Garment for retaining bodily fluids

Abstract

There is disclosed a washable garment configured to retain bodily fluids, e.g. for use when exercising. A pelvic garment configured to cover the pelvic region of the wearer has a washable body to be attached to the inner side of the pelvic garment in the groin region of the wearer. The washable body has an absorbent layer configured to retain fluids in the form of a gusset portion extending along the sagittal axis comprising first and second opposed edges extending in a direction substantially parallel to the sagittal axis. A first wing extends from the first opposed edge, and a second wing extending from the second opposed edge. The first wing is configured to cover part of the wearer's inner thigh of one leg, and the second wing is configured to cover part of the wearer's inner thigh of the other leg.

Description

[0001] Garment for Fluids

[0002] The present invention relates to a washable garment for retaining bodily fluids.

[0003] Introduction

[0004] Incontinence pads help with incontinence and are to be worn with garments. While the pads are designed to retain as much fluid as possible, unexpected leaks can still occur. They are designed to be disposable, meaning they create waste.

[0005] Pads are also liable to move due to the natural movement of the wearer, particularly during exercise. The pads are made of plastic materials that can trap moisture and salt released in sweat against the skin. Specifically, the garments can irritate and chafe the genital area, particularly while exercising.

[0006] More recent developments have been made to incorporate absorbent materials into garments, such as sports garments, which are partially washable and more discrete. However, a problem with these types of undergarments is maintaining a high level of absorbency whilst remaining discreet. Many such garments still don’t offer the desired levels of absorbency because they are made with washable fabric that have less absorbency I capacity and only intended for menstrual leaks. Furthermore, many such garments still don’t offer the desired levels of discretion because relative movement of the garment means that fluid can leak from the pelvic area and become visible on the upper leg area.

[0007] It is the aim of the present invention to overcome or mitigate one or more of the above-mentioned problems. Summary of invention

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention there is a washable garment configured to retain bodily fluids comprising, a pelvic garment configured to cover the pelvic region of the wearer, a washable body to be attached to the inner side of the pelvic garment in the groin region of the wearer, comprising, an absorbent layer configured to retain fluids comprising, a gusset portion extending along the sagittal axis comprising first and second opposed edges extending in a direction substantially parallel to the sagittal axis, a first wing extending from the first opposed edge, and a second wing extending from the second opposed edge, where the first wing is configured to cover part of the wearer’s inner thigh of one leg, and the second wing is configured to cover part of the wearer’s inner thigh of the other leg.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention there is a washable body for use in the garment of the first aspect or appended claim 1 .

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention there is a method of manufacturing a washable body as defined in claim 25.

[0011] Some optional features are defined by way of dependent claims 2-18 and 20-24.

[0012] The first and second opposed edges may be laterally spaced from the sagittal axis, e.g. along their whole length. The first and second opposed edges may be equally laterally spaced from the sagittal axis, on either side thereof.

[0013] The first and / or second wing may be attached along only a portion of its length to the gusset portion. The first and / or second wing may be attached to the gusset portion at a bridge / connecting portion of the respective first / second opposed edge. The gusset portion may be unitary with the first and / or second wing and may be continuous over only a portion of the length of the first and / or second wing. One or more slit, cut or discontinuity in the unitary material of the gusset portion and first / second wing may be provided. The slit or discontinuity may extend from an end of the first / second wing and extend part way along the wing, e.g. part way towards its mid point. The slit may extend for only a minority of the length of the wing.

[0014] A portion of the first and / or second wing may not be directly connected to the gusset portion. Said portion may be free to curl, bend or deform to conform to the shape of the wearer’s inner thigh.

[0015] The garment may comprise a liquid impermeable layer and a liquid permeable layer. The absorbent layer may be located inside a liquid impermeable layer. The liquid impermeable layer may be located inside the absorbent material, or the gusset portion thereof.

[0016] References in the application to an outer garment should also be taken to mean pelvic garment.

