Liner for men's briefs

Abstract

The invention relates to a liner for men's briefs, having a multilayer structure comprising an inner layer for absorbing body fluid of the wearer and / or for transporting the body fluid away from the wearer; a liquid-impermeable outer layer, which forms a barrier for the body fluid; and a liquid-absorbent core between the inner layer and the outer layer; the liner for men's briefs being anatomically shaped.

Description

[0001] PANTY LINER FOR MEN

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a men's panty liner having a multi-layer structure comprising an inner layer for absorbing body fluid from the wearer and / or transporting the body fluid away from the wearer; a liquid-impermeable outer layer forming a barrier for the body fluid; and a liquid-absorbing absorbent core between the inner layer and the outer layer; wherein the men's panty liner is anatomically shaped.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Worldwide, 200 million people are affected by incontinence, the body's inability to control the act of urination. In 2022, sales of incontinence products in Europe alone exceeded €3 billion. Due to an aging population, the number of affected individuals, and thus the market for incontinence products, will continue to grow.

[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, aids with the highest absorbency, such as disposable panties or diapers, are recommended. Diapers, in particular, offer good leakage protection. Diapers are embarrassing for many sufferers. They are unsightly and reveal the sufferer at first glance. They also generate a significant amount of waste. Reusable incontinence briefs offer an improvement in this situation. A disadvantage of reusable incontinence briefs is usually their limited fluid absorption capacity. Furthermore, the selection is limited, and many manufacturers do not offer such products at all. Therefore, brand-conscious sufferers are often not served at all by the current market situation.In addition, those affected fear that certain manufacturers / brands could be associated with incontinence.

[0007] One aim of the present invention is therefore to provide an alternative to currently known male incontinence products that enhances men's well-being in terms of safety (leakage protection) and aesthetics (no "branding"), and contributes to reducing waste volume. This object is achieved by the present invention.

[0008] Description of the invention

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a men's panty liner with a multi-layer structure comprising a liquid-impermeable outer layer that forms a barrier for body fluid; optionally an inner layer to absorb body fluid from the wearer and / or transport the body fluid away from the wearer; and optionally a liquid-absorbing absorbent core between the inner layer and the outer layer. According to the invention, the men's panty liner (or the multi-layer structure) is anatomically shaped. The anatomical shape makes it possible to arrange the panty liner so that it encloses the penis as completely as possible in a hemispherical shape. In addition, the adaptation of the panty liner to the body shape makes it more difficult for it to slip inside the pants. This ensures a high level of leakage protection.

[0010] The panty liner can be designed as a disposable or reusable item. It is preferably reusable. The panty liner is also preferably washable at 60°C, most preferably at 90°C, and suitable for tumble drying. This makes it possible to reduce waste. Furthermore, tumble drying allows for discreet handling of the panty liner.

[0011] The directional terms "inside" and "outside" refer to the wearer's view. The same applies to the words "top" and "bottom." Accordingly, the inner layer is closer to the wearer's body than the outer layer. For example, the inner layer may be closest to the wearer's body, thus being an innermost layer. The outer layer may be farthest from the wearer's body, thus being an outermost layer. It is also possible that the inner and / or outer layer is / are covered by one or more additional layers.

[0012] The men's panty liner is anatomically shaped. The term "shaped" means that the panty liner itself has the shape in question, thus remaining permanently in place without external forces acting on the panty liner. The word "anatomical" refers to an outwardly curved, essentially hemispherical shape. A particularly preferred shape exists when the men's panty liner has an upper section (e.g., an upper half) and a lower section (e.g., a lower half), and the curvature of the lower section is more pronounced than the curvature of the upper section. This particularly preferred shape is shown in the drawings.

[0013] It is further intended that the preformed shape adapts at least partially to the wearer's specific anatomy. Thus, it is not a rigid shape, such as that created by a hard plastic shell, but rather a shape that is flexible due to external force (especially generated during wear), which essentially reversibly returns to its original state when the force is no longer applied. The preferred behavior within the scope of the invention is comparable to that of (padded) bra cups.

[0014] In one embodiment, the preformed shape is created by sewing the panty liner into place. For example, the outer layer can consist of two vertically divided sections that are sewn together to form the desired shape. The seam can then be sealed to prevent fluid penetration. For example, a sealing tape that is glued over the seam is suitable for this purpose.

[0015] The inner layer and / or the absorbent layer can also be fixed in shape. For this purpose, the sewing method described above is preferably used to achieve the desired shape. The seams do not need to be sealed.

