U.S. patent application number 10/451699 was filed with the patent office on 2004-06-17 for clothing.
Invention is credited to Fujiwara, Yuko, Fukui, Tomoko, Miyake, Jo, Yamada, Eiji.
Application Number | 20040111781 10/451699 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28694840 |
Filed Date | 2004-06-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040111781 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miyake, Jo ; et al. |
June 17, 2004 |
Clothing
Abstract
A garment includes a crotch part and leg parts at least
partially covering the femoral regions, is to be worn fitted on a
body of a wearer, and includes an easily stretchable portion that
is stretched relatively easily and a less stretchable portion that
is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion. As part of
the easily stretchable portion, the garment includes easily
stretchable portions (A) each of which has a substantially
band-like shape extending substantially in a longitudinal direction
of the garment, covers a region along and in the vicinity of
musculus rectus femoris on an anterior side of the femoral region,
and is stretchable substantially in a width direction thereof. This
garment is useful as a garment that includes a crotch part and leg
parts at least partially covering the femoral regions and is to be
worn fitted on a body of a wearer, that does not lose shape, and
maintains the shaping function for keeping the body in shape.
Inventors: |
Miyake, Jo; (Kyoto, JP)
; Yamada, Eiji; (Kyoto, JP) ; Fujiwara, Yuko;
(Kyoto, JP) ; Fukui, Tomoko; (Kyoto, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DARBY & DARBY P.C.
P. O. BOX 5257
NEW YORK
NY
10150-5257
US
|
Family ID: |
28694840 |
Appl. No.: |
10/451699 |
Filed: |
October 3, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
January 29, 2001 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP01/00590 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41C 1/003 20130101;
A41B 2400/38 20130101; D04B 21/207 20130101; D04B 21/08
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/069 |
International
Class: |
A41B 001/00; A41D
001/00 |
Claims
1. A garment that includes a crotch part and leg parts covering at
least parts of femoral regions, that is to be worn fitted on a body
of a wearer, and that includes an easily stretchable portion that
is stretched relatively easily, and a less stretchable portion that
is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion, wherein
the easily stretchable portion comprises: an easily stretchable
portion (A) that has a substantially band-like shape extending
substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment, that
covers a region along and in the vicinity of the musculus rectus
femoris on an anterior side of each femoral region, and that is
easily stretchable at least substantially in a width direction
thereof.
2. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the easily stretchable
portion further comprises: an easily stretchable portion (B) that
covers a region of the body along the sulcus inguinalis and is
easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal
direction of the garment.
3. The garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the easily
stretchable portion further comprises: an easily stretchable
portion (C) that, in a posterior side of the garment, covers a
region of the body at least on a superior side to a certain
position between the sulcus gluteus and a bulge of hip, and that is
easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal
direction of the garment.
4. The garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the easily
stretchable portion (A) has a center position in the width
direction thereof that is positioned slightly on a lateral side
with respect to a longitudinal center line of an anterior portion
of the leg part.
5. The garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each leg part
further comprises: an easily stretchable portion (A-1) that is
arranged substantially in parallel with the easily stretchable
portion (A), that has a substantially band-like shape extending
substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment, and
that is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width
direction thereof.
6. The garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the garment is
formed with: an easily stretchable fabric as a base of the garment;
and another fabric laminated on an exterior side and/or an interior
side of a portion of the easily stretchable fabric that is to be
made less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion, wherein
the laminated portion constitutes the less stretchable portion,
while the other portion constitutes the easily stretchable
portion.
7. The garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the easily
stretchable portion is formed with an easily stretchable fabric,
the less stretchable portion is formed with a fabric that is less
stretchable than the easily stretchable fabric, and the easily
stretchable fabric and the less stretchable fabric are seamed so as
to form the garment.
8. The garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the easily
stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion are formed by
knitting so that the easily stretchable portion and the less
stretchable portion are knitted differently by varying knitting
stitch.
9. The garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the easily
stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion are formed by
jacquard knitting so that the easily stretchable portion and the
less stretchable portion are knitted differently into patterns by
varying knitting stitch of the jacquard knitting.
10. The garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the garment is
formed with an easily stretchable fabric as a base of the garment
having a portion treated with a resin, the portion being to be made
less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion, wherein the
resin-treated portion constitutes the less stretchable portion,
while the other portion constitutes the easily stretchable
portion.
11. The garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the easily
stretchable portion (A) has a width of approximately 3 cm to 8
cm.
12. The garment according to claim 5, wherein a sum of a width of
the easily stretchable portion (A) and a width of the easily
stretchable portion (A-1) is approximately 3 cm to 8 cm.
13. The garment according to claim 2, wherein the easily
stretchable portion (B) has a width of approximately 1 cm to 10
cm.
14. The garment according to claim 3, wherein, in a posterior side
of the garment, the easily stretchable portion (C) covers a region
of the body ranging from a slightly superior side of the sulcus
gluteus to around the vicinity of an upper end of the musculus
gluteus maximus.
15. The garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a fabric
composing the garment is a knitted fabric selected from a two-way
stretch tricot knitted fabric and a stretch raschel knitted
fabric.
16. The garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the garment is a
garment selected from a girdle, spats, athletic tights, and
pantyhose.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a garment that includes a
crotch part and leg parts covering at least parts of the femoral
regions and that is to be worn fitted on a body of a wearer. The
present invention particularly relates to a garment that does not
lose shape through long wear and maintains its shaping
function.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventionally, girdles, spats, athletic tights, a
pantyhose, and the like are known as garments each of which has a
crotch part and leg parts covering at least parts of the femoral
regions and is to be worn fitted on a body of a wearer.
[0003] These garments are generally made of knitted fabrics having
stretchability. Additionally, in the case of a girdle, for
instance, a strengthening piece for pressing an abdomen is
laminated on the fabric of a center abdomen portion so as to impart
to the girdle a shaping function for suppressing the swelling of
the abdomen and beautifully adjusting the line of the abdomen. A
strengthening piece for keeping the hips in a high position is
laminated on the fabric of a region ranging from a lower part of
the hips to the sides so that the girdle has a hip-up support
function.
[0004] However, such a garment worn in the state of being fitted
onto the wearer's body has a problem that the garment tends to lose
shape through the wearer's daily activity, particularly through the
legs' motions (raising the leg, bending the knee, etc.), and
actions such as the movement from the sitting position to the
standing position and the movement from the crouching position to
the standing position. For instance, in the case of a long-type or
standard-type girdle as a typical example of a garment in which leg
parts of the garment cover at least parts of the femoral regions
and that is to be worn fitted on a body of a wearer, it is observed
that actions of the legs as described above cause the anterior hems
to slide up, the posterior waist part to slide down, and the rear
hems to slide up.
[0005] Therefore, it is considered that if the whole garment is
formed with an easily stretchable material that is stretched
relatively more easily than a the conventional material, the degree
to which the garment loses its shape can be reduced since the
material is stretched more easily according to the motions of a
human body. However, in the case where the whole garment is made of
an easily stretchable material, sufficient strength is not imparted
for supporting parts of a human body as required so as to perform
its shaping function, which raises a problem in that the garment
has no figure control function and poor shaping function. Further,
the garment lacks a function of suppressing the fine skin motions
of a part of the garment that makes relatively small motions.
Therefore, in such a part of the garment, creases tend to increase.
There also arises a problem that the garment loses its shape easily
since it stretches too easily.
[0006] An object of the present invention is to solve these
problems and to provide a garment that includes a crotch part and
leg parts covering at least parts of the femoral regions, that is
to be worn fitted on a body of a wearer, that does not lose shape
through long wear, and that maintains the shaping function.
[0007] The inventors investigated the garment such as a girdle
concerning why and how the garment loses its shape, particularly
focusing on three-dimensional configurational changes in a lower
half part of a human body that occur according to motions of the
human body, particularly during an action of raising the legs, that
is, an action repeated most frequently in daily life (actions such
as walking or climbing the stairs also involve actions of raising
the legs: this action hereinafter sometimes is referred to simply
as "action").
[0008] As a result, it was found that the phenomenon of losing
shape as described above occurs in the following manner. The
foregoing action changes the states of the muscles of the legs, or
changes an angle at which the leg is joined with the torso around
the trochanter major (a protuberant part of the os femoris on an
upper-end lateral portion thereof) as an axis, which changes the
three-dimensional configuration of the human body. The girdle is
going to follow the changes, but since the girdle is in a fixed
state at a crotch part or the like, the girdle, following the
three-dimensional configurational changes in the body, consequently
undergoes displacements as described above. The displacements, once
caused, are not corrected even if the body returns to the posture
before the action and causes the configuration thereof to return to
that before the action, since there is no force on the girdle that
would pull the girdle in a direction such that the hems thereof are
caused to slide down or the posterior waist part thereof is caused
to slide up.
[0009] More specifically, when the leg is bent, the musculus rectus
femoris protrudes on an anterior side of the body, while other
muscles, such as the musculus adductor longus, the musculus
adductor magnus, and the musculus biceps femoris, retract.
Accordingly, a cross-sectional shape of the leg makes a transition
from a substantially circular figure to an oval figure, with an
anterior part swelling and with a part ranging from the medial side
to the posterior side retracting. More specifically, as illustrated
by FIGS. 19A and 19B that are schematic cross-sectional views of
the femoral region on the right side of the body at about the
midpoint position in the lengthwise direction thereof, the femoral
region has a change in shape such that a schematic cross-sectional
shape thereof at about the midpoint position in the lengthwise
direction makes a transition from a cross-sectional shape of the
femoral region in an erect standing posture (before raising the
leg) shown in FIG. 19A to a cross-sectional shape of the femoral
region in a leg-raising position shown in FIG. 19B. As clear from
FIG. 19B, it is observed that an anterior side of the femoral
region, particularly a portion 20 in which the musculus rectus
femoris is present, juts out widely on the anterior side of the
body. It should be noted that in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the upper side
of the drawing corresponds to the anterior side of the body, while
the lower side of the drawing corresponds to the posterior side of
the body.
[0010] Thus, the femoral region swells in a manner such that an
anterior portion of the cross section expands, thereby having an
increased span in the portion, and a leg anterior portion of the
girdle is pulled in a transversal direction. When the fabric is
pulled in the transversal direction, the fabric shrinks in a
longitudinal direction at the same time, which causes the anterior
hems to slide up.
[0011] Further, focusing on a part of the human body on the
posterior side of the girdle, when the leg is bent during the
foregoing action from the erect standing position (a posture in
which the wearer stands upright) to the leg-raising position, at a
base part thereof where the leg is joined with the torso (in the
vicinity of the trochanter major), an angle formed between the
torso and the leg (the position relationship therebetween) changes
due to the foregoing action of the leg around the trochanter major
as an axis. Therefore, the action of the leg causes the posterior
side of the girdle to be shaped into a "<" shape, with the upper
and lower hem of the posterior part of the girdle being pulled
toward the crotch part. This causes the waist part on the posterior
side to slide down and causes the posterior hem to slide up.
Therefore, the girdle loses its shape.
[0012] Further, the foregoing action of the leg causes the torso
and the base part of the leg to be folded like a hinge around the
sulcus inguinalis as a center axis, thereby decreasing the angle
formed therebetween. With such a change in the three-dimensional
shape, the skin necessarily is stretched greatly in the region from
the sulcus gluteus to the waist on the posterior side of the body,
particularly the region from slightly above the sulcus gluteus to
around the vicinity of an upper end of the musculus gluteus
maximus.
[0013] More specifically, a girdle that loses its shape as
described above exhibits phenomena described in more detail below,
in a case of a conventional ordinary girdle as an example. As shown
in FIGS. 17 and 18, a hem 121 of a girdle 120 is pulled up in a
direction indicated by an arrow 122, thereby sliding upward, which
causes the wearer to feel tight in the anterior femoral region.
Further, on the anterior side, the garment base fabric, thus
partially sliding up, forms creases 123, thereby being gathered in
the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis. At the same time on the
posterior side, the garment base fabric, thus partially sliding up,
forms creases 124, thereby digging into the sulcus gluteus. A waist
portion 125 of the girdle slides down in a direction indicated by
an arrow 126. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a conventional
ordinary girdle viewed from an anterior side thereof, and FIG. 18
is a perspective view of the girdle of FIG. 17 viewed from the
posterior side.
[0014] Considering the problems concerning the girdle when it loses
its shape, the inventors designed a garment that would solve these
problems as much as possible, and would possess a shaping function
for supporting the human body so as to keep the body in shape.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] To achieve the above described object, the present invention
is intended to provide a garment, as described below, which
includes a crotch part and leg parts covering at least parts of the
femoral regions and that is to be worn fitted on a body of a
wearer.
[0016] (1) A garment that includes a crotch part and leg parts
covering at least parts of the femoral regions, that is to be worn
in a state of being fitted on a body of a wearer, and that includes
an easily stretchable portion that is stretched relatively easily,
and a less stretchable portion that is less stretchable than the
easily stretchable portion. The garment includes, as part of the
easily stretchable portion, an easily stretchable portion (A) that
has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in a
longitudinal direction of the garment, that covers a region along
and in the vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on an anterior
side of each femoral region, and that is easily stretchable at
least substantially in a width direction thereof.
[0017] (2) The garment according to the item (1) above, further
including, as part of the easily stretchable portion, an easily
stretchable portion (B) that covers a region of the body along the
sulcus inguinalis and is easily stretchable at least substantially
in the longitudinal direction of the garment.
[0018] (3) The garment according to the item (1) or (2) above,
further including, as part of the easily stretchable portion, an
easily stretchable portion (C) that, in a posterior side of the
garment, covers a region of the body at least on a superior side to
a certain position between the sulcus gluteus and a bulge of hip,
and that is easily stretchable at least substantially in the
longitudinal direction of the garment.
