SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN UNDERGARMENT

Abstract

An undergarment is provided to accommodate a user's genitalia. An hourglass-shaped cutout forms a pouch. The cutout has a first portion with a first width and a second portion with a second width greater than the first, meeting at a crease. The crease and the widths define two lengths, with the first length being longer than the second. The undergarment can be made from various materials including cotton, spandex, elastane, modal, microfiber, bamboo, hemp, nylon, polyester, mesh, and silk. The pouch can be removable and customizable, with a method provided for allowing a user to select a pouch size and couple it to the undergarment.

Claims

1. An undergarment for accommodating a user's genitalia, the undergarment comprising: a waistband forming a top side and an undercarriage and two leg openings forming a bottom side opposite to the top side; at least one panel extending from the waistband to form a rear, sides, and at least part of a front; an hourglass-shaped cutout having a first portion having a first width and a second portion having a second width greater than the first width, wherein the first portion narrows from the first width and the second portion narrows from the second width to meet at a crease; wherein the crease and the first width define a first length and the crease and the second width define a second length, wherein the first length is longer than the second length; wherein the cutout is coupled to the at least one panel and the waistband to form a pouch about the genitalia such that the first portion at least partially defines the front and the second portion at least partially defines the undercarriage.

2. The undergarment of claim 1 wherein the first width is between 3 and 6 inches.

3. The undergarment of claim 1 wherein the second width is between 6 and 12 inches.

4. The undergarment of claim 1 wherein the first length is about ? inch greater than the second length.

5. The undergarment of claim 4 wherein the second length is about 5.5 inches and the first length is about 6 inches.

6. The undergarment of claim 1 wherein the pouch extends past the undercarriage.

7. The undergarment of claim 1 wherein the ratio of the first width to the second width is about 1:2.

8. The undergarment of claim 7 wherein the first width is about 4? inches and the second width is about 9 inches.

9. The undergarment of claim 1 wherein the first width is at a first top edge and wherein the first top edge is sewn to the waistband.

10. The undergarment of claim 1 wherein the first width is at a first top edge and wherein the first top edge is sewn to the at least one panel parallel to the waistband such that about 1 inch of the at least one panel separates the first top edge from the waistband.

11. The undergarment of claim 1 wherein the first width is at a first top edge and the second width is at a second top edge, the undergarment further comprising an elastomeric strip coupled between at least one of the first top edge and the second top edge such that the pouch is elastically compressive.

12. The undergarment of claim 1 wherein at least one of the at least one panel and the pouch are formed of at least one of cotton, spandex, elastane, modal, microbifer, bamboo, hemp, nylon, polyester, mesh, and silk.

13. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one panel and the pouch are formed of a nylon spandex blend.

14. The undergarment of claim 1 wherein the pouch is removable.

15. The undergarment of claim 14 wherein the hourglass shaped cutout has a peripheral edge and wherein at least a portion of the peripheral edge has a hook and loop fastner configured to couple to a corresponding hood and loop fastener on the at least one panel.

16. A method customizing undergarments, the method comprising: providing an undergarment comprising: a waistband forming a top side and an undercarriage and two leg openings forming a bottom side opposite to the top side; at least one panel extending from the waistband to form a rear, sides, and at least part of a front, the at least one panel defining a pouch gap having a gap periphery; at least one garment fastener on the gap periphery; offering a plurality of differently-sized pouches, each pouch comprising: an hourglass-shaped cutout having a pouch periphery, a first portion having a first width and a second portion having a second width greater than the first width, wherein the first portion narrows from the first width and the second portion narrows from the second width to meet at a crease; wherein the crease and the first width define a first length and the crease and the second width define a second length, wherein the first length is longer than the second length; wherein the cutout is coupled to the at least one panel and the waistband to form a pouch about the genitalia such that the first portion at least partially defines the front and the second portion at least partially defines the undercarriage. at least one pouch fastener configured to correspond to the at least one garment fastener allowing a user to select a pouch size; and coupling a pouch having the selected pouch size to the undergarment.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the garment fastener and the pouch fastener are hook and loop fasteners.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures.

