Female undergarment arrangement

Abstract

Provided is a female undergarment arrangement (10) comprising front and rear panels (14) and (16) joined at an upper portion to define a waistband (12) for encircling a waist or abdomen of a wearer. The panels (14) and (16) are joined to further define a pair of leg openings (18). The front and rear panels (14) and (16) are complementarily joined at a lower portion to form a crotch panel (20). The front and rear panels (14) and (16) are manufactured from an elastane-fibre blend textile, and the crotch panel (20) comprises at least two successive layers (22) of said elastane-fibre blend textile proximal a crotch area of the wearer (8). The layers (22) are adhered together and to the crotch panel (20) to form a crotch support (28) for lifting and cradling labia of a wearer.

Description

FEMALE UNDERGARMENT ARRANGEMENTTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates broadly to female undergarments , and more particularly to a female undergarment arrangement and an associated method for manufacturing such a female undergarment arrangement .BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art i s intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only . The discussion i s not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application .

[0003] Underwear, underclothing or undergarments are items of clothing generally worn beneath outer clothes , usually in direct contact with the skin . They serve to keep outer clothing from being soiled or damaged by bodily excretions , to lessen the friction of outerwear against the skin, to shape the body, and to provide concealment or support for parts of it .

[0004] Undergarments are generally of two types , those that are worn to cover the torso and those that are worn to cover the waist and legs . Di f ferent styles of underwear are generally worn by females and males . Undergarments commonly worn by females include bras and panties ( or ' knickers ' in British English) .

[0005] Panties are generally form- fitting and typical components include an elastic waistband, a crotch panel tocover the genitalia and a pair of leg openings that, like the waistband, are often made of an elastomer.

[0006] An additional gusset is often in the crotch of panties, being an extra layer of fabric sewn into the crotch panel and generally made of moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics, such as cotton, to keep the genital area dry and ventilated. A gusset reinforces the underwear in the crotch area, which is often the narrowest part of the underwear, to prolong the life of the underwear. The gusset also makes underwear more comfortable by cushioning the genitalia and preventing chafing.

[0007] However, there are shortcomings with conventional women's panty undergarments that include a gusset, such as 'frontal rise' (colloquially known as 'camel toe' or 'front wedgie' ) , which is typically caused by the folding of the gusset portion within the underwear and pushing against the labia, typically separating the labia. Such frontal rise may be unsightly and cause a wearer to feel self-conscious. Conventional underwear with a gusset is also more complicated and expensive to manufacture, requiring different types of material or inserts that are joined together, which increases production requirements and costs.

[0008] Applicant has identified a need in the art for women' s panties that minimise frontal rise whilst providing comfort and breathability and remain attractive, whilst also facilitating simplicity and ease of manufacture. The current invention was conceived with these goals in mind in amelioration of conventional practices with female undergarments .SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that reference herein to a female undergarment is made in a nonexclusive manner and typically comprises broad reference to women' s panties or briefs ; however , other types and / or styles of undergarments may be apposite , as will be readily apparent to the person skilled in the art .

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a female undergarment arrangement comprising : front and rear panels manufactured from an elastane- f ibre blend textile and j oined at an upper portion to define a waistband for encircling a waist or abdomen of a wearer and defining a pair of leg openings , said front and rear panels complementarily j oined at a lower portion to form a crotch panel proximal a crotch area of the wearer ; and at least two successive layers of said elastane- f ibre blend textile layered over, and adhered to , each other and said crotch panel to form a crotch support for li fting and cradling labia of a wearer .

[0011] In an embodiment , the layers and crotch panel are shaped and dimensioned in a predetermined manner so that the crotch support cradles the labia of a wearer in a predetermined shape .

[0012] In an embodiment , the front and rear panels are j oined by seams at the upper portion to form sides of the waistband and the crotch panel , with the at least two successive layers of elastane- f ibre blend textile comprising the crotch support covering the crotch panel seam .

[0013] In an embodiment, the at least two successive layers of the crotch support are adhered together and to the crotch panel by means of an adhesive.

