US20090106874A1

US20090106874A1 - Underwear having internal pocket and pouch

Info

Publication number: US20090106874A1
Application number: US11/977,125
Authority: US
Inventors: Jacob Shlush
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-10-24
Filing date: 2007-10-24
Publication date: 2009-04-30

Abstract

A pair of underwear for use by a male includes a fabric fashioned to form a boxer-brief type undergarment, the fabric having a bilateral symmetry and including a front panel. A rear panel is formed within the fabric and positioned immediately behind the front panel to form an internal pocket. A slit-shaped portal is formed within the rear panel for providing access to the internal pocket for depositing a scrotum and genitalia of the male. Finally, an external pouch extending outward from the front panel is provided as a depository for the genitalia of the male. The boxer-brief type undergarment minimizes perspiration and irritation, absorbs accidental leakage of fluid body waste, and eliminates exposure to the fluid body waste and stains on the body of the male. A thin layer of absorbent material can be included to minimize the effects of accidental leakage.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an article of clothing. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for boxer-brief type underwear for use by men and boys, the underwear having an internal pocket and an external pouch for capturing and separating the male scrotum and genitalia from the body to provide adequate space and comfort and to minimize perspiration, leakage and irritation thus improving personal hygiene.
2. Background Art
Underwear for men and boys has been an article of clothing typically worn for many years. The underwear is normally available in two distinct and conventional styles including the boxer-style and the brief-style. The boxer-style underwear is typically a rectangular box-shaped garment with an elastic waste band and material that extends downward from the waste band to cover each leg to approximately the mid-thigh region. The boxer-style underwear is typically a loose fitting garment comprised of cotton material and may or may not include a separation in the material located in the front of the underwear for facilitating discharge of fluid body waste.
The brief-style underwear is a snugger, tighter fitting garment typically designed to be close fitting with the intent of tightly securing the male scrotum and genitalia in position next to the body within the brief-type underwear. Consequently, the brief-type underwear is typically worn by men and boys who are more active, such as, for example, those who participate in athletics which involve running, jumping and the like. The brief-type underwear is typically fabricated from cotton or other material having an elastic waistband but unlike the boxer-style underwear does not cover much or any portion of the leg. The brief-type underwear typically terminates at the point where the leg interfaces with the lower abdominal region. The leg openings formed in the brief-type underwear are typically positioned high on the leg close to the scrotum area and usually incorporate an elastic material to facilitate the close fitting design. Furthermore, the brief-type underwear may or may not include a separation in the material located in the front of the underwear for facilitating discharge of fluid body waste.
Notwithstanding the type of underwear known in the prior art including the boxer-type and the brief-type underwear or a hybrid combination thereof, once the underwear is donned, the scrotum and genitalia of the man or boy is pressed against the body. This situation contributes to perspiration in the scrotum area caused by normal body temperature and consequential irritation and potential heat rashes. Many males suffer with the discomfort of leakage from the genitalia. Any leakage resulting from the accidental discharge of fluid body waste is often trapped in the fabric of conventional underwear and may not completely dry because of limited air circulation. Consequently, the leakage stained underwear remains next to the skin of the body. Additionally, the leakage stain in the underwear garment can also stain the outer garment, such as for example, mens pants and shorts. It is clear that this is not an acceptable hygienic situation. This situation is both embarrassing and costly and sometimes the stains cannot be removed from the clothing.