[0017] The garment comprises an outer garment which is a conventional legwear garment such as sportswear trousers / shorts, cycling shorts / trousers, trousers, leggings, tights, jeans, jogging bottoms, briefs, undergarments, panties, boxers, trunks etc. As the design of the outer garment looks the same as conventional garments (i.e. non-continence wear) it is highly discrete and potentially less stigmatising than other garments.

[0018] Preferably or primarily, the washable garment may be an incontinence garment configured to absorb urine. Optionally, the garment can absorb other bodily fluids, such as menstrual fluids, i.e. blood or sweat.

[0019] The outer garment may be a female garment, a male garment, or a uni-sex garment. The outer garment may be comprised of stretchable material, and / or comprise polyester, Nylon, rubber, latex, cotton, polyamide, elastane or a mixture thereof.

[0020] A washable body may be defined as an absorbent body for attaching into the inside of an outer garment that is configured for retaining fluids from the wearer. It may further comprise top and / or bottom layers which are configured to overlay and underlay the absorbent layer respectively.

[0021] The absorbent layer is reusable and may be machine washable.

[0022] The gusset portion of the absorbent layer may be comparable in area and profile / shape to a woman’s sanitary and / or incontinence pad.

[0023] The washable body comprises an absorbent layer comprising a gusset portion configured to locate in the groin region of the wearer in use. Attached either side of the gusset portion about the sagittal plane are two wings which extend downwardly towards the wearer’s inner legs.

[0024] The wings partially extend around the inner part of the wearer’s legs and are positioned to capture fluids which are not captured by the gusset portion of the absorbent layer. Hence fluids that run down the leg, which otherwise would become visible (for example when wearing shorts) or form damp patches in the garment are captured.

[0025] The absorbent layer may be comprised from a superabsorbent material.

[0026] The wings and gusset portion may be integrally formed together, for example cutting from a sheet material. Alternatively, they may be formed separately and attached together using adhesive, by bonding, or stitching or a combination thereof. The opposed edges join the wings to the gusset portion. The wings may be joined to the opposed edges by a pre-determined amount. For example, by 1cm or more, by 2cm or more, 5cm or more, or 10cm or more.

[0027] The opposed edges may be partially cut from the back (i.e from a direction that joins the opposed edge to the back edge of the gusset portion) and / or the front (i.e from a direction that joins the opposed edge to the back edge of the gusset portion) by a pre-selected distance, for example 1cm or more, by 2cm or more, 5cm or more, or 10cm or more.

[0028] The first and second wings are rotatable about a fold-line connecting them to the gusset portion.

[0029] The wings may comprise at least one straight edge, optionally two straight edges. The two straight edges may be connected by a third-edge which may be curved or straight.

[0030] The wings may be identical to one another, and may be symmetrical about the sagittal plane.

[0031] The wings may respectively each comprise a front tab and / or rear tab which are movable about a vertical axis. The vertical axis is perpendicular to the sagittal axis so as to extend between the head and feet of the wearer. The vertical axes are offset from the sagittal plane, for example between 5-10cm.

[0032] The top layer may be comprised of a liquid permeable layer / material overlaying the absorbent layer (e.g. the gusset portion thereof). The liquid permeable layer may be a mesh or membrane. It may comprise a woven mesh of fibres.

[0033] The top layer may comprise first and second waterproof regions comprised from waterproof materials configured to overlay the first and second wings respectively. The waterproof layers provide a fluid / liquid barrier between the legs and absorbent layer (e.g. the wings thereof) that prevents the wearer from feeling any dampness as a result of fluids running down the wearer’s leg and / or being captured by the wings.

[0034] The first and second waterproof regions, e.g. of the garment, may comprise a vertically extending open end or edge / side such that the top layer doesn’t comprise a leg-opening.

[0035] The waterproof materials may comprise polyester, Nylon, rubber, latex, cotton, polyamide, elastane or a mixture thereof. The first and second regions may be comprised from the same material. The liquid permeable layer and waterproof regions may be comprised from different materials.

