Moisture locking fluid retention assembly, garment including the same, and related methods

Abstract

A garment may include a fluid retention assembly coupled to an inner side of a garment base and having an outer perimeter. The fluid retention assembly includes an absorbent layer configured to absorb fluid discharged from a wearer when the garment is worn, and a moisture impermeable layer underlying the absorbent layer and separating the garment base medial portion from the absorbent layer lateral portion. The moisture impermeable layer is configured to restrict fluid from exiting the fluid retention assembly to the interior side of the garment base. The moisture impermeable layer extends to and wraps around at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly and is coupled to the assembly interior side to form a moisture lock to retain the fluid within the fluid retention assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a moisture-locking fluid retention assembly, a garment including the moisture-locking fluid retention assembly, and related methods. Background Art

[0002] Garments and other wearable accessories configured to be worn adjacent to a wearer's skin sometimes have fluid and moisture absorption characteristics, such as absorbing and / or retaining fluids generated by the user. For example, undergarments and other wearable accessories have been configured to be worn adjacent to the wearer's crotch or pelvic region and include fluid or liquid absorption characteristics, such as absorbing and / or retaining menstrual fluid, sweat, and / or urine excreted by the user. Wearers typically desire such garments to absorb and retain such fluids in a discreet and leak-proof manner, such as to conceal such fluids from external observers and / or enhance the comfort of the wearer. These garments may be referred to as "menstrual underwear" or "incontinence underwear". However, many such garments include absorbent regions that are bulky, uncomfortable, and / or difficult to conceal. To address these concerns, some prior art undergarments include absorbent regions that are adhered and / or laminated to the undergarment body portion, but such adhesion typically extends along the leg openings, which may be disadvantageous for certain manufacturing techniques. Additionally, even absorbent regions adhered to the garment typically include seams passing through the absorbent region to secure multiple layers of the absorbent region together, but seams are typical locations where the first leakage occurs in absorbent garments. Thus, the overall absorbency of such prior art garments is often limited by side leakage through the edges of the absorbent region. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The presently disclosed fluid retention assembly, a garment including the fluid retention assembly, and related methods may allow for a leak-proof or leak-resistant cut-and-sewn garment to be provided with an absorbent region that does not need to extend to the leg openings of the garment and / or be adhered along the leg openings of the garment. Additionally or alternatively, the absorbent region of the disclosed fluid retention assembly may be coupled to the garment base without having seams passing through the absorbent region, thereby preventing or reducing side leakage and producing a more absorbent or leak-proof garment compared to prior art garments without increasing the volume.

[0004] Examples of the disclosed garments may generally include a garment base and a fluid retention assembly. The garment base includes an inner garment base portion and an outer garment base portion, where the inner garment base portion is configured to face the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer, and the outer garment base portion is configured to face away from the wearer outwardly when the garment is worn by the wearer. The fluid retention assembly is coupled to the inner garment base portion and includes a perimeter, as well as an inner component portion and an outer component portion, where the inner component portion is configured to face the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer, and the outer component portion is configured to face away from the wearer outwardly when the garment is worn by the wearer. The outer component portion faces the inner garment base portion. The fluid retention assembly of the disclosed garment includes an absorbent layer configured to absorb fluid discharged from the wearer when the garment is worn. The absorbent layer is defined by an inner absorbent layer portion and an outer absorbent layer portion, where the inner absorbent layer portion is configured to face the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer, and the outer absorbent layer portion is configured to face away from the wearer outwardly when the garment is worn by the wearer. The fluid retention assembly of the disclosed garment further includes a moisture-impermeable layer located beneath the absorbent layer and separating the inner garment base portion from the outer absorbent layer portion. The moisture-impermeable layer is substantially impermeable to moisture and fluid such that it is configured to restrict fluid from leaving the fluid retention assembly and reaching the inner garment base portion. The moisture-impermeable layer extends to at least a portion of the perimeter of the fluid retention assembly and wraps around said at least a portion such that it (e.g., the portion of the moisture-impermeable layer that wraps around the perimeter) may be coupled to the inner component portion.

[0005] Examples of the disclosed fluid retention assemblies may include an absorbent layer and a moisture-impermeable layer, where the absorbent layer is configured to absorb fluid discharged from the wearer when the fluid retention assembly is in use, and the moisture-impermeable layer is located beneath the absorbent layer, where the moisture-impermeable layer is configured to restrict fluid from leaving the fluid retention assembly once the fluid has been absorbed by the absorbent layer. The moisture-impermeable layer may extend to at least a portion of the perimeter of the fluid retention assembly and wrap around said at least a portion, and be coupled to the inner component portion. The absorbent layer may include an inner absorbent layer portion and an outer absorbent layer portion, where the inner absorbent layer portion is configured to face the wearer when the fluid retention assembly is in use, and the outer absorbent layer portion is configured to face away from the wearer outwardly when the fluid retention assembly is in use. The inner component portion of the fluid retention assembly may be configured to face the wearer when the fluid retention assembly is in use, and the outer component portion of the fluid retention assembly may be configured to face away from the wearer outwardly when the fluid retention assembly is in use.

[0006] Methods of manufacturing absorbent garments are also within the scope of the present invention. Generally, the method includes forming a fluid retention assembly and coupling the fluid retention assembly to an inner portion of a garment base of the garment. Forming the fluid retention assembly generally includes winding a moisture-impermeable layer around at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly such that the moisture-impermeable layer can be configured to form a moisture lock around an absorbent layer of the fluid retention assembly. Coupling the fluid retention assembly to the garment base can include adhering one or more adhesive tapes to the fluid retention assembly and stitching or sewing the adhesive tapes to the garment base without passing seams or stitches through the fluid retention assembly itself. Description of the Drawings

[0007] Figure 1 is a representation of a generic human form that provides reference direction indicators for use in the specification.

[0008] Figure 2 is an exploded schematic representation shown from the front of a garment example in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 3 is a schematic top plan view of an example of a fluid retention assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 4 is a front view of an example of a garment including a fluid retention assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 5 is a top plan view shown partially inside-out of an example of a garment including a fluid retention assembly.

[0012] Figure 6 is Figure 5 a top view of the garment where the fluid retention assembly is flipped inside-out relative to the garment base.

[0013] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a corner of the fluid retention assembly showing an example of coupling the fluid retention assembly to the garment base.

[0014] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an example of the fluid retention assembly where an adhesive tape is fixed to the outer perimeter.

[0015] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the fluid retention assembly where an adhesive tape is fixed to the outer perimeter.

[0016] Figure 10 is a perspective view of an example of a garment showing the relationship between the fluid retention assembly and the garment base.

[0017] Figure 11A top plan view of an example of a front adhesive strip of a fluid retention component that can be secured to currently disclosed garments.

[0018] Figure 12 A top plan view of an example of a rear adhesive strip of a fluid retention component that can be secured to currently disclosed garments.

[0019] Figure 13 A schematic flow chart depicting an example of a method of manufacturing a garment in accordance with the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0020] Figure 1 A general reference frame is provided with reference to the wearer 1 for discussing currently disclosed garments and fluid retention components. As indicated by arrow 2, if a first component or feature of the disclosed garment or fluid retention component is closer to the head 3 of the wearer 1, the first component or feature can be described as being above another component or feature or above one aspect of the wearer 1. Similarly, if a first component or feature of the disclosed garment or fluid retention component is closer to the foot 4 of the wearer 1, the first component or feature can be described as being below another component or feature or below one aspect of the wearer 1.

[0021] As indicated by arrow 5, if a first component or feature of the disclosed garment or fluid retention component is closer to the side 6 of the wearer 1 than another component or feature, the first component or feature can be described as being lateral to another component or feature or lateral to one aspect of the wearer 1. Similarly, if a first component or feature of the disclosed garment or fluid retention component is closer to the imaginary centerline 7 of the wearer 1 than another component or feature, the first component or feature can be described as being medial to another component or feature or medial to one aspect of the wearer 1. In other words, if a first component or feature is closer to the imaginary centerline 7 than a second component or feature, the first component or feature is medial to the second component or feature, and if a first component or feature is closer to a given side 6 than a second component or feature, the first component or feature is lateral to the second component or feature. Thus, generally, if a first component or feature is lateral to a second component or feature, the second component or feature will similarly be medial to the first component or feature.

[0022] The components or features of the disclosed garment or fluid retention assembly may also be described relative to the front and back portions of the garment. As used herein, the front portion of a garment, fluid retention assembly, or a component thereof refers to a side that is configured to be positioned on or relatively close to the front side 8 of the wearer (e.g., the front half of the wearer's body) when the garment is being worn or when the fluid retention assembly is in use. Similarly, the back portion of a garment or component refers to a side that is configured to be positioned on or relatively close to the back side 9 of the wearer (e.g., the back half of the wearer's body). Additionally or alternatively, when a component or feature of the disclosed garment or fluid retention assembly is closer to the front or back portion of the garment or fluid retention assembly than another component or feature, the component or feature may also be described in terms of being in front of or behind the other relative to each other.

[0023] As Figure 1 represented and discussed herein, the various elements of the disclosed garment or fluid retention assembly can be described in terms of their relative positions to each other when the wearer is wearing or putting on such a garment, or when the fluid retention assembly is in use, when the wearer is standing vertically, and from the perspective of the wearer. Such terms may include, for example, "above," "below," "upper," "lower," "front," "back," "rear," "beneath," and similar terms. Thus, when a first element is described as being above or below a second element, the first element lies in a horizontal plane that is above or below the horizontal plane in which the second element lies, but the first element does not necessarily lie directly above or directly below the second element along a vertical vector.

[0024] Furthermore, as used herein, the "edge" of an element of the disclosed garment may additionally or alternatively be referred to or described as the edge region, margin, or boundary of the element, and the "edge" is not necessarily the absolute two-dimensional end of the element. For example, as is typical in garment construction, a seam may have a certain width, and the region associated with the seam may be considered the "edge" of the element. Additionally, two pieces or segments of material that are joined together at a seam typically do not align perfectly along their ends. Furthermore, a seam within a material range may define the "edge" of a sub-part of the material range, where the sub-part is optionally described as a "piece" or "region" of the material. In other words, in some cases, two adjacent pieces or regions may be formed of the same piece of material, where a seam or other structure defines the edge or boundary between the two adjacent pieces.

[0025] Figures 2 to 3 , Figures 8 to 9 and Figures 11 to 12 provides a schematic representation of non-exclusive examples of a garment 10 and / or a fluid retention assembly 14 according to the present disclosure, or possible components or aspects thereof. Elements for similar or at least substantially similar purposes are inFigures 2 to 3 , Figures 8 to 9 and Figures 11 to 12 each are marked with the same number, and these elements may not be referred to herein Figures 2 to 3 , Figures 8 to 9 and Figures 11 to 12 each for detailed discussion. Similarly, all elements may not be marked in each of Figures 2 to 3 , Figures 8 to 9 and Figures 11 to 12 each, but for consistency, the reference numerals associated therewith may be used herein. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, elements, components, and / or features discussed herein with reference to one or more of Figures 2 to 3 , Figures 8 to 9 and Figures 11 to 12 may be included in any one of Figures 2 to 3 , Figures 8 to 9 and Figures 11 to 12 and / or used in conjunction with any one of Figures 2 to 3 , Figures 8 to 9 and Figures 11 to 12 . Generally, elements that are likely to be included in a given (i.e., specific) example are shown in solid lines, while elements that are optional for a given example are shown in dashed lines. However, elements shown in solid lines are not required for all examples, and may be omitted from a specific example without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic exploded representation of an illustrative example of a garment 10 according to the present disclosure. Although the garment 10 is shown as a lower body garment in Figure 2 , the garment 10 according to the present disclosure may include upper body garments (e.g., tops, shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, bras, sports bras, etc.); lower body garments (e.g., bottoms, shorts, leggings, tights, pantyhose, pants, culottes, skirts, undergarments, panties, swim trunks, etc.); undergarments (e.g., panties, briefs, boxers, boxer briefs, etc.); full body garments (e.g., jumpsuits, dresses, rompers, onesies, swimsuits, etc.); or other types of garments or wearable accessories (e.g., hats, scarves, neck gaiters, sweatbands, etc.). The garment 10 may be configured to be worn as outerwear or underwear. The garment 10 may be constructed as athletic clothing for wearing during exercise or participation in a sporting activity. The garment 10 is generally configured to be machine washable and capable of being worn repeatedly many times.

[0027] The garment 10 generally includes a garment base 12 and a fluid retention assembly 14. For purposes of illustration, the fluid retention assembly 14 is shown in Figure 2is schematically shown in cross-section and is not drawn to scale. The garment base 12 has an inner portion 16 (also referred to herein as the inner portion 16 of the garment base) and an outer portion 18 (also referred to herein as the outer portion 18 of the garment base), wherein the inner portion 16 is configured to face the wearer when the garment 10 is worn by the wearer, and the outer portion 18 is configured to face away from the wearer outwardly when the garment 10 is worn. In particular, in some examples, at least a portion of the inner portion 16 of the garment base is configured to directly contact the skin of the wearer when the garment 10 is worn by the wearer. In other words, in some examples, the garment 10 is configured such that: when the garment 10 is worn by the wearer, in at least some regions of the garment 10, there is no portion of the garment 10 directly located between the inner portion 16 of the garment and the body of the wearer. Similarly, in some examples, the garment 10 is configured such that: when the garment is worn by the wearer, there is no portion of the garment that is positioned away from the wearer relative to the outer portion 18 of the garment.