[0016] Another preferred embodiment uses molding as the molding method. In this method, a molten or liquid material is poured into a mold and then cured or cooled. This allows, for example, molten plastic resins to be formed into a desired shape. Applied to the men's panty liner of the present invention, the layered structure preferably comprises a plastic layer that is cured in a mold. The degree of compliance of the mold can be adjusted by the thickness of the plastic layer. An advantage of the aforementioned molding method is that it is possible to produce the mold seamlessly. In this way, it is possible to provide a seamless panty liner. Furthermore, a liquid-impermeable layer can be created by the plastic layer.Compression molding allows the shape of the panty liner to be perfectly adapted to the penis's shape and the natural fit of the underwear. It contributes to the seal against the outside (i.e., against the underwear) and the body, allowing the penis to be held in place in a way that is comfortable and barely noticeable for the user. The shape is retained even after washing at 60°C or 90°C and drying.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the outer layer has a plastic coating on the inside and / or outside of the outer layer. Preferably, the plastic layer borders the outer layer, bonds with it during compression molding, and thus forms a plastic coating. The plastic coating is applied to the outer layer essentially over its entire surface. In this way, an outer, water-impermeable layer is obtained. The plastic layer can be arranged on the inside and / or outside, preferably on the inside, of the outer layer. In contrast to the term "layer," the term "coating" refers to a layer that is firmly connected or adheres to another layer.

[0018] The outer layer preferably comprises at least one textile layer coated with the plastic coating. A preferred plastic coating is formed from an elastomer, preferably silicone. The coating can be applied to the body-facing (inner) or the body-facing (outer) side of the textile layer.

[0019] The outer layer preferably comprises two textile layers and an intermediate plastic layer. During compression molding, the plastic layer can bond with the two textile layers and solidify into the desired shape.

[0020] The inner layer can be made of terry cloth, fleece, molleton or polyester.

[0021] The men's panty liner has a multi-layer structure. Preferred multi-layer structures are as follows (from outside to inside):

[0022] (i) Outer layer: plastic coating - textile layer;

[0023] (ii) Outer layer: textile layer - plastic coating;

[0024] (iii) Outer layer: textile layer – plastic layer – textile layer;

[0025] (iv) Outer layer as in (i), (ii) or (iii) - Inner layer: textile layer;

[0026] (v) Outer layer as in (i), (ii) or (iii) - Absorbent core (fixed or removable) - Inner layer: textile layer. For the aforementioned structures, the shape can be achieved by sewing (all), compression molding (e.g., in (iii), (vi) and (v)), or applying the plastic coating (e.g., 3D printing or spraying) (e.g., in (i), (ii), (vi) and (v)).

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, a sealing section connects the outer layer and the inner layer to one another along the circumference of the men's panty liner. The sealing section is intended to prevent fluid from collecting at the edges of the men's panty liner and leaking over the edges. It is therefore liquid-impermeable. The sealing section can be a standalone sealing strip that is connected (e.g., glued) to the outer layer, folded over the peripheral edge of the men's panty liner, and connected (e.g., glued) to the inner layer. Preferably, the sealing section is part of the outer layer, extends beyond the peripheral edge, is folded over the peripheral edge of the men's panty liner, and is connected (e.g., glued) to the inner layer.

[0028] In a specific embodiment, the outer layer has a plastic coating on its inner side and at least one anti-slip coating on its outer side. The anti-slip coating can be applied to the entire outer surface or in discrete sections and / or intervals. The anti-slip coating can create an attractive pattern on the outer side of the panty liner. Examples of such patterns include straight or wavy stripes in horizontal or vertical alignment, dot-shaped or conceptual patterns. The anti-slip coating can be made of the same materials as the plastic coating, preferably silicone. Furthermore, the anti-slip coating can be flocked. The anti-slip coating makes it more difficult for the panty liner to slip inside the pants.

[0029] A preferred embodiment of the men's panty liner according to the invention has a pocket for the penis on its inside. The pocket for the penis is attached or formed on the inside of the panty liner. It is open at the top in order to receive the penis into the pocket through the opening. The penis pocket can extend substantially over the entire length and / or width of the panty liner. The penis pocket preferably extends longitudinally from a lower edge region to a central region of the panty liner. In the transverse direction, the penis pocket preferably extends from one lateral edge region to the opposite lateral edge region of the panty liner. The penis pocket is preferably provided in panty liners for moderate to severe incontinence.