[0036] The bottom layer may be identically shaped to the top layer and may be fully waterproof. The bottom layer may be located on the opposite side of the absorbent layer such that the absorbent layer sits in between the top and bottom layers. The bottom layer may be configured to prevent any fluids seeping through to the outer garment.

[0037] The waterproof regions of the top layer may be comprised from the same material as the bottom layer.

[0038] The absorbent material may be comprised from a different material than the top and / or bottom layers.

[0039] The absorbent material can hold a fluid amount equivalent to a single or half or quatuar urination before becoming saturated, for example, 50-400ml, or 120- 250ml. This capacity may be consistent for all garment sizes. The amount of fluid retained can be reduced to below 200ml, for example, 100ml or 50ml if a smaller sized garment is desired.

[0040] The top and bottom layers may be attached together such as to define an internal volume of the washable body in which the absorbent layer sits. The absorbent layer may be ‘free-floating ’with respect to the top and bottom layers within the internal volume, meaning that it is not attached to either the top or bottom layers. Alternatively, the absorbent layer may be attached to at least one or both the top or bottom layers, via bonding, adhesive, stitching or a combination there of.

[0041] The washable body may not comprise any leg-openings. The washable body may have an open-side which is configured not to fully wrap around the outer portion of the wearer’s leg. The top and bottom layers may be attached together along the open-sides for example along a bonded region.

[0042] The top and bottom layers may be bonded together, e.g. along one or more bonding length / region.

[0043] Any of the optional or essential features defined in relation to any one aspect of the invention above may be applied to any further aspect, wherever practicable. Those optional feature combinations have not been explicitly repeated only for conciseness.

[0044] Workable embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0045] Figure 1 shows various views of garment according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0046] Figure 2 shows absorbent layer.

[0047] Figure 3 shows a 3D view of the absorbent layer of figure where the wings have been folded.

[0048] Figure 4 shows a top layer of the garment.

[0049] Figure 5 shows a bottom layer of the garment.

[0050] Figure 6 shows the arrangement of the top, absorbent, and bottom layers.

[0051] Figure 7 shows the arrangement of another embodiment

[0052] Figure 8 shows cross-sectional view of the embodiment of figure 7 when in use Figure 9 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in figures 7-8 when laid flat. Detailed Description

[0053] The invention will now be described by way of the embodiment shown in figures 1- 6. Figure 1 shows various views of one embodiment of the invention. Specifically, it shows a woman’s washable garment 100 configured to retain bodily fluids such as urine and blood. The garment 100 is fully machine washable and can be reused.

[0054] The garment 100 comprises an absorbent layer 10 with a gusset portion 11 in the groin region, and first 12 and second wings 13 which extend around the upper legs area of the wearer in use, and an outer garment 40. The absorbent layer 10 retains any bodily fluids from the wearer.

[0055] The outer garment 40 is comprised from a stretchy polyamide material which comfortably conforms to the wearer’s body shape, meaning the absorbent layer 10 is gently pressed against the wearer’s genitals in use to maximise fluid retention. The wings absorb any fluids which are not captured by the gusset portion 11 due to the natural movements of the wearer (e.g. walking, running).

[0056] The outer garment 40 is configured to be a conventionally-looking pelvic weargarment so is discrete and non-stigmatising like some other incontinence garments. Although the outer garment 40 shown is shorts, the washable body (defined below) can be readily attached into any legwear garment, such as sportswear trousers / shorts, trousers, leggings, tights, jeans, jogging bottoms, briefs, undergarments, panties, boxers, trunks etc.

[0057] The garment 100 is therefore better and more reliable at absorbing leaks than garments of the prior art and the wearer is more assured that leaks or patches won’t become visible.

[0058] Figures 2 and 3 show the absorbent layer 10 without the rest of the garment 100.

[0059] Figure 2 shows the layer 10 being fabricated as a unitary piece, i.e. the gusset portion 11 and wings 12, 13 are integrally formed together. The gusset portion 11 extends along a longitudinal axis L which corresponds to the sagittal axis when donned by the wearer.

[0060] The back 14 and front 15 regions are configured to cover the back and rear crotch regions of the wearer. The front region has a curved edge 16, and a back region has two straight edges which converge to an apex A.