[0028] The fluid retention assembly 14 defines a peripheral boundary 20 and is coupled to the inner portion 16 of the garment base 12. The fluid retention assembly 14 includes an inner portion 22 of the assembly, and the inner portion 22 of the assembly is configured to face the wearer when the garment 10 is worn. For example, the inner portion 22 of the assembly can be configured to contact the skin of the wearer when the garment 10 is worn, can be placed adjacent to the body of the wearer, and / or is closer to the body of the wearer than the outer portion 24 of the fluid retention assembly 14 when the garment 10 is worn. Thus, the outer portion 24 of the assembly can be configured to face away from the wearer outwardly when the garment 10 is worn. When the fluid retention assembly 14 is coupled to the garment base 12, the outer portion 24 of the assembly generally faces the inner portion 16 of the garment base 12 and / or contacts the inner portion 16 of the garment base 12, and when the garment 10 is worn, the inner portion 22 of the assembly and the inner portion 16 of the garment base face the skin of the wearer and / or contact the skin of the wearer.

[0029] The fluid retention assembly 14 can have any one of a variety of configurations and is configured to absorb and capture fluid, liquid, or moisture from the wearer and then retain the captured fluid to at least substantially prevent them from leaking into other areas of the garment 10 and / or the wearer's other clothing. The fluid retention assembly 14 includes at least one absorbent layer 26 configured to absorb fluid discharged from the wearer when the garment 10 is worn and a moisture-impermeable layer 28 configured to restrict the passage of fluid through and / or restrict the departure of fluid from the fluid retention assembly 14 to the inner portion 16 of the garment base. The absorbent layer 26 includes an inner portion 30 of the absorbent layer and an outer portion 32 of the absorbent layer. The inner portion 30 of the absorbent layer is configured to face the wearer when the garment 10 is worn by the wearer, and the outer portion 32 of the absorbent layer is configured to face outward away from the wearer when the garment 10 is worn by the wearer. When the fluid retention assembly 14 is coupled to the garment base 12, at least a portion of the moisture-impermeable layer 28 is located below the absorbent layer 26 (e.g., can be positioned adjacent to the outer portion 32 of the absorbent layer) and separates the inner portion 16 of the garment base from the outer portion 32 of the absorbent layer. For clarity, the layers of the fluid retention assembly 14 are shown in a partially disassembled and spaced-apart manner in Figure 2 but generally, the adjacent layers of the fluid retention assembly 14 will be in contact with each other.

[0030] In addition, the moisture-impermeable layer 28 extends to and wraps around (e.g., folds over) at least a portion of the outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention assembly 14 such that a portion 31 of the moisture-impermeable layer 28 can form a part of the inner portion 22 of the assembly and be joined to one or more other layers of the fluid retention assembly 14 that form the inner portion 22 of the assembly (which can correspond to or be formed by, for example, the inner absorbent layer 30 or the moisture wicking layer 34). The portion 31 may also be referred to herein as the folded over portion 31. This configuration can be constructed to advantageously prevent or reduce side leakage along the outer perimeter 20, thereby addressing a common shortcoming of prior art garments (wherein leakage through the side edges typically limits the overall absorbency of prior art garments). Although in some examples, one or more layers of the fluid retention assembly 14 may be stitched together around a portion or all of the outer perimeter 20 (e.g., by a serging, stitching, or hemming indicated at 33), the moisture-impermeable layer 28 can effectively encapsulate or cover any such seams or stitches 33 at the location where the moisture-impermeable layer 28 wraps around the outer perimeter 20. For example, the moisture-impermeable layer 28 can fold back under itself at the location where it folds around the outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention assembly 14 to form a folded under portion 35. In this way, the moisture-impermeable layer 28 itself (e.g., the folded over portion 31 of the moisture-impermeable layer 28) can effectively surround the edges of the other layers of the fluid retention assembly 14 such that the folded over portion 31 of the moisture-impermeable layer 28 is not penetrated by any stitches or seams 33 that join the layers 26, 28, and / or 34 of the fluid retention assembly 14 together.

[0031] As Figure 2As shown, the lower folded portion 35 of the absorbent layer 26, the wick layer 34, and / or the moisture-impermeable layer 28 can be directly joined together around at least a portion of the outer perimeter 20 by seams or stitches 33 that extend through the lower folded portion 35 of the absorbent layer 26, the wick layer 34, and / or the moisture-impermeable layer 28. Thus, the lower folded portion 35 of the moisture-impermeable layer 28 can be secured to the absorbent layer 26 and / or the wick layer 34 by the seams or stitches 33, and the seams or stitches 33 do not penetrate the portion 31 of the moisture-impermeable layer 28 that is folded onto the inner component side 22 of the fluid retention assembly 14. In other examples of the fluid retention assembly 14, the moisture-impermeable layer 28 can be folded onto the outer perimeter 20 at the portion 31 without folding back onto itself to form the lower folded portion 35. To construct the disclosed fluid retention assembly 14, the layers 26, 28, and / or 34 can be sewn together inside-out and then turned right side out. In some examples, the disclosed fluid retention assembly 14 is configured without any bonding or adhesion between the absorbent layer 26, the wick layer 34, and the moisture-impermeable layer 28. In some examples, the layers 26, 28, and / or 34 are sewn together along opposite lateral edges 50 of the outer perimeter 20, while the layers 26, 28, and / or 34 are bonded together (e.g., by an adhesive tape) along the front edge 52 and / or the rear edge 54 of the outer perimeter 20.

[0032] The moisture-impermeable layer 28 (which may include one or more moisture-impermeable layers) is positioned relative to the garment base 12 such that the moisture-impermeable layer 28 separates the inner portion 16 of the garment base 12 from the absorbent layer 26 (which may include one or more absorbent layers). In this way, the moisture-impermeable layer 28 is configured to limit and / or at least substantially prevent fluid from passing through and exiting the fluid retention assembly 14 to the inner portion 16 and the outer portion 18 of the garment base 12. In other words, the fluid retention assembly 14 may be configured to retain fluid discharged by the wearer (e.g., retain the fluid discharged by the wearer within the absorbent layer 26) and limit or prevent the fluid from soaking into the garment base 12, thereby allowing the garment 10 to be configured as a leak-proof or leak-resistant garment in the area corresponding to the fluid retention assembly 14. In some examples, a portion 29 of the moisture-impermeable layer 28 defines the outer portion 24 of the fluid retention assembly 14 and / or forms the outermost layer of at least a portion of the fluid retention assembly 14 such that when the garment 10 is worn, the portion 29 of the moisture-impermeable layer 28 contacts the inner portion 16 of the garment base. In other examples, the outer portion 24 of the fluid retention assembly 14 may be defined by an outer layer configured to sandwich one or more moisture-impermeable layers 28 between the outer layer and the absorbent layer 26. Additionally, a portion 31 of the moisture-impermeable layer 28 may define a portion of the inner portion 22 of the fluid retention assembly 14 in which the moisture-impermeable layer 28 wraps around the outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention assembly 14, thereby forming a moisture lock around the absorbent layer 26. However, in some examples, the moisture-impermeable layer 28 is joined to the inner portion 22 of the fluid retention assembly 14 only along a portion of the outer perimeter 20, such as along opposite lateral edges 50 ( Figure 3 ) of the outer perimeter 20. As used herein, if a feature substantially follows the contour of a perimeter, seam, opening, etc., the feature may be said to be "along" the perimeter, seam, opening, etc. positioned or "along" the perimeter, seam, opening, etc. joined.

[0033] In an example of the fluid retention assembly 14 including the moisture wicking layer 34, the moisture wicking layer 34 can be configured to be positioned against the wearer's skin when the garment 10 is worn, wherein the absorbent layer 26 (or absorbent layers 26) is sandwiched between the moisture wicking layer 34 and the moisture impermeable layer 28. In particular, in such an example, the moisture wicking layer 34 can be configured to draw moisture away from the wearer, such as by capillary action, and direct and / or convey the moisture or fluid to the fluid retention assembly 14. The moisture wicking layer 34 can form part or at least substantially all of the inner component portion 22 of the fluid retention assembly 14. For example, the moisture wicking layer 34 can form all of the inner component portion 22 except where the portion 31 of the moisture impermeable layer 28 wraps around the outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention assembly 14. In some examples, the moisture impermeable layer 28, the absorbent layer 26, and / or the moisture wicking layer 34 are not directly joined together except along a portion or all of the outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention assembly 14. For example, the moisture impermeable layer 28, the absorbent layer 26, and the moisture wicking layer 34 can be joined together along a portion or all of the outer perimeter 20 via a seam or stitches (e.g., seam or stitches 33), wherein the moisture impermeable layer 28 effectively encapsulates or encloses the seam or stitches in the area where the moisture impermeable layer 28 wraps around the outer perimeter 20. Additionally or alternatively, the moisture wicking layer 34 and the absorbent layer 26 can at least substantially coextend such that the outer edge of the absorbent layer 26 substantially abuts the outer edge of the moisture wicking layer 34.

[0034] The fluid retention assembly 14 and the garment base 12 according to the present disclosure can be formed of a variety of suitable materials. The materials described herein are not limiting and are included for illustrative purposes only. For example, the moisture wicking layer 34 can be formed of such a material or fabric that is formed of or includes: cotton, carbon cotton, carbon cotton spandex, synthetic fiber fabric, natural fiber, polyester, nylon, modal fiber, bamboo fiber, Spandex TM fabric and / or combinations thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the moisture wicking layer 34 can be formed of one or more materials selected to have quick drying, odor eliminating, and / or antibacterial properties, and / or can be treated or coated to achieve one or more of these properties. The moisture wicking layer 34 can include a mesh material and / or a solid material. The absorbent layer 26 can be formed of a variety of materials, examples including polyester nylon, natural fiber, cotton, synthetic fiber, polyester, nylon, Spandex TMFabrics, and / or other slurry-based fibers, such as modal fibers or bamboo fibers, and / or combinations thereof. The absorbent layer 26 can have sufficient absorbency to absorb at least 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters), at least 3 teaspoons (15 milliliters), at least 4 teaspoons (20 milliliters), and / or at least 5 teaspoons (25 milliliters) of liquid or fluid discharged from the wearer of the garment 10. The moisture-impermeable layer 28 can be a leak-resistant, water-resistant, or waterproof fabric or other moisture barrier material, moisture barrier layer, moisture barrier film, moisture barrier diaphragm, waterproof, water-resistant, or water-repellent treatment, and / or waterproof, water-resistant, or water-repellent coating. The garment base 12 can be formed of, for example, a four-way stretch, lightweight, breathable, quick-drying, wicking, and / or odor-resistant fabric. Suitable non-limiting examples of the fabric include natural fibers, cotton, synthetic fibers, polyester, nylon, elastane (e.g., Spandex TM fabric) and / or combinations thereof. The garment base 12 can include one or more base layers, and / or can be a single continuous piece, or can be formed of multiple base pieces operatively joined to each other, for example, by sewing or stitching.

[0035] When the garment 10 is worn, the fluid retention assembly 14 is positioned in the following regions of the garment 10: the regions configured to be positioned on, adjacent to, and / or around the regions of the wearer where fluid may be discharged. For example, the fluid retention assembly 14 can be positioned in the following regions of the garment 10: the regions configured to be positioned on, adjacent to, and / or around the wearer's pelvic region when the garment is worn by the wearer. Additionally, the fluid retention assembly 14 can be sized and shaped to effectively capture the fluid discharged from the wearer when the garment 10 is worn. In some examples, the length of the fluid retention assembly 14 is at least 6 inches (15 cm), at least 7 inches (17.8 cm), at least 8 inches (20 cm), at least 9 inches (22.8 cm), at least 10 inches (25.4 cm), at least 11 inches (28 cm), at least 12 inches (30.5 cm), at least 13 inches (33 cm), at least 14 inches (35.5 cm), and / or at most 15 inches (38 cm).

[0036] The garment 10 can include a waistband region 36, which can be at least partially defined by the garment base 12. In some examples, the fluid retention assembly 14 does not extend to the waistband region 36 on the front side portion 38 of the garment base 12 (which generally corresponds to the front side of the garment 10) and / or the rear side portion 40 of the garment base 12 (which generally corresponds to the rear side of the garment 10). Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the fluid retention assembly 14 extends to the waistband region 36 on the front side portion 38 and / or the rear side portion 40 of the garment base 12. In examples where the fluid retention assembly 14 extends to the waistband region 36 on the front side portion 38 and / or the rear side portion 40 of the garment base 12, the fluid retention assembly 14 can be directly coupled to the garment base 12 along the waistband region. For example, the front edge 52 of the fluid retention assembly 14 can be coupled to the garment base 12 along the waistband region 36 on the front side portion 38 of the garment base 12, and / or the rear edge 54 of the fluid retention assembly 14 can be coupled to the garment base 12 along the waistband region 36 on the rear side portion 40 of the garment base 12.

[0037] In some examples, the garment 10 (e.g., the garment base 12) includes one or more garment openings 42, such as one or more leg openings 44 and a waistband opening 46. The leg openings 44 are configured to receive the wearer's legs therethrough when the garment 10 is worn by the wearer. Although Figure 2 Examples are illustrated in which the garment openings 42, 44 are configured to receive the wearer's legs when the garment 10 is worn, but the garment 10 additionally or optionally can include one or more of the following garment openings 42: arm openings that define openings configured to receive the wearer's arms when the garment 10 is worn by the wearer, neck openings configured to receive the wearer's head therethrough when the garment 10 is worn, waist openings configured to receive the wearer's torso or waist region when the garment 10 is worn, or various other openings that can be included in various types of garments 10.

