Title of Invention	PROTECTIVE GARMENT
Abstract	The invention provides protective garments that compelse a liquid impermeable garment body in inner surface with first and second portion, an absorptive device associated with the first portion of the garment body, and fibers suffered to at least a part of the inner surface of the second portion of the garment body. The protective garment may further comprise a connector, and tubing. The tubing can be used for absorbing or draining fluids away from a person's body, or for transplanting fluids to a person's body.

Title of Invention

PROTECTIVE GARMENT

Abstract

The invention provides protective garments that compelse a liquid impermeable garment body in inner surface with first and second portion, an absorptive device associated with the first portion of the garment body, and fibers suffered to at least a part of the inner surface of the second portion of the garment body. The protective garment may further comprise a connector, and tubing. The tubing can be used for absorbing or draining fluids away from a person's body, or for transplanting fluids to a person's body.

Full Text	WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472 PROTECTIVE GARMENT CROSS-REFERENCE This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Serial No. 5 60/429,647 filed November 27, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to protective garments generally, as well as to 10 methods for manufacture thereof. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various types of protective undergarments are known in the patent literature. The following patents and patent applications and the references cited therein are believed to 15 represent the state of the art: U.S. Patent 5,098,419; PCT Published Patent Application WO 96/3624B and European Patent 327,823. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention seeks to provide a protective garment which is 3D body 20 fitting, body tight, generally lighter and more comfortable than conventional protective garments and which can be manufactured in large quantities at relatively low cost. The protective garment may be worm under other clothing, may be worm in a portion of the body without clothing or may be worn over clothing. As used herein, a "garment" refers to an undergarment or any article to be worn on the body such as a dressing. As used 25 herein, a "dressing" includes, but is not limited to, any covering for a more or wound or 1 WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472 any opening in the body from which a body fluid is excreted or discharged, such as a bandage or nursing pad or any external treatment given through the skin, like pain relievers. There is thus provided in accordance with ont embodiment of the present 5 invention, a protective garment. In one embodiment, the protective garment is a protective undergarment. In another embodiment, the protective garment is a protective dressing. The protective garment may be used in a variety of applications including clothing applications or medical applications. The protective garment may include two portions: (1) a garment body (which may be integrally farmed and which may be 10 composed of a liquid impermeable materia); and (2) an absorptive device or material (such as a pad) associated with me garment body. Preferably, the garment body may include a first portion which is formed with multiple perforations to permit passage of perspiration therethrough, and a second portion which may be substantially not perforated, so as to prevent passage of body secretions 15 and medical dressings therethrough. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the absorptive device or material is associated with the garment body at the second portion. In one embodiment, the second portion extends beyond the absorptive device or material. In alternate embodiment, the absorptive material or pad may extend beyond the 20 second portion of the garment body. There is additionally provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a protective garment comprising an integrally formed garment body formed of a liquid impermeable material, the garment body including a first portion which is formed with multiple perforations to permit passage of perspiration 2 WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472 therethrough, and a second portion which is substantially not perforated, so as to prevent passage of body secretions and medical dressings therethrough. Preferably, the liquid impermeable material is a natural elastomer like latex. Alternatively, the liquid impermeable material is artificial elastomer like silicons 5 rubber or polyturethane. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the garment body may have a thickness of less than 300 microns. Preferably, the protective garment also comprises an absorbent device or material associated to the undergarment body. 10 The protective garment may be a brassiere, underpants, medical dressing or any other suitable garment or medical device. The protective garment may have fibers affixed to at least part of one surface of the garment body. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent device 15 or material includes a portion extending downward from the crotch along the thigh. There is additionally provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a method of manufacture of protective garments comprising the steps of forming a garment body of a liquid impermeable material, and forming multiple; perforations on a first portion of the garment body to permit passage of perspiration 20 therethrough. Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the step of affixing fibers to at least one surface of the undergarment body. For example, cotton fibers may be affixed to at least one surface of the undergarment body. 3 WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472 In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the protective garment may include two portions: (1) a garment body and a connector (which may be integrally formed and which may be composed of a liquid impermeable material); and (2) tubing. The garment body may be worn on any portion of the body. One example of the portion of the body 5 may include a portion of the face. Another example of the portion of the body may include a portion of the arm. The connector may be integral with the garment body. Or, alternatively, the connector may be separate from, but attached to, the garment body. The connector connects the tubing to the protective garment. Tubing may be used to absorb or drain 10 liquid from or transmit liquid to the body. The garment body may be composed of a liquid impermaable material such as natural and artificial elastomers. Non-limiting examples of synthetic elastomers include polyisobutylene, isobutyleae-isoprene copolymer (butyl elastomer), polyvinyl acetate, polyisoprene, polyethylene, vinyl acetate -vinyl laurate copolymers having vinyl laurate contents of about 5% to about 50% by 15 weight of the copolymer, neoprene (polychloroprene), thermoplastic elastomers, nitrile rubber, synthetic latex (which has no proteins), styrenic elastomers, polyurethane, and silicone rubber, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of natural elastomers include natural rubber such as smoked or liquid latex and guayule, and combinations thereo. Further, the garment body may include a portion, which is formed with multiple 20 perforations to permit passage of perspiration therethrough. The connector may be composed of a shape-retaining material, such as metal, plastic, a composite (e.g. of metal and plastic), or any other suitable material. Non- limitmg examples of plastic include polyurethane, polyacrylamide, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), The connector may have associated with it a material (for example, an absorbent 4 WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472 material). The connector may fit with the tubing via a variety of ways, such as by a press fit, by threading on the connector, the tubing or both the connector and the tubing. A protective garment of the invention can also comprise colors (e.g. pigments or dyes) and/or fragrances (e,g. perfumes) in the liquid impermeable material end/or fibers. 