Control Top Pantyhose

Abstract

A pair of control top pantyhose includes a panty portion connected to two leg portions. The panty portion is made of a reinforced segment and a non-reinforced segment integrally knitted together. The reinforced segment encircles the body of a wearer and substantially covers the abdomen. The non-reinforced segment covers the crotch of the wearer.

Description

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/726,551 titled “CONTROL TOP PANTYHOSE”, which was filed on Mar. 18, 2010.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to control top pantyhose with or without foot, in particular to control top pantyhose with a non-reinforced crotch area to provide comfort to the wearer.

For years people have been concerned about slimming down or smoothing and sculpting the undesirable body bulges by wearing tight girdles, shapewear, or control top pantyhose. These tight garments place a great amount of compressive force on the body and cause a high level of discomfort. Furthermore when the wearer sits down, the compressive force increases in the crotch area and on the leg fold lines, which intensifies the discomfort and may also restrict the blood circulation. The discomfort is undesirable; however, when the wearer needs to sit for extended hours, the discomfort may become intolerable.

Therefore, there is a need for pantyhose that provide control as well as comfort.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The pantyhose of the present invention comprise a panty portion connected to two leg portions. The panty portion comprises a reinforced segment and a non-reinforced segment, which are integrally knitted to each other. The reinforced segment encircles the lower torso of a wearer substantially covering the abdomen and the non-reinforced segment covers the crotch area.

In one embodiment, the panty portion comprises a first panty portion and a second panty portion connected to each other along a seam line extending down from the front of the waist terminating portion to the crotch and extending up to the back of the waist terminating portion.

In another embodiment, the leg portions comprise a seam line starting from one leg terminating portion extending up to the crotch and back down to the leg terminating portion of the other leg.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the front view of a pair of pantyhose of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the back view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates the footless version of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates the method by which the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3 are made.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates the method by which the embodiment of FIG. 5 is made.

FIG. 7 illustrates a buffering zone between the reinforced and non-reinforced segments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a different panty shape for the pantyhose of this invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a curved hip line.

FIG. 10 illustrates a yet another curved hip line.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown front and back views of control top pantyhose 10 of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows the footless version of FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIGS. 1-3 identical numerals depict the like elements.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the control top pantyhose 10 have a panty portion 12 which is connected to a waist terminating portion 14. The waist terminating portion 14 can be an elastic band, knitted-in welt, or any other knitting process which can prevent the terminating edge from unraveling and can hold the pantyhose on the wearer's body. For the purpose of simplicity hereinafter, the waist terminating portion will be referred to as waistband 14.

The panty portion 12 is also integrally connected to two leg portions 16a and 16b at transition lines 18. Each transition line 18 represents the location where the panty portion 12 ends and the leg portion starts. In other words, transition lines 18 represent where the panty portion 12 connects to the leg portions 16a and 16b, but there is no need for any distinct lines. For example in the toe to waist sheer pantyhose, there are no transition lines. However, it is understood that any portion above the location of lines 18 is considered the panty portion.

In the pantyhose 10, each leg portion 16a and 16b has a foot portion 15a and 15b respectively for covering a foot of a wearer and therefore, each leg portion 16a and 16b terminates at a toe seam line 20a and 20b respectively. In the footless pantyhose 10′, each leg portion 16a′ and 16b′ terminates at a leg band 21a and 21b respectively.

In conventional control top pantyhose, the entire panty portion from the waistband to the transition line is reinforced.

Contrary to conventional pantyhose, the panty portion 12 has a reinforced segment 22 and a non-reinforced segment 24. The reinforced segment 22 of the pantyhose 10 generally extends from the waistband 14 to the hip line 26 and encircles the lower torso of a wearer substantially covering the abdomen.

In this specification “the hip line 26” is defined as “a line encircling the body of the wearer while passing through two points A and B, each of which representing the proximity of a location on the side of the leg from which the leg bends” and “the crotch line 28” is defined as “a horizontal line passing through the lowest point of the crotch”. The proper distance between the hip lines 26 and the crotch line 28 depends on the size and the stretch factor of the pantyhose.

