Male contraceptive underwear
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-02-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing male contraceptive underwear designs are complex, uncomfortable, and lack optimal support and adjustability, leading to discomfort and inefficiency in maintaining testicular temperature for effective sperm reduction.
A male contraceptive underwear design featuring a fabric with variable mesh elasticity and no elastic bands, utilizing 3D knitting technology to create a panty-like structure with a central orifice and annular support, ensuring even pressure distribution and temperature increase by body heat.
The underwear effectively raises testicular temperature by 1-2°C, reducing sperm production without discomfort or external heating, offering a reversible and hormone-free contraceptive method.
Smart Images
Figure 00000011_0000 
Figure 00000011_0001 
Figure 00000011_0002
Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Male contraceptive underwear Field of invention
[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of so-called male thermal contraception. The thermal method consists of slightly increasing the temperature of the testicles using body heat using suitable underwear, thus preventing spermatogenesis from occurring. This is a reversible method, effective provided that the underwear provided for this purpose is worn daily for a sufficiently long period.
[0002] The effectiveness of the contraception appears approximately three months after the start of wearing the underwear and is maintained over time if there is no forgetfulness for more than 12 hours.
[0003] Contraception methods consist of creating constraints on the body to prevent the spontaneous phenomenon of procreation. For the moment, these constraints rest mainly on women.
[0004] While females have a monthly cycle of ovarian production, males have a quarterly cycle of sperm production. Thus, each male contraceptive is effective after 3 months (except in the case of condom use).
[0005] At the embryonic stage the testicles (right and left) are located in the abdomen (approximately 37°C), at the level of the inguinal canals (right and left). The testicles (right and left) descend towards the scrotum shortly before or after birth in their low position, outside the body (approximately 35°C). If the testicles are artificially replaced and maintained in their original or normal position, i.e. inside the body (approximately 37°C), their temperature increases by 1 to 2°C, which slows down spermatogenesis (or even blocks it) temporarily. This is the method of thermal testicular contraception by artificial cryptorchidism, more commonly called Thermal Male Contraception (TMC).
[0006] This method of testicular contraception allows, in the majority of cases, to go from a sperm concentration ranging from 50 to 150 million / ml of sperm in normal times, to less than 1 million / ml of sperm, after 3 months of wearing a testicular ascent contraceptive device while respecting the established protocol, namely keeping the testicles in the inguinal canals for 15 hours / day (rather during the daytime hours). According to the WHO, a person with testicles, whose sperm count is less than 15 million spermatozoa / ml of sperm is already considered to be infertile. This contraception is therefore effective, and this effectiveness can be verified by regular spermograms. State of the art
[0007] Various solutions are known in the state of the art; in particular, patent application EP3678615 which relates to a male contraceptive underwear comprising, on the front face, an orifice for extracting the penis and scrotum and at least two longitudinal elastic bands for holding the testicles at the entrance to the inguinal canals, located on either side of said orifice, each being intended to exert pressure, respectively on a left inguinal passage and a right inguinal passage. According to the invention, such an underwear further comprises, at the crotch, a complementary longitudinal support band, called a scrotal band, a first end of which is located at the level of said orifice and a second end of which is located generally in the middle of the crotch.
[0008] Patent application US20100300453A1 is also known, describing a prophylactic underwear system comprising: • a flexible outer shell having front, rear and side aspects defining an undergarment with a flexible waistband; • the front aspect, comprising two outer panels, positioned equidistantly and centered over the wearer's pelvic region, creating a vertically overlapping double flap fly; and • a stretch material insert concealed by the vertically overlapping double flap fly, • the insert made of expandable material having a tension opening made of a resilient material. Disadvantages of the prior art
[0009] The solutions of the prior art are not entirely satisfactory because they involve a fairly large number of parts to be assembled, which increases the manufacturing complexity.
[0010] Furthermore, the solution proposed by patent EP3678615 has seams to ensure the support of the elastic bands, causing discomfort. Furthermore, the elastic bands do not allow for optimal adjustment of the support, except in a custom-made manner. Furthermore, the elasticities and compressions that the elastics allow are not sufficiently variable and finely defined to induce optimal support, while accompanying the movements of the human body. Furthermore, the shape of the underwear is a brief, a shape that is somewhat dated and less common among potential users. Solution provided by the invention
[0011] The general principle of the invention relates to contraceptive underwear having the technical characteristics set out below.