5 A color or fragnance can be added, for example, to an elastomeric emulsion before immersing a mold (which will give the protective garment its shape) into the emulsion. Furthermore, a protective garment of the invention can comprise embossed designs or patterns. The designs or patterns can be created by engraving a design in the garment mold. For example, if the protective garment is to be used by children, a teddy bear 10 design can be created in the mold, thereby giving the garment a more attractive appearance to the user. Furthermore, the design can be created with different thicknesses within the same garment (e.g., by further dipping of the desired areas in the liquid latex (either pre-or post-vulcanized) or a synthetic elastomer precursor solution, or by applying coagulants on the mold before dipping, on the desired area to get a thicker result.) 15 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: Fig. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1P, 1Q, 1H and 1I are illustrations of a method for 20 producing protective garments in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 2 is a simplified illustration of protective undergarments produced generally by the method of Figs, 1A- 1F in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 25 Fig. 3A is a simplified illustration of a medical protective garment 5 WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472 Fig. 3B is a simplified illustration a sanitary brassiere (for nursing) or medical brassiere (to be used after breast surgery) garments. Fig. 4 is a simplified illustration of another medical protective garment. Fig, 5 is a simplified illustration of a medical protective garment with a garment 5 body, a connector and tubing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference is now made to Fig, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, lF, 1G, 1H sad II are simplified illustrations of a method for producing protective undergarments in accordance 10 with a preferred embodiment of the preseat invention, The invention is described hereinbelow with reference to Fig. 1A - II, with specific reference to uoderpants, it being appreciated that the invention applies equally to any other suitable garment (undergarment, garment worn over some other garment, or garment worn in conjunction with no other garment). 15 As seen in Fig. 1 A, a three dimensional garment form 10 is provided on which an array 12 of protrusions 14, such as needles, is formed in the general shape of underpants to be formed. The protrusions 14 are preferably covered with TEFLON®. The crotch area 16of the underpants is preferably not formed with protrusions 14. The remained of the from 10 is preferably coated with a non-adhersion substance, such as TEFLON®- 20 Otherwise perforations can be made by mechanical means (e.g., roller press). As shown in Fig. 1B, garment from 10 is preferably dipped in a liquid 17, such as latex or silicone, which when allowed to dry, forms a stretchable, high weight garment 18 over array 12 and crotch area 16. It may be apprenciated that the provision of protrusions 14 causes the garment 18 to be perforated except at crotch area 16. Thus the garment 18 25 is 'breathable" except at the crotch area 16, where it is liquid impermeable. 6 WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472 Following dipping of garment from 10 into liquid 17, the garment 18 may be rubbed with a mechanical device (not shown) in order to remove any superfluous elastomer material. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated 5 in Fig. 1C, and absorptive pad 20 is associated with the light weight garment 18 at the crotch area 16, However, the absorptive pad 20 can be extended beyond the crotch area if desired. It may be associated by the use of an adhesive or attached to the reminder of garment 18 by virtue of the faet that the latex is allowed to dry on the form 10 in engagement with the absorptive pad 20. 10 Prior to removal of the garment 18 from the form 10, the exterior surface of the garment on the form 10, which will eventually be turned inside-out to form the interior surface, is preferably sprayed with adhesive 22, as shown in Fig. ID and thereafter with cotton fibers 24 or any other suitable material as indicated in Fig. IE, thereby to provide a comfortable and non-stick skin engaging surface. Preferably pad 20 is covered during the 15 steps of Figs. 1D and 1E with a cover 26, which extends somewhat beyond the pad, so as to prevent liquid migration form the pad to the cotton fibers. The resulting garment 30 may then be removed from the form 10, as seen in Fig. 1F and turned inside out. The outer surface of garment 30 may be coated or otherwise covered with cotton fiber or any other suitable material and finished in an appropriate 20 manner. The completed garment 40, as seen in Fig. 1G, is preferably extremely light weight, low cost, stretchable, underpants, which is perforated generally except at the specific areas mostly covered with the absorbent material and which is preferably integrally formed with an internal absorptive pad. The garment is preferably formed of 25 an elastic material, such as latex or silicone, and has a thickness of less the 300 microns. 7 WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472 In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as seen in Fig. 1H, a tear region 42 may be incorporated in the garment, such as at a side thereof. This enables ease of removal of the garment, by tearing it at region 42. Once removed the torn, worn garment may be disposed of as illustrated in Fig. 11. 5 The final stage of manufacturing of the garment 18 may include a vulcanization process and edge-cutting of the garment, as known in the art. As can be seen from Fig. 2, the garment may be underpants 50, a brassiere 60, or any other suitable garment. It is noted that the pad 62 of the underpants 50 may have a portion which extead downwardly along the wearer's legs. 10 Referring to Fig. 3A, there is shown a medical protection garment 70. The medical protection garment may include a garment body 72. A portion of the garment body (or the entire garment body) may be composed of an elastic material or a liquid impermeable material. Examples of materials may include latex or silicone. The garment body 72 may include straps 74 or other types of adjustment devices (such as snaps, clips, 15 fasteners, or the like) in order to adjust the garment body so that it fits strongly or comfortably with the wearer. Some or all of the garment body may be perforated. A portion of the garment body (not shown in the figure) may be covered with material (such as cotton fibers), thereby to provide a comfortable and non-stick skin engaging surface. The medical protection garment 70 shown in Fig. 3A may be used to protect, bandage and 20 treat a portion of the body, such as single breast, after a medical procedure (such, as a breast surgery). The absorptive device of material associated with the garment body may include medical ointments, medicine for treatments or diagnostic materials. Referring to Figure 3B, there is shown an alternate embodiment of the garment 76 showing a simplified illustration of a sanitary brassiere (for nursing when a woman is breast feeding) 25 or medical brassiere (to be used after breast surgery) garments. 