Garment For Accommodating External Medical Device

Abstract

An undergarment for accommodating an external medical device is provided. The undergarment includes a front portion, a rear portion; a crotch portion, a waist opening; at least two leg openings, and at least one pocket defined by at least one piece of fabric secured to the front portion upon an exterior of the undergarment. At least one opening is provided between the piece of fabric and the front portion, and at least one aperture is located in proximity to a corner formed near to upper border and an inner side border of one pocket. The at least one pocket is positioned at the front portion of the undergarment in a slanted fashion. A lower border of the pocket forms an angle of between about 15 and about 30 degrees with respect to a horizontal line extended across the undergarment and, preferably, an angle of about 22 degrees.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of provisional patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 033,293, filed Aug. 5, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to an undergarment, and particularly, to an undergarment provided with at least one pocket to accommodate external medical devices and the like.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]As medical technology advances, greater numbers of individuals are living longer with chronic health problems. For health conditions in which the body cannot perform essential functions external medical devices can be used to assist and facilitate those functions.[0004]For example, it is common for individuals to wear an external medical device, such as a pump-driven medical device, like an insulin pump, at all times regardless of the individuals' activities. In the U.S., about 500,000 people of all ages wear insulin pumps ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a garment that has special pockets for holding a medical device that delivers insulin or other medications. The pockets are made by folding fabric and attaching it to the front of the garment with a secure seam. This allows the device to move naturally against the wearer's body, making it comfortable and easy to move. In one version, the pocket is made by folding fabric and sewing it to the front of the garment, creating an opening where the device can be inserted and removed easily.

Problems solved by technology

While there are many medical-related advantages for wearing external medical devices at all times, wearing external medical devices during exercise and sleep activities can be quite cumbersome.

External medical devices can feel bulky and heavy and generally uncomfortable.

In addition the external medical devices may become dislodged and detached, creating serious medical complications.

Although hospital gowns ma allow easy access to the external medical devices by the individual and his / her health care providers, the hospital gowns afford the individual little or no modesty, comfort or warmth.

Conversely, street clothes afford the patient more privacy, but make access to the external medical device difficult or cumbersome.

The difficulty is compounded for patients in nursing homes who lack mobility or whose size makes movement difficult even with assistance.

However, when these individuals dress according to societal norms, they often find their professional attire or conventional daywear uncomfortable or ill-suited for the external medical devices that must accompany them at all times. Whether hospital gown or personal clothing is worn, most undergarments do not provide support or security for the external medical devices, rather they offer some degree of concealment.

The device ports and sites can become infected if not properly maintained or kept clean and dry.

While adequate for their intended purposes, the cited prior art leaves several of the previously expressed needs unanswered.

Furthermore, the prior art garments do not answer the need for an undergarment that is not only easily donned and removed, but is also appropriate for individuals of all ages.

Further, the aforementioned prior art garments do not answer the need for an undergarment that provides easy access to medical device sites on individuals.

None of the aforementioned garments provides easy access to the medical device and device sites for quick inspection and care.

Thus, none of the cited garments sufficiently addresses the need for an undergarment which can accommodate and conceal at least one external medical device of various types.

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