Peritoneal Dialysis Undergarment Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/516,084, which was filed on Jul. 27, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of peritoneal dialysis undergarment devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a pocketed undershirt for peritoneal dialysis patients. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in peritoneal dialysis undergarment devices. Generally, peritoneal dialysis patients typically use tape daily to secure catheter lines to their body. The tape can cause chafing and irritation, ultimately rubbing the skin raw throughout the day. Further, constantly dealing with rashes in sensitive areas can be frustrating, uncomfortable and painful. Additionally, People may need to continuously reapply tape through the day, causing additional frustrations.

Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) is to regularly inject prepared dialysate into the peritoneal cavity of a patient through a catheter by utilizing the peritoneum as a semi-permeable membrane through the action of gravity, and due to the concentration gradient difference of solutes on two sides of the peritoneum, the solute on one side with high concentration moves to one side with low concentration (dispersion action); the water moves from the hypotonic side to the hypertonic side (osmosis). The peritoneal dialysis solution is continuously replaced to achieve the purposes of removing in vivo metabolites and toxic substances and correcting water and electrolyte balance disorder.

Peritoneal dialysis patients need to implant a peritoneal dialysis catheter in the abdomen while leaving a dialysis outer tube outside the abdomen. Further, the patient needs to change dressings every day to avoid external bacterial infections. Additionally, the dialysis outer tube is deposited inconveniently, and interferes with the dialysis patient's ability to stand, and perform daily activities such as walking. Typically, the catheter and outer tube are taped in position on a patient's body to allow for such physical activity. However, the tape tends to irritate the patient's skin and must be reapplied regularly.

Accordingly, there is a demand for an improved peritoneal dialysis undergarment device that provides users with a pocketed undershirt for accommodating the patient's catheter and outer tube. More particularly, there is a demand for a peritoneal dialysis undergarment device that allows users to keep the catheter line comfortably secured rather than having to use tape.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a peritoneal dialysis undergarment device that provides users with a pocketed undershirt for peritoneal dialysis patients. There is also a long felt need in the art for a peritoneal dialysis undergarment device that features two small, open end pockets that accommodate a catheter line coming out of the abdominal area, keeping secure in place. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a peritoneal dialysis undergarment device that allows users to keep the catheter line comfortably secured rather than having to use tape. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that eliminates the need to constantly readjust the line and reapply tape throughout the day to keep a catheter secured. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a peritoneal dialysis undergarment device that provides a more comfortable garment for peritoneal dialysis patients. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a peritoneal dialysis undergarment device that is available in several colors, sizes, and styles.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a peritoneal dialysis undergarment device. The device is a pocketed undershirt for peritoncal dialysis patients. The peritoneal dialysis undergarment device comprises a body component that is configured in a conventional torso garment. The body component comprises two open-ended pockets sewn inside the garment, just below the naval to perfectly accommodate the catheter tubing. Specifically, one pocket receives a catheter line, and the other pocket prevents the catheter line from moving. The pockets are comprised of thin pieces of material sewn directly to the garment. Thus, the body component provides a more comfortable way for peritoneal dialysis patients to secure their catheter line without having to use tape. Further, the device is available in several colors, sizes and styles.

In this manner, the peritoneal dialysis undergarment device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with a device that provides a pocketed undershirt that accommodates a catheter line. The device allows users to keep the catheter line comfortable and secure. The device can be manufactured in different sizes and styles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a peritoneal dialysis undergarment device. The device is a pocketed undershirt for peritoneal dialysis patients. The peritoneal dialysis undergarment device comprises a body component that is configured in a conventional torso/shirt garment. The body component comprises two open-ended pockets sewn inside the garment, just below the naval to perfectly accommodate the catheter tubing. Specifically, one pocket receives a catheter line, and the other pocket prevents the catheter line from moving. Thus, the body component provides a more comfortable way for peritoneal dialysis patients to secure their catheter line without having to use tape.

In one embodiment, the peritoneal dialysis undergarment device comprises a clothes garment with a pair of open-ended pockets sewn inside. In use, the catheter line is exposed from the patient's body and passed through the first pocket, through its opposing ends, and then inserted into the second pocket, so that the catheter line is secured within the second pocket and fixed. Thus, the movement of the catheter line relative to the body of the patient during the movement of the patient is reduced, and wounds or other chafing and irritations are avoided.

