High-protection menstrual panties with removable lining

Abstract

Menstrual underwear (1) made of fabric comprising a front (2), a seat (3), a back (4), side panels (5) and a gusset (6) located at the crotch, a lining being removablely placed at the crotch, the lining comprising a first waterproof side placed in contact with the crotch fabric, the lining comprising an opposite permeable side, the lining having a central part, a front part and a back part, the central part being narrower than the front and back parts, the front part comprising an extreme front edge, the back part comprising an extreme rear edge, the lining being washable, the extreme front edge being rounded, the extreme rear edge being pointed. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: High protection menstrual panties with removable lining Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to menstrual panties, intended to be used during menstruation, in order to absorb menstruation (or menstrual flow), or to be used outside of menstruation, in particular in the case of leukorrhea or light urinary leaks.

[0002] By panties we mean here an undergarment, in which each of the legs is inserted separately. By menstrual we mean here that which relates to menstruation, the menstrual cycle, menstruation. Menstrual panties are also called period panties.

[0003] Menstruation here refers to a biological phenomenon observed in non-pregnant women, from menarche to menopause, characterized by a cyclical discharge of uterine origin, the discharge being essentially composed of blood, and corresponding to the evacuation of the endometrium.

[0004] Menstruation lasts for a variable period, ranging from a few days to two weeks, and the flow varies in intensity from one person to another.

[0005] According to a 2007 Inserm study (ISBN 978-2-85598-861-6), the average age of menarche is 12 years in Europe, a decrease over the last century. The time of menarche, known as menarche, occurs approximately two years after the onset of puberty, with the onset occurring between the ages of 8 and 13. Menopause most often occurs around the age of 50 in Europe and the United States (Palacio et al., DOI: 10.3109 / 13697137.2010.507886).

[0006] Menstruation is still a taboo subject, or a source of disgust, sometimes of mockery, with a strong demand for means to conceal it. Advertisements for period protection (or menstrual protection, intimate protection) often promise women comfort, discretion, freedom, security, cleanliness, for example when practicing a sport. State of the art

[0007] There are two categories of periodic protection on the market: external protection and internal protection.

[0008] Internal periodic protections are placed in the vagina, and are available in various designs: single-use disposable hygienic tampons, or washable and reusable, menstrual cups, reusable menstrual sponges.

[0009] External sanitary protections are worn against the vulva, inside a panties and are available in various designs: single-use disposable sanitary towels or panty liners, washable and reusable sanitary towels or panty liners, interlabial petals, menstrual panties.

[0010] Internal period protections present a rare risk of menstrual toxic shock, which can lead to serious consequences. According to an ANSES report from December 2019 (referral no. 2016-SA-0108), external period protections have never been implicated in menstrual toxic shock.

[0011] Single-use period protections (tampons, sanitary towels or disposable panty liners) are the most widely used protections throughout the world, and are notably offered by the companies Procter & Gamble (Tampax®, Always ® brands), Johnson & Johnson (Vania ®, Nett ®, OB® brands), Essity (Nana® brand), Kimberley-Clark (Kotex® brand).

[0012] However, single-use sanitary protection causes significant environmental problems and involves significant expenses.

[0013] As indicated in a report from the National Assembly of February 2020 (information report n°2691f), the average cost of menstruation over a month is estimated at 10 euros, or a cost of 4,500 euros for a menstruating life. This same report indicates that on a global scale, it is estimated that 45 billion sanitary towels are thrown away each year, the degradation of these products can take more than 500 years, with no recycling channel for these products existing in France.

[0014] In an analysis published in April 2022, Blair et al. (An exploratory study of the impact and potential of menstrual hygiene management waste in the UK, Cleaner Engineering and Technology, April 2022, doi.org / 10.1016 / j.clel.2022.100435) estimate that 28,114 tonnes of single-use sanitary products are disposed of each year in the UK, either down the toilet or into waste containers. When flushed down the toilet, sanitary products can clog drains. When disposed of in waste containers, sanitary products can be incinerated, generating greenhouse gases, or taken to landfill, as the degradation of these products is very slow.

[0015] The use of washable and reusable period protections such as menstrual panties, a sanitary towel or a washable and reusable panty liner or a menstrual cup could help to overcome the environmental problems presented above.

[0016] However, the washable and reusable period protections currently on the market have several drawbacks.

[0017] A first disadvantage is that this type of periodic protection requires access to a water point, to rinse or clean a menstrual cup for example, and this in private.

