Intimate Concealment

Abstract

An intimate device is provided that is configured to conceal the genitalia of a user. The intimate device includes a rounded end, a tapered end opposite the rounded end, a skin-facing surface, and a garment-facing surface opposite the skin-facing surface. The intimate device includes a polymeric material, and the garment-facing surface includes an adhesive. The skin-facing surface and the garment-facing surface meet to form a peripheral edge of the intimate device. A method of concealing genitalia is also provided.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 665,103, filed February 4, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Technical field]

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to genital concealment, and more particularly to devices and methods for concealing genitalia. [Background technology]

[0003] In recent years, tight-fitting clothing such as leggings, yoga pants, biker shorts, swimsuits, unitards, athletic clothing, etc., have become increasingly popular with women and men. Because this type of clothing is designed to be snug, the clothing also fits very snugly around the user's groin area, which can draw unwanted attention to the contours of the genitals. This exposure can not only result in embarrassment, but can also cause physical discomfort, including but not limited to irritation and infection due to lack of breathability. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Thus, there is a need for a discrete, comfortable way to alleviate the emotional and physical discomfort that can result from wearing tight fitting clothing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One or more embodiments may address one or more of the problems mentioned above. Certain embodiments provide separate, comfortable tools and methods for hiding genitalia. In particular, according to a first aspect, an intimate device configured to hide genitalia is provided. The intimate device includes a rounded end, a tapered end opposite the rounded end, a skin-facing surface, and a garment-facing surface opposite the skin-facing surface. The garment-facing surface includes an adhesive. The garment-facing surface and the skin-facing surface meet to form a peripheral edge of the intimate device. The intimate device includes a polymeric material.

[0006] According to certain embodiments, the intimate gear may be configured to attach to an undergarment. In some embodiments, the intimate gear may be configured to attach to athletic clothing. In further embodiments, the intimate gear may be configured to fit into a gusset of the undergarment.

[0007] According to certain embodiments, the polymeric material can be liquid resistant, non-absorbent, and non-moisture wicking. In some embodiments, the polymeric material can be silicone rubber. In further embodiments, the silicone rubber can be medical grade silicone rubber. In certain embodiments, the silicone rubber can be food grade silicone rubber. In some embodiments, the polymeric material can have a Shore A hardness of about 10-40. In further embodiments, the polymeric material can have a Shore A hardness of about 30.

[0008] According to certain embodiments, the garment-facing surface of the intimate gear may be convex. In some embodiments, the skin-facing surface of the intimate gear may be concave.

[0009] According to certain embodiments, the adhesive on the intimate tool may be liquid resistant.

[0010] According to certain embodiments, the edges of the intimate tool may be beveled.

[0011] According to certain embodiments, the intimate device may have a length and a width, and the ratio of the length to width of the intimate device may be between about 2:1 and 4:3.

[0012] In another aspect, a method of concealing genitalia is provided that includes providing an intimate device having a rounded end, a tapered end opposite the rounded end, a skin-facing surface, and a garment-facing surface opposite the skin-facing surface, the garment-facing surface including an adhesive, exposing the adhesive from the garment-facing surface of the intimate device, attaching the intimate device to the garment in alignment with a user's genitalia, and concealing the genitalia.

[0013] According to certain embodiments, the method may further include removing the intimate gear from the garment, washing the intimate gear, and reusing the intimate gear.

[0014] According to certain embodiments, the garment may be underwear, swimwear, pants, yoga pants, tights, or a unitard. According to certain embodiments, the intimate gear may be made of a polymeric material.

[0015] In yet another aspect, an additional method of concealing genitalia is provided, the method including providing an intimate device including a rounded end, a tapered end opposite the rounded end, a skin-facing surface, and a garment-facing surface opposite the skin-facing surface, inserting the intimate device into a gusset of an undergarment to align with a user's genitalia, and concealing the genitalia.

