Reusable incontinence underpants for men

Abstract

Reusable incontinence underpants for men have a pouch for the penis, which pouch is applied or formed in the gusset region, on the inner side of the underpants, wherein the penis pouch has an opening for receiving the penis, which opening, seen in the wearing direction, is arranged on the upper side of the penis pouch, wherein the penis pouch, seen in the circumferential direction and in the wearing direction, is impermeable to liquid at the bottom, and wherein a liquid-absorbing core is arranged in the interior of the penis pouch.

Description

[0001] REUSABLE INCONTINENCE PANTS FOR MEN

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to reusable incontinence underpants for men with a pocket for the penis which is attached or formed in the gusset area on the inside of the underpants, wherein the penis pocket has an opening for receiving the penis which is arranged on the upper side of the penis pocket as seen in the direction of wear, wherein the penis pocket is liquid-impermeable in the circumferential direction and downwards as seen in the direction of wear, and wherein a liquid-absorbing core is arranged in the interior of the penis pocket.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Worldwide, 200 million people are affected by incontinence, the body's inability to control the act of defecation (urination), and the number of older people in society is expected to continue to rise. In 2022, sales of incontinence products in Europe alone exceeded €3 billion.

[0006] A distinction can be made between mild, moderate, and severe incontinence. Severe incontinence is characterized by sudden, uncontrolled bladder emptying with urine volumes exceeding 200 mL / 4h. For severe incontinence, highly absorbent aids such as disposable pants or diapers are recommended. Diapers, in particular, offer good leakage protection for those affected.

[0007] Diapers are embarrassing for many people. They are unsightly and reveal the wearer at first glance. Furthermore, due to increased environmental awareness, there is a desire to use reusable alternatives instead of disposable items. One aim of the present invention is therefore to provide an alternative to diapers that is more appealing and contributes to reducing waste. This problem is solved by the present invention.

[0008] Description of the invention

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention relates to reusable incontinence underpants for men with a pocket for the penis which is attached or formed in the gusset area on the inside of the underpants, wherein the penis pocket has an opening for receiving the penis which is arranged on the upper side of the penis pocket as seen in the direction of wear, wherein the penis pocket is liquid-impermeable in the circumferential direction and downwards as seen in the direction of wear, and wherein a liquid-absorbing core (also referred to here as absorbent core) is arranged inside the penis pocket.

[0010] The reusable incontinence underpants are particularly distinguished by their aesthetic appearance, reminiscent of standard men's underpants. Another advantage is their reusability, meaning they are washable at 90°C and can be tumble dried.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the penis pouch can have a liquid-impermeable first layer that is closest to the body. Furthermore, the first layer can comprise a textile layer coated with an adhesive coating material. The coating material can be or comprise an elastomer, preferably silicone. It is further preferred that the elastomer, preferably silicone, is printed onto the textile. Other application methods are also possible. The coating can be applied to the side of the textile layer facing towards the body or the side facing away from the body. In addition, the coating can be flocked. It is further provided that the first layer can comprise a mesh layer. The mesh layer or the textile layer can be closest to the body (when the underpants are worn).A further preferred embodiment of the penis pouch has a fluid-absorbing and / or fluid-wicking second layer, which, together with the first layer, forms the opening for receiving the penis. The second layer can comprise a mesh layer and a fluid-absorbing layer. Preferably, the mesh layer is closer to the body than the fluid-absorbing layer. The fluid-absorbing layer of the first layer can be based on, comprise, or consist of terry cloth, nonwoven fabric, flannel, or polyester.

[0012] Preferred penis pouches further comprise a liquid-impermeable third layer, which, together with the first layer, seals the penis pouch downwards in the circumferential direction and in the wearing direction. The third layer may comprise a textile layer coated with an adhesive coating material. The coating material is preferably as defined above in connection with the first layer. The coating may be applied to the body-facing or the body-facing side of the textile layer. The coating is preferably flocked. Furthermore, the third layer may comprise a mesh layer. The mesh layer may be closer to the body than the textile layer, or vice versa.

[0013] It is further preferred that the third layer comprises a fluid-absorbing layer. The fluid-absorbing layer of the third layer can be closer to the body than the textile layer of the third layer. Preferably, the fluid-absorbing layer of the third layer is based on terry cloth, nonwoven fabric, flannel, or polyester, or comprises or consists of terry cloth, nonwoven fabric, flannel, or polyester.

[0014] A replaceable and / or permanent liquid-absorbing core can be arranged between the second and third layers. In particular, the second layer, together with the third layer, can form a pocket open at the top for inserting (and removing) a (replaceable) liquid-absorbing core. If the liquid-absorbing core is replaceable, it is preferably based on, comprises, or consists of a superabsorbent polymer.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a fourth layer adjoins the side of the third layer facing away from the body. The fourth layer can comprise a textile layer. The fourth layer can form the outermost layer of the underpants.

[0016] To ensure tightness at adjacent layer edges, various measures are conceivable. Some examples are described below. For example, if the penile pouch is formed by two fluid-impermeable layers, e.g., the first layer and the third layer as defined above, the two layers can be sewn together at their lateral and lower edges and, if necessary, sealed with a sealing tape.

