DESC:FORM 2
THE PATENT ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10, rule 13)

TITLE: REUSABLE GARMENT WITH DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT INSERT

INVENTORS
ALLAMPALAYAM JAYARAMAN, Kannan, Indian Citizen
THAMIZHSELVAN, Premalatha, Indian Citizen
SUBRAMANIAM, Pradeep, Indian Citizen
S.f No.439/3, Athipalayam Road,
Ganapathy, Coimbatore - 641022

APPLICANT
Novcor Medical Textile Pvt. Ltd.
S.f No.439/3, Athipalayam Road,
Ganapathy, Coimbatore - 641022.

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED

REUSABLE GARMENT WITH DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT INSERT

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a complete specification of Indian provisional Patent Application No. 202241074581 entitled REUSABLE GARMENT WITH DISPOSABLEMONOLAYERINSERT filed on 22 December, 2022.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to body wearable garment and more particularly relates to reusable garments with disposable insert intended to absorb and contain body discharge.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0003] On any given day there are 800 million women in the world who have their menstruation. Many of them use disposable sanitary products such as menstrual pads/ sanitary napkins which are typically made of 90% plastic. Keeping in mind the amount of plastic generated, adhesives, packing, etc., each pad/ napkin is equivalent to around 4 plastic bags (https://www.cps.iitb.ac.in/disposable-sanitary-napkins-a-case-of-single-use-plastic/). This sanitary waste typically ends up in landfills and water bodies because of its nature, and it can take years for it to disintegrate. According to a Central Pollution Control Board report (2018-19), around 12.3 billion sanitary napkins amount to 113,000 tonnes of waste and reaches India’s landfills every year. As a result, women are switching to more eco-friendly options like organic sanitary products and menstruation cups, although they are expensive and not widely available.
[0004] Various publications have attempted to address some of the challenges associated with disposable sanitary products. For instance, US20200222250A1 discloses a permeable undergarment with a provision for attaching a detachable pouch. WO2022060629A1 discloses apparel designed for use during menstrual cycle, incontinence or involuntary discharge and wherein the absorbent liner comprises multiple layers. US20220096286A1discloses a launderable absorbent article with at least a portion of the chassis to receive removably attachable disposable liners to absorb body discharges. WO2013159196A1 discloses a multi-piece diaper system with a machine washable, re-usable or disposable non-absorbent shell, which can receive removable and replaceable absorbent pads which are either disposable and non-reusable or washable and re-usable.
[0005] However, fabrication of the above-mentioned sanitary products is extremely difficult and involves the employment of chemicals at some point. Furthermore, the mentioned products are multi- layered, hence adding extra cost and processing. Hence, there has long been a need in the art for a reusable garment that is easy to fabricate, environment friendly, cost-effective and efficient in terms of absorption and hygiene. In this regard, the reusable garment according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art.
[0006] These and other advantages will be more readily understood by referring to the following detailed description disclosed hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawing and which are generally applicable to other reusable garments to fulfill particular application illustrated hereinafter.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] According to one embodiment of the present subject matter, a reusable garment configured to hold a disposable absorbent portion is disclosed. The reusable garment includes a main body, a fluid capturing portion and a pouch. In various embodiments, the main body is configured to be worn by a wearer. In various embodiments, the main body includes a front portion, a rear portion and a crotch region. In various embodiments, the fluid capturing portion is positioned in the crotch region and is configured to receive bodily fluids from the wearer. In various embodiments, the fluid capturing portion includes a pouch. The pouch is adapted to hold a disposable insert in affixed position. In various embodiments, the pouch is formed by joining a mesh layer to an absorbent layer attaché to a leak protection layer.
[0008] In various embodiments, the pouch includes an opening or a window within the mesh layer wherein the mesh layer includes fabric made from one or more of polyester, spandex or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the opening is adapted to insert and remove the disposable insert. The opening is further adapted to direct transfer of bodily fluids from the wearer to the absorbent layer. In various embodiments, the opening includes an oval or a rectangular shape. In various embodiments, the pouch extends throughout the crotch region.