[0016] Having broadly described the present invention, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an intimate tool according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an intimate device positioned in an undergarment, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 illustrates an intimate device within a gusset according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an intimate tool according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a method for concealing a user's genitalia according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a method for concealing a user's genitalia according to another aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein, but rather, these embodiments are presented to satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0019] The present disclosure describes devices and methods for concealing genitalia that are both discrete and comfortable. Although the devices and methods are often described herein in the context of concealing the vulva, the intimate devices may be suitable for concealing both male and female genitalia. Intimate Equipment

[0020] According to a first aspect, an intimate device 100 is provided that is configured to conceal the genitals. With reference to Figures 1 and 4, the intimate device 100 includes a rounded end 120, a tapered end 110 opposite the rounded end 120, a skin-facing surface 420, and a garment-facing surface 410 opposite the skin-facing surface 420. The rounded end 120 of the intimate device 100 is configured to align with the front of the user's genitals. The tapered end 110 is configured to align with the rear of the user's genitals. The unique shape of the intimate device 100 conforms to the shape of the user as the space narrows toward the rear of the genital area. The unique shape also allows the intimate device 100 to fit at least partially or completely within a gusset 305 that is pre-sewn into many commercially available undergarments.

[0021] According to some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the skin-facing surface 420 may be concave and the garment-facing surface 410 may be convex to better conform to the genitals and body of the user. In this manner, the size and shape of the intimate device may be configured to fit between the undergarment and the body of the user to adequately hide the contours of the user's genitals. In some examples, the garment-facing surface 410 of the intimate device 100 has an adhesive layer 440 for attaching the intimate device to the garment. The skin-facing surface 420 and the garment-facing surface 410 meet to form an edge 430. In some embodiments, the edge 430 may be beveled to fit seamlessly between the undergarment and the body of the user, as shown in FIG. 4. In other embodiments, the edge 430 may be feathered to fit seamlessly between the undergarment and the body of the user. A seamless fit between the undergarment and the body of the user is desirable for privacy reasons, so that others do not know that the user is wearing or using the intimate device.

[0022] In some embodiments, the intimate device may be sized to hide the genitals of an adolescent or adult female, male, or transgender person. The intimate device 100 also has a length L and a width W. In certain embodiments, the length L may be, for example, about 6 cm to about 12 cm. In some embodiments, the width W may be, for example, about 3 cm to about 8 cm. Thus, according to certain embodiments, the intimate device 100 may have a length to width ratio of about 2:1 to about 3:2. In some embodiments, the intimate device 100 may have a length to width ratio of about 8:5. In some embodiments, the intimate device 100 may have a length to width ratio of about 5:3.

[0023] The intimate tool 100 includes a polymeric material. According to certain embodiments, for example, the polymeric material can be liquid-resistant, non-absorbent, and non-moisture-wicking. Liquids include, but are not limited to, urine, blood, or water. In some embodiments, for example, the polymeric material can contain an antimicrobial agent. For purposes of this disclosure, an antimicrobial agent includes an antibacterial agent, an antifungal agent, and / or an antiviral agent. According to certain embodiments, for example, the polymeric material can be a medical grade material, such as medical grade silicone rubber. In other embodiments, the polymeric material can be a food grade material, such as food grade silicone rubber. In some embodiments, the polymeric material can be a polyurethane. In other embodiments, the polymeric material can be a polyolefin or blends thereof. In further embodiments, the polymeric material can be a polyamide or blends thereof. According to some embodiments, at least a portion of the intimate tool 100 is comprised of a polymeric material that is coated with or infused with a second polymer or material. According to certain embodiments, 20% to 100% by weight of the polymeric material of the intimate device 100 is coated or infused with a second polymer or material. In some embodiments, the skin-facing surface 420 of the intimate device 100 includes one or more coated or infused polymeric materials. In other embodiments, the garment-facing surface 410 may include one or more coated or infused polymeric materials. Additionally or alternatively, both the skin-facing surface 420 and the garment-facing surface 410 may include one or more coated or infused polymeric materials. According to certain embodiments, the intimate device 100 is coated or infused with at least one of a material selected from an antimicrobial, a deodorant, or an antiperspirant.

[0024] The intimate gear can be configured to have a desired visual effect. According to certain embodiments, the intimate gear 100 can be configured to be non-reflective, the intimate gear 100 being constructed from a polymeric material configured to be matte or non-reflective. In some embodiments, the polymeric material is coated or infused with a matte agent. Additionally or alternatively, the intimate gear 100 can be coated with a matte agent. In other embodiments, the intimate gear 100 can be configured to be light reflective or glossy. Additionally or alternatively, the intimate gear 100 can be configured to be translucent. In another example, the intimate gear 100 is configured to be opaque. In some embodiments, the intimate gear 100 is configured to have a particular color to be able to conceal the intimate gear, for example, the intimate gear can be flesh-colored to blend with the wearer's skin, or the intimate gear can be any range of colors to blend with the wearer's clothing. In one example, the intimate device 100 is made of a polymeric material that is infused with or coated with a dye. Additionally or alternatively, the intimate device 100 is coated with a dye. For purposes of this disclosure, a dye is any natural or synthetic substance used to add color or change the color of a substance or article.