[0018] A second disadvantage is that this type of periodic protection is not usually suitable for heavy blood flows, internal periodic protection should in particular be used in addition to menstrual panties, when periods are heavy.

[0019] A third disadvantage is the difficulty of changing menstrual protection during the day, for example in a public place or outdoors. A person who needs to change menstrual panties is obliged to remove their shoes and the bottom of their clothes (tights, trousers, shorts, etc.) in order to be able to remove the menstrual panties and put on clean menstrual panties.

[0020] A fourth disadvantage is the price. Menstrual panties are sold at prices most often varying between 20 and 40 euros, and it is sometimes necessary to have several menstrual panties for one day of menstruation and several menstrual panties to cover the entire duration of the period. In France, 1.7 million young girls and women have a standard of living that does not allow them to access the necessary menstrual protection. To combat this menstrual insecurity, reusable period protection will be reimbursed in France by Social Security, from 2024, for women under 25 years old.

[0021] Examples of menstrual panties can be found in the following documents: US2022387229 (Procter & Gamble, 2022), WO2022235734 (Procter & Gamble, 2023), WO2022115851 (Jockey, 2022), US2022142827 (Mast Industries, 2022), WO2021168513 (Hanes Innerwear, 2021), WO2021257900 (Thinx, 2021), WO2021155397 (Procter & Gamble, 2021), WO2021025615 (Mas Innovation, 2021).

[0022] Document US2022096286 (Medline, 2022) describes a reusable undergarment made of cotton, nylon, or polyester. The crotch of the undergarment comprises a moisture-impermeable lining made of polyethylene and a disposable lining made in the form of a multi-layer, comprising a moisture-permeable inner layer, an absorbent layer, and a waterproof layer.

[0023] The underwear described in document US2022096286 has several drawbacks.

[0024] First, the liners placed in the crotch are disposable, with the resulting costs and environmental impacts.

[0025] Secondly, the liners to be placed in the crotch have a conventional shape, with two rounded end edges or two straight end edges, and a central area narrower than the front and back parts. The liners cannot be adapted to different types of underwear such as, for example, hipster or bikini panties. By hipster panties we mean here low-waisted panties, revealing the lower abdomen and the upper buttocks.

[0026] An object of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing menstrual panties, or period panties, which are washable and reusable, the menstrual panties comprising a washable, reusable sanitary napkin, and designed to be placed removably over low-rise or high-rise, high-cut or high-rise panties.

[0027] Another object of the invention is to provide such menstrual panties, in which the washable and reusable sanitary napkin is held firmly to the panties, the means for holding the napkin to the panties causing no discomfort when worn.

[0028] Another object of the invention is to provide a pair of panties meeting one of the above objects, and whose life cycle ensures a low impact on the environment.

[0029] Another object of the invention is to provide panties meeting at least one of the above objects, and which can be used by young girls and women, during menstruation (or menstrual flow), or be used outside of menstruation, in particular in the case of leucorrhea or light urinary leaks, or even be used by men in the case of light urinary leaks.

[0030] For these purposes, there is provided, according to a first aspect, a menstrual panty made of fabric comprising a front, a bottom, a back, side panels and a gusset located at the crotch, a lining being removably placed at the crotch, the lining comprising a first impermeable face placed in contact with the fabric of the crotch, the lining comprising an opposite permeable face, the lining having a central portion, a front portion and a rear portion, the central portion being of a width less than the front and rear portions, the front portion comprising a front extreme edge, the rear portion comprising a rear extreme edge, the lining being washable, the front extreme edge being rounded, the rear extreme edge being pointed.

[0031] By pointed is meant here the fact that the rearmost edge is not rectilinear and does not have a substantially constant radius of curvature. By pointed is meant here in particular the fact that the rearmost edge has a general V shape. Advantageously, the rearmost edge is in the form of a blunt point, and does not have an end that could injure the person wearing the panties.

[0032] The shape of the liner with a rounded front extreme edge and a pointed rear extreme edge has many advantages.

[0033] The rounded front end, designed to be placed opposite the vulva and lower abdomen, is not offensive. In the event of accidental movement of the lining, the risks of discomfort and irritation are thus reduced.

[0034] The extreme rear edge, which is pointed, advantageously V-shaped, rises quite high on the back of the panties and thus provides very covering protection on the crotch.

[0035] The pointed rear edge further facilitates the placement of the lining on panties of different shapes, high-waisted or low-waisted, for example, bikini or hipster type.

