Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of male undergarments. More particularly,
the invention relates to male underpants of improved comfort having a pouch for receiving
the scrotum of a wearer.
Background of the Invention
[0002] Numerous types of male underpants produced with a pouch for receiving the scrotum
of a wearer have been disclosed in the prior art. For example, US Patents Nos. 3,517,666,
US 6,026,517, and 6,295,651, and WO 00/45655 teach a pouch which prevents direct contact
between the scrotum and the groin, to avoid discomfort or diseases caused by perspiration.
The pouch covers the scrotum with substantially no support or restriction. However,
although the aforementioned prior art male underpants reduce the accumulation of perspiration,
none of these references disclose a satisfactory solution to the problem of friction
between the pouch and the legs of a person who wears the undergarment, while walking
or running. Therefore, it would be desirable to further increase the conduction of
perspiration and reduce friction while positioning the scrotum in an optimal position.
[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a male undergarment with a pouch
for receiving the scrotum of a wearer.
[0004] It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a male undergarment
having a scrotum receiving pouch which can conduct perspiration more effectively than
that of the prior art.
[0005] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a male undergarment which
can reduce the friction between the pouch and the legs of a person who wears the undergarment,
while walking or running.
[0006] It is still an object of the present invention to provide a male undergarment which
can reduce the pressure applied on the legs of a person who wears the undergarment.
[0007] It is yet an object of the present invention to provide a male undergarment which
continuously extends the support of the scrotum toward the rear part of the groin.
[0008] It is yet another object of the present invention to maintain the scrotum in an essentially
fixed optimal position.
[0009] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description
proceeds.
Summary of the Invention
[0010] The present invention provides a male undergarment comprising:
a) a body encircling member including a front piece and a rear piece;
b) an elastic waist band attached to said encircling member;
c) a scrotum receiving section formed by a portion of said front piece and by an adjacent
inwardly positioned piece of fabric; and
d) a pouch adapted to retain the scrotum therein and defined by said scrotum receiving
section and by at least one separate border element, said pouch being produced in
such a way that said at least one border element is attached to said scrotum receiving
section,
wherein the at least one border element is configured to contact the groin when the
undergarment is worn, whereby to reduce friction between the scrotum and groin.
[0011] The at least one border element preferably has a width which progressively increases
from one end thereof to an intermediate region thereof, for facilitating the conduction
of perspiration from the groin. The intermediate region of increased width of a border
element is substantially proxiniate to a crotch region of the undergarment.
[0012] The at least one border element is sufficiently flexible so as to be longitudinally
folded as a result of the pressure exerted thereon by the inner thighs as the undergarment
is worn.
[0013] The pouch is adapted to prevent lateral movement of the scrotum towards the groin,
and is formed with a three-dimensional outwardly protruding shape. The outwardly protruding
shape may be formed by means of a plurality of pleats substantially parallel to the
waist band and extending in opposite directions from said at least one border element
to a medial portion of said inwardly positioned piece of fabric. Alternatively, the
outwardly protruding shape may be formed by means of a seam which longitudinally extends
along a medial portion of inwardly positioned piece of fabric from the waist band
to a crotch region. Alternatively, the outwardly protruding shape may be formed by
means of regions of predetermined levels of shrinkage. The outwardly protruding shape
may be formed by means of a horizontal seam which extends along the medial portion.
[0014] The inwardly positioned piece of fabric is attached to the front piece by means of
scams, e.g. unseen scams, extending from the waist band to the at least one border
element. The at least one border element is preferably attached to the scrotum receiving
section by means of the unseen seams.
[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the inclination of each border element with respect
to the scrotum receiving section is variable. The border element may be U-shaped.
Alternatively, two border elements may be employed. In one aspect, one attachment
point of each border element is on the front piece and the other attachment point
is on the rear piece.
[0016] Preferably, the at least one border element is perforated, for providing ventilation.
The at least one border element reduces friction and may also provide other benefits.
[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, the periphery of each border element is completely
attached to the scrotum receiving section.
[0018] In one aspect, each border element is longitudinally folded in two before being attached
to the scrotum receiving section.
[0019] In one aspect, the pouch is provided with a phallus receiving pocket.
[0020] In one aspect, the intermediate region of increased width of a border element is
substantially perpendicular to a crotch region of the undergarment.
[0021] In one aspect, the at least one border element is inelastic.