[0061] First 17 and second 18 opposed edges extend between the front 16 and rear edges in a direction substantially parallel to the sagittal axis / longitudinal direction. Both the opposed edges 17, 18 are concaved shape such as to be contoured to the inner legs of the wearer.

[0062] The wings 12, 13 are integrally formed along the opposed edges 17, 18 of the gusset portion 11 . The absorbent layer 10 is cut from a sheet material into the flatpiece shown in figure 2 and subsequently folded to the 3D shape shown in figure 3. This eases the manufacturing processes as no stitching or joining is required to attach the wings 12, 13 to the gusset portion 11 , and can be produced in volume simply by cutting sheet material into the shape shown in figure 2. Hence there are no seams / joins between the wings and gusset portion 11 which would cause chaffing and add extra manufacturing steps increasing costs.

[0063] The opposed edges 17, 18 are partially cut either side of a fold line (shown as a dotted line in figures 2 and 3), which allows the wings to curve about a vertical axis and can better conform to the wearer’s inner leg. Specifically, the cuts form tabs 19 into each wing 12, 13 which allow them to rotate away from their respective opposed edges 17, 18, i.e. in a direction away from the sagittal plane. To unfurl the wings into the position shown in figure 3, the wings are folded about their opposed edges 17, 18 downwardly, so that they are beneath the gusset portion 11 of the absorbent layer 10 in use.

[0064] The wings 12, 13 are generally trapezoidal-shaped, but the largest edges are curved to conform to the wearer. The wings are elongate in a direction of the sagittal axis when in the flat-piece form shown in figure 2. The absorbent layer 10 is made from super-absorbent material (SAF) which can retain large amounts of fluid. The material is reversibly expandable as fluid is retained and can expand to 10 times is size when compared to the dry-state. SAF materials mean that the garment is not bulky when dry providing discretion and comfort.

[0065] The absorbent layer 10 is formed into a pad which comprises super-absorbent materials. The size and shape are contoured such that it is accommodated discretely into the garment; specifically, the desired amount of fluid to be a retained by the garment (or washable body). The absorbent material can hold a fluid amount equivalent to half the bladder capacity I half a single urination before becoming saturated, for example, 120-250ml. This capacity may be consistent for all garment sizes.

[0066] The absorbent layer 10 is relatively thin compared to a conventional incontinence pad and has dry thickness of less than 0.6 cm.

[0067] The absorbent material expands when absorbing a fluid. The size and material type determines the amount of volume of fluid which can be retained. The garment is configured to retain smaller amounts of fluids which are typical of a leak rather than acting as full incontinence pants.

[0068] Figure 4 shows a top layer 20 which sits between the absorbent layer 10 and wearer in use. The top layer 20 comprises a gusset layer 21 which overlays the gusset portion 11 of the absorbent layer. The gusset layer 21 is comprised from a liquid permeable material, e.g. a mesh sheet or membrane which allows fluid to pass through the top layer 20 into (and out from) the absorbent layer 10.

[0069] The mesh 21 is made from a waterproof material such that it doesn’t absorb fluid into the fibres of the mesh. The mesh defines a plurality of apertures which allow for fluid to pass in and out of the absorbent layer. As such the membrane / mesh is fluid impervious and does not retain moisture itself. The gusset layer 21 extends from the waist (i.e. waistline 25) of the front side, around the gusset area and back towards to the waist on the rear side (not shown).

[0070] First 22 and second 23 waterproof portions (i.e. fluid impermeable) are attached either side of the gusset layer and are configured to each respectively overlay their wing 12, 13 of the a absorbent layer 10 meaning the wings 12, 13 don’t come into direct contact with the wearer. The waterproof regions 22, 23 provide a barrier, so fluids retained by the wings 12, 13 don’t cause dampness against the wearers leg in use.

