Male Incontinence Comfort Sleeve

Abstract

The male incontinence comfort sleeve comprises an outer layer and an inner layer with an absorbent material disposed therebetween. The sleeve has an upper compression region disposed along the top, a lower compression region disposed along the bottom of the sleeve, and a contoured compression region disposed between the upper and lower compression regions. The upper compression region includes at least one elastic band having a first elasticity, and the contoured compression region includes at least one elastic band having a second elasticity, the second elasticity selected to comfortably compress the sleeve around the base of the glans penis, thereby removably securing the sleeve around the penis. The lower compression region is selected to have a third elasticity, each of which provides a selected compression force to comfortably shape and hold the sleeve around the penis.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and incorporates by reference U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63417575, filed October 19, 2022.

[0002] Male incontinence is a very common problem, with an estimated 25-30% of men in the United States suffering from this problem. In addition to its medical consequences, incontinence can have emotional, psychological, and social impacts. Men suffering from male incontinence may fear being far from a toilet or avoid social activities due to the potential embarrassment of an incontinence episode.

[0003] There are many treatments for male incontinence problems, including catheters, external collection systems, drainage bags, and absorbent products such as absorbent underwear. Many men are hesitant to use these treatments as they may be inconvenient and may cause users additional embarrassment when using public toilet facilities.

[0004] There is a need for a simple, comfortable device for treating male incontinence that is discreet and aesthetically pleasing. Background of the Invention

[0005] Male incontinence is a very common problem, with an estimated 25-30% of men in the United States suffering from this problem. In addition to its medical consequences, incontinence can have emotional, psychological, and social impacts. Men suffering from male incontinence may fear being far from a toilet or avoid social activities due to the potential embarrassment of an incontinence episode.

[0006] There are many treatments for male incontinence problems, including catheters, external collection systems, drainage bags, and absorbent products such as absorbent underwear. Many men are hesitant to use these treatments as they may be inconvenient and may cause users additional embarrassment when using public toilet facilities.

[0007] There is a need for a simple, comfortable device for treating male incontinence that is discreet and aesthetically pleasing. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The male incontinence comfort sleeve includes an outer layer and an inner layer with an absorbent disposed between the inner and outer layers. The sleeve has an upper compression region disposed along the top, a lower compression region disposed along the bottom of the sleeve, and a contoured compression region disposed between the upper and lower compression regions. The upper compression region includes at least one elastic band having a first elasticity, and the contoured compression region includes at least one elastic band having a second elasticity, the second elasticity selected to comfortably compress the sleeve around the base of the glans penis, thereby removably securing the sleeve around the penis. The lower compression region is selected to have a third elasticity, each selected elasticity providing a selected compression force to comfortably shape and hold the sleeve around the penis.

[0009] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a male incontinence comfort sleeve according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the comfort sleeve shown in FIG.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the comfort sleeve shown in FIG. 1 in use.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the layers of the comfort sleeve shown in FIG.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a diagram of the comfort sleeve shown in FIG. 1 in a manufacturing configuration showing the layer composition.

[0015] FIG. 6 shows the comfort sleeve of FIG. 6 with multiple elastics attached.

[0016] FIG. 7 shows the comfort sleeve shown in FIG. 6 folded along the center portion.

[0017] FIG. 8 shows the comfort sleeve shown in FIG. 7 being sealed and cut to produce the final product.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a side view showing the layers of the comfort sleeve shown in FIG. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0019] In the following detailed description of the present invention, reference will be made to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, and which are intended to illustrate specific embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0020] Referring to Figures 1-3, a male incontinence comfort sleeve 100 is shown, comprising an outer layer 110, an inner layer 115, a sealing edge 120, a lower compression area 135, a contoured compression area 130, and an upper compression area 125. The outer sleeve 110 is a laminate made of 14 gsm (grams per square meter) polyester and 12 gsm spunbond fabric, providing a durable yet soft, comfortable sheath. Of course, other fabrics can be used as long as they are durable yet comfortable. To provide a comfortable yet fluid-containing sleeve, the compression areas are selected to achieve different compression values ​​by adjusting the number of strands and weight of elastic used. Two strands of 1100 decitex spandex yarns with a 300% elongation are used to apply compression to the upper compression area 125 to seal the top portion of the comfort sleeve 100. Alternatively, the top of the sleeve 100 can be sealed across the entire top (not shown), eliminating the compression area 125. The contoured compression area 130 typically uses two strands of 900 dtex spandex with a 200% elongation. The lower compression area 135 is wider than the other two areas and uses five strands of 500 dtex spandex for added comfort. Of course, other materials, elongations, and thread counts can be used as long as the comfort sleeve 100 fits comfortably and is safe to use.