[0019] (4) The garment according to any one of the item (1) to (3)
above, wherein the easily stretchable portion (A) has a center
position in the width direction thereof that is positioned slightly
on a lateral side with respect to a longitudinal center line of an
anterior portion of the leg part.
[0020] (5) The garment according to any one of the item (1) to (4)
above, further including, in each leg part, an easily stretchable
portion (A-1) that is arranged substantially in parallel with the
easily stretchable portion (A), that has a substantially band-like
shape extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the
garment, and that is easily stretchable at least substantially in a
width direction thereof.
[0021] (6) The garment according to any one of the items (1) to
(5), wherein the garment base is formed with an easily stretchable
fabric, and a fabric is laminated on an exterior side and/or on an
interior side of a portion of the easily stretchable fabric that is
to be made less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion, so
that the laminated portion constitutes the less stretchable
portion, while the other portion constitutes the easily stretchable
portion.
[0022] (7) The garment according to any one of the items (1) to (5)
above, wherein the easily stretchable portion is formed with an
easily stretchable fabric, the less stretchable portion is formed
with a fabric that is less stretchable than the easily stretchable
fabric, and the easily stretchable fabric and the less stretchable
fabric are seamed so as to form the garment.
[0023] (8) The garment according to any one of the items (1) to (5)
above, wherein the easily stretchable portion and the less
stretchable portion are formed by knitting so that the easily
stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion are knitted
differently by varying knitting stitch.
[0024] (9) The garment according to any one of the items (1) to (5)
above, wherein the easily stretchable portion and the less
stretchable portion are formed by jacquard knitting so that the
easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion are
knitted differently into patterns by varying knitting stitch of the
jacquard knitting.
[0025] (10) The garment according to any one of the items (1) to
(5) above, wherein the garment base is formed with an easily
stretchable fabric, and a portion of the easily stretchable fabric
that is to be made less stretchable than the easily stretchable
portion is treated with a resin so that the resin-treated portion
constitutes the less stretchable portion, while the other portion
constitutes the easily stretchable portion.
[0026] (11) The garment according to any one of the items (1) to
(10) above, wherein the easily stretchable portion (A) has a width
of approximately 3 cm to 8 cm.
[0027] (12) The garment according to any one of the items (5) to
(10) above, wherein a sum of a width of the easily stretchable
portion (A) and a width of the easily stretchable portion (A-1) is
approximately 3 cm to 8 cm.
[0028] (13) The garment according to any one of the items (2) to
(12) above, wherein the easily stretchable portion (B) has a width
of approximately 1 cm to 10 cm.
[0029] (14) The garment according to any one of the items (3) to
(13) above, wherein, in a posterior side of the garment, the easily
stretchable portion (C) covers a region of the body ranging from a
slightly superior side of the sulcus gluteus to around the vicinity
of an upper end of the musculus gluteus maximus.
[0030] (15) The garment according to the items (1) to (14), wherein
a fabric composing the garment is a knitted fabric selected from a
two-way stretch tricot knitted fabric and a stretch raschel knitted
fabric.
[0031] (16) The garment according to the items (1) to (15), wherein
the garment is a garment selected from a girdle, spats, athletic
tights, and a pantyhose.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a long-type girdle as a
garment of the present invention, viewed from the anterior side of
the same.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the girdle shown in FIG. 1,
viewed from the posterior side thereof.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a standard-type girdle
viewed from the anterior side thereof.
[0035] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the girdle shown in FIG. 3,
viewed from the posterior side thereof.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a long-type girdle according
to another embodiment of a garment of the present invention, viewed
from the anterior side thereof.
[0037] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a long-type girdle according
to still another embodiment of a garment of the present invention,
viewed from the anterior side thereof.
[0038] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a long-type girdle according
to still another embodiment of a garment of the present invention,
viewed from the anterior side thereof.
[0039] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the girdle shown in FIG. 7,
viewed from the posterior side thereof.
[0040] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a long-type girdle according
to still another embodiment of a garment of the present invention,
viewed from the anterior side thereof.
[0041] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of athletic tights according
to an embodiment of a garment of the present invention, viewed from
the anterior side thereof.
[0042] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the athletic tights shown
in FIG. 10, viewed from the posterior side thereof.
[0043] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a semi-long-type girdle as
a garment of the present invention, viewed from the anterior side
thereof.
[0044] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating athletic tights
according to another embodiment of a garment of the present
invention, viewed from the anterior side thereof.
[0045] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a long-type
girdle according to still another embodiment of a garment of the
present invention, viewed from the anterior side thereof.
[0046] FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a girdle shown in
FIG. 14, viewed from the posterior side thereof.
[0047] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a fabric before cutting, from
which a piece for forming a part of the girdle shown in FIGS. 14
and 15 to cover mainly from the posterior to anterior lateral side
to the leg is to be obtained, which corresponds to a left-side half
of the human body.
[0048] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a conventional ordinary
girdle viewed from the anterior side thereof.
[0049] FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating the girdle shown
in FIG. 17, viewed from the posterior side thereof.
[0050] FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the femoral
region on the right side of the human body at about the midpoint
position in the lengthwise direction thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0051] The following will describe specific embodiments of the
present invention while referring to the drawings, though the
present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments.
[0052] Further, an expression of "in the vicinity of", which is
used herein for describing a position on the garment where an
easily stretchable portion is arranged, implies that if the part is
displaced slightly from a certain designated position, the
displacement is tolerated as long as it is within a range such that
the object of the present invention is achieved. Since a shape and
size of a human body and positions of muscles thereof are slightly
different from one individual body to another, even if a position
on the garment at which an easily stretchable portion is arranged
is displaced slightly from a certain designated position, the
displacement is tolerated as long as it is within a range such that
the object of the present invention is achieved.
[0053] It should be noted that among an "easily stretchable
portion" and a "less stretchable portion" in the present invention,
the "easily-stretchable portion" indicates a part having a
stretchability such that the part can be stretched easily in
response to a relatively weak stress. The "less stretchable
portion" indicates a part that needs the application of a greater
stress than the stress applied to the easily stretchable portion in
order to be stretched at the same ratio as that of the easily
stretchable portion, or a part that is a non-stretchable
portion.
[0054] Further, an expression of "substantially band-like shape"
implies that examples of a substantially band-like shape include
not only a band-like shape having a uniform width through its
lengthwise direction but also a band-like shape having a width that
varies in its lengthwise direction, and not only a band-like shape
which is straight in its lengthwise direction but also a band-like
shape which is curved. Further, the examples of the band-like shape
include an elliptic shape, a shape like a cross section of a convex
lens, and a shape like a cross section of a concave lens. In other
words, it implies that any shape is applicable as long as it has a
length greater than a width thereof.
[0055] Further, an expression of "substantially in a longitudinal
direction of the garment" implies that a tilt, if any, at an angle
in a range of .+-. approximately 40.degree. from a strictly-defined
longitudinal direction of the garment may be tolerated as long as
the object of the present invention can be achieved.
[0056] Still further, an expression of "substantially in the width
direction" implies that a tilt, if any, at an angle in a range of
.+-. approximately 40.degree. from a strictly-defined width
direction of the garment may be tolerated as long as the object of
the present invention can be achieved.
[0057] Still further, an expression of "a substantially band-like
shape extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the
garment" implies that the band-like shape has a lengthwise
direction directed substantially in the longitudinal direction of
the garment.
[0058] Still further, "at least" of the expression of "easily
stretchable at least substantially in a width direction thereof"
implies that as long as it is easily stretchable substantially in
the width direction, the stretchability in a direction
perpendicular to the width direction is optional.
[0059] Still further, "at least" of the expression of "easily
stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of
the garment" implies that as long as it is easily stretchable
substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment, the
stretchability in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction of the garment is optional.
[0060] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a long-type girdle as a
garment of the present invention, viewed from the anterior side of
the same, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the girdle shown in
FIG. 1, viewed from the posterior side thereof.
[0061] The girdle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes easily
stretchable portions (A)1, easily stretchable portions (B)2, and an
easily stretchable portion (C)3. Each of the easily stretchable
portions (A)1 covers a region along and in the vicinity of the
musculus rectus femoris on an anterior side of each femoral region,
has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in a
longitudinal direction of the garment and having a center position
in the width direction thereof that is positioned slightly on a
lateral side with respect to a longitudinal center line of an
anterior portion of the leg part, and is easily stretchable at
least substantially in a width direction thereof. Each of the
easily stretchable portions (B)2 covers a region of the human body
along the sulcus inguinalis and is easily stretchable at least
substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment. The
easily stretchable portion (C)3, in a posterior side of the
garment, covers a region of the body ranging from a slightly
superior side of the sulcus gluteus 4 to around the vicinity of an
upper end 6 of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily
stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of
the garment. Here, 4 denotes a position of the sulcus gluteus of in
the human body, and 5 denotes a top position of a bulge of hip. The
portion other than those described above is formed with a less
stretchable portion that is less stretchable than the easily
stretchable portions. More specifically, a girdle base shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 is formed with a two-way tricot fabric that is easily
stretchable in both of longitudinal and transversal directions of
the girdle, and a two-way power net that is more resistant to
stretching stress, that is, less stretchable than the foregoing
two-way tricot fabric, is laminated and attached by sewing on an
interior side of the entire girdle base except for the easily
stretchable portions 1, 2, and 3. Thus, in the case where the
garment base is formed with an easily stretchable fabric and
another fabric is laminated on an exterior and/or interior side of
a portion of the garment base that has to be less stretchable than
the easily stretchable fabric so as to form an easily stretchable
portion and a less stretchable portion, the fabric to be laminated
on the garment base may be a fabric having the same stretchability
as that of the easily stretchable portion. The laminated portion
may be formed so as to be less stretchable than the non-laminated
portion, that is, the easily stretchable portion. In other words,
by laminating a certain fabric, the laminated portion has a smaller
stretchability than that of the non-laminated portion. Therefore,
the fabric to be laminated on the garment base may be a fabric
having a greater stretchability than that of the easily stretchable
portion, a fabric having the same stretchability as that, a
stretchable fabric that is less stretchable than the easily
stretchable portion, or a non-stretchable fabric. The selection
from these may be carried out appropriately according to the type
of the garment, the location at which the fabric is laminated, the
required shaping degree, etc. It should be noted that, however, if
the less stretchable portion has an excessive stretchability, it is
likely that the function of preventing the garment from losing
shape and the shaping function cannot be performed
sufficiently.
[0062] Thus, the long-type girdle obtained has the easily
stretchable portions (A)1 each of which is easily stretchable at
least substantially in the width direction (in the present
embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and
transversal directions). Therefore, even if the muscles in the
femoral region, particularly the musculus rectus femoris, contracts
when the wearer raises the leg or bends the knee and this muscle
contraction causes an anterior side of the femoral region to jut
out widely on the anterior side as seen in the cross-sectional view
of the femoral region shown in FIG. 19B, the easily stretchable
portion (A)1 is stretched at least in the width direction,
following the foregoing action. Therefore, it is possible to
prevent the garment from losing shape, and to prevent the leg part
of the girdle from becoming tense and causing the sliding up of the
anterior hem thereof. Further, the present girdle has the easily
stretchable portions (B)2 easily stretchable at least substantially
in the longitudinal direction of the garment (in the present
embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and
transversal directions) in a region that covers a portion of the
human body along the sulcus inguinalis. When the wearer raises the
leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action causes the leg and
the torso to be folded in a "<" shape, like a hinge, around the
sulcus inguinalis as a center axis, thereby decreasing the angle
formed therebetween, or in contrast, when the wearer lowers the
leg, this action increases this angle. Thus, such an action causes
the fabric covering the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis to be
stretched or to be allowed to shrink. The easily stretchable
portion (B)2 sufficiently follows the foregoing stretch and
shrinkage, thereby preventing the leg part of the garment from
sliding up or preventing the fabric of the garment main body from
sliding up and forming creases gathered in the vicinity of the
sulcus inguinalis. Further, when the wearer is in a sitting
position, it is possible to reduce pressure on the vicinity of the
sulcus inguinalis, thereby providing an improved wearing
feeling.
[0063] In the present embodiment, the girdle further includes, on
its posterior side, the easily stretchable portion (C)3, which
covers a region of the human body ranging from a slightly superior
side of the sulcus gluteus 4 to around the vicinity of an upper end
6 of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at
least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment
(in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the
longitudinal and transversal directions). When the wearer raises
the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action normally causes
the torso and the leg to be folded in a "<" shape, changing an
angle (position relationship) formed therebetween around the
trochanter major as an axis. Therefore, the foregoing action of the
leg causes the upper and lower hem of the girdle on the posterior
side to be pulled toward the crotch part. However, since the easily
stretchable portion (C)3 is significantly easily stretchable in
response to the foregoing pulling force, it is possible to prevent
the waist part of the girdle from being pulled down (toward the
crotch part) and sliding down, and to prevent the posterior hems of
the girdle from being pulled up (toward the crotch part) and
sliding up.
[0064] Thus, it is possible to provide a girdle having the
following characteristics. The girdle is prevented from losing
shape. Further, since its entirety except for the easily
stretchable portions (A)1, (B)2, and (C)3 is less stretchable than
these easily stretchable portions, the girdle is configured so that
an abdominal portion 7 thereof is capable of keeping superfluous
flesh in the abdominal region from swelling out and controlling the
shape of the abdominal region beautifully, a waist portion 8
thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the waist region
from swelling out and controlling the shape of the waist so as to
be slimmer, and leg portions 9 thereof support the leg regions as
if they wrap the leg regions so as to control the shapes of the
legs beautifully. Further, since a portion 10 between the sulcus
gluteus 4 and the easily stretchable portion (C)3 is less
stretchable than the easily stretchable portions, this portion
performs the hip-up support function. Therefore, the girdle also
has a function for controlling the shape of the hips
beautifully.