[0022] In one aspect, the medial portion of the scrotum receiving section is seamless.
[0023] In one aspect, the intermediate region of increased width of a border element droops
into the crotch region.
[0024] The male undergarment may have a substantially triangular shape (i.e bikini, slip,
brief,) or may be a boxer type undergarment (i.e. knitted boxer, trunk, square-cut
boxer, boxer-brief).
[0025] The present invention is also directed to a male undergarment which has an integral
friction reducing region of a corresponding leg portion adjoining the groin when the
undergarment is worn, each of said friction reducing region being made from perforated
functional fabric. A portion of the front piece of the undergarment between the two
friction reducing regions assumes a three-dimensional outwardly protruding shape.
[0026] In one aspect, an elastic strip is stitched to the portion of friction reducing region
which is in closest proximity to the groin, for resisting excessive outward movement
of the scrotum.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0027] In the drawings.
- Fig. 1 is a front view of a substantially triangular male undergarment , according
to one embodiment of the invention;
- Fig. 2 is a rear view of the undergarment of Fig. 1;
- Fig. 3 is a plan view of a pouch from the interior of the undergarment of Fig. 1;
- Fig. 4 is an extended, plan view of the interior of the undergarment of Fig. 1;
- Fig. 5 is a front view of a substantially triangular male undergarment, according
to another embodiment of the invention;
- Fig. 6 is a side view of the undergarment of Fig. 6;
- Fig. 7 is n front view of a male undergarment of the boxer type, according to another
embodiment of the invention;
- Fig. 8 is a rear view of the undergarment of Fig. 7;
- Fig. 9 is a plan view of a pouch from the interior of the undergarment of Fig. 7;
- Fig. 10 is an extended, plan view of the interior of the undergarment of Fig. 7;
- Fig. 11 is a front view of a male undergarment of the boxer type, according to another
embodiment of the invention;
- Fig. 12 is a rear view of the undergarment of Fig. 11;
- Fig. 13 is a plan view of a pouch from the interior of the undergarment of Fig. 11;
- Fig. 14 is a plan view of the rear piece from the interior of the undergarment of
Fig. 11;
- Fig. 15 is an extended, plan view of the interior of the undergarment of Fig. 11;
- Fig. 16 is an extended, plan view of the exterior of the undergarment of Fig. 11;
and
- Figs. 17 and 18 are a front view of a male undergarment of the boxer type according
to other embodiments of the invention, respectively, which are provided with integral
friction reducing regions.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments
[0028] One embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 1-4. A male undergarment
having a substantially triangular shape, which is generally designated by numeral
1, comprises a body encircling member including a front piece 5, rear piece 7, bottom
edge 9, elastic waist band 12, and pouch 20 attached to the front piece 5 by means
of ends 25 and 26 of a single curved seam. Figs. 1 and 2 are front and rear views,
respectively, of the undergarment. Undergarment 1 may be made of a stretchable fabric,
such as cotton-Lycra, and is designed to fit snugly about the body of the wearer.
[0029] As shown in Fig. 3 which illustrates the pouch when viewed from the interior of the
undergarment, pouch 20 has a two-ply scrotum receiving section, which is formed by
inwardly positioned piece of fabric 22 and an adjacent outwardly positioned piece
of fabric (not shown). The outwardly positioned piece of fabric is attached to front
piece 5 (Fig. 1) by means of seam ends 25 and 26.
[0030] Pouch 20 is defined by the two-ply scrotum receiving section and by a separate U-shaped
border element 23, which is attached to the scrotum receiving section by means of
unseen seams 25 and 26, is adapted to retain the scrotum centered within the pouch;
preventing lateral movement of the scrotum towards the groin. The two ends of border
element 23 are attached to seam ends 25 and 26, respectively, at attachment points
28 and 29, respectively, slightly above bottom edge 9. Seam ends 25 and 26 are generally
produced by a folded fabric which is concealed by a portion of the front piece and
of the pouch, and are arranged such that they do not irritate the scrotum and do not
significantly inwardly protrude into the pouch. Since the curved portion of such seams
is further concealed by the border element and the seam therefore appears to be comprised
from two elements when viewed from the interior of the undergarment, the seam ends
will be referred to hereinafter as "unseen seams." Unseen seams 25 and 26, each of
which joins front piece 5, inwardly positioned fabric 22, the outwardly positioned
fabric, and border element 23, follow the periphery of the scrotum receiving section.
