U.S. patent application number 09/933055 was filed with the patent office on 2001-12-27 for seamless torso controlling garment and method of making same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sara-Lee Corporation. Invention is credited to Browder, George Alexander Graham JR..
Application Number | 20010054303 09/933055 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23165187 |
Filed Date | 2001-12-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010054303 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Browder, George Alexander Graham
JR. |
December 27, 2001 |
Seamless torso controlling garment and method of making same
Abstract
A circular knit blank for use in the manufacture of
undergarments and the garments so manufactured comprising a tubular
knit body having an elastomeric yarn on selected courses, wherein
said tubular body contains at least one area of control that has a
stitch pattern increasing the modulus by about 8%, to provide a
balance of comfort and control. The stitch pattern is preferably a
1 by 1 alternating tuck.
Inventors: |
Browder, George Alexander Graham
JR.; (Winston-Salem, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHARLES N.J. RUGGIERO, ESQ.
OHLANDT, GREELEY, RUGGIERO & PERLE, L.L.P.
ONE LANDMARK SQUARE, 10th FLOOR
STAMFORD
CT
06901-2682
US
|
Assignee: |
Sara-Lee Corporation
|
Family ID: |
23165187 |
Appl. No.: |
09/933055 |
Filed: |
August 20, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09933055 |
Aug 20, 2001 |
|
|
|
09301854 |
Apr 29, 1999 |
|
|
|
6276175 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
66/171 ; 66/176;
66/177 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 9/06 20130101; A41B
9/001 20130101; A41C 5/00 20130101; D10B 2501/02 20130101; D04B
1/246 20130101; D04B 1/243 20130101; D04B 1/102 20130101; A41C
3/0014 20130101; A41C 1/003 20130101; D04B 1/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
66/171 ; 66/177;
66/176 |
International
Class: |
D04B 001/00 |
Claims
What we claim is:
1. A circular knit blank for use in the manufacture of
undergarments comprising a tubular knit fabric having a first
stitch pattern and a second stitch pattern with each stitch pattern
having an elastomeric yarn knitted therein, said second stitch
pattern being a tightening and alternating tuck stitch pattern that
forms at least one area of control that increases the modulus of
said tubular knit fabric.
2. The circular knit blank according to claim 1 wherein said area
of control provides control for a user's hips.
3. A lower torso garment comprising a tubular knit fabric having a
first stitch pattern and a second stitch pattern with each stitch
pattern having an elastomeric yarn knitted therein, said second
stitch pattern being a tightening and alternating tuck stitch
pattern that forms at least one area of control that increases the
modulus of said tubular knit fabric.
4. The lower torso garment according to claim 3, wherein said lower
torso garment is a brief having said at least one area of control
substantially covering only a user's stomach and hip areas.
5. The lower torso garment according to claim 3, wherein said lower
torso garment is a high waist brief having said at least one area
of control substantially covering only a user's abdominal and hip
areas.
6. The lower torso garment according to claim 3, wherein said lower
torso garment is a half-slip having said at least one area of
control substantially covering only a user's stomach and hip
areas.
7. The lower torso garment according to claim 3, wherein said lower
torso garment is a legged brief having said at least one area of
control substantially covering only a user's stomach and hip
areas.
8. The lower torso garment according to claim 3, wherein said lower
torso garment is a body slip having said at least one area of
control substantially covering only a user's abdominal and hip
areas.
9. The lower torso garment according to claim 3, wherein said lower
torso garment is a maternity brief having said at least one area of
control substantially covering a user's buttocks, hips, and groin
areas, wherein said at least one area of control aids in
controlling the stomach area without reducing the ability of the
portion of said maternity brief covering the stomach area to expand
as needed.
10. A brassiere comprising a tubular knit fabric having a first
stitch pattern and a second stitch pattern with each stitch pattern
having an elastomeric yarn knitted therein, said second stitch
pattern being a tightening and alternating tuck stitch pattern
forming at least one area of control that increases the modulus of
said tubular knit fabric.
