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United States Patent Application	*20030217407*
Kind Code	A1
Andrews-Jones, Augua	November 27, 2003

Disposable undergarment and methods of making, using and marketing same

Abstract

This invention relates generally to disposable undergarments and methods of making, using and marketing same. Disposable garments of several embodiments of the current invention offer a uniquely attractive functional disposable undergarment that sacrifices nothing in its appearance, serviceability, and wearability from woven wear. The garments further provides versatility in fashion utility, time conservation and management, and novelty.

Inventors:	Andrews-Jones, Augua; (Los Angeles, CA)
Correspondence Address:	KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP 2040 MAIN STREET FOURTEENTH FLOOR IRVINE CA 92614 US
Serial No.:	339184
Series Code:	10
Filed:	January 8, 2003

Current U.S. Class:	2/400
Class at Publication:	2/400
International Class:	A41B 009/00

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A disposable undergarment formed of non-woven fibrous material comprising: a front portion made of non-woven fibrous material; a back portion made of non-woven fibrous material; an intermediate crotch portion; wherein said front portion, back portion and intermediate portion are secured together to form the body of said undergarment, said body having two leg openings; and a waist band attached to the top portion of the body.

2. The disposable undergarment of claim 1, wherein the intermediate crotch portion in made of non-woven fibrous material.

3. The disposable undergarment of claim 1, further comprising a pocket member attached to the front portion or the back portion.

4. The disposable undergarment of claim 1, wherein said non-woven material is constructed from one or more of the following: polypropylene or polyester.

5. The disposable undergarment of claim 4, wherein said non-woven material has a density of about 28-32 grams/cm.sup.3.

6. The disposable undergarment of claim 1, wherein said non-woven material is a blend of polypropylene and polyester.

7. The disposable undergarment of claim 1, further comprising a pocket-like insert of additional fabric.

8. The disposable undergarment of claim 1, wherein said undergarment is scented or fragranced.

9. The disposable undergarment of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said leg opening comprises a flexible material.

10. The disposable undergarment of claim 9, wherein said flexible material is elastic thread.

11. A disposable undergarment formed of non-woven polypropylene, wherein said undergarment is selected from the group consisting of undershirts, tank tops, brassieres, sports bras, boxers, briefs, bikinis, thongs, G-strings, panties, camisoles and leggings.

12. A disposable female sports bra comprising a front and back portion, with said front and back portions sewn at the margin forming head and neck and arm opening and waist openings and said head and neck openings are sewn with cloth thread; said waist opening is sewn using rubber band.

13. A disposable female undergarment according to claim 12, wherein said fabric consists of lightweight, breathable spunbond polypropylene or polyester.

14. A disposable female thong-type panty, comprising: a front panel having a T-shape configuration made of non-woven material; and a back panel having a V-shape configuration made of non-woven material.

15. A disposable female panty according to claim 14, wherein the lower portions of said front and back panels are overlapped to form a double crotch thereby avoiding the need for separate crotch insert.

16. The disposable panty of claim 1, wherein said panty is scented or fragranced.

17. A disposable undergarment comprising: fabric for the body of the undergarment, wherein said fabric for the body is the same fabric used for the seam binding; and leg openings, wherein said leg openings are fashioned to provide conforming leg configurations.

18. The disposable undergarment of claim 1, wherein said undergarment is scented or fragranced.

19. A method of providing disposable undergarments to educational institutes comprising: marketing or displaying said undergarments to students attending said educational institutes, and providing said undergarments to said students.

20. A method of providing disposable undergarments to military institutes comprising: marketing or displaying said undergarments to individuals serving in said military institutes; and providing said undergarments to said individuals.

21. A method of providing disposable undergarments to hospitals comprising: marketing or displaying said undergarments to hospital staff or patients in said hospitals; and providing said undergarments to said patients.

22. A method of providing disposable undergarments to extended care facilities comprising: marketing or displaying said undergarments to staff or patients in said extended care facilities; and providing said undergarments to said patients.

23. A method of providing disposable undergarments to incarceration facilities comprising: marketing or displaying said undergarments to individuals employed by or residing in said incarceration facilities; and providing said undergarments to said individuals. providing said undergarments to said individuals.