[0031] Border element 23 is made of a perforated functional fabric, such as Mesh Friction-Free®
fabric providing good ventilation, high flexibility, good conduction of perspiration
and comfortable fit. The border element is advantageously made from inelastic material,
in order to prevent constriction of the scrotum.
[0032] The fabric of border element 23 is two-ply, which may be one piece of fabric folded
in two or two pieces which are stitched together. Border element is attached to unseen
seams 25 and 26. With reference to Figs. 3 and 4, border element 23 is shaped such
that its width increases progressively from attachment points 28 and 29 to attachment
point 17, at which medial seams 19 are attached to the border element. Border element
23 is configured such that the relatively wider regions thereof are in contact with
high friction areas between the scrotum and groin, whereat high levels of perspiration
accumulation are noticeable. The portions of border element 23 which are of maximum
width are proximate to crotch region 24. The portions of border element 23 adjoining
crotch region 24, due to the penetration of the seam into the crotch region 24, droop
towards crotch region 24. The crotch does not contact the groin and therefore lower
levels of perspiration accumulation are noticeable thereat. Since the border element
regions of relatively large width, and of consequently large surface area, are located
below the scrotum, perspiration is released from the border element by evaporation.
[0033] When the undergarment is worn, border element 23 is arranged to contact the commissures
of the groin, thereby reducing friction between the scrotum and groin when walking,
running, or being engaged in any other activity. Due to its flexibility, border element
23 is longitudinally folded by the pressure exerted by the inner thighs as the undergarment
is worn. Such longitudinal folds further reduce friction between the scrotum and groin
and further assist in the absorption of perspiration.
[0034] Pouch 20 assumes a three-dimensional outwardly protruding shape by virtue of medial
seams 19. A seam 19 longitudinally extends from waist band 12 to border element 23,
along a medial portion of each of the inwardly and outwardly facing fabries of the
scrotum receiving section, attaching the right and left sides of the corresponding
fabric. It will be appreciated that the three-dimensional outwardly protruding shape
may also be achieved by any other means such as darts, pleats, molds, and laterally
extending seams.
[0035] Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, wherein an undergarment
generally designated by numeral 10 is provided with two border elements 27 which are
completely attached to the scrotum receiving section. Fig. 5 illustrates the front
of undergarment 10, with the exterior face of the leg portion being shown. Each leg
portion 16 of the undergarment is defined primarily by bottom elastic edge 9 and also
by a border element 27 attached thereto.
[0036] While prior art undergarments have elastic elements which directly contact the scrotum
or groin, causing significant discomfit, border elements 27 are positioned such that
they contact the groin when the undergarment is worn so that friction between the
scrotum and the groin may be reduced. As shown in Fig. 6, pouch 21 is seamless and
is defined by the scrotum receiving section and by border elements 27 (which are inelastic)
assumes a three-dimensional outwardly protruding shape. The three-dimensional outwardly
protruding shape is achieved by suitably attaching border elements 27 to the scrotum
receiving section such that a tensile force having a laterally extending component
is applied in both lateral directions to the medial portion of the scrotum receiving
section. It will be appreciated that when the outwardly protruding shape is achieved
in such a fashion, there is no need for providing longitudinally or laterally extending
seams within the pouch.
[0037] The three-dimensional outwardly protruding shape may also be produced by a plurality
of darts (not shown), which extend laterally from a border element 27 to a medial
portion of the inwardly positioned piece of fabric of the scrotum receiving section
in opposite directions and are substantially parallel to the waist band. Accordingly,
the outward protrusion of the pouch progressively increases from a border element
until the distal end of each dart, i.e. the end distant from the border element. Alternatively,
the outwardly protruding shape may be produced by one or more longitudinally extending
medial seams, if so desired.
[0038] Fig. 7-10 illustrate another embodiment of the invention wherein a male undergarment
of the boxer type, which is generally designated by numeral 30, comprises a body encircling
member including a front piece 34 and rear piece 37 having a bottom edge 39 in the
form of rectangular leg portions, elastic waist band 12, and pouch 40 attached to
the front piece 35 by means of seams 35 and 36. Fig. 7 illustrates a front view of
the undergarment and Fig. 8 illustrates a rear view thereof. Undergarment 30 is made
of a stretchable fabric, such as cotton -Lycra.