[0014] In an embodiment, the at least two successive layers of the crotch support are joined together and to the crotch panel by means of heat welding the layers of elastane-f ibre blend textile.

[0015] In an embodiment, the at least two successive layers of the crotch support are joined together and to the crotch panel by means of sewing said layers together.

[0016] In an embodiment, the at least two successive layers of the crotch support are joined together and to the crotch panel by means of fusing said layers together.

[0017] In an embodiment, the elastane-f ibre blend textile comprises elastane blended with a natural fibre and / or synthetic fibre.

[0018] In an embodiment, the natural fibre is selectable from a non-exclusive group consisting of bamboo, cotton, wool, silk, hemp and linen.

[0019] In an embodiment, the synthetic fibre is selectable from a non-exclusive group consisting of polypropylene, polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polyester, nylon and acrylic .

[0020] In an embodiment, the elastane-f ibre blend textile comprises a hydrophilic coating or additive.

[0021] In an embodiment, the elastane-f ibre blend textile comprises an antimicrobial coating or additive.

[0022] In an embodiment, the elastane-f ibre blend textile comprises a hypoallergenic coating or additive.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for manufacturing a female undergarment arrangement, said method comprising the steps of: attaching front and rear panels of elastane-f ibre blend textile at an upper portion thereof to define a waistband for encircling a waist or abdomen of a wearer and to define a pair of leg openings, the front and rear panels complementarily joined distal from the waistband at a lower portion to form a crotch panel; and layering and adhering at least two successive layers of said elastane-f ibre blend textile over each other and inside the crotch panel to form a crotch support for lifting and cradling labia of a wearer.

[0024] In an embodiment, the step of layering and adhering at least two successive layers of the elastane-f ibre blend textile over each other and inside the crotch panel to form a crotch support comprises shaping and dimensioning said layers and crotch panel in a predetermined manner so that the resulting crotch support cradles the labia of a wearer in a predetermined shape.

[0025] In an embodiment, the elastane-f ibre blend textile is manufactured by means of reaction spinning, solution wet spinning, melt extrusion, or solution dry spinning, and then woven together with fibres.

[0026] In an embodiment, the step of attaching the front and rear panels to the waistband comprises joining said panels by seams at the upper portion to form sides of the waistband and at the crotch panel at the lower portion.

[0027] In an embodiment, the at least two successive layers of elastane-f ibre blend textile on the crotch panel covers a crotch panel seam.

[0028] In an embodiment, the step of layering the at least two successive layers on the crotch panel comprises joining said layers together by means of an adhesive.

[0029] In an embodiment, the step of layering the at least two successive layers on the crotch panel comprises joining said layers together by means of heat welding.

[0030] In an embodiment, the step of layering the at least two successive layers on the crotch panel comprises joining said layers together by means of sewing.

[0031] In an embodiment, the step of layering the at least two successive layers on the crotch panel comprises joining said layers together by means of fusing.

[0032] In an embodiment, the elastane-f ibre blend textile comprises elastane blended with a natural fibre and / or synthetic fibre.

[0033] In an embodiment, the natural fibre is selectable from a non-exclusive group consisting of bamboo, cotton, wool, silk, hemp and linen.

[0034] In an embodiment, the synthetic fibre is selectable from a non-exclusive group consisting of polypropylene, polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polyester, nylon and acrylic .

[0035] In an embodiment, the elastane-f ibre blend textile comprises a hydrophilic coating or additive.

[0036] In an embodiment, the elastane-f ibre blend textile comprises an antimicrobial coating or additive.