24. A method of providing disposable undergarments to athletic facilities comprising: marketing or displaying said undergarments to individuals employed by or using said athletic facilities; and providing said undergarments to said individuals.

25. A method of using disposable undergarments in recreational activities comprising: wearing traditional undergarments prior to engaging in athletic activity; replacing said traditional undergarments with disposable undergarments prior to engaging in said athletic activity; engaging in said athletic activity; disposing of said disposable undergarments after completing said athletic activity; and re-wearing said traditional undergarments.

26. A method of marketing disposable undergarments to individuals aged between 12 and 60, comprising promoting or advertising said undergarments for non-incontinent uses for daily use.

27. The method of claim 25, further comprising marketing promoting or advertising one or more of the following characteristics of said undergarments: sanitation, hygiene, convenience, dignity and fashion.

28. A method of providing the disposable undergarments of claim 1 to females comprising: marketing or displaying said undergarments to females for use during menstruation; and providing said undergarments to said females.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/383,557 filed on May 24, 2002, herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates generally to disposable undergarments and methods of making, using and marketing same.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Disposable undergarments are known in the art. However, the undergarments currently available consist mainly of diapers having absorbent liners for babies and toddlers and padded undergarments for incontinent patients. These undergarments are typically bulky articles and are not designed for every day use. Moreover, these undergarments are suitable for the very young or for the elderly population. Disposable undergarments for daily use by the "middle" generation, i.e. young adult and adult populations are not widely available.

[0006] Currently, disposable undergarments designed for adults are available for specific uses, such as travel or hospital stays. Every day undergarments which are designed to promote convenience and hygiene for daily activities, and which are marketed for such uses, are unavailable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In view of the foregoing, an object of several embodiments of the present invention is to provide disposable undergarments made of an inexpensive yet sturdy, non-woven fabric. In a preferred embodiment, the undergarments are fabricated from polypropylene, polyester, or a blend, with a density of about 28 g/cm.sup.3-32 g/cm.sup.3. This density is particularly advantageous because it has surprising benefits over polypropylene fabrics with lower or higher densities. In particular, this density range results in a breathable, lightweight, soft, yet sturdy texture to the fabric, providing the individual with the sensation that he or she is wearing a comfortable traditional undergarment, while still being inexpensive and disposable. One of skill in the art will understand that a blend of polypropylene materials can be used in accordance with various aspects of the current invention. In one embodiment, a blend of polypropylene and polyester is used. The preferred type of material used in some of the embodiments described herein is a soft, but strong, lightweight nonwoven spunbond polypropylene or polyester. However, any suitable low cost, lightweight disposable material can be used. In certain embodiments, woven materials may be used for portions of the undergarments. In one embodiment, the crotch portion of the undergarment is woven, while the rest of the garment is comprised of nonwoven materials.

[0008] This disposable undergarment according to several embodiments of this invention provides a uniquely attractive functional disposable panty of popular variety that sacrifices nothing in its appearance, serviceability, and wearability from woven wear. It further provides versatility in fashion utility, time conservation and management, and novelty. While there has been a great increase in demand for convenience and disposable items, the object in this invention has limitless applications as an unparalleled disposable esthetically appealing undergarment with tremendous usability and new freshness.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the undergarments are inexpensive to manufacture and disposable after a single use. However, the undergarments may be made from a material which is hand or machine-washable and therefore are capable of being worn two or three times.

[0010] Another object of several embodiments of the invention is to provide disposable undergarments containing a pocket-like insert of additional fabric constructed to hold small personal items, such as money and keys.

[0011] Another aspect of various embodiments of the current invention is to provide disposable undergarments that are aesthetically pleasing to young adult and adult populations. The undergarments will be designed in fashionable colors and styles. The undergarments may be fragranced or unfragranced. The undergarments will be fabricated in various styles and shapes, including, but not limited to, undershirts, brassieres, boxers, briefs, bikinis, thongs, G-strings, panties, camisoles, and leggings. In several embodiments, the waist bands of the underwear are expandable to accommodate various waist sizes. Undergarments may be provided in "one-size" models, but in a preferred embodiment, the garments will be manufactured in at least six sizes: extra-small, small, medium, large, extra-large and double-extra large.