[0065] Next, FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a standard-type girdle
(standard length) as a garment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is
a perspective view of a standard-type girdle viewed from the
anterior side of the same, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the
girdle shown in FIG. 3, viewed from the posterior side thereof.
[0066] The girdle shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is substantially identical
to the girdle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, except that it is designed so
that the leg parts are slightly shorter than the girdle shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 so as to be of a standard-type (with a standard
length).
[0067] More specifically, the girdle includes easily stretchable
portions (A)1, easily stretchable portions (B)2, and an easily
stretchable portion (C)3. Each of the easily stretchable portions
(A)1 covers a region along and in the vicinity of the musculus
rectus femoris on an anterior side of each femoral region, has a
substantially band-like shape extending substantially in a
longitudinal direction of the garment and having a center position
in the width direction thereof that is positioned slightly on a
lateral side with respect to a longitudinal center line of an
anterior portion of the leg part, and is easily stretchable at
least substantially in a width direction thereof. Each of the
easily stretchable portions (B)2 covers a region of the human body
along the sulcus inguinalis and is easily stretchable at least
substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment. The
easily stretchable portion (C)3, in a posterior side of the
garment, covers a region of the human body ranging from a slightly
superior side of the sulcus gluteus 4 to around the vicinity of an
upper end 6 of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily
stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of
the garment. Here, like in the girdle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, 4
denotes a position of the sulcus gluteus of the human body, and 5
denotes a top position of a bulge of hip. The portion other than
those described above is formed with a less stretchable portion
that is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portions. More
specifically, a girdle base shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is formed with a
two-way tricot fabric that is easily stretchable in both of
longitudinal and transversal directions of the girdle, and a
two-way power net that is more resistant to stretching stress, that
is, less stretchable than the foregoing two-way tricot fabric, is
laminated and attached by sewing on an interior side of the entire
girdle base except for the easily stretchable portions 1, 2, and
3.
[0068] Thus, the standard-type girdle obtained has the easily
stretchable portions (A)1 each of which is easily stretchable at
least substantially in the width direction (in the present
embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and
transversal directions). Therefore, even if the muscles in the
femoral region, particularly the musculus rectus femoris, contracts
when the wearer raises the leg or bends the knee and this muscle
contraction causes an anterior side of the femoral region to jut
out widely on the anterior side as seen in the cross-sectional view
of the femoral region shown in FIG. 19B, the easily stretchable
portion (A)1 is stretched at least in the width direction,
following the foregoing action. Therefore, it is possible to
prevent the garment from losing shape, and to prevent the leg part
of the girdle from becoming tense and causing the sliding up of the
anterior hem thereof. Further, the present girdle has the easily
stretchable portions (B)2 easily stretchable at least substantially
in the longitudinal direction of the garment (in the present
embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and
transversal directions) in a region that covers a portion of the
human body along the sulcus inguinalis. When the wearer raises the
leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action causes the leg and
the torso to be folded in a "<" shape, like a hinge, around the
sulcus inguinalis as a center axis, thereby decreasing the angle
formed therebetween, or in contrast, when the wearer lowers the
leg, this action increases this angle. Thus, such an action causes
the fabric covering the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis to be
stretched or to be allowed to shrink. The easily stretchable
portion (B)2 sufficiently follows the foregoing stretch and
shrinkage, thereby preventing the leg part of the garment from
sliding up or preventing the fabric of the garment main body from
sliding up and forming creases gathered in the vicinity of the
sulcus inguinalis. Further, when the wearer is in a sitting
position, it is possible to reduce pressure on the vicinity of the
sulcus inguinalis, thereby providing an improved wearing
feeling.
[0069] In the present embodiment, the girdle further includes, on
its posterior side, the easily stretchable portion (C)3, which
covers a region of the human body ranging from a slightly superior
side of the sulcus gluteus 4 to around the vicinity of an upper end
6 of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at
least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment
(in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the
longitudinal and transversal directions). When the wearer raises
the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action normally causes
the torso and the leg to be folded in a "<" shape, changing an
angle (position relationship) formed therebetween around the
trochanter major as an axis. Therefore, the foregoing action of the
leg causes the upper and lower hem of the girdle on the posterior
side to be pulled toward the crotch part. However, since the easily
stretchable portion (C)3 is significantly easily stretchable in
response to the foregoing pulling force, it is possible to prevent
the waist part of the girdle from being pulled down (toward the
crotch part) and sliding down, and to prevent the posterior hems of
the girdle from being pulled up (toward the crotch part) and
sliding up.
[0070] Thus, it is possible to provide a girdle having the
following characteristics. The girdle is prevented from losing
shape. Further, since its entirety except for the easily
stretchable portions (A)1, (B)2, and (C)3 is less stretchable than
these easily stretchable portions, the girdle is configured so that
an abdominal portion 7 thereof is capable of keeping superfluous
flesh in the abdominal region from swelling out and controlling the
shape of the abdominal region beautifully, a waist portion 8
thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the waist region
from swelling out and controlling the shape of the waist so as to
be slimmer, and leg portions 9 thereof support the leg regions as
if they wrap the leg regions so as to control the shapes of the
legs beautifully. Further, since a portion 10 between the sulcus
gluteus 4 and the easily stretchable portion (C)3 is less
stretchable than the easily stretchable portions, this portion
performs the hip-up support function. Therefore, the girdle also
has a function for controlling the shape of the hips
beautifully.
[0071] Next, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a long-type girdle
according to another embodiment of a garment of the present
invention, viewed from the anterior side thereof. A perspective
view of the long-type girdle shown in FIG. 5 viewed from the
posterior side thereof is omitted, since it is the same as FIG.
2.
[0072] The girdle shown in FIG. 5 differs from the girdle shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 in that each of the easily stretchable portions (A)1
covers a region along and in the vicinity of the musculus rectus
femoris on an anterior side of each femoral region, has a
substantially band-like shape extending substantially in a
longitudinal direction of the garment and having a center position
in the width direction thereof positioned slightly on a lateral
side with respect to a longitudinal center line of an anterior
portion of the leg part, and is easily stretchable at least
substantially in a width direction thereof, and further, it has a
width that increases with an increasing proximity to the hem of the
girdle. Except for this characteristic, the girdle has
characteristics identical to the girdle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0073] More specifically, the girdle includes easily stretchable
portions (A)1. Each of the easily stretchable portion (A)1 covers a
region along and in the vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on
an anterior side of each femoral region, has a substantially
band-like shape extending substantially in a longitudinal direction
of the garment and having a center position in the width direction
thereof that is positioned slightly on a lateral side with respect
to a longitudinal center line of an anterior portion of the leg
part, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width
direction thereof. The width of the easily stretchable portion (A)1
increases with an increasing proximity to the hem of the girdle.
The width of the easily stretchable portion (A)1, though not
particularly limited, preferably is not more than 8 cm where it is
widest. In this embodiment, the widest portion of the easily
stretchable portion (A)1 is to be applied on a belly of the
musculus rectus femoris, which exhibits the greatest
three-dimensional change, and this embodiment is one of preferred
embodiments. The garment also includes easily stretchable portion
(B)2, each of which covers a region of the human body along the
sulcus inguinalis and is easily stretchable at least substantially
in the longitudinal direction of the garment. Further, the garment
also, in a posterior side of the garment, includes an easily
stretchable portion (C)3 (see FIG. 2) that covers a region of the
human body ranging from a slightly superior side of the sulcus
gluteus 4 to around the vicinity of an upper end 6 of the musculus
gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at least substantially
in the longitudinal direction of the garment. The portion other
than those described above is formed with a less stretchable
portion that is less stretchable than the easily stretchable
portions. More specifically, a girdle base shown in FIG. 5 is
formed with a two-way tricot fabric that is easily stretchable in
both of longitudinal and transversal directions of the girdle, and
a two-way power net that is more resistant to stretching stress,
that is, less stretchable than the foregoing two-way tricot fabric,
is laminated and attached by sewing on an interior side of the
entire girdle base except for the easily stretchable portions 1, 2,
and 3.
[0074] Thus, the long-type girdle obtained has the easily
stretchable portions (A)1, each of which is easily stretchable at
least substantially in the width direction (in the present
embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and
transversal directions), and further, has a width increasing with
an increasing proximity to the hem of the girdle. Therefore, even
if the muscles in the femoral region, particularly the musculus
rectus femoris, contracts when the wearer raises the leg or bends
the knee and this muscle contraction causes an anterior side of the
femoral region to jut out widely on the anterior side as seen in
the cross-sectional view of the femoral region shown in FIG. 19B,
the easily stretchable portion (A)1 is stretched at least in the
width direction and allows the garment to perform more effectively
the function of following the foregoing action. Therefore, it is
possible to prevent the garment from losing shape, and to prevent
the leg part of the girdle from becoming tense and causing the
sliding up of the anterior hem thereof. Further, the present girdle
includes the easily stretchable portions (B)2 easily stretchable at
least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment
(in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the
longitudinal and transversal directions) in a region that covers a
portion of the human body along the sulcus inguinalis. When the
wearer raises the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action
causes the leg and the torso to be folded in a "<" shape, like a
hinge, around the sulcus inguinalis as a center axis, thereby
decreasing the angle formed therebetween, or in contrast, when the
wearer lowers the leg, this action increases this angle. Thus, such
an action causes the fabric covering the vicinity of the sulcus
inguinalis to be stretched or to be allowed to shrink. The easily
stretchable portion (B)2 sufficiently follows the foregoing stretch
and shrinkage, thereby preventing the leg part of the garment from
sliding up or preventing the fabric of the garment main body from
sliding up and forming creases gathered in the vicinity of the
sulcus inguinalis. Further, when the wearer is in a sitting
position, it is possible to reduce pressure on the vicinity of the
sulcus inguinalis, thereby providing an improved wearing
feeling.
[0075] In the present embodiment, the girdle further includes, on
its posterior side, the easily stretchable portion (C)3, which
covers a region of the human body ranging from a slightly superior
side of the sulcus gluteus 4 to around the vicinity of an upper end
6 of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at
least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment
(in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the
longitudinal and transversal directions). When the wearer raises
the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action normally causes
the torso and the leg to be folded in a "<" shape, changing an
angle (position relationship) formed therebetween around the
trochanter major as an axis. Therefore, the foregoing action of the
leg causes the upper and lower hem of the girdle on the posterior
side to be pulled toward the crotch part. However, since the easily
stretchable portion (C)3 is significantly easily stretchable in
response to the foregoing pulling force, it is possible to prevent
the waist part of the girdle from being pulled down (toward the
crotch part) and sliding down, and to prevent the posterior hems of
the girdle from being pulled up (toward the crotch part) and
sliding up.
[0076] Thus, it is possible to provide a girdle having the
following characteristics. The girdle is prevented from losing
shape. Further, since its entirety except for the easily
stretchable portions (A)1, (B)2, and (C)3 is less stretchable than
these easily stretchable portions, the girdle is configured so that
an abdominal portion 7 thereof is capable of keeping superfluous
flesh in the abdominal region from swelling out and controlling the
shape of the abdominal region beautifully, a waist portion 8
thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the waist region
from swelling out and controlling the shape of the waist so as to
be slimmer, and leg portions 9 thereof support the leg regions as
if they wrap the leg regions so as to control the shapes of the
legs beautifully. Further, since a portion 10 between the sulcus
gluteus 4 and the easily stretchable portion (C)3 is less
stretchable than the easily stretchable portions, this portion
performs the hip-up support function. Therefore, the girdle also
has a function for controlling the shape of the hips
beautifully.
[0077] Next, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a long-type girdle
according to still another embodiment of a garment of the present
invention, viewed from the anterior side thereof. A perspective
view of the long-type girdle shown in FIG. 6 viewed from the
posterior side thereof is omitted, since it is the same as FIG.
2.
[0078] The girdle shown in FIG. 6 differs from the girdle shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 in that the girdle shown in FIG. 6 further includes
an easily stretchable portion (A-1)1b that is arranged
substantially in parallel with the easily stretchable portion (A)1,
that has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in
the longitudinal direction of the garment, and that is easily
stretchable at least in a width direction thereof, on a lateral
side of each of the easily stretchable portions (A)1 that covers a
region along and in the vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on
an anterior side of each femoral region, has a substantially
band-like shape extending substantially in a longitudinal direction
of the garment and having a center position in the width direction
thereof positioned slightly on a lateral side with respect to a
longitudinal center line of an anterior portion of the leg part,
and is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width
direction thereof. Except for this characteristic, the girdle has
characteristics identical to the girdle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0079] More specifically, the girdle includes easily stretchable
portions (A)1, and easily stretchable portions (A-1)1 each of which
is arranged on the lateral side of each easily stretchable portion
(A)1. Each of the easily stretchable portion (A)1 covers a region
along and in the vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on an
anterior side of each femoral region, has a substantially band-like
shape extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the
garment and having a center position in the width direction thereof
that is positioned slightly on a lateral side with respect to a
longitudinal center line of an anterior portion of the leg part,
and is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width
direction thereof. Each easily stretchable portion (A-1)1b is
arranged substantially in parallel with the easily stretchable
portion (A)1, has a substantially band-like shape extending
substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment, and is
easily stretchable at least in a width direction thereof. It should
be noted that in the present embodiment, though not limited
particularly, a sum of the width of the easily stretchable portion
(A)1 and the easily stretchable portion (A-1)1b preferably is in a
range of 3 cm to 8 cm. The garment also includes easily stretchable
portion (B)2, each of which covers a region of the human body along
the sulcus inguinalis and is easily stretchable at least
substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment.
