Protective undergarments having anchored pocketed-sling structures and manufacturing methods therefor

Abstract

A protective undergarment comprises an outer layer of fluid-resistant material shaped to conform to the buttock and leg region of a user, and an elongated sling of material connected to the outer layer. Opposite sides of the sling are bowed inward and joined together at a first end of the sling to form a first pocket part for retaining one end of a fluid absorbent pad. A cuff is connected between the first end of the sling and the outer layer. The second end of the sling is connected to the outer layer, and an intermediate portion of the sling between the first and second ends of the sling is folded longitudinally into an S-shape so as to provide three plies of the material establishing a second pocket part for retaining an opposite end of the fluid absorbent pad.

1 - 2 . (canceled)  
     
     
         3 . A protective garment, comprising: 
 first and second generally rectangular pieces of material interconnected by a strip of material, corresponding opposite sides of each of the first and second pieces having complementary fasteners to enable the first and second pieces to be joined together to establish frontal and rear portions of the garment, the strip positioned and configured to fit to the groin of a wearer, and with the first and second pieces joined together at the fasteners, an upper portion of the garment forming a waist, and a lower portion of the first and second pieces forming leg holes; and    an elongated sling of material on the inner surface of the strip, having opposite ends connected to the waist at the frontal and rear portions of the garment, wherein parts of the sling are folded longitudinally into complementary S-shapes so as, at each fold, to provide three plies of the sling material, establishing at each fold a pocket part for retaining an end of a fluid absorbent pad.    
     
     
         4 . The protective garment as in  claim 3 , in which the fasteners include a snap fastener.  
     
     
         5 . The protective garment as in  claim 3 , in which the fasteners include a filamentary fastener.  
     
     
         6 . The protective garment as in  claim 3 , in which the fasteners include both snap and filamentary type fasteners.  
     
     
         7 . The protective garment as in  claim 3 , wherein the first and second pieces of material are a stretch material.  
     
     
         8 . The protective garment as in  claim 7 , wherein the waist region of the first and second pieces is of a material having a greater stretch than the remainder of the first and second pieces.  
     
     
         9 . The protective garment as in  claim 3 , wherein the leg holes are bordered by elastic strips.  
     
     
         10 . The protective garment as in  claim 3 , wherein the opposite sides of the sling are covered by elastic strips.  
     
     
         11 . The protective garment as in  claim 3 , wherein an exposed fold of each pocket part is covered by an elastic strip.