[0038] Garment 10 may include one or more adhesive bond portions 48 formed by an adhesive material applied to one or both of a garment base 12 and a fluid retention component 14. The adhesive material of one or more of any included adhesive bond portions may be formed by, for example, one or more of a tape, an elastic band, a film, an elastic film, a spray adhesive, and a thermosetting adhesive. In some examples, the adhesive material of one or more of any included adhesive bond portions 48 is water resistant, water repellent, and / or waterproof. In some examples, garment 10 includes one or more adhesive bond portions 48 formed at least in part via a heat pressing process. For example, the adhesive bond portions 48 may be located along one or more garment apertures 42, along a waistband region 36, and / or along a portion of the outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention component 14. However, some examples of garment 10 do not include adhesive bond portions 48 in one, some, or any regions of the garment 10. The presently disclosed garment 10 may be configured as a cut-and-sew garment, which cannot be achieved using conventional techniques and / or using certain materials due to the need to bond absorbent sections along leg openings. For example, certain materials such as cotton or other natural fibers may not be suitable for bonding. The presently disclosed garment 10 is configured to achieve a leak-proof or leak-resistant cut-and-sew garment construction, which may provide a longer lifespan and / or cost savings compared to adhesive garments.

[0039] As described above, the garment 10 is not limited to lower body garments. In various types of garments 10 according to the present disclosure, one or more fluid retention components 14 may be positioned in regions of the garment 10 that are configured to be positioned over the wearer's pelvic region (e.g., the wearer's crotch or groin region), axillary region, bra line region, torso region, back, shoulders, hips, legs, arms, chest, neck, nipples, and / or breast regions when the garment is worn by the wearer, adjacent to the wearer's pelvic region (e.g., the wearer's crotch or groin region), axillary region, bra line region, torso region, back, shoulders, hips, legs, arms, chest, neck, nipples, and / or breast regions, and / or around the wearer's pelvic region (e.g., the wearer's crotch or groin region), axillary region, bra line region, torso region, back, shoulders, hips, legs, arms, chest, neck, nipples, and / or breast regions. In a specific example, one or more fluid retention components 14 are configured and positioned to absorb and retain various fluids excreted by or generated by the wearer when the wearer is wearing the garment 10, such as urine, sweat, blood, menstrual fluid, excrement, breast milk, wound secretions, or other fluids. For example, the fluid retention component 14 may be configured and positioned to address a particular application or use of the garment 10. For example, when the user is primarily supine or bedridden, or when the user is primarily in a sitting position, compared to when the user is standing or moving around or engaging in physical activity, fluids may leave the body at different locations or may flow in different directions after leaving the body. Depending on the user's posture, the fluid may flow forward or backward as it leaves the body, or may be concentrated in the middle region of the garment 10, and the garment 10 may be specifically configured to absorb the fluid in the direction of fluid flow based on the primary expected posture of the target user. In another example, since absorbency may be desired, for example, in regions of the garment 10 that are configured to be closest to the user's urethra or vagina, the garment 10 may be provided with fluid retention components 14 in the desired relevant regions of the garment 10. In some examples, it may be desirable to have absorbency in the front portion of the garment 10 (e.g., along the front side portion 38) and / or in the rear portion of the garment 10 (e.g., along the rear side portion 40). To this end, the fluid retention components 14 may be differently positioned, sized, and / or shaped in various different examples of the garment 10 to address the specific needs and positioning resulting from different users and / or different body postures of the user when wearing the garment 10. Additionally or alternatively, a material may be selected for the absorbent layer 26 that wicks the absorbed fluid in a desired direction.For example, a material configured to wick fluid primarily horizontally (e.g., laterally toward the lateral edge 50 of the outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention assembly 14) can be selected for the absorbent layer 26, or a material configured to wick fluid primarily vertically (e.g., forward toward the front edge 52 and backward toward the rear edge 54) can be selected for the absorbent layer 26. Selecting a material that wicks fluid more vertically can further enhance the leak - proof or leak - resistant performance along the lateral edge 50 of the fluid retention assembly 14.

[0040] The disclosed garment 10 can be configured to restrict such moisture or fluid from passing through the garment 10 to the inner portion 16 and / or the outer portion 18 of the garment base 12. Thus, the fluid retention assembly 14 can be positioned in various types of garments to prevent visible leakage or seepage of bodily excretions on the outer portion 18 of the garment base 12 or to prevent seepage onto other clothing worn over the garment 10. For example, one or more fluid retention assemblies 14 can be positioned on a given garment 10 in locations where visible sweating may occur during physical activity of the wearer, and / or can be optimized for various types of incontinence or menstruation, and / or for absorbing breast milk leakage of nursing mothers. Other uses of the disclosed fluid retention assembly 14 are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0041] The disclosed fluid retention assembly 14 can be provided as a standalone unit independent of the garment 10. The fluid retention assembly 14 can be configured to be integrated into existing garments (e.g., retrofitted) and can be compatible with a variety of types and brands of garments. For example, a separate or standalone fluid retention assembly 14 can be configured to adhere to an existing garment, sew to an existing garment, and / or otherwise be coupled to and / or positioned relative to an existing garment. Independent fluid retention assemblies 14 of the same size and shape can be adapted to be incorporated into various different types of garments, such as panties, bikini shorts, boxers, etc. This can enable high - performance fluid retention assemblies 14 to be incorporated into lower - cost garments to provide leak - proof or leak - resistant functionality in the garment and with an overall lower manufacturing cost compared to prior - art garments with similar functionality.

[0042] Figure 3 An example of the fluid retention assembly 14 is schematically illustrated as viewed from the top and shown positioned relative to a portion of the garment base 12 (shown in dashed lines). As Figure 3 seen, the moisture - wicking layer 34 can form at least a portion of the inner portion 22 of the assembly, and in some examples forms the entire inner portion 22 of the assembly except for portions 31 of the moisture - impermeable layer 28 along the outer perimeter 20 that are wound around the outer perimeter 20 to a portion or all of the inner portion 22 of the assembly. Although Figure 3The shape of the outer perimeter 20 shown is not limiting, but various examples of the shape of the outer perimeter 20 can include opposite lateral edges 50 that, in some examples, are adjacent to and / or positioned along the garment opening 42, such as the leg opening 44. In some examples, the garment base 12 extends laterally beyond the opposite lateral edges 50 of the fluid retention assembly 14. In other words, the fluid retention assembly 14 can be dimensioned relative to the garment base 12 such that the extent of the lateral extension of the fluid retention assembly 14 is less than the extent of the lateral extension of the garment base 12. In Figure 3 the example shown, the fluid retention assembly 14 is shown as having an outer perimeter 20 configured to be positioned in the crotch region of the garment 10 between the garment openings 42. Although Figure 3 the garment openings 42 are shown as being close to the opposite lateral edges 50 of the fluid retention assembly 14, other examples of the garment 10 can have a greater gap or space between each respective opposite lateral edge 50 of the fluid retention assembly 14 and each respective garment opening 42. As Figure 3 shown, in some examples, the moisture-impermeable layer 28 (e.g., portion 31 of the moisture-impermeable layer 28) is wound around the opposite lateral edges 50 of the outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention assembly 14. Additionally or alternatively, the moisture-impermeable layer 28 can be wound around the front edge 52 and / or the rear edge 54 of the outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention assembly 14. In other words, in some examples, the moisture-impermeable layer 28 can be wound around the entire outer perimeter 20 or substantially the entire outer perimeter, while in other examples, the moisture-impermeable layer 28 can be wound around only a portion of the outer perimeter 20.

[0043] The fluid retention assembly 14 is coupled to the inner portion 16 of the garment base 12 of the garment 10. However, as will be described in further detail herein, in some examples, only a portion of the fluid retention assembly 14 is directly coupled to the garment base 12. For example, in some examples of the garment 10, at least a majority of the length (e.g., greater than 50% of the length) of the opposite lateral edges 50 of the outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention assembly 14 is not adhesively bonded, stitched, or otherwise directly coupled to the garment base 12. In this sense, it can be said that the fluid retention assembly 14 is "floating" relative to the garment base 12 because a majority of the coverage area of the fluid retention assembly 14 may not be directly coupled to the garment base 12. In various examples of the garment 10, at least 50% of the length of the opposite lateral edges 50 is not directly coupled to the garment base 12, at least 60% of the length of the opposite lateral edges 50 is not directly coupled to the garment base 12, at least 70% of the length of the opposite lateral edges 50 is not directly coupled to the garment base 12, at least 80% of the length of the opposite lateral edges 50 is not directly coupled to the garment base 12, at least 90% of the length of the opposite lateral edges 50 is not directly coupled to the garment base 12, and / or at least 95% of the length of the opposite lateral edges 50 is not directly coupled to the garment base 12. In some examples, the fluid retention assembly 14 is directly coupled to the garment base 12 only along the front edge 52 and the rear edge 54 of the outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention assembly 14 or only near the front edge 52 and the rear edge 54 of the outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention assembly 14. In some examples, there are no stitches or seams that directly pass through the fluid retention assembly 14 to couple the fluid retention assembly 14 to the garment base 12, thereby avoiding the formation of holes through the fluid retention assembly 14 that could cause leakage. In other examples, there are no stitches or seams that directly pass through the fluid retention assembly 14 to couple the fluid retention assembly 14 to the garment base 12 along the lateral edges 50 of the outer perimeter 20, and the rear edge 54 and / or the front edge 52 may be stitched to the garment base 12.

[0044] Turning now to Figures 4 to 7 and Figure 10 , which illustrates an exemplary non-exclusive example of the garment 10. Where appropriate, reference numerals from the schematic diagrams of Figures 2 to 3 , Figures 8 to 9 and Figures 11 to 12 are used to indicate the corresponding parts in Figures 4 to 7 and Figure 10 ; however, the examples of Figures 4 to 7 and Figure 10 are non-exclusive and do not limit the garment 10 to the examples shown in Figures 4 to 7 and Figure 10 . That is, the garment 10 is not limited to Figures 4 to 7 and Figure 10the specific examples illustrated therein, and may be referred to in conjunction with Figures 2 to 3 the schematic representation of and / or Figures 4 to 7 and Figure 10 any number of various aspects, configurations, features, characteristics, etc. of the garment 10 illustrated and discussed in the examples of and variations thereof, without requiring inclusion of all such aspects, configurations, features, characteristics, etc. For the sake of brevity, each previously discussed component, part, portion, aspect, region, etc., or variations thereof may no longer be referred to Figures 4 to 7 and Figure 10 for discussion, illustration, and / or labeling; however, the previously discussed features, variations, etc. may be used in conjunction therewith within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 4 is a front view of an example of the garment 10 as viewed from the front side portion 38 of the garment 10. In some examples, the garment 10 is a cut-and-sewn garment, wherein the garment base 12 is formed of multiple pieces. For example, Figure 4 the example of the garment 10 illustrated therein includes a first fabric piece 56, a second fabric piece 58, and a third fabric piece 60, but other examples of the garment 10 may be composed of more or fewer fabric pieces. In this example, the first fabric piece 56 is positioned on the front side portion 38 of the garment 10, the third fabric piece 60 is positioned on the rear side portion 40 of the garment 10, and the second fabric piece 58 extends between the first fabric piece 56 and the third fabric piece 60. In some examples, the coverage area of the second fabric piece 58 may be substantially the same as the coverage area of the fluid retention assembly 14. For example, the front edge 52 of the fluid retention assembly 14 may substantially correspond to the front edge 62 of the second fabric piece 58, while the rear edge 54 of the fluid retention assembly 14 may substantially correspond to the rear edge 64 of the second fabric piece 58. In Figure 4 FIG., the fluid retention assembly 14 is partially visible on the inner side portion 16 of the garment base.

[0046] As used herein, the term "correspond" when used to describe the relative position of a first edge or feature with respect to a second edge or feature generally refers to a configuration in which the first edge or feature and the second edge or feature are positioned at the following corresponding positions: these positions are substantially free of proximal, lateral, forward, or backward spatial separation from each other. However, it is to be understood that describing two or more components as "corresponding" herein does not necessarily mean that the two or more components are perfectly and / or precisely aligned or collinear with each other. For example, as is known in the art, garment structures are not perfect, and inaccuracies introduced by manual and / or machine-executed manufacturing can introduce a slight misalignment between components nominally intended or designed to be aligned or collinear with each other. Thus, for the purposes of the present disclosure, the term "correspond" is intended to include configurations in which the components are perfectly aligned or collinear, as well as configurations in which the components are slightly misaligned due to manufacturing tolerances.