In one embodiment, the peritoneal dialysis undergarment device comprises a garment, such as a fixed undershirt, which includes the undershirt body, sleeves, tank straps, etc., any suitable garment can be utilized as is known in the art, such as a short-sleeved shirt, a long-sleeved shirt, tank top, etc. Typically, the garment is sized and shaped to be form-fitting for the user to further secure the catheter line in place. The garment would also be available in different colors, sizes and styles, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Further, the garment is designed to be an undergarment and worn underneath a conventional t-shirt, button-down shirt, polo shirt, sweatshirt, sweater, etc., or the garment can be designed and styled to be worn on its own without another shirt over top, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Overall, the garment provides for adjustability and better adaptability to users better than tape.

In one embodiment, the garment allows a user to wear and take off the garment as a conventional shirt. Thus, a user can easily change their garment and have multiple garments with the pair of pockets sewn in, allowing for the garment to be cleaned and sanitized, as needed to prevent any infections. Further, the garment also provides for coverage over a user's torso and prevents lengthy exposure of the abdomen, which reduces discomfort for the user and avoids infections and other illnesses a user could catch.

In one embodiment, the material the garment is made out of is an essential aspect to the garment because it determines the quality of the undergarment and often dictates a user's experience. From a comfort perspective, the type of material that the garment is made of affects the user's sensory factors and is an important attribute for effectively presenting a more inviting garment. In a non-limiting example, because comfort is important to wearing such garments, a combination of soft material, such as nylon, cotton, and spandex can be used to manufacture the garment. Further, using a combination of various soft materials, such as linens, silks, rayon, etc., and strategic positioning of the pockets provides an effective means of helping to eliminate irritation and ensuring a pleasant experience while wearing the present invention. Further, the garment utilized can be any suitable garment as is known in the art which has fine elasticity, and can hug closely to a user's body.

In one embodiment, the patient wears this garment with the catheter line secured within the two open-ended pockets on its interior. The catheter line is inserted into a first open-end of the first pocket and passed out through the second open-end of the first pocket. Then the catheter line is inserted into a first open-end of the second pocket and secured. Thus, the remaining length of dialysis outer tube/catheter line can be threaded through the pair of open-end pockets and secured in place for simple, convenient placement. Accordingly, the device prevents the dialysis outer tube/catheter line from causing secondary damage to the wound, especially during patient activity. The device also provides a convenient and more sanitary and safe environment when changing dressings for the patient.

In one embodiment, the garment comprises a pair of pockets sewn onto an underside of the garment's surface. A pocket refers to a small hollow compartment that allows the catheter line to be inserted for purposes of holding the catheter line in place and to protect a user's skin from irritation and chafing from tape and the surface of the catheter line. The pocket comprises opposing open-ends which allow for the catheter line to be inserted into and passed through. Reference to an open end refers to areas of the pockets wherein the catheter line may be inserted for storage or securing purposes. The open-ends are the opposing sides of the pockets that are not sealed via sewing or other means and allow for objects, such as a catheter line to be inserted into.

In one embodiment, the pair of open-ended pockets are secured on an underside of the garment, near a user's naval area, but can also be secured via any suitable position on the underside of the garment depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Typically, the pair of open-ended pockets are sewn into the garment, but can also be secured via adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, zippers, etc., or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art.

In one embodiment, the pair of open-ended pockets are typically rectangular in shape but can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art. Each pocket comprises a front surface with opposing right and left ends and opposing top and bottom ends. Generally, the opposing top and bottom ends of each pocket is sewn to the surface of the garment, typically the underside surface but any suitable position on the garment can be utilized as is known in the art. Further, once the top and bottom ends are sewn, the pockets form a tubular channel with the garment body, but can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art. Further, the pockets are typically symmetrical in shape and size to each other but do not have to be and can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, (i.e., the first pocket is shaped larger than the second pocket, or vice versa), as long as the pockets are shaped and sized to ensure a secure fit of the catheter line to eliminate irritation and chafing experienced due to tape or other means used for securing the catheter line associated with dialysis treatments. Thus, the peritoneal dialysis undergarment device allows the user to sleep comfortably and also perform daily tasks without irritation associated with bulky or dangling transfer tubing/catheter lines.

In one embodiment, the pockets are arranged in a vertical position with the second pocket sewn directly above the first pocket on the garment. However, the pockets can be secured in any suitable position on the garment, as long as the first pocket and the second pocket are within close enough distance, such that the first pocket receives the catheter line, which then passes through to the second pocket, where the catheter line is secured and maintained.

In one embodiment, the pockets are manufactured of a thin piece of material but can be manufactured of any suitable material as is known in the art, as long as the material is strong enough to withhold the catheter line in the pocket, without it tearing or ripping the material. In one embodiment, the pocket material is the same as the garment material. In other embodiments, the pocket material is different than the garment material.