8 WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472 Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a simplified illustration of another medical protective garment 80. The medical protective garment 80 may include a garment body 82. A portion of the garment body (or the entire garment body) may be composed of an elastic material or a liquid impermeable material. Examples of materials may include 5 latex or silicons. The garment body 82 may include straps 84 or other types of adjustment devices (such as snaps, cups, fastener, or the like) in order to adjust the garmsm body so that it fits snugly or comfortably with the wearer. Some or all of the garment body may be perforated. A portion of the garment body (not shown in the figure) may be covered with material such as cotton fibers, thereby to provide a 10 comfortable and non-stick skin engaging surface. As shown in Fig. 4, an absorptive material 86 is attached to garment body 82 while another portion of material 86 may not be attached to garment body 82. The material 86 may be connected at various portions to the garment body. For example, the material 86 maybe attached at two of its ends, one to the upper portion of the garment body 82 and the other to the lower portion of the 15 garment body 82. In this manner, a pocket may be formed. The medical protective garment 80 shown in Fig. 4 may be used on a limb, such as a foot, and may help in the treatment of those who suffer from diabetes. Referring to Fig, 5, there is shown a simplified illustration of a medical protective garment 90 with a garment body 92, a connector 94 and tubing 96, The garment body 92 20 and the connector 94 may be integrally formed. Altemativelyi the garment body 92 and the connector 94 may be composed of separate pieces and may be attached to one another (such as by glue, fasteners or the like). The garment body may be composed of an elastic or liquid impermeable material. Similarly, the connector may be composed of an elastic or liquid impermeable material. The garment body 92 may be worn on any portion of the 25 body. One example of the portion of the body may include on a portion of the face, as 9 WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472 shown in Fig. 5. Another example of the portion of the body may include a portion of the and, such as when a user requires intravenous liquid. The garment body 92 may include a portion which is formed with multiple perforations to permit passage of perspiration therethrough. Further, the garment body 92 5 may include straps (not shown) or other types of adjustment devices (such. as snaps, clips, fasteners, or the like) in order to adjust the garment body 92 so that it fits sungly or comfortably with the wearer. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the adjustment device may adjust to fit the head of the user. The connector 94 connects the tubing 96 to the protective gannent 90. Tubing 96 10 may be used to absorb liquid from or transmit liquid to the body. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the tubing may be used for drainage from the body. Alternatively, tubing may be used to supply fluid or liquid to the body. The connector may have associated with it a material (for example, an absorbent material). In this manner, the tubing 96 may be to the connector 94 with less 15 discomfort to the user. The connector may fit with the tubing via a varity of ways, such as by treading 98. The threading may be on the tubing 96, on the connector 94 or on both the connector 94 and file tubing 96. Alternatively, the tubing 96 may be fit by a press fitting the tubing 96 with the connector 94. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art of that the present invention is 20 not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes variations and modification of the various features described in the specification and shown in the drawings which may occur to a person of ordinary still in the art upon leading the foregoing description and which are not in the prior art. 25 10 WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472 What is claimed is: 1. A protective garment comprising: a) an integrally formed garment body of a liquid impermeable material having an inner surface with, a first portion and a second portion; 5 b) an absorptive device associated with the first portion of the integrally formed garment body, and c) fibers affixed to at least a part of the inner surface of the second portion of the integrally formed garment body. 10 2. A protective garment according to claim 2, wherein the fibers are affixed, to the inner surface of the integrally formed garment body except for a section of the garment body associated with the absorptive device and proximate to the portion of the garment body associated with the absorptive device. 15 3. A protective garment according to claim 1, wherein said second portion is formed with multiple perforations to permit passage of perspiration therethrough. 4. A protective garment according to claim 1, wherein said first portion is not substantially perforated, so as to prevent passage of body fluids therethrough. 20 5. A protective garment according to claim 1, wherein the integrally formed garment body has an outer surface, and further comprises fibers affixed to at least a portion of the outer surface of the integrally formed garment body. 11 WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472 6. A protective garment according to claim 1, wherein the liquid impermeable material is rubber. 7. A protective garment according to claim 1, wherein the fibers are cotton. 5 8. A protective garment according to claim 1, wherein the first portion extends beyond said absorptive device. 9. The protective garment according to claim 1, wherein the garment is a body- 10 tight seamless garment. 10. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is an undergarment. 15 11. The protective garment of claim 10, wherein said undergarment is underpants. 12. The protective garment of claim 10, wherein said undergarment is a brassiere. 20 13. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is a dressing, 14. The protective garment of claim 13, wherein the dressing is a bandage. 25 15. The protective garment of claim 13, wherein the dressing is a nursing pad. 12 WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472 16. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein the liquid impermeable material is a natural elastomer. 5 17. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein the liquid impermeable material is a synthetic elastomer. 18. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein the liquid impermeable material and/or the fibers comprise at least one pigment, dye, or a combination thereof. 10 19. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein the liquid impermeable material and/or the fibers comprise at least one fragrance. 20. The protective garment of claim 1, further comprising an embossed, design 15 or pattern. 21. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein the garment further comprises a connector and tubing connected to the garment body by the coonector. 20. 22. The protective garment of claim 21, wherein the connector is associated with an absorptive material. 23. The protective garment of claim 21, wherein the tubing can absorb or transport fluids away from the body. 25 13 WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472 24. The protective garment of claim 21, wherein the tubing can transmit liquid to the body. 25. The protective garment of claim 21, wherein the connector is integrally 5 formed with the dressing body. 26. The protective garment of claim 21, wherein the connector is separate from, but attached to, tbe dressing body. 10 27. The protective garment of claim 21, wherein the garment is an undergarment or a dressing. 28. The protective garment of claim 21, wherein the connector is composed of a liquid impermeable material, wherein the liquid impermeable material is a natural 15 elastomer or a synthetic elastomer. 14 The invention provides protective garments that compelse a liquid impermeable garment body in inner surface with first and second portion, an absorptive device associated with the first portion of the garment body, and fibers suffered to at least a part of the inner surface of the second portion of the garment body. The protective garment may further comprise a connector, and tubing. The tubing can be used for absorbing or draining fluids away from a person's body, or for transplanting fluids to a person's body.