Thus, there is a need in the art for an article of clothing comprising boxer-brief type underwear for men and boys having an internal pocket and an external pouch formed inside of the front of the garment for capturing and separating the male scrotum and genitalia from the male body to provide adequate space and comfort, to minimize perspiration and irritation in the scrotum area, and to eliminate the stains and exposure of the body to the fluid body waste resulting from the accidental leakage onto the underwear that is positioned next to the body, thus improving overall personal hygiene.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention provides a new and improved article of clothing comprising boxer-brief type underwear having an internal pocket and an external pouch for use by men and boys. The internal pocket and the external pouch of the boxer-brief type underwear are formed inside of the front panel of the boxer-brief type underwear for capturing and separating the male scrotum and genitalia from the male body. This clothing article design incorporating the internal pocket and the external pouch functions to provide adequate space and comfort, to minimize perspiration and irritation in the scrotum area, to absorb accidental leakage of fluid body waste, and to eliminate stains and exposure of the body to the fluid body waste resulting from the accidental leakage within the inventive underwear. Thus, the personal hygiene of the person wearing the inventive boxer-brief type underwear is improved.
In a preferred embodiment, the boxer-brief type underwear having an internal pocket and an external pouch comprises a fabric, typically cotton, fashioned to form an undergarment for use by males including both men and boys. The boxer-brief type underwear is designed to fit the pelvic region of the male and consequently exhibits a bilateral symmetry about a vertical axis passing through the centerline of the boxer-brief type underwear.
When viewed from the front, the boxer-brief type underwear includes a front panel of fabric. Sewn immediately behind and attached to the front panel of fabric is a rear panel of fabric. The space created between the front panel and rear panel of fabric forms an internal pocket. When the boxer-brief type underwear is donned by a male, the internal pocket is positioned over the lower abdominal region of the body. The rear panel of fabric located at the rear of the internal pocket includes a vertical slit-shaped portal. The slit-shaped portal serves to provide access to the internal pocket designed in the boxer-brief type underwear for the deposit of the scrotum and genitalia of the male. An inner surface of the internal pocket may include a thin layer of absorbent material such as cotton to minimize the effects of accidental leakage.
Extending outward from the front panel of the boxer-brief type underwear is an external pouch. The external pouch is an extension of the internal pocket and is also accessible through the vertical slit-shaped portal formed in the rear panel of the fabric. The external pouch functions to provide a depository for the genitalia of the male when additional space is required. The boxer-brief type underwear further includes a pair of legs formed in the fabric with corresponding openings to accommodate the legs of a male, and an elastic waste band.
The present invention is generally directed to a pair of underwear for use by a male which includes a fabric fashioned to form a boxer-brief type undergarment, the fabric having a bilateral symmetry and including a front panel. A rear panel is formed within the fabric and positioned immediately behind the front panel to form an internal pocket. A slit-shaped portal is formed within the rear panel for providing access to the internal pocket for depositing a scrotum and genitalia of the male. Finally, an external pouch extending from the front panel is provided as a depository for the genitalia of the male. The boxer-brief type undergarment minimizes perspiration and irritation, absorbs accidental leakage of fluid body waste, and eliminates exposure to the fluid body waste and stains on the body of the male.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a pair of underwear for use by a male includes a fabric fashioned to form a brief-type undergarment. Like the preferred embodiment, the fabric of this brief-type undergarment exhibits a bilateral symmetry and includes a front panel. A pair of leg openings are formed in the fabric to accommodate the legs of the male. A rear panel is formed within the fabric and is positioned immediately behind the front panel to form an internal pocket. Finally, a slit-shaped portal is formed within the rear panel for providing access to the internal pocket and for depositing a scrotum and genitalia of the male into the internal pocket to minimize perspiration and irritation, absorb accidental leakage of fluid body waste, and eliminate exposure to the fluid body waste and stains on the body of the male.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate the invention, by way of example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an article of clothing comprising underwear having an internal pocket and an external pouch of the present invention illustrating a boxer-brief type underwear having an elastic waistband and a pouch protruding outward from an internal pocket formed within the underwear for providing addition space for placement of the male scrotum and genitalia.

