Men's slip insert

Abstract

The present invention relates to a men's slip insert having a multilayer structure comprising an inner layer for drawing in and / or transferring bodily fluids away from the wearer, a liquid-impermeable outer layer forming a barrier against bodily fluids, and a liquid-absorbing core between the inner and outer layers, wherein the men's slip insert is anatomically molded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a male slip-in insert having a multilayer structure including an inner layer for taking in and / or transferring bodily fluid away from a wearer, a liquid-impermeable outer layer forming a barrier against bodily fluid, and a liquid-absorbent absorbent core between the inner layer and the outer layer, wherein the male slip-in insert is anatomically shaped.

Background Art

[0002] Worldwide, 200 million people are affected by incontinence, i.e., the lack of the physical ability to control the excretory function of urination. In 2022, the sales of incontinence products exceeded 3 billion euros in Europe alone. Due to the aging society, the number of affected parties and the associated incontinence product market will further increase.

[0003] Incontinence can be distinguished into mild, moderate and severe. Severe incontinence is characterized by sudden, uncontrolled bladder emptying with urine volumes exceeding 200 mL / 4 h. In the case of severe incontinence, disposable briefs or incontinence pants with the highest absorbency are recommended. In particular, incontinence pants provide good leakage prevention to the affected parties.

[0004] Incontinence pants are embarrassing for many affected parties. They are not aesthetic and expose the affected parties to incontinence at a glance. Furthermore, they generate a considerable amount of waste. Reusable incontinence underwear improves this situation. The disadvantage of reusable incontinence underwear is generally their limited liquid intake capacity. Furthermore, the options are limited and many manufacturers do not offer such products at all. Therefore, brand-conscious affected parties are often not satisfied at all by the market situation. Furthermore, there is a fear that a particular manufacturer / brand may be associated with incontinence for the affected parties.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an alternative to currently known means for men in urinary incontinence, the alternative which enhances men's comfort in terms of safety (leak-proof) and aesthetics (absence of "brand markings"), and contributes to reducing waste. This problem is solved by the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a male slip insert having a multilayer structure comprising: a liquid-impermeable outer layer that forms a barrier to bodily fluids; an optional inner layer for drawing in and / or transporting bodily fluids away from the wearer; and an optional liquid-absorbing core between the inner and outer layers. According to the present invention, the male slip insert (or multilayer structure) is anatomically molded. Anatomical molding makes it possible to position the slip insert to enclose the penis as completely as possible in a hemispherical manner. Furthermore, the conformity of the slip insert to the body shape reduces the likelihood of shifting within the trousers. This ensures high leak prevention.

[0007] The slip insert can be configured as a disposable or reusable item. Preferably, it is reusable. More preferably, the slip insert is washable at 60 degrees, most preferably at 90 degrees, and suitable for use in a clothes dryer. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of waste. Furthermore, drying in a clothes dryer allows for discreet handling of the slip insert.

[0008] The directional indications "inside" and "outside" are based on the wearer's viewpoint. The same applies to the terms "top" and "bottom." Therefore, the inner layer is closer to the wearer's body than the outer layer. For example, the inner layer may be closest to the wearer's body, i.e., the innermost layer. The outer layer may be furthest from the wearer's body, i.e., the outermost layer. It is also possible that the inner and / or outer layers are covered by one or more further layers.

[0009] The male slip insert is anatomically molded. The term “molded” means that the slip insert itself possesses the shape and is therefore permanently present without any external force acting upon it. The term “anatomical” refers to a substantially hemispherical shape that is outwardly curved. A particularly preferred shape is when the male slip insert has an upper compartment (e.g., upper half) and a lower compartment (e.g., lower half), and the curvature of the lower compartment is stronger and more pronounced than the curvature of the upper compartment. This particularly preferred shape is shown in the drawings.

[0010] Furthermore, the pre-formed shape is intended to conform, at least partially, to the wearer's specific anatomical shape. Therefore, it is not a rigid shape, such as that produced by a hard resin shell, but rather a shape that is driven by external forces (particularly those generated during wear), and returns substantially reversibly to its initial state when the force ceases to act. Preferred behavior within the scope of the present invention is comparable to that of a (padded) bra cup.

[0011] In one embodiment, the slip insert is fixed to its shape by sewing, thereby forming a pre-formed shape. For example, the outer layer may consist of two longitudinally divided sections, which may be sewn together to form a desired shape. Subsequently, the seam may be sealed to prevent the passage of liquid. For example, a sealing tape applied over the seam is suitable for this purpose.

[0012] The inner layer and / or absorbent layer may also be fixed in shape. For this purpose, preferably, stitching in the desired shape, as already described above, is applied. In this case, the seams do not need to be sealed.