11. The brassiere according to claim 10, wherein said at least one
area of control is two areas of control, wherein each of said two
areas of control is located underneath a respective breast cup of
said brassiere.
12. A method of making a lower torso garment comprising: knitting a
welt portion and a tubular knit body, said tubular knit body made
of a fabric having a first stitch pattern and a second stitch
pattern with each stitch pattern having an elastomeric yarn knitted
therein, said second stitch pattern being a tightening and
alternating tuck stitch pattern forming at least one area of
control that increases the modulus of said fabric; knitting an
extended portion integrally to said tubular knit body, said
extended portion having a distal edge; and attaching said distal
edge to said tubular knit body to form leg openings.
13. The method of making a lower torso garment according to claim
12, wherein said modulus is reduced by about 15%.
14. The method of making a lower torso garment according to claim
12, wherein said stitch pattern is a 1.times.1 alternating tuck
stitch pattern.
15. A method of making a brassiere comprising: knitting a welt
portion and a tubular knit body, said tubular knit body made of a
fabric with a first stitch pattern and a second stitch pattern with
each stitch pattern having an elastomeric yarn knitted therein,
said second stitch pattern being a tightening and alternating tuck
stitch pattern forming at least one area of control that increases
the modulus of said elastomeric fabric; and knitting to said
tubular knit body extended portions that when attached together
form shoulder straps.
16. The method of making a lower torso garment according to claim
15, wherein said modulus is reduced by about 15%.
17. The method of making a lower torso garment according to claim
15, wherein said stitch pattern is a 1.times.1 alternating tuck
stitch pattern.
18. The circular knit blank according to claim 1, wherein said
stitch pattern is a 1.times.1 alternating tuck stitch pattern.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a control garment
and a method for providing additional control to selected portions
of a garment. More particularly, the present invention relates to
seamless garments provided with additional control through the use
of elastomeric yarn and purpose-specific knitting techniques, and
methods for providing such control.
[0003] Consumers desire an undergarment that provides control or
support in specific areas of the body, such as hips and waist, and
is not bulky or unsightly.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Previously known techniques used for adding support to an
undergarment include that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,736,036 to
Sinigagliesi. This patent provides a seamless undergarment knitted
as a single piece of tubular knitted fabric, but containing a
strengthening patch.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,425,246 to Knohl provides a knitted
brassiere having extra courses of elastic yarn knitted into the
breast cups to shape the cups by providing fullness therein.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,906,754 to Sackman provides an undergarment
having a plurality of integrally knitted panels. Each panel extends
circumferentially around the garment. Certain of the courses of
each panel are knitted of elastomeric yarn to impart an elastic
character to the area.
[0008] A more recent technique for imparting support to selected
area of garments is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,479,791 to Osborne.
This patent provides a brassiere having a support area between the
pair of breast cups in which the courses vary between simple knits,
such as plain knit, and welt knit, such as miss-stitch.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,888 to Browder, Jr. et al. provides a
seamless undergarment knit from a first yarn. A control area is
formed by knitting in a second, heavier yarn on designated courses
along with the first yarn. A predetermined configuration of plain
jersey stitch loops and tuck loops are utilized in the control area
to achieve the characteristics of a foundation garment.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,548 to Osborne provides a circularly
knit legged panty having knit-in shaping panels. The panels are
formed by modifying the knit structure in selected areas to form
regions having a greater resistance, particularly coursewise
resistance, to stretch than the remainder of the tubular body. The
patent provides that greater resistance to stretch can be
accomplished by using conventional knitting structures, such as
floating in an elastic yarn or tucking a yarn in selected
alternating courses.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,836 to Schuster et al. provides a
brassiere having at least two support panels formed by tucking
specific stitches for a predetermined number of courses and
extending generally walewise, thus, giving greater resistance to
coursewise stretch. Preferably, each support panel is described as
preferably located on the outside edge of a breast cup and roughly
in the form of a "C" partially encircling the breast cup.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,060 to Osborne provides a circularly
knit body suit in which the middle torso portion is knit with a
predetermined cross-stretch that is less than that of the breast
supporting section of the garment.