Further, the garment also, in a posterior side of the garment,
includes an easily stretchable portion (C)3 (see FIG. 2) that
covers a region of the human body ranging from a slightly superior
side of the sulcus gluteus 4 to around the vicinity of an upper end
6 of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at
least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment.
The portion other than those described above is formed with a less
stretchable portion that is less stretchable than the easily
stretchable portions. More specifically, a girdle base shown in
FIG. 6 is formed with a two-way tricot fabric that is easily
stretchable in both of longitudinal and transversal directions of
the girdle, and a two-way power net that is more resistant to
stretching stress, that is, less stretchable than the foregoing
two-way tricot fabric, is laminated and attached by sewing on an
interior side of the entire girdle base except for the easily
stretchable portions 1, 2, and 3.
[0080] Thus, the long-type girdle obtained has the easily
stretchable portions (A)1, each of which is easily stretchable at
least substantially in the width direction (in the present
embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and
transversal directions), and the easily stretchable portions
(A-1)1b, each of which is arranged substantially in parallel with
the easily stretchable portion (A)1, has a substantially band-like
shape extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the
garment, and is easily stretchable at least in a width direction
thereof (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of
the longitudinal and transversal directions). Therefore, the easily
stretchable portion (A-1)1b absorbs such motions of the femoral
region, changes in the muscle shapes, etc., that cannot be absorbed
only by the easily stretchable portion (A)1 that covers a region
over the musculus rectus femoris, and enables the girdle to follow
motions of the femoral region more easily. Therefore, even if the
muscles in the femoral region, particularly the musculus rectus
femoris, contracts when the wearer raises the leg or bends the knee
and this muscle contraction causes an anterior side of the femoral
region to jut out widely on the anterior side as seen in the
cross-sectional view of the femoral region shown in FIG. 19B, the
easily stretchable portion (A)1 is stretched at least in the width
direction and allows the garment to perform more effectively the
function of following the foregoing action. Therefore, it is
possible to prevent the garment from losing shape, and to prevent
the leg part of the girdle from becoming tense and causing the
sliding up of the anterior hem thereof. Further, the present girdle
includes the easily stretchable portions (B)2 easily stretchable at
least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment
(in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the
longitudinal and transversal directions) in a region that covers a
portion of the human body along the sulcus inguinalis. When the
wearer raises the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action
causes the leg and the torso to be folded in a "<" shape, like a
hinge, around the sulcus inguinalis as a center axis, thereby
decreasing the angle formed therebetween, or in contrast, when the
wearer lowers the leg, this action increases this angle. Thus, such
an action causes the fabric covering the vicinity of the sulcus
inguinalis to be stretched or to be allowed to shrink. The easily
stretchable portion (B)2 sufficiently follows the foregoing stretch
and shrinkage, thereby preventing the leg part of the garment from
sliding up or preventing the fabric of the garment main body from
sliding up and forming creases gathered in the vicinity of the
sulcus inguinalis. Further, when the wearer is in a sitting
position, it is possible to reduce pressure on the vicinity of the
sulcus inguinalis, thereby providing an improved wearing
feeling.
[0081] In the present embodiment, the girdle further includes, on
its posterior side, the easily stretchable portion (C)3, which
covers a region of the human body ranging from a slightly superior
side of the sulcus gluteus 4 to around the vicinity of an upper end
6 of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at
least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment
(in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the
longitudinal and transversal directions). When the wearer raises
the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action normally causes
the torso and the leg to be folded in a "<" shape, changing an
angle (position relationship) formed therebetween around the
trochanter major as an axis. Therefore, the foregoing action of the
leg causes the upper and lower hem of the girdle on the posterior
side to be pulled toward the crotch part. However, since the easily
stretchable portion (C)3 is significantly easily stretchable in
response to the foregoing pulling force, it is possible to prevent
the waist part of the girdle from being pulled down (toward the
crotch part) and sliding down, and to prevent the posterior hems of
the girdle from being pulled up (toward the crotch part) and
sliding up.
[0082] Thus, it is possible to provide a girdle having the
following characteristics. The girdle is prevented from losing
shape. Further, since its entirety except for the easily
stretchable portions (A)1, (B)2, and (C)3 is less stretchable than
these easily stretchable portions, the girdle is configured so that
an abdominal portion 7 thereof is capable of keeping superfluous
flesh in the abdominal region from swelling out and controlling the
shape of the abdominal region beautifully, a waist portion 8
thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the waist region
from swelling out and controlling the shape of the waist so as to
be slimmer, and leg portions 9 thereof support the leg regions as
if they wrap the leg regions so as to control the shapes of the
legs beautifully. Further, since a portion 10 between the sulcus
gluteus 4 and the easily stretchable portion (C)3 is less
stretchable than the easily stretchable portions, this portion
performs the hip-up support function. Therefore, the girdle also
has a function for controlling the shape of the hips
beautifully.
[0083] It should be noted that the present embodiment is described
with reference to an example in which the easily stretchable
portion (A-1)1b is arranged on a lateral side of each easily
stretchable portion (A)1, but the easily stretchable portion
(A-1)1b may be arranged on an opposite side with respect to the
easily stretchable portion (A)1, that is, on a medial side of the
easily stretchable portion (A)1 near the anterior center of the
girdle, or alternatively, may be arranged on both medial and
lateral sides as required. Alternatively, an easily stretchable
portion equivalent to two easily stretchable portions (A-1) may be
arranged on only either of the lateral side of the easily
stretchable portion (A-1) or on the medial side near the anterior
center of the girdle with respect to the easily stretchable portion
(A)1. It should be noted that it is not preferable to increase the
number of the portions to an extent significantly exceeding the
number described above, and a sum of widths thereof preferably is
approximately 3 cm to 8 cm particularly, since in this case the
above-described functions can be performed effectively. An
excessive increase in the number, or an excessive increase or
decrease in the total width of the same, tends to rather
deteriorate the functions.
[0084] Next, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a long-type girdle
according to still another embodiment of a garment of the present
invention, viewed from the anterior side thereof, and FIG. 8 is a
perspective view of the same viewed from the posterior side.
[0085] The girdle shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 differs from the girdle
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in the following points. Each of the easily
stretchable portions (A)1, which covers a region along and in the
vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on an anterior side of each
femoral region, has a substantially band-like shape extending
substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment and having
a center position in the width direction thereof positioned
slightly on a lateral side with respect to a longitudinal center
line of an anterior portion of the leg part, and is easily
stretchable at least substantially in a width direction thereof.
Further, each of the easily stretchable portions (A)1 has a shape
like a cross-sectional shape of a convex lens that has thinned
upper and lower ends, with outlines being converged at the ends.
Still further, each of the easily stretchable portion (B)2, which
covers a region of the human body along the sulcus inguinalis and
is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal
direction of the garment, also has a shape like a cross-sectional
shape of a convex lens, having thinned ends on the lateral side and
on the medial side near the anterior center, with outlines being
converged at the ends. Further, the easily stretchable portion (A)1
and the easily stretchable portion (B)2 are not connected with each
other. Still further, each easily stretchable portion (C)3, which
covers a region of the human body ranging from a slightly superior
side of the sulcus gluteus 4 to around the vicinity of an upper end
6 of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at
least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment,
also is not connected with the easily stretchable portion (B)2.
Except for these characteristics, the girdle has characteristics
identical to the girdle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The portion other
than those described above is formed with a less stretchable
portion that is less stretchable than the easily stretchable
portions. More specifically, a girdle base shown in FIGS. 7 and 8
is formed with a two-way tricot fabric that is easily stretchable
in both of longitudinal and transversal directions of the girdle,
and a two-way power net that is more resistant to stretching
stress, that is, less stretchable than the foregoing two-way tricot
fabric, is laminated and attached by sewing on an interior side of
the entire girdle base except for the easily stretchable portions
1, 2, and 3.
[0086] Thus, the long-type girdle obtained has the easily
stretchable portions (A)1, each of which is easily stretchable at
least substantially in the width direction (in the present
embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and
transversal directions). Therefore, even if the muscles in the
femoral region, particularly the musculus rectus femoris, contracts
when the wearer raises the leg or bends the knee and this muscle
contraction causes an anterior side of the femoral region to jut
out widely on the anterior side as seen in the cross-sectional view
of the femoral region shown in FIG. 19B, the easily stretchable
portion (A)1 is stretched at least in the width direction and
allows the garment to perform the function of following the
foregoing action. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the garment
from losing shape, and to prevent the leg part of the girdle from
becoming tense and causing the sliding up of the anterior hem
thereof. Further, the present girdle includes the easily
stretchable portions (B)2 easily stretchable at least substantially
in the longitudinal direction of the garment (in the present
embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and
transversal directions) in a region that covers a portion of the
human body along the sulcus inguinalis. When the wearer raises the
leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action causes the leg and
the torso to be folded in a "<" shape, like a hinge, around the
sulcus inguinalis as a center axis, thereby decreasing the angle
formed therebetween, or in contrast, when the wearer lowers the
leg, this action increases this angle. Thus, such an action causes
the fabric covering the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis to be
stretched or to be allowed to shrink. The easily stretchable
portion (B)2 sufficiently follows the foregoing stretch and
shrinkage, thereby preventing the leg part of the garment from
sliding up or preventing the fabric of the garment main body from
sliding up and forming creases gathered in the vicinity of the
sulcus inguinalis. Further, when the wearer is in a sitting
position, it is possible to reduce pressure on the vicinity of the
sulcus inguinalis, thereby providing an improved wearing
feeling.
[0087] In the present embodiment, the girdle further includes, on
its posterior side, the easily stretchable portion (C)3, which
covers a region of the human body ranging from a slightly superior
side of the sulcus gluteus 4 to around the vicinity of an upper end
6 of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at
least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment
(in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the
longitudinal and transversal directions). When the wearer raises
the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action normally causes
the torso and the leg to be folded in a "<" shape, changing an
angle (position relationship) formed therebetween around the
trochanter major as an axis. Therefore, the foregoing action of the
leg causes the upper and lower hem of the girdle on the posterior
side to be pulled toward the crotch part. However, since the easily
stretchable portion (C)3 is significantly easily stretchable in
response to the foregoing pulling force, it is possible to prevent
the waist part of the girdle from being pulled down (toward the
crotch part) and sliding down, and to prevent the posterior hems of
the girdle from being pulled up (toward the crotch part) and
sliding up.
[0088] Thus, it is possible to provide a girdle having the
following characteristics. The girdle is prevented from losing
shape. Further, since its entirety except for the easily
stretchable portions (A)1, (B)2, and (C)3 is less stretchable than
these easily stretchable portions, the girdle is configured so that
an abdominal portion 7 thereof is capable of keeping superfluous
flesh in the abdominal region from swelling out and controlling the
shape of the abdominal region beautifully, a waist portion 8
thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the waist region
from swelling out and controlling the shape of the waist so as to
be slimmer, and leg portions 9 thereof support the leg regions as
if they wrap the leg regions so as to control the shapes of the
legs beautifully. Further, since a portion 10 between the sulcus
gluteus 4 and the easily stretchable portion (C)3 is less
stretchable than the easily stretchable portions, this portion
performs the hip-up support function. Therefore, the girdle also
has a function for controlling the shape of the hips
beautifully.
[0089] Next, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a long-type girdle
according to still another embodiment of a garment of the present
invention, viewed from the anterior side thereof. A perspective of
the long-type girdle shown in FIG. 9 viewed from the posterior side
is omitted, since it is the same as FIG. 8.
[0090] The girdle shown in FIG. 9 differs from the girdle shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 in the following points. Each of the easily
stretchable portions (A)1, which covers a region along and in the
vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on an anterior side of each
femoral region, has a substantially band-like shape extending
substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment and having
a center position in the width direction thereof positioned
slightly on a lateral side with respect to a longitudinal center
line of an anterior portion of the leg part, and is easily
stretchable at least substantially in a width direction thereof,
further has a shape having a thinned lower end, with outlines being
converged at the end. Further, each of the easily stretchable
portions (B)2, which covers a region of the human body along the
sulcus inguinalis and is easily stretchable at least substantially
in the longitudinal direction of the garment, also has a shape with
a thinned end on the lateral side, with outlines being converged at
the end. Thus, the girdle is configured as if the easily
stretchable portion (A)1 and the easily stretchable portion (B)2 in
the girdle shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are connected with each other.
Further, each easily stretchable portion (C) 3, which covers a
region of the human body ranging from a slightly superior side of
the sulcus gluteus 4 to around the vicinity of an upper end 6 of
the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at least
substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment, is not
connected with the easily stretchable portion (B)2, as in the case
of the girdle shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Except for these
characteristics, the girdle has characteristics identical to the
girdle shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The portion other than those
described above is formed with a less stretchable portion that is
less stretchable than the easily stretchable portions. More
specifically, a girdle base shown in FIG. 9 is formed with a
two-way tricot fabric that is easily stretchable in both of
longitudinal and transversal directions of the girdle, and a
two-way power net that is more resistant to stretching stress, that
is, less stretchable than the foregoing two-way tricot fabric, is
laminated and attached by sewing on an interior side of the entire
girdle base except for the easily stretchable portions 1, 2, and
3.