[0017] Alternatively, if the penile pouch is formed by two liquid-impermeable layers, preferably the first layer and the third layer as defined above, the two layers can be sealed at their lateral and lower edge regions by folding and sewing and, if necessary, sealing the suture holes by means of a melt film.

[0018] In another alternative, the penile pouch can be formed by a sack-shaped, liquid-impermeable layer.

[0019] The various layers of the layer structure described here can be connected to one another by connections selected from the group of seam connections, adhesive connections and welded connections and combinations thereof, in particular combinations of seam connections and adhesive connections or combinations of seam connections and welded connections.

[0020] Within the scope of the present invention, the concrete design of the penis pocket can vary depending on requirements. For example, the position of the opening of the penis pocket can be adapted to the man's anatomy. Furthermore, the circumference and / or length of the penis pocket can be adapted to the man's anatomy. The circumference and / or length of the penis pocket and / or the circumference and / or length of the pocket for inserting the replaceable absorbent core can be adapted to the volume of fluid to be absorbed (i.e. the severity of the incontinence). In this context, it is provided that the penis pocket and in particular the part forming the pocket for inserting the absorbent core extends into the rear (i.e. buttocks) area of ​​the underpants.

[0021] Furthermore, the opening of the penis pocket can be at the same height as or lower than the opening of the pocket for inserting the absorbent core. The penis pocket can further have, adjacent to the opening, an incision or cutout in the layer closest to the body, preferably in the first layer as defined above. Alternatively, the layer of the penis pocket closest to the body, preferably the first layer as defined above, can be formed by two partially overlapping sections. It is also possible for the penis pocket to be made of a stretchable material. The opening of the pocket for inserting the or a replaceable absorbent core is accessible from the inside of the underpants. The replaceable absorbent core can be reusable (i.e., washable) or disposable.

[0022] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the medical or non-medical use of an incontinence underpants as defined herein for mild, moderate or severe incontinence.

[0023] The manufacture of an incontinence underpants as defined here forms a further aspect of the invention. The manufacture according to the invention comprises:

[0024] Providing an underpants base;

[0025] Making the penis pocket;

[0026] Attach the penis pouch to the gusset area of ​​the underwear base; and, if necessary, apply a sealing tape to the area where the penis pouch is attached to the gusset area.

[0027] Finally, it is noted that any feature described with respect to a particular aspect or embodiment is intended to be combinable with other aspects or embodiments unless the combination is technically pointless or impossible.

[0028] Short description of the drawings

[0029] The inventive concept, non-limiting embodiments and further advantages of the inventive concept will now be described with reference to the drawings in which:

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a front side of a men's incontinence underpants according to the invention turned inside out with a penis pocket 10.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows different designs of penile pouches.

[0032] Fig. 3 shows the front (left) and back (right) of a pair of underpants according to the invention, turned inside out, with a penis pouch. Fig. 4 shows a preferred layered structure of a penis pouch in cross-section.

[0033] Detailed description of the drawings

[0034] The description of the invention is given herein only by way of example and is in no way intended to limit the scope or extent of the invention.

[0035] Fig. 1 shows the front of a pair of men's incontinence underpants 1 according to the invention, turned inside out, with a penis pouch 10 arranged in the gusset area on the inside of the underpants 1. The penis pouch 10 has an opening 12 for receiving the penis, which is arranged on the upper side of the penis pouch 10 as seen in the direction of wear. The penis pouch 10 is liquid-impermeable in the circumferential direction and downwards as seen in the direction of wear (along edge 114). The penis pouch 10 has a liquid-impermeable first layer 110, which is closest to the body. The penis pouch 10 has a first layer 110 and a second layer 120, which are described in more detail in connection with Fig. 4. Fig. 1 also shows an opening 14 for inserting a replaceable absorbent core into the interior of the penis pouch 10.

[0036] Fig. 2 illustrates various configurations of the penile pouch 10, 10a, 10b, 10c in an interior view. Compared to the penile pouch 10 shown in Fig. 1, the penile pouch 10a is formed by two partially overlapping sections. Penile pouch 10b has a cutout in the layer closest to the body. Penile pouch 10c has an incision in the layer closest to the body.

[0037] Fig. 3 shows the front (left) and back (right) of a pair of underpants 1a according to the invention, turned inside out, with a penis pocket 10a. In this example, the length of the pocket for inserting the replaceable absorbent core extends into the rear (i.e., buttocks) area of ​​the underpants. This allows the use of an absorbent core with a higher fluid absorption capacity. The arrow in the right-hand illustration of Fig. 2 indicates that the absorbent core, or another absorbent core, can be inserted from the rear via an opening 16. The opening 16 can be provided in addition to, or instead of, the opening 14.