When the garment is securely fitted on a user in a conventional manner, the pockets serve as a support for holding the catheter line in place while not in use. The material that makes up the garment and the pockets is critical because it allows the user to experience comfort, convenience, and safety during the day. The pockets prevent the catheter line from moving in a way that would cause irritation to the skin due to contact. The combination of the garment of ultra-soft material and the pockets sewn in, and the strategic location of the pockets provides a pleasant barrier between the catheter line and the user's body.

In one embodiment, the catheter line can be further secured within the second pocket interior via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as, but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners such as a hook and loop fastener flap, snap attachments, adhesive, etc., can be used to further secure the catheter tube to the second pocket interior.

In use, the catheter line for the peritoneal dialysis method extends from an exit port of a user's body, which then extends through the first open-ended pocket and then exits the first pocket and extends inside the second open-ended pocket. The second open-ended pocket serves as a safe storage and securing place for the catheter line. Thus, the second open-ended pocket secures the catheter line while a user is not receiving peritoneal dialysis treatments, and/or prevents the catheter line from dangling in a manner that causes injury or damage to the catheter line and/or the user. Specifically, the peritoneal dialysis undergarment device includes at least two open-ended pockets which are strategically positioned to secure the catheter line and provide a pleasant experience for the user. However, any other suitable number of pockets can be utilized as is known in the art, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user.

In one embodiment, the peritoneal dialysis undergarment device can be used for all types of medical and non-medical purposes for humans and animals alike that require a means to comfortably secure a tube or other medical device. Further, the device can be configured to address concerns by patients who, in a non-limiting example, may be forced to have a tube or other medical devices inserted into their abdomen area for various treatments or other purposes deemed fit for such use, that is not peritoneal dialysis.

In yet another embodiment, the peritoneal dialysis undergarment device comprises a plurality of indicia.

In yet another embodiment, a method of comfortably securing a catheter tube for a user during peritoneal dialysis is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a peritoneal dialysis undergarment device comprising a body component which comprises two open-ended pockets sewn into a torso garment. The method also comprises inserting a catheter line through one of the open-ended pockets. Further, the method comprises securing the catheter line within the second open-ended pocket. Finally, the method comprises wearing the garment with the catheter line secured within the open-ended pockets during peritoneal dialysis for comfort.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis undergarment device of the present invention showing the inside of the garment with the device applied in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis undergarment device of the present invention showing the outside of the garment with the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis undergarment device of the present invention showing the device with a catheter tube inserted in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis undergarment device of the present invention showing the device in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of comfortably securing a catheter tube for a user during peritoneal dialysis in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a peritoneal dialysis undergarment device that provides users with a pocketed undershirt for peritoneal dialysis patients. There is also a long felt need in the art for a peritoneal dialysis undergarment device that features two small, open end pockets that accommodate a catheter line coming out of the abdominal area, keeping secure in place. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a peritoneal dialysis undergarment device that allows users to keep the catheter line comfortably secured rather than having to use tape. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that eliminates the need to constantly readjust the line and reapply tape throughout the day to keep a catheter secured. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a peritoneal dialysis undergarment device that provides a more comfortable garment for peritoneal dialysis patients. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a peritoneal dialysis undergarment device that is available in several colors, sizes, and styles.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel peritoncal dialysis undergarment device. The peritoneal dialysis undergarment device comprises a body component that is configured in a conventional torso garment. The body component comprises two open-ended pockets sewn inside the garment, just below the naval to perfectly accommodate the catheter tubing. Specifically, one pocket receives a catheter line, and the other pocket prevents the catheter line from moving. Thus, the body component provides a more comfortable way for peritoneal dialysis patients to secure their catheter line without having to use tape. The present invention also includes a novel method of comfortably securing a catheter tube for a user during peritoneal dialysis. The method includes the steps of providing a peritoneal dialysis undergarment device comprising a body component which comprises two open-ended pockets sewn into a torso garment. The method also comprises inserting a catheter line through one of the open-ended pockets. Further, the method comprises securing the catheter line within the second open-ended pocket. Finally, the method comprises wearing the garment with the catheter line secured within the open-ended pockets during peritoneal dialysis for comfort.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis undergarment device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the peritoneal dialysis undergarment device 100 is an improved peritoncal dialysis undergarment device 100 that provides a user with a more comfortable way for peritoneal dialysis patients to secure their catheter line without having to use tape. The peritoneal dialysis undergarment device 100 comprises a body component 102 with a pair of open-ended pockets 104, 106 sewn into a garment 108 for retaining catheter tubing 110. Specifically, one pocket 104 receives a catheter line 110, and the second pocket 106 prevents the catheter line 110 from moving. Thus, the body component 102 provides a more comfortable way for peritoneal dialysis users 112 to secure their catheter line 110 without having to use tape or other traditional securing means.