[0091] Thus, the long-type girdle obtained has the easily
stretchable portions (A)1, each of which is easily stretchable at
least substantially in the width direction (in the present
embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and
transversal directions). Therefore, even if the muscles in the
femoral region, particularly the musculus rectus femoris, contracts
when the wearer raises the leg or bends the knee and this muscle
contraction causes an anterior side of the femoral region to jut
out widely on the anterior side as seen in the cross-sectional view
of the femoral region shown in FIG. 19B, the easily stretchable
portion (A)1 is stretched at least in the width direction and
allows the garment to perform the function of following the
foregoing action. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the garment
from losing shape, and to prevent the leg part of the girdle from
becoming tense and causing the sliding up of the anterior hem
thereof. Further, the present girdle includes the easily
stretchable portions (B)2 easily stretchable at least substantially
in the longitudinal direction of the garment (in the present
embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and
transversal directions) in a region that covers a portion of the
human body along the sulcus inguinalis. When the wearer raises the
leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action causes the leg and
the torso to be folded in a "<" shape, like a hinge, around the
sulcus inguinalis as a center axis, thereby decreasing the angle
formed therebetween, or in contrast, when the wearer lowers the
leg, this action increases this angle. Thus, such an action causes
the fabric covering the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis to be
stretched or to be allowed to shrink. The easily stretchable
portion (B)2 sufficiently follows the foregoing stretch and
shrinkage, thereby preventing the leg part of the garment from
sliding up or preventing the fabric of the garment main body from
sliding up and forming creases gathered in the vicinity of the
sulcus inguinalis. Further, when the wearer is in a sitting
position, it is possible to reduce pressure on the vicinity of the
sulcus inguinalis, thereby providing an improved wearing
feeling.
[0092] In the present embodiment, the girdle further includes, on
its posterior side, the easily stretchable portion (C)3, which
covers a region of the human body ranging from a slightly superior
side of the sulcus gluteus 4 to around the vicinity of an upper end
6 of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at
least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment
(in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the
longitudinal and transversal directions). When the wearer raises
the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action normally causes
the torso and the leg to be folded in a "<" shape, changing an
angle (position relationship) formed therebetween around the
trochanter major as an axis. Therefore, the foregoing action of the
leg causes the upper and lower hem of the girdle on the posterior
side to be pulled toward the crotch part. However, since the easily
stretchable portion (C)3 is significantly easily stretchable in
response to the foregoing pulling force, it is possible to prevent
the waist part of the girdle from being pulled down (toward the
crotch part) and sliding down, and to prevent the posterior hems of
the girdle from being pulled up (toward the crotch part) and
sliding up.
[0093] Thus, it is possible to provide a girdle having the
following characteristics. The girdle is prevented from losing
shape. Further, since its entirety except for the easily
stretchable portions (A)1, (B)2, and (C)3 is less stretchable than
these easily stretchable portions, the girdle is configured so that
an abdominal portion 7 thereof is capable of keeping superfluous
flesh in the abdominal region from swelling out and controlling the
shape of the abdominal region beautifully, a waist portion 8
thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the waist region
from swelling out and controlling the shape of the waist so as to
be slimmer, and leg portions 9 thereof support the leg regions as
if they wrap the leg regions so as to control the shapes of the
legs beautifully. Further, since a portion 10 (see FIG. 8) between
the sulcus gluteus 4 and the easily stretchable portion (C)3 is
less stretchable than the easily stretchable portions, this portion
performs the hip-up support function. Therefore, the girdle also
has a function for controlling the shape of the hips
beautifully.
[0094] Next, FIG. 10 is a perspective view of athletic tights
according to one of embodiments of a garment of the present
invention, viewed from the anterior side thereof, and FIG. 11 is a
perspective view of the same viewed from the posterior side.
[0095] The athletic tights shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 differ from the
girdle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in the following points. The athletic
tights are long-type tights covering the legs to their ankles, and
therefore, each of the easily stretchable portions (A)1, which
covers a region along and in the vicinity of the musculus rectus
femoris on an anterior side of each femoral region, has a
substantially band-like shape extending substantially in a
longitudinal direction of the garment and having a center position
in the width direction thereof positioned slightly on a lateral
side with respect to a longitudinal center line of an anterior
portion of the leg part, and is easily stretchable at least
substantially in a width direction thereof, extends to the ankle.
Except for these characteristics, the athletic tights have
characteristics identical to the girdle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The
portion other than those described above is formed with a less
stretchable portion that is less stretchable than the easily
stretchable portions. More specifically, a tights base shown in
FIGS. 10 and 11 is formed with a two-way power net fabric that is
easily stretchable in both of longitudinal and transversal
directions of the tights, and a two-way power net that is more
resistant to stretching stress, that is, less stretchable than the
foregoing two-way power net fabric, is laminated and attached by
sewing on an interior side of the entire tights base except for the
easily stretchable portions 1, 2, and 3.
[0096] Thus, the athletic tights obtained have the easily
stretchable portions (A)1, each of which is easily stretchable at
least substantially in the width direction (in the present
embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and
transversal directions). Therefore, even if the muscles in the
femoral region, particularly the musculus rectus femoris, contracts
when the wearer raises the leg or bends the knee and this muscle
contraction causes an anterior side of the femoral region to jut
out widely on the anterior side as seen in the cross-sectional view
of the femoral region shown in FIG. 19B, the easily stretchable
portion (A)1 is stretched at least in the width direction and
allows the garment to perform the function of following the
foregoing action. Further, the present garment includes the easily
stretchable portions (B)2 easily stretchable at least substantially
in the longitudinal direction of the garment (in the present
embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and
transversal directions) in a region that covers a portion of the
human body along the sulcus inguinalis. When the wearer raises the
leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action causes the leg and
the torso to be folded in a "<" shape, like a hinge, around the
sulcus inguinalis as a center axis, thereby decreasing the angle
formed therebetween, or in contrast, when the wearer lowers the
leg, this action increases this angle. Thus, such an action causes
the fabric covering the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis to be
stretched or to be allowed to shrink. The easily stretchable
portion (B)2 sufficiently follows the foregoing stretch and
shrinkage, thereby preventing the leg part of the garment from
sliding up or preventing the fabric of the garment base from
sliding up and forming creases gathered in the vicinity of the
sulcus inguinalis. Further, when the wearer is in a sitting
position, it is possible to reduce pressure on the vicinity of the
sulcus inguinalis, thereby providing an improved wearing
feeling.
[0097] In the present embodiment, the athletic tights further
include, on their posterior side, the easily stretchable portion
(C)3, which covers a region of the human body ranging from a
slightly superior side of the sulcus gluteus 4 to around the
vicinity of an upper end 6 of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is
easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal
direction of the garment (in the present embodiment, easily
stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal
directions). When the wearer raises the leg, bends the knee, or
sits down, this action normally causes the torso and the leg to be
folded in a "<" shape, changing an angle (position relationship)
formed therebetween around the trochanter major as an axis.
Therefore, the foregoing action of the leg causes the upper and
lower hems of the athletic tights on the posterior side to be
pulled toward the crotch part. However, since the easily
stretchable portion (C)3 is significantly easily stretchable in
response to the foregoing pulling force, it is possible to prevent
the waist part of the athletic tights from being pulled down
(toward the crotch part) and sliding down, and to prevent the
posterior hems of the athletic tights from being pulled up (toward
the crotch part) and sliding up. Still further, any displacement of
the athletic tights to the right or left side (displacement of the
fabric in close contact with the femoral regions toward the right
or left side or diagonally), or any twist of the same, does not
occur during sports, and the athletic tights do not hinder the
contraction of muscles of the femoral regions, particularly, the
musculus rectus femoris.
[0098] Thus, it is possible to provide athletic tights having the
following characteristics. The athletic tights are prevented from
losing shape. Further, since the entirety except for the easily
stretchable portions (A)1, (B)2, and (C)3 is less stretchable than
these easily stretchable portions, the athletic tights are
configured so that an abdominal portion 7 thereof is capable of
keeping superfluous flesh in the abdominal region from swelling out
and controlling the shape of the abdominal region beautifully, a
waist portion 8 thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in
the waist region from swelling out and controlling the shape of the
waist so as to be slimmer, and leg portions 9 thereof support the
leg regions as if they wrap the leg regions so as to control the
shapes of the legs beautifully. Further, since a portion 10 between
the sulcus gluteus 4 and the easily stretchable portion (C)3 is
less stretchable than the easily stretchable portions, this portion
performs the hip-up support function. Therefore, the athletic
tights also have a function for controlling the shape of the hips
beautifully.
[0099] It should be noted that though the athletic tights shown in
FIGS. 10 and 11 have a length to the ankles (ankle-length), the
present invention is effectively applicable to under-knee-length
tights with a length to immediately under the knee, or
above-knee-length (half-length) tights, which is eloquent from the
viewpoint of the application of the long-type girdles described
above with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 to 9.
[0100] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a semi-long-type girdle as
a garment of the present invention, viewed from the anterior side
of the same.
[0101] The girdle shown in FIG. 12 includes easily stretchable
portions (A) 1 each of which covers a region along and in the
vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on an anterior side of each
femoral region, has a substantially band-like shape extending
substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment and having
a center position in the width direction thereof that is positioned
slightly on a lateral side with respect to a longitudinal center
line of an anterior portion of the leg part, and is easily
stretchable at least substantially in a width direction thereof.
The portion other than the easily stretchable portions (A)1
described above is formed with a less stretchable portion that is
less stretchable than the easily stretchable portions. More
specifically, a girdle base shown in FIG. 12 is formed with a
two-way tricot fabric that is easily stretchable in both of
longitudinal and transversal directions of the girdle, and a
two-way power net that is more resistant to stretching stress, that
is, less stretchable than the foregoing two-way tricot fabric, is
laminated and attached by sewing on an interior side of the entire
girdle base except for the easily stretchable portions 1.
[0102] Thus, the semi-long-type girdle obtained has the easily
stretchable portions (A)1 each of which is easily stretchable at
least substantially in the width direction (in the present
embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and
transversal directions). Therefore, even if the muscles in the
femoral region, particularly the musculus rectus femoris, contracts
when the wearer raises the leg or bends the knee and this muscle
contraction causes an anterior side of the femoral region to jut
out widely on the anterior side as seen in the cross-sectional view
of the femoral region shown in FIG. 19B, the easily stretchable
portion (A)1 is stretched at least in the width direction,
following the foregoing action. Therefore, it is possible to
prevent the garment from losing shape, and to prevent the leg part
of the girdle from becoming tense and causing the sliding up of the
anterior hem thereof.
[0103] Thus, it is possible to provide a girdle having the
following characteristics. The girdle is prevented from losing
shape. Further, since its entirety except for the easily
stretchable portions (A)1 is less stretchable than these easily
stretchable portions, the girdle is configured so that an abdominal
portion 7 thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the
abdominal region from swelling out and controlling the shape of the
abdominal region beautifully, a waist portion thereof is capable of
keeping superfluous flesh in the waist region from swelling out and
controlling the shape of the waist so as to be slimmer, and leg
portions 9 thereof support the leg regions as if they wrap the leg
regions so as to control the shapes of the legs beautifully.
[0104] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of athletic tights according
to another embodiment of a garment of the present invention, viewed
from the anterior side of the same.
[0105] The athletic tights shown in FIG. 13 include easily
stretchable portions (A)1 each of which covers a region along and
in the vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on an anterior side
of each femoral region, has a substantially band-like shape
extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment
and having a center position in the width direction thereof that is
positioned slightly on a lateral side with respect to a
longitudinal center line of an anterior portion of the leg part,
and is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width
direction thereof. The portion other than the easily stretchable
portions (A)1 described above is formed with a less stretchable
portion that is less stretchable than the easily stretchable
portions. More specifically, a tights base shown in FIG. 13 is
formed with a two-way power net fabric that is easily stretchable
in both of longitudinal and transversal directions of the athletic
tights, and a two-way power net that is more resistant to
stretching stress, that is, less stretchable than the foregoing
two-way power net fabric, is laminated and attached by sewing on an
interior side of the entire tights base except for the easily
stretchable portions 1.
[0106] Thus, the athletic tights obtained have the easily
stretchable portions (A)1 each of which is easily stretchable at
least substantially in the width direction (in the present
embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and
transversal directions). Therefore, even if the muscles in the
femoral region, particularly the musculus rectus femoris, contracts
when the wearer raises the leg or bends the knee and this muscle
contraction causes an anterior side of the femoral region to jut
out widely on the anterior side as seen in the cross-sectional view
of the femoral region shown in FIG. 19B, the easily stretchable
portion (A)1 is stretched at least in the width direction, and
allows the athletic tights to follow the foregoing action. Further,
any displacement of the athletic tights to the right or left side
(displacement of the fabric in close contact with the femoral
regions toward the right or left side or diagonally), or any twist
of the same, does not occur during sports, and the athletic tights
do not hinder the contraction of muscles of the femoral regions,
particularly, the musculus rectus femoris.
[0107] Thus, it is possible to provide athletic tights having the
following characteristics. The athletic tights are prevented from
losing shape. Further, since its entirety except for the easily
stretchable portions (A)1 is less stretchable than these easily
stretchable portions, the athletic tights are configured so that an
abdominal portion 7 thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh
in the abdominal region from swelling out and controlling the shape
of the abdominal region beautifully, a waist portion thereof is
capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the waist region from
swelling out and controlling the shape of the waist so as to be
slimmer, and leg portions 9 thereof support the leg regions as if
they wrap the leg regions so as to control the shapes of the legs
beautifully.
[0108] It should be noted that though the athletic tights shown in
FIG. 13 have a length to the ankles (ankle-length), the present
invention is significantly effectively applicable to
under-knee-length tights with a length to immediately under the
knee, or above-knee-length (half-length) tights, which is eloquent
from the viewpoint of the application of the long-type girdles
described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 to 9.
[0109] Next, FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a long-type
girdle according to still another embodiment of a garment of the
present invention, viewed from the anterior side thereof, and FIG.