[0013] Another preferred embodiment uses mold press molding ("moulding") as the molding method. In this method, molten or liquid material is poured into a mold and subsequently cured or cooled. This allows, for example, molten plastic resin to be shaped into a desired form. When applied to the men's slip insert of the present invention, the layer structure preferably has a plastic layer cured in the mold. The degree of flexibility of the shape can be adjusted by the thickness of the plastic layer. An advantage of the molding method is that it is possible to mold the shape seamlessly. This method makes it possible to provide a seamless slip insert. Furthermore, the plastic layer can form a liquid-impermeable layer.

[0014] Mold press molding allows the slip insert's shape to conform particularly well to the body shape of the penis and the natural fit of underwear. This contributes to a tight seal against the outside (i.e., underwear) and against the body, allowing for a comfortable, almost imperceptible hold on the penis for the user. The shape is maintained even after washing and drying at 60°C or 90°C.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the outer layer has a plastic coating on its inner and / or outer surface. Preferably, the plastic layer is adjacent to the outer layer and bonded with the outer layer during die press molding, thereby forming the plastic coating. In this case, the plastic coating is applied to the outer layer substantially over its entire surface. This method provides an outer water-impermeable layer. The plastic layer may be positioned on the inner and / or outer surface of the outer layer, preferably on the inner surface. To distinguish it from the term “layer,” the term “coating” refers to a layer that is firmly bonded or adhered to another layer.

[0016] Preferably, the outer layer comprises at least one textile material coated with a plastic coating. The preferred plastic coating is formed from an elastomer, preferably silicone. The coating can be applied to the body-facing (inner) surface of the textile material or to the body-away (outer) surface.

[0017] Preferably, the outer layer includes two textile materials and a plastic layer positioned between them. During mold press molding, the plastic layer can bond with the two textile materials and solidify into the desired shape.

[0018] The inner layer can be made from pile fabric, nonwoven fabric, molton, or polyester. Men's slip inserts have a multilayer structure. A preferred multilayer structure is configured as follows (from outside to inside): (i) The outer layer includes a plastic coating and a textile material. (ii) The outer layer comprises a textile material and a plastic coating. (iii) The outer layer comprises a textile material, a plastic layer, and another textile material. (iv) The outer layer is as described in (i), (ii), or (iii), and the inner layer is a textile material. (v) The outer layer is as described in (i), (ii), or (iii), and includes an absorbent core (fixed or replaceable) and an inner layer (textile material).

[0019] In terms of structure, the shape can be set by stitching (all), mold press molding (e.g., in (iii), (vi), and (v)), or by applying a plastic coating (e.g., 3D printing or spraying) (e.g., in (i), (ii), (vi), and (v)).

[0020] In a further aspect of the present invention, the sealing section connects the outer layer and the inner layer to each other along the periphery of the male slip insert. The sealing section is intended to prevent liquid from accumulating at the edge of the male slip insert and flowing beyond the edge. Therefore, it is liquid impermeable. The sealing section may be, for example, an independent sealing tape that is bonded (e.g., adhesive) to the outer layer, folded back around the peripheral edge of the male slip insert, and bonded (e.g., adhesive) to the inner layer. Preferably, the sealing section is part of the outer layer, which extends beyond the peripheral edge, is folded back around the peripheral edge of the male slip insert, and is bonded (e.g., adhesive) to the inner layer.

[0021] In specific embodiments, the outer layer has a plastic coating on its inner surface and at least one anti-slip coating on its outer surface. The anti-slip coating can be applied to the entire outer surface or in discrete sections and / or at intervals. The anti-slip coating can form a preferred pattern on the outer surface of the slip insert. Examples of such patterns include linear or wavy stripes, dot patterns, or letter-like patterns oriented horizontally or vertically. The anti-slip coating can be formed from the same material as the plastic coating, or from the same material as the plastic coating, preferably silicone. Furthermore, the anti-slip coating may be flocked. The anti-slip coating makes it difficult for the slip insert to shift inside the trousers.

[0022] A preferred embodiment of the male slip insert according to the present invention has a penis pocket on its interior. The penis pocket is attached to or formed on the interior of the slip insert. The penis pocket is open upward and accommodates the penis through the opening. The penis pocket may extend substantially along the entire length and / or width of the slip insert. Preferably, the penis pocket extends longitudinally from the lower edge region to the central region of the slip insert. In the width direction, the penis pocket preferably extends from one lateral edge region to the opposing lateral edge region of the slip insert. The penis pocket is preferably provided in slip inserts for moderate and severe incontinence.