[0013] However, a perpetual need exists for improved seamless
undergarment provided with control areas shaped specifically to
affect certain areas of the body, such as the hips, waist, and even
under a woman's breasts. All such control areas need to be formed
integrally with the garment so as to appear as an aesthetic,
non-bulging feature and, thus, no different than the remainder of
the integral garment.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] It is the object of the present invention to provide an
improved seamless garment having areas of additional control that
are shaped to affect specifically chosen areas of the body.
[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide
such a garment that has a control area formed by an alternating
tuck stitch pattern in the undergarment.
[0016] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
such a garment in which the tuck stitch pattern is a 1 by 1
(1.times.1) alternating tuck stitch.
[0017] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
such a garment as an undergarment.
[0018] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a method of manufacturing the blank and the garment of the
type set forth herein.
[0019] In accordance with the present invention, a circular
knitting machine knits a single tubular blank including a tubular
knit body. The tubular knit body contains an elastomeric yarn added
along designated courses. The tension of the elastomeric yarn is
constant throughout the entire garment. However, in the area of the
garment where increased control is desired, a 1.times.1 alternating
tuck stitch pattern is used. The 1.times.1 tuck stitch tightens the
fabric and increases the modulus of the elastomeric yarn. Thus, the
stitch pattern decreases the amount of stretch in the fabric.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a frontal view of a brief that uses the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the brief of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a frontal view of a high waist brief that uses the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the high waist brief of FIG. 3;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a frontal view of a half-slip that uses the
present invention;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the half-slip of FIG. 5;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a frontal view of a thigh-slimmer that uses the
present invention;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a rear view of the thigh-slimmer of FIG. 7;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the thigh-slimmer of FIG. 7, but
with the legs expanded;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a maternity brief that uses the present
invention; and
[0030] FIG. 11 is a maternity brief that uses the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a brassiere that uses the present invention;
and
[0032] FIG. 13 is a graphic depiction of the 1.times.1 alternating
tuck stitch pattern.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] Referring to the drawings and, in particular FIGS. 1 and 2,
there is illustrated a brief according to the present invention
generally represented by reference numeral 10. Brief 10, as with
all the embodiments of the present invention, is formed as a
unitary, seamless knit, tubular garment blank or body 15 having a
waistband 20 formed as a turned welt.
[0034] The fabric, which forms the turned welt, is knit on circular
needles and dial bits in a well-known manner. Knitting machines for
producing a fabric in the form of a turned welt are widely used in
the industry, and their construction and mode of operation are
well-known. Alternatively, waistband 20 may be an attached piece of
elastic banding. As stated below, waistband or torso-band 20 is
made of a combination of spandex covered with nylon and nylon. Such
a high denier spandex is preferred in order to make certain that
brassiere 130 stays in place on the wearer's body.
[0035] Brief 10 is preferably integrally knit to the turned welt.
The tubular knit body 15 has a front portion 16, a rear portion 17,
and side portions 18. Additionally, the undergarment can have
binding or trim that aesthetically finishes and more comfortably
defines the leg openings 21 and 23.
[0036] Preferably, the undergarment of all embodiments of the
present invention, including brief 10, have body 15 made of either
nylon microfiber in the 40 to 120 denier range or 40/1's to 60/1's
cotton yarn. Such yarns provide softness, comfort, and desired
wicking properties. The knit construction may be any combination of
conventional knit stitches.
[0037] The body 15 of brief 10, as with all embodiments of the
present invention, includes an elastomeric yarn, such as spandex.