[0047] Figure 5 shows an example of the garment 10 in a partially inside-out state such that the entire coverage area of the fluid retention assembly 14 is visible (and thus the inner portion 22 of the assembly is observable), while Figure 6 shows the fluid retention assembly 14 flipped relative to the garment base 12 such that the outer portion 24 of the assembly is primarily visible. In some examples, and as Figure 6 shown, the moisture-impermeable layer 28 forms the outer portion 24 of the assembly and wraps around a portion of the outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention assembly 14, i.e., the moisture-impermeable layer 28 wraps around the outer perimeter 20 along at least substantially the entire length of the opposing lateral edges 50. Although, as discussed herein, in other examples of the garment 10, the moisture-impermeable layer 28 may wrap around substantially the entire outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention assembly 14. In yet another example of the garment 10, the moisture-impermeable layer 28 may wrap around only a portion of the opposing lateral edges 50, wrap along at least substantially all or a portion of the front edge 52, and / or wrap along at least substantially all or a portion of the rear edge 54. As Figure 6 shown, the moisture-impermeable layer 28 may extend continuously on the outer portion 24 of the assembly to one or more portions 31 that wrap around the outer perimeter 20.

[0048] In some examples, the garment 10 may include one or more adhesive bonds 48 along one or more sections, segments, portions, or parts of the outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention assembly 14. For example, the front edge 52 and / or the rear edge 54 may include corresponding adhesive bonds 48 that may be configured to seal the front edge 52 and / or the rear edge 54 of the fluid retention assembly 14. In some examples, each adhesive bond 48 is formed via a first adhesive strip 68 and a second adhesive strip 70. For example, the first adhesive strip 68 may be placed on the inner portion 22 of the assembly, while the second adhesive strip 70 may be placed on the outer portion 24 of the assembly. Referring to Figures 5 to 7, the garment 10 may include corresponding first adhesive tapes 68 along part or all of the front edge 52 of the fluid retention assembly 14, corresponding second adhesive tapes 70 along part or all of the front edge 52 of the fluid retention assembly 14, corresponding first adhesive tapes 68 along part or all of the rear edge 54 of the fluid retention assembly 14, and / or corresponding second adhesive tapes 70 along part or all of the rear edge 54 of the fluid retention assembly 14. The adhesive tapes 68, 70 may be, for example, adhesive waterproof tapes or adhesive water-resistant tapes. The adhesive tape 68 may be applied such that at least a portion of the adhesive tape 68 lies on top of or is applied on top of the component inner portion 22 of the fluid retention assembly 14. Similarly, the adhesive tape 70 may be applied such that at least a portion of the adhesive tape 70 lies below the component outer portion 24 of the fluid retention assembly 14 or is applied against the component outer portion 24 of the fluid retention assembly 14. In an example of the garment 10, the adhesive tapes 68, 70 may adhere to each other and to the fluid retention assembly 14, but not to the garment base 12.

[0049] The first adhesive tape 68 is mainly visible in Figure 5 which Figure 5 shows the component inner portion 22 of the fluid retention assembly 14, while the second adhesive tape 70 is mainly visible in Figure 6 which Figure 6 mainly shows the component outer portion 24 of the fluid retention assembly 14. In the example shown in Figures 5 to 7 , the front edge 52 includes the first adhesive tape 68 and the second adhesive tape 70 along the entire length of the front edge 52, wherein the first adhesive tape 68 and the second adhesive tape 70 extend slightly laterally beyond the first end 72 and the second end 74 of the front edge 52. The first end 72 and the second end 74 may also be referred to herein as the opposite side edges of the front edge 52. Similarly, in this example, the rear edge 54 includes the first adhesive tape 68 and the second adhesive tape 70 along the entire length of the rear edge 54, wherein the first adhesive tape 68 and the second adhesive tape 70 extend slightly laterally beyond the first end 76 and the second end 78 of the rear edge 54. The first end 76 and the second end 78 may also be referred to herein as the opposite side edges of the rear edge 54.

[0050] Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of one corner 82 of an example of the fluid retention assembly 14 included in the example of the garment 10 shown in Figures 5 to 6 , which shows an example of the placement of the adhesive tapes 68, 70 relative to the fluid retention assembly 14 and the garment base 12. As shown in Figure 7 , in this example, the moisture-impermeable layer 28 winds around the outer perimeter 20 along the lateral edge 50. The first adhesive tape 68 is in Figure 7As can be seen, the second portion 96 of the adhesive tape 68 is adhesively bonded to the inner component portion 22 of the fluid retention assembly 14 along the front edge 52. Although the second portion 96 of the adhesive tape 68 overlaps and is adhesively bonded to the inner component portion 22 of the fluid retention assembly 14, the first portion 88 of the adhesive tape 68 extends forward beyond the front edge 52 of the fluid retention assembly 14 such that the first portion 88 of the adhesive tape 68 does not overlap the fluid retention assembly 14. As Figure 7 shown, in this example, a small segment 80 of the lateral edge 50 is covered by the second portion 96 of the first adhesive tape 68 at the corner 82. Additionally, the first adhesive tape 68 extends laterally slightly beyond the lateral edge 50. The portion of the first adhesive tape 68 that extends forward beyond the front edge 52 of the fluid retention assembly 14 and laterally beyond the lateral edge 50 of the fluid retention assembly 14 is used to provide an adhesive or stitchable surface to the garment base 12, thereby allowing the fluid retention assembly 14 to be indirectly coupled to the garment base 12 without directly adhesively bonding or stitching the fluid retention assembly 14 itself to the garment base 12.

[0051] Although not visible in Figure 7 the second adhesive tape 70 is located beneath the fluid retention assembly 14 and the first adhesive tape 68 such that the front edge 52 of the fluid retention assembly 14 is adhesively bonded to the second portion 96 of the first adhesive tape 68 and the second portion 98 of the second adhesive tape 70 and is sandwiched between the second portion 96 of the first adhesive tape 68 and the second portion 98 of the second adhesive tape 70. The first portion 90 of the second adhesive tape 70 is adhesively bonded to the first portion 88 of the first adhesive tape 68. The seam 84 is visible, where stitches pass through the first portion 88 of the first adhesive tape 68 and the first portion 90 of the second adhesive tape 70. The seam 84 directly couples the adhesive tapes 68, 70 to the garment base 12, thereby indirectly coupling the fluid retention assembly 14 to the garment base 12 along the front edge 52 of the fluid retention assembly 14. In this example, the seam 84 does not pierce or pass through the fluid retention assembly 14, thereby avoiding creating potential leak points for the fluid retention assembly 14. A similar arrangement may exist along the rear edge 54 of the fluid retention assembly 14. However, in other examples of the garment 10, when the seam 84 is sufficiently spaced from the main area where fluid from the wearer's body enters, the seam 84 may directly couple the fluid retention assembly 14 to the garment base 12 and pass through the fluid retention assembly along the front edge 52 and / or the rear edge 54 or near the front edge 52 and / or the rear edge 54. In any of the above examples, the seam 84 may optionally be sewn using a waterproof or water-resistant thread.

[0052] Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the engagement (e.g., the adhesive bond 48) between the adhesive tapes 68, 70 and the fluid retention assembly 14, which may represent along, for exampleFigure 3 a cross-section taken along line 8-8 in Figure 8 In the example shown in Figure 8 , the moisture-impermeable layer 28 is shown as being wound around the edge of the fluid retention assembly 14 along at least a portion of the outer perimeter 20 such that the moisture-impermeable layer 28 is primarily present on the outer side portion 24 of the assembly, but also forms a part of the inner side portion 22 of the assembly along the portion of the outer perimeter 20 where the moisture-impermeable layer 28 is wound around the absorbent layer 26 and the moisture wicking layer 34. As

[0053] Figure 9 FIG. shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of the engagement (e.g., adhesive bond 48) between the adhesive tapes 68, 70 and the fluid retention assembly 14, which may represent a cross-section taken along, for example, Figure 3 line 9-9 in Figure 3 schematically represents examples of the garment 10 in which portions 31 of the moisture-impermeable layer 28 are wound around the front edge 52 and the rear edge 54 of the fluid retention assembly 14, and examples of the garment 10 in which the moisture-impermeable layer 28 is not wound around the front edge 52 and the rear edge 54 of the fluid retention assembly 14; in various examples of the garment 10, in either case, one or more adhesive tapes 68, 70 may be applied along the front edge 52 and / or the rear edge 54. In Figure 9 the example shown in Figure 8 and contrary to the example shown in Figure 9 , in this arrangement, the moisture-impermeable layer 28 does not wind around the absorbent layer 26 and the moisture wicking layer 34 in the region of the adhesive tapes 68, 70. As

[0054] Primarily referring to Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 10, in some examples, the fluid retention assembly 14 is coupled to the garment base 12 such that some or all of the fluid retention assembly 14 is free to move relative to the garment base 12. For example, in the view shown in Figure 6 , the fluid retention assembly 14 is shown as being turned inside-out laterally (compared to the view shown in Figure 5 ), while the fluid retention assembly 14 is fixed to the garment base 12 essentially only along the front edge 52 and the rear edge 54. As best shown in Figure 10 , the opposite lateral edges 50 are substantially free relative to the garment base 12. In other words, although some or all of the lengths of the front edge 52 and the rear edge 54 may be directly or indirectly coupled to the garment base 12, in some examples, most of the opposite lateral edges 50 of the fluid retention assembly 14 are not directly coupled to the garment base 12. Due to this arrangement, and as shown in Figure 10 , the fluid retention assembly 14 can be pulled away from the inner portion 16 of the garment base while still remaining fixed to the garment base 12 along the front edge 52 and the rear edge 54. This arrangement also allows the fluid retention assembly 14 to be fixed to the garment base 12 without the need to be fixed along the garment opening 42, which can facilitate the inclusion of the disclosed fluid retention assembly 14 in a cut-and-sewn garment.

[0055] Although most of the opposite lateral edges 50 are not coupled to the garment base 12, in some examples and as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 10 , a small segment 80 of the opposite lateral edges 50 may be coupled to the garment base 12, for example due to the width of the adhesive tapes 68, 70 that overlap a small segment 80 of the opposite lateral edges 50. For example, as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 10As indicated, a small segment 80 of the respective lateral edge 50 in the respective corner 82 of the outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention assembly 14 can be covered by the adhesive tapes 68, 70 and thereby substantially attached to the garment base 12. In other examples, a small segment 80 of the lateral edge 50 can be covered by the adhesive tapes 68, 70 while still not being directly coupled to the garment base 12. For example, in some examples, the adhesive tapes 68, 70 can be adhered to each other without being adhered to the garment base 12. In an example of the garment 10, at least 75% of the length of the lateral edge 50 can be not directly coupled to the garment base 12, at least 80% of the length of the lateral edge 50 can be not directly coupled to the garment base 12, at least 85% of the length of the lateral edge 50 can be not directly coupled to the garment base 12, at least 90% of the length of the lateral edge 50 can be not directly coupled to the garment base 12, at least 95% of the length of the lateral edge 50 can be not directly coupled to the garment base 12, and / or 100% of the length of the lateral edge 50 can be not directly coupled to the garment base 12.

[0056] Continuing to refer to Figure 5 and Figures 7 to 10 , in some examples, the fluid retention assembly 14 can be coupled to the garment base 12 without any seams that directly pass through the fluid retention assembly 14 to couple the fluid retention assembly 14 to the garment base 12. As used herein, when a seam does not extend through or pierce the fluid retention assembly 14 itself to couple the fluid retention assembly 14 to the garment base 12, it can be said that the fluid retention assembly 14 is coupled without any seams that directly couple the fluid retention assembly 14 to the garment base 12. For example, the seams can be disposed through the adhesive tapes 68, 70 to indirectly couple the fluid retention assembly 14 to the garment base 12 while avoiding piercing the layers of the fluid retention assembly 14. For example, as Figure 5 and Figures 7 to 10As shown, the first seam 84 can extend along the adhesive tapes 68, 70 adjacent to the front edge 52 of the fluid retention assembly 14, and the first seam 84 does not pierce the fluid retention assembly 14. Similarly, the second seam 86 can extend along the adhesive tapes 68, 70 adjacent to the rear edge 54 of the fluid retention assembly 14, and the second seam 86 does not pierce the fluid retention assembly 14. In this way, the seams 84, 86 can effectively indirectly couple the fluid retention assembly 14 to the garment base 12 while avoiding the seams 84, 86 passing through the moisture-impermeable layer 28, the absorbent layer 26, and the moisture wicking layer 34 of the fluid retention assembly 14. Instead, the seams 84, 86 can directly couple the adhesive tapes 68, 70 to the garment base 12, where the adhesive tapes 68, 70 are in turn adhered to the outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention assembly 14. Additionally or alternatively, the front edge 52 and the rear edge 54 of the outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention assembly 14 can be adhered to the garment base 12 via one or more bonding adhesives 48 (e.g., via the adhesive tapes 68, 70, and / or via other bonding adhesives 48). In some examples, the seams 84, 86 can be formed using a waterproof or water-resistant thread. As Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, the seams 84, 86 can be fully positioned on the respective adhesive tapes 68, 70 (e.g., the entire width of the seams 84, 86 can overlap with the adhesive tape 68 and / or 70), or can be positioned to straddle the junction between the edge of the respective adhesive tape 68, 70 and the garment base 12 (e.g., such that only a portion of the width of the seams 84, 86 overlaps with the adhesive tape 68 and / or the adhesive tape 70).