[0036] Advantageously, the menstrual panties comprise means for holding the lining at the crotch, in at least two distinct locations, a first location in which the front extreme edge is at a first height on the front of the panties, and a second location in which the front extreme edge is at a second height on the front of the panties, the second height being greater than the first height.

[0037] The lining can thus be positioned in a location ensuring its discreet presence, depending on the shape of the panties, in particular when the panties are low-waisted.

[0038] The liner can also be positioned depending on the planned activities. For example, the liner can be positioned further back on the menstrual panties, for a person sleeping on their back.

[0039] According to various implementations, the holding means are chosen from the group comprising hook and loop strip type means, for example of the Velcro® type, press studs, or slots for inserting the extreme edges of the lining into the fabric of the panties.

[0040] Advantageously, the lining comprises an absorbent layer made of a material chosen from cotton, cellulosic viscose, bamboo.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the lining comprises, to form the first waterproof face, a sheet of polymer material, advantageously a polyester fabric coated with polyurethane.

[0042] Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear in the light of the description of embodiments, given below with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0043] [Fig-1] is a view of menstrual panties according to one embodiment, the panties being view of its front part, and laid flat;

[0044] [Fig.2] is a view of the menstrual panties of [Fig.l], the panties being seen from their rear part, and laid flat;

[0045] [Fig.3] is a view of the crotch of menstrual panties, according to one embodiment;

[0046] [Fig.4] is a view of a menstrual panty worn by a person, in front view and in rear view, the maximum width of the liner placed in the panty appearing in the figure, the front and rear edges of three sizes of liner that can be placed in the panty being made apparent in the figure;

[0047] [Fig.5] is a view similar to [Fig.4], the menstrual panties being more indented than the panties of [Fig.l], the edges of the panties of [Fig.l] being left visible end of comparison;

[0048] [Fig.6] is a view similar to [Fig.4], the menstrual panties being higher than the panties of [Fig.l], the edges of the panties of [Fig.l] being left visible for comparison purposes;

[0049] [Fig.7] is a view similar to [Fig.4], the menstrual panties being of the hipster type, the edges of the panties in [Fig.l] being left visible for comparison purposes;

[0050] [Fig.8] is a view similar to [Fig.4], the menstrual panties being of the bikini type, the edges of the panties in [Fig.l] being left visible for comparison purposes;

[0051] [Fig.9] is a plan view of a liner that can be placed in menstrual panties of Figures 1 to 8.

[0052] In the remainder of this description, the term panties designates an undergarment (undergarment), into which each of the legs is inserted separately. The undergarment is held at the waist, for example by elastic means, and covers the lower part of the torso, more or less envelops the top of each thigh or has two openings for the legs.

[0053] We first refer to Figures 1 and 2.

[0054] The menstrual panties 1 shown in figures 1 and 2 comprise a front 2, a bottom 3, a back 4, side inserts 5 and a gusset 6 located at the crotch.

[0055] The term “gusset” here means a pocket, advantageously made of cotton, protecting the intimate area from the friction of the panties. As will appear in the remainder of this description, the gusset 6 advantageously makes it possible to hold a lining 13.

[0056] The shape of the menstrual panties 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is that of a classic panty. As will appear in the remainder of this description, the menstrual panties according to the invention are not limited to classic panties, and may be low-cut panties, low-waisted panties, bikinis, or boyshorts.

[0057] A lining is attached, in a removable manner, to the crotch.

[0058] The menstrual panty 1 is notably manufactured by assembling a front part and a rear part, for example by two side seams.

[0059] According to various implementations, the menstrual panty 1 is formed from at least one fabric body made of cotton, nylon, polyester, polyamide such as Tactel®, Meryl®. Tactel provides a feel close to that of cotton, without the drawbacks linked to its fragility and drying time.

[0060] The menstrual panties 1 comprise in the upper part a size 10 opening, the perimeter of which is substantially equal to that of the pelvis of the person wearing the menstrual panties 1.

[0061] The menstrual panties 1 have two leg openings 11, 12 in the lower part. The leg openings 11, 12 are symmetrical with respect to a plane passing through the middle of the size 10 opening.

[0062] The gusset 6 located at the crotch of the menstrual panties 1 extends between a portion of the edge of each leg opening 11, 12.

[0063] In some embodiments, an elastic 20 is secured along the size 10 opening, for example by zigzag stitches.