Preferably, the elastomeric yarn is knit throughout the garment at
an even tension. More preferably, the tension of the elastomeric
yarn is 5 to 7 grams throughout the garment. The elastomeric yarn
is preferably spandex, and most preferably 70 denier spandex.
[0038] Control area 25 is an area of of the undergarment, in this
example brief 10, where increased control is desired. Increased
control in control area 25 is accomplished by tightening the fabric
of brief 10 by using a 1 by 1 (1.times.1) alternating tuck stitch
pattern. Thus, the 1.times.1 alternating tuck stitch pattern
increases the modulus of the fabric. By increasing the modulus of
the fabric, the fabric stretches less and controls more.
Preferably, the modulus of the fabric is increased between about 6%
and about 10%, more preferably about 8%. Increasing the modulus by
about 8% provides a desirable compromise between control and
comfort.
[0039] Control area 25 of brief 10 is apron shaped, covering only
the stomach area and the area of the hips, then gradually
transitioning over the rear portion, ultimately becoming a narrow,
horizontal band integral to welt 20. The border between control
area 25 and crotch portion 27 may be of any functional and
aesthetically pleasing shape.
[0040] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a high waist brief 30 according to
the present invention. High waist brief 30 is knit using the same
method as that for the brief 10. However, control area 35 of high
waist brief 30 is extended over the abdomen and ends below the
wearer's breasts. Thus, the entire abdominal area, and the area,
preferably all, of the hips are covered. Control area 35 is
relatively smaller over rear portion 37 of high waist brief 30 with
a rounded transition area extending from front portion 36 of high
waist brief 30 and over rear portion 37. The border between control
area 35 and crotch portion 38 may be of any functional and
aesthetically pleasing shape.
[0041] FIGS. 5 and 6 show a half-slip 50 according to the present
invention. Half-slip 50 is knit using the same method as that of
the embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 4, but absent the leg openings.
Control area 65 of half-slip 50 is shaped similarly to control area
25 of brief 10 and high waist brief 30. On the front portion 61 of
half-slip 50, the border between control area 65 and skirt portion
62 is angled. However, the border between control area 65 and skirt
portion 62 may be of any aesthetic or functional shape. It is
preferable that half slip 50 has a first waistband 52 at the waist
of the half-slip 50 and a second bond 54 at the lower end of the
half-slip 50. The waistband 52 is a turned welt waistband that is
integrally formed with half-slip 50. As with waistband 20 shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, first waistband 52, as well as band 54, are
preferably a combination of spandex covered with nylon and nylon,
with the most preferred being about 265 to about 420 denier spandex
covered with nylon and nylon.
[0042] FIGS. 7 and 8 show a thigh-slimmer according to the present
invention. The thigh-slimmer 70 is knit using the same method as
the undergarments of FIGS. 1 through 6. Control area 85 is shaped
similarly to control area 65 in FIGS. 5 and 6. Optionally, control
areas may be placed on leg portions 81 and 82. In addition, leg
portions 81 and 82 are seamlessly knit to front portion 80. The
thigh slimmer can have binding or trim that aesthetically finishes
and more comfortably defines leg openings 86 and 87 In an
alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 9, thigh slimmer 70 may
include a seamed gusset panel 75 to improve fit and comfort. The
gusset panel 75 is made of the same material as the body of thigh
slimmer 70, but preferably also includes a cotton liner 78. The
gusset panel 75 is sewn to thigh slimmer 70 so that cotton liner 78
is either wrapped about the gusset panel, or is positioned between
the gusset panel and the underside of thigh slimmer 70.