15 is a perspective view illustrating the same viewed from the
posterior side thereof. FIG. 16 is a plan view of a fabric before
cutting, from which a piece for forming a part of the girdle shown
in FIGS. 14 and 15 to cover mainly from the posterior to anterior
lateral side to the leg is to be obtained, which corresponds to a
left-side half of the human body.
[0110] The girdle shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 includes easily
stretchable portions (A)1, and an easily stretchable portion (C)3.
Each of the easily stretchable portions (A)1 covers a region along
and in the vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on an anterior
side of each femoral region, has a substantially band-like shape
extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment
and having a center position in the width direction thereof that is
positioned slightly on a lateral side with respect to a
longitudinal center line of an anterior portion of the leg part,
and is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width
direction thereof. The easily stretchable portion (C)3 covers a
region of the body ranging from a slightly superior side of the
sulcus gluteus to around the vicinity of an upper end of the
musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at least
substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment. Here,
the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions
are not formed into desired patterns by laminating fabric pieces,
but in the present embodiment, they are formed by knitting so that
the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions
are knitted differently by varying knitting stitch. Particularly,
the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions
are formed by jacquard knitting so that the easily stretchable
portions and the less stretchable portions are knitted differently
into patterns by varying knitting stitch of the jacquard knitting.
Further, a thickness of an elastic yarn inserted in a wale
direction (the wale direction is a direction in which a yarn is
supplied in warp knitting, or in other words, a direction in which
a fabric knitted by a jacquard warp knitting machine is discharged
from the warp knitting machine, which is a horizontal direction of
FIGS. 14 to 16, that is, a direction indicated by an arrow S) is
varied from one zone to another. Thus, in the present embodiment,
the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions
are formed by combining the variation of the knitting stitch and
the variation of the thickness of the inserted elastic yarn from
one zone to another. Alternate long and short dash lines in he
drawing indicate boundaries at which the thickness of the elastic
yarn changes, and solid lines indicate boundaries at which the
knitting stitch formed by the jacquard knitting changes. In FIG.
16, an outline at which a part of the girdle ranging from the
posterior to anterior lateral side to the leg, corresponding to a
left-side half of the human body, is cut out is indicated by a
dotted line (a dotted line A-B-C-D-E-F-G) (margins to seam are
omitted in the drawing). It should be noted that in the present
embodiment, portions to which the variation of the knitting
according to the variation of the knitting stitch and the variation
of the thickness of the inserted elastic yarn from one zone to
another are applied are pieces each of which is for forming a part
of the girdle, to cover mainly from the posterior to anterior
lateral side to the leg, and corresponding to each of the left-side
and right-side halves of the human body.
[0111] Further, in the present embodiment, basically, a mesh-type
net stitch is used for forming the easily stretchable portions, and
a satin-type net stitch is used for forming the less stretchable
portions. The satin-type net stitch for forming the
less-stretchable portions is further varied at three levels in the
present embodiment, wherein a portion knitted so as to have a
greater straining force (the stitch of this portion is hereinafter
abbreviately referred to as "satin-strong"), a portion knitted so
as to have an intermediate straining force (the stitch of this
portion is hereinafter abbreviately referred to as
"satin-intermediate"), and a portion knitted so as to have the
weakest straining force (the stitch of this portion is hereinafter
abbreviately referred to as "satin-weak") are used for the
variation of knitting. A specific example of such knitting
variation is disclosed by JP 3023354, in which a method of changing
the knitting stitch that appears on a face of a ground knitting
stitch is used, though details of the same are omitted herein. By
this method, in a satin-type net stitch for forming the less
stretchable portions, as the proportion of a racking of not less
than two needles is higher, a stronger straining force can be
obtained. In the satin-strong portion, as disclosed in FIG. 3 of JP
3023354, there are three courses each of which has a racking of two
needles in one repetition unit in a satin-type net stitch. In the
satin-intermediate portion, as disclosed in FIG. 4 of the same
application, there are two courses each of which has a racking of
two needles in one repetition unit in a satin-type net stitch. In
the satin-weak portion, as disclosed in FIG. 5 of the same
application, there is one course which has a racking of two needles
in one repetition unit in a satin-type net stitch. For forming the
easily stretchable portion, a mesh-type net stitch as shown in FIG.
10 of JP 3023354, for instance, is used. Such variation of the
knitting stitch can be achieved with stitch having a racking of two
needles or the like, which is obtained by electrically controlling
yarn guide bars to which deflecting transducers using piezoelectric
elements, etc., are attached, and are provided in a warp knitting
machine having a jacquard control mechanism. The details of the
method are described in, for instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,512
(corresponding to JP 6(1994)-166934A) and the like, and more
specifically, a high-speed jacquard raschel machine "RSJ 4/1"
manufactured by Karl Mayer Textilmaschinenfabrik GmbH or the like
may be used.
[0112] First, with reference to FIG. 16, the variation of the
thickness of the elastic yarn inserted in the wale direction
(horizontal direction of the drawing, indicated by the arrow S)
from one zone to another is described below.
[0113] A polyurethane fiber yarn (spandex yarn) of 280 denier is
inserted in zones 30 and 32 in FIG. 16, so as to impart a stronger
straining force to these zones as a whole. A polyurethane fiber
yarn (spandex yarn) of 140 denier is inserted in a zone 31, so as
to impart a weaker straining force to these zones as a whole. An
alternate long and short dash line 33 indicates a boundary between
the zones 30 and 31, and an alternate long and short dash line 34
indicates a boundary between the zones 31 and 32. More
specifically, the zone 31 is a zone corresponding to an abdominal
region and a hip peripheral region are obtained, and therefore, the
stretching powers of the easily stretchable portions and the less
stretchable portions, that is, straining forces thereof, are set to
be weaker in average as a whole so as not to flatten the bulges of
hips, and so as to be easily expanded since the body of the wearer
corresponding to this portion has a large volume. The zone 32 is a
zone to cover the leg, and therefore, the stretching powers of this
portion, that is, straining forces thereof, are set to be stronger
in average as a whole, so as to control the shape of the region
ranging from the femoral region to the hip. Even if the straining
force is set stronger in this zone, the wearing feeling is not
impaired much. Since the zone 30 (corresponding to portions 39b,
40, and 3b) has a small area, the straining force of this zone is
set to be relatively stronger. The stretching powers, that is,
straining forces in this zone are set to be stronger in average as
a whole, so as to be supportive to allow an abdomen covering piece
52 to easily perform a function for control the shape of the
abdomen, and to cause an upper portion from a lateral side to a
posterior side to be fitted.
[0114] Next, an embodiment of changing the knitting stitch
appearing on a face of a jacquard raschel ground stitch so as to be
knitted differently with the satin-strong, satin-intermediate, and
satin-weak stitches of the satin-type net stitch, as well as the
mesh-type net stitch. In FIGS. 14 to 16, a leg hem portion 35 is
knitted with the satin-weak stitch in a wavy pattern so as to have
a slightly strong straining force, whereby the sliding-up of the
hem is prevented. It should be noted that 36 denotes a boundary of
the wavy pattern of the leg hem portion 35. A portion corresponding
to the easily stretchable portion (A)1 that has a substantially
band-like shape extending substantially in a longitudinal direction
of the garment, covers a region along and in the vicinity of the
musculus rectus femoris on an anterior side of each femoral region,
and is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width
direction thereof is knitted with the mesh-type net stitch so as to
have a decreased straining force. A leg medial portion 37 that is
to cover a medial region of the body, a portion 37a that is an
extension of the leg medial portion 37 and is to cover a region
slightly below a lateral abdominal region, a leg medial portion 41
to cover a body medial side (see FIG. 16), and a leg lateral
portion 38 to cover a lateral side of the body are knitted with the
satin-intermediate stitch. A portion 39 to cover a region from
below the hip to a posterior side of the leg, and portions 39a and
39b that are extensions of the portion 39 extending diagonally
upward to an anterior lateral side are knitted with the
satin-strong stitch. By so doing, the fitting characteristic of the
leg part is improved, and the function for controlling the shape of
the region from the thighs to below the hips is performed. On the
other hand, because of the presence of the easily stretchable
portion (A)1, even if the muscles in the femoral region,
particularly the musculus rectus femoris, contracts when the wearer
raises the leg or bends the knee and this muscle contraction causes
an anterior side of the femoral region to jut out widely on the
anterior side as seen in the cross-sectional view of the femoral
region shown in FIG. 19B, the function of following the foregoing
action is performed, since the easily stretchable portion (A)1 is
stretched at least in the width direction.
[0115] Further, the easily stretchable portion (C)3 that covers a
region of the body ranging from a slightly superior side of the
sulcus gluteus to around the vicinity of an upper end of the
musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at least
substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment, and the
portion 3b that is an upper extension of the portion (C)3 are
present in a posterior side of the garment, and these portions are
formed with the mesh-type net stitch so as to have a weak straining
force. Portions around the foregoing portions, that is, a hip lower
portion 40a, a hip lateral portion 40, and a posterior waist lower
portion 40b are formed with the satin-intermediate stitch, so as to
cause the portions to perform the hip-up support function for
keeping the hip into shape by supporting the bulge of the hip from
the lower and lateral sides thereof, and so as to improve the
fitting by utilizing the posterior waist lower portion 40b. As a
yarn for the ground stitch of the mesh-type net and the satin-type
net (all of the satin-strong, satin-intermediate, and satin-weak
stitches) described above, a nylon yarn of 30 denier is used. It
should be noted that the thickness of the elastic yarn to be
inserted is as described above.
[0116] Furthermore, the abdomen covering piece 52 shown in FIG. 14
is prepared separately, and in the present embodiment, this piece
is formed with a jacquard raschel knitted fabric, while a ground
stitch is knitted with the satin-strong stitch made of a nylon yarn
of 40 denier, to which a polyurethane fiber yarn (spandex yarn) of
280 denier is inserted. The fabric piece is sewn with a piece for
forming a part of the girdle mainly ranging from the posterior to
anterior lateral side to the leg along to a B-C line shown in FIG.
16, which substantially corresponds to a sewing line 53. Further, a
waist piece 50 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 is formed with a fabric
piece prepared separately, which is a nylon one-way power net
knitted fabric knitted with a yarn of 40 denier, to which a
polyurethane fiber yarn (spandex yarn) of 280 denier is inserted,
and which is stretchable in the transversal direction in a worn
state. The foregoing fabric piece is folded in two, and in a state
in which the crease is on a superior side, it is sewn with an upper
hem of the abdomen covering piece 52, and the piece for forming a
part of the girdle, to cover mainly from the posterior to anterior
lateral side to the leg along a C-D line shown in FIG. 16, which
corresponds to a sewing line 51.
[0117] As described above, the piece to cover from the posterior to
anterior lateral side to the leg is knitted so that the straining
force is varied by the combination of the variation of the knitting
stitch (satin-type net stitch (satin-strong, satin-intermediate,
and satin-weak), and mesh-type net stitch) and the variation of the
thickness of the inserted elastic yarn according to the zone.
Therefore, the straining force varies with the combination. In the
present embodiment, the straining force is varied at substantially
seven levels. For reference, zones having straining forces at the
seven levels are shown in the level descendent order:
[0118] zone (i): 39, 39b
[0119] zone (ii): 37, 38, 41, 40a, 40b
[0120] zone (iii): 35, 3b
[0121] zone (iv): 1
[0122] zone (v): 39a
[0123] zone (vi): 37a, 40
[0124] zone (vii): 3
[0125] Thus, a long-type girdle obtained has the easily stretchable
portions (A)1 each of which is easily stretchable at least
substantially in the width direction (in the present embodiment,
easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal
directions). Therefore, even if the muscles in the femoral region,
particularly the musculus rectus femoris, contracts when the wearer
raises the leg or bends the knee and this muscle contraction causes
an anterior side of the femoral region to jut out widely on the
anterior side as seen in the cross-sectional view of the femoral
region shown in FIG. 19B, the easily stretchable portion (A)1 is
stretched at least in the width direction, following the foregoing
action. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the garment from
losing shape, and to prevent the leg part of the girdle from
becoming tense and causing the sliding up of the anterior hem
thereof.
[0126] In the present embodiment, the girdle further includes, on
its posterior side, the easily stretchable portion (C)3, which
covers a region of the human body ranging from a slightly superior
side of the sulcus gluteus to around the vicinity of an upper end
of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at least
substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment (in the
present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal
and transversal directions). When the wearer raises the leg, bends
the knee, or sits down, this action normally causes the torso and
the leg to be folded in a "<" shape, changing an angle (position
relationship) formed therebetween around the trochanter major as an
axis. Therefore, the foregoing action of the leg causes the upper
and lower hems of the girdle on the posterior side to be pulled
toward the crotch part. However, since the easily stretchable
portion (C)3 is significantly easily stretchable in response to the
foregoing pulling force, it is possible to prevent the waist part
of the girdle from being pulled down (toward the crotch part) and
sliding down, and to prevent the posterior hems of the girdle from
being pulled up (toward the crotch part) and sliding up.
[0127] Thus, it is possible to provide a girdle having the
following characteristics. The girdle is prevented from losing
shape. Further, the girdle is configured so that abdomen covering
piece 52 is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the abdominal
region from swelling out and controlling the shape of the abdominal
region beautifully, that the portions 39b and 40b are present in
the waist region and are capable of keeping superfluous flesh in
the waist region from swelling out and controlling the shape of the
waist so as to be slimmer, and that the leg portions support the
leg regions as if they wrap the leg regions so as to control the
shapes of the legs beautifully. Further, since the portions 40a and
40 are less stretchable than the easily stretchable portions (C)3,
these portions perform the hip-up support function. Therefore, the
girdle also has a function for controlling the shape of the hips
beautifully.
