U.S. patent application number 10/544094 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-09 for manufacture of a garment and such a garment.
Invention is credited to Bettina Balslev Sorensen.
Application Number | 20060048283 10/544094 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32842628 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060048283 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sorensen; Bettina Balslev |
March 9, 2006 |
Manufacture of a garment and such a garment
Abstract
There is described a method for making a clothing article (1)
for persons with hernia, preferably an ostomy hernia. The produced
clothing article may be mass produced, as it has a possibility of
adaptation to different persons with different size and shape. This
is effected by making the clothing article with a seamless knit, a
tubular item intended for being placed around the user's lower body
part. The tubular item is compressed in an area (6) for forming a
clothing article with anatomical fit with a predefined size and
shape wanted in the finished clothing article.
Inventors: |
Sorensen; Bettina Balslev;
(Silkeborg, DK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
James C Wray
1493 Chain Bridge Road
Suite 300
McLean
VA
22101
US
|
Family ID: |
32842628 |
Appl. No.: |
10/544094 |
Filed: |
February 3, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
February 3, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/DK04/00068 |
371 Date: |
October 12, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/400 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 9/007 20130101;
A41D 13/1254 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/400 |
International
Class: |
A41B 9/00 20060101
A41B009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 3, 2003 |
DK |
PA 2003 00139 |
Claims
1. Method for manufacturing a clothing article for use with persons
that have developed a hernia or are in danger of developing a
hernia, preferably an ostomy hernia, which clothing article is made
for exerting compression on the user and intended for being
disposed around the lower part of the body of the user and made
with a predefined size and shape, characterized by knitting a
seamless tubular item, which is made with anatomic fit for
establishing a firm yet elastic structure for producing compression
of between 15 to 50 mmHg within a previously selected area of the
clothing article, and which provides an approximately constant
compression within a certain range of users' sizes and shapes.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterized by a step for
extending the material in the item or for selective fixation of the
item while it is placed on a form with a predefined size and
shape.
3. Method according to claims 1 or 2 claim 1, characterized by a
step for sewing together the tubular item for forming a panty brief
with a lower body part area, groin area and leg openings.
4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the step for
sewing together the tubular item for forming a panty brief with
lower body part area, groin area and leg openings is performed
optionally before or after the fixation step on the form.
5. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that in the groin
area in the panty brief there is provided an aperture so that the
user can relieve himself without taking off the panty brief.
6. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the clothing
article is made by circular knitting on a body size machine or a
rectilinear knitting machine with two needle bars, the machines
preferably being electronic controlled.
7. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the extension
or fixation is performed with varying intensity across the clothing
article for establishing varied extension or elasticity and
firmness in the article and thereby also varied compression when
the clothing article is placed on a user.
8. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that elastic
yarns, preferably elasthane, are used in a part between 15 and 60%,
preferably between 30 and 50%, of the areas of the clothing
article, which are to exert compression on the user's body.
9. Clothing article formed with a predefined size and shape for use
with persons that have developed a hernia or are in danger of
developing a hernia, preferably an ostomy hernia, characterized in
that it is formed by a seamless, knitted, tubular item which is
intended for being disposed around the lower body part of the user,
and which is made with a firm yet elastic structure for forming a
compression between 15 and 50 mmHg within a pre-selected area of
the clothing article in order to provide an anatomical fit, and
which provides an approximately constant compression within a
certain range of users' sizes and shapes.
10. Clothing article according to claim 9, characterized in that
the tubular item is preferably extended or fixed in order to
provide the anatomical fit.
11. Clothing article according to claim 9, characterized in that
the tubular item is sewn together at one end for forming a panty
brief with lower body part, groin area and leg openings.
12. Clothing article according to claim 9, characterized in that it
includes elastic yarns, preferably elasthane, in a part of between
15 and 60%, preferably between 30 and 50%, in the areas which in
use are to exert compression on the user's body.
13. Clothing article according to claim 9, characterized in that in
circumferential direction it has a material that display a
force/elongation curve including a largely flat curve pattern.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention concerns a method for manufacturing a
clothing article for persons with a hernia, preferably an ostomy
hernia, which clothing article is made for exerting compression on
the user and intended for being disposed around the lower part of
the body of the user. The invention furthermore concerns such a
clothing article.
[0002] By hernia, as used in the present patent application, is
understood an abnormal protrusion of an organ or parts thereof
through the wall of a body cavity. With hernia is furthermore
understood a bulging appearing around a site of operation, e.g.
after an ostomy operation.