[0064] A lace ribbon 21 is advantageously placed at the edge of the size 10 opening. Alternatively, a fabric ribbon of a different color from that of the rest of the menstrual panties 1 is attached to the edge of the size 10 opening.

[0065] In some embodiments, an elastic is secured along each of the leg openings 11, 12, for example by zigzag stitches, reinforcing the protection against leaks along the leg openings 11, 12, and allowing better support of the panties 1 at the leg openings 11, 12.

[0066] In some implementations, not shown, a lace ribbon is advantageously placed at the edge of each leg opening. Alternatively, a fabric ribbon of a different color than the rest of the menstrual panty is attached to the edge of each leg opening.

[0067] For assembling the lace or fabric ribbons on the body of the menstrual panties, a sewing thread of the same or similar color as the fabric body is advantageously used, or even a transparent sewing thread.

[0068] The lining 13 ([Fig.9]) attached to the crotch advantageously comprises a first impermeable face placed in contact with the fabric of the crotch of the menstrual panties 1, the lining comprising an opposite permeable face.

[0069] The waterproof face of the lining 13 is advantageously formed from a polyester fabric coated with polyurethane, for example by coating. Alternatively, the waterproof face of the lining is formed from a hydrophobic technical fabric based on polyurethane. Advantageously, the technical fabric is chosen so as to be breathable for the skin of the human body.

[0070] The permeable opposite face of the lining 13 is advantageously formed by a sheet of draining fabric material, for example polyester, with an average weight of the order of 130g / m2, and more advantageously cotton, with an average weight of the order of 145g / m2. The use of cotton, advantageously organic cotton, makes it possible to reduce the risks of irritation and allergies.

[0071] The lining 13 comprises an absorbent layer, extending between the impermeable face and the opposite permeable face. According to various embodiments, the absorbent layer is made of flannel cotton, terry cotton, or even micro-terry made of cellulose fiber.

[0072] We now refer to [Fig.3] and [Fig.9].

[0073] In [Fig. 3] is shown the crotch of a menstrual panty 1, the dashed lines showing the position of the front extreme edge 30 of the front part 31 and the position of the rearmost edge 32 of the rear part 33 of the lining 13. The terms front and rear are used here in reference to the position of the lining 13 at the crotch of the menstrual panties 1. The front part 31 of the lining 13 is intended to come to the front of the menstrual panties 1, opposite the vulva. The rear part 33 of the lining 13 is intended to come opposite the gluteal crease.

[0074] The lining 13 is advantageously washable, in a machine or by hand, preferably with lukewarm or cold water.

[0075] The front extreme edge 30 of the lining 13 is rounded, in particular in the shape of an arc of a circle or an arc of an ellipse.

[0076] The rearmost edge 32 of the lining 13 is pointed, here in the shape of a V.

[0077] The lining 13 comprises a central part 34 of width less than the width of the front part 31 and the rear part 33. In the embodiment shown in [Fig.9], the lining 13 is provided with a plane of symmetry passing halfway across the width of the lining.

[0078] The lining 13 comprises, between the front extreme edge 30 and the rear extreme edge 32, two lateral edges 35, 36 coming respectively substantially opposite the edges of each of the two leg openings 11, 12, when the lining 13 is placed at the crotch.

[0079] Advantageously, a set comprising menstrual panties 1 and a set of liners 13 is delivered, the liners 13 being identical or of different sizes.

[0080] The provision of liners 13 of different sizes is for example proposed for the use of the panties 1 during menstruation with high variation in flow, or when the liner 13 must be left in place for varying durations. For example, a large size liner will be put in place during the night or when the person wishes effective protection during a long period of activity, or in the event of heavy periods.

[0081] The lining 13 is advantageously removable, and is not permanently fixed, for example by sewing, to the fabric of the menstrual panties 1.

[0082] The menstrual panties 1 comprise means for holding the lining 13 at the crotch, in at least two distinct locations, a first location in which the front extreme edge 30 is at a first height on the front of the panties 1, and a second location in which the front extreme edge 30 is at a second height on the front of the panties 1, the second height being greater than the first height.

[0083] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.3], the menstrual panties 1 comprise means for holding a lining 13 at the crotch, the lining 13 having three different sizes.

[0084] The holding means are advantageously chosen from the group comprising hook and loop strip type means, in particular Velcro®, snap fasteners, or even slots for inserting the extreme edges 30, 32 of the lining 13 into the fabric of the menstrual panties 1, for example in gusset type pockets.