[0128] Further, by knitting the easily stretchable portion and the
less stretchable portion into patterns differently, a level
difference does not occur at a boundary between the portions, and
recesses and protrusions due to such level differences are not
produced when the girdle is worn, thereby providing an improved
appearance. Furthermore, since there is no level difference, the
girdle provides good skin touch, and also provides improved air
permeability, as compared with the case of lamination of fabrics,
thereby providing excellent wearing feeling. Particularly, by
changing the knitting stitch by jacquard knitting so that the
easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions are
knitted differently into patterns, it is possible to produce
girdles with stable finished dimensions as compared with the
girdles formed by circular knitting, thereby facilitating the
production of girdles with the same finished dimensions in a large
amount, as well as to avoid fraying such as so-called run, to
achieve excellent durability, to increase the knitting density, and
to achieve excellent productivity. Therefore, the foregoing method
is particularly preferable. Particularly, by the method of changing
the knitting stitch by jacquard knitting so that the easily
stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion are knitted
differently into patterns by varying the knitting stitch, the
patterns are knitted desirably, which makes it possible to knit
patterns in continuous-band-like curved shapes differently, such as
the portions 39a and 39b, the portions 40a, 40, and 40b, the
portion 35, the portions 37 and 37a, the portion 1, the portion 38,
and the portion 41. The "continuous-band-like shape" indicates, not
an aggregate of small patterns arranged at relatively small spaces,
which appears to form one large pattern when viewed
macroscopically, but one band-like continuous pattern that extends
continuously as a continued area, and further, which has boundary
lines not straight but curved or which as a whole is curved. Thus,
changing the knitting stitch by jacquard knitting so that the
easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions are
knitted differently into patterns, portions are knitted with
desirable knitting stitches. This method makes it possible to form
the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions
of the present invention into desired patterns including curved
continuous-band-like patterns, which is preferable. It should be
noted that in a pattern thus knitted, other smaller pattern such as
floral patterns may be inserted with different knitting stitches,
as long as the object of the above-described method of knitting
patterns by varying the knitting stitch is achieved. Further, it
should be noted that, though the embodiment in which patterns are
knitted with the mesh-type net stitch on one hand, and with the
satin-type net stitches (satin-strong, satin-intermediate,
satin-weak) for forming less stretchable portions than the
mesh-type net stitch portions is adapted in the foregoing example,
only the satin-type net stitches may be used, including the
satin-strong stitch, the satin-intermediate stitch, the satin-weak
stitch, and other stitches with straining forces at stronger or
weaker levels as required.
[0129] The garment according to the embodiment of the present
invention described specifically with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13
is configured so that
[0130] (i) the garment base is formed with an easily stretchable
fabric, and another fabric is laminated on an exterior side and/or
on an interior side of a portion of the easily stretchable fabric
that is to be made less stretchable than the easily stretchable
portion, wherein the laminated portion constitutes the less
stretchable portion, while the other portion constitutes the easily
stretchable portion. However, the garment may be formed by
different appropriate methods so that, for instance:
[0131] (ii) the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable
portion are formed by knitting so that the easily stretchable
portion and the less stretchable portion are knitted differently by
varying knitting stitch, for instance, as described above with
reference to FIGS. 14 to 16;
[0132] (iii) the easily stretchable portion is formed with an
easily stretchable fabric; the less stretchable portion is formed
with a fabric that is less stretchable than the easily stretchable
fabric; and the easily stretchable fabric and the less stretchable
fabric are seamed so as to form the garment; and
[0133] (vi) the garment base is formed with an easily stretchable
fabric, and a portion of the easily stretchable fabric that is to
be made less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion is
treated with a resin so that the resin-treated portion constitutes
the less stretchable portion, while the other portion constitutes
the easily stretchable portion.
[0134] The configuration (i) is preferable from the viewpoint that
it is implemented relatively easily, and does not cause excessive
deterioration of air permeability. The configuration (ii) does not
have level differences at boundaries of portions since it provides
the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions
without laminating fabrics. Therefore, when it is worn, it does not
produce recesses and protrusions due to the level differences,
thereby providing good appearance. Furthermore, since there is no
level difference, the garment provides good skin touch, and also
provides improved air permeability, as compared with the case of
lamination of fabrics, thereby providing excellent wearing feeling.
Accordingly, this configuration is particularly preferable.
Particularly, by changing the knitting stitch appearing on a face
of a ground stitch of jacquard knitting, or among others, jacquard
raschel knitting (raschel knitting implemented by using a jacquard
knitting machine), the easily stretchable portions and the less
stretchable portions are knitted into patterns by varying the
knitting stitch. In this case, it is possible to knit the patterns
easily with different stitches, respectively, even if the foregoing
patterns include band-like curved continuous patterns that cannot
be implemented by conventional jacquard knitting. With this, it is
also possible to substantially avoid level differences on
boundaries between the easily stretchable portions and the less
stretchable portions, thereby avoiding a problem that a level
difference is reflected on an outerwear and is seen from outside of
the outerwear. Therefore, this provides good wearing feeling, and
keeps the wearer's appearance beautifully. Moreover, it is also
possible to provide stable finished dimensions as compared with
products obtained by circular knitting, thereby facilitating the
production of garments with the same finished dimensions in a large
amount, to avoid fraying such as so-called run, to achieve
excellent durability, to increase the knitting density, as well as
to achieve excellent productivity. Thus, this configuration is
particularly preferable. In this case, the easily stretchable
portions preferably are knitted with the mesh-type net stitch,
while the less stretchable portions are knitted with the satin-type
net stitch. However, the knitting method is not limited to this.
For instance, only the satin-type net stitch may be used so that
the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions
are knitted differently by varying the proportion of a racking of
not less than two needles, as described in JP 3023354.
Alternatively, for instance, the following configuration is also
preferable. In the leg parts the easily stretchable portions and
the less stretchable portions may be knitted differently with their
respective straining forces being set relatively high in the whole,
while in the portions covering the abdomen and the periphery of the
hips the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable
portions may be knitted differently with their respective straining
forces being set relatively low in the whole so as not to flatten
the roundness of the hips and so as to be stretched easily since in
these portions the body of the wearer has a large volume, whereby
the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions
are provided in each of the region in which the straining forces
are increased in the whole and the region in which the straining
forces are decreased in the whole.
[0135] Examples of the configuration such as the configuration (ii)
above for knitting the easily stretchable portions and the less
stretchable portions differently by varying the knitting stitch
include the method of knitting the easily stretchable portions and
the less stretchable portions with different knitting stitches,
respectively, and also, the method of varying the thickness or type
of fiber yarns used, the method of varying the knitting density,
the method of varying the thickness or insertion ratio of an
elastic fiber yarn to be inserted and/or knitted in, and
combinations of these.
[0136] In the case where the garment base is formed with an easily
stretchable fabric and a portion of the easily stretchable fabric
that is to be made less stretchable than the easily stretchable
portion is treated with a resin so that the resin-treated portion
constitutes the less stretchable portion while the other portion
constitutes the easily stretchable portion as in the configuration
(vi), examples of the resin treatment include coating,
impregnation, lamination of resin films, etc. The resin preferably
is applied on a face of the garment base fabric, since this
prevents the skin touch from deteriorating. On the other hand, from
the viewpoints of appearance and design, the resin preferably is
applied on a back of the garment base fabric. The resin may be
applied on both of the face and back of the base fabric as
required.
[0137] The fabric used for forming the garment is not limited
particularly, but stretchable two-way tricot knitted fabrics and
stretchable raschel knitted fabrics (including stretchable power
nets) are used preferably for both of the easily stretchable
portions and the less stretchable portions. Among these knitted
fabrics, those containing elastic fiber yarns such as polyurethane
fibers at an appropriate ratio are used preferably. For the less
stretchable portions, non-stretchable knitted fabrics or woven
fabrics may be used as required. As these fabrics, fabrics having a
thickness at a normal level for garment formation, for instance,
approximately 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm, are used. Therefore, it is possible
to provide a garment that causes a minimum deterioration of the
wearer's appearance such as the figure when it is worn, that is
fitted tight to the body, and that has a relatively good air
permeability. Examples of the types of the power net include plane
power net, satin power net, two-way raschel, "TRISKIN" (trademark
of Urabe Corporation), etc. It should be noted that the satin-type
net and the mesh type net described with reference to FIGS. 14 to
16 indicate satin-type power net and mesh-type power net knitted by
jacquard knitting.
[0138] Though the preferable embodiment varies with the type of the
garment, typical preferred types of the fabric forming the easily
stretchable portion include two-way tricot, mesh-type two-way power
net, and the like that contain an elastic fiber yarn such as a
polyurethane fiber yarn of 20 to 50 denier. Typical preferred types
of the fabric forming the less stretchable portions or the fabric
to be laminated for forming the less stretchable portions include
knitted fabrics such as one-way or two-way power net, one-way or
two-way triconet, two-way raschel, and the like (herein, "one-way"
indicates that the fabric has stretchability in one of the
longitudinal and transversal directions, and "two-way" indicates
that the fabric has stretchability in two of the longitudinal and
transversal directions), containing an elastic fiber yarn such as a
polyurethane fiber yarn of 120 to 560 denier.
[0139] In the case where straining forces of the easily stretchable
portion and the less stretchable portion are measured, the
following method is used often: a sample is set in an instron
universal tensile testing machine ("AUTOGRAPH AG-500D" manufactured
by Shimazu Corporation), and is stretched at a rate of 300.+-.20
cm/min, up to a stretching degree of 80% of a sample length (space
between grips), and this stretching-returning is repeated three
times. The value measured when stretched up to a stretching degree
of 30% upon the third stretching-returning and the value measured
when returned are used as measured results, among which the value
when returned is used in many cases. It is preferable that a sample
is prepared in a size of 2.5 cm in width and 16 cm in length, with
an upper grip length and a lower grip length being set to be 2.5 cm
and 3.5 cm, respectively, and hence, a space between grips set to
be 10 cm. It should be noted that if a sample of this size cannot
be cut out from the garment to be measured, a smaller sample may be
used. However, because measurement error increases as the size of
the sample decreases, it is preferable that a sample as large as
possible is cut out and measured. It should be noted that in the
case where a portion to be measured is made of a composite, such as
a laminate of two sheets of fabrics, or a fabric treated with a
resin such as an elastic resin (examples of the resin treatment
include the elastic resin film lamination), a value in the
composite state is measured as the straining force.
[0140] Furthermore, a direction in which the sample is stretched
when the straining force is measured is "a predetermined stretching
direction". In the case of the easily stretchable portions (A) and
(A-1), the "predetermined stretching direction" is the width
direction thereof, whereas in the case of the easily stretchable
portions (B) and (C), the "predetermined stretching direction" is a
direction along the longitudinal direction of the garment.
[0141] The easily stretchable portion (A) preferably has a center
position in the width direction thereof that is positioned slightly
on the lateral side with respect to the longitudinal center line of
the anterior portion of the leg part. The reason is that a portion
of the anterior side of the femoral region that juts out widely on
the anterior side of the body as described with reference to FIG.
19B is the portion in which the musculus rectus femoris is present,
and a longitudinal center line of the anterior side of the musculus
rectus femoris is positioned slightly on the lateral side with
respect to the longitudinal center line of the leg anterior part of
the garment. More specifically, in the other words, it is
preferable that the center position in the width direction of the
easily stretchable portion (A) substantially coincides with the
center position of the musculus rectus femoris in the width
direction of the anterior side.
[0142] The width of the easily stretchable portion (A) preferably
is approximately 3 cm to 8 cm, and in the case where as shown in
FIG. 6 the garment further includes an easily stretchable portion
(A-1) that is arranged substantially in parallel with the easily
stretchable portion (A), that has a substantially band-like shape
extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the
garment, and that is easily stretchable at least substantially in a
width direction thereof, a sum of a width of the easily stretchable
portion (A) and a width of the easily stretchable portion (A-1)
preferably is approximately 3 cm to 8 cm. Here, the "width of
approximately 3 cm to 8 cm" does not exclude the case where the
portion(s) partially is narrowed or widened as compared with the
foregoing range, but the portion(s) may have a shape having
decreased widths at upper and lower ends thereof such as a shape of
a cross section of a convex lens, as long as the object of the
present invention is achieved. In the case where the width is
excessively small, the leg part of the garment becomes incapable of
following a motion of the musculus rectus femoris and a change in
the cross-sectional shape of the femoral region caused by the
foregoing motion, and the garment tends to lose shape, displaced or
twisted, or with the leg parts becoming tense and causing the hems
thereof to slide up. Further, in the case where the width is
excessively large, the garment tends to have a poor shaping
function, and fails to perform the function of suppressing fine
skin motions of a part that makes relatively small motions.
Consequently, the garment tends to lose shape.
[0143] It is preferable that the garment further includes an easily
stretchable portion (B) that covers a region of the body along the
sulcus inguinalis, and in this case the easily stretchable portion
(B) has a width of approximately 1 cm to 10 cm. In the case where
the width is excessively small, when the wearer raises the leg or
bends the knee, the garment tends to perform a poor function in
preventing the leg part of the garment from sliding up or
preventing the fabric of the garment main body from sliding up and
forming creases gathered in the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis.
In the case where the width is excessively large, creases tend to
be produced in the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis.