Generally, the peritoneal dialysis undergarment device 100 comprises a clothes garment 108 with a pair of open-ended pockets 104, 106 sewn inside. In use, the catheter line 110 is exposed from the patient's body and passed through the first pocket 104, through its opposing ends 114, and then inserted into the second pocket 106, so that the catheter line 110 is secured within the second pocket 106 and fixed. Thus, the movement of the catheter line 110 relative to the body of the patient 112 during the movement of the patient 112 is reduced, and wounds or other chafing and irritations are avoided.

Furthermore, the patient 112 wears this garment 108 with the catheter line 110 secured within the two open-ended pockets 104, 106 on its interior. Thus, the remaining length of dialysis outer tube/catheter line 110 can be threaded through the pair of open-end pockets 104, 106 and secured in place for simple, convenient placement. Accordingly, the device 100 prevents the dialysis outer tube/catheter line 110 from causing secondary damage to the wound, especially during patient activity. The device 100 also provides a convenient and more sanitary and safe environment when changing dressings for the patient 112.

As shown in FIG. 2, the peritoneal dialysis undergarment device 100 comprises a garment 108, such as a fixed undershirt, which includes the undershirt body 200, sleeves, tank straps 202, etc., any suitable garment 108 can be utilized as is known in the art, such as a short-sleeved shirt, a long-sleeved shirt, tank top, etc. Typically, the garment 108 is sized and shaped to be form-fitting for the user 112 to further secure the catheter line 110 in place. The garment 108 would also be available in different colors, sizes and styles, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user 112. Further, the garment 108 is designed to be an undergarment and worn underneath a conventional t-shirt, button-down shirt, polo shirt, sweatshirt, sweater, etc., or the garment 108 can be designed and styled to be worn on its own without another shirt over top, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user 112. Overall, the garment 108 provides for adjustability and better adaptability to users 112 better than tape.

Further, the garment 108 allows a user 112 to wear and take off the garment 108 as a conventional shirt. Thus, a user 112 can easily change their garment 108 and have multiple garments with the pair of pockets 104, 106 sewn in, allowing for the garment 108 to be cleaned and sanitized, as needed to prevent any infections. Further, the garment 108 also provides for coverage over a user's torso and prevents lengthy exposure of the abdomen, which reduces discomfort for the user 112 and avoids infections and other illnesses a user 112 could catch.

Additionally, the material the garment 108 is made out of is an essential aspect to the garment 108 because it determines the quality of the undergarment and often dictates a user's experience. From a comfort perspective, the type of material that the garment 108 is made of affects the user's sensory factors and is an important attribute for effectively presenting a more inviting garment 108. In a non-limiting example, because comfort is important to wearing such garments 108, a combination of soft material, such as nylon, cotton, and spandex can be used to manufacture the garment 108. Further, using a combination of various soft materials, such as linens, silks, rayon, etc., and strategic positioning of the pockets 104, 106 provides an effective means of helping to eliminate irritation and ensuring a pleasant experience while wearing the present invention. Further, the garment 108 utilized can be any suitable garment as is known in the art which has fine elasticity, and can hug closely to a user's body.

As shown in FIG. 3, the garment 108 comprises a pair of pockets 104, 106 sewn onto an underside of the garment's surface 300. A pocket 104, 106 refers to a small hollow compartment that allows the catheter line 110 to be inserted for purposes of holding the catheter line 110 in place and to protect a user's skin from irritation and chafing from tape and the surface of the catheter line 110. The pocket 104, 106 comprises opposing open-ends 114 which allow for the catheter line 110 to be inserted into and passed through. Reference to an open end 114 refers to areas of the pockets 104, 106 wherein the catheter line 110 may be inserted for storage or securing purposes. The open-ends 114 are the opposing sides of the pockets 104, 106 that are not sealed via sewing or other means and allow for objects, such as a catheter line 110 to be inserted into.

Further, the pair of open-ended pockets 104, 106 are secured on an underside of the garment 108, near a user's naval area, but can also be secured via any suitable position on the underside of the garment 108 depending on the needs and/or wants of a user 112. Typically, the pair of open-ended pockets 104, 106 are sewn into the garment 108, but can also be secured via adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, zippers, etc., or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art.