[0003] For persons suffering from hernia, it is important to use a
bandage or clothing article that exerts compression against the
skin in order that the hernia is kept in place inside. Such a
bandage or clothing article may also be used as a preventive
measure.
[0004] In particular for persons that have gone through an ostomy
operation, and who subsequently have acquired an ostomy hernia, it
is important to get a bandage or clothing article which exert
compression in an area around the ostomy aperture. Furthermore, it
is important that the ostomy aperture fits exactly to the type of
ostomy bag used by each individual person, and which at the same
time is correctly disposed in the clothing article. If the aperture
in the clothing article is too narrow, it can be difficult to mount
the ostomy bag, and if the aperture is too large, there will be a
risk that the hernia or a part thereof is pressed out through the
aperture.
[0005] A number of clothing articles are known where the required
compression is produced by different belts and straps which are
tightened by being taken on, or after the user has put the clothing
article on. By having elastic bands extending in circumferential
direction, desired compression can be established after the user
having put on the clothing article. However, such products will be
unsuitable for use with ostomy hernia, as the user can displace the
ostomy aperture by tightening the belts, which can be critical.
Furthermore, the belts are hard, rigid and thick and therefor
difficult to mount, particularly for persons with weak fingers.
[0006] For persons with ostomy hernia, there are methods where
clothing articles are tailored to the individual patient. Thus the
clothing article is made individually according to the detailed
measures of the patient. After the patient has been measured, a
centre for the ostomy is determined. After that, data concerning
the clothing article and the associated ostomy bag are sent to the
producer who makes an individually tailored clothing article
including an aperture for the ostomy in the bandage. As mentioned,
it is important that this aperture, both with regard to size and to
position, is correctly placed so that problems do not occur when
the ostomy bag is passed out through the ostomy aperture of the
clothing article.
[0007] Some of the prior art clothing articles for ostomy hernia
are made in elastic material in which extra abdominal
reinforcements are sewn for keeping the hernia in place.
Furthermore, the edge of the ostomy aperture will be reinforced
with an edge band, synthetics or other, so that the ostomy aperture
is stable during use. Furthermore, the clothing article may
internally be provided with a sewn reinforcement.
[0008] The prior art products with adjustable belts will clutter
much under the clothing and are uncomfortable and may, as
mentioned, be difficult to dispose correctly since there is a risk
that the correct position of the ostomy aperture is not secured.
The tailored products are also very little flexible since they are
only suited for one person. The product is thus not suited for mass
production by individual adaptation, such as feasible with the
clothing articles based on using adjustable belts. The tailored
product will furthermore be disadvantageous since it is adapted to
a person with a given size. By weight increase or weight loss there
will therefore be a need for making new clothing articles.
[0009] The reason for the present invention is a desire of only
making one clothing article, preferably in the shape of a panty
brief, for persons with hernia, irrespectively whether this is a
common hernia or an ostomy hernia. Particularly it is desirable to
make a clothing article which does not have the drawbacks of the
prior art products, which is flexible in making and adaptation, and
which therefore is suited for mass production. It is thus desirable
to be able to produce clothing articles in a predefined variation
of size and shape which has anatomical adaptation to users with
different size. Furthermore it is desirable to make a comfortable
clothing article that establishes the required compression for the
daily use of the person, and which additionally can be used as
"measuring panty brief" for use in determining the centre of an
ostomy when speaking of an ostomy hernia or other operation
hernia.
[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a clothing
article, preferably in the form of a panty brief which is suited
for mass production and which nevertheless is easy to put on, and
which simultaneously is suited for persons with hernia, preferably
ostomy hernia or other operation hernia, as there is provided a
size and a shape providing a fit which even at small variations in
body size and shape ensure correct compression and possibility of a
correct and secure positioning of an ostomy aperture in the
clothing article.
[0011] According to the invention, this is achieved with a method
of the kind mentioned in the introduction, which is peculiar in
knitting a seamless tubular item, which is made with anatomic fit,
in a predefined size and shape and establishing a firm yet elastic
structure for producing compression of between 15 to 50 mmHg within
a previously selected area of the clothing article.
[0012] In a particular embodiment, the method includes a step for
extending the material in the tubular item for establishing the
firm yet elastic structure in a clothing article with desired
fit.
[0013] In a particular embodiment, the method according to the
invention may be peculiar by a step placing the tubular item on a
form with a predefined size and shape for selective fixation of the
item while located on the form.