[0144] Further, the garment of the present invention preferably
further includes, as the easily stretchable portion, an easily
stretchable portion (C) that, in a posterior side of the garment,
covers a region of the body at least on a superior side to a
certain position between the sulcus gluteus and a bulge of hip, and
that is easily stretchable at least substantially in the
longitudinal direction of the garment. More preferably, in a
posterior side of the garment, the easily stretchable portion (C)
covers a region of the body ranging from a slightly superior side
of the sulcus gluteus to around the vicinity of an upper end of the
musculus gluteus maximus. When the wearer raises the leg, bends the
knee, or sits down, this action normally causes the torso and the
leg to be folded in a "<" shape, changing an angle (position
relationship) formed therebetween around the trochanter major as an
axis. Therefore, the foregoing action of the leg causes the upper
and lower hem of the garment on the posterior side to be pulled
toward the crotch part. However, since the easily stretchable
portion (C) is significantly easily stretchable in response to the
foregoing pulling force, it is possible to prevent the waist part
of the garment from being pulled down (toward the crotch part) and
sliding down, and to prevent the posterior hems of the garment from
being pulled up (toward the crotch part) and sliding up. Further,
with the embodiment in which in a posterior side of the garment,
the easily stretchable portion (C) covers a region of the body
ranging from a slightly superior side of the sulcus gluteus to
around the vicinity of an upper end of the musculus gluteus
maximus, the foregoing functions are performed, and the portion
between the sulcus gluteus and the easily stretchable portion (C),
which is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion,
performs the hip-up support function, performs the function of
controlling the shape of the hips beautifully. Therefore, this
embodiment is preferable.
Industrial Applicability
[0145] (1) A garment of the present invention, which includes a
crotch part and leg parts covering at least parts of femoral
regions and that is to be worn in a state of being fitted on a body
of a wearer, includes an easily stretchable portion that is
stretched relatively easily and a less stretchable portion that is
less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion. The garment
includes, as the easily stretchable portion, an easily stretchable
portion (A) that has a substantially band-like shape extending
substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment, covers a
region along and in the vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on
an anterior side of each femoral region, and is easily stretchable
at least substantially in a width direction thereof. Therefore,
even if the muscles in the femoral region, particularly the
musculus rectus femoris, contracts when the wearer raises the leg
or bends the knee and this muscle contraction causes an anterior
side of the femoral region to jut out widely on the anterior side
as seen in the cross-sectional view of the femoral region, the
easily stretchable portion (A) is stretched at least in the width
direction, following the foregoing action. Therefore, it is
possible to prevent the garment from losing shape, and to prevent
the leg part of the girdle from becoming tense and causing the
sliding up of the anterior hem thereof. Further, the garment of the
present invention also includes a less stretchable portion that is
less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion (A).
Therefore, the garment whose leg parts at least partially cover the
femoral regions and that is to be worn in a state of being fitted
on a body of a wearer is provided so as not to lose shape and to
have a function of keeping the body into shape.
[0146] (2) The garment is configured according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention so as to further include, as
the easily stretchable portion, an easily stretchable portion (B)
that covers a region of the body along the sulcus inguinalis and is
easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal
direction of the garment. With this embodiment, the garment has the
following functions, in addition to the above-described functions.
When the wearer raises the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this
action causes the leg and the torso to be folded in a "<" shape,
like a hinge, around the sulcus inguinalis as a center axis,
thereby decreasing the angle formed therebetween, or in contrast,
when the wearer lowers the leg, this action increases this angle.
Thus, such an action causes the fabric covering the vicinity of the
sulcus inguinalis to be stretched or to be allowed to shrink. The
easily stretchable portion (B) sufficiently follows the foregoing
stretch and shrinkage, thereby preventing the leg part of the
garment from sliding up or preventing the fabric of the garment
main body from sliding up and forming creases gathered in the
vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis. Further, when the wearer is in a
sitting position, it is possible to reduce pressure on the vicinity
of the sulcus inguinalis, thereby providing an improved wearing
feeling. Therefore, the garment is provided so as not to lose shape
and to have a function of keeping the body into shape. Thus, the
present embodiment is preferable.
[0147] (3) Still further, the garment is configured according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention so as to further
include, as the easily stretchable portion, an easily stretchable
portion (C) that, in a posterior side of the garment, covers a
region of the body at least on a superior side to a certain
position between the sulcus gluteus and a bulge of hip, and that is
easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal
direction of the garment. With this embodiment, the garment has the
following functions, in addition to the above-described functions.
When the wearer raises the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this
action normally causes the torso and the leg to be folded in a
"<" shape, changing an angle (position relationship) formed
therebetween around the trochanter major as an axis. Therefore, the
foregoing action of the leg causes the upper and lower hem of the
garment on the posterior side to be pulled toward the crotch part.
However, since the easily stretchable portion (C) is significantly
easily stretchable in response to the foregoing pulling force, it
is possible to prevent the waist part of the garment from being
pulled down (toward the crotch part) and sliding down, and to
prevent the posterior hems of the garment from being pulled up
(toward the crotch part) and sliding up. Therefore, the garment is
provided so as not to lose shape and to have a function of keeping
the body into shape. Thus, the present embodiment is
preferable.
[0148] (4) Still further, the garment is configured according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention so that the easily
stretchable portion (A) has a center position in the width
direction thereof that is positioned slightly on a lateral side
with respect to a longitudinal center line of an anterior portion
of the leg part. With this embodiment, a longitudinal center line
of the anterior side of the musculus rectus femoris that juts out
widely is positioned slightly on the lateral side with respect to
the longitudinal center line of the leg anterior portion of the
garment. Therefore, the center position in the width direction of
the easily stretchable portion (A) substantially coincides with the
center position of the musculus rectus femoris in the width
direction of the anterior side. Therefore, the function of
preventing loss of shape is improved further. Thus, the present
embodiment is preferable.
[0149] (5) Still further, the garment is configured according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention so that the garment
further includes, in each leg part, an easily stretchable portion
(A-1) that is arranged substantially in parallel with the easily
stretchable portion (A), that has a substantially band-like shape
extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the
garment, and that is easily stretchable at least substantially in a
width direction thereof. With this embodiment, the easily
stretchable portion (A-1) absorbs such motions of the femoral
region, changes in the muscle shapes, etc., that cannot be absorbed
only by the easily stretchable portion (A)1 that covers a region
over the musculus rectus femoris. Thus, the portion (A-1) enables
the garment to follow motions of the femoral region more easily.
Therefore, the function of preventing losing shape is improved
further. Accordingly, the present embodiment is preferable.
[0150] (6) Still further, the garment is configured according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention so that the garment
base is formed with an easily stretchable fabric, and a fabric is
laminated on an exterior side and/or on an interior side of a
portion of the easily stretchable fabric that is to be made less
stretchable than the easily stretchable portion, so that the
laminated portion constitutes the less stretchable portion, while
the other portion constitutes the easily stretchable portion. With
this embodiment, the garment of the present invention can be
produced relatively easily without using a specific apparatus,
since this embodiment is achieved simply by laminating an
appropriate fabric on a portion to be less stretchable, and the
garment obtained undergoes minimum deterioration of air
permeability.
[0151] (7) Still further, the garment is configured according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention so that the easily
stretchable portion is formed with an easily stretchable fabric,
the less stretchable portion is formed with a fabric that is less
stretchable than the easily stretchable fabric, and the easily
stretchable fabric and the less stretchable fabric are seamed so as
to form the garment. With this embodiment, an area in which fabrics
are laminated decreases as compared with the embodiment of the
foregoing item (6). Therefore, the garment with improved air
permeability and improved appearance is provided. Thus, the present
embodiment is preferable.
[0152] (8) Still further, the garment is configured according to a
preferred embodiment so that the easily stretchable portion and the
less stretchable portion are formed by knitting so that the easily
stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion are knitted
differently by varying knitting stitch. With this embodiment, the
easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion can be
configured without lamination of fabrics. Therefore, level
differences do not occur at boundaries between the portions, and
recesses and protrusions due to such level differences are not
produced when the garment is worn, whereby an improved appearance
is provided. Furthermore, since there is no level difference, the
garment provides good skin touch, and also provides improved air
permeability, as compared with the case of lamination of fabrics,
thereby providing excellent wearing feeling.
[0153] (9) Still further, the garment is configured according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention so that the easily
stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion are formed by
jacquard knitting so that the easily stretchable portion and the
less stretchable portion are knitted differently into patterns by
varying knitting stitch of the jacquard knitting. With this
embodiment, the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable
portion can be configured without lamination of fabrics. Therefore,
level differences do not occur at boundaries between portions, and
recesses and protrusions due to such level differences are not
produced when the garment is worn, whereby an improved appearance
is provided. Furthermore, since there is no level difference, the
garment provides good skin touch, and also provides improved air
permeability, as compared with the case of lamination of fabrics,
thereby providing excellent wearing feeling. Particularly, by
changing the knitting stitch by jacquard knitting so that the
easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions are
knitted differently into patterns with different knitting stitches,
it is possible to produce garments with stable finished dimensions
as compared with the garments formed by circular knitting, thereby
facilitating the production of garments with the same finished
dimensions in a large amount, as well as to avoid fraying such as
so-called run, to achieve excellent durability, to increase the
knitting density, and to achieve excellent productivity. Therefore,
the foregoing method is particularly preferable. Particularly, by
the method of changing the knitting stitch by jacquard knitting so
that the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable
portion are knitted differently into patterns by varying the
knitting stitch, the patterns are knitted desirably, which makes it
possible to knit patterns in continuous-band-like curved shapes.
Since it is thus possible to knit a certain portion with a desired
knitting stitch, the easily stretchable portion and the less
stretchable portion of the present invention can be formed into
desired patterns by changing the knitting stitch so as to knit the
easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion
differently into patterns. Thus, the present embodiment is
preferable.
[0154] (10) Still further, the garment is configured according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention so that the garment
base is formed with an easily stretchable fabric, and a portion of
the easily stretchable fabric that is to be made less stretchable
than the easily stretchable portion is treated with a resin so that
the resin-treated portion constitutes the less stretchable portion,
while the other portion constitutes the easily stretchable portion.
With this embodiment, only application of a resin to a portion to
be less stretchable through resin treatment is required. Therefore,
the garment of the present invention can be produced readily, and
the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion can
be formed without lamination of fabrics. As a result, level
differences do not occur at boundaries between portions, and
recesses and protrusions due to such level differences are not
produced when the garment is worn. Thus, the present embodiment is
preferable. The resin preferably is applied on a face of the
garment base fabric, since this prevents the skin touch from
deteriorating. On the other hand, from the viewpoints of appearance
and design, the resin preferably is applied on a back of the
garment base fabric.
[0155] (11) Still further, the garment is configured according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention so that the easily
stretchable portion (A) has a width of approximately 3 cm to 8 cm.
With this embodiment, the function of preventing losing shape is
performed sufficiently, while there is no possibility of
deterioration of the shaping function of keeping the human body in
shape. Thus, the present embodiment is preferable.
[0156] (12) Still further, the garment is configured according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention so that a sum of a
width of the easily stretchable portion (A) and a width of the
easily stretchable portion (A-1) is approximately 3 cm to 8 cm.
With this embodiment, the function described in the item (5) above
is performed sufficiently, while there is no possibility of
deterioration of the shaping function of keeping the human body in
shape. Thus, the present embodiment is preferable.
[0157] (13) Still further, the garment is configured according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention so that the easily
stretchable portion (B) has a width of approximately 1 cm to 10 cm.
With this embodiment, when the wearer raises the leg or bends the
knee, a function of preventing the leg part of the garment from
sliding up or preventing the fabric of the garment main body from
sliding up and forming creases gathered in the vicinity of the
sulcus inguinalis is performed sufficiently. Further, there is no
possibility of deterioration of the shaping function of keeping the
human body in shape. Thus, the present embodiment is
preferable.
[0158] (14) Still further, the garment is configured according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention so that in a
posterior side of the garment, the easily stretchable portion (C)
covers a region of the body ranging from a slightly superior side
of the sulcus gluteus to around the vicinity of an upper end of the
musculus gluteus maximus. With this embodiment, the function
described in the above-described item (3) is performed. Moreover,
since the portion between the sulcus gluteus and the easily
stretchable portion (C), which is less stretchable than the easily
stretchable portion, performs the hip-up support function, and
performs the function of controlling the shape of the hips
beautifully. Thus, the present embodiment is preferable.
[0159] (15) Furthermore, the garment is configured according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention so that a fabric
composing the garment is a knitted fabric selected from a two-way
stretch tricot knitted fabric and a stretch raschel knitted fabric.
By using these fabrics as materials for forming the easily
stretchable portion of the garment of the present invention that is
relatively easily stretchable and for forming the less stretchable
portion that is suitable for performing the shaping function, it is
possible to implement respective required functions for the
foregoing portions readily by varying the knitting density, the
stitch, the type and thickness of the fiber yarn, and the thickness
or the insertion ratio of an elastic fiber yarn to be inserted or
knitted in. Furthermore, the thickness of the fabric is not
increased excessively, or rather is at substantially the same level
as that of fabrics used for forming normal foundation garments.
Therefore, this does not produce an uncomfortable feeling, and the
garment of the present invention having the above-described
functions can be provided readily. Thus, this embodiment is
preferable.
[0160] (16) Still further, the garment is configured according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention so that the garment
is a garment selected from a girdle, spats, athletic tights, and a
pantyhose. These garments are worn tightly fitted in close contact
with a human body, and tend to lose shape, and hence, the
performance of the present invention of not losing shape and
keeping the human body in shape is exhibited on the foregoing
garments effectively. Thus, the present embodiment is
preferable.
[0161] As described above, the present invention is useful as a
garment, such as a girdle, spats, athletic tights, and pantyhose,
that includes a crotch part and leg parts at least partially
covering femoral regions and that is to be worn in a state of being
fitted on a body of a wearer.
* * * * *