[0025] The intimate device may have a desired stiffness or hardness such that the intimate device 100 may be configured to prevent seams in underwear or pants from interfering with the intimate device's ability to conceal the user's genitalia, while at the same time being soft enough to conform to the user's body. In some examples, the polymeric material of the intimate device 100 has a Shore A hardness of about 10 to about 40. In other examples, for example, the polymeric material of the intimate device 100 has a Shore A hardness of about 30. Thus, in certain embodiments, the polymeric material of the intimate device 100 has a Shore A hardness of at least 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and / or up to about 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15 (e.g., about 20-30, about 25-40, etc.). In other examples, the intimate device may have a gradient stiffness or hardness. In one example, the edges of the intimate tool have a higher stiffness or hardness than the center of the intimate tool. In another example, the center of the intimate tool has a higher stiffness or hardness than the edges of the intimate tool.

[0026] The garment-facing surface 410 of the intimate tool 100 includes an adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive may be pre-applied to the intimate tool 100. According to certain embodiments, the adhesive may be liquid-resistant. Applying a liquid-resistant adhesive allows the intimate tool 100 to be used with swimwear or any other garment that may be exposed to water or other liquids. In one example, the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). In one example, the adhesive is a food or medical grade PSA. In one example, the adhesive is an acrylic PSA. In another example, the adhesive is a urethane PSA. In one example, the adhesive may contain an antimicrobial agent.

[0027] The intimate equipment 100 may be configured to fit between a garment and a user's body. Garments include items such as underwear, pants, and athletic wear. In one example, the intimate equipment 100 is sized to fit between a user's body and a garment (such as underwear, pants, and athletic wear). Suitable garments for receiving the intimate equipment may include, but are not limited to, body suits, unitard pants, leggings, yoga pants, biker shorts, women's underwear, and men's underwear. Examples of suitable underwear for receiving the intimate equipment may include, but are not limited to, high briefs, hipster briefs, bikini briefs, and thongs. Other examples of suitable underwear for receiving the intimate equipment may include, but are not limited to, boxers, briefs, and boxer briefs. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, many underwear 300 include a gusset 305 or pocket located between a front 310 of the underwear and a back 320 of the underwear. The intimate equipment 100 may be positioned at least partially within the gusset 305.

[0028] The intimate item 100 may be manufactured from a sheet of polymeric material into which the intimate item is stamped or die-cut. In one example, adhesive is applied to the sheet of polymeric material prior to stamping the intimate item. In one example, adhesive is applied to the intimate item after it is stamped. How to hide your genitals

[0029] In another aspect, a method of concealing genitalia is provided. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a method 500 of concealing genitalia. As shown in block 510, the method 500 may begin with providing an intimate device 100. As shown in block 520, the method may proceed with exposing an adhesive from a garment-facing surface 410 of the intimate device 100. As shown in block 530, the method may proceed with attaching the intimate device 100 to a garment and aligning it with the user's genitalia, and concealing the genitalia, as shown in block 540. The intimate device 100 has a rounded end, a tapered end opposite the rounded end, a skin-facing surface 420, and a garment-facing surface 410 opposite the skin-facing surface 420. The garment-facing surface 410 has an adhesive. According to some embodiments, the adhesive is exposed by removing a protective cover from the garment-facing surface 410 to expose the adhesive. According to some embodiments, attaching the intimate device 100 to the garment 200 and aligning it with the user's genitals involves aligning the intimate device 100 with the vulva of a female user, as shown in FIG. 2. In another example, attaching the intimate device 100 to the garment and aligning it with the user's genitals involves aligning the intimate device 100 with the genitals of a male user. In some examples, the intimate device 100 is configured to attach to the inside of the user's garment, between the user's genitals and the garment. In other examples, the intimate device 100 is configured to attach to the outside of the user's garment (i.e., between an undergarment and an outer garment).