[0014] The clothing article according to the invention is peculiar
in that it is formed by a seamless, knitted, tubular item which is
intended for being disposed around the lower body part of the user,
and which is made with a firm yet elastic structure for forming a
compression between 15 and 50 mmHg within a pre-selected area of
the clothing article in order to provide an anatomical fit with a
predefined size and shape.
[0015] The clothing article is preferably extended or fixed in
order to be made with anatomical fit in the predefined size and
shape. Furthermore, the clothing article is preferably peculiar in
that the tubular item is sewn together at one end for forming a
panty brief with a lower body part, groin area and leg
openings.
[0016] By the invention there is thus created a clothing article
that has an anatomical adaptation in size and shape with a
variation which is selected in advance. It may be said that a
clothing article is formed which in non-extended or `slack`
condition has a greater size, making it easier for the user to put
on the clothing article, even if it has a compression which is
necessary for supporting a hernia. The formed compressive area will
preferably be formed on the front side of the clothing article.
[0017] According to the invention, it is thus possible to form a
compressive area which can be used to prevent and/or secure a
hernia, e.g. in connection with ostomy. The compression is created
by knitting a high percentage of elastic yarns, e.g. elasthane,
possibly in combination with a compact knitting structure and a
firm, tight stitch pattern. Due to extension, the clothing article
will become easier to put on since it is formed with a size which
is `greater` than a clothing article with corresponding properties
for compression. Possibly, the clothing article is formed
particularly larger in areas for buttocks and hips.
[0018] If the clothing article is to be used in connection with
ostomy, the compression area is to have such nature that the
aperture can be made on the relevant place without the material
breaking, e.g. because of laddering. This is established by a
suitable choice of knitting structure, edge covering, heat fixation
or other sealing, e.g. by silicone or PU-film. With such techniques
it is possible to avoid that the clothing article breaks when
forming an ostomy aperture. Possibly the aperture is laced to
ensure that the hernia is not partially penetrating out of the
aperture.
[0019] If the clothing article is to be used for common hernia, for
example hernia in the abdomen, no aperture formation is required.
After measuring and testing the measuring panty brief on the
patient, the latter is equipped with clothing articles with size
and shape providing the correct anatomical fit and compression.
[0020] If speaking of a patient with ostomy hernia, a measurement
of the patient will be performed in the first place, after which a
clothing article with suitable shape and size is selected. After
measuring the patient, a "measuring panty brief" in the shape of a
clothing article that may have a particular pattern or network is
selected. Localisation of the position of the ostomy aperture is
established. The correct position and indication of size are sent
to the producer who then adapts models of use of the clothing
article by forming the ostomy aperture in the indicated position.
It is thus possible to take a number of clothing articles with a
predetermined size and shape and then provide these with an ostomy
aperture in the correct position.
[0021] The user will then have a number of clothing articles in
which the ostomy aperture is disposed correctly, and which is made
with an elasticity providing the desired compression without need
for sewing extra reinforcements, elastic bandages, bands or
similar. The clothing article is thus suited for disposition
directly on the body without cluttering too much or being
uncomfortable, so that the user may have possibility of using his
usual clothes upon them. Furthermore, the user may easily and
rapidly order extra clothing articles without needing to show up
for taking new measurement and for adapting the clothing
article.
[0022] When the clothing article has been extended and possibly
fixed in anatomic fit, it will exert correct compression in the
areas, where it may be desired. Thus there is formed a firm contact
pressure against the body, ensuring correct position of an ostomy
aperture, irrespectively of the user being physically active. Thus
there is no risk of the clothing article being displaced so that
there is need for adjustments over the day. Due to the inherent
elastic ability of the clothing article, there will be possibility
of maintaining a fit, irrespectively of the user having a small
loss of weight or increase in weight.
[0023] Since the clothing article is made without side seams, no
local pressure actions occur which can be inconvenient for the
user, and which can give rise to skin injuries caused by the
pressure forces occurring on the background of the compression in
the product. In that connection it is to be mentioned that the
compression used in the product may vary from 15 to 50 mmHg.
[0024] The clothing article according to the invention can be made
by circular knitting on a body size machine or be made on a
rectilinear knitting machine with two needle bars. The machines
will preferably be controlled electronically, enabling possibility
of variations in the choice of yarn, knitting structure, stitch
width, and, regarding the rectilinear knitting machine, inserting
and taking out.