[0012] It includes a penis and scrotum extraction orifice.
[0013] It has a panty suitable for covering a perineal area with elastic extensions suitable for covering the thighs and an elastic waistband. This orifice is constituted by a circular cutout surrounded by an annular structure. A piece of fabric is suitable for covering a part of the panty having said orifice and said annular structure.
[0014] According to variants, • Said panties have an elasticity different from the elasticity of said waistband and said extensions have an elasticity less than or equal to the elasticity of said panties). • Said front face, preferably symmetrical with respect to the frontal plane, and having a perineal zone (called “panties”), with compression greater than the elasticity of an extension intended to surround the thigh, as well as a belt zone having an elasticity other than the elasticity of the perineal part • Said orifice being formed on the median line between said two zones • Said orifice being surrounded by an annular structure • The panties being covered by at least one piece of fabric covering said orifice and said annular structure.
[0015] Advantageously, said annular structure is lightly structured, elastic, and soft, said annular structure being in the continuity of said front face, sewn, re-meshed, or induced in the continuation of the knitting.
[0016] Preferably, said annular structure is constituted by a knitted fabric comprising a thread, advantageously made of silicone, and / or a mesh structure preventing the area from slipping.
[0017] According to a particular embodiment, said perineal zone, said extension intended to surround the thigh, said belt zone, and, optionally, said annular zone, are constituted by a single knitted piece with different mesh structures in each of the different zones to present different elasticities.
[0018] According to a variant, said piece of fabric covering said orifice and said annular structure is sewn transversely in its lower part and in its upper part on said front face, and partly free on the two lateral sides.
[0019] Detailed description of a non-limiting example of embodiment
[0020] The present invention will be better understood on reading the following description, concerning a non-limiting example of embodiment illustrated by the appended drawings where:
[0021] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] represents a front view of an undergarment according to the invention
[0022] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents a front view of an undergarment according to the invention, having removed the penis protector
[0023] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents a back view of an undergarment according to the invention
[0024] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents a side view of an undergarment according to the invention
[0025] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] represents a side view of an undergarment according to the invention, having removed the penis protector. General principle of the invention
[0026] The general principle of the invention relates to a so-called male contraceptive underwear for improving the increase in the temperature of the testicles in order to block or greatly reduce the production of spermatozoa by better support of the testicles, in particular by avoiding the use of elastic bands known in the prior art, which limit the retention zones and create discomfort, by using a so-called “panty” zone with locally variable support, and more particularly decreasing support between the waistband and the crotch, by a fabric having a variable mesh to locally adjust the compressive elasticity along two axes.Such a fabric is made using the process of creating textiles by knitting, for example with the 3D knitting technology known under the English name "fiat knit (Fully fashion / 3D Knit") developed by the manufacturers Stoll™, Shima™, Cifra™ (non-exhaustive list), or for example the seamless technology (in English "seamless") (like the textile manufacturers Santoni™ and Lonati™, non-exhaustive list) allowing to achieve a volume pattern starting directly from the yarn, in English "yarn to product".
[0027] The so-called male contraceptive underwear described below ensures better support for the testicles inside the body, at the level of the inguinal canals, inducing an increase in the temperature of the testicles in order to block or greatly reduce the production of spermatozoa, in particular by avoiding the addition of elastic bands on existing underwear, known in the prior art, which limit the retention zones and create discomfort, by using the so-called “panties” zone of the underwear with locally variable elasticity, and more particularly decreasing elasticity between the waistband and the crotch, by a fabric having a variable mesh to locally adjust the elasticity along two axes.
[0028] The use of the two inguinal routes to raise and maintain the testicles at a body temperature of 37°C has the advantage of not requiring a particular heating device to ensure the temperature rise (+1 to 2 degrees).
[0029] Therefore, the underwear of the invention, which allows the testicles to be raised and kept in a high position, is much simpler and easier to manufacture than if it had to bring an external heat source to the body (present in the competition).
[0030] In addition, the use of these two inguinal routes has the advantage of allowing a "gentle" rise in temperature of the testicles. The underwear increases the temperature of the testicles by relying on body heat without reaching it, allowing them to remain inside the body, preventing them from returning to their scrotal pouch. This means that the body temperature is not harmful to the testicles (non-pathogenic on a hormonal level, and reversible with regard to the quantity and quality of sperm produced).
