Abstract: A disposable garment (10) having at least one opening (13) elasticized with two or three spaced elastic elements (30) having a cross-sectional shape with an aspect ratio of 0.25 to 1, its shortest axis about 0.8 to 3.2 mm long and a cross-sectional area of about 0.5 to 8 mm.sup.2. In particular, a disposable garment (10) having leg openings (13) elasticized with two or three such spaced elastic elements (30) and a waist opening (12) elasticized with a flat elastic ribbon (70).

Abstract: Disposable garments (10) having an elasticized opening including an elastic element (25, 60, 70) joined to a marginal portion of an exterior panel (21, 40, 61, 71) of the garment about the opening along a plurality of spaced bond points (50), and also joined to a marginal portion of an interior panel (20, 62, 72) or folded-over portion of the exterior panel (40a) along the opening, with the outer edges of the elastic element and panel portions joined thereto being substantially coincident. The elastic element is joined to the panel portions in an elongated condition and thereafter allowed to retract to produce micro-buckling (51) of the exterior panel between the bond points.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pair of briefs and briefs made according to the method. A blank in the shape of a bag is knitted by means of a circular knitting machine. In the blank there are cut two leg holes in the nature of straight cuts from the hip bone and inclined forwards towards a reinforced middle portion. The cuts are ended about 5 cm from each other.

Abstract: Athletic shorts are disclosed which provide full support as well as maximum freedom of movement yet with minimum exposure. The construction consists of an underpant plus an outer shell of flexible fabric containing overlapping flap openings in front of each thigh extending from the waist to the bottom border. The construction permits full raising and splitting of the wearer's thighs without friction, and yet the flaps immediately close when the thighs are brought back together, providing full coverage.

Abstract: A loose-fitting garment for individuals wearing an ostomy appliance with an encircling band which contacts the body above the stoma. The downwardly extending fabric which covers the torso has a large vertical opening therein and a pocket on the exterior covering a portion of the opening. The appliance fitted to the stoma extends through the opening and rests in the pocket. A cover flap is provided to shield the appliance from view.

Abstract: A disposable panty and method of making the disposable panty wherein two panels are positioned so that the facing sheets of each face each other. The panels include absorbent pads between said facing sheets and outer backing sheets. Pairs of elasticized strips are disposed along the sides of said panels, one pair cooperating to form a waistband. The panels are attached to each other along the end edges and at a location medial the end edges and adjacent the other pair of elasticized strips to form thigh bands defining crotch seals.

Abstract: A method of diaper manufacture whereby adhesive is applied directly to the moisture impervious web for attachment thereto of elastic ribbons to make a shirred diaper.

Abstract: The object of the invention is an improved brief or panty and method of making the same that has porous fabric panels and elastic members that are elastic in all directions. The panty lies flat against the body of the wearer and the fabric panel does not gather adjacent the elastic members.The panty has an hourglass-shaped panel (10) and an elastic member (11) having hourglass exterior margin (21) and interior margin (22) overlying and bonded to the exterior margin of the fabric panel (10). A functional crotch portion (20) is interposed between the elastic member (11) and the panel (10).The panty is manufactured by forming an hourglass-shaped panty blank (10) of elastic material having front (19) and rear (18) panel portions; forming an elastic border member (11) from elastic material; superimposing the border member (11) on the hourglass margin of the panty blank (10) and bonding it thereto; and securing corresponding transverse edges of the front (19) and rear (18) panel portions.

Abstract: This garment is knit exclusively of cotton yarn and has sufficient stretchability and recoverability to properly fit several body sizes. The garment comprises single courses of large stitch loops (courses C-1, C-3 and C-5) of cotton body yarn (C) alternating with single courses of small stitch loops (courses C-2, C-4 and C-6) of cotton body yarn (C) extending throughout the main body portion of the garment. The courses of large stitch loops provide stretchability to the garment and the courses of small stitch loops provide density and opacity to the garment.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment particularly suitable for the toilet training of infants is provided. The undergarment is fabricated from a compressively shrunk non-woven fabric in a single layer or laminated to provide multiple layers. The undergarment is made from a single blank of substantially rectangular shape of which one longer side margin is adapted to become the waist encircling portion of the undergarment, and the other side margin is adapted to become the leg openings. Joining all layers of the fabric together in the crotch area provides leg apertures when the undergarment is formed from the blank.

Abstract: Legless panty having elasticity around the leg openings thereof which is differentially tailored, as by the application of elastic bands thereto with portions of the elastic bands being prestretched to varying degrees during application, in a manner to gather only the edge portions adjacent the leg opening which in use lie generally along the wearer's groin while leaving smooth and ungathered those edge portions adjacent the leg openings which in use overlie the hips, to thereby provide a smooth outside appearance, reduce bunching under the buttocks and riding up thereon together with self-adjustable easing of the leg openings enabling expansion thereof outwardly from the groin to accommodate thighs of differing sizes and providing a pouch-like non-binding crotch portion firmly held in position by the elastic bands along the groin while readily accommodating natural bodily movements, without pulling, as during walking, sitting, bending, and the like.

Abstract: A method of producing a knitted brief blank of flat form. First, a preliminary tubular blank including a comparatively narrow portion of crotch fabric is produced by seamless knitting. Then this tubular blank is slit and opened out flat into a final brief blank. The preliminary tubular blank in one form comprises two circular knitted tubular portions extending relatively at an angle and connected by an interposed elbow-like pouch formed by reciprocatory knitting on to the point of which is knitted a comparatively narrow selvedged loop of crotch fabric.Alternatively, the preliminary tubular blank may be wholly produced by circular knitting and comprise aligned opposite end portions and an intervening waisted portion of reduced diameter constituting narrowed crotch fabric.