Additionally, the pair of open-ended pockets 104, 106 are typically rectangular in shape but can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art. Each pocket 104, 106 comprises a front surface 302 with opposing right and left ends 114 and opposing top and bottom ends 304. Generally, the opposing top and bottom ends 304 of each pocket 104, 106 is sewn to the surface 300 of the garment 108, typically the underside surface but any suitable position on the garment 108 can be utilized as is known in the art. Further, once the top and bottom ends 304 are sewn, the pockets 104, 106 form a tubular channel with the garment body 200, but can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art. Further, the pockets 104, 106 are typically symmetrical in shape and size to each other but do not have to be and can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, (i.e., the first pocket 104 is shaped larger than the second pocket 106, or vice versa), as long as the pockets 104, 106 are shaped and sized to ensure a secure fit of the catheter line 110 to eliminate irritation and chafing experienced due to tape or other means used for securing the catheter line 110 associated with dialysis treatments. Thus, the peritoneal dialysis undergarment device 100 allows the user 112 to sleep comfortably and also perform daily tasks without irritation associated with bulky or dangling transfer tubing/catheter lines 110.

Typically, the pockets 104, 106 are arranged in a vertical position with a second pocket 106 sewn directly above the first pocket 104 on the garment 108. However, the pockets 104, 106 can be secured in any suitable position on the garment 108, as long as the first pocket 104 and the second pocket 106 are within close enough distance, such that the first pocket 104 receives the catheter line 110, which then passes through to the second pocket 106, where the catheter line 110 is secured and maintained.

Furthermore, the pockets 104, 106 are manufactured of a thin piece of material but can be manufactured of any suitable material as is known in the art, as long as the material is strong enough to withhold the catheter line 110 in the pocket 104, 106, without it tearing or ripping the material. In one embodiment, the pocket material is the same as the garment material. In other embodiments, the pocket material is different than the garment material.

When the garment 108 is securely fitted on a user 112 in a conventional manner, the pockets 104, 106 serve as a support for holding the catheter line 110 in place while not in use. The material that makes up the garment 108 and the pockets 104, 106 is critical because it allows the user 112 to experience comfort, convenience, and safety during the day. The pockets 104, 106 prevent the catheter line 110 from moving in a way that would cause irritation to the skin due to contact. The combination of the garment 108 of ultra-soft material and the pockets 104, 106 sewn in, and the strategic location of the pockets 104, 106 provides a pleasant barrier between the catheter line 110 and the user's body.

As shown in FIG. 4, the catheter line 110 can be further secured within the second pocket 106 interior via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as, but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners such as a hook and loop fastener flap 400, snap attachments, adhesive, etc., can be used to further secure the catheter tube 110 to the second pocket 106 interior.

In use, the catheter line 110 for the peritoneal dialysis method extends from an exit port of a user's body, which then extends through the first open-ended pocket 104 and then exits the first pocket 104 and extends inside the second open-ended pocket 106. The second open-ended pocket 106 serves as a safe storage and securing place for the catheter line 110. Thus, the second open-ended pocket 106 secures the catheter line 110 while a user 112 is not receiving peritoneal dialysis treatments, and/or prevents the catheter line 110 from dangling in a manner that causes injury or damage to the catheter line 110 and/or the user 112. Specifically, the peritoneal dialysis undergarment device 100 includes at least two open-ended pockets 104, 106 which are strategically positioned to secure the catheter line 110 and provide a pleasant experience for the user 112. However, any other suitable number of pockets 104, 106 can be utilized as is known in the art, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user 112.

In one embodiment, the peritoneal dialysis undergarment device 100 can be used for all types of medical and non-medical purposes for humans and animals alike that require a means to comfortably secure a tube or other medical device. Further, the device 100 can be configured to address concerns by patients who, in a non-limiting example, may be forced to have a tube or other medical devices inserted into their abdomen area for various treatments or other purposes deemed fit for such use, that is not peritoneal dialysis.

In yet another embodiment, the peritoneal dialysis undergarment device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 402. The body component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the body component 102, or any other indicia 402 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 402 as is known in the art can be included, such as but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be peritoneal dialysis, undergarment, or brand related.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of the method of comfortably securing a catheter tube for a user during peritoneal dialysis. The method includes the steps of at 500, providing a peritoneal dialysis undergarment device comprising a body component which comprises two open-ended pockets sewn into a torso garment. The method also comprises at 502, inserting a catheter line through one of the open-ended pockets. Further, the method comprises at 504, securing the catheter line within the second open-ended pocket. Finally, the method comprises at 506, wearing the garment with the catheter line secured within the open-ended pockets during peritoneal dialysis for comfort.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “peritoneal dialysis undergarment device”, “peritoncal dialysis device”, “undergarment device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the peritoneal dialysis undergarment device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the peritoneal dialysis undergarment device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the peritoneal dialysis undergarment device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-5 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the peritoneal dialysis undergarment device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the peritoneal dialysis undergarment device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the peritoneal dialysis undergarment device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.