[0038] Fig. 4 illustrates a preferred layer structure of a penis pouch 10 in cross-section. The penis pouch 10 has three layers 110, 120, and 130 in the direction from the inner side A (body side) to the outer side B, which form the penis pouch 10. A fourth layer 140 represents the outermost layer. The individual layers are described in more detail below. The first layer 110 is liquid-impermeable and borders directly on the wearer's body. It is multi-layered and has a textile layer 115 provided with a liquid-impermeable coating 116. The coating 116 is located on the side of the textile layer 115 facing away from the body. Furthermore, the coating has a flock layer 117 on its side facing away from the body. Furthermore, the first layer 110 has a mesh layer 118, which forms an inner side of the penis pouch 10.

[0039] The second layer 120 is a fluid-absorbing and / or fluid-wicking layer. Together with the first layer 110, it forms the opening 112 for receiving the penis. The second layer 120 has a mesh layer 125 and a fluid-absorbing and / or fluid-wicking layer 126. Preferably, the mesh layer 125 is closer to the body than the layer 126.

[0040] The third layer 130 is liquid-impermeable. Together with the first layer 110, it seals the penis pouch 10 downwards in the circumferential direction and in the wearing direction. The third layer 130 comprises a textile layer 135. The textile layer 135 is coated with a liquid-impermeable coating 136. The coating 136 is located on the side of the textile layer 135 facing away from the body. The coating 136 further comprises a flock layer 137. Furthermore, the third layer 130 comprises a layer 138 (knitted layer and / or a liquid-absorbing layer) that is closer to the body than the textile layer 135.

[0041] A removable and / or permanent absorbent core can be arranged between the second layer 120 and the third layer 130. In particular, the second layer 120, together with the third layer 130, forms a pocket open at the top for inserting an absorbent core. The absorbent core can be inserted through the opening 14.

[0042] A fourth layer 140 adjoins the body-facing side of the third layer 130. The fourth layer 140 may comprise a textile layer. The fourth layer 140 may form the outermost layer of the underpants 1. In the present embodiment, the fourth layer 140 is single-layered.

Claims

Claims 1. Reusable incontinence underpants for men with a pocket for the penis which is attached or formed in the gusset area on the inside of the underpants, wherein the penis pocket has an opening for receiving the penis which is arranged on the upper side of the penis pocket as seen in the direction of wear, wherein the penis pocket is liquid-impermeable in the circumferential direction and downwards as seen in the direction of wear, and wherein a liquid-absorbing core is arranged inside the penis pocket.

2. Incontinence underpants according to claim 1, wherein the penile pouch has a liquid-impermeable first layer.

3. Incontinence underpants according to claim 2, wherein the first layer comprises a textile layer coated with an adhesive coating material, wherein the coating material is or comprises an elastomer.

4. Incontinence underpants according to claim 3, wherein the elastomer is printed on the body-facing or the body-facing side of the textile layer.

5. Incontinence underpants according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first layer comprises a mesh layer, and the mesh layer is closest to the body or the textile layer is closest to the body.

6. Incontinence underpants according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the penis pocket has a fluid-absorbing and / or fluid-transporting second layer which, together with the first layer, forms the opening for receiving the penis.

7. Incontinence underpants according to claim 6, wherein the second layer comprises a mesh layer and a fluid-absorbing layer, and the mesh layer is closer to the body than the fluid-absorbing layer.

8. Incontinence underpants according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the penis pouch has a liquid-impermeable third layer which, together with the first layer, seals the penis pouch downwards in the circumferential direction and in the wearing direction.

9. Incontinence underpants according to claim 8, wherein the third layer comprises a textile layer coated with an adhesive coating material, wherein the coating material is or comprises an elastomer.

10. Incontinence underpants according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the third layer comprises a fluid-absorbing layer, wherein the fluid-absorbing layer of the third layer is closer to the body than the textile layer of the third layer.

11. Incontinence underpants according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein one or more of the following features are met: the second layer together with the third layer forms an upwardly open pocket for inserting a replaceable liquid-absorbing core; a replaceable liquid-absorbing core is arranged between the second and third layers; a permanent liquid-absorbing core is arranged between the second and third layers; the liquid-absorbing core comprises a superabsorbent polymer.

12. Incontinence underpants according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the penile pouch is formed as follows: a) by two liquid-impermeable layers sewn together at the lateral and lower edge regions of the two layers and sealed by a sealing tape; or b) by two liquid-impermeable layers sealed at the lateral and lower edge regions of the two layers by folding over, sewing, and sealing the seam holes with a melt film; or c) by a sack-shaped liquid-impermeable layer.

13. Incontinence underpants according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein one or more of the following features are met: the position of the opening of the penile pouch is adapted to the anatomy of a man; the circumference and length of the penile pouch are adapted to the anatomy of a man; The circumference and length of the penis pocket is adapted to the volume of fluid to be absorbed; the circumference and length of the pocket for inserting the replaceable fluid-absorbing core is adapted to the volume of fluid to be absorbed; the penis pocket extends into the back area of ​​the underpants; the pocket for inserting the fluid-absorbing core extends into the back area of ​​the underpants.

14. Use of an incontinence underpants as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13 for mild, moderate or severe incontinence.

15. A method for producing an incontinence underpants as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising: Providing an underpants base; Producing a circumferentially and downwardly liquid-impermeable penis pocket; and Attach the penis pocket in the gusset area of ​​the underwear base.

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