[0009] In another embodiment, a disposable insert for dispending in water after using with a reusable garment is disclosed. In various embodiments, the insert includes at least one layer of an absorbent material with a dispersal time of less than 4 minutes. In various embodiments, the absorbent material includes cellulose, natural fiber pulp, poly-lactic acid or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the insert includes a GSM in the range of 30-300 or a thickness in the range of 0.1- 5 mm. In various embodiments, the disposable insert includes a wing area at a middle portion thereof. In various embodiments, the insert comprises of an ergonomic floral petal, dumbbell, rectangular or hourglass shape.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] The invention has other advantages and features which will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1A: Schematic representation of reusable garment with expanded view of fluid capturing portion.
[0012] FIG. 1B: Schematic cross sectional view of different components of fluid capturing portion.
[0013] FIG. 2: Schematic representation of a pouch for holding a disposable insert, with wetness indicator window
[0014] FIG. 3: Schematic representation of various shapes of a disposable absorbent insert.
[0015] FIG. 4A: Schematic representation of a reusable garment with a pouch having an oval opening.
[0016] FIG. 4B: Schematic representation of a reusable garment showing a pouch with an oval opening to hold a disposable absorbent insert
[0017] FIG. 5A: FIG. 5A: Schematic representation of a reusable garment with a pouch having a rectangular opening and side openings 112a and 112b.
[0018] FIG. 5B: Schematic representation of a reusable garment with a pouch having side openings 112a and 112b to accommodate wing area.
[0019] FIG. 6A: Schematic representation of reusable garment with band 114a and 114b on either side of the crotch portion for holding the insert in one position.
[0020] FIG. 6B: Schematic representation of reusable garment showing band 114a and 114b holding the insert in one position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONOF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0021] While the invention has been disclosed with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt to a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope.
[0022] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The meaning of "a", "an", and "the" include plural references. The meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on." Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. Additionally, a reference to the singular includes a reference to the plural unless otherwise stated or inconsistent with the disclosure herein.
[0023] The present disclosure provides for a reusable garment with a disposable insert that is capable of providing multiple functionalities, as further disclosed with reference to the drawings.
[0024] The reusable garment with an expanded view of fluid capturing portion is illustrated in FIG. 1A, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The reusable garment 100 is primarily configured to hold a disposable absorbent portion. In various embodiments, the reusable garment 100 includes a main body 101and a fluid capturing portion 105.
[0025] In various embodiments, the main body 101 isconfigured to be worn by a wearer. In various embodiments, the main body 101 isdivided into a front portion102, a rear portion104 and a crotch portion103. In various embodiments, the front and the rear portion of the main body may be made from material obtained from natural or synthetic fibers or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the main body may be made from cotton. In another embodiment, the components of the main body may be joined by applying a hot melt adhesive with hot or cold press sealing or a cold seal adhesive to form a wearable garment. In another embodiment, the components of the main body may be stitched together to form there usable garment.
[0026] In another embodiment, the fluid capturing portion 105 of the reusable garment 100 is positioned in the crotch portion 103 and is configured to receive bodily fluids from the wearer. In various embodiments, the fluid capturing portion 105 includes a pouch 106, a disposable absorbent insert107, an absorbent layer 108 and a leak protection layer 109.
[0027] A cross sectional view of different components of fluid capturing portionis illustrated in FIG. 1B, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. In various embodiments, the fluid capturing portion 105 includes the pouch 106 adapted to hold the disposable absorbent insert107. In various embodiments, the pouch 106 is attached to the main body along the side edges of the crotch portion and may include the absorbent layer 108 and the leak protection layer 109 to form a pocket. In another embodiment, the pouch 106 is attached to the main body by stitching or by using Velcro or at least one button. In another embodiment, the pouch 106 is joined to the main body by applying a hot melt adhesive with hot or cold press sealing.
[0028] A schematic representation of the pouch 106 is illustrated in FIG. 2, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. In various embodiments, the pouch 106may include a mesh layer 111 in contact with the skin of the wearer. In various embodiments, the pouch 106 may be made from a mesh layer 111. The pouch 106 is particularly configured to pass the fluid quickly to the disposable absorbent insert 107.