[0071] The first 22 and second 23 waterproof regions are configured to wrap partially around the wearer’s legs. Specifically, they each comprise an open-side 24 meaning the top-layer 20 does not fully extend around the legs. Approximately 40- 60% of the leg is not covered. It will be readily apparent from comparison of the figures that the waterproof regions 22, 23 are substantially greater in size than the wings 12, 13 and so fully covers them. The waterproof regions 22, 23 extend from the waistline 25 to below the wings 12, 13 in the vertical direction.

[0072] The waterproof regions 22, 23 are bonded to the gusset layer along overlapping edges defining an attachment region 26 using an adhesive. Alternatively or additionally, the parts of the top layer 20 can be stitched together along the attachment region 26; however, it’s preferable not to use stitching as the resultant seam may cause chaffing.

[0073] Figure 5 shows a waterproof bottom layer 30 being substantially the same shape and size as the top layer 20. The bottom layer 30 sits between the absorbent layer 10 and the outer garment 40. Unlike the top layer 20, the gusset region 31 of the bottom layer 30 is comprised from a waterproof material. As the bottom layer 30 is fully waterproof, any leaks retained by the absorbent layer 10 do not become visible to the outer garment 40, i.e. they cannot seep through the bottom layer 30. The bottom layer comprises first and second waterproof regions 32, 33 which correspond in shape and size to the waterproof regions 22, 23 of the top layer 20.

[0074] The top 20 and bottom 30 layers are bonded together along bonded regions 35 along the open edges 36, extending from the waist 25, along the open-edges 36 and the bottom edge 37. A further bonded region 38 is formed in the gusset region / area above the front edge of the gusset portion 11 of the absorbent layer 10.

[0075] The bottom layer 30, absorbent layer 10 and top layer 20 collectively define a washable body 50 which may be prefabricated before attaching to the outer garment 40. This means that the same line of washable bodies 50 can be first manufactured (for example in bulk) and later attached to different product lines as desired by the user (e.g. sports shorts, briefs, or leggings, or different coloured variations of the same line). The washable body 50 can be attached to a manufacturer’s existing line of garments. Furthermore, the washable body 50 can be shipped / sold directly to the end-user / wearer who can attach it to their favourite pelvic-wear garments since no stitching is required. The bottom layer 30 may comprise glue-tabs which can be pulled away to expose an adhesive for bonding to the outer garment 40. The washable body 50 may be selectively engageable to the outer garment 40, enabling it to be removed and cleaned separately, or attached to a different outer garment. The washable body may instead not be directly attached to the outer garment, rather is held in place owing to similar shapes of the pelvic region to the outer garment. The open edges / sides 24, 35-37 of the top and bottom layers mean the washable body 50 is not size specific (i.e. it doesn’t ’have any leg openings which limit the size of the leg that can fit into the body). It can be wrapped around differently sized legs (i.e. the washable body is universal).

[0076] The constructional arrangement of the washable body 50 through the gusset region is shown in figure 6 (i.e. without the outer garment 40). The absorbent layer 10 is interstitial of the mesh top layer 20 and the waterproof bottom layer 30. The bonded regions 38 are located at the front and back regions that bond the top and bottom layers as previously mentioned. The bonded regions are contoured to the shape of the front and back edges of the gusset portion 11 of the absorbent layer 10 but a are offset therefrom such that the gusset portion 11 is located in between the bonded regions. It should be appreciated that the absorbent layer 10 is not bonded to any part of the washable body (nor the outer garment 40), rather its free-floating between the top and bottom layers and held in place by friction between the layers. The 'bonded regions prevent the absorbent layer 10 becoming significantly displaced. The internal volume of the washable body defines a pocket for containing the absorbent layer, the volume allows for expansion of the absorbent layer 10 from the dry-state, to the wet-state where it’s at least partially soiled.

[0077] By partially cutting the absorbent layer 10 along the opposed edges 17, 18, the front and back part of the wings 12, 13 (i.e. the tabs 19) are able to move relative to the gusset portion 11 of the absorbent layer. This is beneficial as if there was no cut (or for example, the wings were instead stitched to the gusset portion 11 then the natural movements, i.e. walking / running, then the front portion of the absorbent layer 10 would become slack when the wearer’s leg / knee moved upwardly, and the back portion would become taught, being restrictive and uncomfortable to the wearer.