[0012] Another object of several embodiments of the present invention is to provide disposable undergarments for athletic activities and facilities. These undergarments include, for example, sports bras, tank tops, boxers, briefs and panties, which can be worn during a "work-out" and then discarded. Athletic facilities, such as tennis clubs and gyms, can provide such disposable undergarments to their members in the same manner as they provide towels. Patrons can then change into the disposable undergarments to engage in various athletics and then discard the undergarments after they complete their work-out. This alleviates the problem of carrying undergarments, which are damp from perspiration, out of the athletic facility. Because these undergarments will be inexpensive, they will offer a convenient, comfortable and hygienic solution to carrying around undergarments which have been worn during exercising.

[0013] Another aspect of various embodiments of the current invention is to provide a method of marketing and providing disposable undergarments to various institutions. These institutions include, but are not limited to, educational institutions, incarceration facilities, hospitals, extended care facilities, and military institutions. More particularly, disposable undergarments will be marketed to jails and prisons, boarding schools, college campuses and military bases.

[0014] Another aspect of several embodiments of the current invention is to provide a method of marketing and providing disposable undergarments for use during the catamenial phenomenon. The catamenial phenomenon, as defined herein, shall mean the female monthly menstrual period. In this regard, the undergarments of the present invention can be marketed to and/or provided to institutions including, but are not limited to, educational institutions, incarceration facilities, hospitals, extended care facilities, and military institutions. More particularly, disposable undergarments will be marketed or promoted to women in jails and prisons, boarding schools, college campuses and military bases. In one embodiment, the disposable undergarments are marketed to promote the hygienic and sanitary benefits of the undergarments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a female disposable undergarment in the form of a bra, which may be used as a sports or exercising top

[0016] FIG. 2 shows a female thong-type undergarment, which is made of a disposable breathable material.

[0017] FIG. 3 shows the undergarment as a pair of female panties.

[0018] FIG. 4 shows a composite view of disposable female panties.

[0019] FIG. 5 shows a disposable undergarment camisole.

[0020] FIG. 6 depicts a disposable G-string male undergarment.

[0021] FIG. 7 shows a male disposable garment in the form of a body shirt.

[0022] FIG. 8 shows a composite view of disposable male briefs.

[0023] FIG. 9 shows a composite view of disposable male boxer shorts.

[0024] FIG. 10 shows a disposable garment in the form of leggings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0025] Non-woven fabrics are generally sheet or web structures bonded together by entangling fibers or filaments chemically, mechanically or thermally. Non-woven fabrics are not made by weaving or knitting and do not require converting the fibers to yarn. Non-woven materials are currently used in the garment industry to fabricate interfacings and liners, and are not widely used for making disposable apparel of the type described in this invention. Although the use of non-woven fabrics has been proposed for underwear and outerwear, these fabrics have not generally been used for this purpose.

[0026] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a female disposable undergarment in the form of a bra. In one embodiment, the bra depicted in FIG. 1 is used as a sports or exercising top. The garment is formed from a single sheet of material as shown in FIG. 1 and consists of a front portion 100a and a back portion 100b. The side edges 101 of the front and back portions are attached. In one embodiment, the portions are sewn together using cloth thread. In one embodiment, matched portions of the fabric are sewn together using cloth thread forming a head and neck opening for easy pullover. The margins of the head and neck openings 103 and of the arms openings 102 are folded with a 3/8-inch hem and sewn using cloth thread. The margin of the lower end 104 of the garment is sewn along a 3/8-inch hem fold with elastic band in the stretched position forming a stretchable opening fit around the upper trunk. Although cloth thread is preferred, one skilled in the art will understand that there are may suitable threads that can be used in accordance with several embodiments of the current invention.

[0027] In addition to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, one skilled in the art will understand that variations of the design may be fabricated utilizing the principles of this "bra design" which can be used as a sports bra (designed with varying lengths) or as an under garment supporting bra.