Full Text

WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472
PROTECTIVE GARMENT
CROSS-REFERENCE
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Serial No.
5 60/429,647 filed November 27, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to protective garments generally, as well as to
10 methods for manufacture thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various types of protective undergarments are known in the patent literature. The
following patents and patent applications and the references cited therein are believed to
15 represent the state of the art: U.S. Patent 5,098,419; PCT Published Patent Application
WO 96/3624B and European Patent 327,823.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to provide a protective garment which is 3D body
20 fitting, body tight, generally lighter and more comfortable than conventional protective
garments and which can be manufactured in large quantities at relatively low cost. The
protective garment may be worm under other clothing, may be worm in a portion of the
body without clothing or may be worn over clothing. As used herein, a "garment" refers
to an undergarment or any article to be worn on the body such as a dressing. As used
25 herein, a "dressing" includes, but is not limited to, any covering for a more or wound or
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WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472
any opening in the body from which a body fluid is excreted or discharged, such as a
bandage or nursing pad or any external treatment given through the skin, like pain
relievers.
There is thus provided in accordance with ont embodiment of the present
5 invention, a protective garment. In one embodiment, the protective garment is a
protective undergarment. In another embodiment, the protective garment is a protective
dressing. The protective garment may be used in a variety of applications including
clothing applications or medical applications. The protective garment may include two
portions: (1) a garment body (which may be integrally farmed and which may be
10 composed of a liquid impermeable materia); and (2) an absorptive device or material
(such as a pad) associated with me garment body.
Preferably, the garment body may include a first portion which is formed with
multiple perforations to permit passage of perspiration therethrough, and a second portion
which may be substantially not perforated, so as to prevent passage of body secretions
15 and medical dressings therethrough.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the absorptive
device or material is associated with the garment body at the second portion.
In one embodiment, the second portion extends beyond the absorptive device or
material. In alternate embodiment, the absorptive material or pad may extend beyond the
20 second portion of the garment body.
There is additionally provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention a protective garment comprising an integrally formed garment body
formed of a liquid impermeable material, the garment body including a first portion
which is formed with multiple perforations to permit passage of perspiration
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WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472
therethrough, and a second portion which is substantially not perforated, so as to prevent
passage of body secretions and medical dressings therethrough.
Preferably, the liquid impermeable material is a natural elastomer like latex.
Alternatively, the liquid impermeable material is artificial elastomer like silicons
5 rubber or polyturethane.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the garment body
may have a thickness of less than 300 microns.
Preferably, the protective garment also comprises an absorbent device or material
associated to the undergarment body.
10 The protective garment may be a brassiere, underpants, medical dressing or any
other suitable garment or medical device.
The protective garment may have fibers affixed to at least part of one surface of
the garment body.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent device
15 or material includes a portion extending downward from the crotch along the thigh.
There is additionally provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention a method of manufacture of protective garments comprising the steps of
forming a garment body of a liquid impermeable material, and forming multiple;
perforations on a first portion of the garment body to permit passage of perspiration
20 therethrough.
Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the method includes the step of affixing fibers to at least one surface of the undergarment
body. For example, cotton fibers may be affixed to at least one surface of the
undergarment body.
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In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the protective garment may include
two portions: (1) a garment body and a connector (which may be integrally formed and
which may be composed of a liquid impermeable material); and (2) tubing. The garment
body may be worn on any portion of the body. One example of the portion of the body
5 may include a portion of the face. Another example of the portion of the body may
include a portion of the arm.
The connector may be integral with the garment body. Or, alternatively, the
connector may be separate from, but attached to, the garment body. The connector
connects the tubing to the protective garment. Tubing may be used to absorb or drain
10 liquid from or transmit liquid to the body. The garment body may be composed of a
liquid impermaable material such as natural and artificial elastomers. Non-limiting
examples of synthetic elastomers include polyisobutylene, isobutyleae-isoprene
copolymer (butyl elastomer), polyvinyl acetate, polyisoprene, polyethylene, vinyl acetate
-vinyl laurate copolymers having vinyl laurate contents of about 5% to about 50% by
15 weight of the copolymer, neoprene (polychloroprene), thermoplastic elastomers, nitrile
rubber, synthetic latex (which has no proteins), styrenic elastomers, polyurethane, and
silicone rubber, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of natural elastomers
include natural rubber such as smoked or liquid latex and guayule, and combinations