[0029] In another embodiment, the pouch 106 may include at least one opening or a window 112 between the pocket and the main body to insert remove and adjust the disposable absorbent insert 107. In various embodiments, the opening 112 may be within the mesh layer 111. In various embodiments, the opening 112 directs the flow of bodily fluids from the wearer to the absorbent layer 108. The opening 112may provide easy passage for plasma or mucous released from the body of the wearer to the absorbent layer 108. In various embodiments, the opening in the pouch 106 may be designed in different shapes based on the requirement of the wearer. In various embodiments, the opening in the pouch 106 may have an oval, rectangular, hourglass shape or any other ergonomic shape based on the comfort, body size and fluid flow of the wearer. FIG. 4A shows a reusable garment with a pouch having an oval opening. The arrows represent the direction of fluid flow. In various embodiments, the pouch 106 may include side openings 112a and 112b as illustrated in FIG. 5A. In various embodiments, the pouch 106 may comprise a width of the garment.
[0030] In various embodiments, the mesh layer 111 of the pouch 106 may be made from a polymeric or an elastomeric material with no moisture retention capacity. The elasticity of the mesh layer 111 of the pouch 106 is configured to hold the disposable absorbent insert 107 in a fixed position. The mesh layer111 of the pouch 106 may be made from nylon, polyester or a combination thereof. The mesh layer 111 of the pouch 106 may further include elastane, spandex or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the mesh layer 111 is made from 80-99 % polyester in any combination with Spandex. In various embodiments, the mesh size of the mesh layer may range from 0.2 mm - 20 mm. In various embodiments, the mesh layer 111 comprises the thickness of the disposable absorbent insert 107. In another embodiment, the mesh layer 111may be made from cotton or other natural polymers.
[0031] In one embodiment, the pouch 106is provided with a mesh free window to observe the change in colour of a wetness indicator 110. A schematic representation of the pouch 106 with a mesh free window is illustrated in FIG. 2, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The mesh free window is located at the wetness indicator locations on the disposable absorbent insert 107 for making the colour change plainly visible to the wearer. In various embodiments, the wetness indicator 110 may be an integral part of the disposable absorbent insert 107 so as to form a seamless structure or comparable to it. In various embodiments, the wetness indicator 110 may be configured to indicate change of the disposable absorbent insert 107 or the garment 100. In various embodiments, the wetness indicator 110 may include any hydrated compound that changes colour when in contact with body fluid. In one embodiment, the disposable absorbent insert 107 or the garment 100 may be replaced when the wetness indicator 110 changes colour from green to dark pink.
[0032] A schematic representation of a disposable absorbent insert is illustrated in FIG. 3, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. In another embodiment, the fluid capturing portion 105 includes the disposable absorbent insert 107. In various embodiments, the disposable absorbent insert 107 protrudes out from the pouch 106 enabling easy removal after use. A schematic representation of a pouch having an oval opening to hold a disposable absorbent insert is shown in FIG. 4B.The disposable absorbent insert 107 is particularly configured to absorb fluid passed on from the pouch 106. The disposable absorbent insert 107 is a flushable absorbent sheet configured to disperse in water on flushing. In one embodiment, the disposable absorbent insert may be a monolayer. In various embodiments, the disposable absorbent insert 107 is made from a monolayer material sheet of GSM in the range of 30-300. In various embodiments, the disposable absorbent insert 107 has a thickness in the range of 0.1 to 5 mm. In various embodiments, the disposable absorbent insert 107 has substantially a same dimension as the pouch 106. In one embodiment, the disposable absorbent insert 107 has a dimension of 10x15 cm.
[0033] In various embodiments, the disposable absorbent insert 107 may be made from at least one of fibers such as cellulose derived from bamboo, cotton, hemp, wood, linen, natural fiber pulp or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the monolayer may be a thin supporting layer of a biodegradable polymer. In one embodiment, the biodegradable polymer may be polylactic acid. In various embodiments, the disposable absorbent insert 107 may be designed for efficient absorption and distribution of discharged body fluids. In one embodiment, the disposable absorbent insert 107 may be a vortex absorption distribution insert (VADI). In another embodiment, the insert may include a layer of biodegradable super absorbent polymer (SAP) adhered to the top of the insert. In another embodiment, the insert 107 may be constructed with a layer of biodegradable SAP stitched in between two monolayers. In another embodiment, the insert 107 may be made entirely of super absorbent polymer to provide durability and high absorption capacity. In another embodiment, the monolayer may be supported with a backing. The backing may be made from at least one of pulp layer, viscose or a combination thereof.
[0034] In various embodiments, the disposable absorbent insert 107 may be configured to quickly disintegrate when agitated in water, thus having a low dispersal time when flushed in a toilet. In one embodiment, the disposable absorbent insert 107 may have a dispersal time of less than 4 min. In various embodiments, the disposable absorbent insert 107 is packed in the form of a roll with perforations wherein each roll or package includes 10-500 pieces of the flushable absorbent fabric sheets. In various embodiments, the insert 107 may be provided in the form of a sheet. In various embodiments, number of sheets used by the wearer may be based on the fluid flow.