[0028] FIG. 2 shows a female undergarment of the popular thong-type, which, in a preferred embodiment, is made of a disposable material which is breathable. The material is lightweight and comfortable. FIG. 2A shows the front panel. FIG. 2B shows the back panel. Panel 200a has a T-shape configuration and panel 200b has a V-shape configuration. The lower portion, 200a', of panel 200a is connected to the lower portion 200b', of panel 200b. The two panels are arranged with the top of the T and the top of the V portions in opposing directions, with the 200b' portion overlaying the 200a40 portion and the dart areas 201a, 202a 201b, 202b of each panel overlapped and matched thereby forming a double crotch of the undergarment. With this particular configuration, there is no need for a separate crotch insert. The distal 200b' segment of panel 200b is tucked under with a 1/8-inch hem and sewn using cloth thread to the 200a' segment of panel 200a. The attached panel 200a-panel 200b unit is turned over and the distal 200a' segment of panel 200a is tucked under with a 1/8-inch hem and sewn using cloth thread to the 200b' segment of panel 200b. Once the two panels are sewn securing the crotch, the left side edge 203a of panel 200a is matched to the corresponding left 203b side edge of panel 200b and is sewn using cloth thread. Then the right side edge 203a of panel 200a is matched to the corresponding 203b side edge of panel 200b and sewn using cloth thread. The leg openings and waist are in place. The curved right side margin of the undergarment is then folded with a 1/8-inch hem and sewn using elastic thread. The curved left side margin is then folded with a 1/8-inch hem and sewn using elastic thread. Rubber band can be used also to form leg openings. The waist portion of panels 200a and 200b is folded and sewn along the margin with rubber band as the material is drawn together forming gatherings. After sewing, the leg opening hems and the waist band portion assume a relaxed position. The crotch area of this embodiment, and of other embodiments described herein, can be reinforced with additional material or absorbent fabric if desired.

[0029] Reference is made to a female panty undergarment as shown in FIG. 3 and is comprised of two pieces of material cut in a T-pattern configuration, depicted as FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B. In FIG. 3A, a larger piece of material, panel 300a, forms a front portion (300a with an inferior part 300a') and two back portions (wings 300b and 300c). In FIG. 3B, a separate crotch insert 300a" is shown as a detached part of the pattern configuration. The crotch insert 300a" is placed underneath the lower portion 300a' of panel 300a aligning the dart areas 301 of the 300a' and 300a" segments. The 304 and 305 edge segments of the wing portions 300b and 300c are sewn together using cloth thread forming a vertical seam which ends in a dart. Then the aligned 300a' and 300a" crotch swings backward as a unit with the notch portion 302 and 302' of 300a' and 300a" segments are tucked under and sewn to the lower 300b and 300c wing margins. The undergarment leg openings 303 and 303' and waist 304 are formed. In one embodiment, the leg openings are folded 1/8-inch (for a hem) and sewn along the margin with elastic thread to form stretchable openings and the waist portion is folded 3/8-inch and sewn along the margin with elastic band in this invention. In one embodiment, elastic thread is used to sew the waist.

[0030] The drawing in FIG. 4 shows a composite view of disposable female panties. FIG. 4A shows the front portion of the undergarment. FIG. 4B shows the back portion. 400a and 400b panels each contains a narrow segment 400a' and 400b' respectively. The panels are matched in opposing vertical directions with the narrow 400a' and 400b' segments of the front and back matched at the darts. The portion 400b' is overlapped 400a' forming the opening for the legs and a two-ply crotch thereby avoiding a need to place a separate crotch insert. The edge of 400b' narrow segment is folded under 1/8-inch and stitched to the 400a' panel using cloth thread. The edge of 400a' narrow segment is folded under and stitched to the 1B panel using cloth thread. The straight margins of each panel are matched at the 401a and 401b corners and then sewn together using cloth thread. The left curved side margin 401a-401b is folded with a 3/8-inch hem and then sewn with elastic thread forming a stretchable leg opening in this invention. Then the right curved side margin 401a-401b is folded with a 3/8-inch hem and sewn with elastic thread forming a stretchable leg opening. However, an elastic band can be used to form stretchable leg openings. The waist portion of the front and back is folded along the margin and sewn with a rubber band as the material is drawn together forming pleats.