[0037] In an embodiment, the elastane-f ibre blend textile comprises a hypoallergenic coating or additive.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a female undergarment arrangement and a method for manufacturing a female undergarment arrangement, substantially as herein described and / or illustrated.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:Figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective-view representation of one embodiment of female undergarment arrangement, in accordance with aspects of the present invention, worn by a wearer;Figure 2 is a diagrammatic perspective-view representation of a further embodiment of a female undergarment arrangement, sans waistband;Figure 3 is a diagrammatic perspective-view representation of another embodiment of a female undergarment arrangement , including a separate waistband;Figure 4 is a diagrammatic front-sectional representation of the female undergarment arrangement of Figure 2 ;Figure 5 is diagrammatic side-sectional representation of the female undergarment arrangement of Figure 2 ;Figure 6 is a diagrammatic exploded perspective-view representation of a crotch panel of the female undergarment arrangement of Figure 2 ; andFigure 7 is a diagrammatic plan view of one embodiment of a sewing pattern for a female undergarment arrangement .DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0039] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several nonlimiting embodiments thereof . This description is included solely for the purposes of exempli fying the present invention to the skilled addressee . It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above .

[0040] In the figures , incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments , like reference numerals are used to identi fy like parts throughout . Additionally, features , mechanisms and aspects well-known and understood in the art will not be described in detail , as such features , mechanisms and aspects will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee .

[0041] Additionally, the accompanying figures do not represent engineering or design drawings, but provide a functional overview of the invention only. As a result, features and practical construction details required for various embodiments may not be indicated in each figure, but such construction requirements will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee.

[0042] Broadly, the present invention provides for a female undergarment arrangement 10 which is operatively wearable by a wearer 8. Of course, while reference is made herein to a female undergarment arrangement, males, gender-fluid and nongendered individuals are apposite and included within such reference, as relevant and apparent to the skilled person.

[0043] With reference now to the accompanying figures, there is exemplified different embodiments of such a female undergarment arrangement 10, which typically takes the form of briefs or panties. The female undergarment arrangement 10 generally comprises front and rear panels 14 and 16 that are joined at an upper portion thereof, as shown, to form a waistband 12 for encircling a waist or abdomen of a wearer 8, in use, and the waistband 12 and panels 14 and 16 defining a pair of leg openings 18. The skilled addressee is to appreciate that the waistband 12 is optional, and that the front and rear panels 14 and 16 may complementarily define an integral waistband 12 when joined at an upper portion thereof, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0044] The front and rear panels 14 and 16 are further complementarily joined at a lower portion thereof to form a crotch panel 20. Importantly, the front and rear panels 14 and 16 are manufactured from an elastane-f ibre blend textile. Thecrotch panel 20 further comprises at least two successive layers 22 of the same elastane-f ibre blend textile, which lies operatively proximal a crotch area of the wearer 8, as shown in Figure 1. Said layers 22 of the same elastane-f ibre blend textile are adhered together and to the inside of the crotch panel 20 to form a crotch support 28 for lifting and cradling labia of a wearer. The crotch support 28 is typically firm due to the layering of the elastane-f ibre blend textile materials to enable supporting and shaping of the wearer's labia. Similarly, more than two layers 22 of the same elastane-f ibre blend textile may be adhered together to provide additional firmness to the crotch support 28.

[0045] Importantly, in a typical embodiment, the entire arrangement 10 is manufactured from the same elastane-f ibre blend textile throughout. Elastane is generally a long chain polymer, being a polyether-polyurea copolymer. Elastane provides a smooth, rubber-like texture that ensures that textiles and fabrics are extremely durable and do not wrinkle. Elastane textile also does not lint and form unsightly nodules (a wear process typically called 'pilling' ) . Elastane comprises smooth fibres that absorb little moisture and dry quickly, thus providing high breathability. The elastane-f ibre blend textile generally comprises elastane blended with a natural fibre and / or synthetic fibre.

[0046] In one embodiment, the elastane-f ibre blend textile is manufactured by means of reaction spinning, solution wet spinning, melt extrusion, or solution dry spinning, and then woven together with fibres. In one embodiment, the natural fibres may comprise bamboo, cotton, wool, silk, hemp and / or linen. In one embodiment, the synthetic fibre may comprise polypropylene, polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polyester, nylon and acrylic.