[0025] In that connection it is noted, that the rectilinear
knitting machine is distinguished by the possibility of a better
fit, as there is possibility of taking out/in and hereby form a
shape in the basic item. However, the rectilinear knitting process
is relatively slow compared with the circular knitting.
[0026] Circular knitting is distinguished by being made as a
seamless product with a size corresponding to the circumference of
the body. Hereby is produced a tubular item where variation of the
yarn composition over the height and circumference of the item may
be established. Thus it is preferred to have a larger part of
elastic yarn in the part intended for use in the upper part of the
item at the abdominal region of the user, while there is used a
lesser part of elastic yarns in the lowermost part of the item. The
lowermost part of the item may either be disposed opposite to the
user's hips in an abdominal-support-like clothing article, or in a
preferred embodiment, will become sewn together for forming a panty
brief with lower body part area, groin area and leg openings. This
sewing together may be performed before or after possible fixation
of the clothing article on the form.
[0027] By making the clothing article as a panty brief, the
clothing article is used as alternative for traditional fixation
bandages in combination with usual panty briefs.
[0028] For persons having ostomy hernia, the clothing article will
usually be positioned once a day, and due to the ostomy bag it will
not be possible to take off the clothing article in connection with
urination. Therefore, it is preferred that an opening is provided
in the groin area of the panty brief so that there is no need for
removing the clothing article for urination.
[0029] The clothing article in the form of a panty brief may be
made with or without a fly.
[0030] When making the clothing article, it is possible to use
different parts of elastic yarns over the height and circumference
of the tubular item in order thereby to provide variation in fit as
well as variation over the height of the tubular item.
[0031] According to a particular embodiment, elastic yarns,
preferably elasthane, are used in a part between 15 and 60%,
preferably between 30 and 50%, of the areas of the clothing
article, which are to exert compression on the user's body. In
other areas, e.g. the groin area in a panty brief, the share of
elastic yarns will be substantially less, e.g. between 0 and 15%.
Furthermore, it will be possible that these areas, as e.g. opposite
the buttocks of the user, are formed with more loose knitting.
[0032] Alternatively, knitting with different yarns, e.g. thin
yarns, or yarns that crimp less, may be applied. The fixation will
hereby provide possibility of improving anatomical adaptation of
the clothing article and thereby provide a more correct and secure
positioning with compression against the user's body in the areas
where there the need exists.
[0033] When manufacturing the clothing article, the compression
area will typically be placed at one half of the tubular item,
which is intended for disposition at the front side of the user.
However, a compression in the area necessitates an annular
elasticity in the entire circumference of the tubular item.
However, the elasticity in the circumference of the tubular item
will be affected in areas with compression. Thus there is
established an extension and possibly a beat fixation within the
compression area, so that a firm yet elastic structure is
established in this area of the formed clothing article.
[0034] Putting on and taking off is of considerable importance to
hernia patients. A significant part of hernia or ostomy patients
will typically be elderly persons with reduced strength in the
fingers. Therefore, it is important that the clothing article is
easy to put on and take off. At the same time, it is important that
the clothing article can provide the required compression while in
use.
[0035] Until now, this has been achieved by using belts and straps
which are tightened at or after applying the clothing article.
[0036] By a clothing article according to the invention, it is
possible to facilitate putting on and taking off according to
different methods. The clothing article may e.g. be provided with
opening devices such as zippers, Velcro closer, snap fasteners etc.
Alternatively, looser quality of the fabric in the buttock areas
may be provided. Also, it is possible to make the clothing article
with a readily extendible rubber band at the waist. This may either
be knitted in or sewn on.
[0037] It is also possible to operate with reduced compression,
e.g. in the back piece of the clothing article in relation to the
compression area at the front side of the user. This may be
established via the extension/heat fixation, or by varying yarns,
knitting methods etc. It is also possible to make a clothing
article in the shape of a panty brief without any kind of
compression in the lower part. This may also be effected by the
choice of yarns, knitting structure, or by reducing or omitting
parts of elastic yarns or by sewing in a wedge that increases the
leg width/groin width.
[0038] Practical experiments have shown good results in clothing
articles where the compression area has the above elasthane shares,
and where elasthane yarn thickness is from 100 to 350 dtex,
preferably from 150 to 250 dtex. The elasthane yarn may be single
thread or be braided with thin yarn (typically PA, PES, cotton or
viscose).
[0039] The knitting structure in the compression area may be
looping on all threads or traps every other needle. The weight per
square meter of the material will preferably be in a range between
250 and 450 g/m.sup.2, particularly between 300 and 400 g/m.sup.2.