[0031] Reference is made to FIG. 5 for a designation of one embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 shows an undergarment camisole designed to be worn as a female next-to-body upper trunk garment. In one embodiment, this garment is worn over a bra. FIGS. 5A-F show a pattern comprised of 2 large panels, Front 500a and Back 500b, as well as two smaller panels 500c and 500d representing the cups. 500e and 500f are two linear lengths of fabric representing the straps. The 500c panel is folded with two tucks along the 501c-502c margin and the 500d panel is folded with two tucks along the 501d-502d margin. Then using cloth thread the 500c panel is sewn matching darts to the left front side of panel 500a and the 500d panel is sewn matching darts to the right front side of front panel 500a. The front panel now with sewn cups are joined to the back panel 500b by sewing with cloth thread the side margins of the unit front panel 500a with the side margins of panel 500b. The attached camisole cup margins are then sewn using elastic thread. The medial and lateral margins of the cups are folded with a 1/8-inch hem prior and sewn with elastic thread. The straps are folded lengthwise with a 3/8-inch fold lengthwise on each side and overlapped and sewn with a center seam down linear length of the strap using elastic thread. This effectively creates an adjustable length to the straps. Each end is then sewn to the dart portion of the back panel and the cup using cloth thread. The lower waist opening is folded and sewn with a 3/8-inch hem using elastic thread.

[0032] A disposable undergarment of the popular G-string type is shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, this garment is formed using 3 panels of spunbond polypropylene material. FIG. 6A shows a first front panel. FIG. 6B shows a second front panel. FIG. 6C shows a back panel. Two identical portions 600a and 600a' are cut, overlapped forming a two-ply cut, doubled over, and sewn together at the center seam areas 601a-601a', 602a-602a', 603a-603a' with the 601a-601a' area forming the apex point for the beginning of the center seam. Then the seamed layer lower point juncture forms the center to match at notch 604 of back panel 602b. This juncture is matched and sewn to the notched margin of the back panel 602b using cloth thread. To form leg opening 3/8-inch elastic band is sewn to the curved margins of fabric. Then with elastic band turned under forming a hem, the inferior margin of the elastic is sewn to the fabric forming a finish look for each of the leg openings. To form the waist, a measure of elastic band 1-inch wide is cut. The centers of the back and front of the elastic band are matched to the centers of the back and front panels. With stretching of the elastic band thereby accommodating fabric length, the elastic band is pinned in place and stitched along the course of the fabric portion of the elastic band.

[0033] Referring to the drawing shown in FIG. 7, there is a disposable garment in the form of a body shirt. FIG. 7A shows a front portion. FIG. 7B shows a back portion. Material used in one embodiment comprises spunbonded polypropylene or polyester. The front panel 700a and back panel 700b are overlapped and matched at the 701a, 701a', 701b, and 701b' areas of the front and back panels. The matched margins are attached in a vertical seam extending from the 701a-701a' and 701b-701b' on each side. In one embodiment, the portions are sewn using cloth thread. The matched 702a and 702b portions of the front 700a and back 700b are sewn together using cloth thread thereby forming the arm openings 701a to 702a (701b to 702b) and u-shaped neck opening 702a to 702a' (702b to 702b'). The arm and neck margins are folded using a 3/8-inch hem and sewn with cloth thread. The slanted lower vertical portions 703a and 703b of the front panel 700a and back panel 700b are folded 1/8-inch along the margins in a vertical slant and sewn forming an inverted V design at the lower sides of the garment. The margin along the waist is folded with a 3/8-inch hem and sewn using cloth thread.