[0035] In various embodiments, the disposable absorbent insert 107 may be held in a fixed position with the top and bottom openings in the mesh layer 111 as shown in FIG. 4B and 5B. In various embodiments, the disposable insert may include a wing area 113 at a middle portion thereof. The wing area is configured for securely holding the insert in one position. The wing area may further serve to increase absorbency at the middle portion of the insert. A schematic representation of a reusable garment with the pouch having lateral openings 112a and 112b for accommodating the wing area 113 is shown in FIG. 5B.
[0036] In another embodiment, the reusable garment may include bands configured to hold the insert. A schematic representation of reusable garment with band 114a and 114b on either side of the crotch portion for holding the insert is shown in FIG. 6A. FIG. 6B shows reusable garment with bands 114a and 114b for holding the insert or a sanitary pad in one position. In various embodiments, the reusable garment with bands may suitably hold inserts with or without wings.
[0037] In various embodiments, the insert 107 may be of various shapes and may include a floral petal shape, a dumbbell, an hour glass or any other ergonomic shape that may facilitate easy insertion and removal from the pouch 106. A schematic representation of various shapes of the disposable absorbent insert is shown in FIG. 3.
[0038] In various embodiments, the absorbent layer 108 is configured for absorbing fluid and imparting an extra protection in case of leakage from the disposable absorbent insert 107. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer 108 may be a part of the pouch 106forming an additional layer below the pouch. The absorbent layer 108 may be physically separated from the pouch 106 and may be placed at least 1 mm below the pouch. In another embodiment, the absorbent layer 108 may be a part of the fluid capturing portion 105 of the reusable garment 100. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer 108 material is made from at least one of hemp, linen, cotton, bamboo fabric, viscose or a combination thereof.
[0039] In various embodiments, the fluid capturing portion 105 includes the leak protection layer 109. The leak protection layer 109 may be made from waterproof material enabling complete protection from fluid leakage. In one embodiment, the leak protection layer 109 may be made from non-absorbent synthetic plastic.
[0040] In various embodiments, the reusable garment 100 may be an undergarment intended for use during menstruation or for reasons of incontinence or bladder leak or other similar medical condition. In various embodiments, the reusable garment may be a period panty or a diaper or an incontinence garment or a sports garment. In various embodiments, the reusable garment 100 may include upper garments intended to be used with a nursing pad for absorbing fluid from a woman’s breast or as an underarm sweat pad. In various embodiments, the mesh layer 111 of the pouch 106 may provide an open structure to allow easy fluid passage to the disposable absorbent insert 107. In various embodiments, the reusable garment 100 may incorporate wetness indicators for indicating that a change of the insert 107 is required. In various embodiments, the reusable garment 100 is a hybrid garment comprising the main body 101 and the disposable absorbent insert 107, wherein the main body 101 may be durable to multiple washes whereas the disposable absorbent insert 107 may be disposable and flushable in water. Based on the required absorption level, user may decide to use either single or more than one layer of absorption insert. The hybrid design of the present invention provides ease in washing and drying as compared to the other washable multi-layered products or completely durable underwear having absorbent fabrics in the crotch area currently available in the market, since the disposable portion carries a major part of the fluid discharge. A major advantage over other completely disposable pad/napkins placed on either disposable or durable garment is the compact nature of the disposable and negligible environmental impact because of biodegradability.
[0041] The reusable garment 100 of the present invention may be used with cloth-like inserts. The disposable absorbent insert 107 of the present invention may be in the form of a thin spread layer or a vortex absorption distribution insert (VADI) allowing effective use of the absorbent layer 108 as compared to existing products available in the market. Further, the insert may be made from biodegradable or flushable material enabling efficient wicking, absorption and uniform distribution of the absorbed fluid across a wide length of the garment. The disposable absorbent insert 107of there usable garment 100 may not include components like back sheet, wings or release paper to protect the glue that is used in conventional sanitary napkins. The present invention excludes use of processes like ultrasonic welding for attaching various components, hence reducing cost of the disposable absorbent layer. The disposable absorbent insert 107 of the present invention may cost less than 30% of regular sanitary napkins in the market. The disposable absorbent insert may be provided in the form of a roll that is convenient to store.