[0047] In one embodiment, the elastane-f ibre blend textile comprises a hydrophilic coating or additive. In one embodiment, the elastane-f ibre blend textile comprises an antimicrobial coating or additive. In one embodiment, the elastane-f ibre blend textile comprises a hypoallergenic coating or additive.

[0048] In one embodiment, the front and rear panels 14 and 16 are joined by seams 24 at sides of the waistband 12 and at a seam 26 within the crotch panel 20, as shown, with the at least two successive layers 22 of elastane-f ibre blend textile comprising the crotch panel covering the crotch panel seam 26.

[0049] In one embodiment, the at least two successive layers 22 of the crotch panel 20 are joined together by means of an adhesive. In one embodiment, the at least two successive layers 22 of the crotch panel 20 are joined together by means of heat welding the layers of elastane-f ibre blend textile. In one embodiment, the at least two successive layers 22 of the crotch panel 20 are joined together by means of sewing said layers together. In one embodiment, the at least two successive layers 22 of the crotch panel 30 are joined together by means of fusing said layers together. Of course, variations hereon are possible and expected.

[0050] Importantly, in one embodiment, the layers 22 and crotch panel 20 are shaped and dimensioned in a predetermined manner so that the crotch support 28 cradles the labia of a wearer in a predetermined shape. For example, the layers 22 and crotch panel 20 may be sized, shaped and dimensioned complementarily to form a crotch support 28 having a particular shape which may shape the labia of a wearer when the labia are lifted and supported within the crotch support 28. This enablesthe female undergarment arrangement 10 to function like ' shapewear' and serve a functional and aesthetic purpose .

[0051] The present disclosure includes an associated method for manufacturing the female undergarment arrangement 10 , as described . Such a method general ly comprises the steps of j oining the front and rear panels 14 and 16 of elastane- f ibre blend textile at an upper portion to define the waistband 12 , and to define the pair of leg openings 18 , with the front and rear panels 14 and 16 complementarily j oined at a lower portion distal from the waistband 12 to form the crotch panel 20 . The at least two successive layers 22 of the same elastane- f ibre blend textile is then layered on the inside of the crotch panel 20 .

[0052] Applicant believes it particularly advantageous that the present invention provides for a female undergarment arrangement 10 , such as panties or briefs , that minimises frontal rise when worn whilst providing comfort and breathability and remain attractive , whilst also facilitating ease of manufacture . In particular, female undergarment arrangement 10 is manufacturable from a single elastane- f ibre blend textile , with the successive layers 22 on the crotch panel 20 that may be adhered, heat welded, sewed and / or fused together to provide support and prevent frontal rise . Importantly, a plurality of layers 22 may be adhered together to provide a firm crotch support 28 .

[0053] Conventional female undergarment arrangements are primarily designed and configured to absorb fluid . In contrast , the female undergarment arrangement 10 of the present invention is not to stretch and not to absorb fluid; rather, it uses layered and adhered layers of the same material to form a firm ' shell ' crotch support 28 for shaping and li fting the wearer' slabia. Such shaping and lifting of the labia are confidence enhancing so women are not self-conscious when experiencing a 'camel toe' . Importantly, the adhering or bonding of the successive layers 22 generally adds the extra firmness, i.e. only stitching the layers together do not typically provide the necessary firmness to the crotch support 28. The female undergarment arrangement 10 also uses compression fabric which is firm - the firmness of the material enhances the firmness of the crotch support 28. As a result, the female undergarment arrangement 10 is adapted to reshape the female groin region, as the additional layers create firmness to the crotch support 28, which is further thereby able to lift and support the labia .

[0054] In the example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee. Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features. Where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth .

[0055] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive sense. Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and / or graphically, for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Accordingly, one example mayexemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise .

[0056] Variations (e.g. modifications and / or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor (s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor (s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

[0057] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and / or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including, " and "containing" are to be construed as open- ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0058] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner, " "outer, " "beneath, " "below, " "lower, " "above, " "upper, " and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element (s) or feature (s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientationdepicted in the figures. For example, if the contrivance in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The contrivance may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0059] Any method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A female undergarment arrangement comprising : front and rear panels manufactured from an elastane- f ibre blend textile and j oined at an upper portion to define a waistband for encircling a waist or abdomen of a wearer and defining a pair of leg openings , said front and rear panels complementarily j oined at a lower portion to form a crotch panel proximal a crotch area of the wearer ; and at least two successive layers of said elastane- f ibre blend textile layered over, and adhered to , each other and said crotch panel to form a crotch support for li fting and cradling labia of a wearer .2 . The female undergarment arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the layers and crotch panel are shaped and dimensioned in a predetermined manner so that the crotch support cradles the labia of a wearer in a predetermined shape .3 . The female undergarment arrangement of either of claims 1 or 2 , wherein the front and rear panels are j oined by seams at the upper portion to form sides of the waistband and the crotch panel , with the at least two successive layers of elastane- f ibre blend textile comprising the crotch support covering the crotch panel seam .4 . The female undergarment arrangement of any of claims 1 to3 , wherein the at least two successive layers of the crotch support are adhered together and to the crotch panel by means of an adhesive .5 . The female undergarment arrangement of any of claims 1 to4 , wherein the at least two successive layers of the crotchsupport are joined together and to the crotch panel by means of heat welding the layers of elastane-f ibre blend textile.

6. The female undergarment arrangement of any of claims 1 to5, wherein the at least two successive layers of the crotch support are joined together and to the crotch panel by means of sewing said layers together.

7. The female undergarment arrangement of any of claims 1 to6, wherein the at least two successive layers of the crotch support are joined together and to the crotch panel by means of fusing said layers together.

8. The female undergarment arrangement of any of claims 1 to7, wherein the elastane-f ibre blend textile comprises elastane blended with a natural fibre and / or synthetic fibre.

9. The female undergarment arrangement of claim 8, wherein the natural fibre is selectable from a non-exclusive group consisting of bamboo, cotton, wool, silk, hemp and linen.

10. The female undergarment arrangement of claim 8, wherein the synthetic fibre is selectable from a non-exclusive group consisting of polypropylene, polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polyester, nylon and acrylic.

11. The female undergarment arrangement of any of claims 1 to10, wherein the elastane-f ibre blend textile comprises a hydrophilic coating or additive.

12. The female undergarment arrangement of any of claims 1 to11, wherein the elastane-f ibre blend textile comprises an antimicrobial coating or additive.13 . The female undergarment arrangement of any of claims 1 to 12 , wherein the elastane- f ibre blend textile comprises a hypoallergenic coating or additive .14 . A method for manufacturing a female undergarment arrangement , said method comprising the steps of : attaching front and rear panels of elastane- f ibre blend textile at an upper portion thereof to define a waistband for encircling a waist or abdomen of a wearer and to define a pair of leg openings , the front and rear panels complementarily j oined distal from the waistband at a lower portion to form a crotch panel ; and layering and adhering at least two successive layers of said elastane- f ibre blend textile over each other and inside the crotch panel to form a crotch support for li fting and cradling labia of a wearer .15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the step of layering and adhering at least two successive layers of the elastane- f ibre blend textile over each other and inside the crotch panel to form a crotch support comprises shaping and dimensioning said layers and crotch panel in a predetermined manner so that the resulting crotch support cradles the labia of a wearer in a predetermined shape .16 . The method of either of claims 14 or 15 , wherein the step of layering the at least two successive layers on the crotch panel comprises j oining said layers and panel together by means of an adhesive .17 . The method of any of claims 14 to 16 , wherein the step of layering the at least two successive layers on the crotch panel comprises j oining said layers and panel together by means of heat welding .18 . The method of any of claims 14 to 17 , wherein the step of layering the at least two successive layers on the crotch panel comprises j oining said layers and panel together by means of sewing .19 . The method of any of claims 14 to 18 , wherein the step of layering the at least two successive layers on the crotch panel comprises j oining said layers and panel together by means of fusing .

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