[0057] To achieve the above arrangement of the adhesive tapes 68, 70 being stitched to the garment base 12 via the seams 84, 86, the adhesive tapes 68, 70 can be adhered together and also adhered to the fluid retention assembly 14. For example, a first portion 88 of the first adhesive tape 68 can be adhered to a first portion 90 of the second adhesive tape 70, as Figures 8 to 9 best shown in the cross-sectional view of Figures 11 to 12Adhesive tapes 68, 70 are shown schematically and, for clarity, are shown separately from the garment 10. Specifically, the adhesive tapes 68, 70 generally have an adhesive side and a non - adhesive side. To bond the first portions 88, 90 of the adhesive tapes 68, 70 together, the adhesive side 92 of the first portion 88 of the first adhesive tape 68 can contact the adhesive side 94 of the first portion 90 of the second adhesive tape 70, thereby bonding the corresponding first portions 88, 90 of the adhesive tapes 68, 70 together. In some examples, bonding the adhesive tapes 68, 70 can include applying heat and / or pressure to bond the first portions 88, 90 together. The respective second portions of each adhesive tape 68, 70 can be bonded to the fluid - holding assembly 14. For example, the second portion 96 of the first adhesive tape 68 can be bonded to the inner component portion 22 of the fluid - holding assembly 14, and the second portion 98 of the second adhesive tape 70 can be bonded to the outer component portion 24 of the fluid - holding assembly 14. In practice, one of the adhesive tapes 68, 70 can be placed below and bonded to the fluid - holding assembly 14, and then the other of the adhesive tapes 68, 70 can be bonded to both the fluid - holding assembly 14 and the other of the adhesive tapes 68, 70 substantially simultaneously.

[0058] Referring Figure 5 , Figures 7 to 9 and Figures 11 to 12 , in some examples, the first portion 88 of the first adhesive tape 68 and the first portion 90 of the second adhesive tape 70 are sewn to the garment base 12. For example, for the adhesive tapes 68, 70 adjacent to the front edge 52 of the fluid - holding assembly 14, they are sewn to the garment base 12 via the seam 84, or for the adhesive tapes 68, 70 adjacent to the rear edge 54 of the fluid - holding assembly 14, they are sewn to the garment base 12 via the seam 86. The adhesive tapes 68, 70 can have a width 108. In Figure 11 the schematic representation, the first portion 88 and the second portion 96 of the first adhesive tape 68 are each approximately 50% of the width 108 of the first adhesive tape 68. In other examples, the first portion 88 and the second portion 96 of the first adhesive tape 68 can have different proportions from each other. For example, in various examples, the first portion 88 of the first adhesive tape 68 can be at least 25% of the width 108, at least 50% of the width 108, and / or at least 75% of the width 108, and the second portion 96 makes up the remainder. Similarly, in Figure 12In the schematic representation, the first portion 90 and the second portion 98 of the second adhesive strip 70 are each approximately 50% of the width 108 of the second adhesive strip 70. In other examples, the first portion 90 and the second portion 98 of the second adhesive strip 70 may have different proportions from each other. For example, in various examples, the first portion 90 of the second adhesive strip 70 may be at least 25% of the width 108, at least 50% of the width 108, and / or at least 75% of the width 108, and the second portion 98 constitutes the remaining portion.

[0059] The garment 10 may have corresponding first adhesive strips 68 along both the front edge 52 and the rear edge 54 of the fluid retention assembly 14, which may be identified as the first front adhesive strip 100 and the first rear adhesive strip 104, respectively, in Figure 5 . Similarly, the garment 10 may have corresponding second adhesive strips 70 along both the front edge 52 and the rear edge 54 of the fluid retention assembly 14, which may be identified as the second front adhesive strip 102 and the second rear adhesive strip 106, respectively, in Figure 6 . A portion or all of the outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention assembly 14 may be sandwiched between the second portion 96 of the first adhesive strip 68 and the second portion 98 of the second adhesive strip 70. For example, the front edge 52 of the outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention assembly 14 may be sandwiched between the second portion 96 of the first front adhesive strip 100 and the second portion 98 of the second front adhesive strip 102. Similarly, the rear edge 54 of the outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention assembly 14 may be sandwiched between the second portion 96 of the first rear adhesive strip 104 and the second portion 98 of the second rear adhesive strip 106. In some examples of the garment 10, the adhesive strips 68, 70 are formed of a moisture-impermeable material, optionally formed of the same material as the moisture-impermeable layer 28. In this way, the adhesive strips 68, 70 can be configured to seal or form a moisture lock around the front edge 52 and the rear edge 54 (and / or other portions of the outer perimeter 20) without the need for the moisture-impermeable layer 28 to be wound around the front edge 52 and the rear edge 54, and without the need to directly bond the fluid retention assembly 14 to the garment base 12. Although discussed herein, various examples of the garment 10 are not limited thereto, and a garment 10 having a fluid retention assembly 14 bonded to the garment base 12 and / or in which the moisture-impermeable layer 28 is wound around the front edge 52 and / or the rear edge 54 of the outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention assembly 14 is also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0060] In an alternative example of the garment 10, the front edge 52 and / or the rear edge 54 of the fluid retention assembly 14 can be directly stitched or sewn to the garment base 12, while the lateral edges 50 of the outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention assembly 14 "float" relative to the garment base 12, as described above. For example, in a given application of the garment 10, it may be expected that fluid will leave the wearer's body in a concentrated area or region of the fluid retention assembly 14, but the fluid retention assembly 14 can extend over a larger area of the garment 10 to provide more absorption as the fluid spreads when absorbed by the fluid retention assembly 14. In such a case, while leakage problems may occur in the area of the fluid retention assembly 14 closest to where the fluid leaves the wearer's body, the areas of the fluid retention assembly 14 remote from the location where the fluid leaves the wearer's body may be less prone to leakage. In a specific illustrative example where the garment 10 is configured to absorb menstrual fluid, the portion of the fluid retention assembly 14 closest to the wearer's pelvic region or crotch region may not have seams or stitches directly coupling the fluid retention assembly 14 to the garment base 12 to avoid the risk of side leakage in this area. On the other hand, the fluid retention assembly 14 can be large enough such that the front edge 52 and / or the rear edge 54 can be sufficiently spaced from the wearer's crotch region such that seams or stitches directly coupling the fluid retention assembly 14 to the garment base 12 in these areas do not pose a significant risk of leakage.

[0061] Within the fluid retention assembly 14, the moisture impermeable layer 28 can be directly coupled to the moisture wicking layer 34 only along the outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention assembly 14 where the moisture impermeable layer 28 is folded or wound onto the inner side portion 22 of the assembly. For example, the moisture impermeable layer 28 can be directly coupled to the moisture wicking layer 34 on the inner side portion 22 of the assembly along opposite lateral edges 50 of the outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention assembly 14. In some examples, the moisture impermeable layer 28 can be folded onto the inner side portion 22 of the assembly along the front edge 52 and / or the rear edge 54 of the outer perimeter 20, while in some examples, the moisture impermeable layer 28 is not folded on the front edge 52 or the rear edge 54. In other words, in some garments 10, the moisture impermeable layer 28 can be wound around the outer perimeter 20 onto the inner side portion 22 of the assembly along at least substantially the entire outer perimeter 20 of the fluid retention assembly 14, while in other examples, the moisture impermeable layer 28 is wound around the outer perimeter 20 along the lateral edges 50 of the outer perimeter 20 but not along the front edge 52 or the rear edge 54 of the outer perimeter 20. In the areas of the outer perimeter 20 where the moisture impermeable layer 28 is not folded or wound onto the inner side portion 22 of the assembly, the moisture impermeable layer 28 can extend substantially coextensively with one or more other layers of the fluid retention assembly 14. For example, as Figure 9As shown, the moisture-impermeable layer 28 may coextend with the absorbent layer 26 and the moisture-wicking layer 34 in some portions of the outer perimeter 20. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples of the garment 10, the moisture-impermeable layer 28, the absorbent layer 26, and any moisture-wicking layer 34 are not adhesively bonded together over the extent of the fluid retention assembly 14, nor are they otherwise directly coupled to each other.

[0062] Figure 13 A flowchart schematically provides an illustrative, non-exclusive example of a method 200 of manufacturing a garment 10 in accordance with the present disclosure. In Figure 13 some of the steps are shown in dashed boxes, which indicates that these steps may be optional or may correspond to alternatives to the method in accordance with the present disclosure. That being said, not all methods 200 in accordance with the present disclosure need to include the steps illustrated in solid boxes. Figure 13 The method 200 and steps illustrated in are not restrictive, and other methods 200 and steps, including methods 200 having more or fewer steps than those illustrated, are also within the scope of the present disclosure, as will be understood from the discussion herein.

[0063] Method 200 includes coupling a fluid retention assembly (e.g., fluid retention assembly 14) to an inner portion of a garment base (e.g., inner portion 16 of garment base 12) at 202. Method 200 may also include forming the fluid retention assembly at 204 prior to coupling the fluid retention assembly to the garment base at 202. In some methods 200, coupling the fluid retention assembly to the inner portion of the garment base at 202 includes adhesively bonding the fluid retention assembly to the garment base at 206, such as bonding a front edge (e.g., front edge 52) of the outer perimeter (e.g., outer perimeter 20) of the fluid retention assembly to the garment base and / or bonding a rear edge (e.g., rear edge 54) of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly to the garment base. Coupling the fluid retention assembly to the garment base at 202 may include applying one or more adhesive tapes at 208, which may be used to adhesively bond the fluid retention assembly to the garment base at 206 or which may be used to seal one or more edges of the fluid retention assembly and then used to couple the fluid retention assembly to the garment base without adhesively bonding it to the garment base. For example, some methods 200 include coupling the fluid retention assembly to the garment base by stitching or sewing at 210. In an exemplary method, at 210, a portion of an adhesive tape is stitched to the garment base to couple the fluid retention assembly to the garment base without creating stitches that pierce the fluid retention assembly, thereby avoiding a typical first leakage location in a leak-proof or leak-resistant garment. However, some methods may also include directly stitching the fluid retention assembly to the garment base as needed.

[0064] In an example of method 200 that includes applying an adhesive tape at 208, applying the adhesive tape can include applying one or more front adhesive tapes (e.g., first front adhesive tape 100, second front adhesive tape 102) along a portion or all of the front edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly. In some examples, applying the adhesive tape at 208 includes applying one or more adhesive tapes such that they laterally extend beyond opposite side edges of the front edge of the fluid retention assembly. Applying the front adhesive tape at 208 includes coupling the front adhesive tape to the front edge of the fluid retention assembly and / or the garment base, such as by directly adhering the front adhesive tape or front adhesive tapes directly to the fluid retention assembly and / or directly to the garment base. Applying the adhesive tape at 208 can include applying a first front adhesive tape and a second front adhesive tape, such as adhering a portion of the first front adhesive tape to the inner side of the assembly along the front edge of the fluid retention assembly, and adhering a portion of the second front adhesive tape to the outer side of the assembly along the front edge of the fluid retention assembly. Portions of the first front adhesive tape and the second front adhesive tape that are not directly adhered to the fluid retention assembly can also be adhered to each other at 208. At 210, the adhered portions of the first front adhesive tape and the second front adhesive tape can be stitched or sewn to the garment base, thereby coupling the fluid retention assembly to the garment base without sewing through the fluid retention assembly itself.

[0065] Similarly, an example of method 200 that includes applying an adhesive tape at 208 can include applying one or more rear adhesive tapes (e.g., first rear adhesive tape 104, second rear adhesive tape 106) along a portion or all of the rear edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly. In some examples, applying the adhesive tape at 208 includes applying one or more adhesive tapes such that they laterally extend beyond opposite side edges of the rear edge of the fluid retention assembly. Applying the rear adhesive tape at 208 includes coupling the rear adhesive tape to the rear edge of the fluid retention assembly and / or the garment base, such as by directly adhering the rear adhesive tape or rear adhesive tapes directly to the fluid retention assembly and / or directly to the garment base. Applying the adhesive tape at 208 can include applying a first rear adhesive tape and a second rear adhesive tape, such as adhering a portion of the first rear adhesive tape to the inner side of the assembly along the rear edge of the fluid retention assembly, and adhering a portion of the second rear adhesive tape to the outer side of the assembly along the rear edge of the fluid retention assembly. Portions of the first rear adhesive tape and the second rear adhesive tape that are not directly adhered to the fluid retention assembly can also be adhered to each other at 208. At 210, the adhered portions of the first rear adhesive tape and the second rear adhesive tape can be stitched or sewn to the garment base, thereby coupling the fluid retention assembly to the garment base without sewing through the fluid retention assembly itself.

[0066] The disclosed method 200 may be to form a garment through cutting and stitching techniques. Forming the fluid retention assembly at 202 may include positioning a moisture-impermeable layer below the absorbent layer at 212 such that the moisture-impermeable layer separates the inner portion of the garment base from the outer portion of the absorbent layer, winding the moisture-impermeable layer around at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly at 214, and / or coupling the moisture-impermeable layer to the inner portion of the assembly of the fluid retention assembly at 216 to form a moisture lock around the absorbent layer. Additionally or alternatively, forming the fluid retention assembly at 202 may include sandwiching the absorbent layer between a moisture-wicking layer and a moisture-impermeable layer, wherein the moisture-wicking layer forms the inner portion of the assembly of the fluid retention assembly.