[0031] This allows it to stand out significantly from existing underwear and other contraceptive devices (hormonal and others).
[0032] Compared to male hormonal contraception, the advantages are as follows: • the absence of contraindications linked to hormonal treatment: hepatic, vascular, neurological, respiratory, prostatic; • the absence of any hormone intake whatsoever, and thus the associated adverse effects, as well as blood tests (prior and annual follow-up required).
[0033] The invention relates in particular to boxer-type underwear which makes it possible to increase the temperature of the testicles by approximately two degrees Celsius, without any external heat input in any form whatsoever. Research shows that the moderate increase in testicular temperature induced by wearing a contraceptive device according to the invention results in a marked reduction in sperm production in the male. This process is reversible after stopping wearing the device and no significant adverse effects appear.
[0034] Wearing the underwear is painless (the pressure is distributed evenly to ensure maximum comfort) and reversible (the DNA of the spermatozoa is only damaged during the three months of ascent and the three months of descent).
[0035] Description of the structure of an example of contraceptive underwear
[0036] The following figures ([Fig.l] to 5) illustrate the various characteristics of the underwear of the invention and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention, in particular with regard to the sizes, angles and various aspects set out below.
[0037] Generally speaking, the device of the invention takes the form of a so-called traditional male boxer formed by a pair of panties (4) surrounding the perineal area, having an orifice at the level of the penis, and a piece (2) over it which allows the penis to be hidden.
[0038] The device is made up of an assembly of parts which can be pieces of fabric or knit connected by sewing or by a single part (except the part (2) protecting the penis) made by 3D knitting comprising: a. a belt (3) in beaded mesh, in particular interlock beaded, with woven elastic b. panties (4) covering the perineal area, made of stretch knitted mesh, typically cotton pique jersey, viscose, polyester, polyamide, or even other new fibers. c. two leggings (5) for the thigh area in openwork mesh d. a part (2) protects penis, attached to the panties (4), in plain weaved mesh and needles placed e. an annular crown (1) in circular mesh surrounding the opening made in the panties (4) for the passage of the penis.
[0039] The orifice (1) surrounded by an annular crown (10) is intended to allow the penis and the skin of the scrotum to come out, but does not accommodate the testicles. This orifice (1) is flexible, but sufficiently supportive to prevent the testicles from passing through. The panties (4) may in particular be more supportive than the rest of the underwear at the orifice (1).
[0040] Inside this annular crown (10), the circumference contains a silicone thread woven into the mesh, which provides good support, non-slip appeal, and nervous elasticity, while not preventing the skin from breathing in a particularly sweaty area.
[0041] As regards the rest of the device, it is composed of materials chosen to (i) comply with regulations, and in particular to be biocompatible, (ii) meet the following functional criteria: be sufficiently breathable, comfortable, and supportive to best promote testicular ascent, and (iii) be compatible with the knitting machines used for the design of the medical device
[0042] . In particular, a thread composed of silk and elastane in this case, can be knitted with the Stoll ADF 530 7.2 gauge™ straight-line machine.
[0043] The device is produced, for example, by using the process of creating the medical device by knitting, with for example the fiat knit technology (Fully fashion / 3D Knit) developed by the manufacturers Stoll™, Shima™, Cifra™ (non-exhaustive list), or for example the seamless technology (like the textile manufacturers Santoni-Lonati™, non-exhaustive list) allowing to achieve a volume pattern starting directly from the yarn: “yarn to product” knitting method. It is opposed here to the classic design (with software like Lectra™, non-exhaustive list) of a boxer which consists of cutting a flat pattern in a length of fabric of a defined width, and then assembling it by stitching.
[0044] The advantages of knitting, particularly full 3D knitting, are numerous: • there is little or no loss of material, because the pattern is designed directly from the thread • For example, the seams are almost non-existent, for example they can be invisible thanks to the assembly by remeshing, which helps to avoid certain friction. • It is easier to have a precise partitioning of the different types of mesh points, according to the identified zones, and therefore in particular the obtaining of different compressions, on the underwear. • The assembly and production phases are reduced, so the production of the medical device is more controllable.