In other areas of the clothing article, the elasthane percentage
will typically be less, the elasthane yarn thickness the same or
less, the knitting structure possibly more loose and the square
meter weight typically lower thereby.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0040] The invention will then be explained in more detail with
reference to the accompanying schematic drawing, wherein:
[0041] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a clothing article made
by a method according to the invention,
[0042] FIG. 2 is a sectional view on the line 1'-11 in FIG. 2,
[0043] FIG. 3 a view of a second embodiment of a clothing article
made according to a method according to the invention,
[0044] FIG. 4 the third embodiment of a clothing article which is
made by a method according to the invention,
[0045] FIG. 5 a curve showing in principle the relation between
elongation measured in % and force in a clothing article made by a
method according to the invention,
[0046] FIG. 6 a fourth embodiment of a clothing article made by a
method according to the invention,
[0047] FIG. 7 a fifth embodiment of a clothing article made by a
method according to the invention,
[0048] FIG. 8 a sixth embodiment of a clothing article made by a
method according to the invention,
[0049] FIG. 9 a cross-section on the line IX-IX on FIG. 8,
[0050] FIG. 10 a seventh embodiment of a clothing article made by a
method according to the invention, and
[0051] FIG. 11 an eighth embodiment of a clothing article made by a
method according to the invention.
[0052] FIG. 1 shows a clothing article in the shape of panty brief
1. The panty brief includes a band 2, a lower body part area 3, a
groin area 4 disposed between leg openings 5. The panty brief is
seen from the front, and the panty brief includes a compression
area 6.
[0053] In the shown embodiment, the compression area only includes
the half part of the panty brief intended to be placed at the front
side of the user, but for achieving a sufficient compression,
alternatively it will be possible that the compression area 6 also
includes the backpiece of the panty brief entirely or partly within
the same area delimited within a same annular area 7 situated
between the outer limits 8 and 9, respectively.
[0054] The compression is established by knitting in a very high
part of elasthane which can occur in combination with a compact
knitting structure and a firm stitch pattern. The illustrated panty
brief 1 appears as a mass produced product which is ready for being
provided with am ostomy aperture (not shown).
[0055] FIG. 2 shows that the panty brief is provided with a groin
opening 10 disposed between two Velcro bands 11, 12. Alternatively,
the opening 10 may be provided with snap fasteners or other
reclosable devices.
[0056] FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of panty brief 13. This
embodiment differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 by being
provided with legs 14. In the shown embodiment, a wedge 15 has been
sewn into the groin area 4 for providing good anatomical fit with
consequent comfort for the user.
[0057] FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of a panty brief 16 with
high cutout for the leg openings 5. On the back side, an area 17 of
a quality with looser knitting may be provided in order thereby to
achieve fit for the user's buttocks and thereby good anatomical
fit.
[0058] In order to achieved that the clothing articles are to be
tailored to each individual user, it is important that the material
of the clothing article has a curve including a largely flat
force-elongation characteristic over a part of the curve pattern.
This is illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0059] By attaining a flat curve pattern between force and
elongation expressed by the elongation in percent, it is possible
to achieve sufficient but not too high compression, even though
lesser variations occur in the user's size. The user can thus
undergo weight loss or weight increase within a certain interval
without there being any appreciable effect on the force and thereby
the compression exerted by the clothing article.
[0060] Furthermore, it will also be possible to make the clothing
article in a limited number of different sizes and at the same time
enable that different users within a certain size interval can use
the same size of clothing article. Also, a clothing article with
flat curve pattern between increase in force and elongation will
make it possible to reduce the number of shapes, as compensation
can be made for different anatomical shapes, e.g. narrow waist,
heavy hips and thighs, or the opposite. Within different shapes,
the clothing article will still exert an appropriate compression in
the compression area of the clothing article.
[0061] Technically, it is possible to make the panty brief with
shape adaptation by taking stitches in or out when using
rectilinear knitting. Furthermore, it is possible to perform
adjustment of knitting firmness and to use different knitting
structures or to insert wedges, as e.g. indicated by the wedge 15
in FIG. 3 in order to achieve adaptation of the shape of the
clothing article.
[0062] A curve pattern with a flat area for the force-elongation is
achieved by using elasthane yarns and by choosing
elasthane-thickness, elasthane-types and knitting patterns. The
elasthane yarns may be single-threaded yarns or braided yarns.