[0034] Reference is made to FIG. 8 which shows a composite view of disposable briefs. FIGS. 8A-C shows a large single panel 800a and four linear strips of material 800b and 800c, wherein the two shorter strips 800b serve as seam binding and the longer two strips 800c serve as leg opening binding. The large panel 800a consists of a left wing 800a' and a right wing 800a". Using one of the short strip segments 800b, the strip is sewn along the darkened curved portion (fly) 801' of the left wing and the second short segment is sewn along the darkened curved portion (fly) 801" of the right wing. Then the right wing 800a" is overlapped the left wing 800a' and matched at the darts 802' and 803" of each lower wing area forming the crotch and waist. Using cloth thread the waist is sewn across the double layered area. The margin above the fly is folded on a slant and sewn from the waist down to the top of the seamed fly opening (securing the fly opening). The inner fly portion (left wing) of the material is sewn the same (from waist to top of seamed fly). Then the garment is turned inside out with wrong side exposed. The darts of each wing are matched (802' to 802", 803' to 803") and the notch areas 804' and 804" of each wing is matched to the notch area 804 of the lower middle section of 800a. Then a seam is sewn through all layers of the matched margins forming the double crotch. The margins of the leg openings are separately sewn once around using elastic thread. Then each of the 2-inch wide linear strips are sewn at the ends right sides together. With matching seams at the crotch, the left leg opening is stretched to full diameter and the 2-inch strip is folded over margin of leg openings and sewn using cloth thread the full length of the stretched leg opening length. Then with matching seams at the crotch, the right leg opening is stretched to full diameter and the second 2-inch strip is folded over the margin of the leg opening and sewn using cloth thread the full length of the leg opening length. This forms slightly stretchable leg openings. Various degrees of elasticity may be used in accordance with several embodiments of the current invention.

[0035] The drawing in FIG. 9 shows a composite view of disposable male boxer shorts. FIG. 9 shows a left 900a and right side 900b of one embodiment of the current invention comprising a single piece of material with inverted V shaped cut outs in the inferior margins and "V-like" cut outs (one limb curved and one limb straight) in the lower sides of the material. The V-like cut out is denoted with a dot at the joining point (apex) of the straight and curved portions. The curvilinear areas 901-902 of both V-like cut outs are matched and stitched together using cloth thread forming the front crotch seam. Then the right margin is folded at the jagged line area to the wrong side onto the fabric making a double facing and sewn close to the edge of the facing from waist to the area corresponding to the apex of the front seamed crotch. Then the right margin is folded once (at the jagged line area) to the wrong side and then tucked under and sewn at the edge. Then the right and left fronts are overlapped with double facing fold overlaid the single fold. The overlapped fold areas are sewn together through the layers on each side using cloth thread 11/2 inches from the waist down. Then from the overlapped and matching lower fold areas beginning at the apex of the front seamed crotch, a seam is stitched 1-inch up on both sides. A slant seam is stitched across the sewn lower overlapped fold with the pointed area of the slant stitch at the front seamed crotch. For the leg openings the center of the fanned front seamed crotch area is matched to the center notch 903 of the inferior margin of the material and using cloth thread all margin layers are sewn together. The margins along the inverted V cutouts are folded 3/8-inches on each side and sewn with cloth thread. Then a 7/8-inch hem at the leg margin on each side is stitched using cloth thread. For the waist, a measure of 1-inch wide elastic band is sewn around the upper margin of the material and centered at the back of the waist stretching the elastic band to fit the waist.

[0036] Referring to the drawing shown in FIG. 10, there is a disposable garment in the form of leggings. In accordance with this description, a male or female version of said leggings can be constructed by one of ordinary skill in the art. FIG. 10 shows a hexagonal configuration cut out with lateral margin edge tips 1001, 1002a, and 1002a'. There is an elongated inverted U configured cutout extending from the inferior margin of the material to the mid distance between the 1002a tips of the two sides of the material. The two cut points at the inferior margin 1003a and 1003b and the mid point of the inverted U 1004 are shown. The dart areas between 1001 and 1002a of the upper sides are matched and the margins between 1001 and 1002a are sewn together forming the center seam at the back. Then the mid point area 1004 is sewn to the center of the inferior back seam. The left 1003b-1004--1002a-1002a' margins are matched and sewn up to 1004 using cloth thread forming the left inner leg seam. Then the right 1003b-1004--1002a-1002a' margins are matched and sewn with cloth thread forming the right inner leg seam. In one embodiment, the leg opening margins are folded with a 1/4-inch hem and then sewn using elastic thread. Using one-inch elastic band the back is centered and sewn beginning with the elastic band end at the margins of the waist and stretching the elastic band to fit the fabric.