[0078] The garment 100 can be reused such that it is not single use. The garment 100 is machine washable. Clean water passes through the top layer 20, i.e. the liquid permeable a layer and washes the absorbent layer 10 of bodily fluids. The SAF material is then left to dry removing the washing fluid and soiled debris from the garment. The SAF material once dry returns to the same shape and size as the dry state (i.e. it’s reversible). The garment 100 is also machine dryable, i.e. using tumble dryers, or microwaves.

[0079] The washable body 50 is attached to the outer garment 40 via bonding and / or stitching, which is preferably along the open-edges of the washable body, out the outer-surface of the bottom layer (the outer surface being defined as the surface which abuts the inner surface a of outer garment 40). As mentioned, the absorbent layer 10 is cut from sheet material where the first 12 and second 13 wings are integrally formed with the gusset portion 11. The top and bottom layer are bonded together around the absorbent layer 10.

[0080] Figures 7-9 show further embodiments of the invention. The washable body is provided independently of the outer garment, e.g. so it can be sold and distributed separately. The user (eg the wearer) may insert the washable body into the desired outer garment for use. The washable body may be smaller compared to the previous embodiments making it more suitable for a wider variety of garments. It may also mean that the washable body is easier to insert and remove from the garment.

[0081] The reduction in size is largely down to the top and bottom layers being more contoured to the shape of the absorbent layer than the previous embodiment. Specifically, the top and bottom layers are substantially the same shape and dimensions as the absorbent layer. The gusset portion may otherwise be the same as the previous embodiments.

[0082] The arrangement of the second embodiment is shown in figure 7 and comprises a top layer A, absorbent layer B, bottom layer C and adhesive / grip layer D. Figure 8 shows cross-section through the gusset portion (perpendicular to the sagittal plane). A notable difference from the earlier embodiment is that the pocket’s internal volume is reduced because of the size change to the top and bottom layers. Particularly, the top and bottom layers do not extend over the wearer’s leg to the same extent as the first embodiment (e.g. as shown in figures 4 and 5).

[0083] Furthermore, unlike the first embodiment where the top layer is comprised from a mixture of materials, eg waterproof and water permeable regions, the top layer of the latter embodiments is comprised solely from a water permeable material (eg. having no waterproof regions). The water permeable region / material however may itself be made from a waterproof material, eg nylon. This arrangement allows fluid to pass through any region of the top layer (e.g. the gusset portion or wings) to be absorbed by the absorbent layer. Hence any overspills from the gusset portion can be absorbed through the top layer of the wings. In the latter embodiments, all layers (top, absorbent, bottom, and adhesive) are each made from a single and / or continuous, material. The layers are each comprised of different materials to each other, each providing a different purpose.

[0084] Figure 8 is an example of how the washable body folds in use, eg with the wings downwardly extending away from the gusset portion. The top layer is slightly larger in size than the bottom layer such that join / seam is intentionally positioned not to contact or interfere with the wearer. In the specific example shown, the seam is located proximal to the edge of the absorbent layer, e.g. at the transition between the top and bottom surfaces of the absorbent layer, however, it can be moved to the bottom surface by increasing the relative sizes of the top and bottom layers appropriately.

[0085] The wings may be biased to bend away from the plane of the washable body when laid flat to naturally adopt the form shown in figure 8. This acts to capture the gusset portion of a garment, helping to keep it in place.

[0086] The bottom surface of the bottom layer (i.e. the surface that faces the inside of the garment in use) comprises an adhesive / grip layer D along the gusset region which selectively attaches to the garment, eg to the gusset portion thereof. Layer D is reusable for repeated attachment to the garment, for example, for cleaning. The adhesive / grip layer can be silicon material.