[0067] Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of the inventive subject matter in accordance with the present disclosure are described in the paragraphs listed below:

[0068] A1. A garment configured to be worn by a wearer, the garment comprising:

[0069] A garment base including an inner portion of the garment base and an outer portion of the garment base, wherein the inner portion of the garment base faces the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer, and wherein the outer portion of the garment base faces outward away from the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer; and

[0070] A fluid retention assembly coupled to the inner portion of the garment base and having an outer perimeter, wherein the fluid retention assembly includes:

[0071] An inner portion of the assembly configured to face the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer;

[0072] An outer portion of the assembly configured to face outward away from the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer, wherein the outer portion of the assembly faces the inner portion of the garment base;

[0073] An absorbent layer configured to absorb fluid discharged from the wearer when the garment is worn, wherein the absorbent layer includes an inner portion of the absorbent layer configured to face the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer, and wherein the absorbent layer includes an outer portion of the absorbent layer configured to face outward away from the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer; and

[0074] A moisture-impermeable layer, the moisture-impermeable layer being located below the absorbent layer and separating the inner portion of the base of the garment from the outer portion of the absorbent layer, wherein the moisture-impermeable layer is configured to restrict fluid from leaving the fluid retention assembly and reaching the inner portion of the base of the garment, and wherein the moisture-impermeable layer extends to at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly and wraps around the at least a portion to form an upper folded portion coupled to the inner portion of the assembly.

[0075] A1.1. The garment according to paragraph A1, wherein the moisture-impermeable layer is folded back under itself to form a lower folded portion along the portion of the outer perimeter around which the moisture-impermeable layer is wrapped.

[0076] A1.2. The garment according to paragraph A1.1, further comprising a seam having stitches that extend through the lower folded portion of the moisture-impermeable layer and the absorbent layer.

[0077] A2. The garment according to paragraph A1 or A1.1, wherein the moisture-impermeable layer forms the outer portion of the assembly of the fluid retention assembly.

[0078] A2.1. The garment according to paragraph A1 or A2, wherein the moisture-impermeable layer is the outermost layer of the fluid retention assembly.

[0079] A3. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A2.1, wherein the moisture-impermeable layer is coupled to the inner portion of the assembly only along the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly.

[0080] A3.1. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A3, wherein the moisture-impermeable layer is coupled to the inner portion of the assembly along opposite lateral edges of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly.

[0081] A3.2. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A3.1, wherein the moisture-impermeable layer wraps around opposite lateral edges of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly.

[0082] A4. The garment according to paragraph A3.1 or A3.2, wherein the opposite lateral edges are adjacent to the leg openings of the garment.

[0083] A5. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A4, wherein the moisture-impermeable layer forms a moisture lock around the absorbent layer.

[0084] The garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A5, wherein most of the length of the opposite lateral edges of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention component is not adhered to the garment base and is not otherwise directly coupled to the garment base.

[0085] A7. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A6, wherein the garment base laterally extends beyond the opposite lateral edges of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention component.

[0086] A8. The garment according to paragraph A7, wherein the garment includes a gap between the fluid retention component and the leg opening of the garment.

[0087] A9. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A8, wherein no seam directly couples the fluid retention component to the garment base.

[0088] A10. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A9, wherein the fluid retention component is directly coupled to the garment base substantially only along the front edge and the rear edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention component.

[0089] A10.1. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A10, wherein the moisture-impermeable layer winds around the front edge / the front edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention component, and wherein the moisture-impermeable layer winds around the rear edge / the rear edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention component.

[0090] A11. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A10.1, wherein the front edge / the front edge and the rear edge / the rear edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention component are adhered to the garment base via one or more adhesive bonding portions.

[0091] A11.1. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A11, wherein each of the front edge / the front edge and the rear edge / the rear edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention component includes one or more adhesive bonding portions, and the adhesive bonding portions include adhesive tapes.

[0092] A11.2. The garment according to paragraph A11.1, wherein the adhesive tape includes a first adhesive tape located on the inner side portion of the component of the fluid retention component, and wherein the adhesive tape includes a second adhesive tape located on the outer side portion of the component of the fluid retention component.

[0093] A11.3. The garment according to paragraph A11.2, wherein a first portion of the first adhesive tape and a first portion of the second adhesive tape are adhered together.

[0094] A11.4. The garment according to paragraph A11.2 or A11.3, wherein the second part of the first adhesive tape is adhered to the inner part of the component of the fluid holding assembly.

[0095] A11.5. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A11.2 to A11.4, wherein the second part of the second adhesive tape is adhered to the outer part of the component of the fluid holding assembly.

[0096] A11.6. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A11.2 to A11.5, wherein the first part of the first adhesive tape / the first part and the first part of the second adhesive tape / the first part are stitched to the base of the garment.

[0097] A11.7. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A11.2 to A11.6, wherein the first adhesive tape includes a first front adhesive tape along the front edge / the front edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid holding assembly, wherein the first adhesive tape includes a first rear adhesive tape along the rear edge / the rear edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid holding assembly, wherein the second adhesive tape includes a second front adhesive tape along the front edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid holding assembly, and wherein the second adhesive tape includes a second rear adhesive tape along the rear edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid holding assembly.

[0098] A11.8. The garment according to paragraph A11.7, wherein the front edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid holding assembly is sandwiched between the second part / the second part of the first front adhesive tape and the second part / the second part of the second front adhesive tape.

[0099] A11.9. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A11.7 to A11.8, wherein the rear edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid holding assembly is sandwiched between the second part / the second part of the first rear adhesive tape and the second part / the second part of the second rear adhesive tape.

[0100] A11.10. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A11.1 to A11.9, wherein the adhesive tape includes a first material, and wherein the moisture impermeable layer is also formed of the first material.

[0101] A12. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A11.1 to A11.10, wherein the adhesive tape laterally extends beyond the opposite side edges of the front edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid holding assembly.

[0102] A13. The clothing according to any one of paragraphs A11.1 to A12, wherein the adhesive tape extends laterally beyond the opposite side edges of the rear edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly.

[0103] A13.1. The clothing according to any one of paragraphs A11.1 to A13, wherein the adhesive tape is not adhered to the clothing base.

[0104] A13.2. The clothing according to any one of paragraphs A11.1 to A13.1, wherein the adhesive tape seals the front edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly / the front edge and / or the rear edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly / the rear edge.

[0105] A14. The clothing according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A13.2, wherein the fluid retention assembly includes a moisture wicking layer configured to be positioned against the wearer when the clothing is worn.

[0106] A15. The clothing according to paragraph A14, wherein the moisture wicking layer substantially forms the entire inner part of the assembly of the fluid retention assembly.

[0107] A16. The clothing according to paragraph A14 or A15, wherein the moisture impermeable layer, the absorbent layer, and the moisture wicking layer are not adhered together within the scope of the fluid retention assembly.

[0108] A16.1. The clothing according to any one of paragraphs A14 to A16, wherein the moisture impermeable layer, the absorbent layer, and the moisture wicking layer are not directly joined together except directly joined together along the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly.

[0109] A16.2. The clothing according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A16.1, wherein the moisture impermeable layer, the absorbent layer, and / or the moisture wicking layer / the moisture wicking layer are joined together by stitching or sewing at least along and adjacent to the part of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly where the moisture impermeable layer is wound, and wherein the upper folded part of the moisture impermeable layer / the upper folded part is not penetrated by the stitching or sewing.

[0110] A16.3. The clothing according to paragraph A16.2 when dependent on paragraph A1.1, wherein the lower folded part of the moisture impermeable layer is penetrated by the stitching or sewing.

[0111] A17. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A14 to A16.3, wherein the absorbent layer is sandwiched between the moisture wicking layer and the moisture impermeable layer.

[0112] A18. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A17, wherein the garment is configured to be leak-proof.

[0113] A19. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A18, wherein the garment includes a cut and sewn garment.

[0114] A20. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A19, wherein the moisture wicking layer of the fluid retention assembly / the moisture wicking layer includes cotton, carbon cotton, carbon cotton spandex, and / or synthetic fiber fabric.

[0115] A21. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A20, wherein the moisture wicking layer of the fluid retention assembly / the moisture wicking layer is configured to be quick-drying, odor-eliminating, and / or antibacterial.

[0116] A22. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A21, wherein the moisture impermeable layer is positioned such that the moisture impermeable layer contacts the inner side of the garment base when the garment is worn.

[0117] A23. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A22, wherein the absorbent layer includes polyester nylon.

[0118] A24. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A23, wherein the absorbent layer absorbs at least 2 teaspoons (10 ml), at least 3 teaspoons (15 ml), at least 4 teaspoons (20 ml), and / or at least 5 teaspoons (25 ml) of liquid.

[0119] A25. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A24, wherein the moisture impermeable layer includes leak-resistant, water-resistant or waterproof fabric or other moisture barrier materials, moisture barrier layers, moisture barrier membranes, moisture barrier diaphragms, waterproof, water-resistant or water-repellent treatments, and / or waterproof, water-resistant or water-repellent coatings.

[0120] A26. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A25, wherein the garment base includes a lightweight, breathable, quick-drying, wicking and / or odor-proof four-way stretch fabric.

[0121] A27. The garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A26, wherein the garment base includes nylon and elastane.

[0122] A28. A garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A27, wherein the garment is configured to be machine washable and to be worn repeatedly.

[0123] A29. A garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A28, wherein the fluid retention assembly has a length of at least 6 inches (15 cm), at least 7 inches (17.8 cm), at least 8 inches (20 cm), at least 9 inches (22.8 cm), at least 10 inches (25.4 cm), at least 11 inches (28 cm), at least 12 inches (30.5 cm), at least 13 inches (33 cm), at least 14 inches (35.5 cm) and / or up to 15 inches (38 cm).

[0124] A30. A garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A29, wherein the fluid retention assembly is positioned in an area of the garment configured to be positioned on, adjacent to, and / or around the pelvic region of the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer.

[0125] A31. A garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A30, wherein the garment includes a waistband area; and optionally, wherein the garment base at least partially defines the waistband area.

[0126] A32. A garment according to paragraph A31, wherein the fluid retention assembly does not extend into the waistband area on the front side and / or the back side of the garment.

[0127] A33. A garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A32, wherein the garment defines one or more garment openings; and optionally, wherein the garment base at least partially defines one or more garment openings.

[0128] A34. A garment according to paragraph A33, wherein at least one of the one or more garment openings defines a leg opening configured to receive the legs of the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer.

[0129] A35. A garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A34, wherein the garment includes one or more adhesive bond portions formed by an adhesive material applied to one or both of the garment base and the fluid retention assembly.

[0130] A36. A garment according to paragraph A35, wherein the adhesive material includes one or more of a tape, an elastic band, a film, an elastic film, a spray adhesive, and a thermosetting adhesive.

[0131] A37. The clothing according to paragraph A35 or A36, wherein the bonding material has one or more of water resistance, water repellency, and waterproofness.

[0132] A38. The clothing according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A37, wherein the clothing includes one or more bonding joints formed at least partially by a hot pressing process.

[0133] A39. The clothing according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A38, wherein the clothing base includes one or more base layers.

[0134] A40. The clothing according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A39, wherein the clothing base includes a plurality of base pieces operatively coupled to each other.

[0135] A41. The clothing according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A40, wherein the clothing base is at least partially formed of one or more of natural fibers, cotton, synthetic fibers, polyester, nylon, Spandex TM fabric, and combinations thereof.

[0136] A42. The clothing according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A41, wherein the clothing is underwear.

[0137] A43. The clothing according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A41, wherein the clothing is outerwear.

[0138] A44. The clothing according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A43, wherein the clothing is shorts (e.g., a pair of shorts).

[0139] A45. The clothing according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A44, wherein the clothing is sportswear.

[0140] A46. The clothing according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A45, wherein one or more of the fluid retention component, the absorbent layer, the moisture wicking layer / the moisture wicking layers, and the moisture impermeable layer are at least partially formed of one or more of natural fibers, cotton, synthetic fibers, polyester, nylon, Spandex TM fabric, and combinations thereof.

[0141] B1. A method of manufacturing the clothing according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A46, the method comprising:

[0142] coupling the fluid retention component to the inner side portion of the clothing base of the clothing.

[0143] B2. The method according to paragraph B1, wherein joining the fluid holding assembly comprises:

[0144] adhering a front edge / the front edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid holding assembly to the garment base; and

[0145] adhering a rear edge / the rear edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid holding assembly to the garment base.

[0146] B3. The method according to paragraph B1 or B2, comprising applying a front adhesive strip along the front edge / the front edge of the fluid holding assembly.

[0147] B3.1. The method according to paragraph B3, wherein the front adhesive strip laterally extends beyond opposite side edges of the front edge of the fluid holding assembly.

[0148] B3.2. The method according to paragraph B3 or B3.1, wherein applying the front adhesive strip comprises joining the front adhesive strip to the front edge of the fluid holding assembly and the garment base.

[0149] B3.3. The method according to any one of paragraphs B3 to B3.2, wherein applying the front adhesive strip comprises adhering the front adhesive strip to the front edge of the fluid holding assembly.

[0150] B3.4. The method according to any one of paragraphs B3 to B3.3, wherein applying the front adhesive strip comprises applying a first front adhesive strip and a second front adhesive strip.

[0151] B3.5. The method according to paragraph B3.4, wherein applying the front adhesive strip comprises:

[0152] adhering a first portion of the first front adhesive strip and a first portion of the second front adhesive strip together;

[0153] adhering a second portion of the first front adhesive strip to an inner portion of the assembly of the fluid holding assembly; and

[0154] adhering a second portion of the second front adhesive strip to an outer portion of the assembly of the fluid holding assembly.

[0155] B3.6. The method according to paragraph B3.5, further comprising stitching or sewing the first portion of the first front adhesive strip and the first portion of the second front adhesive strip to the garment base.