thereo. Further, the garment body may include a portion, which is formed with multiple
20 perforations to permit passage of perspiration therethrough.
The connector may be composed of a shape-retaining material, such as metal,
plastic, a composite (e.g. of metal and plastic), or any other suitable material. Non-
limitmg examples of plastic include polyurethane, polyacrylamide, and polyvinyl chloride
(PVC), The connector may have associated with it a material (for example, an absorbent
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material). The connector may fit with the tubing via a variety of ways, such as by a press
fit, by threading on the connector, the tubing or both the connector and the tubing.
A protective garment of the invention can also comprise colors (e.g. pigments or
dyes) and/or fragrances (e,g. perfumes) in the liquid impermeable material end/or fibers.
5 A color or fragnance can be added, for example, to an elastomeric emulsion before
immersing a mold (which will give the protective garment its shape) into the emulsion.
Furthermore, a protective garment of the invention can comprise embossed designs or
patterns. The designs or patterns can be created by engraving a design in the garment
mold. For example, if the protective garment is to be used by children, a teddy bear
10 design can be created in the mold, thereby giving the garment a more attractive
appearance to the user. Furthermore, the design can be created with different thicknesses
within the same garment (e.g., by further dipping of the desired areas in the liquid latex
(either pre-or post-vulcanized) or a synthetic elastomer precursor solution, or by applying
coagulants on the mold before dipping, on the desired area to get a thicker result.)
15
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the
following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
Fig. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1P, 1Q, 1H and 1I are illustrations of a method for
20 producing protective garments in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention; and
Fig. 2 is a simplified illustration of protective undergarments produced generally
by the method of Figs, 1A- 1F in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
25 Fig. 3A is a simplified illustration of a medical protective garment
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WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472
Fig. 3B is a simplified illustration a sanitary brassiere (for nursing) or medical
brassiere (to be used after breast surgery) garments.
Fig. 4 is a simplified illustration of another medical protective garment.
Fig, 5 is a simplified illustration of a medical protective garment with a garment
5 body, a connector and tubing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference is now made to Fig, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, lF, 1G, 1H sad II are
simplified illustrations of a method for producing protective undergarments in accordance
10 with a preferred embodiment of the preseat invention, The invention is described
hereinbelow with reference to Fig. 1A - II, with specific reference to uoderpants, it
being appreciated that the invention applies equally to any other suitable garment
(undergarment, garment worn over some other garment, or garment worn in conjunction
with no other garment).
15 As seen in Fig. 1 A, a three dimensional garment form 10 is provided on which an
array 12 of protrusions 14, such as needles, is formed in the general shape of underpants
to be formed. The protrusions 14 are preferably covered with TEFLON®. The crotch area
16of the underpants is preferably not formed with protrusions 14. The remained of the
from 10 is preferably coated with a non-adhersion substance, such as TEFLON®-
20 Otherwise perforations can be made by mechanical means (e.g., roller press).
As shown in Fig. 1B, garment from 10 is preferably dipped in a liquid 17, such as
latex or silicone, which when allowed to dry, forms a stretchable, high weight garment 18
over array 12 and crotch area 16. It may be apprenciated that the provision of protrusions
14 causes the garment 18 to be perforated except at crotch area 16. Thus the garment 18
25 is 'breathable" except at the crotch area 16, where it is liquid impermeable.
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WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472
Following dipping of garment from 10 into liquid 17, the garment 18 may be
rubbed with a mechanical device (not shown) in order to remove any superfluous
elastomer material.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated
5 in Fig. 1C, and absorptive pad 20 is associated with the light weight garment 18 at the
crotch area 16, However, the absorptive pad 20 can be extended beyond the crotch area if
desired. It may be associated by the use of an adhesive or attached to the reminder of
garment 18 by virtue of the faet that the latex is allowed to dry on the form 10 in
engagement with the absorptive pad 20.
10 Prior to removal of the garment 18 from the form 10, the exterior surface of the
garment on the form 10, which will eventually be turned inside-out to form the interior
surface, is preferably sprayed with adhesive 22, as shown in Fig. ID and thereafter with
cotton fibers 24 or any other suitable material as indicated in Fig. IE, thereby to provide a
comfortable and non-stick skin engaging surface. Preferably pad 20 is covered during the
15 steps of Figs. 1D and 1E with a cover 26, which extends somewhat beyond the pad, so as
to prevent liquid migration form the pad to the cotton fibers.
The resulting garment 30 may then be removed from the form 10, as seen in Fig.
1F and turned inside out. The outer surface of garment 30 may be coated or otherwise
covered with cotton fiber or any other suitable material and finished in an appropriate
20 manner.
The completed garment 40, as seen in Fig. 1G, is preferably extremely light
weight, low cost, stretchable, underpants, which is perforated generally except at the
specific areas mostly covered with the absorbent material and which is preferably
integrally formed with an internal absorptive pad. The garment is preferably formed of
25 an elastic material, such as latex or silicone, and has a thickness of less the 300 microns.
7

WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as seen in Fig. 1H, a
tear region 42 may be incorporated in the garment, such as at a side thereof. This enables
ease of removal of the garment, by tearing it at region 42. Once removed the torn, worn
garment may be disposed of as illustrated in Fig. 11.
5 The final stage of manufacturing of the garment 18 may include a vulcanization
process and edge-cutting of the garment, as known in the art.
As can be seen from Fig. 2, the garment may be underpants 50, a brassiere 60, or
any other suitable garment. It is noted that the pad 62 of the underpants 50 may have a
portion which extead downwardly along the wearer's legs.
10 Referring to Fig. 3A, there is shown a medical protection garment 70. The
medical protection garment may include a garment body 72. A portion of the garment
body (or the entire garment body) may be composed of an elastic material or a liquid
impermeable material. Examples of materials may include latex or silicone. The garment
body 72 may include straps 74 or other types of adjustment devices (such as snaps, clips,
15 fasteners, or the like) in order to adjust the garment body so that it fits strongly or
comfortably with the wearer. Some or all of the garment body may be perforated. A
portion of the garment body (not shown in the figure) may be covered with material (such
as cotton fibers), thereby to provide a comfortable and non-stick skin engaging surface.
The medical protection garment 70 shown in Fig. 3A may be used to protect, bandage and
20 treat a portion of the body, such as single breast, after a medical procedure (such, as a
breast surgery). The absorptive device of material associated with the garment body may
include medical ointments, medicine for treatments or diagnostic materials. Referring to
Figure 3B, there is shown an alternate embodiment of the garment 76 showing a
simplified illustration of a sanitary brassiere (for nursing when a woman is breast feeding)
25 or medical brassiere (to be used after breast surgery) garments.
8

WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472
Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a simplified illustration of another medical
protective garment 80. The medical protective garment 80 may include a garment body
82. A portion of the garment body (or the entire garment body) may be composed of an
elastic material or a liquid impermeable material. Examples of materials may include
5 latex or silicons. The garment body 82 may include straps 84 or other types of
adjustment devices (such as snaps, cups, fastener, or the like) in order to adjust the
garmsm body so that it fits snugly or comfortably with the wearer. Some or all of the
garment body may be perforated. A portion of the garment body (not shown in the
figure) may be covered with material such as cotton fibers, thereby to provide a
10 comfortable and non-stick skin engaging surface. As shown in Fig. 4, an absorptive
material 86 is attached to garment body 82 while another portion of material 86 may not
be attached to garment body 82. The material 86 may be connected at various portions to
the garment body. For example, the material 86 maybe attached at two of its ends, one to
the upper portion of the garment body 82 and the other to the lower portion of the
15 garment body 82. In this manner, a pocket may be formed. The medical protective
garment 80 shown in Fig. 4 may be used on a limb, such as a foot, and may help in the
treatment of those who suffer from diabetes.
Referring to Fig, 5, there is shown a simplified illustration of a medical protective
garment 90 with a garment body 92, a connector 94 and tubing 96, The garment body 92
20 and the connector 94 may be integrally formed. Altemativelyi the garment body 92 and
the connector 94 may be composed of separate pieces and may be attached to one another
(such as by glue, fasteners or the like). The garment body may be composed of an elastic
or liquid impermeable material. Similarly, the connector may be composed of an elastic
or liquid impermeable material. The garment body 92 may be worn on any portion of the
25 body. One example of the portion of the body may include on a portion of the face, as
9

WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472
shown in Fig. 5. Another example of the portion of the body may include a portion of the
and, such as when a user requires intravenous liquid.
The garment body 92 may include a portion which is formed with multiple
perforations to permit passage of perspiration therethrough. Further, the garment body 92
5 may include straps (not shown) or other types of adjustment devices (such. as snaps, clips,
fasteners, or the like) in order to adjust the garment body 92 so that it fits sungly or
comfortably with the wearer. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the adjustment device may
adjust to fit the head of the user.
The connector 94 connects the tubing 96 to the protective gannent 90. Tubing 96
10 may be used to absorb liquid from or transmit liquid to the body. For example, as shown
in Fig. 5, the tubing may be used for drainage from the body. Alternatively, tubing may
be used to supply fluid or liquid to the body.
The connector may have associated with it a material (for example, an absorbent
material). In this manner, the tubing 96 may be to the connector 94 with less
15 discomfort to the user. The connector may fit with the tubing via a varity of ways, such
as by treading 98. The threading may be on the tubing 96, on the connector 94 or on
both the connector 94 and file tubing 96. Alternatively, the tubing 96 may be fit by a
press fitting the tubing 96 with the connector 94.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art of that the present invention is
20 not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the
scope of the present invention includes variations and modification of the various features
described in the specification and shown in the drawings which may occur to a person of
ordinary still in the art upon leading the foregoing description and which are not in the
prior art.
25
10

WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472
What is claimed is:
1. A protective garment comprising:
a) an integrally formed garment body of a liquid impermeable
material having an inner surface with, a first portion and a second portion;
5 b) an absorptive device associated with the first portion of the
integrally formed garment body, and
c) fibers affixed to at least a part of the inner surface of the second
portion of the integrally formed garment body.
10 2. A protective garment according to claim 2, wherein the fibers are affixed,
to the inner surface of the integrally formed garment body except for a section of the
garment body associated with the absorptive device and proximate to the portion of the
garment body associated with the absorptive device.
15 3. A protective garment according to claim 1, wherein said second portion is
formed with multiple perforations to permit passage of perspiration therethrough.
4. A protective garment according to claim 1, wherein said first portion is not
substantially perforated, so as to prevent passage of body fluids therethrough.
20
5. A protective garment according to claim 1, wherein the integrally formed
garment body has an outer surface, and further comprises fibers affixed to at least a
portion of the outer surface of the integrally formed garment body.
11

WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472
6. A protective garment according to claim 1, wherein the liquid
impermeable material is rubber.
7. A protective garment according to claim 1, wherein the fibers are cotton.
5
8. A protective garment according to claim 1, wherein the first portion
extends beyond said absorptive device.
9. The protective garment according to claim 1, wherein the garment is a body-
10 tight seamless garment.
10. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is an
undergarment.
15 11. The protective garment of claim 10, wherein said undergarment is
underpants.
12. The protective garment of claim 10, wherein said undergarment is a
brassiere.
20
13. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is a dressing,
14. The protective garment of claim 13, wherein the dressing is a bandage.
25 15. The protective garment of claim 13, wherein the dressing is a nursing pad.
12

WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472
16. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein the liquid impermeable
material is a natural elastomer.
5 17. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein the liquid impermeable
material is a synthetic elastomer.
18. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein the liquid impermeable
material and/or the fibers comprise at least one pigment, dye, or a combination thereof.
10
19. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein the liquid impermeable
material and/or the fibers comprise at least one fragrance.
20. The protective garment of claim 1, further comprising an embossed, design
15 or pattern.
21. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein the garment further comprises
a connector and tubing connected to the garment body by the coonector.
20. 22. The protective garment of claim 21, wherein the connector is associated
with an absorptive material.
23. The protective garment of claim 21, wherein the tubing can absorb or
transport fluids away from the body.
25
13

WO 2004/047694 PCT/IB 2003/006472
24. The protective garment of claim 21, wherein the tubing can transmit liquid
to the body.
25. The protective garment of claim 21, wherein the connector is integrally
5 formed with the dressing body.
26. The protective garment of claim 21, wherein the connector is separate
from, but attached to, tbe dressing body.
10 27. The protective garment of claim 21, wherein the garment is an
undergarment or a dressing.
28. The protective garment of claim 21, wherein the connector is composed of
a liquid impermeable material, wherein the liquid impermeable material is a natural
15 elastomer or a synthetic elastomer.
14

The invention provides protective garments that compelse a liquid impermeable garment body in inner surface
with first and second portion, an absorptive device associated with the first portion of the garment body, and fibers suffered to at least
a part of the inner surface of the second portion of the garment body. The protective garment may further comprise a connector, and
tubing. The tubing can be used for absorbing or draining fluids away from a person's body, or for transplanting fluids to a person's
body.

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Patent Number

213948

Indian Patent Application Number

00999/KOLNP/2005

PG Journal Number

04/2008

Publication Date

25-Jan-2008

Grant Date

23-Jan-2008

Date of Filing

27-May-2005

Name of Patentee

TAMICARE LTD.

Applicant Address

ARIES HOUSE, CAMS LANE, RADCLIFFE, MACHESTER M25 3SW, GREAT BRITAIN.

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	GILOH TAMAR	ARIES HOUSE, CAMS LANE, RADCLIFFE, MACHESTER M25 3SW, GREAT BRITAIN.

PCT International Classification Number

A61F 13/00

PCT International Application Number

PCT/IB2003/006472

PCT International Filing date

2003-11-26

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	60/429,647	2002-11-27	U.S.A.