[0087] The layer may comprise a non-slip material that frictionally grips the garment. The grip layer may have a surface texture to promote friction or adherence to the garment to which it is intended to be applied. The material of the grip layer may be elastomeric or similar. Ideally, the adhesive / grip layer doesn’t leave any residue on the garment upon removal. The adhesive / grip layer is wash resistant so that it can be washed in a washing machine. The adhesive / grip layer is also heat resistant so that the washable body can be dried by a heating device, including tumble dryers and microwaves. The adhesive / grip layer D is elongated shaped in figure 7 but alternative shapes are possible, for example comprising one or a plurality of smaller pieces / regions positioned at various locations on the outer surface of the bottom layer, or alternatively, the adhesive / grip layer may fully (or substantially) cover the bottom layer. The suitable friction-promoting material may be provided in a predetermined pattern on the bottom layer, e.g. as an incomplete grip material layer.

[0088] The seam between the top and bottom layer is continuous around the washable body such that the absorbent layer is permanently encapsulated inside, however, some embodiments may comprise an opening along the seam for removing the absorbent layer (eg for cleaning or replacing). The opening may be selectively closable by a fastener, eg with a zip or hook and loop fastener. The seam may be stitched, welded, glued etc, or a combination thereof. The seam may be planar when the washable body is laid flat, eg it extends around the edges of the absorbent layer only, and not substantially extend over the top or bottom surfaces of the absorbent layer.

[0089] Figure 9 shows a top view of the washable body from the top layer of the third embodiment of the invention. The third embodiment largely resembles the second embodiment, however, the gap 910 between the wings 920 and gusset portion is enlarged. The inventor has found that increasing the gap size (compared to the earlier embodiments where the gap is a narrow / line cut of predetermined length only) prevents the wings interfering with the gusset portion as the wearer moves. This is a particular problem when the wearer is running, causing the washable body to twist, forcing absorbed fluid out of the absorbent layer. This also increases the ease of manufacturing as the absorbent layer is not to be joined to either the top or bottom layers directly, but rather totally encapsulated by the top and bottom layers to avoid leaks (eg the absorbent layer is free-floating inside the washable body). A wider gap makes forming a join between the top and bottom layers easier. The internal edges of the gap are substantially straight such that the angle between the edges is constant, for example between 10-45°, optionally around 20- 30°, the embodiment shown in figure 9 has an angle of 25°. The washable body comprises four gaps which appear to extend radially from the center of the gusset portion.

[0090] Each wing is joined to the first side edge 930 of the gusset portion having a preselected length. In the embodiment shown in figure 9, the length, L, is around 90mm, but can be anywhere between 50-150mm, optionally 80-100mm. The wing has a second side edge 940 having a larger predetermined distance being larger than the first predetermined distance. The second edge may be arched or curved shaped.

[0091] The gap 910 may subsist at an angle a from an axis parallel to the first edge. The angle shown in figure 9 is 20°, but can be anywhere between 10-45°, optionally between 15-25° and still achieve the same benefit.

[0092] The front 950 of the washable body is arched e.g. curved, whereas the back 960 extends to an apex. The shape is configured to optimize absorbency in the regions in which fluids and leaks are likely to occur. Furthermore, the apex on the back aids the washable body to slightly bend around the seam that typically runs between the glutes of modern sportswear garments. This makes the washable body less noticeable when worn.

[0093] As can be seen from figures 7-9, the wings 920 are smaller than the gusset portion, particularly the middle, front 950 and back regions 960. This is because most of the fluids will be absorbed collectively in these regions.

[0094] As shown in figure 9, the middle region of the gusset has a width, W, of around 65mm (extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the sagittal axis. The width is size to be accommodated in most garments. However, it can be any size between 40-100mm, optionally between 50-70mm. It should be noted that the width of the middle region is greater than the width of the wings (eg in the direction extending perpendicular to the first / second side edge). The width of the wings is smaller than the first / second side edges such that they appear elongate.

[0095] The washable body of the latter embodiment comprises the step of partially joining the top and bottom layers together to form a seam. The layers are joined together ‘inside-out’ such that when the layers are turned ’outside-in’, e.g. being inverted, the seam is located in the internal volume of the pocket so that it does not contact the wearer. In this manner, the layered structure can be formed and stitched, but leaving a portion of the perimeter of the garment unstitched to provide a window / opening. The layered structure can then be turned outside-in through the opening to form the final product.