[0045] In particular, the device is knitted via the flat-knit textile process. fully fashion on STOLL ADF 530™ flat knitting machines gauge 7.2. This knitting process gave the opportunity to choose different elastic and nervous zones to best accomplish the testicular rise, to maintain it rather during the day following the indicated time, while feeling comfortable in these movements thanks to few seams.
[0046] The so-called male contraceptive device comprising, on the front face, an orifice for extracting the penis and scrotum, characterized in that • The central part, called “panties”, is made for example from pique jersey. The panties have for example a right zone and a left zone symmetrical with respect to the frontal and dorsal plane, each of the zones having a perineal zone (4) called “panties”, with an elasticity greater than the elasticity of an extension intended to surround the thigh, as well as a belt zone having an elasticity greater than the elasticity of the perineal part called “panties” (4) • Said annular structure is knitted in elastic structured mesh, said annular structure being in the continuity of said panties • said continuity being integrated into the knitting of said panties • Said extension intended to surround the thigh to form the boxer shorts is made for example in an openwork mesh, and less elastic than its upper zone, and brings a new aesthetic to traditional men's boxers. • The said belt is knitted for example in revisited ottoman stitch allowing elastic to be woven to create a comfortable waistline. The said hole is formed for example on the midline between the said two zones. • Said orifice being for example surrounded in its internal circumference by an annular structure (10) made of silicone woven into a revisited 2 / 2 ribbed mesh allowing good support (non-slip), nervous elasticity, while not preventing the skin from breathing in a particularly oozing area. Said annular structure (10) is constituted for example by a circular mesh (of the sleeve type) rolled up on itself, said sleeve being for example sewn or re-meshed around the openings of said front faces, ensuring that there are no rough edges, and therefore no risk of injury, particularly through friction. • The panties being covered by at least one piece (2) of mesh knitted by knitting for example in flat-knit in uni-weave stitch and placed needles, covering for example said orifice and said annular structure (10) up to the ends of the sides of the underwear. This forms a volume created for example by a clip made on the flat-knit directly thanks to the placement of needles, and does not include a seam. Said piece of mesh covering said orifice and said annular structure (10) is for example sewn transversely in its lower part and in its upper part on said front face, and free on the two lateral sides, in order to allow the gestures of the testicular ascent. That is to say, that the two lateral sides of said piece of mesh, leaves free access to the hands, for example by its elasticity, its nervousness, its openings.
[0047] Thus with this so-called male contraceptive device of the invention, no lesion is formed, because there is little stitching, therefore a homogeneous and extensive elasticity, but also variable according to the different specific and identified zones.
Claims
Claims
1. Male contraceptive underwear comprising a pair of panties (4) capable of covering a perineal area with elastic extensions (5) adapted to cover the thighs and an elastic waistband (3), characterized in that: • Said panties (4) have an orifice for the passage of the penis, constituted by a circular opening surrounded by an annular structure (10) • And in that it further comprises a piece of fabric (2) adapted to cover a part of the panties having said orifice (1) and said annular structure (10).
2. Contraceptive underwear said to be male according to claim 1 characterized in that: • Said panties (4) have an elasticity different from the elasticity of said belt (3) • Said extensions (5) have an elasticity less than or equal to the elasticity of said panties (4).
3. Contraceptive underwear said to be male according to claim 1 characterized in that said annular structure (10) is knitted in elastic structured mesh, said annular structure being in the continuity of said panties (4).
4. Contraceptive underwear said to be male according to claim 3 characterized in that said continuity is formed by remeshing.
5. Contraceptive underwear said to be male according to claim 3 characterized in that said continuity is integrated into the knitting of said panties (4).
6. Contraceptive underwear called male according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that said annular structure (10) is constituted by a knitted fabric comprising a thread and / or a mesh structure preventing the area from slipping.
7. Contraceptive underwear known as male according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said annular structure (10) is constituted by a knitted fabric comprising a silicone thread.
8. Contraceptive underwear said to be male according to claim 1 characterized in that said panties (4), said extensions (5) intended to surround the thigh, said belt zone (3), and optionally the said annular zone, are made up of a single piece.
9. Contraceptive underwear said to be male according to the preceding claim characterized in that said single piece is knitted with different mesh structures in each of the different zones to present different elasticities.
10. Male contraceptive underwear according to claim 1 characterized in that said piece of fabric (2) covering said orifice (1) and said annular structure (10) is sewn transversely in its lower part and in its upper part on said panties (4), and partly free on the two lateral sides.