[0023] The term "edge region" refers to the region that is at least 1 cm, preferably at least 0.8 cm, and more preferably at least 0.6 cm away from the peripheral edge. The term "central region" refers to the region that is at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, and at most 70%, preferably at least 60%, and more preferably at least 50% of the total length of the slip insert, from the lower end of the slip insert.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the penis pocket is liquid-impermeable on its inner surface, and the inner surface is liquid-tightly bonded to the outer layer. The penis pocket can be formed by an inner layer and a further innermost layer, in which case the innermost layer may be water-impermeable. Furthermore, the innermost layer may be liquid-tightly bonded to the outer layer. Even in the case of a large amount of liquid leakage, that is, even when the liquid transfer is slower than the liquid leakage rate, the liquid cannot leak out by this method.

[0025] Between an inner layer and an outer layer, an absorption core, i.e., a core that takes in and holds liquid, is disposed. It may be a fixedly integrated absorption core or a replaceable absorption core. In the case of a replaceable absorption core, the inner layer can cooperate with the outer layer to form an upwardly open pocket for inserting (and removing) the replaceable absorption core. The opening of the pocket for the replaceable absorption core or for the insertion of one of the replaceable absorption cores is accessible from the inside of the slip-in insert.

[0026] When the absorption core is replaceable, it is further possible to distinguish between a disposable absorption core and a reusable absorption core. If it is a disposable absorption core, it is preferably formed from a superabsorbent polymer. Alternatively, the disposable absorption core can be formed from a compostable material or a material that can be flushed down the toilet.

[0027] The various layers of the layer configuration described herein can be joined to each other by a joining selected from the group consisting of sewn joints, adhesive joints, welded joints, and combinations thereof, especially combinations of sewn joints and adhesive joints, or combinations of sewn joints and welded joints. To ensure the tightness of the seam, the sewing holes may be sealed by a sealing tape and / or by a molten film.

[0028] Within the scope of the present invention, the specific configuration of the penis pocket can vary according to requirements. For example, the position of the opening of the penis pocket can be adapted to the male anatomical shape. Further, the circumference and / or length of the penis pocket can be adapted to the male anatomical shape. The circumference and / or length of the penis pocket and / or the circumference and / or length of the pocket for inserting the replaceable absorption core can be adapted to the amount of liquid to be taken in (i.e., the severity of incontinence).

[0029] Furthermore, the opening of the penis pocket may be positioned at the same height as the pocket opening for inserting the absorbent core, or preferably lower than the opening. The penis pocket may also have a slit or notch in the innermost layer closest to the body, adjacent to the opening. Alternatively, the innermost layer of the penis pocket may be formed by two partially overlapping compartments. The penis pocket, particularly the innermost layer, may also be made of a stretchable material.

[0030] The dimensions and specific configuration of the slip insert can also be adapted to the degree of incontinence. For mild incontinence, a small slip insert and / or an absorbent core with low absorption capacity, i.e., a thin layer, is sufficient. For moderate or severe incontinence, the slip insert may extend anteriorly and / or posteriorly to the waistband area, and / or the absorbent core may have a high absorption capacity.

[0031] Another aspect of the present invention relates to medical or non-medical uses of the male slip insert as defined herein in cases of mild, moderate, or severe incontinence.

[0032] Concepts, non-limiting embodiments, and further advantages of the concepts according to the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which are as follows: [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of the layer structure of a men's slip insert is shown. [Figure 2] This shows a perspective view of a men's slip insert formed by press molding. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a men's slip insert whose shape is fixed by stitching and whose seams are sealed with sealing tape. [Figure 4] A perspective view of a men's slip insert with an anti-slip coating on its outer surface is shown. [Figure 5]An inside perspective view of a men's slip insert is shown. [Figure 6] A perspective view of a male slip insert with a penis pocket is shown. [Figure 7] A perspective view of a male slip insert having a pocket for the penis and a pocket for a replaceable absorbent core is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] The description of the present invention is provided herein for illustrative purposes only and should not be understood in any embodiment as limiting the scope or breadth of the invention.

[0035] Figure 1 schematically shows the layer structure of the men's slip insert according to the present invention. In Figure 1a, the men's slip insert has three layers: an inner layer 10, an outer layer 30, and an absorbent core 20 located between them. The inner layer 10 is used to take in bodily fluids from the wearer and / or to transport bodily fluids away from the wearer. The outer layer 30 is liquid-impermeable and forms a barrier against bodily fluids. The absorbent core 20 is configured to absorb liquids.