[0030] The term "edge region" refers to a region that is at most 1 cm, preferably at most 0.8 cm, more preferably at most 0.6 cm, from the peripheral edge. The term "central region" refers to a region that is at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, and at most 70%, preferably at most 60%, more preferably at most 50%, of the total length of the panty liner from the bottom edge of the panty liner.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the penile pouch is impermeable to liquids on its inner side, and the inner side is connected to the outer layer in a liquid-tight manner. The penile pouch can be formed by the inner layer and another, innermost layer. The innermost layer can be impermeable to water. Furthermore, the innermost layer can be connected to the outer layer in a liquid-tight manner. Even in the event of severe fluid loss, i.e., when the fluid removal is slower than the fluid loss, no fluid can leak out.

[0032] An absorbent core, i.e., a fluid-absorbing and fluid-storing core, is arranged between the inner and outer layers. This can be a permanently integrated or removable absorbent core. In the case of a removable absorbent core, the inner layer together with the outer layer can form a pocket open at the top for inserting (and removing) a removable absorbent core. The opening of the pocket for inserting the removable absorbent core(s) is accessible from the inside of the panty liner.

[0033] If the absorbent core is replaceable, a distinction can be made between disposable and reusable absorbent cores. Disposable absorbent cores are preferably made of a superabsorbent polymer. Alternatively, the disposable absorbent core can be made of compostable material or a material that can be flushed down the toilet.

[0034] The various layers of the layered structure described here can be connected to one another by joints selected from the group consisting of seam joints, adhesive joints, and welded joints, and combinations thereof, in particular combinations of seam joints and adhesive joints or combinations of seam joints and welded joints. To ensure the tightness of the seams, the seam holes can be sealed using a sealing tape and / or a melt film.

[0035] Within the scope of the present invention, the specific design of the penile pouch can vary depending on requirements. For example, the position of the opening of the penile pouch can be adapted to the man's anatomy. Furthermore, the circumference and / or length of the penile pouch can be adapted to the man's anatomy. The circumference and / or length of the penile pouch 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). Furthermore, the opening of the penile pouch can be at the same height as, or preferably lower than, the opening of the pocket for inserting the absorbent core. Furthermore, the penile pouch can have an incision or cutout next to the opening in the innermost layer closest to the body. Alternatively, the innermost layer of the penile pouch can be formed by two partially overlapping sections.It is also possible that the penis pouch, and especially the innermost layer, is made of a stretchable material.

[0036] The dimensions and specific design of the panty liner can also be adapted to the degree of incontinence. For mild incontinence, it is sufficient for the panty liner to be small and / or for the absorbent core to have a low absorbency, i.e., a thin layer. For moderate or severe incontinence, the panty liner can extend to the waistband area at the front and / or back, and / or for the absorbent core to have a high absorbency.

[0037] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the medical or non-medical use of a men's panty liner as defined herein for mild, moderate or severe incontinence.

[0038] Short description of the drawings

[0039] The inventive concept, non-limiting embodiments and further advantages of the inventive concept will now be described with reference to the drawings in which:

[0040] Fig. 1 shows schematic layer structures of men's panty liners.

[0041] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a men's panty liner formed by compression molding.

[0042] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a men's panty liner whose shape has been fixed by sewing and whose seam has been sealed by a sealing tape.

[0043] Fig. 4 shows perspective views of men's panty liners with anti-slip coatings on the outside.

[0044] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a men's panty liner from the inside.

[0045] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a men's panty liner with a penis pocket.

[0046] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a men's panty liner with a penis pocket and a pocket for a replaceable absorbent core. Detailed description of the drawings

[0047] 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.

[0048] Fig. 1 schematically shows layered structures of men's panty liners according to the invention. In Fig. 1a, the men's panty liner is three-layered and comprises an inner layer 10, an outer layer 30, and an absorbent core 20 located between them. The inner layer 10 serves to absorb body fluid from the wearer and / or transport the body fluid away from the wearer. The outer layer 30 is impermeable to liquid and forms a barrier for body fluid. The absorbent core 20 is designed to be liquid-absorbent.

[0049] According to Fig. 1 b, the men's panty liner is two-layered and has an inner layer 10 and an outer layer 30. The inner layer 10 serves to absorb body fluid from the wearer and / or transport the body fluid away from the wearer. The outer layer 30 is liquid-impermeable and forms a barrier for body fluid. In the example of Fig. 1 c, the panty liner consists only of the outer layer, which is liquid-impermeable and forms a barrier for body fluid. The men's panty liners of Fig. 1 bc are suitable for very mild incontinence or can be combined with a conventional panty liner that is inserted into the layer structure according to the invention.

