An Item of Menstrual Underwear with Washable Hygiene Pad

Abstract

An item of underwear adapted to receive a hygiene pad having a top porous layer which in use contacts a wearer’s vaginal and perineum area, where the pad is retained in place by at least one pocket an

Description

Field The present invention relates to a unique washable, multi-layer hygiene pad with nonslip backing that functions in unison with innovatively constructed protective period underwear containing a pocket and strap system for securing the pad in place for use, while allowing for removal and replacement of a fresh pad for ease of use, additional absorption, hygiene, comfort and convenience. Background A report of a study into the impact of single-use menstrual management products (MMPs) was published by Elsevier in ‘Cleaner Engineering and Technology’, at Volume 7, April 2022 [100435], The abstract confirms that around 3.3 billion units of single-use MMPs, such as pads and tampons, were used annually in the UK. The study recommended that a more sustainable management of these products would reduce their environmental impact. The study reported that an estimated 28 114 tonnes of waste is generated annually from menstrual products and around 26 903 tonnes from disposable products of which about 4% (3 363 tonnes) is disposed of by flushing. The least sustainable products are disposable pads, which the report states are the main contributors to menstrual waste volumes in the UK. The general public has been slow to transition from these unhealthy and damaging disposable products due to the lack of convenience and user friendliness that they have experienced with existing more sustainable products on the market. This invention removes barriers that currently hold consumers back from making this switch to a more sustainable and practical solution for the hygienic, comfortable and convenient management of menstruation. Many menstruating people cannot use conventional period underwear because their menstrual flow is too heavy and requires a pad that needs changing frequently throughout the day. Those reusable menstrual pads currently on the market have stability flaws (they slip around) and are not as discrete as users would like (the wings required for fastening are bulky and visible when wearing light weight clothing and can be awkward to fasten and unfasten) which causes them to choose not to use them. Prior Art An example of a reusable menstrual pad is described in US patent application US 2012 / 310194 (Fernandez) which discloses a menstrual pad that includes an inner layer made of two layers of natural cellulose fabric. The layers of natural cellulose fabric are bonded together by a biodegradable polyurethane film. Two intermediate layers of absorbent organic bamboo fabric are also provided, along with an outer cover formed by a fabric made from cotton. The inner layer is inserted between the two intermediate layers to form a composite, and the composite is inserted into the outer cover. The present invention arose to overcome problems associated with existing reusable menstrual pads. An object of the present invention is to provide a washable menstrual pad that is secured in place securely and with the ease and comfort that the general population require in order to persuade them to make the switch from disposables to this infinitely more sustainable alternative. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an item of underwear which is adapted to receive a washable multi-layer hygiene pad which has a top porous layer which in use is in contact with a wearer’s vaginal and perineum area, the top porous layer is formed from a natural fibre composite layer and is attached to a middle layer comprising a microfibre absorbent material, the middle layer is sandwiched between the top porous layer and a backing material, the backing material has a non-slip backing portion which contacts an inner surface of the item of underwear and the multi-layer hygiene pad is retained in place by a pocket and a strap formed within the item of underwear. In some embodiments the natural fibre composite layer includes a bamboo and / or charcoal fabric. In some embodiments the porous layer includes is attached to the middle layer by stitching. In some embodiments the shape of the pad is from the group comprising round, roofshaped (saddle), rectangular and square. In some embodiments the thickness of the top (natural fibre composite) layer is between 1mm and 8mm. In some embodiments the thickness of the middle (microfibre absorbent material) layer is between 1 mm and 8mm. In some embodiments the thickness of the backing material is between 1 mm and 5 mm. In some embodiments the top layer is attached to the non-slip backing portion by stitching around the outside edge of the pads. In some embodiments multi-layers of the porous layer are provided in order to vary the level of absorbency of the washable multi-layer hygiene pad. In some embodiments the shape and size of the pad is rectangular, oval or lozenge. Optionally wings or side panels may be provided. In another embodiment the pad may have curved, arcuate or cut-out edges to improve comfort when it is being worn and to assist in keeping the pad secure within the pocket and strap configuration of the underwear outlined below. In some embodiments the outer layer has a polyurethane laminated fabric (PUL) with silicone. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided underwear with a unique pocket and strap system dimensioned and arranged for receiving one washable multi-layer hygiene pad with non-slip backing to work in conjunction with said non-slip backing to secure it in place during use. According to another aspect of the invention the pocket and strap underwear are comprised of the pocket and strap that contain the period pad while in use. Preferably the pocket and strap underwear are dimensioned and arranged to receive one washable multi-layer hygiene pad at any given time. In some embodiments the pocket and strap underwear configuration with upper leg covering extensions to create a shorts style option. In some embodiments the pocket and strap components of the underwear are composed of a bamboo charcoal fabric that may stretch for easy insertion and removal and replacement of the pads. In some embodiments where the pocket and strap are constructed of bamboo charcoal fabric it is also anti-bacterial, odour neutralizing and wicking of moisture to pull and menstrual fluid that contacts the strap or pocket into the pad below to maintain hygiene as well as a comfortable, dry feeling for the wearer. According to another aspect of the invention the pocket and strap underwear there is a layer of fabric lining the inner middle section of the underwear that is in contact with the menstrual pad and areas of the user’s body where the pad does not extend, extends from the front waistband to the back waistband designed to give an additional layer of comfort and hygiene by absorbing any menstrual fluid that might escape collection by the pad. In some embodiments this is a bamboo charcoal fabric acting as a further anti-bacterial and anti-odour barrier. According to another aspect of the invention the pocket and strap underwear the layer of fabric lining the is composed of a soft fleece-like fabric that encourages the nonslip backing incorporated within the design of the removable pad to remain in place to minimise slipping. Preferably the pocket and strap underwear have a polyurethane laminated fabric (PUL) layer sandwiched between the bamboo charcoal fabric and the outer shell layer of the underwear. Preferably this breathable PUL layer creates a liquid impervious barrier between any menstrual fluid absorbed by the protective lining to give a protective barrier to contain menstrual fluid so that it does not escape to stain the wearer’s outside clothing. Preferably the pocket and strap components of the underwear are sewn to the inner lining of the underwear only and not sewn through the PUL impervious layer so that moisture wicking of the menstrual fluid does not occur through the stitches of the construction to the outside of the PUL layer which could result in staining of the wearers clothing. In some configurations the outer shell layer of the underwear is made of a bamboo jersey fabric of between 88% and 95% bamboo fabric and 5% to 12% elastane fabric composition. All components of the hygiene pad and pocket and strap underwear are made of such durable fabric as to be machine or hand washable and machine or air dried for many repeated uses. Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, with reference to the following drawings in which: Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic overall view of one example of a washable multilayer hygiene pad; Figures 2A and 2B show plan and under plan views of another example of a washable multi-layer hygiene pad with extended edges to improve comfort; Figures 3A and 3B show plan and under plan views of corresponding to Figures 2A and 2B with dimensions and a detailed view of a region of the non-slip backing; Figures 4A and 4B show plan and under plan views of another example of a washable multi-layer hygiene pad with extended side portions; Figures 5A and 5B show plan and under plan views of corresponding to Figures 4A and 4B with dimensions and a detailed view of a region of the non-slip backing; Figures 6A and 6B show plan and under plan views of another example of a washable multi-layer hygiene pad which is in asymmetric form; Figures 7A and 7B show plan and under plan views of corresponding to Figures 6A and 6B with dimensions and a detailed view of a region of the non-slip backing; Figures 8A and 8B show plan and under plan views of another example of a washable multi-layer hygiene pad which is in rectangular form; Figures 9A and 9B show plan and under plan views of corresponding to Figures 8A and 8B with dimensions and a detailed view of a region of the non-slip backing; Figures 10A and 10B show plan and under plan views of another example of a washable multi-layer hygiene pad which is in rectangular form with curved corners; Figures 11A and 11B show plan and under plan views of corresponding to Figures 10A and 10B with dimensions and a detailed view of a region of the non-slip backing; Figures 12A shows middle inside section overall view of one example of the pocket and strap underwear demonstrating the location and stitching of the pocket and strap to the inner lining layer of the underwear and Figures 12B and 12C show two size configurations of the non-slip side of the hygiene pads. Figure 13 shows a photographic view of one example of pocket and strap underwear for receiving hygiene pads (not shown) extended through middle section; Figures 14A and 14B show front and rear views of one example of a liquid impervious pocket and strap underwear and indicates the location of seams and edges and the waterproof areas; Figure 15 is an overall view of pocket and strap underwear which is turned inside out to reveal its internal structure which is shown with pad inserted; Figure 16 is a front half view of the pocket and strap underwear turned inside out to reveal the strap opening; Figure 17 is the back half view of the pocket and strap underwear turned inside out to reveal the pocket opening; Figure 18 is an overall view of pocket and strap underwear which is turned inside out to reveal its internal structure which is shown with pad inserted and one corner of the pad turned up to reveal the contact area where the non-slip element engages the underwear lining to create a movement resistant surface. Figure 19 is an overall view of pocket and strap underwear configuration with leg extensions to create a shorts style option which is turned inside out to reveal its internal structure which is shown without pad inserted. Figure 20 is an overall view of pocket and strap underwear configuration with leg extensions to create a shorts style option which is turned inside out to reveal its internal structure which is shown with pad inserted. Figures 21 to 25 show further details of features, arrangements and configurations which may be included in alternative embodiments in items of underwear according to the invention. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments Referring to Figures 1 to 14, in which like parts bear the same reference numerals there is shown examples of views of examples of a washable multi-layer hygiene pad 10. The washable multi-layer hygiene pad 10 has a top porous layer 12 which in use is in contact with a wearer’s vaginal and perineum area (not shown). The top porous layer 12 is formed from a natural fibre composite layer, such as bamboo, and is attached to a middle layer 14 which comprises layers of microfibre absorbent material 14. The middle layer 14 is sandwiched between the top porous layer 12 and a backing material 16 which is formed form a waterproof backing layer such as polyurethane laminated fabric (PUL). The waterproof backing layer 16 has a non-slip portion 18 (shown in detail in Figures 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11) which contacts an inner surface of the pocket and strap underwear. In one preferred embodiment the thickness of the middle (microfibre absorbent material) layer 14 is typically between 1 mm and 8mm. In one preferred embodiment the thickness of the layer of the backing material 16 is between 1 mm and 5 mm. In one preferred embodiment the top layer is attached to the non-slip backing portion by stitching around the outside edge of the pads. In one preferred embodiment a multi-layer (level of absorbency). The level of absorbency varies depending on the thickness of the microfibre absorbent layer 14. Additionally, the absorbency required by a wearer may vary approximately between 3 ml to 15 ml of fluid and the type and also depends on the nature and thickness of the microfibre absorbent layer 14 which is modified to take these factors into account. Referring now to Figures 17 to 20, in which like parts bear the same reference numerals there is shown examples of the pocket and strap underwear. The pocket and strap underwear 46 is formed from a wicking liner layer which contacts the wearer’s skin in areas in front of and behind the hygiene pad and contains a back pocket and front strap sewn in for the purpose of holding the hygiene pad as referred to in Figures 1 to 11B. The underwear contain a polyurethane laminate (PUL) layer sandwiched between the soft wicking liner and outer shell of the garment. This PUL layer forms a liquid impermeable barrier between any menstrual fluid and the wearer’s outer garments. A unique feature of the underwear 46 is the construction of the pocket and strap that hold the pad securely in place for the user during activity that can be heavy or light. This underwear and pad system is discrete and undistinguishable from external view from standard underwear that are worn without pads. This is one of the features that differentiates them from reusable pads that are held on by other methods, as the fastenings in other existing products are visible at various angles and more bulky because they wrap around the bottom of the underwear to be fastened. Other existing reusable pads also tend to slip out of place because they do not contain the non-slip backing or back pocket. Users can change the pads out easily and conveniently as many times as they’d like throughout the day and discretely store them in a wash bag until they are ready to launder these along with their pocket and strap underwear and any other laundry. This allows users to discreetly and conveniently go about their day without the need for disposable pads with a sticky backing. The underwear and pads can then be washed in a washing machine (not shown) and dried in a clothes drying machine (not shown) or hung to dry, whichever is most convenient for the user and reused countless times. Once used hygiene pads can be thrown into the laundry basket and left with any other laundry to be washed at a standard 30 degree Celsius cycle at the user’s convenience and dried by machine or air dried at the user’s preference. Other advantages of the invention will be apparent to the skilled person. It will be appreciated that the invention has been described by way of examples only and that variation to the aforementioned embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims. For example, the function of each independent part of this invention depends on the other. While there are other variations of reusable menstrual pads on the market and many variations of underwear designed for menstrual protection, this configuration including the non-slip element affixed to the outside layer of the pads working in conjunction with the pocket and strap built into the underwear give the user a much more comfortable, convenient and discrete experience than other products. Without the non-slip pads the pocket and strap underwear would not be effective as the smooth pads would slip out of the underwear and the non-slip pads do not stay securely enough in place in normal underwear without the pockets so these components are essential to the function of the whole.

Claims

1. An item of underwear which is adapted to receive a washable multi-layer hygiene pad which has a top porous layer which in use is in contact with a wearer’s vaginal and perineum area, the top porous layer is formed from a natural fibre composite layer and is attached to a middle layer comprising a microfibre absorbent material, the middle layer is sandwiched between the top porous layer and a backing material, the backing material has a non-slip backing portion which contacts an inner surface of the item of underwear and the multi-layer hygiene pad is retained in place by at least one pocket provided in the item of underwear and / or at least one strap formed within the item of underwear.

2. An item of underwear according to claim 1 wherein a pocket is provided at a rearward side of the item of underwear.

3. An item of underwear according to claim 1 or 2 wherein a strap is formed forward a perineum area and extending across a gusset part of the item of underwear.

4. An item of underwear according to any preceding claim wherein an opening of the pocket is spaced at least 6 cm from a nearside edge of the strap.

5. An item of underwear according to any preceding claim wherein the strap is at least 4 cm wide.

6. An item of underwear according to any preceding claim wherein the natural fibre composite layer includes a bamboo charcoal fabric.

7. An item of underwear according to any preceding claim wherein the porous layer is attached to the middle layer by stitching.

8. An item of underwear according to any preceding claim wherein the shape of the pad is from the group comprising round, roof-shaped (saddle), rectangular and square.

9. An item of underwear according to any preceding claim wherein the thickness of the top (natural fibre composite) layer is between 1mm and 8mm.

10. An item of underwear according to any preceding claim wherein the thickness of the middle (microfibre absorbent material) layer is between 1 mm and 8mm.

11. An item of underwear according to any preceding claim wherein the thickness of the backing material is between 1 mm and 5 mm.

12. An item of underwear according to any preceding claim wherein the top layer is attached to the non-slip backing portion by stitching around at least one outside edge of the top layer and the non-slip backing portion.

13. An item of underwear according to any preceding claim comprises a plurality of layers of absorbent material.

14. An item of underwear according to any preceding claim wherein outer layer has a polyurethane laminated fabric (PUL).

15. An item of underwear according to any preceding claim wherein the non-slip backing portion is from the group comprising: strips, dots, discs or patterns.

16. An item of underwear according to any preceding claim wherein the pocket is sewn into a lining of the item of underwear and receives a first end of the washable multi-layer hygiene pad.

17. An item of underwear according to claim 16 wherein a second pocket is sewn into the lining of the item of underwear and receives a second end of the washable multi-layer hygiene pad.

18. An item of underwear according to any preceding claim includes a moisture absorbent fabric lining along a middle section of the item of underwear from a front waistband to a back waistband to wick away moisture.19.An item of underwear according to claim 18 wherein a middle layer of polyurethane laminate fabric is sandwiched between the moisture absorbent fabric lining and an outer shell of the item of underwear to provide liquid impervious layer.

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