the first circular elastic leg opening being adapted to receive a leg of a user therethrough; at least two snaps attached at each of the first end and the second end such that when the snaps at the first end are snapped closed to the snaps at the second end, a circular elastic waist opening is formed and a second circular elastic leg opening with an elastic seam is formed to receive the user's other leg therethrough; and a barrier hem sewn to a lower half of the inner circumferential section of the first elastic leg seam and interposed between the two sections of the elastic leg seam so that when the at least two snaps are snapped together, each barrier hem forms enhanced contact with the user's corresponding leg to prevent particulate matter from leaking from the interior of the diaper to the exterior of the diaper.

9. The swim diaper of claim 8, wherein each barrier hem is formed from a waterproof coated bonded polyurethane knitted polyester material.

10. The swim diaper of claim 8, wherein the at least two sets of snaps include four sets of snaps attached vertically along the first and second ends of the body.

11. The swim diaper of claim 10 , wherein when the four sets of snaps are snapped together, each barrier hem extends along a lower half of an inner circumferential section of a corresponding elastic leg opening and seam from approximately a three o'clock position to approximately a nine o'clock position of the elastic leg opening and seam, thereby forming a pocket-like section extending from the lower half of the corresponding elastic leg opening and seam.

12. The swim diaper of claim 8, wherein the elastic waist seam comprises an elastic material stitched along an interior portion thereof to form a comfort seam along its length.

13. The swim diaper of claim 8, wherein the polyurethane polyester material is a polyurethane knit polyester material and the polyester backing is a knit polyester backing.

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