[0039] FIG. 1 depicts a front view of an undergarment with a pouch as provided in one or more embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 2 depicts a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0041] FIG. 3 depicts an overhead view of a fabric flap according to one or more embodiments.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a pouch highlighting use of an elastic trim portion according to one or more embodiments.

[0043] FIG. 5 is an overhead view of the embodiment of FIG. 4.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a front hanging view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0046] FIG. 8 is an overhead view of a pattern for the fabric flap according to one or more embodiments.

[0047] Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices, and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

[0049] In one application of the invention, a male undergarment 10 with an elastomeric waistband 12 and at least one panel 14 extending down from the waistband 12 in the direction of the legs of the user. The undergarment 10 may be of any style such as a bikini, brief, boxers, boxer brief, trunks, jock strap, or other style. The panel 14 may be made of fabric of practically any type used in the clothing industry even, for example, the standard cotton or cotton/polyester materials, from which men's underwear is generally fashioned. For example, the material may be constructed of an elasticized breathable mesh fabric, a soft elasticized breathable mesh knit weave (in a so-called four-by-four stretch weave) containing 80% Nylon? and 20% Spandex?. Pouch 20 may be of a material containing 82% polyester and 18% Spandex?. Alternatively, the fabric may be made of a 92% cotton, 8% Spandex? fabric. The material of the undergarment 10 provide the intended isolating function while improving comfort, airflow, and support for the scrotum. The mesh fabric is light and soft to reduce discomfort and improve feel for the scrotum and phallus while in contact with fabric and garment design in the sensitive groin area including the genitalia.

[0050] The panels may include a front panel and a rear panel shaped and sewn to fit about the waist and legs of the user, covering the groin area and a portion of the user's legs. A cutout 16 is coupled to the at least one panel 14 to create a pouch 20 in the area where the user's genitals would reside.

[0051] The pouch 20 is formed from at least one cloth cutout 16 and has a generally hourglass shape as shown in FIG. 3. The cutout includes a front flap 22 that starts at a front width 25 at a front top edge 24 and narrows parabolically on the sides 26 to a crease 30. A support flap 42 joins the front flap 22 at the crease 30 and widens parabolically on each side 46 to a support width 45 at a support top edge 44. The front top edge 24 may be coupled to the waistband or at a point near the waistband such that the front width 25 spans approximately the width of the male genitalia, typically between about 3 and 6 inches wide, preferably between about 4 and 5 inches wide, and more preferably between about 4? and 4? inches. The ratio between the front width 25 and the support width 45 is about 1:2, and the support width is between about 6 and 12 inches wide, preferably between about 8 and 10 inches wide, and more preferably between about 8? and 9? inches.

[0052] The support width 45 may be greater than the front width 25 and the height between the front top edge and the crease (the front height 28) greater than the height between the support top edge and the crease (the support height 48). Specifically, the support width 45 may be between about 6 and 8 inches wide, preferable between 6? and 7? inches, and still more preferably between about 6? and 7? inches. The front height 28 may extend about 6 inches from the waistband 12, and the support height 48 may extend about 5? inches from the crease 30. The front top edge 24 may couple directly to the waistband 12 or may couple to a portion of the at least one panel 14 that extends from the waistband 12. The front flap 22 may also extend upward from the front top edge 24.

[0053] The pouch 20 folds at the crease 30 and the sides 26, 46 are sewn together. The sides 46 and 26 may be sewn directly together or may have a strip of material such as an elastomeric material intermediating between the front sides 26 and the support sides 46. The front top edge 24 is sewn directly or indirectly to the waistband 12 or on the front panel 14 about an inch below the waistband 12. The pouch 20 is positioned essentially in the center of the front panel 14 of the undergarment. The support top edge 24 is sewn to the undergarment 10 near the portion of the undergarment 10 that covers the perineum of the user. In one embodiment, the support top edge 24 is approximately 2 inches from the midline of the underside of the undergarment corresponding to about where the user's testicles attach to the perineum.