[0050] Fig. 1 df shows examples of layer structures for the outer layer 30. Fig. 1 d shows a preferred layer structure for the outer layer 30, which comprises two textile layers 34 and an intermediate plastic layer 36. During compression molding, the plastic layer can bond to the two textile layers and solidify into the desired shape. It is also possible for the outer layer 30 to have an outer plastic coating 36 and a textile layer 34 (Fig. 1 e) or an inner plastic coating 36 and a textile layer 34 (Fig. 1 f). Each of the basic structures shown in Fig. 1 ac can have a structure for the outer layer 30 as shown in Fig. 1 df.

[0051] Fig. 2 shows the outside of a men's panty liner 1. The panty liner 1 is formed by compression molding and maintains its shape seamlessly. The outer layer 30 is folded over the peripheral edge (towards the rear in the perspective shown) and connected to the inner layer 10 by means of a seam 32. The men's panty liner 1 (or the multi-layer structure) is anatomically shaped. The anatomical shape makes it possible to arrange the panty liner 1 so that it encloses the penis as completely as possible in a hemispherical shape. Fig. 3 shows the outside of a men's panty liner 1a. In contrast to the men's panty liner 1, the panty liner 1a maintains its anatomical shape by being sewn accordingly. The seam was then taped with a sealing tape 12. Otherwise, the panty liner 1a corresponds to the panty liner 1.

[0052] Fig. 4 shows men's panty liners 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e with exemplary shapes / patterns on their outer surfaces. Men's panty liner 1b has wave-shaped, horizontally running silicone stripes as an anti-slip coating. Men's panty liner 1c has straight, vertically running silicone stripes as an anti-slip coating. Men's panty liner 1d has dot-shaped silicone elements as an anti-slip coating. Men's panty liner 1e has lettering (e.g., the brand name) made of silicone as an anti-slip coating. Otherwise, the men's panty liners 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e can correspond to panty liner 1.

[0053] Fig. 5 shows the interior view of the men's panty liner 1. In this example, the inner layer 10 is sewn to support the anatomical shape. The outer layer 30 extends to the inside of the panty liner 1. It is folded over the peripheral edge and sewn and / or glued to the inner layer 10.

[0054] Fig. 6 shows the interior view of a men's panty liner 1f with a penis pocket 50. The penis pocket is formed by the inner layer 10 and an innermost layer 40. The innermost layer 40 can be liquid-impermeable. Otherwise, the men's panty liner 1f can correspond to the panty liner 1.

[0055] Fig. 7 shows the interior view of a men's panty liner 1g with a penis pocket 50 and a pocket 60 for a replaceable absorbent core 20. The penis pocket is formed by an inner layer 10 and an innermost layer 40. The innermost layer 40 can be liquid-impermeable. The pocket 60 for the absorbent core 20 is formed by an outer layer 30 and the inner layer 10. Otherwise, the men's panty liner 1g can correspond to the panty liner 1.

Claims

Claims 1 . A men's panty liner having a multi-layer structure comprising a liquid-impermeable outer layer forming a barrier to body fluid; optionally, an inner layer for absorbing body fluid from the wearer and / or transporting the body fluid away from the wearer; optionally, a liquid-absorbing absorbent core between the inner layer and the outer layer; wherein the men's panty liner is anatomically shaped to enclose the penis as completely as possible in a hemispherical shape.

2. Men's panty liner according to claim 1, wherein the anatomical shape was created by sewing or wherein the anatomical shape was created by compression molding and / or seamlessly.

3. A men's panty liner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer layer has a plastic coating on the inside and / or the outside of the outer layer, preferably wherein the outer layer has two fabric layers and a plastic coating therebetween.

4. A men's panty liner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a sealing portion connects the outer layer and the inner layer to each other along the circumference of the men's panty liner.

5. A men's panty liner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outer layer has a plastic coating on its inner side and at least one anti-slip coating on its outer side.

6. A men's panty liner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the men's panty liner has a pocket for the penis on its inner side.

7. A men's panty liner according to claim 6, wherein the penis pocket is liquid-impermeable on its inner side and the inner side is connected to the outer layer in a liquid-tight manner.

8. Men's panty liner according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the absorbent core is permanently integrated or replaceable.

9. A men's panty liner according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the inner layer together with the outer layer forms an upwardly open pocket for changing the absorbent core.

10. A men's panty liner according to claim 9, wherein the replaceable absorbent core is formed from a superabsorbent polymer.

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