[0156] B3.7. The method according to any one of B3 to B3.3, wherein applying the front adhesive strip comprises adhering the front adhesive strip to the garment base.

[0157] B4. The method according to any one of paragraphs B1 to B3.7 includes applying a rear adhesive tape along the rear edge of the fluid retaining component / the rear edge.

[0158] B4.1. The method according to paragraph B4, wherein the rear adhesive tape laterally extends beyond the opposite side edges of the rear edge of the fluid retaining component.

[0159] B4.2. The method according to paragraph B4 or B4.1, wherein applying the rear adhesive tape includes coupling the rear adhesive tape to the rear edge of the fluid retaining component and the garment base.

[0160] B4.3. The method according to any one of paragraphs B4 to B4.2, wherein applying the rear adhesive tape includes adhering the rear adhesive tape to the rear edge of the fluid retaining component.

[0161] B4.4. The method according to any one of paragraphs B4 to B4.3, wherein applying the rear adhesive tape includes applying a first rear adhesive tape and a second rear adhesive tape.

[0162] B4.5. The method according to paragraph B4.4, wherein applying the rear adhesive tape includes:

[0163] adhering a first portion of the first rear adhesive tape and a first portion of the second rear adhesive tape together;

[0164] adhering a second portion of the first rear adhesive tape to the inner side of the component of the fluid retaining component; and

[0165] adhering a second portion of the second rear adhesive tape to the outer side of the component of the fluid retaining component.

[0166] B4.6. The method according to paragraph B4.5, further including stitching or sewing the first portion of the first rear adhesive tape and the first portion of the second rear adhesive tape to the garment base.

[0167] B4.7. The method according to any one of paragraphs B4 to B4.3, wherein applying the rear adhesive tape includes adhering the rear adhesive tape to the garment base.

[0168] B5. The method according to any one of paragraphs B1 to B4, further including forming the garment base by cutting and stitching techniques.

[0169] B6. The method according to any one of paragraphs B1 to B5, further including forming the fluid retaining component before coupling the fluid retaining component to the garment base.

[0170] B7. The method according to paragraph B6, wherein forming the fluid retention assembly comprises:

[0171] Positioning the moisture-impermeable layer beneath the absorbent layer such that the moisture-impermeable layer separates the inner portion of the garment base from the outer portion of the absorbent layer;

[0172] Wrapping the moisture-impermeable layer around at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly; and

[0173] Coupling the moisture-impermeable layer to the inner portion of the assembly of the fluid retention assembly so as to form a moisture lock around the absorbent layer.

[0174] B8. The method according to any one of paragraphs B6 to B7, wherein forming the fluid retention assembly comprises sandwiching the absorbent layer between a moisture wicking layer / the moisture wicking layer and the moisture-impermeable layer, wherein the moisture wicking layer forms the inner portion of the assembly of the fluid retention assembly.

[0175] C1. A fluid retention assembly configured to absorb fluid discharged from a wearer, the fluid retention assembly comprising:

[0176] An inner portion of the assembly configured to face the wearer when the fluid retention assembly is in use;

[0177] An outer portion of the assembly configured to face away from the wearer outwardly when the fluid retention assembly is in use;

[0178] An absorbent layer configured to absorb fluid discharged from the wearer when the fluid retention assembly is in use, wherein the absorbent layer comprises an inner portion of the absorbent layer configured to face the wearer when the fluid retention assembly is in use, and wherein the absorbent layer comprises an outer portion of the absorbent layer configured to face away from the wearer outwardly when the fluid retention assembly is in use; and

[0179] A moisture-impermeable layer located beneath the absorbent layer, wherein the moisture-impermeable layer is configured to restrict fluid from leaving the fluid retention assembly once the fluid has been absorbed by the absorbent layer, and wherein the moisture-impermeable layer extends to at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly and wraps around the at least a portion to form an upper folded portion that is coupled to the inner portion of the assembly.

[0180] C1.1. The fluid retention assembly according to paragraph C1, wherein the moisture-impermeable layer is folded back under itself to form a lower fold portion along the portion of the outer perimeter around which the moisture-impermeable layer is wound.

[0181] C1.2. The fluid retention assembly according to paragraph C1.1, further comprising a seam having stitches that extend through the lower fold portion of the moisture-impermeable layer and the absorbent layer.

[0182] C2. The fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C1 to C1.2, wherein the moisture-impermeable layer forms the outer portion of the assembly of the fluid retention assembly.

[0183] C3. The fluid retention assembly according to paragraph C1 or C2, wherein the moisture-impermeable layer is the outermost layer of the fluid retention assembly.

[0184] C4. The fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C1 to C3, wherein the moisture-impermeable layer is joined to the inner portion of the assembly only along the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly.

[0185] C5. The fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C1 to C4, wherein the moisture-impermeable layer is joined to the inner portion of the assembly along opposite lateral edges of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly.

[0186] C6. The fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C1 to C5, wherein the moisture-impermeable layer is wound around opposite lateral edges of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly.

[0187] C7. The fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C1 to C6, wherein the moisture-impermeable layer forms a moisture lock around the absorbent layer.

[0188] C8. The fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C1 to C7, wherein the fluid retention assembly includes a front edge of the outer perimeter and a rear edge of the outer perimeter, and wherein the fluid retention assembly is configured to be joined to a garment base substantially only along the front edge and the rear edge.

[0189] C9. The fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C1 to C8, wherein the moisture-impermeable layer is wound around the front edge / the front edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly, and wherein the moisture-impermeable layer is wound around the rear edge / the rear edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly.

[0190] The fluid holding assembly according to any one of paragraphs C1 to C9, wherein each of the front edge / the front and rear edges / the rear edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid holding assembly includes one or more adhesive joints, and the adhesive joints include adhesive tapes.

[0191] C11. The fluid holding assembly according to paragraph C10, wherein the adhesive tape includes a first adhesive tape located on the inner side of the assembly of the fluid holding assembly, and wherein the adhesive tape includes a second adhesive tape located on the outer side of the assembly of the fluid holding assembly.

[0192] C12. The fluid holding assembly according to paragraph C11, wherein a first portion of the first adhesive tape and a first portion of the second adhesive tape are adhered together.

[0193] C13. The fluid holding assembly according to paragraph C11 or C12, wherein a second portion of the first adhesive tape is adhered to the inner side of the assembly of the fluid holding assembly.

[0194] C14. The fluid holding assembly according to any one of paragraphs C11 to C13, wherein a second portion of the second adhesive tape is adhered to the outer side of the assembly of the fluid holding assembly.

[0195] C15. The fluid holding assembly according to any one of paragraphs C11 to C14, wherein the first portion / the first portion and the first portion of the second adhesive tape of the first adhesive tape are configured to be stitched to the clothing base / the clothing base.

[0196] C16. The fluid holding assembly according to any one of paragraphs C11 to C15, wherein the first adhesive tape includes a first front adhesive tape along the front edge / the front edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid holding assembly, wherein the first adhesive tape includes a first rear adhesive tape along the rear edge / the rear edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid holding assembly, wherein the second adhesive tape includes a second front adhesive tape along the front edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid holding assembly, and wherein the second adhesive tape includes a second rear adhesive tape along the rear edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid holding assembly.

[0197] C17. The fluid holding assembly according to paragraph C16, wherein the front edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid holding assembly is sandwiched between the second portion / the second portion of the first front adhesive tape and the second portion / the second portion of the second front adhesive tape.

[0198] Fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C16 to C17, wherein a rear edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly is sandwiched between a second part of the first rear adhesive tape / the second part and a second part of the second rear adhesive tape / the second part.

[0199] C19. Fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C10 to C18, wherein the adhesive tape comprises a first material, and wherein the moisture impermeable layer is also formed of the first material.

[0200] C20. Fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C10 to C19, wherein the adhesive tape laterally extends beyond opposite side edges of a front edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly.

[0201] C21. Fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C10 to C20, wherein the adhesive tape laterally extends beyond opposite side edges of a rear edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly.

[0202] C22. Fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C1 to C21, wherein the fluid retention assembly includes a moisture wicking layer configured to be positioned against a wearer when the fluid retention assembly is in use.

[0203] C23. Fluid retention assembly according to paragraph C22, wherein the moisture wicking layer forms substantially the entire inner part of the fluid retention assembly.

[0204] C24. Fluid retention assembly according to paragraph C22 or C23, wherein the moisture impermeable layer, the absorbent layer, and the moisture wicking layer are not adhesively bonded together within the scope of the fluid retention assembly.

[0205] C25. Fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C22 to C24, wherein the moisture impermeable layer, the absorbent layer, and the moisture wicking layer are not directly adhesively bonded together except along the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly.

[0206] C26. Fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C22 to C25, wherein the absorbent layer is sandwiched between the moisture wicking layer and the moisture impermeable layer.

[0207] C27. Fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C1 to C26, wherein the fluid retention assembly is configured to be leak-proof.

[0208] The fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C1 to C27, wherein the moisture wicking layer of the fluid retention assembly / the moisture wicking layer comprises cotton, carbon cotton, carbon cotton spandex, and / or synthetic fiber fabric.

[0209] C29. The fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C1 to C28, wherein the moisture wicking layer of the fluid retention assembly / the moisture wicking layer is configured to be quickly drying, deodorizing, and / or antibacterial.

[0210] C30. The fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C1 to C29, wherein the moisture impermeable layer is positioned such that: when the fluid retention assembly is incorporated into a garment, the moisture impermeable layer is configured to contact the inner portion of the garment base of the garment.

[0211] C31. The fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C1 to C30, wherein the absorbent layer comprises polyester nylon.

[0212] C32. The fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C1 to C31, wherein the absorbent layer absorbs at least 2 teaspoons (10 ml), at least 3 teaspoons (15 ml), at least 4 teaspoons (20 ml), and / or at least 5 teaspoons (25 ml) of liquid.

[0213] C33. The fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C1 to C32, wherein the moisture impermeable layer comprises a leak-resistant, water-resistant or waterproof fabric or other moisture barrier material, moisture barrier layer, moisture barrier film, moisture barrier diaphragm, waterproof, water-resistant or water-repellent treatment, and / or waterproof, water-resistant or water-repellent coating.

[0214] C34. The fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C1 to C33, wherein the fluid retention assembly is configured to be machine washable and capable of being worn repeatedly.

[0215] C35. The fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C1 to C34, wherein the fluid retention assembly has a length of at least 6 inches (15 cm), at least 7 inches (17.8 cm), at least 8 inches (20 cm), at least 9 inches (22.8 cm), at least 10 inches (25.4 cm), at least 11 inches (28 cm), at least 12 inches (30.5 cm), at least 13 inches (33 cm), at least 14 inches (35.5 cm), and / or at most 15 inches (38 cm).

[0216] The fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C1 to C35, wherein the fluid retention assembly is configured to be positioned in a region of the garment / the garment configured to be positioned on, adjacent to, and / or around the pelvic region of the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer.

[0217] C37. The fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C1 to C36, wherein one or more of the fluid retention assembly, the absorbent layer, the moisture wicking layer / the moisture wicking layer, and the moisture impermeable layer are at least partially formed of one or more of natural fibers, cotton, synthetic fibers, polyester, nylon, Spandex TM fabrics and combinations thereof.

[0218] C38. The fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C1 to C37, wherein the fluid retention assembly is configured to be incorporated into the garment / the garment.

[0219] C39. The fluid retention assembly according to paragraph C38, wherein the fluid retention assembly is configured to be permanently coupled to the garment.

[0220] C40. The fluid retention assembly according to paragraph C38, wherein the fluid retention assembly is configured to be selectively coupled to the garment and removable from the garment selectively.

[0221] C41. The fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C38 to C40, wherein the fluid retention assembly is configured to be coupled to the inner side of the garment base / the inner side of the garment base of the garment, wherein the inner side of the garment base faces the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer.

[0222] C42. The fluid retention assembly according to paragraph C41, wherein the outer side of the assembly of the fluid retention assembly faces the inner side of the garment base when the fluid retention assembly is incorporated into the garment.

[0223] C43. The fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C41 to C42, wherein when the fluid retention assembly is incorporated into the garment, the moisture impermeable layer separates the inner side of the garment base from the outer portion of the absorbent layer.

[0224] D1. Use of a garment according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A46 for absorbing and retaining fluid exudates from the wearer of the garment.

[0225] D2. Use of a fluid retention assembly according to any one of paragraphs C1 to C43 for absorbing and retaining fluid exudates from a wearer of the garment.

[0226] As used herein, the terms "adapted" and "configured" refer to an element, component, or other subject being designed to and / or intended to perform a given function. Thus, the use of the terms "adapted" and "configured" should not be construed to mean that a given element, component, or other subject merely "can" perform a given function, but rather that the element, component, and / or other subject has been selected, created, implemented, used, programmed, and / or designed specifically for performing that function. Also within the scope of the present disclosure is that an element, component, and / or other recited subject that is recited as being adapted to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being configured to perform that function, and vice versa. Similarly, a subject that is recited as being configured to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being operable to perform that function.

[0227] As used herein, the term "and / or" placed between a first entity and a second entity refers to (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) either the first entity or the second entity. Multiple items listed using "and / or" should be interpreted in the same way, "one or more" of the entities so combined. Other entities may optionally exist in addition to the entities specifically identified by the "and / or" clause, whether or not related to the specifically identified entities. Thus, as a non-limiting example, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising," a reference to "A and / or B" can, in one example, refer only to A (optionally including entities other than B); in another example, only to B (optionally including entities other than A); in yet another example, to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities can refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values, etc.