Since the reinforced segment 22 ends at the hip line 26, it does not cover the crotch area 30, the lower part of the buttocks, and the lowest part of the abdomen. However, since the bulging of the abdomen usually starts from the general area represented by the hip line 26, the reinforced segment 22 substantially covers the abdomen and its problem area.

The non-reinforced segment 24 generally extends from the hipline 26 to the transition line 18 and encircles a wearer's body covering the crotch area, lowest part of abdomen, leg fold lines 32a and 32b, and the lower portion of the buttocks. Therefore, the non-reinforced segment 24 substantially reduces the compression force placed on the crotch area 30 and the fold lines 32a and 32b by the conventional control top pantyhose.

Referring back to FIGS. 1-3, it should be noted that in this specification, what is referred to as the “crotch area” 30 is not a gusset. Gusset 34, as shown in FIG. 3, is an extra piece that is typically sewn into the crotch area 30 to provide more comfort. The crotch area 30 may or may not include a gusset.

In this specification, the crotch area 30 is defined as an area in the vicinity of the crotch, which is integrally knitted into the panty portion. Typically, the crotch area extends above the crotch line 28 either in front or in the back or both in front and in the back by a few inches. For example in an unworn pantyhose, the crotch area 30 extends above the crotch line 28 by about 2 to 3 inches and extends from the seam line 36 to each side by about 1 to 3 inches. However, different size pantyhose may have different measurements. The reason the above measurements refer to unworn pantyhose is that once the pantyhose are worn, depending on the size of the wearer, the degree of stretch changes and the measurements become incompatible.

The crotch area 30 is entirely located in the non-reinforced segment 24. However, if a gusset is used, the gusset can be sized and sewn to the crotch of the pantyhose in such a manner that it may or may not extend into the reinforced segment 22. In other words, if a gusset is used, it will be located in the non-reinforced segment 24 and a portion of it may or may not extend into the reinforced segment 22.

Typically, the crotch area 30 receives a great amount of pulling tension from the movements of the wearer, such as bending or sitting, and therefore some designers may modify the construction of the pantyhose in the crotch area 30 and call it reinforcing. This type of reinforcing typically is accomplished, for example, by adding layers or stitches.

However, for the purpose of clarification, in this specification the word “reinforced” is used as “a pantyhose material with a high compression factor or greater resistance to stretch for the purpose of sculpting or shaping the body of a wearer” created by “using high denier elastic yarns typically in the range of about 60 to 560 denier.”

The non-reinforced segment is defined as “a pantyhose material with a low compression factor or a lower resistance to stretch which does not have enough compression factor to sculpt or shape the body of a wearer” created by “using low denier elastic yarns typically with a denier less than 60.”

Furthermore, in this specification “elastic yarn” is defined as “elastomeric yarns, such as spandex, which have the capability to stretch, but present a degree of resistance to stretch and once stretched, they contract from the stretched position with a degree of power.” This power is what creates the compression factor. Typically to create a reinforced pantyhose material, a body yarn such as nylon is coupled with an elastic yarn. Depending on the denier of the elastic yarn different levels of stretch resistance or compression factors and therefore different levels of reinforcement can be created.

In contrast stretch yarns, such as nylon, which are typically used as body yarns, can stretch and contract, but do not exert power, which is required for sculpting or shaping a body.

Both the reinforced and non-reinforced segments 22 and 24 of the panty portion 12 have a common body yarn of 40 denier nylon to create a similar opacity, but if one desires, different body yarns can be used to create different opacities between the two segments 22 and 24. Alternatively, any other body yarn with any denier suitable for control top pantyhose can also be used. In addition, the reinforced segment 22 has an 80 denier spandex and the non-reinforced segment 24 has a 40 denier spandex.

The leg portions 16a and 16b of pantyhose 10 have a body yarn of 20 denier nylon coupled with a 20 denier spandex. However, any type of body yarn or elastic yarn suitable for sheer or opaque pantyhose can also be used. The legs 16′a and 16′b of the footless pantyhose 10′ are made of 40 denier nylon body yarn to keep the same opacity between the panty portion and the leg portions. However, any type of body yarn suitable for sheer or opaque footless pantyhose can also be used.