[0043] In FIG. 10, there is illustrated a body-slip according to
the present invention. Body-slip 90 is knit by the method used for
the undergarments of FIGS. 1 through 8. Control area 105 is apron
shaped, but extends over the abdomen and ends below the wearer's
breasts. The borders of control area 105 are shaped to follow the
shape of the wearer. Thus, the abdominal area, and the area of the
hips are covered. Front portion 106 has an upper border 103 of
control area 105 that is scalloped to follow the breast line and a
lower border 104 of control area 105 that is scalloped to allow
less restricted movement of the wearer's legs. Control area 25b is
relatively smaller over rear portion 107 of body slip 90 with a
rounded transition area extending from the front portion 106 and
over the rear portion 107. On the front portion of body slip 90,
the border between control area 105 and skirt portion 107 is
angled. However, the border between control area 105 and skirt
portion 107 may be of any functional or aesthetically pleasing
shape.
[0044] FIG. 11 shows a maternity brief according to the present
invention. Maternity brief 110 is knit using the method described
in reference to brief 10 and high waist brief 11. However, control
area 125 extends over rear portion 121 and also extends onto front
portion 122 covering the wearer's groin. The portion covering
stomach area 123 is specifically knitted without any control areas
so as to allow the portion covering the stomach to expand as
needed. Thus, control area 125 controls the wearer's buttocks and
hips, while simultaneously lifting the wearer's stomach area.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 12, there is provided a brassiere
according to the present invention generally represented by numeral
130 with an upper torso part 141. Brassiere 130 is produced from a
seamless blank that is formed by a conventional high speed circular
knitting machine. Upper torso part 141 is integrally joined to
turned welt or torso-band 147 in a seamless manner.
[0046] Upper torso part 141 preferably has formed therein breast
cups 142 and 143. Upper torso part 141 may also have a first or
right strap or strap portion 148, and a second or left strap or
strap portion 149.
[0047] Turned welt or torso-band 147 is preferably an elastomeric
yarn or material. More preferably, torso-band 147 is made of a
combination of nylon covered spandex and nylon. Most preferably,
torso-band 147 is made of a 265 to 420 denier nylon covered spandex
and nylon. Such a high denier spandex is preferred in order to make
certain that brassiere 130 stays in place on the wearer's body.
[0048] Upper torso part 141 is, as with the other undergarments of
the present invention, preferably made of flat nylon ground yarn
and a cotton and/or nylon yarn. Flat yarn is used because it has no
stretch. The fabric also includes an elastomeric yarn, such as
spandex. The combination of yarns forms a pattern that is in the
range of 60/1's to 40/1's cotton count or about 40 to 120 denier,
preferably about 80 to about 120. The flat nylon ground yarn is
about 20 to about 40 denier, preferably about 20 denier.
[0049] Brassiere 130 is formed mostly with simple knit
constructions, such as plain, tuck, pearl and combinations thereof.
Welt knit stitches may suitably be used to provide special features
at various locations. However, in the areas of brassiere 130 where
increased control is desired, a 1.times.1 alternating tuck stitch
pattern is used. Such areas are shown generally as 145 and 146. The
1.times.1 alternating tuck stitch pattern tightens the fabric of
brassiere 130 and, thus, increases the modulus of the fabric. By
increasing the modulus of the fabric, the fabric stretches less and
controls more. Preferably, the modulus of the fabric is increased
between about 6% and about 10%, more preferably about 8%.
Increasing the modulus by about 8% provides a desirable compromise
between control and comfort.
[0050] In the example illustrated as FIG. 12, control areas 145,146
are narrow bands located underneath breast cups 142,143 and
extending coursewise in the area of transition between upper torso
portion 141 and torso-band 147. In this way, control areas 145, 146
take the place of traditional underwires. However, control areas
may be located in other areas of the brassiere, such as between the
cups or on the outside edge of the cups. Additionally, control
areas for brassiere 130 need not be shaped as narrow bands. If the
purpose of the brassiere 130 is to pull the breast together, an
hourglass-shaped control area between the breast cups could be
employed.
[0051] FIG. 13 is a graphic representation of the 1.times.1
alternating tuck stitch pattern used in the present invention.
[0052] The present invention having thus been described with
particular reference to the preferred forms thereof, it will be
obvious that various changes and modifications may be made therein
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *