Technology related to incontinence and sanitary clothing and underwear

Abstract

1. An incontinence undergarment comprising a crotch area holding together stitches, first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh layers, wherein the first layer is innermost and the seventh layer is outermost, the second layer extends between the first and third layers, the fourth layer extends between the third and fifth layers, and the sixth layer extends between the fifth and seventh layers, wherein stitches extend through the first, sixth, and seventh layers, and wherein stitches avoid extending through the second, third, fourth, and fifth layers, and the second layer is bonded or adhered to the third layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 041,509, filed on June 19, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] (Technical Field) The present disclosure relates to absorbent garments and undergarments, including incontinence and menstrual underwear and clothing.

Background Art

[0003] In the present disclosure, when a document, act, and / or item of knowledge is referenced and / or discussed, such reference and / or discussion is not to be taken as an admission that the document, act, and / or item of knowledge, and any combination thereof, was publicly available, known to the public, part of the common general knowledge at the priority date, and / or was otherwise relevant to any prior art constituting, and / or relevant to any attempt to solve any problem to which the present disclosure relates. Further, nothing is admitted to be abandoned.

[0004] There is a need to enable incontinence and menstrual underwear and clothing that are sufficiently waterproof and also sufficiently wear - resistant. However, despite various attempts by others, this type of absorbent or incontinence and menstrual underwear or clothing does not yet exist.

Prior - Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

[0006] This disclosure enables absorbent or incontinence and sanitary underwear and clothing that is sufficiently waterproof and sufficiently abrasion-resistant. This disclosure addresses at least one of the above-mentioned inefficiencies in part. However, this disclosure will prove useful in other arts as well. Accordingly, the various claims described below should not necessarily be construed as being limited to addressing any of the above-mentioned inefficiencies.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the device comprises absorbent or incontinence and sanitary underwear or garment including a crotch area holding a stitch, a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, a fourth layer, a fifth layer, a sixth layer, and a seventh layer, wherein the first layer is the innermost layer, the seventh layer is the outermost layer, the second layer extends between the first and third layers, the fourth layer extends between the third and fifth layers, the sixth layer extends below the fifth layer and above the seventh layer, the stitch extends through the first, sixth, and seventh layers, the stitch avoids extending through the second, third, fourth, and fifth layers, and the second layer is bonded or adhered to the third layer.

[0008] The device according to one of the earlier embodiments, wherein the second layer is bonded or adhered to the first layer.

[0009] The device according to one of the earlier embodiments, wherein the second layer is bonded or bonded to the sixth layer.

[0010] The device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first layer is bonded to the sixth layer via the second layer.

[0011] The material extends from below the fifth layer to above the third layer, as described in one of the earlier embodiments. The material is bonded to the bottom of the fifth layer and to the top of the third layer, as described in one of the earlier embodiments. The material is bonded to the bottom of the second layer, as described in one of the earlier embodiments. The material is bonded to the bottom of the first layer, as described in one of the earlier embodiments.

[0012] The device according to one of the earlier embodiments, wherein the second layer extends to cover a portion of the sixth layer but does not cover the third layer.

[0013] The device according to one of the earlier embodiments, wherein the material covers the third layer and extends below the first layer but does not extend below the second layer.

[0014] The device according to one of the earlier embodiments, wherein the second layer extends below the first layer, covering the third layer and the material, but does not cover the sixth layer. The device according to one of the earlier embodiments, wherein the material is a bonding strip.

[0015] The device according to one of the earlier embodiments, wherein the sixth layer has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the sixth layer extending below the seventh layer and the second portion of the sixth layer extending above the seventh layer.

[0016] A device according to one embodiment, in which the stitch extends through the second portion of the sixth layer but not through the first portion of the sixth layer.

[0017] A device according to one embodiment, in which the stitches extend through the second portion of the sixth layer and through the seventh layer, but not through the first portion of the sixth layer.

[0018] The second portion of the sixth layer extends below the first layer, as described in one of the earlier embodiments of the device.

[0019] The device according to one of the earlier embodiments, wherein the second portion of the sixth layer extends below the first and second layers.

[0020] The first layer has a first portion and a second portion, the second portion of the first layer extends below the first portion of the first layer, and a stitch extends through the second portion of the first layer but not through the first portion of the first layer, a device according to one of the previous embodiments.

[0021] The first layer has a first portion and a second portion, the second portion of the first layer extends below the first portion of the first layer, the sixth layer has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the sixth layer extends below the seventh layer, the second portion of the sixth layer extends above the seventh layer, a stitch extends through the second portion of the first layer but not through the first portion of the first layer, through the second portion of the sixth layer but not through the first portion of the sixth layer, and through the seventh layer, a device according to one of the previous embodiments.

[0022] A device according to one of the previous embodiments, further comprising a material, such as a bonding strip, extending from below the fifth layer to above the third layer along the entire periphery of the third, fourth, and fifth layers.

[0023] The edge of the fifth layer extends above the third layer along the entire periphery of the third and fourth layers, and the edge of the fifth layer is joined to the upper part of the third layer, a device according to one of the previous embodiments. The edge of the fifth layer is joined to the third layer using a bonding strip, a device according to one of the previous embodiments. The second layer extends to cover the edges of the third and fifth layers but does not extend to cover the sixth layer, a device according to one of the previous embodiments. A material, such as a bonding strip piece, is positioned to cover below the first layer and the sixth layer but does not extend to cover the second layer, below the second layer, to cover the edge of the fifth layer, or to cover the third layer, a device according to one of the previous embodiments.

[0024] A device according to one of the previous embodiments, wherein a material, such as a bonding strip, includes an end portion that covers the sixth layer and extends below the second layer, and a stitch extends through the first layer, the second layer, the end portion of the material, the sixth layer, and the seventh layer.

[0025] A device according to one of the previous embodiments, wherein a material, such as a bonding strip, includes an end portion that covers the sixth layer and extends below the first layer but does not extend below the second layer, and a stitch extends through the first layer, the end portion of the material, the sixth layer, and the seventh layer.

[0026] A device according to one of the previous embodiments, wherein the first layer extends covering a material, such as a bonding strip, covering the sixth layer, and covering the second layer, the second layer extends below the first layer covering the sixth layer, a stitch extends through the first layer, the second layer, the sixth layer, and the seventh layer, the second layer is bonded to the first layer and the sixth layer, and the first layer is bonded to the material.

[0027] A device according to one of the previous embodiments, wherein the first layer extends covering a material, such as a bonding strip, covering the sixth layer, and covering the second layer, the second layer extends below the first layer covering the sixth layer, a stitch extends through the first layer, the sixth layer, and the seventh layer, the second layer is bonded to the first layer and the sixth layer, and the first layer is bonded to the material.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method includes the steps of: making absorbent or incontinence and sanitary underwear or garments include a crotch area that holds a stitch, a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, a fourth layer, a fifth layer, a sixth layer and a seventh layer, with the first layer being the innermost and the seventh layer being the outermost; extending the second layer between the first layer and the third layer so that the second layer is bonded or adhered to the third layer; extending the fourth layer between the third layer and the fifth layer; extending the sixth layer below the fifth layer and above the seventh layer; and extending the stitch through the first layer, the second layer, the sixth layer and the seventh layer, and avoiding extending through the third layer, the fourth layer and the fifth layer.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method includes the steps of: making absorbent or incontinence and sanitary underwear or garment include a crotch area that holds a stitch, a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, a fourth layer, a fifth layer, a sixth layer and a seventh layer, with the first layer being the innermost and the seventh layer being the outermost; extending the second layer between the first layer and the third layer so as to be bonded or adhered to the third layer; extending the fourth layer between the third layer and the fifth layer; extending the sixth layer below the fifth layer and above the seventh layer; and extending the stitch through the first layer, the sixth layer and the seventh layer, and through the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer and the fifth layer.

[0030] The method according to one of the previous embodiments, wherein the second layer is bonded or bonded to the first layer.

[0031] The method according to one of the previous embodiments, wherein the second layer is bonded or bonded to the sixth layer.

[0032] The method according to one of the previous embodiments, wherein the first layer is bonded to the sixth layer via the second layer.

[0033] The method according to one of the previous embodiments, wherein the sixth layer has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the sixth layer extending below the seventh layer and the second portion of the sixth layer extending above the seventh layer.

[0034] A method according to one embodiment, wherein the stitch extends through the second portion of the sixth layer but not through the first portion of the sixth layer.

[0035] A method according to one embodiment, wherein the stitch extends through the second portion of the sixth layer and through the seventh layer, but not through the first portion of the sixth layer.

[0036] The method according to one of the previous embodiments, wherein the second portion of the sixth layer extends below the first layer.

[0037] The method according to one of the previous embodiments, wherein the second portion of the sixth layer extends below the first and second layers.

[0038] The method according to one of the earlier embodiments, wherein the first layer has a first portion and a second portion, the second portion of the first layer extending below the first portion of the first layer, and the stitch extends through the second portion of the first layer but not through the first portion of the first layer.

[0039] The method according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first layer has a first portion and a second portion, the second portion of the first layer extending below the first portion of the first layer, the sixth layer has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the sixth layer extending below the seventh layer, the second portion of the sixth layer extending above the seventh layer, and the stitch extends through the second portion of the first layer but not through the first portion of the first layer, through the second portion of the sixth layer but not through the first portion of the sixth layer, and through the seventh layer.

[0040] The method according to one of the prior embodiments, further comprising the step of bonding a bonding strip extending from below the fifth layer to above the third layer along the entire periphery of the third, fourth, and fifth layers.

[0041] The method according to one of the previous embodiments, wherein the edge of the fifth layer extends above the third layer along the entire periphery of the third and fourth layers, and the edge of the fifth layer is joined to the top of the third layer.

[0042] The method according to one of the prior embodiments, wherein the edge of the fifth layer is bonded to the third layer using a bonding strip. The method according to one of the prior embodiments, wherein the second layer extends over the edges of the third and fifth layers but does not extend over the sixth layer. The method according to one of the prior embodiments, wherein a material, such as a portion of a bonding strip, is positioned below the first layer and over the sixth layer but does not extend below the second layer, above the edge of the fifth layer, or above the third layer.

[0043] The method according to one of the preceding embodiments, for example, a material such as a bonding strip, which includes an end portion that covers the sixth layer and extends below the second layer, and a stitch that extends through the first layer, the second layer, the end portion of the material, the sixth layer and the seventh layer.

[0044] The method according to one of the preceding embodiments, for example, a material such as a bonding strip, which includes an end portion that covers the sixth layer and extends below the first layer but not below the second layer, and the stitch extends through the first layer, the end portion of the material, the sixth layer and the seventh layer.

[0045] The method according to one of the earlier embodiments, wherein the first layer extends over a material such as a bonding strip, over a sixth layer and over a second layer, the second layer extends below the first layer over the sixth layer, a stitch extends through the first layer, the second layer, the sixth layer and the seventh layer, the second layer is bonded to the first layer and the sixth layer and the first layer is bonded to a material.

[0046] The method according to one of the earlier embodiments, wherein the first layer extends over a material such as a bonding strip, over a sixth layer and over a second layer, the second layer extends below the first layer over the sixth layer, a stitch extends through the first layer, the sixth layer and the seventh layer, the second layer is bonded to the first layer and the sixth layer, and the first layer is bonded to the material.

[0047] This disclosure is embodied in various forms illustrated in the accompanying series of exemplary drawings. It should be noted that modifications are intended to be part of this disclosure, limited only to the scope of the various claims set forth below.

[0048] The accompanying illustrative series of drawings illustrates various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Such drawings are not necessarily construed as limiting the present disclosure. Similar numbering and / or similar numbering schemes may be used throughout to indicate similar and / or similar elements. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0049] [Figure 1] This disclosure provides various perspectives on incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing. [Figure 2] This disclosure provides various perspectives on incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing. [Figure 3] This disclosure provides various perspectives on incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing. [Figure 4] This disclosure provides various perspectives on incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing. [Figure 5] This disclosure provides various perspectives on incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing. [Figure 6] This disclosure provides various perspectives on incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing. [Figure 7] This disclosure provides various perspectives on incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9]This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24]This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 25] This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 27] This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 28] This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 29] This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 30] This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 31] This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 32] This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 33] This is a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0050] Herein, this disclosure is described more fully with reference to the accompanying exemplary set of drawings illustrating exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. This disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not necessarily be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure may be thorough and complete and so as to convey to those skilled in the art various concepts of the disclosure.

[0051] Features described in relation to a particular exemplary embodiment can be combined and partially combined with and / or with various other exemplary embodiments. Similarly, different aspects and / or elements of exemplary embodiments as disclosed herein can be combined and partially combined. Furthermore, some exemplary embodiments can be components of a larger system, individually and / or collectively, with other procedures taking precedence over and / or otherwise modifying their application. Moreover, multiple steps may be required before, after, and / or concurrently with exemplary embodiments, as disclosed herein. It should be noted that at least any and / or all methods and / or processes as disclosed herein can be performed at least partially through at least one entity.

[0052] Various terms used herein can mean direct or indirect, complete or partial, temporary or permanent, operational or inoperable. For example, when an element is referred to as "above," "connected to," or "combined with" another element, this element may be directly above, connected to, or combined with the other element, and / or intervening elements may exist, including indirect and / or direct modifications. In contrast, when an element is referred to as "directly connected" or "directly combined" with another element, no intervening elements exist.

[0053] In this specification, various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections may be described using terms such as "first," "second," etc., but these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not necessarily be limited by such terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from other elements, components, regions, layers, or sections. Accordingly, the first element, component, region, layer, or section described below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the various teachings of this disclosure.

[0054] The various terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific exemplary embodiments and are not necessarily intended to limit the disclosure. Where used herein, the various singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the various plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Where used herein, the various terms “comprise,” “includes,” and / or “comprising,” and “including” express the presence of the features, completes, steps, actions, elements, and / or components described herein, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more features, completes, steps, actions, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0055] As used herein, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless otherwise specified or evident from the context, “X uses A or B” is intended to mean any of a set of natural inclusive permutations. That is, “X uses A or B” is satisfied in any of the aforementioned cases: X uses A, X uses B, or X uses both A and B.

[0056] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described herein with reference to illustrative drawings of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the disclosure. Therefore, variations from the illustrated shapes are expected, for example, as a result of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Accordingly, the various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure should not necessarily be construed as being limited to various specific shapes of the regions illustrated herein, but rather to include deviations in shape, for example, due to manufacturing.

[0057] As disclosed herein, any and / or all elements may be formed from the same structurally continuous part, such as a single unit, and / or may be manufactured separately and / or connected, such as assemblies and / or modules. Any and / or all elements as disclosed herein may be manufactured through any manufacturing process, whether additive manufacturing, vacuum manufacturing, and / or any other type of manufacturing. For example, some manufacturing processes include three-dimensional (3D) printing, laser cutting, computer numerical control routing, milling, pressing, stamping, vacuum forming, hydroforming, injection molding, lithography, and the like.

[0058] Any and / or all elements disclosed herein are solids, and / or may include solids, whether partially and / or completely, including metals, minerals, amorphous materials, ceramics, glass ceramics, organic solids such as wood and / or polymers such as rubber, composite materials, semiconductors, nanomaterials, biomaterials and / or any combination thereof. Any and / or all elements disclosed herein may be coatings, whether partially and / or completely, including information coatings such as inks, adhesive coatings, fusion adhesive coatings such as vacuum seals and / or heat seals, release coatings such as tape liners, low surface energy coatings, optical coatings such as tint, color, hue, saturation, tone, shade, transparency, translucency, opacity, luminescence, reflection, phosphorescence, anti-reflective and / or holography, photosensitive coatings, electronic and / or thermal property coatings such as passivation, insulation, resistance or conductivity, magnetic coatings, waterproof and / or water-resistant coatings, fragrance coatings and / or any combination thereof. As disclosed herein, any and / or all elements may be rigid, flexible, and / or any other combination thereof. Any and / or all elements as disclosed herein may be the same and / or different from one another in terms of material, shape, size, color, and / or any measurable dimension such as length, width, height, depth, area, orientation, circumference, volume, density, temperature, resistance.

[0059] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as they would be generally understood by a person skilled in the art in which this disclosure pertains. Various terms, as defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized and / or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0060] Furthermore, relative terms such as “below,” “down,” “up,” and “top” can be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another, as illustrated in the accompanying set of exemplary drawings. Such relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the illustrated technology, in addition to the orientation depicted in the accompanying set of exemplary drawings. For example, if the device in the accompanying set of exemplary drawings is turned upside down, the various elements described as being on the “below” side of other elements will then be oriented on the “up” side of other elements. Similarly, if one device in the exemplary drawing is turned upside down, the various elements described as being “below” or “down” of other elements will then be oriented on the “up” side of other elements. Thus, the various exemplary terms “below” and “down” can encompass both up and down orientations.

[0061] As used herein, the terms “about” and / or “substantially” mean a variation of + / - 10% from the nominal value / term. Such variation is always included in any given value / term provided herein, whether such variation is specifically mentioned or not.

[0062] In the event of any conflict between this disclosure and any other disclosure, in whole or in part, where there is a conflict, a broader disclosure, or a broader definition of terms, this disclosure shall prevail. In the event of any conflict between any two disclosures, in whole or in part, where there is a conflict, the more recent disclosure shall prevail, to the extent of the conflict.

[0063] The term “clothing” includes, but is not limited to, any article that is worn. Clothing also includes, but is not limited to, any article that has a crotch area. Examples of clothing include underwear, briefs, swimwear, pajamas, shorts, leotards, leggings, pants, skorts, panties, boy shorts, bikinis, thongs, overalls, bodysuits, leotards, tights, pantyhose, boxers, bike shorts, or compression shorts.

[0064] Figures 1–7 are various perspective views of absorbent or incontinence and sanitary underwear or garments according to the present disclosure. Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the crotch area of ​​the incontinence and sanitary underwear or garment according to the present disclosure. In particular, the incontinence and sanitary underwear or garment 100 includes a waistband 102, a front area 108, a back area 110, and a pair of leg openings 104 that define a crotch area 106 between them, each of which may include any suitable material (e.g., cloth, natural yarn, synthetic yarn, cotton, silk, polyester, spandex, rubber, plastic, metal, merino wool, nylon, polypropylene, rayon, linen, spandex, bamboo, Gore-Tex, X-Statec, Tencel).

[0065] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the underwear or garment 100 includes an outer side (distal to the wearer's body) having a waistband 102, a front region 108, a back region 110, a pair of leg openings 104, and a crotch region 106. Similarly, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the underwear or garment 100 includes an inner side (closer to the wearer's body) having a waistband 102, a front region 108, a back region 110, a pair of leg openings 104, and a crotch region 106.

[0066] As shown in Figures 3-8, the crotch area 106 holds stitch 112, a first layer 114, a second layer 116, a third layer 118, a fourth layer 120, a fifth layer 122, a sixth layer 124, a seventh layer 126, and material 128, each of which may contain any suitable material or textile (e.g., cloth, natural yarn, synthetic yarn, cotton, silk, polyester, spandex, rubber, plastic, metal, merino wool, nylon, polypropylene, rayon, linen, spandex, bamboo, Gore-Tex, X-Static, Tencel). The first layer 114 is the innermost layer. The seventh layer 126 is the outermost layer. Alternatively, the sixth layer 124 is the outermost layer. The second layer 116 extends between the first layer 114 and the third layer 118. The fourth layer 120 extends between the third layer 118 and the fifth layer 122. The sixth layer 124 extends below the fifth layer 122, below the second layer 116, below the first layer 114, and above the seventh layer 126.

[0067] The third layer 118 includes a hygroscopic material (e.g., fabric, natural yarn, synthetic yarn, wool, polypropylene, nylon, polyester). Alternatively, the fourth layer 120 or the fifth layer 122 may include a hygroscopic material. The fourth layer 120 includes an absorbent material (e.g., fabric, natural yarn, synthetic yarn, wool, polypropylene, nylon, polyester). Or, the third layer 118 or the fifth layer 122 includes an absorbent material. The fifth layer 122 includes a waterproof material (which may be a coating), but may also include a water-resistant or water-repellent material (which may be a coating). Or, the third layer 118 or the fourth layer 120 may include a waterproof material. The second layer 116 includes or comprises a bonding tape (e.g., a strip).

[0068] As shown in Figure 8, the stitch 112 extends through the first layer 114, the sixth layer 124, and the seventh layer 126. The stitch 112 avoids extending through the second layer 116, the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the fifth layer 122. The second layer 116 is bonded or adhered to the third layer 118. In certain embodiments, the second layer 116 is bonded or adhered to the sixth layer 124. For example, such bonding can be done via a suitable bonding tape (e.g., a strip). Similarly, for example, such adhesion can be done via a suitable adhesive (e.g., a glue). In certain embodiments, the second layer 116 comprises a bonding tape or glue.

[0069] In certain embodiments, at least two edges of the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, or the fifth layer 122 are sealed via a material 128 extending between the second layer 116 and the sixth layer 124, or between the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 124. The material 128 is U-shaped or C-shaped, but other shapes are also possible (e.g., V-shaped). The material 128 seals the edges of the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the fifth layer 122, but the material 128 can seal other layers or at least one of the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the fifth layer 122.

[0070] In certain embodiments, the material 128 has a first edge and a second edge. In certain embodiments, the first edge of the material is on the opposite side from the second edge of the material.

[0071] Sealing can be achieved, for example, by extending material 128 from below the fifth layer 122 to above the third layer 118, along the periphery of the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the fifth layer 122, and by fixing material 128 to the upper part of the third layer 118 and the lower part of the fifth layer 122. Material 128 extends between the second layer 116 and the third layer 118, and between the fifth layer 122 and the sixth layer 124.

[0072] In certain embodiments, the second layer 116 is bonded (e.g., by bonding tape) or adhered (e.g., by adhesive) to the third layer 118 via material 128. In certain embodiments, a bonding tape or adhesive other than material 128 is used to bond or adhere the second layer 116 to the third layer. In certain embodiments, the second layer 116 includes a bonding tape or adhesive, and the first layer 114 is bonded to the third layer 118 via the second layer 116.

[0073] As shown in Figure 8, the second layer 116 and stitch 112 define a gap 132 between them. The gap 132 extends between the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 124. The gap 132 can have any volumetric shape. Thus, the second layer 116 extends between the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 124 to the first point 134, and the stitch 112 extends through the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 124 at the second point 136, so the first point 134 is spaced apart from the second point 136 (for example, between approximately 0.001 inches and 3 inches).

[0074] In certain embodiments, for example as shown in Figures 9, 10, 13, 17, and 18, there is no material 128, and the edge portion 138 of the fifth layer 122 extends beyond the periphery of the third layer 118 and the fourth layer 120, covering the third layer 118 and bonding to the top of the third layer 118. In certain embodiments, for example as shown in Figures 9, 10, 17, and 18, the edge portion 138 of the fifth layer 122 is bonding to the top of the third layer 118 and the first layer 114 via the second layer 116.

[0075] As shown in Figure 9, the edge of the second layer 116 extends beyond the stitch 112, adjacent to or near the edges of the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 124, so that the stitch 112 extends through the second layer 116. As shown in Figure 10, the edge of the second layer 116 does not extend beyond the stitch 112 so that the stitch 112 extends through the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 124, but not through the second layer 116.

[0076] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, in certain embodiments, the seventh layer 126 is positioned above the sixth layer 124, which is the outermost layer. The sixth layer 124 includes an edge 140 that extends over and covers the seventh layer 126. The first layer 114 includes an edge 142 that extends below and folds over the first layer 114. In certain embodiments, the stitch 112 can provide a stitch that extends through the edge 142 of the first layer 114, the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124, and the seventh layer 126, but does not pass through the outermost part of the sixth layer 124 or the innermost part of the first layer 114, and is not visible from the outside.

[0077] As shown in Figure 12, in certain embodiments, the first layer 114 includes an edge 142 that folds beneath the first layer 114 and extends over the second layer 116 toward the third layer 118. In certain embodiments, the edge 142 of the first layer 114 is bonded to the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124 via the second layer 116. As shown in Figure 11, in certain embodiments, the first layer 114, rather than the edge 142 of the first layer 114, is bonded to the sixth layer 124, rather than the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124, via the second layer 116. In certain embodiments, the second layer 116 includes a bonding strip or adhesive. In certain embodiments, the stitch 112 extends through the edge 142 of the first layer 114, the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124, and the seventh layer 126, but does not pass through the innermost part of the first layer 114 or the outermost part of the sixth layer 124, thus providing a stitch that is not visible from the outside.

[0078] As shown in Figure 14, in certain embodiments, the first layer 114 and its edge 142 are bonded to the sixth layer 124 and its edge 140 via the second layer 116. In certain embodiments, the second layer 116 includes a bonding strip or adhesive. In certain embodiments, the stitch 112 extends through the edge 142 of the first layer 114, the second layer 116, the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124, and the seventh layer 126, but does not go through the innermost part of the first layer 114 or the outermost part of the sixth layer 124, so that a stitch can be provided that is not visible from the outside.

[0079] As shown in Figure 13, the edge portion 138 of the fifth layer 122 is bonded to the third layer 118 via a bonding strip or adhesive 144. The edge of the second layer 116 does not extend beyond the edge portion 138 in the direction toward the center of the third layer 118, nor does it extend beyond the stitch 112 in any other direction, so that the stitch 112 extends through the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 124, but not through the second layer 116. The first layer 114 either extends to the inner edge of the second layer 116 or extends beyond the inner edge of the second layer 116. If the first layer 114 extends to the inner edge of the second layer 116, the first layer is bonded to the second layer 116 using a bonding strip or adhesive, or the first layer 114 is bonded to the edge 138 of the fifth layer 122 via the second layer 116 which may constitute a bonding strip. If the first layer 114 extends beyond the inner edge of the second layer 116, the first layer 114 is bonded to the third layer 118 and not to the second layer 116 using a bonding strip or adhesive, or the first layer 114 may be bonded to both the third layer 118 and the second layer 116 using a bonding strip or adhesive, or it may be bonded to a combination of (a) a bonding strip or adhesive and (b) a second layer 116 including a bonding strip.

[0080] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, in certain embodiments, similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the stitch 112 extends through the first layer 114, the sixth layer 124, and the seventh layer 126. The stitch 112 avoids extending through the second layer 116, the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the fifth layer 122. The second layer 116 is bonded or adhered to the third layer 118, but does not extend beyond the material 128. As shown in Figure 15, a piece of bonding tape or adhesive 150 is placed between the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 124, bonding the first layer 114 to the sixth layer 124, and the stitch 112 passes through the bonding tape or adhesive 150. In certain embodiments, the second layer 116 includes bonding tape or adhesive.

[0081] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, in a particular embodiment, the edge portion 138 of the fifth layer 122 is located above the third layer 118 and is bonded to the top of the third layer 118 via the second layer 116. The first edge of the second layer 116 extends over the third layer and bonds the first layer 114 to the third layer 118 and the fifth layer 122. The second edge of the second layer 116 extends beyond the edge of the fifth layer 122. The stitch 112 extends through the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 124, but not through the second layer 116. As shown in Figure 17, a piece of bonding tape or adhesive 150 is placed between the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 124, bonding the first layer 114 to the sixth layer 124, and the stitch 112 passes through the bonding tape or adhesive 150. In certain embodiments, the second layer 116 includes a bonding tape or adhesive.

[0082] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, in certain embodiments, the seventh layer 126 is positioned above the sixth layer 124, which is the outermost layer. The sixth layer 124 includes an edge 140 that extends over and covers the seventh layer 126. The first layer includes an edge 142 that extends below and folds over the first layer 114. In certain embodiments, the stitch 112 extends through the edge 142 of the first layer 114, the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124, and the seventh layer 126, but does not pass through the outermost part of the sixth layer 124 or the innermost part of the first layer 114, so that a stitch can be provided that is not visible from the outside.

[0083] In Figure 19, in a particular embodiment, the second layer does not extend beyond the edge of material 128, but merely joins a portion of the first layer 114 to material 128 and the third layer 118. The edge 142 of the first layer 114 is joined to the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124. In a particular embodiment, the stitch 112 extends through the edge 142 of the first layer 114, the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124, and the seventh layer 126, but does not go through the innermost part of the first layer 114 or the outermost part of the sixth layer 124, so that a stitch can be provided that is not visible from the outside. As shown in Figure 20, a piece of bonding tape or adhesive 150 is placed between the edge 142 of the first layer 114 and the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124, bonding the edge 142 of the first layer 114 to the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124, with stitching 112 passing through the edge 142 of the first layer 114, the bonding tape or adhesive 150, and the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124. In certain embodiments, the second layer 116 includes bonding tape or adhesive.

[0084] In certain embodiments, the stitch 112 avoids extending through the material 128. In certain embodiments, for example, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, a portion 154 of the material 128 extends radially with respect to the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the fifth layer 122. In certain embodiments, for example, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, a portion 154 of the material 128 is bonded to itself beyond the periphery of the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the fifth layer 122. Bonding of the material 128 to itself can be achieved, for example, if the material 128 includes bonding tape, or if adhesive is placed in the space between the layers of the material 128 constituting the portion 154. In certain embodiments, for example, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, the stitch 112 extends through a portion 154 of the material 128 that extends beyond the periphery of the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the fifth layer 122.

[0085] In certain embodiments, as shown in Figure 25, material 128 replaces the second layer 116. In certain embodiments, material 128 includes bonding tape or adhesive. In certain embodiments, as shown, for example, in Figures 23 and 24, material 128 replaces a portion of the second layer 116 that extends above the third layer 118. In certain embodiments, as shown, for example, in Figures 23 and 24, the second layer 116 does not extend between the first layer 114 and the third layer 118. In certain embodiments, as shown, for example, in Figures 23 and 24, the second layer 116 extends between the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 124. In certain embodiments, as shown, for example, in Figures 23 and 24, the second layer 116 includes bonding tape or adhesive, and the first layer 114 is bonded to the sixth layer 124 via the second layer 116.

[0086] In certain embodiments, for example as shown in Figure 26, the second layer 116 is in direct contact with the first layer 114 and the third layer 118. In certain embodiments, for example as shown in Figure 27, the second layer 116 is in direct contact with the first layer 114 and the material 128. In certain embodiments, for example as shown in Figure 22, the second layer 116 is in direct contact with the first layer 114, the third layer 118, and the material 128.

[0087] As shown in Figure 28, in certain embodiments, the first layer 114 and its edge 142 are bonded to the sixth layer 124 and its edge 140 via the second layer 116. In certain embodiments, the second layer 116 includes a bonding strip or adhesive. In certain embodiments, the stitch 112 extends through the edge 142 of the first layer 114, the portion 154 of material 128 extending beyond the periphery of the second layer 116, the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the fifth layer 122, the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124, and the seventh layer 126, and not through the innermost part of the first layer 114 or the outermost part of the sixth layer 124, but through the outermost part of the first layer 116 to provide invisible stitching.

[0088] In Figure 29, in a particular embodiment, the second layer does not extend beyond the edge of material 128, but merely joins a portion of the first layer 114 to material 128 and the third layer 118. The edge 142 of the first layer 114 is joined to the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124. In a particular embodiment, the stitch 112 extends through the portion 154 of material 128 that extends beyond the edge 142 of the first layer 114, the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the periphery of the fifth layer 122, the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124, and the seventh layer 126, but does not go through the innermost portion of the first layer 114 or the outermost portion of the sixth layer 124, and passes through the innermost portion of the first layer 114 to provide an invisible stitch.

[0089] As shown in Figures 30 and 31, in certain embodiments, similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 15, an additional piece of fabric 160 is added, extending from a first edge 162 located below the seventh layer 124 to a second edge 164 located above the first layer 114. The stitch 112 extends through the second edge 164 of the fabric 160, the first layer 114, the sixth layer 126, the seventh layer 124, and the first edge 162 of the fabric 160. The stitch 112 avoids extending through the second layer 116, the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the fifth layer 122. The second layer 116 is bonded or glued to the third layer 118, but does not extend beyond the material 128. As shown in Figure 30, a piece of bonding tape or adhesive 150 is placed between the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 126, bonding the first layer 114 to the sixth layer 126, and the suture 112 also passes through the bonding tape or adhesive 150. In certain embodiments, the second layer 116 includes bonding tape or adhesive.

[0090] As shown in Figure 32, in certain embodiments, a gap may be included between the edge of the second layer 116 and the stitching 112. The method may also include expanding the gap between the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 124. The fabric piece 160 extends from a first edge 162 located above the first layer 114 to a second edge 164 located below the seventh layer 124. The stitching 112 extends through the first edge 162 of the fabric 160, the first layer 114, the sixth layer 126, the seventh layer 124, and the second edge 164 of the fabric 160.

[0091] In certain embodiments, for example as shown in Figure 33, material 128 replaces a portion of the second layer 116 that extends above the third layer 118, and a portion of fabric 160 extends from a first edge 162 located above the first layer 114 to a second edge 164 located below the seventh layer 124. The stitch 112 extends through the first edge 162 of fabric 160, the first layer 114, the sixth layer 126, the seventh layer 124, and the second edge 164 of fabric 160. In certain embodiments, for example as shown in Figure 33, the second layer 116 does not extend between the first layer 114 and the third layer 118. In certain embodiments, for example as shown in Figure 33, the second layer 116 extends between the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 126. In certain embodiments, for example as shown in Figure 33, the second layer 116 includes a bonding tape or adhesive, and the first layer 114 is bonded to the sixth layer 126 via the second layer 116.

[0092] In certain embodiments, the first layer 114 and the second layer 116 define the elastic edge portion. In certain embodiments, the sixth layer 124 and the seventh layer 126 define the elastic edge portion. For example, the elastic edge portion may include rubber or any other suitable material (e.g., cloth, natural yarn, synthetic yarn, cotton, silk, polyester, spandex, rubber, plastic, metal, merino wool, nylon, polypropylene, rayon, linen, spandex, bamboo, Gore-Tex, X-Static, spandex, Tencel), etc.

[0093] As shown in Figure 5, the first layer 114 defines an arc-shaped region 132 in which the third layer 118 is presented as an arc. The third layer 118 is visually distinct from the first layer 114, but it is also possible to avoid visual distinction. Note that the arc-shaped region 132 is not limited to an arc shape and can be other shapes or patterns (e.g., triangle, circle, square, octagon, pentagon, hexagon, pentagon or hexagonal star, rhombus, polka dot pattern, etc.).

[0094] In one operating mode, the method may include incorporating a crotch area 106 that holds stitches 112, a first layer 114, a second layer 116, a third layer 118, a fourth layer 120, a fifth layer 122, a sixth layer 124, and a seventh layer 126 and a material 128 into an absorbent or incontinence and sanitary underwear or garment 100. The first layer 114 is the innermost layer, and the seventh layer 126 is the outermost layer. Alternatively, the sixth layer 124 is the outermost. The method may include extending the second layer 116 between the first layer 114 and the third layer 118 so that the second layer 116 is bonded or adhered to the third layer 118. The method may also include extending the fourth layer 120 between the third layer 118 and the fifth layer 122. This method may include extending the sixth layer 124 below the fifth layer 122, below the second layer 116, below the first layer 114, and above the seventh layer 126. This method may also include ensuring that the stitch 112 extends through the first layer 114, the second layer 116, the sixth layer 124, and the seventh layer 126, and avoids extending through the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the fifth layer 122.

[0095] In one operating mode, the third layer 118 absorbs moisture (e.g., fabric, natural yarn, synthetic yarn, wool, polypropylene, nylon, polyester). Alternatively, the fourth layer 120 or the fifth layer 122 may absorb moisture. The fourth layer 120 absorbs moisture (e.g., fabric, natural yarn, synthetic yarn, wool, polypropylene, nylon, polyester). Or, the third layer 118 or the fifth layer 122 absorbs moisture. The fifth layer 122 prevents moisture migration (may be a coating). Or, the third layer 118 or the fourth layer 120 prevents moisture migration. The second layer 116 includes or contains bonding tape (e.g., a strip).

[0096] According to one mode of operation, as shown in Figure 8, the method may include the step of extending the stitch 112 through the first layer 114, the sixth layer 124, and the seventh layer 126. According to one aspect of operation, the method may include the step of avoiding extending the stitch 112 through the second layer 116, the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the fifth layer 122. The second layer 116 is bonded or adhered to the third layer 118. In a particular embodiment, the method may include the step of bonding or adhering the second layer 116 to the sixth layer 124. For example, such bonding can be done via a suitable bonding tape (e.g., a strip). Similarly, for example, such adhesion can be via a suitable adhesive (e.g., a glue).

[0097] In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of bonding or adhering a second layer 116 to a third layer 118 via material 128. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of bonding or adhering a second layer 116 to a sixth layer 124. For example, such bonding may be carried out via a suitable bonding tape (e.g., a strip). Similarly, for example, such bonding may be carried out via a suitable adhesive (e.g., an adhesive). In certain embodiments, a bonding tape or adhesive other than material 128 is used to bond or adhere the second layer 116 to the third layer. In certain embodiments, the second layer 116 includes a bonding tape or adhesive, and the first layer 114 is bonded to the third layer 118 via the second layer 116.

[0098] In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of sealing at least two of the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, or the fifth layer 120 via a material 128 extending between the second layer 116 and the sixth layer 124 or between the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 124. The material 128 is U-shaped or C-shaped, but other shapes are also possible (e.g., V-shaped). The method may include the step of sealing the edges of the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the fifth layer 122 with the material 128, but the material 128 can seal other layers or at least one of the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the fifth layer 122.

[0099] Sealing can be achieved, for example, by extending material 128 from below the fifth layer 122 to above the third layer 118, around the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the fifth layer 122, and by bonding material 128 to the top of the third layer 118 and the bottom of the fifth layer 122. Material 128 extends between the second layer 116 and the third layer 118, and between the fifth layer 122 and the sixth layer 124.

[0100] As shown in Figure 9, in certain embodiments, the method may include extending the edge of the second layer 116 adjacent to or near the edges of the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 124, and extending beyond the stitch 112, so that the stitch 112 extends through the second layer 116. As shown in Figure 10, in certain embodiments, the method may include extending the stitch 112 through the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 124, but the edge of the second layer 116 not extending beyond the stitch 112.

[0101] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, in certain embodiments, the method may include the step of positioning the seventh layer 126 above the sixth layer 124, which is the outermost layer. The sixth layer 124 includes an edge 140 that extends over and covers the seventh layer 126. The first layer 114 includes an edge 142 that extends below and folds over the first layer 114. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of extending the stitch 112 through the edge 142 of the first layer 114, the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124, and the seventh layer 126, but not through the outermost part of the sixth layer 124 or the innermost part of the first layer 114, in order to provide a stitch that is not visible from the outside.

[0102] As shown in Figure 12, in certain embodiments, the method may include the step of folding the edge 142 of the first layer 114 downwards and extending the edge 142 above the second layer 116 toward the third layer 118. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of bonding the edge 142 of the first layer 114 to the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124 via the second layer 116. As shown in Figure 11, in certain embodiments, the method may include the step of bonding the first layer 114, rather than the edge 142 of the first layer 114, to the sixth layer 124, rather than the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124, via the second layer 116. In certain embodiments, the second layer 116 may include a bonding strip or adhesive. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of providing a stitch 112 that is invisible from the outside, extending along the edge 142 of the first layer 114, the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124, and the seventh layer 126, but not through the innermost part of the first layer 114 or the outermost part of the sixth layer 124.

[0103] As shown in Figure 14, in certain embodiments, the method may include the step of bonding the first layer 114 and its edge 142 to the sixth layer 124 and its edge 140 via the second layer 116. In certain embodiments, the second layer 116 may include a bonding strip or adhesive. In certain embodiments, the method may include extending the stitch 112 through the innermost part of the first layer 114 or the outermost part of the sixth layer 124, rather than through the edge 142 of the first layer 114, the second layer 116, the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124, and the seventh layer 126, in order to provide a stitch that is not visible from the outside.

[0104] As shown in Figure 13, in certain embodiments, the method may include the step of bonding the edge portion 138 of the fifth layer 122 to the third layer 118 via a bonding strip or adhesive 144. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of not extending the edge portion 138 toward the center of the third layer 118 or extending beyond the stitch 112 in any other direction, such that the stitch 112 extends through the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 124 but not through the second layer 116. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of extending the first layer 114 to the inner edge of the second layer 116, or extending beyond the inner edge of the second layer 116. If the first layer 114 extends to the inner edge of the second layer 116, the first layer is bonded to the second layer 116 using a bonding strip or adhesive, or the first layer 114 is bonded to the edge 138 of the fifth layer 122 via the second layer 116 which may constitute a bonding strip. If the first layer 114 extends beyond the inner edge of the second layer 116, the first layer 114 may be bonded to the third layer 118 and not to the second layer 116 using a bonding strip or adhesive, or the first layer 114 may be bonded to both the third layer 118 and the second layer 116 using a bonding strip or adhesive, and may be a combination of (a) a bonding strip or adhesive and (b) a second layer 116 including a bonding strip.

[0105] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, in certain embodiments, the method may include the step of extending the stitch 112 through the first layer 114, the sixth layer 124, and the seventh layer 126, similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 8. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of avoiding extending the stitch 112 through the second layer 116, the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the fifth layer 122. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of not extending the second layer beyond the material 128 and bonding or adhering the second layer 116 to the third layer 118. As shown in Figure 15, in certain embodiments, the method may include the step of positioning a portion of bonding tape or adhesive 150 between the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 124 to bond the first layer 114 to the sixth layer 124 and passing the stitch 112 through the bonding tape or adhesive 150. In certain embodiments, the second layer 116 includes a bonding tape or adhesive.

[0106] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, in certain embodiments, the method may include the step of positioning the edge portion 138 of the fifth layer 122 above the third layer 118 and joining it to the top of the third layer 118 via the second layer 116. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of extending the first edge portion of the second layer 116 above the third layer and joining the first layer 114 to the third layer 118 and the fifth layer 122. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of not extending the second edge portion of the second layer 116 beyond the edge portion of the fifth layer 122. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of extending the stitch 112 through the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 124, but not through the second layer 116. As shown in Figure 17, in certain embodiments, the method may include positioning a portion of bonding tape or adhesive 150 between the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 124, bonding the first layer 114 to the sixth layer 124, and passing the stitch 112 through the bonding tape or adhesive 150. In certain embodiments, the second layer 116 includes bonding tape or adhesive.

[0107] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, in certain embodiments, the method may include the step of positioning the seventh layer 126 above the sixth layer 124, which is the outermost layer. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of extending the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124 above the seventh layer 126. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of extending the edge 142 of the first layer and folding the edge 142 below the first layer 114. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of extending the stitch 112 through the edge 142 of the first layer 114, the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124, and the seventh layer 126, but not through the outermost part of the sixth layer 124 or the innermost part of the first layer 114, in order to provide a stitch that is not visible from the outside.

[0108] In Figure 19, in a particular embodiment, the method may include only the step of joining a portion of the first layer 114 to the material 128 and the third layer 118, without extending the second layer beyond the edge of the material 128. In a particular embodiment, the method may include the step of joining the edge 142 of the first layer 114 to the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124. In a particular embodiment, the method may include the step of extending the stitch 112 through the edge 142 of the first layer 114, the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124, and the seventh layer 126, but not through the innermost part of the first layer 114 or the outermost part of the sixth layer 124, in order to provide a stitch that is not visible from the outside. As shown in Figure 20, in certain embodiments, the method may include the steps of positioning a portion of bonding tape or adhesive 150 between the edge 142 of the first layer 114 and the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124, joining the edge 142 of the first layer 114 to the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124, and passing the stitching 112 through the edge 142 of the first layer 114, the bonding tape or adhesive 150, and the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124. In certain embodiments, the second layer 116 includes bonding tape or adhesive.

[0109] In certain embodiments, the method may include a step of avoiding extending the stitch 112 through the material 128. In certain embodiments, the method may include a step of extending a portion 154 of the material 128 radially toward the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the fifth layer 122, for example, as shown in Figures 21 and 22. In certain embodiments, the method may include a step of bonding the portion 154 of the material 128 to itself beyond the periphery of the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the fifth layer 122, for example, as shown in Figures 21 and 22. In certain embodiments, the method may include a step of bonding the material 128 to itself, wherein the material 128 includes a bonding tape, or adhesive is placed in the space between the layers of the material 128 constituting the portion 154. In certain embodiments, the method may include, for example, extending the stitch 112 through portions 154 of material 128 that extend beyond the periphery of the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the fifth layer 122, as shown in Figures 21 and 22.

[0110] In certain embodiments, such as those shown in Figure 25, the method may include the step of replacing the second layer 116 with material 128. In certain embodiments, material 128 may include bonding tape or adhesive. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of replacing a portion of the second layer 116 extending above the third layer 118 with material 128, for example, as shown in Figures 23 and 24. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of not extending the second layer 116 between the first layer 114 and the third layer 118, for example, as shown in Figures 23 and 24. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of extending the second layer 116 between the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 124, for example, as shown in Figures 23 and 24. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of bonding the first layer 114 to the sixth layer 124 via the second layer 116, for example, as shown in Figures 23 and 24, if the second layer 116 includes a bonding tape or adhesive.

[0111] In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of bringing the second layer 116 into direct contact with the first layer 114 and the third layer 118, for example, as shown in Figure 26. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of bringing the second layer 116 into direct contact with the first layer 114 and the material 128, for example, as shown in Figure 27. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of bringing the second layer 116 into direct contact with the first layer 114, the third layer 118, and the material 128, for example, as shown in Figure 22.

[0112] As shown in Figure 28, in certain embodiments, the method may include the step of bonding the first layer 114 and its edge 142 to the sixth layer 124 and its edge 140 via the second layer 116. In certain embodiments, the method may include the second layer 116 comprising a bonding strip or adhesive. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of extending the stitch 112 through the edge 142 of the first layer 114, the portion 154 of the material 128 extending beyond the periphery of the second layer 116, the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the fifth layer 122, the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124, and the seventh layer 126, but extending so as not to pass through the innermost part of the first layer 114 or the outermost part of the sixth layer 124, thereby providing a stitch that is not visible from the outside.

[0113] As shown in Figure 29, in certain embodiments, the method may include only the step of joining a portion of the first layer 114 to the material 128 and the third layer 118, without extending the second layer beyond the edge of the material 128. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of joining the edge 142 of the first layer 114 to the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of extending the stitching 112 through the portion 154 of the material 128 that extends beyond the edge 142 of the first layer 114, the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the periphery of the fifth layer 122, the edge 140 of the sixth layer 124, and the seventh layer 126, but without going through the innermost portion of the first layer 114 or the outermost portion of the sixth layer 124, in order to provide a stitch that is not visible from the outside.

[0114] As shown in Figures 30 and 31, in certain embodiments, the method may include the step of positioning the first edge 162 of the fabric piece 160 above the first layer 114 and extending the second edge 164 of the fabric piece to a position below the seventh layer 124, similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 15. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of extending the stitch 112 through the first edge 162, the first layer 114, the sixth layer 126, the seventh layer 124, and the second edge 164 of the fabric 160. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of not extending the stitch 112 through the second layer 116, the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the fifth layer 122. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of bonding or adhering the second layer 116 to the third layer 118, but not extending the second layer beyond the material 128. As shown in Figure 30, in certain embodiments, the method may include the steps of positioning a portion of bonding tape or adhesive 150 between the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 126, bonding the first layer 114 to the sixth layer 126, and passing the suture 112 through the bonding tape or adhesive 150. In certain embodiments, the second layer 116 includes bonding tape or adhesive.

[0115] As shown in Figure 32, in certain embodiments, the method may include the step of creating a gap between the end portion of the second layer 116 and the stitching 112. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of extending the gap between the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 124. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of positioning the first edge 162 of the fabric piece 160 above the first layer 114 and extending the second edge 164 of the fabric piece 160 to a position below the seventh layer 124. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of extending the stitching 112 through the upper edge of the fabric 160, the first layer 114, the sixth layer 126, the seventh layer 124, and the lower edge of the fabric 160.

[0116] In certain embodiments, for example as shown in Figure 33, the method may include the step of replacing a portion of the second layer 116 extending above the third layer 118 with material 128 to position the first edge 162 of the fabric piece 160 above the first layer 114 and extending the second edge 164 of the fabric piece 160 to a position below the seventh layer 124. In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of extending the stitch 112 through the first edge 162 of the fabric 160, the first layer 114, the sixth layer 126, the seventh layer 124, and the second edge 164 of the fabric 160. In certain embodiments, for example as shown in Figure 33, the method may include the step of not extending the second layer 116 between the first layer 114 and the third layer 118. In certain embodiments, as shown in Figure 33, for example, the method may include the step of extending the second layer 116 between the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 126. In certain embodiments, as shown in Figure 33, for example, the method may include the second layer 116 comprising a bonding tape or adhesive and bonding the first layer 114 to the sixth layer 126 via the second layer 116.

[0117] In certain embodiments, the method may include the step of bonding (e.g., bonding tape) or adhering (e.g., adhesive, glue) the second layer 116 to the third layer 118 via material 128. In certain embodiments, a bonding tape or adhesive other than material 128 is used to bond or adhere the second layer 116 to the third layer. In certain embodiments, the second layer 116 includes a bonding tape or adhesive and bonds the first layer 114 to the third layer 118 via the second layer 116. In certain embodiments, such as shown in Figure 25, material 128 replaces the second layer 116. In certain embodiments, material 128 includes a bonding tape or adhesive. In certain embodiments, such as shown in Figures 23 and 24, material 128 replaces a portion of the second layer 116 that extends above the third layer 118. In certain embodiments, for example as shown in Figures 23 and 24, the second layer 116 does not extend between the first layer 114 and the third layer 118. In certain embodiments, for example as shown in Figures 23 and 24, the second layer 116 extends between the first layer 114 and the sixth layer 124. In certain embodiments, for example as shown in Figures 23 and 24, the second layer 116 includes a bonding tape or adhesive, and the first layer 114 is bonded to the sixth layer 124 via the second layer 116.

[0118] In certain embodiments, the method may include a step of avoiding the step of extending the stitch 112 through the material 128. In certain embodiments, for example, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, a portion 154 of the material 128 extends radially beyond the periphery of the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the fifth layer 122. In certain embodiments, for example, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, a portion 154 of the material 128 is bonded to itself beyond the periphery of the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the fifth layer 122. Bonding of the material 128 to itself can be achieved, for example, if the material 128 includes a bonding tape, or if an adhesive is placed in the space between the layers of the material 128 constituting the portion 154. In certain embodiments, for example, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, the stitch 112 extends through a portion 154 of material 128 that extends beyond the periphery of the third layer 118, the fourth layer 120, and the fifth layer 122.

[0119] In certain embodiments, for example as shown in Figures 9, 10, 13, 17, and 18, the method may include the step of not using material 128 and extending the edge portion 138 of the fifth layer 122 above the third layer 118 beyond the periphery of the third layer 118 and the fourth layer 120, and joining the edge portion 138 of the fifth layer 122 to the top of the third layer 118. In certain embodiments, for example as shown in Figures 9, 10, 17, and 18, the method may include the step of joining the edge portion 138 of the fifth layer 122 to the top of the third layer 118 and the first layer 114 via the second layer 116.

[0120] In some embodiments, absorbent or incontinence and sanitary underwear or garment 100 can be embodied as disclosed in US20160089276, EP2879534, US20180014983, US20180092787, and JP3718213, all of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Thus, any of these documents can be modified based on this disclosure using various principles as known to those skilled in the art.

[0121] In some embodiments, various functions or actions can be performed at a given location and / or in connection with the operation of one or more devices or systems. In some embodiments, a portion of a given function or action can be performed at a first device or location, and the remainder of the function or action can be performed at one or more additional devices or locations.

[0122] All means or step-plus functional elements in the following claims are intended to include any structure, material or action that performs a function in combination with other claimed elements, as explicitly claimed. These embodiments have been selected and described to enable those skilled in the art to understand the disclosure of various embodiments, including various modifications that are suitable for specific applications intended to best illustrate the principles and applicable uses of this disclosure.

[0123] The figures depicted herein are illustrative. Many variations may exist to the drawings or steps (or actions) described herein without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. For example, the steps may be performed in a different order, or steps may be added, deleted, or modified. All such variations are considered part of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that various improvements and enhancements may be made, both now and in the future, that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0124] The descriptions in this disclosure are presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes, but are not intended to be exhaustive and / or limited to the disclosure in the disclosed form. Many modifications and variations in the technology and structure will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure as set forth in the subsequent claims. Such modifications and variations are therefore intended to be part of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is defined by a variety of claims, including known and unpredictable equivalents at the time of filing of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 100 Incontinence and sanitary underwear or clothing 102 Waistband 104 Leg opening 106 Crotch area

Claims

1. 1. A device comprising an absorbent garment including a crotch region holding stitches, a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, a fourth layer, a fifth layer, a sixth layer, and a seventh layer, wherein the first layer is an innermost layer and at least one of the sixth layer or the seventh layer is an outermost layer, the first layer extends along the second layer, the first layer extends beyond a periphery of at least one of the second layer or the third layer, the first layer does not extend beyond a central portion of the third layer, the second layer extends along a peripheral portion of the third layer, and the second layer extends beyond the peripheral portion of the third layer. the stitch does not extend beyond a central portion of any one of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth layers, the second layer extends between the first and third layers, the fourth layer extends between the third and fifth layers, the sixth layer extends below the fifth layer and at least one of above or below the seventh layer, the stitch extends through the first, sixth, and seventh layers, the stitch avoids extending through the second, third, fourth, and fifth layers, and the second layer is bonded or adhered to the third layer.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first layer is bonded or adhered to the sixth layer.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the third layer, the fourth layer, or the fifth layer comprises a hygroscopic material.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the third layer, the fourth layer, or the fifth layer comprises a waterproof material.

5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the second layer comprises a bonding tape.

6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the second layer is bonded to the sixth layer.

7. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein at least two of the peripheral edges of the third layer, the fourth layer, or the fifth layer are surrounded by a material having a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge, the material extending from the first edge located between the second layer and the third layer to the second edge located between the fifth layer and the sixth layer.

8. 10. The device of claim 1, further comprising an extension of the second layer, the second layer extending between the first layer and the third layer at a first point, the stitch extending through the second layer at a second point, the first point being spaced from the second point.

9. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of: (i) the first layer and the second layer, (ii) the sixth layer and the seventh layer, or (iii) the first layer, the second layer, the sixth layer, and the seventh layer define an elastic edge portion.

10. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first layer defines an arcuate region within which the third layer is presented as an arcuate shape.

11. The device of claim 1 , wherein the third layer is visually distinct from the first layer.

12. The device of claim 1 , wherein the second layer directly contacts the first layer and the third layer.

13. The device of claim 7 , wherein the second layer is in direct contact with the first layer and with a material that overlies the third layer.

14. The device of claim 1 , wherein the fifth layer overlaps the third layer and peripheral edges of the third layer and the fourth layer.

15. 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the fifth layer extends from below the fourth layer, above the third layer and below the second layer, the fifth layer being bonded to the third layer.

16. The device of claim 15 , wherein the fifth layer is bonded or adhered to the second layer.

17. The device of claim 14 , wherein the second layer does not extend beyond the fifth layer.

18. The device of claim 1 , wherein the absorbent garment is at least one of an incontinence garment, a menstrual garment, or an incontinence and menstrual garment.

19. 1. A device comprising an absorbent garment including a crotch region holding a stitch, a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, a fourth layer, a fifth layer, a sixth layer, and a seventh layer, wherein the first layer is an innermost layer and at least one of the sixth layer or the seventh layer is an outermost layer, the second layer extends between the first layer and the third layer, the fourth layer extends between the third layer and the fifth layer, the sixth layer extends below the fifth layer and at least one of above or below the seventh layer, the stitch extends through the first layer, the sixth layer, and the seventh layer, and the stitch extends through the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, and the fifth layer. the second layer is bonded or adhered to the third layer, at least two of the peripheries of the third layer, the fourth layer, or the fifth layer are surrounded by a material having a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge, the material extending from the first edge located between the second layer and the third layer to the second edge located between the fifth layer and the sixth layer, the material having a U-shaped, C-shaped, or V-shaped cross section including a portion of the material extending from an apex opposite an opening of the U, C, or V beyond the stitch, and the stitch extends through the portion of the material.

20. 20. The device of claim 19, wherein the second layer is at least one of: (i) not extending beyond the apex of the material; or (ii) not extending beyond the material.

21. 20. The device of claim 19, further comprising an extension of the second layer, the stitches extending through the second layer.

22. 20. The device of claim 19, wherein the second layer extends only over the material and does not extend beyond the apex of the material.

23. 20. The device of claim 19, wherein the seventh layer is located above the sixth layer, an edge of the sixth layer extends below the seventh layer and over the seventh layer in a direction toward the first layer and beyond the edge of the seventh layer, and an edge of the first layer extends below the first layer.

24. 24. The device of claim 23, wherein the second layer does not extend beyond the apex of the material.

25. 24. The device of claim 23, wherein the stitches extend through an edge of the first layer, an edge of the sixth layer, and the seventh layer, but not through an innermost portion of the first layer or an outermost portion of the sixth layer.

26. 26. The device of claim 25, further comprising an extension of the second layer, the stitches extending through the second layer.

27. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein at least two of the peripheral edges of the third layer, the fourth layer, or the fifth layer are surrounded by a material having a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge, the material extending from the first edge located between the first layer and the third layer to the second edge located between the fifth layer and the sixth layer, and the second layer does not extend beyond the first edge.

28. 1. A device comprising an absorbent garment including a crotch region holding stitches, a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, a fourth layer, a fifth layer, a sixth layer, and a seventh layer, wherein the first layer is an innermost layer and at least one of the sixth layer or the seventh layer is an outermost layer, the first layer extends along the second layer, the first layer extends beyond a periphery of at least one of the second layer or the third layer, the first layer does not extend beyond a central portion of the third layer, the second layer extends along a peripheral portion of the third layer, the second layer does not extend beyond a central portion of the third layer, the second layer extends below the first layer, the fourth layer extends between the third layer and the fifth layer, and the sixth layer is a front layer. a stitch extending below the fifth layer and at least one of above or below the seventh layer, at least two of the peripheries of the third layer, the fourth layer, or the fifth layer being surrounded by a material having a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge, the material extending from the first edge located between the second layer and the third layer to the second edge located between the fifth layer and the sixth layer, the stitch extending through the first layer, the sixth layer, and the seventh layer, the stitch avoiding extending through the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, and the material, and the second layer being bonded or adhered to the third layer.

29. providing an absorbent garment having a crotch region that holds a stitch, a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, a fourth layer, a fifth layer, a sixth layer, and a seventh layer, the first layer being an innermost layer and at least one of the sixth layer or the seventh layer being an outermost layer; extending the first layer along the second layer; extending the first layer beyond a periphery of at least one of the second layer or the third layer; not extending the first layer beyond a central portion of the third layer; extending the second layer along a peripheral portion of the third layer; not extending the second layer beyond a central portion of the third layer; extending the second layer between the first layer and the third layer such that the second layer is bonded or adhered to the third layer; extending the fourth layer between the third layer and the fifth layer; extending the sixth layer between the fifth layer and at least one of above or below the seventh layer; extending the stitch through the first layer, the sixth layer, and the seventh layer while avoiding extending the stitch through the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, and the fifth layer; bonding or adhering the second layer to the third layer; A method comprising:

30. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein at least two of the peripheries of the third layer, the fourth layer, or the fifth layer are surrounded by a material having a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge, the material extending from the first edge located between the first layer and the third layer to the second edge located between the fifth layer and the sixth layer, the material having a U-shaped, C-shaped, or V-shaped cross-section including a portion of the material extending from an apex opposite an opening of the U, C, or V beyond the stitch, the stitch extending through the portion of the material, and the second layer not extending beyond the first edge.

Images