FIG. 2 is an interior view of the front of the boxer-brief type underwear having an internal pocket and external pouch of FIG. 1 of the present invention showing a slit-shaped opening to the internal pocket and external pouch formed in the fabric.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the boxer-brief type underwear having an internal pocket and external pouch of the present invention taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1 and showing the internal pocket and external pouch within the construction of the underwear for providing additional space for placement of the male scrotum and genitalia.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of an article of clothing comprising underwear having an internal pocket of an alternative embodiment of the present invention illustrating a brief-type underwear having an elastic waistband and a flat front panel of the internal pocket formed within the underwear for providing space for placement of the male scrotum and genitalia.

FIG. 5 is an interior view of the front of the brief-type underwear having an internal pocket of the alternative embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 4 showing a slit-shaped opening to the internal pocket formed in the fabric.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the brief-type underwear having an internal pocket of the alternative embodiment of the present invention taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 4 and showing the internal pocket within the construction of the underwear for providing space for placement of the male scrotum and genitalia.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an article of clothing comprising boxer-brief type underwear 100 having an internal pocket 102 and an external pouch 104 for use by men and boys as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The internal pocket 102 and the external pouch 104 of the boxer-brief type underwear 100 are formed inside of a front panel 106 of the boxer-brief type underwear 100 for capturing and separating the male scrotum and genitalia (not shown) from the male body. This clothing article design incorporating the internal pocket 102 and the external pouch 104 functions to provide adequate space and comfort, to minimize perspiration and irritation in the scrotum area, to absorb accidental leakage of fluid body waste, and to eliminate stains on the body and exposure of the body to the fluid body waste resulting from the accidental leakage within the inventive underwear 100. Thus, the personal hygiene of the person wearing the inventive boxer-brief type underwear 100 is improved.
In a preferred embodiment, the boxer-brief type underwear 100 including the internal pocket 102 and external pouch 104 is fashioned from a fabric 108 such as, for example, cotton. In the preferred embodiment, fine 100% cotton jersey has been selected as the fabric 108 but it should be understood that any suitable fabric is acceptable. The fine 100% cotton jersey has been selected since it is smooth to the body and very comfortable to wear against the skin. The boxer-brief type underwear 100 is fashioned to fit the pelvic region of the male who wears the inventive undergarment. Thus, the fashioned fabric 108 forms an undergarment for use by a male, including both men and boys. The boxer-brief type underwear 100 exhibits a bilateral symmetry as is clearly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As it relates to the present invention, bilateral symmetry is intended to mean that the two halves of the boxer-brief type underwear 100 located on opposite sides of an imaginary vertical centerline axis (not shown) passing through the boxer-brief type underwear 100 correspond in size, shape and position.
When viewed from the front as is illustrated in FIG. 1, the front panel 106 is visible in the boxer-brief type underwear 100. The front panel 106 is comprised of the fabric 108 and is located between an elastic waste band 110 and a crotch area 112. In general, the front panel 106 of the boxer-brief type underwear 100 is one of the components utilized in the present invention for forming the internal pocket 102 and the external pouch 104 which are each utilized for capturing and separating the male scrotum and genitalia (not shown) from the male body. This construction will now be described in more detail.
Positioned immediately behind and attached as by stitching to the front panel 106 of fabric 108 is a rear panel 114 as is clearly shown in FIG. 2. The rear panel 114 is also comprised of the fabric 108 and is also located between the elastic waste band 110 and the crotch area 112. When comparing the view shown in FIG. 1 with the interior view of the front side of the boxer-brief type underwear 100 shown in FIG. 2, it is apparent that the rear panel 114 is essentially congruent with the front panel 106. Because the rear panel 114 is physically attached as by stitching to the front panel 106, a space is created there between. The space created between the front panel 106 and the rear panel 114 of the fabric 108 forms the internal pocket 102 as shown in FIG. 3. When the boxer-brief type underwear 100 is donned by a male, the internal pocket 102 is essentially positioned over the lower abdominal region of the body.