[0037] The preferred type of material used in some of the embodiments described herein is a soft but strong lightweight nonwoven spunbond polypropylene or polyester. However, any suitable low cost, lightweight disposable material may be used. Garments according to several embodiments of the present invention, may be made in a variety of colors and imprints of color and designs. It should be understood that where sewn seams exist, the garments may be modified to provide a less expensive and less durable version by gluing, heat-bonding, or ultrasonically welding the designated portions. With certain substitutions, however, the garment may sustain much less active wearability. In certain embodiments, woven materials may be used for portions of the undergarments. In one embodiment, the crotch portion of the undergarment is woven, while the rest of the garment is comprised of nonwoven materials.

[0038] The disposable undergarments according to several embodiments of this invention, provide a uniquely attractive and functional disposable underwear that sacrifices nothing in its appearance, serviceability, and wearability from woven wear. They further provides versatility in fashion utility, time conservation and management, and novelty. While there has been a great increase in demand for convenience and disposable items, the object in this invention has limitless application as unparalleled disposable esthetically appealing undergarments with tremendous usability and new freshness.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the current invention relating to the marketing of disposable undergarments, the undergarments are marketed or displayed to individuals affiliated with educational institutions, incarceration facilities, hospitals, extended care facilities, and military institutions. In several embodiments, the disposable undergarments are marketed directly to individuals in charge of the institutions, who then can distribute the undergarments to institution patrons. In another embodiment, the undergarments are marketed directly to the patrons. For example, the undergarments can be marketed and distributed to hospital management, who can then provide its overnight patients with the convenience of disposable undergarments. Or, the undergarments can be marketed directly to the patients themselves, either before they enter the hospital or during their stay. In one embodiment, disposable undergarments are provided through the institution based upon criteria entered by the patron or end-user. Information as to size, color and style of undergarment can be conveyed to the institution through oral, written or electronic preference sheets or order forms.

[0040] In one embodiment, disposable undergarments are made available in fashionable modern-day colors and styles and are packaged to attract students on college campuses. These students will be attracted to these economical, convenient and comfortable garments, which do not require laundering. The undergarments can be displayed and promoted at college campus bookstores, student unions or other places where students purchase apparel or incidentals. The undergarments can also be sold on-line and through other electronic commerce channels. In another embodiment, disposable undergarments are marketed to colleges and universities through advertising in campus newspapers and on radio stations.

[0041] In another embodiment, disposable undergarments are promoted to military agencies. These undergarments are ideal for military personnel during training or combat missions and who require convenient and hygienic undergarments which do not require washing and which are available in compact packaging that take little space when packed. In one embodiment, disposable undergarments are marketed directly to military personnel at stores or other purchase points located on the military base. In another embodiments, undergarments are marketed to military personnel at stores off-base. In yet another embodiment, undergarments are sold by contract to the government for distribution to military personnel. Accordingly, disposable undergarments can be supplied as part of the daily or weekly rations that are provided to soldiers. In the same manner, disposable undergarments can also be marketed and distributed to incarceration facilities, i.e. by marketing directly to government and/or prison officials who subsequently supply the undergarments to the prison population.

[0042] In another embodiment, disposable undergarments are displayed and promoted at athletic facilities, such as racquet clubs, sporting clubs and gyms. The undergarments can be offered at a nominal cost to club members and can be provided along with other amenities, such as towels, razors and soap, typically offered at high-end facilities. The disposable undergarments can also be sold freestanding, in the boutiques located in the athletic facility or in general sporting goods stores. In one embodiment, these undergarments will be sleekly packaged to appeal to athletes. By purchasing these undergarments, individuals will be able to engage in physical activity without the burden or worry of carrying around or wearing undergarments which become damp with perspiration. Specifically, an individual can wear traditional undergarments, change into disposable undergarments, exercise, dispose of the disposable undergarments and change back into the traditional undergarment, thereby eliminating the need to carry around or store damp and unhygienic underwear in a gym bag or a locker. In another embodiment, the disposable undergarments are marketed to individuals aged between 12 and 60 by promoting or advertising the undergarments for non-incontinent uses for daily use. In accordance with various embodiments of the current invention, one or more of the following characteristics of the undergarments is promoted: sanitation, hygiene, convenience, dignity, or fashion.

[0043] While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention.

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