[0042] This reusable garment 100 with disposable absorbent insert 107 has been experimentally validated and has demonstrated production of an extremely low-cost combination of garment with disposable absorbent. Thus the combination of reusable garment and disposable insert is configured to be a pliable, thin, light weight and comfortable to the wearer. Besides, the reusable garment of the present invention with disposable absorbent is an eco-friendly alternative to disposable products that are of complex design, expensive to manufacture and thus may have much higher environmental impact. Moreover, the disposable absorbent layer was chosen for its low cost, chemical free nature, low thickness, compact nature and excellent absorption, discreetness and easy dispersal capabilities.
[0043] Although the detailed description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but merely as illustrating different examples and aspects of the invention. It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention includes other embodiments not discussed herein. Various other modifications, changes and variations which will be apparent to those skilled in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the system and method of the present invention disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the invention as described here and as set forth in the claims attached herewith.
[0044] EXAMPLES:
[0045] Example 1: Fabrication of a reusable garment with a disposable insert-A base size pattern was developed to stich an undergarment prototype. The front, back portions were cut from main cotton fabric. The crotch region was constructed out of four layers: (1) First layer- the top mesh layer (Polyester: Spandex- 80%) with a mesh size of 20 mm was specially designed to transfer body fluids onto the disposable insert; (2) Second layer- the disposable insert made from cellulosic material with a dimension of 10-15 cm, 80 GSM and thickness of 0.1 mm;(3) Third layer- the absorbent layer was made from bamboo fabric to hold and lock the body fluids; (4) Fourth layer- the leak protection layer was positioned away from the user and was made from synthetic plastic. The absorbent crotch piece (third layer) was put on the waterproof crotch piece (fourth layer) and sewn from the edge to join the two layers. The mesh crotch piece (first layer) was sewn from the edge to the joined layers (third-fourth layers) to from top, bottom and middle slits enabling easy insertion and removal of the disposable insert (second layer). Further, the front and back portions were sewn together with the crotch portion. Finally, elastics were sewn on the leg and the waist openings followed by joining together the side seams.
[0046] Example 2: Flushability assessment of the disposable insert: The Slosh box disintegration test (EDANA-FG502. R1 (18)) was used to determine the dispersibility of the disposable insert. The test system (from- Techpap) consisted of a plastic container that was filled with 2 litres of tap water where a single disposable insert was placed. After the insert was placed, the container was tilted back and forth at defined angle and rotation speed. Compared to the guidelines provided by INDA/ EDANA, the time a single disposable insert was processed in the slosh box was reduced from 60 to 5 minutes. From the test, it was clearly visible that the insert was able to easily disperse in the slosh box disintegration test and required approximately 3 minutes for complete disintegration.
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A reusable garment (100) configured to hold a disposable absorbent portion, comprising:
a main body (101) configured to be worn by a wearer, the main body having a front portion (102), a rear portion (104) and a crotch region (103); and
a fluid capturing portion (105), positioned in the crotch region (103), configured to receive bodily fluids from the wearer, wherein the fluid capturing portion comprises:
a pouch (106) adapted to hold a disposable insert (107) in a fixed position, the pouch (106) is formed by joining a mesh layer (111) to an absorbent layer (108) attached to a leak protection layer (109).

2. The reusable garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pouch (106) includes an opening or a window (112) within the mesh layer (111), adapted to insert and remove the disposable insert (107) and to direct transfer bodily fluids from the wearer to the absorbent layer (108).

3. The reusable garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the opening (112) comprises an oval or a rectangular shape.

4. The reusable garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mesh layer (111) comprises fabric made from one or more of polyester, spandex or a combination thereof.

5. The reusable garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pouch (106) extends throughout the crotch region.

6. A disposable insert (107) for dispersing in water after using with a reusable garment (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insert includes at least one layer of an absorbent material with a dispersal time of less than 4 mins.

7. The disposable insert as claimed in claim 6, wherein the absorbent material of the insert (107) comprises cellulose, natural fiber pulp, poly-lactic acid or a combination thereof.

8. The disposable insert as claimed in claim 6, wherein the insert (107) comprises a GSM in the range of 30-300 or a thickness in the range of 0.1- 5 mm.

9. The disposable insert as claimed in claim 6, wherein the insert (107) includes a wing area (113) at a middle portion thereof.

10. The disposable insert as claimed in claim 6, wherein the insert comprises an ergonomic floral petal, rectangular, dumbbell or hour glass shape.