[0085] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.3], the gusset 6 located at the crotch of the menstrual panties 1 comprises three front slits 40, 41, 42 for inserting the front extreme edge 30 of a lining 13, and three rear slits 43, 44, 45 for inserting the rear extreme edge 32 of a lining 13. Nine sizes are thus possible for placing a lining 13 at the crotch of the menstrual panties.

[0086] In some implementations, more than three liners 13 of different sizes are delivered with the menstrual panties 1, offering a high number of possibilities for the positioning of a liner at the crotch, the position of the liner being adapted to the activity planned for the person, and the size of the liner (and its absorption capacity) being adapted to the activity planned for the person or to the desire for high or, on the contrary, moderate protection, depending on the estimated flows.

[0087] We now refer to Figures 4 to 8.

[0088] In [Fig. 4] is shown a menstrual panty of the type shown in figures 1 and 2, worn by a person, in front view and in rear view, the maximum width of the lining 13 placed in the panty appearing in [Fig. 4], the front 30 and rear 32 edges of the lining 13 according to different sizes which can be placed in the panty 1 being made apparent in [Fig. 4].

[0089] The applicant noted that women's underwear has the particularity of having a bottom whose shape and dimensions are substantially identical, up to a certain height at the front and back of the panties.

[0090] Taking advantage of this observation, the applicant proposes to fix a lining 13 in the crotch of menstrual panties, this lining 13 being advantageously placed in a removable manner in the crotch of menstrual panties 1, thanks to the gusset 6, these panties being able to be of very varied shapes, examples being presented in figures 4 to 8: classic shape ([Fig.4]), low-cut panties ([Fig.5]), high-waisted panties ([Fig.6]), hipsters ([Fig.7]), bikini ([Fig.8]).

[0091] The pointed shape of the rearmost edge 32 of the lining 13 makes it possible to provide protection that can rise very high towards the rear of the menstrual panties 1.

[0092] The menstrual panties according to the invention have numerous advantages.

[0093] Washable, advantageously machine washable, and reusable, the menstrual panties according to the invention offer different positions of lining at the crotch, and allow protection adapted to the needs of young girls and women, during their activities, in particular at work or during leisure time or during the night.

[0094] The extreme rear edge in a point, advantageously in the shape of a V, rises quite high on the back of the panties and thus ensures very covering protection on the crotch. The extreme pointed back edge also makes it easier to put the liner on panties of different shapes, high or low waist, for example bikini or hipster type. Menstrual panties can therefore be offered in a wide range, suitable for different preferences and all ages.

[0095] The provision of liners of identical or different sizes with menstrual panties allows adaptation to needs, at a reduced cost compared to menstrual panties currently marketed, in which the crotch incorporates a permanently fixed absorbent means. The choice of a liner size and a positioning of the liner in the crotch allows adaptation to the activities of the person, and to high blood volumes.

[0096] The person does not have to remove their shoes and stockings (tights, pants, shorts) to change the used lining and place a clean lining.

[0097] The use of bio-sourced materials (organic cotton, bamboo) for manufacturing reduces the carbon footprint and improves the life cycle of menstrual panties.

Claims

Claims

1. Menstrual panties (1) made of fabric comprising a front (2), a bottom (3), a back (4), side panels (5) and a gusset (6) located at the crotch, a lining (13) being removably placed at the crotch, the lining (13) comprising a first impermeable face placed in contact with the fabric of the crotch, the lining (13) comprising an opposite permeable face, the lining (13) having a central portion (34), a front portion (31) and a rear portion (33), the central portion (34) being of a width smaller than the front (31) and rear (33) portions, the front portion (31) comprising a front end edge (30), the rear portion (33) comprising a rear end edge (32), characterized in that the lining (13) is washable, the front end edge (30) being rounded, the rear end edge (32) being pointed.

2. Menstrual panties (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for holding the lining (13) at the crotch, in at least two distinct locations, a first location in which the front extreme edge (30) is at a first height on the front of the panties (1), and a second location in which the front extreme edge (30) is at a second height on the front of the panties (1), the second height being greater than the first height.

3. Menstrual panties (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the holding means are chosen from the group comprising hook and loop strip type means, press studs, slots for inserting the extreme edges of the lining into the fabric of the panties.

4. Menstrual panties (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lining (13) comprises an absorbent layer made of a material chosen from cotton, cellulosic viscose, bamboo.

5. Menstrual panties (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lining (13) comprises, to form the first impermeable face, a sheet of polymer material, advantageously a polyester fabric coated with polyurethane.

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