[0054] The pouch 20 defines a pocket 21 that extends out and down from the rest of the body of the undergarment 10. An elastomeric strip (not shown) may be coupled between at least one of the front top edge 24 and the support top edge 44 and the body of the undergarment 10 such that the pouch 20 is elastically compressive. The undergarment 10 remains tight against the waist, legs, and buttocks of the user, but allows extra room and support for the user's penis and scrotum. Advantageously, the pouch 20 does not have a seam in contact with the user's phallus but is one continuous soft, light piece of material.

[0055] The size of the pocket 21 may vary for differently sized users. The undergarment could have one general size that is standard for most users and a second pocket size. The size is adjusted by maintaining the proportions of the pouch 20 and shrinking or enlarging the entire structure.

[0056] In construction and assembly of an undergarment having a body portion 100 and a pouch portion 101, the body portion may include an elastomeric waistband 12 with at least one panel 14 coupling to the waistband 12 and extending from the waistband 12. The panels 14 and the waistband 12 are configured to create a waistband circumference 102, a length 104, and two leg holes 106. The pouch portion 101 has a front flap 22 and a support flap 42 meeting at a crease 30. The front flap 22 has a front top edge 24 and a front width 25 that narrows on its side edges 26 parabolically from the top edge 24 to the crease. The support flap 42 has a support top edge 42 with a support width 45 that narrows on its side edges 46 parabolically to the crease 30. The support width 45 is greater than the front width 25 by, for example, a ratio of about 2:1. As shown in FIG. 8, other ratios are contemplated.

[0057] The front flap 22 is folded about the crease 30 to overlap the support flap 42 and the side edges 46 of the support flap 42 are coupled to at least a portion of the side edges 26 of the front flap 22. The front top edge 24 and the support top edge 44 are coupled to the undergarment 10 to create a pocket 21 that extends forward and down from the body 100 of the undergarment 10. An elastomeric strip (not shown) may be coupled between at least one of the front top edge 24 and the support top edge 44 and the body 100 of the undergarment 10 such that the pouch 20 is elastically compressive.

[0058] In some embodiments, the pouch is removable. The hourglass-shaped cutout has a peripheral edge and at least a portion of the peripheral edge has a hook and loop fastener configured to couple to a corresponding hook and loop fastener on the at least one panel.

[0059] A method is also provided for customizing undergarments. The method involves providing an undergarment with a waistband forming a top side and an undercarriage and two leg openings forming a bottom side opposite to the top side. At least one panel extends from the waistband to form a rear, sides, and at least part of a front, the at least one panel defining a pouch gap having a gap periphery. At least one garment fastener is located on the gap periphery.

[0060] A a plurality of differently-sized pouches is offered, each pouch comprising an hourglass-shaped cutout having a pouch periphery, a first portion having a first width and a second portion having a second width greater than the first width. The first portion narrows from the first width and the second portion narrows from the second width to meet at a crease. The crease and the first width define a first length and the crease and the second width define a second length, wherein the first length is longer than the second length. The cutout is coupled to the at least one panel and the waistband to form a pouch about the genitalia such that the first portion at least partially defines the front and the second portion at least partially defines the undercarriage. Each pouch also includes at least one pouch fastener configured to correspond to the at least one garment fastener. A user is allowed to select a pouch size and coupling a pouch having the selected pouch size to the undergarment. In one embodiment, the garment fastener and the pouch fastener are hook and loop fasteners.

[0061] In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the present specification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosed embodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular methodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such, various modifications, changes to, or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present specification. Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those precisely as shown and described.

[0062] Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the methods and devices described herein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. The terms including and such as are not limiting and should be interpreted as including, but not limited to, and such as, for example, respectively. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.