[0030] The intimate tool 100 is reusable. According to some embodiments, the method 500 may further include the optional step of removing the intimate tool 100 from the garment, as shown in block 550. The method may proceed to the optional step of cleaning the intimate tool 100, as shown in block 560. The method may include the optional step of reusing the intimate tool 100, as shown in block 570. In some embodiments, reusing the intimate tool may include the steps shown in method 500. Additionally or alternatively, reusing the intimate tool may include the steps shown in method 600 of FIG. 6. According to some embodiments, the method includes attaching the intimate tool 100 to an undergarment. Additionally or alternatively, the method includes attaching the intimate tool 100 to a swimsuit. In another embodiment, the method includes attaching the intimate tool 100 to tights. In yet another embodiment, the method includes attaching the intimate device 100 to a skin-tight stretch garment, including but not limited to a unitard or bodysuit.

[0031] After a series of uses, the intimate device 100 may lose its adhesive capabilities. After this point, the intimate device 100 may still be used. FIG. 6 is a block diagram depicting a method 600 of using the intimate device 100. As shown in block 610, the method 600 may begin with obtaining the intimate device 100. As shown in block 620, the method may proceed with inserting the intimate device 100 into a gusset 305 of the undergarment to align the user's genitals. As shown in block 630, the method may proceed with concealing the genitals. As shown in FIG. 3, many undergarments 300 include a gusset 305 or pocket located between a front 310 of the undergarment and a back 320 of the undergarment. The intimate device 100 may be positioned at least partially within the gusset 305.

[0032] Similar to method 500 shown in Figure 5, method 600 shown in Figure 6 may further include the optional steps of removing intimate tool 100 from the garment (block 640), cleaning intimate tool 100 (block 650), and reusing intimate tool 100 (block 660). Reusing intimate tool 100 may include the steps of method 600 shown in Figure 6.

[0033] Modifications of the invention described will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms have been employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. An intimate device configured to hide genitalia, With rounded ends, a tapered end opposite the rounded end; and a skin-facing surface; a garment-facing surface opposite said skin-facing surface, said garment-facing surface including an adhesive; and The intimate tool comprises: said skin-facing surface and said garment-facing surface meet to form a peripheral edge of said intimate device; The intimate device comprises a polymeric material.

2. The intimate device of claim 1 , wherein the intimate device is configured to attach to an undergarment.

3. The intimate equipment of claim 1 , wherein the intimate equipment is configured to attach to athletic apparel.

4. The intimate item of claim 1 , wherein the intimate item is configured to fit within a gusset of an undergarment.

5. 10. The intimate device of claim 1, wherein said polymeric material is liquid-resistant, non-absorbent, and non-moisture-wicking.

6. The intimate device of claim 1 , wherein the polymeric material is silicone rubber.

7. 7. The intimate tool according to claim 6, wherein the silicone rubber is medical grade silicone rubber.

8. 7. The intimate tool of claim 6, wherein the silicone rubber is food grade silicone rubber.

9. The intimate tool of claim 1, wherein the polymeric material has a Shore A hardness of about 10-40.

10. 10. The intimate tool of claim 9, wherein the polymeric material has a Shore A hardness of about 30.

11. 10. The intimate item of claim 1, wherein said garment-facing surface is convex.

12. 10. The intimate device of claim 1, wherein said skin-facing surface is concave.

13. The intimate tool of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive is liquid resistant.

14. The intimate tool of claim 1 , wherein the edges are chamfered.

15. 10. The intimate device of claim 1, wherein said intimate device comprises a length and a width, said length to width ratio being between about 2:1 and 4:

3.

16. A method of concealing genitalia, comprising: With rounded ends, a tapered end opposite the rounded end; and a skin-facing surface; a garment-facing surface opposite the skin-facing surface, the garment-facing surface comprising an adhesive; and To provide an intimate tool comprising: exposing said adhesive from said garment-facing surface of said intimate article; attaching the intimate device to clothing and aligning it with the user's genitalia; Concealing said genitals; The method includes:

17. The method comprises: removing the intimate item from the garment; cleaning the intimate tool; Reusing said intimate equipment; 20. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

18. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the garment is underwear, swimwear, pants, tights, or a unitard.

19. The method of claim 16 , wherein the intimate device comprises a polymeric material.

20. A method of concealing genitalia, comprising: With rounded ends, a tapered end opposite the rounded end; and a skin-facing surface; a garment-facing surface opposite said skin-facing surface; and To provide an intimate tool comprising: inserting said intimate device into a gusset of an undergarment and aligning said intimate device with the user's genitalia; Concealing said genitals; The method includes:

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