Access to the internal pocket 102 of the boxer-brief type underwear 100 is provided through the rear panel 114 as is shown in FIG. 2. The rear panel 114 of fabric 108 located at the backside of the internal pocket 102 includes a vertical slit-shaped portal 116. The slit-shaped portal 116 serves to provide access to the internal pocket 102 designed in the boxer-brief type underwear 100 for the deposit of the scrotum and genitalia (not shown) of the male. The portal 116 being slit-shaped includes opposing folds 118 of fabric 108 which can be separated by hand to provide ready access to the internal pocket 102. An inner surface of the internal pocket 102 can include a thin layer of absorbent material (not shown) such as cotton to minimize the effects of accidental leakage. Once the scrotum and genitalia are inserted through the slit-shaped portal 116 and positioned within the internal pocket 102, they are separated from the remainder of the body of the male.
Extending outward from the front panel 106 of the boxer-brief type underwear 100 is the external pouch 104 as is clearly shown in FIG. 3. The external pouch 104 is also comprised of the fabric 108 and is attached to the front panel 106. The external pouch 104 provides an additional volume of space and can be viewed as an extension of the internal pocket 102. Furthermore, the external pouch 104 is accessible through the vertical slit-shaped portal 116 formed in the rear panel 114 of the fabric 108 of the internal pocket 102 as shown in FIG. 2. Thus, passing through the slit-shaped portal 116 leads into the internal pocket 102, and the external pouch 104 is positioned just beyond the internal pocket 102. From a practical point of view, the external pouch 104 functions to provide a depository for the genitalia of the male when additional space is necessary.
The boxer-brief type underwear 100 further includes a pair of legs 120 formed in the fabric 108. The pair of legs 120 extend from the crotch area 112 for a short distance as is shown in FIGS. 1-3. Additionally, each leg of the pair of legs 120 includes a corresponding leg opening 122 to accommodate the leg extremities of the male. It is noted that the boxer-brief type underwear 100 includes characteristics from both the boxer style and the brief style types of underwear. In particular, the inventive undergarment of the preferred embodiment exhibits the characteristics of a boxer style underwear by incorporating the pair of legs 120 and further combines the characteristic a snugger tighter fit of the brief style type of underwear.
Thus, the boxer-brief type underwear 100 of the present invention is generally directed to a pair of underwear for use by a male which includes the fabric 108 fashioned to form the boxer-brief type undergarment, the fabric 108 having bilateral symmetry and including the front panel 106. The rear panel 114 is formed within the fabric 108 and positioned immediately behind the front panel 106 to form the internal pocket 102. The slit-shaped portal 116 is formed within the rear panel 114 for providing access to the internal pocket 102 for depositing the scrotum and genitalia of the male. Finally, the external pouch 104 extending from the front panel 106 is provided as a depository for the genitalia of the male when additional space is necessary. The boxer-brief type undergarment minimizes perspiration and irritation, absorbs accidental leakage of fluid body waste, and eliminates exposure to the fluid body waste and stains on the body of the male.
An alternative embodiment of the present invention will now be disclosed and is directed to a brief-type underwear identified by the identification number 200 as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6 herein. Each component of structure appearing in the alternative embodiment 200 that is duplicate to a component of structure appearing in the preferred embodiment 100 is identified by the corresponding number of the two-hundred series.
The brief-type underwear 200 of the alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 4-6. The alternative embodiment of the present invention includes an internal pocket 202 for use by men and boys. An external pouch is not included in the brief-type underwear 200. The internal pocket 202 of the brief-type underwear 200 is formed inside of a front panel 206 of the brief-type underwear 200 for capturing and separating the male scrotum and genitalia (not shown) from the male body. This clothing article design incorporating the internal pocket 202 functions to provide adequate space and comfort, to minimize perspiration and irritation in the scrotum area, to absorb accidental leakage of fluid body waste, and to eliminate stains on the body and exposure of the body to the fluid body waste resulting from the accidental leakage within the inventive underwear 200. Thus, the personal hygiene of the person wearing the inventive brief-type underwear 200 is improved.
In the alternative embodiment, the brief-type underwear 200 including the internal pocket 202 is fashioned from a fabric 208 such as, for example, cotton. A fine 100% cotton jersey has been selected as the fabric 208 but it should be understood that any suitable fabric is acceptable. The fine 100% cotton jersey has been selected since it is smooth to the body and very comfortable to wear against the skin. The brief-type underwear 200 is fashioned to fit the pelvic region of the male who wears the inventive undergarment. Thus, the fashioned fabric 208 forms an undergarment for use by a male, including both men and boys. The brief-type underwear 200 exhibits a bilateral symmetry as is clearly shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. As it relates to the present invention, bilateral symmetry is intended to mean that the two halves of the brief-type underwear 200 located on opposite sides of an imaginary vertical centerline axis (not shown) passing through the brief-type underwear 200 correspond in size, shape and position.