[0228] As used herein, the phrase "at least one" in reference to a list of one or more entities shall be understood to mean at least one entity selected from any one or more of the entities in the list of entities, but not necessarily including at least one of each of the entities specifically listed in the list of entities, and not excluding any combination of entities in the list of entities. This limitation also allows that, in addition to the specifically identified entities in the list of entities referred to by the phrase "at least one", entities may optionally exist, whether related or unrelated to those specifically identified entities. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or equivalently, "at least one of A or B", or equivalently "at least one of A and / or B") can, in one example, refer to at least one, optionally including more than one, of A, where no B exists (and optionally including entities other than B); in another example can refer to at least one, optionally including more than one, of B, where no A exists (and optionally including entities other than A); and in yet another example refers to at least one, optionally including more than one, of A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, of B (and optionally including other entities). In other words, the phrases "at least one", "one or more", and "and / or" are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, or C", "A, B, and / or C" can represent A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together, and optionally a combination of any of the foregoing with at least one other entity.

[0229] As used herein, when modifying a degree or relationship, the terms "substantially", "essentially", the phrase "at least essentially" include not only the recited "essentially" degree or relationship, but also the entire range of the recited degree or relationship. The basic amount of the recited degree or relationship can include at least 75% of the recited degree or relationship. For example, a first component extends at least essentially around a second component includes the first component extending around at least 75% of the circumference of the second component, and also includes the first component extending around the entire circumference of the second component.

[0230] As used herein, when referring to one or more components, features, details, structures, examples, and / or methods in accordance with the present disclosure, the phrases "for example," "as an example," and / or simply the term "example" are intended to convey that the described component, feature, detail, structure, implementation, and / or method is an exemplary, non-exclusive example of the components, features, details, structures, implementations, and / or methods in accordance with the present disclosure. Thus, the described component, feature, detail, structure, implementation, and / or method is not intended to be restrictive, required, or exclusive / exhaustive; and other components, features, details, structures, implementations, and / or methods, including those that are structurally and / or functionally similar and / or equivalent, are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0231] The various disclosed elements of the devices disclosed herein are not required for all devices in accordance with the present disclosure, and the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements disclosed herein. Additionally, one or more of the various elements disclosed herein may define an independent inventive subject matter that is separate from the disclosed devices as a whole. Thus, such inventive subject matter need not be associated with the specific devices explicitly disclosed herein, and the subject matter of such inventions may find utility in devices and / or methods not explicitly disclosed herein.

[0232] It is believed that the disclosure set forth above includes a number of distinct inventions having independent utility. While each of these inventions is disclosed in its preferred form, the specific implementations disclosed and shown herein should not be considered limiting, as many variations are possible. The subject matter of the present invention includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions, and / or characteristics disclosed herein. Similarly, when the present disclosure or the appended claims hereafter recite "a" or "first" element or its equivalent, such disclosure and / or claims should be understood to include the combination of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor precluding two or more such elements.

Claims

1. A garment configured to be worn by a wearer, the garment comprising: A garment base including an inner portion of the garment base and an outer portion of the garment base, wherein the inner portion of the garment base faces the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer, and wherein the outer portion of the garment base faces outwardly away from the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer; and A fluid retention assembly coupled to the inner portion of the garment base and having an outer perimeter, wherein a majority of the length of opposite lateral edges of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly is not adhesively bonded to the garment base nor otherwise directly coupled to the garment base, and wherein the fluid retention assembly includes: An inner portion of the assembly configured to face the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer; An outer portion of the assembly configured to face outwardly away from the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer, wherein the outer portion of the assembly faces the inner portion of the garment base; An absorbent layer configured to absorb fluid discharged from the wearer when the garment is worn, wherein the absorbent layer includes an inner portion of the absorbent layer configured to face the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer, and wherein the absorbent layer includes an outer portion of the absorbent layer configured to face outwardly away from the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer; and A moisture-impermeable layer located beneath the absorbent layer and separating the inner portion of the garment base from the outer portion of the absorbent layer, wherein the moisture-impermeable layer is configured to limit fluid from leaving the fluid retention assembly and reaching the inner portion of the garment base, and wherein the moisture-impermeable layer extends to at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly and wraps around the at least a portion and is coupled to the inner portion of the assembly.

2. The clothing according to claim 1, wherein, The moisture-impermeable layer forms the outer portion of the assembly of the fluid retention assembly.

3. The clothing according to claim 1, wherein, The moisture-impermeable layer is coupled to the inner portion of the assembly only along the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly.

4. The clothing according to claim 1, wherein, The fluid retention assembly is directly coupled to the garment base substantially only along a front edge and a rear edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly.

5. The clothing according to claim 1, wherein, The garment base laterally extends beyond opposite lateral edges of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly such that the garment includes a respective gap between each respective lateral edge of the fluid retention assembly and a respective leg opening of the garment.

6. The clothing according to claim 1, wherein, The moisture-impermeable layer wraps around opposite lateral edges of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly.

7. The garment according to claim 6, wherein, The moisture-impermeable layer wraps around a front edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly, and wherein the moisture-impermeable layer wraps around a rear edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly.

8. The clothing according to claim 1, wherein, The front edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly and the rear edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly each include one or more adhesive bonding portions, and the adhesive bonding portions include adhesive tapes.

9. The clothing according to claim 8, wherein, The adhesive tape includes a first adhesive tape located on the inner side portion of the assembly of the fluid retention assembly, and wherein the adhesive tape includes a second adhesive tape located on the outer side portion of the assembly of the fluid retention assembly, wherein a first portion of the first adhesive tape and a first portion of the second adhesive tape are bonded together, wherein a second portion of the first adhesive tape is bonded to the inner side portion of the assembly of the fluid retention assembly, and wherein a second portion of the second adhesive tape is bonded to the outer side portion of the assembly of the fluid retention assembly.

10. The clothing according to claim 9, wherein, The first portion of the first adhesive tape and the first portion of the second adhesive tape are stitched to the garment base.

11. The clothing according to claim 10, wherein, The first adhesive tape includes a first front adhesive tape along the front edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly, wherein the first adhesive tape includes a first rear adhesive tape along the rear edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly, wherein the second adhesive tape includes a second front adhesive tape along the front edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly, and wherein the second adhesive tape includes a second rear adhesive tape along the rear edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly.

12. The clothing according to claim 11, wherein, The front edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly is sandwiched between the second portion of the first adhesive tape and the second portion of the second adhesive tape, and wherein the rear edge of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly is sandwiched between the second portion of the first adhesive tape and the second portion of the second adhesive tape.

13. The clothing according to claim 1, wherein, The fluid retention assembly includes a moisture wicking layer configured to be positioned against the wearer when the garment is worn, wherein the moisture wicking layer forms substantially the entire inner side portion of the assembly of the fluid retention assembly, and wherein the absorbent layer is sandwiched between the moisture wicking layer and the moisture impermeable layer.

14. The clothing according to claim 1, wherein, The garment includes a cut and sewn garment, and wherein the garment is configured to be machine washable and wearable multiple times.

15. A method of manufacturing a garment according to claim 1, the method comprising: forming the fluid retention assembly; and coupling the fluid retention assembly to the inner side portion of the garment base of the garment base.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein Coupling the fluid retention assembly includes: bonding a first portion of a first front adhesive tape to a first portion of a second front adhesive tape; bonding a second portion of the first front adhesive tape to the inner side portion of the assembly of the fluid retention assembly along the front edge of the fluid retention assembly; bonding a second portion of the second front adhesive tape to the outer side portion of the assembly of the fluid retention assembly along the front edge of the fluid retention assembly; bonding a first portion of a first rear adhesive tape to a first portion of a second rear adhesive tape; Bond the second portion of the first rear adhesive tape to the inner component portion of the fluid retention component along the rear edge of the fluid retention component; and Bond the second portion of the second rear adhesive tape to the outer component portion of the fluid retention component along the rear edge of the fluid retention component.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: Stitch or sew the first portion of the first front adhesive tape and the first portion of the second front adhesive tape to the garment base; And Stitch or sew the first portion of the first rear adhesive tape and the first portion of the second rear adhesive tape to the garment base.

18. The method according to claim 15, further comprising forming the garment base via cutting and stitching techniques.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein Forming the fluid retention component includes: Position the moisture-impermeable layer below the absorbent layer such that the moisture-impermeable layer separates the inner portion of the garment base from the outer portion of the absorbent layer; Wind the moisture-impermeable layer around at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention component; and Attach the moisture-impermeable layer to the inner component portion of the fluid retention component to form a moisture lock around the absorbent layer.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein Forming the fluid retention component further includes sandwiching the absorbent layer between a moisture-wicking layer and the moisture-impermeable layer, wherein the moisture-wicking layer forms the inner component portion of the fluid retention component.

21. A fluid retention component configured to absorb fluid discharged from a wearer, the fluid retention component comprising: An inner component portion configured to face the wearer when the fluid retention component is in use; An outer component portion configured to face away from the wearer outwardly when the fluid retention component is in use; An absorbent layer configured to absorb fluid discharged from the wearer when the fluid retention component is in use, wherein the absorbent layer includes an inner absorbent layer portion configured to face the wearer when the fluid retention component is in use, and wherein the absorbent layer includes an outer absorbent layer portion configured to face away from the wearer outwardly when the fluid retention component is in use; and A moisture-impermeable layer located below the absorbent layer, wherein the moisture-impermeable layer is configured to restrict fluid from leaving the fluid retention component once the fluid is absorbed by the absorbent layer, wherein the moisture-impermeable layer extends to at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention component and is wound around the at least a portion to form an upper folded portion, the upper folded portion being attached to the inner component portion, and wherein a lower folded portion of the moisture-impermeable layer is folded back below the upper folded portion; and A seam having stitches that extend through the lower folded portion of the moisture-impermeable layer and the absorbent layer, wherein the stitches do not extend through the upper folded portion of the moisture-impermeable layer.

22. A garment configured to be worn by a wearer, the garment comprising: A garment base including an inner portion of the garment base and an outer portion of the garment base, wherein the inner portion of the garment base faces the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer, and wherein the outer portion of the garment base faces outwardly away from the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer; and A fluid retention assembly coupled to the inner portion of the garment base and having an outer perimeter, wherein the fluid retention assembly includes: An inner portion of the assembly configured to face the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer; An outer portion of the assembly configured to face outwardly away from the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer, wherein the outer portion of the assembly faces the inner portion of the garment base; An absorbent layer configured to absorb fluid discharged from the wearer when the garment is worn, wherein the absorbent layer includes an inner portion of the absorbent layer configured to face the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer, and wherein the absorbent layer includes an outer portion of the absorbent layer configured to face outwardly away from the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer; A moisture-impermeable layer located beneath the absorbent layer and separating the inner portion of the garment base from the outer portion of the absorbent layer, wherein the moisture-impermeable layer is configured to restrict fluid from leaving the fluid retention assembly and reaching the inner portion of the garment base, and wherein the moisture-impermeable layer extends to at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention assembly and wraps around the at least a portion to form an upper folded portion that is coupled to the inner portion of the assembly, and wherein a lower folded portion of the moisture-impermeable layer is folded back beneath the upper folded portion; and A seam having stitches that extend through the lower folded portion of the moisture-impermeable layer and the absorbent layer, wherein the stitches do not extend through the upper folded portion of the moisture-impermeable layer.

23. A garment configured to be worn by a wearer, the garment comprising: A garment base including an inner portion of the garment base and an outer portion of the garment base, wherein the inner portion of the garment base faces the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer, and wherein the outer portion of the garment base faces outwardly away from the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer; A fluid retention assembly coupled to the inner portion of the garment base and having an outer perimeter, wherein the fluid retention assembly includes: An inner portion of the assembly configured to face the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer; The outer part of the component, the outer part of the component being configured to face away from the wearer outwardly when the garment is worn by the wearer, wherein the outer part of the component faces the inner part of the base of the garment; An absorbent layer configured to absorb fluid discharged from the wearer when the garment is worn, wherein the absorbent layer includes an inner part of the absorbent layer configured to face the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer, and wherein the absorbent layer includes an outer part of the absorbent layer configured to face away from the wearer outwardly when the garment is worn by the wearer; and A moisture-impermeable layer located below the absorbent layer and separating the inner part of the base of the garment from the outer part of the absorbent layer, wherein the moisture-impermeable layer is configured to restrict fluid from leaving the fluid retention component and reaching the inner part of the base of the garment, and wherein the moisture-impermeable layer extends to at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention component and wraps around the at least a portion and is joined to the inner part of the component; A first adhesive tape; and A second adhesive tape, wherein a first portion of the first adhesive tape and a first portion of the second adhesive tape are adhered together, wherein a second portion of the first adhesive tape is adhered to the inner part of the component of the fluid retention component, and wherein a second portion of the second adhesive tape is adhered to the outer part of the component of the fluid retention component such that a portion of the outer perimeter of the fluid retention component is sandwiched between the second portion of the first adhesive tape and the second portion of the second adhesive tape, and wherein the first portion of the first adhesive tape and the first portion of the second adhesive tape are stitched to the base of the garment.

Images