[0039] The interior of the undergarment is shown in Fig. 9 and 10. Pouch 40 is defined by
the scrotum receiving section and by a separate U-shaped border element 33, which
is adapted to retain the scrotum within the pouch while preventing lateral movement
thereof towards the groin. The regions of border element 33 having a relatively larger
width are proximate to crotch region 38 shown in the extended, plan view of the interior
of the undergarment shown in Fig. 10. A portion of border element 33 is shown to be
drooping towards crotch region 38, due to the penetration of the seam into the crotch
region.
[0040] Pouch 40 assumes a three-dimensional outwardly protruding shape by virtue of seams
42. A seam 42 longitudinally extends from waist band 12 to border element 33. along
a medial portion of each of the outwardly positioned fabric of the scrotum receiving
section and fabric 32, attaching the right and left sides of the corresponding fabric.
It will be appreciated that the three-dimensional outwardly protruding shape may also
be achieved by any other means such as darts, pleats, molds, and laterally extending
seams.
[0041] In another embodiment of the invention, a male undergarment of the boxer type is
illustrated in Figs. 11-16, and is generally designated by numeral 50. Fig. 11 illustrates
a front view of the undergarment and Fig. 12 illustrates a rear view thereof. Fig.
13 and 14 illustrate front and rear views of the interior of the undergarment. Undergarment
50 has a pouch 60, which is attached to the front piece by means of unseen seams 55
and 56. Pouch 60 is defined by a two-ply scrotum receiving section 62 and by two separate
border elements 64 and 66, which are attached at attachment points 67 and 68 of the
front piece, respectively, to unseen seams 56 and 55, respectively. Border elements
64 and 66 are attached to the transversal side of scrotum receiving section 62 and
terminate at attachment points 73 and 72 of the rear piece, respectively. As shown
in the extended, plan view of the interior and exterior of the undergarment in Figs.
15 and 16, respectively, unseen seams 55 and 56 extend throughout the front and rear
pieces, the spacing therebetween narrowing at crotch region 69. The spacing between
unseen seams 55 and 56 on the front piece defines the pouch, while the spacing therebetween
on the rear piece defines a buttocks piece. As shown in Fig. 15, border elements 64
and 66 are shaped such that their width increases progressively from the corresponding
attachment point on the front piece to the corresponding attachment point on the rear
piece. The relatively wider region of each border element is substantially perpendicula
and proximate to crotch region 69, in order to prevent lateral movement of the scrotum
towards the groin and to reduce friction between the scrotum and groin, while increasing
the conduction of perspiration, as explained hereinabove.
[0042] Figs. 17-18 illustrate another embodiment of the invention, wherein significant reduction
in friction between the scrotum and groin is achieved without using a border element,
while delimiting a scrotum receiving section which provides freedom of movement yet
prevents movement of the scrotum towards the groin. As shown in Fig. 17, the leg portions
83 of undergarment 80, which is of the square cut boxer type, are produced with an
integral friction reducing region. Integral friction reducing region 85 of a corresponding
leg portion 83 adjoins the groin when the undergarment is worn, and is made from perforated
functional fabric, such as Mesh Friction-Free® fabric. A portion of front piece 87
between the two friction reducing regions 85 assumes a three-dimensional outwardly
protruding shape by means of a plurality of pleats 89, each of which is produced in
front piece 87 and laterally extends from a corresponding friction reducing region
85. In Fig. 18, undergarment 90 achieves an outwardly protruding scrotum receiving
portion using a plurality of regions having predetermined levels of shrinkage (not
shown), which are spread along the border line between the front piece and the corresponding
friction reducing region 95 from the inner side, so as to maintain an excess fabric
length along said border line. The excess length allows obtaining a three-dimensional
outwardly protruding shape while wearing undergarment 90. An elastic strip 97 is stitched
to the portion of friction reducing region 95 which is in closest proximity to the
groin, and therefore resists excessive outward movement of the scrotum. The same elastic
strip may by used similarly in the example of Fig. 17. It will be appreciated that
the three-dimensional outwardly protruding shape may also be achieved by any other
means such as darts, pleats, molds, and laterally extending seams.
[0043] While some embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration,
it will be apparent that the invention can be carried into practice with many modifications,
variations and adaptations, and with the use of numerous equivalents or alternative
solutions that are within the scope of persons skilled in the art, without departing
from the spirit of the invention or exceeding the scope of the claims.