It should also be noted that in this specification, reinforced, control, and support shall all mean the same.

Referring to FIG. 4, the pantyhose 10 and 10′ of FIGS. 1-3 are made with a circular knitting machine, which creates two seamless tubular blanks 10a and 10b. In tubular blanks 10a and 10b, the leg portions 16a and 16b are integrally knitted to their panty portions 12a and 12b respectively and in panty portions 12a and 12b, the reinforced segment 22a and 22b are integrally knitted to their non-reinforced segments 24a and 24b respectively. The reinforced segments 22a and 22b are integrally knitted to the waistbands 14a and 14b respectively and the non-reinforced segments 24a and 24b are integrally knitted to the leg portions 16a and 16b respectively.

The tubular pantyhose 10a and 10b are slit through their waistband 14a and 14b, the reinforced segment 22a and 22b, and through a predetermined amount of the non-reinforced segment 24a and 24b respectively. The slit edges 35 are joined together along the seam line 36, which extends from the front of waistband 14 down to the crotch area 30 and then up to the waistband 14, to create the pantyhose 10 or 10′ of FIGS. 1-3. Alternatively, a gusset can be made as a separate piece from a cotton yarn or with a cotton lining and sewn to the crotch area 30.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown an alternative embodiment 40 of this invention, made with a different circular knitting machine, which creates one tubular blank 41 as shown in FIG. 6. Referring to both FIGS. 5 and 6, the pantyhose 40 are similar to the pantyhose 10 and 10′ of FIGS. 1-3. However, the seam 42 of the pantyhose 40 is located in the leg portions 44a and 44b.

The tubular blank 41 which is large enough to hold the lower torso of a wearer, has a waistband 54 and a one piece leg band 46. To make a pantyhose from the tubular blank 41, it is cut through the leg band 46, leg area 44, and a predetermined amount in the non-reinforced segment 52 both in front and the back. Subsequently, the corresponding cut edges 49 are joined together along the seam 42 to create the two legs 44a and 44b. The seam line 42 extends up from the leg band 46a to the crotch and back down to the leg band 46b.

It should be noted that for simplicity the pantyhose 40 are shown as footless pantyhose. However, the pantyhose 40 can be made to have foot portions to cover the feet of the wearer in which case the seam line 42 extends to the toe seam line at the feet.

The panty portion 48 of the pantyhose 40 has a reinforced segment 50 which is integrally knitted to a non-reinforced segment 52 within the tubular blank 41. The reinforced segment 50 generally extends from the waistband 54 to the hip line 56 and the non-reinforced segment 52 generally extends from the hip line 56 to the transition line 58.

It should be noted that in this specification, “integrally knitted to each other” shall mean “both segments are knitted into one tubular blank”, which means they can either abut each other or can have a buffering zone 55 as shown in FIG. 7. In FIGS. 7-10 and FIGS. 1-3, identical numerals depict the like elements. A buffering zone can also be used between the reinforced segment and the waistband or between the non-reinforced segment and the leg portions.

If a buffering zone 55 is used, it can have different characteristics. The buffering zone can have different stitch patterns or yarn selection with any denier. In other words, each buffering zone can have different elastic or body yarns with any denier, or can have a gradual change of denier, which can create gradual change of reinforcement or compression. Furthermore, the buffering zone can be knitted with just the body yarn without the use of any elastic yarns. In addition, the buffering zones can be used with different embodiments of this invention.

The panty portion of the embodiments of 10,10′, and 40 are shaped like shorts. However, it is possible to apply the present invention to pantyhose with a panty portion that is shaped like bikini panties as shown in FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, the reinforced segment 22 is similar to the reinforced segment of the pantyhose 10 of FIG. 1. However, the non-reinforced segment 57 ends at the fold lines 32a and 32b from which the legs 59a and 59b start. In this type of pantyhose again the reinforced segment 22 encircles the body extending from the waistband to the hip line 26 and the non-reinforced segment 57, which holds the crotch, extends from the hip line 26 to the crotch line 28.