When viewed from the front as is illustrated in FIG. 4, the front panel 206 is visible in the brief-type underwear 200. The front panel 206 is comprised of the fabric 208 and is located between an elastic waste band 210 and a crotch area 212. In general, the front panel 206 of the brief-type underwear 200 is one of the components utilized in the present invention for forming the internal pocket 202 which is utilized for capturing and separating the male scrotum and genitalia (not shown) from the male body. This construction will now be described in more detail.
Positioned immediately behind and attached as by stitching to the front panel 206 of fabric 208 is a rear panel 214 as is clearly shown in FIG. 5. The rear panel 214 is also comprised of the fabric 208 and is also located between the elastic waste band 210 and the crotch area 212. When comparing the view shown in FIG. 4 with the interior view of the front side of the brief-type underwear 200 shown in FIG. 5, it is apparent that the rear panel 214 is essentially congruent with the front panel 206. Because the rear panel 214 is physically attached as by stitching to the front panel 206, a space is created there between. The space created between the front panel 206 and the rear panel 214 of the fabric 208 forms the internal pocket 202 as shown in FIG. 6. When the brief-type underwear 200 is donned by a male, the internal pocket 202 is essentially positioned over the lower abdominal region of the body.
Access to the internal pocket 202 of the brief-type underwear 200 is provided through the rear panel 214 as is shown in FIG. 5. The rear panel 214 of fabric 208 located at the backside of the internal pocket 202 includes a vertical slit-shaped portal 216. The slit-shaped portal 216 serves to provide access to the internal pocket 202 designed in the brief-type underwear 200 for the deposit of the scrotum and genitalia (not shown) of the male. The portal 216 being slit-shaped includes opposing folds 218 of fabric 208 which can be separated by hand to provide ready access to the internal pocket 202. An inner surface of the internal pocket 202 can include a thin layer of absorbent material (not shown) such as cotton to minimize the effects of accidental leakage. Once the scrotum and genitalia are inserted through the slit-shaped portal 216 and positioned within the internal pocket 202, they are separated from the remainder of the body of the male.
The brief-type underwear 200 further includes a pair of leg openings 222 formed in the fabric 208. The pair of leg openings 222 are symmetrically located on each side of the front panel 206 and extend from just below the elastic waste band 210 to the crotch area 212 as is shown in FIGS. 4-5. Each leg opening 222 is designed to accommodate a corresponding leg extremity of the male. Furthermore, the fabric 208 which forms each of the leg openings 222 can include an elastic band 224 sewn therein to enable the brief-type underwear 200 to more closely adhere to the body of the male. In particular, the inventive undergarment of the alternative embodiment exhibits the characteristics of a snugger tighter fit of the brief style type of underwear.
Thus, the brief-type underwear 200 of the alternative embodiment of the present invention is generally directed to a pair of underwear for use by a male which includes the fabric 208 fashioned to form a brief type undergarment for a male where the fabric 208 exhibits a bilateral symmetry and includes a front panel 206. A pair of leg openings 222 are formed in the fabric 208 for accommodating the legs of the male. A rear panel 214 formed within the fabric 208 is positioned immediately behind the front panel 206 to form an internal pocket 202. A slit-shaped portal 216 is formed within the rear panel 214 for providing access to the internal pocket 202 and for depositing a scrotum and genitalia (not shown) of the male into the internal pocket 202 for minimizing perspiration and irritation, and for absorbing accidental leakage of fluid body waste, and for eliminating exposure to the fluid body waste and stains on the body of the male.
The present invention provides novel advantages over other undergarments for use by males known in the prior art. A main advantage of the boxer-brief type underwear 100 is that (1) the novel design traps and absorbs accidental leakage of fluid body waste, which (2) eliminates exposure of the body of the male to the fluid body waste, and (3) eliminates fluid waste stains on the body of the male to overcome the common problem of leakage suffered by many males, and (4) eliminates the cost of dry cleaning outer garments stained by the accidental leakage, and (5) separates the scrotum and genitalia from the remainder of the body of the male for minimizing perspiration and irritation caused by normal body heat generation, and (6) improves the personal hygiene of the male wearing the boxer-brief type underwear 100, and (7) provides a male undergarment fabricated from fine 100% cotton jersey that is very comfortable to wear against the body of the male.
While the present invention is described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications and embodiments within the scope thereof and additional fields in which the present invention would be of significant utility. For example, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide a boxer-brief type underwear 100 that includes the internal pocket 102 without the external pouch 104. Likewise, an embodiment of the brief-type underwear 200 having both the internal pocket 202 and an external pouch is foreseeable.
It is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover any and all such modifications, applications and embodiments within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly,