Claims

Claims1. A washable garment configured to retain bodily fluids comprising, a pelvic garment configured to cover the pelvic region of the wearer, a washable body attached or attachable to the inner side of the pelvic garment in the groin region of the wearer, comprising, an absorbent layer configured to retain fluids comprising, a gusset portion extending in the direction of a sagittal axis of the wearer in use comprising first and second opposed edges extending on opposing sides the sagittal axis, a first wing extending from the first opposed edge, and a second wing extending from the second opposed edge, where the first wing is configured to cover part of the wearer’s inner thigh of one leg, and the second wing is configured to cover part of the wearer’s inner thigh of the other leg.

2. A washable garment according to claim 1 , the first and / or second wing being attached to only a predetermined portion of its respective opposed edge.

3. A washable garment according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the first and / or second wing comprises one or more movable tab portion not joined to its respective opposed edge.

4. A washable garment according to any of the previous claims, the first and second wings being integrally formed with the gusset portion such that the absorbent layer is a unitary piece.

5. A washable garment according to any of the previous claims, the wings being elongate in an axis substantially parallel to the sagittal axis.

6. A washable garment according to any of the previous claims, the absorbent layer comprising a super-absorbent or SAF material.

7. A washable garment according to any of the previous claims, comprising a top layer overlaying the absorbent layer.

8. A washable garment according to claim 7, the top layer comprising a liquid permeable layer which overlays the gusset portion of the absorbent layer.

9. A washable garment according to claim 7, the liquid permeable layer comprising a mesh material.

10. A washable garment according to claim 1 , wherein the first and / or second wing is joined to the gusset portion along a length that is smaller than the total length of the wing such that the first and / or second wing comprises a tab and a gap subsisting between the tab of the first and / or second wing and gusset portion.

11. A washable garment according to claim 10, a tab edge is at an angle a from the side edge of the gusset region, optionally between 20-30°12. A washable garment according to claim 10, the gap tapering at an angle 10- -30° between the edge of the gusset portion and an opposing edge of the wing or tab.

13. A washable garment according to any of the previous claims, comprising a bottom layer located between the absorbent layer and pelvic garment.

14. A washable garment according to claim 13, the bottom layer comprising a waterproof material.

15. A washable garment according to any of claims 13 or 14 when appended to claim 12, the bottom and top layers being the same shape.

16. A washable garment according to any of the previous claims, the first and second wings having a length greater than their width so as to be elongate in the direction parallel to the sigatal axis.

17. A washable garment according to any of the previous claims, the pelvic garment comprising a polyamide material.

18. A washable garment according to any of the previous claims, the pelvic garment being female sportswear.

19. A washable body for attaching to a pelvic garment comprising, an absorbent layer configured to retain fluids comprising, a gusset portion extending in a sagittal axis and comprising first and second opposed edges extending along either side the sagittal axis, a first wing extending from the first opposed edge and a second wing extending from the second opposed edge, where the first wing is configured to cover part of the wearer’s inner thigh of one leg, and the second wing is configured to cover part of the wearer’s inner thigh of the other leg.

20. A washable body according to claim 19, comprising a top layer overlaying the absorbent layer.21 . A washable body according to claims 20, the top layer comprising a liquid impermeable layer which overlays the gusset portion of the absorbent layer.

22. A washable body according to claim 21 , the top layer comprising first and second waterproof regions comprised of a liquid impermeable layer overlaying the first and second wings respectively.

23. A washable body according to any of the previous claims 19-22, comprising a bottom layer located between the absorbent layer and pelvic garment.

24. A washable body according to any of 19-23, when used in conjuction with the washable garment of any of claims 1-18.

25. A method of manufacturing a washable body according to any of the previous claims, comprising the step forming an absorbent layer from a sheet material such that a gusset portion is integrally formed with first and second wings.

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