[0063] Furthermore, the curve is established by complete or part
fixation of the clothing article. By the fixation it is possible to
change the pattern of the force-elongation curve 18. By
pre-stressing the clothing article, it is possible to reach a first
point 19 more rapidly on the approximately flat part 20 of the
curve 18. Then it is possible to increase elongation largely
without changing the force/compression until a second point 21 is
reached, which defines the second outer point of the largely flat
curve section.
[0064] In FIGS. 6 and 7 are illustrated a fourth and a fifth
embodiment of a clothing article in the shape of a panty brief 22
and 23, respectively, which are made by a method according to the
invention. In these embodiments are illustrated different means and
properties of the panty briefs which facilitate taking them off and
on. In the two embodiments, the reference number 24 illustrates
opening means in the body part. These are shown disposed at one
side outside the compression area. Alternatively, they may be
provided in both sides of the panty brief The opening means may
include zippers,
[0065] Velcro, snap fasteners, hooks, or other reclosable opening
devices.
[0066] A more loose fabric quality in the buttock areas is
indicated with the reference number 25. Looser fabric quality may
e.g. be provided by different knitting structure, by heat fixation,
by using longer stitches, or by other yarn combination than the
other part of the panty brief.
[0067] For further facilitating taking off and putting on, there
may be used an easily extendible waist rubber band 26. This may
either be knitted in or sewn on. The waist rubber band 26 may on
the inner side be provided with anti-skid means, as e.g. a silicone
pattern or be formed of yarns with a rubber-like surface. Hereby it
becomes possible to achieve a waist rubber band that secures the
panty brief, even though it is easily extendible. When the waist
rubber band is thus "attached" to the body, the rubber band does
not need to be very tight-fitting, facilitating taking the panty
brief on and off. An upper area 27 may be produced with lower
compression, or in this area there may possibly be used graduated
elasticity from the waist to the upper end of the compression area.
This is possible to provide by using other yarns than the yarns
used in the compression area or by using looser knitting.
[0068] In order to facilitate putting on and taking off, it is
possible to make a backpiece 28 with reduced compression relative
to the compression area 6 at the front side of the panty brief.
This difference may be established via heat fixation, by using
different yarns or by looser knitting.
[0069] In the lower part 29 of the panty brief, at the backside and
in the groin section, there may be used material without
elasticity. This may e.g. be established by using other yarns, a
different knitting structure, or with reduced or no use of elastic
yarns in the area 29.
[0070] Alternatively, it is possible in sew in a wedge 30 largely
corresponding to the wedge 15 which is mentioned in FIG. 3. The
wedge 30 will increase the leg width/groin width and thereby
facilitate putting on and taking off.
[0071] FIG. 8 shows a sixth embodiment of a panty brief 31 which is
suited for a male user. As mentioned before, for ostomy patients it
is cumbersome and inconvenient to have to take the panty brief
down, e.g. in connection with urination. It is possible to
manufacture the panty brief with an open bottom for facilitating
using the lavatory. Alternatively, it is possible to provide a
panty brief 31 which is provided with a fly 32 instead of the groin
opening 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0072] The centre pieces 33, 34 are knitted separately and sewn
into the centrepiece of the panty brief with overlap 35. Hereby is
created a horizontal fly opening 32 which is preferred since the
transverse compression forces may have a tendency to deform/open a
usual horizontal fly. This appears particularly from FIG. 9 that
the centrepieces 33 and 34 are provided with rib edges 36 at the
side of the fly opening 32. This contributes to keeping the fly
opening closed and enables avoiding transverse seams at the fly
opening.
[0073] FIG. 10 shows the seventh embodiment of a clothing article
in the shape of a panty brief 37 provided with an opening 38 in the
groin area 4 in order to enable urination without needing to pull
the panty brief down.
[0074] FIG. 11 shows an eighth embodiment of a clothing article
according to the invention in the shape of an abdominal belt 39.
The abdominal belt 39 consists of a tubular item having a
compression area 6 in the lower body part area at a position
intended for being place at the front side of the user.
[0075] Different embodiments of clothing articles for use for
persons with hernia are illustrated and explained above. Since a
large number of persons that will be users of the clothing article
also can have other age related disorders, it is possible to use
clothing articles as a combination product. The panty brief can
e.g. be used for napkin fixation on persons suffering from
incontinence. Alternatively, the clothing article can be used for
fixing hip protection shells for persons that suffer from
osteopsathyrosis and with increased risk of hip fracture caused by
falling.
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