Claims

1. A pair of underwear for use by a male comprising:

a fabric fashioned to form an undergarment for a male, said fabric having a bilateral symmetry and including a front panel;

a rear panel formed within said fabric and positioned immediately behind said front panel to form an internal pocket; and

a slit-shaped portal formed within said rear panel for providing access to said internal pocket and for depositing a scrotum and genitalia of said male into said internal pocket for minimizing perspiration and irritation; and

a thin layer of absorbent material positioned within said internal pocket for absorbing accidental leakage of fluid body waste, and for eliminating exposure to the fluid body waste and stains on the body of said male.

2. The pair of underwear of claim 1 wherein said fabric is comprised of cotton.

3. The pair of underwear of claim 1 wherein said fabric further includes an elastic waistband.

4. The pair of underwear of claim 1 wherein said slit-shaped portal comprises a vertical slit.

5. A pair of underwear for use by a male comprising:

a fabric fashioned to form a boxer-brief type undergarment for a male, said fabric having a bilateral symmetry and including a front panel;

a rear panel formed within said fabric and positioned immediately behind said front panel to form an internal pocket;

a slit-shaped portal formed within said rear panel for providing access to said internal pocket for depositing a scrotum and genitalia of said male into said internal pocket; and

an external pouch extending outward from said front panel for providing a depository for the genitalia of said male, said boxer-brief type undergarment for minimizing perspiration and irritation, and for absorbing accidental leakage of fluid body waste, and for eliminating exposure to the fluid body waste and stains on the body of said male.

6. The pair of underwear of claim 5 further including a pair of legs formed in said fabric, said legs each having a corresponding leg opening.

7. The pair of underwear of claim 5 wherein said fabric is comprised of cotton.

8. The pair of underwear of claim 5 wherein said fabric further includes an elastic waistband.

9. The pair of underwear of claim 5 wherein said slit-shaped portal comprises a vertical slit.

10. A pair of underwear for use by a male comprising:

a fabric fashioned to form a brief type undergarment for a male, said fabric having a bilateral symmetry and including a front panel;

a pair of leg openings formed in said fabric for accommodating the legs of said male each of said leg openings including an elastic band for providing close adherence to said leas of said male;

a slit-shaped portal formed within said rear panel for providing access to said internal pocket and for depositing a scrotum and genitalia of said male into said internal pocket for minimizing perspiration and irritation, and for absorbing accidental leakage of fluid body waste, and for eliminating exposure to the fluid body waste and stains on the body of said male.

11. The pair of underwear of claim 10 wherein said fabric is comprised of cotton.

12. The pair of underwear of claim 10 wherein said fabric further includes an elastic waistband.

13. The pair of underwear of claim 10 wherein said slit-shaped portal comprises a vertical slit.