[0036] According to Figure 1b, the male slip insert has two layers, comprising an inner layer 10 and an outer layer 30. The inner layer 10 is used to draw in bodily fluids from the wearer and / or to transport bodily fluids away from the wearer. The outer layer 30 is impermeable to fluids and forms a barrier against bodily fluids. In the example of Figure 1c, the slip insert consists only of an outer layer, which is impermeable to fluids and also forms a barrier against bodily fluids. The male slip inserts of Figures 1b to 1c are suitable for very mild incontinence or may be combined with conventional slip inserts inserted into the layered structure according to the present invention.

[0037] Figures 1d to 1f show examples of layer structures for the outer layer 30. Figure 1d shows a preferred layer structure for the outer layer 30, which includes two textile materials 34 and a plastic layer 36 located between them. During mold press molding, the plastic layer can bond with the two textile materials and solidify in the desired shape. The outer layer 30 may have an outer plastic coating 36 and textile material 34 (Figure 1e) or an inner plastic coating 36 and textile material 34 (Figure 1f). Each basic structure shown in Figures 1a to 1c may have an outer layer 30 structure as shown in Figures 1d to 1f.

[0038] Figure 2 shows the outer surface of the male slip insert 1. The slip insert 1 is formed by press molding and maintains its shape seamlessly. The outer layer 30 is folded around the peripheral edge (towards the rear in the illustrated viewpoint) and joined to the inner layer 10 by a seam 32. The male slip insert 1 (or multilayer structure) is anatomically molded. Anatomical molding makes it possible to position the slip insert 1 to enclose the penis as completely as possible in a hemispherical manner.

[0039] Figure 3 shows the outer surface of the men's slip insert 1a. Unlike the men's slip insert 1, the slip insert 1a retains its anatomical shape because it is properly sutured. The sutures are then sealed with sealing tape 12. Otherwise, the slip insert 1a corresponds to the slip insert 1.

[0040] Figure 4 shows men's slip inserts 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e having exemplary shapes / patterns of anti-slip coatings on their outer surfaces. Men's slip insert 1b has wavy, horizontally extending silicone strips as its anti-slip coating. Men's slip insert 1c has linear, vertically extending silicone strips as its anti-slip coating. Men's slip insert 1d has dot-like elements made of silicone as its anti-slip coating. Men's slip insert 1e has letters (e.g., brand name) made of silicone as its anti-slip coating. Otherwise, men's slip inserts 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e can correspond to slip insert 1.

[0041] Figure 5 shows an internal view of a men's slip insert 1. In this example, the inner layer 10 is sutured to support its anatomical shape. The outer layer 30 extends to the inside of the slip insert 1. It is folded around its peripheral edges and sutured and / or bonded to the inner layer 10.

[0042] Figure 6 shows an internal view of a male slip insert 1f having a penis pocket 50. The penis pocket is formed by an inner layer 10 and an innermost layer 40. The innermost layer 40 may be liquid-impermeable. Otherwise, the male slip insert 1f can correspond to the slip insert 1.

[0043] Figure 7 shows an internal view of a male slip insert 1g having a penis pocket 50 and a pocket 60 for a replaceable absorbent core 20. The penis pocket is formed by an inner layer 10 and an innermost layer 40. The innermost layer 40 may be liquid impermeable. The pocket 60 for the absorbent core 20 is formed by an outer layer 30 and an inner layer 10. Otherwise, the male slip insert 1g can correspond to the slip insert 1.

Claims

1. A liquid-impermeable outer layer that forms a barrier against bodily fluids, Optionally, an inner layer for taking in the bodily fluids from the wearer and / or transferring the bodily fluids away from the wearer, Optionally, the system includes a liquid-absorbing core between the inner layer and the outer layer. The male slip insert is anatomically shaped to completely enclose the penis in a hemispherical manner. Men's slip insert with multi-layered structure.

2. The men's slip insert according to claim 1, wherein the anatomical shape is formed by stitching, or the anatomical shape is formed by mold press molding and / or without seams.

3. The men's slip insert according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer layer has a plastic coating on its inner and / or outer surface, preferably the outer layer having two fabric material layers and a plastic coating between them.

4. The men's slip insert according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a sealing section connects the outer layer and the inner layer to each other along the periphery of the men's slip insert.

5. The men's slip insert according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outer layer has a plastic coating on its inner surface and at least one anti-slip coating on its outer surface.

6. The male slip insert according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the male slip insert has a penis pocket on its inner surface.

7. The male slip insert according to claim 6, wherein the penis pocket is liquid-impermeable on its inner surface, and the inner surface is liquid-tightly bonded to the outer layer.

8. The men's slip insert according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the absorbent core is fixed and integrated or replaceable.

9. The men's slip insert according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the inner layer cooperates with the outer layer to form an upwardly opening pocket for replacing the absorbent core.

10. A men's slip insert according to claim 9, wherein a replaceable absorbent core is formed from a superabsorbent polymer.

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