1. A male undergarment comprising:
a) a body encircling member including a front piece and a rear piece;
b) an elastic waist band attached to said encircling member;
c) a scrotum receiving section formed by a portion of said front piece and by an adjacent
inwardly positioned piece of fabric; and
d) a pouch adapted to retain the scrotum therein and defined by said scrotum receiving
section and by at least one separate border element, said pouch being produced in
such a way that said at least one border element is attached to said scrotum receiving
section,
wherein the at least one border element is configured to contact the groin when the
undergarment is worn, whereby to reduce friction between the scrotum and groin.
2. The male undergarment according to claim 1, wherein the at least one border element
has a width which progressively increases from one end thereof to an intermediate
region thereof, for facilitating the conduction of perspiration from the groin.
3. The male undergarment according to claim 2, wherein the intermediate region of increased
width of a border element is substantially proximate to a crotch region of the undergarment.
4. The male undergarment according to claim 1, wherein the at least one border element
is sufficiently flexible so as to be longitudinally folded as a result of the pressure
exerted thereon by the inner thighs as the undergarment is worn.
5. The male undergarment according to claim 1, wherein the pouch is formed with a three-dimensional
outwardly protruding shape.
6. The male undergarment according to claim 1, wherein the pouch is adapted to prevent
lateral movement of the scrotum towards the groin.
7. The male undergarment according to claim 5, wherein the outwardly protruding shape
is formed by means of a seam which longitudinally extends along a medial portion of
an inwardly positioned piece of fabric from the waist band to a crotch region.
8. The male undergarment according to claim 5, wherein the outwardly protruding shape
is formed by means of darts.
9. The male undergarment according to claim 1, wherein the inwardly positioned piece
of fabric is attached to the front piece by means of seams extending from the waist
band to the at least one border element.
10. The male undergarment according to claim 9, wherein the inwardly positioned piece
of fabric is attached to the front piece by means of unseen seams.
11. The male undergarment according to claim 10, wherein the at least one border element
is attached to the scrotum receiving section by means of the unseen seams.
12. The male undergarment; according to claim 4, wherein the inclination of each border
element with respect to the scrotum receiving section is variable.
13. The male undergarment according to claim 12, wherein one attachment point of each
border efcmcnt is on the front piece and the other attachment point is on the rear
piece.
14. The male undergarment according to claim 12, wherein the border element is U-shaped.
15. The male undergarment according to claim 1, wherein the male undergarment has a substantially
triangular shape.
16. The male undergarment according to claim 1, which is a boxer type undergarment.
17. The male undergarment according to claim 1, wherein the at least one border element
is perforated, for providing ventilation
18. The male undergarment according to claim 1, wherein the periphery of each border element
is completely attached to the scrotum receiving section.
19. The male undergarment according to claim 1, wherein each border element is longitudinally
folded in two before being attached to the scrotum receiving section.
20. The male undergarment according to claim 1, wherein each border element is of a single
ply.
21. The male undergarment according to claim 1, wherein the pouch is provided with a phallus
receiving pocket.
22. The male undergarment according to claim 3, wherein the intermediate region of increased
width of a border element is substantially perpendicular to a crotch region of the
undergarment.
23. The male undergarment according to claim 5, wherein the outwardly protruding shape
is formed by means of pleats.
24. The male undergarment according to claim 5, wherein the outwardly protruding shape
is formed by means of regions of predetermined levels of shrinkage.
25. The male undergarment according to claim 1, wherein the at least one border element
is inelastic.
26. The male undergarment according to claim 1 wherein the medial portion of the scrotum
receiving section is seamless.
27. The male undergarment according to claim 3, wherein the intermediate region of increased
width of a border element droops into the crotch region.
28. A male undergarment, which has an integral friction reducing region of a corresponding
leg portion adjoining the groin when the undergarment is worn, each of said friction
reducing region being made from perforated functional fabric.
29. The male undergarment according to claim 28, wherein a portion of the front piece
of the undergarment between the two friction reducing regions assumes a three-dimensional
outwardly protruding shape.
30. The male undergarment according to claim 28, wherein an elastic strip is stitched
to the portion of friction reducing region which is in closest proximity to the groin,
for resisting excessive outward movement of the scrotum.