[0021] The inner layer 115 is the penis The outer layer 110 may be provided to provide a comfortable fit to the user's natural skin tone. The inner layer 115 is a 12-14 gsm spunbond material that provides the necessary softness and comfort when in direct contact with the user's skin. The outer layer 110 may be colored to appear more natural against the user's natural skin tone, which may improve aesthetics and reduce the user's embarrassment or other feelings while wearing and using the incontinence device.

[0022] Referring to Figure 4, a cross-sectional view of a comfort sleeve 100 is shown, including an outer layer 110 with an adhesive layer 215, an upper compression area 125, a contoured compression area 130, a lower compression area 135, a melt-spray adhesive layer 225, an absorbent layer 230, and an inner layer 115. The absorbent layer 230 is either Gelok or Airlaid NW (nonwoven) superabsorbent polymer (SAP). The outer layer 110 is a breathable or non-breathable hydrophobic polyethylene barrier. The inner layer 116 is spunbond, a breathable, cloth-like material that provides a comfortable feel against the skin.

[0023] 5-9, the comfort sleeve 100 is shown in the manufacturing process. To manufacture the comfort sleeve 100, the inner layer 115 begins as a rectangular sheet of 12-14 gsm spunbond. The absorbent layer 230 is a Gelock or Airlaid NW SAP material for capturing and retaining urine. As shown, the absorbent layer 230 is pre-cut into an hourglass shape, although other shapes can be used as long as the absorbent material somewhat surrounds the tip of the penis 140. The compression areas 125, 130, and 135 are secured under tension using a molten spray pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), with the outer layer 110 covering the other layers.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 7, the above structure is folded in half (310) with the compression regions 125, 130, and 135 still under tension, then ultrasonically or heat sealed and die-cut (315) to produce the finished product. Upon release, the tension in the regions is reduced and the final shape is formed. The compression regions have different elastic properties, so the upper portion of the comfort sleeve has more contraction at the tip, while the lower region has more strands, creating a comfortable "collar." The elasticity of the contoured region is selected to have a compression value between the upper and lower regions to comfortably follow the contours of the penis 140 and fit under the glans of the penis 140.

[0025] If desired, additional compression zones can be added for even greater security. Compression zones are typically made of spandex, as is known in the art, although other elastomeric materials can be used as long as the required compression level is achieved. Additionally, creating two separate laminates and overlapping them to create the sleeve as described above eliminates the need for folding the product. Essentially, this embodiment is similar to the comfort sleeve shown in FIG. 7, but instead of folding one large layered structure, two layered structures are placed together, sealed, and die-cut as described above.

[0026] Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A male incontinence comfort sleeve consisting of: sleeve. The sleeve has an outer layer and an inner layer. An absorbent material disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. An upper compression area disposed along the top portion of the sleeve. A lower compression region disposed along a bottom portion of the sleeve, and a contoured compression region disposed between the upper and bottom compression regions. The upper compression area includes at least one elastic band selected to have a first elasticity. The contoured compression area includes at least one elastic band selected to have a second elasticity. The second elasticity is selected to comfortably compress the sleeve around the base of the glans penis, thereby removably securing the sleeve around the penis. the bottom compression area is selected to have a third elasticity; and The selected elasticities provide a selected compressive force to comfortably shape and hold the sleeve around the penis.

2. 2.

10. The comfort sleeve of claim 1, wherein the first elastic comprises 1100 decitex spandex strands having 300% elongation at 1 to 5 strands.

3. 3.

3. The comfort sleeve of claim 2, wherein the second elastic comprises 900 decitex spandex strands having 200% elongation at 1 to 5 strands.

4. 4.

4. The comfort sleeve of claim 3, wherein the third elastic comprises 1 to 5 strands of 500 decitex spandex.

5. 5 to fit comfortably.

10. The comfort sleeve of claim 1, wherein the outer portion is colored a color selected to match the user's skin tone.

6. 6.

10. The comfort sleeve of claim 1, wherein the absorbent is a superabsorbent polymer.

7. 7. The comfort sleeve of claim 1 , further comprising a first hot melt adhesive between the outer layer and the inner layer, bonding the sleeve together.

8. 8 to fit comfortably.

10. The comfort sleeve of claim 1, wherein the outer layer is a hydrophobic polyethylene barrier for containing liquids therein.

9. 9 to fit comfortably. The comfort sleeve of claim 1 , wherein the absorbent body is an absorbent laminate.

Images