In FIGS. 1-5, the reinforced segments 22 and 50 are shown to end on a straight line. However, different variations can also be used. For example, referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a reinforced segment 22′ or 22″ can end on a curved hip line such as hip lines 26′ or 26″. The curved hip lines 26′ or 26″ can be used either in front or the back, or both in front and the back.

It should be noted that both the reinforced and the non-reinforced segments, in all the embodiments of the present invention, can have one or more stitch patterns, one or more body yarns, and one or more elastic yarns with different characteristics. For example, the area slightly above or below the crotch lines in the above embodiments, can be knitted with 2×1 rib pattern to strengthen the crotch area.

It should be noted that numerous changes in details of construction, combination, and arrangement of elements may be resorted to without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A control top pantyhose comprising:

a panty portion integrally knitted to a waistband including a knitted-in welt and to two leg portions;

the panty portion having a reinforced segment, a non-reinforced segment, and a crotch area located in the non-reinforced segment;

the reinforced segment and the non-reinforced segment being integrally knitted to each other along a hip line;

the hip line encircling the panty portion and being located above the crotch area;

the reinforced segment being comprised of at least one type of elastic yarn having a range approximately from a first denier to approximately a second denier;

the non-reinforced segment being comprised of at least one type of elastic yarn having a denier less than the first denier; and

wherein the second denier is greater than the first denier.

2. The control top pantyhose of claim 1, wherein the first denier is 60.

3. The control top pantyhose of claim 1, wherein the second denier is 560.

4. The control top pantyhose of claim 1, wherein the reinforced segment is entirely located between the waistband and the hip line, and the non-reinforced segment covers the panty portion located below the hip line.

5. The control top pantyhose of claim 1, wherein the waistband has a front and a back and the panty portion further comprises a first panty portion and a second panty portion connected to each other along a seam line extending down from the front of the waistband to the crotch and extending up to the back of the waistband.

6. The control top pantyhose of claim 5, wherein the first and second panty portions are connected to a first leg portion and a second leg portions respectively and each one of the first and second panty portion is knitted with a portion of the reinforced segment and a portion of the non-reinforced segment.

7. The control top pantyhose of claim 6, wherein the pantyhose are footless.

8. The control top pantyhose of claim 1, wherein each leg portion is connected to a leg terminating portion and the leg portions comprise a seam starting from one leg terminating portion extending up to the crotch and back down to the leg terminating portion of the other leg.

9. The control top pantyhose of claim 8, wherein the pantyhose are footless.

10. The control top pantyhose of claim 1, wherein both the reinforced segment and non-reinforced segments encircle the panty portion.

11. The control top pantyhose of claim 1, wherein the hip line is a curved line.

12. The control top pantyhose of claim 1, wherein the panty portion is shaped like shorts.

13. The control top pantyhose of claim 1, wherein the panty portion is shaped like bikini panties.

14. A control top pantyhose comprising:

a panty portion integrally knitted to a waistband including a knitted-in welt and to two leg portions;

the panty portion having a reinforced segment, a non-reinforced segment, and a crotch area located in the non-reinforced segment;

the reinforced segment and the non-reinforced segment being integrally knitted to each other along a hip line;

the hip line encircling the panty portion and being located above the crotch area;

the reinforced segment being comprised of at least one type of elastic yarn having a denier greater than a first denier; and

the non-reinforced segment being comprised of at least one type of elastic yarn having a denier less than the first denier.

15. The control top pantyhose of claim 14, wherein the first denier is 60.

16. A control top pantyhose comprising:

a panty portion integrally knitted to a waistband including a knitted-in welt and to two leg portions;

the panty portion having a reinforced segment, a non-reinforced segment, and a crotch area located in the non-reinforced segment;

the reinforced segment and the non-reinforced segment being integrally knitted to each other along a hip line;

the hip line encircling the panty portion and being located above the crotch area;

the reinforced segment being comprised of at least one type of elastic yarn having a first denier; and

the non-reinforced segment being comprised of at least one type of elastic yarn having a denier less than the first denier.

17. The control top pantyhose of claim 16, wherein the first denier is 60.