Maternity tights with stretchy front panel and belly support zone

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to maternity tights intended to be worn during pregnancy, and an associated manufacturing process.

[0002] Such tights are, for example, compression tights for the legs.

[0003] This helps, in particular, to promote venous return.

[0004] The shape of the belly on maternity tights is adapted for a pregnant belly.

[0005] Generally, such maternity tights are like classic tights with an added panel at the front to provide comfort for the pregnant belly.

[0006] For example, it does not offer any function other than venous return, for compression tights.

[0007] US document 2009 / 081926 A1 discloses an example of maternity tights.

[0008] The aim of the invention is therefore to offer maternity tights particularly suitable for pregnancy.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to maternity tights, comprising a waistband area, a ventral assembly area and a ventral support area. the waistband area being deformable and extending above the ventral support area in a vertical direction, the ventral support area comprising a central region, two intermediate regions and two lateral regions, the two intermediate regions extending on either side of the central region in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, the two lateral regions each extending on one side of a respective intermediate region opposite the central region, the central region having an extensibility strictly greater than the extensibility of the intermediate regions, the extensibility of the intermediate regions being strictly greater than the extensibility of the lateral regions, the central region being intended to extend over the belly of a person wearing the maternity tights, the ventral support area extending between the waistband area and the ventral support area in the vertical direction,the ventral support zone comprising a pubic region arranged below the overall ventral zone in the vertical direction, and at least two accessory regions extending on either side of the pubic region perpendicular to the vertical direction, the pubic region having an extensibility strictly less than the extensibility of the accessory regions of the ventral support zone, the respective extensibilities of each of the regions of the ventral support zone being strictly less than each of the respective extensibilities of each of the regions of the overall ventral zone.

[0010] The overall ventral zone, thanks to its extensibility, allows for adaptation to the growing belly of pregnancy. In particular, this zone changes throughout pregnancy due to its extensibility. The central region is particularly extensible, accommodating the central part of the belly, while the intermediate and lateral regions become progressively less extensible, offering progressively more support.

[0011] The ventral support zone, with its lower extensibility, provides support for the abdomen and distributes this support, particularly to the flanks. Specifically, the pubic region, positioned beneath the ventral region and adapted to extend under the abdomen, offers increased support due to its lower extensibility compared to other regions.

[0012] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the maternity tights comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations: Each stretch is equal to the sum of a longitudinal stretch along a longitudinal direction and a transverse stretch along a transverse direction, the transverse direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; the respective stretches of each of the regions of the overall ventral zone are greater than or equal to 260% in any direction; the respective stretches of each of the regions of the ventral support zone are strictly less than 420% in any direction; the maternity tights include at least one lumbar support zone, at least one lumbar support zone being intended to extend opposite the lumbar region of a person wearing the maternity tights, at least one lumbar support zone having a stretch strictly less than 10% in any direction;The ventral support zone further comprises at least one rear region, with at least one rear region extending from one side of each ancillary region opposite the pubic region, at least one rear region intended to extend over the sides and back of a person wearing the maternity tights, at least one rear region having a strictly greater extensibility than the ancillary regions of the ventral support zone; each lumbar support zone is surrounded around its entire circumference by at least one rear region; the waistband zone comprises a front region having an extensibility in the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction greater than or equal to 350%; and / or the maternity tights are made of knit fabric.

[0013] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing maternity tights as defined above, comprising a step of knitting a front panel, a step of knitting a right back panel, a step of knitting a left back panel, and a step of assembling the front panel, the right back panel and the left back panel, the front panel comprising a front region of the waistband area, the central region of the ventral overall area and the pubic region of the ventral support area, the right and left back panels comprising a rear region of the waistband area, the intermediate regions and the lateral regions of the ventral overall area, and the adjunct regions of the ventral support area.

[0014] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which: [Fig. 1 ] there figure 1 is a side view of maternity tights worn according to an example of an embodiment of the invention, [ Fig 2 ] there figure 2 is a schematic, flat-developed view of the structure of the upper part of the tights. figure 1 , [ Fig 3 ] there figure 3 is a schematic representation of an example of knitting the ventral region of the ventral set zone, [ Fig 4 ] there figure 4 is a schematic representation of an example of knitting a bonding zone, [ Fig 5 ] there figure 5 is a schematic representation of an example of knitting a lateral region of the ventral overall zone, [ Fig 6 ] there figure 6 is a schematic representation of an example of knitting a rear region of the ventral support zone, [ Fig 7 ] there figure 7 is a schematic representation of an example of knitting a lumbar support zone, [ Fig 8 ] there figure 8 is a schematic representation of an example of knitting an adjunct region of the ventral support zone, [ Fig 9 ] there figure 9 is a schematic representation of an example of knitting in the pubic region of the ventral support zone, [ Fig 10 ] there figure 10 is a schematic representation of an example of knitting an intermediate region of the ventral overall zone, [ Fig 11 ] there figure 11 is a schematic representation of an example of knitting a back region of the waistband area, [ Fig 12 ] there figure 12 is a schematic representation of an example of knitting a front region of the waistband area, and [ Fig 13 ] there figure 13 is a schematic representation of an example of knitting a junction zone.

[0015] An example of maternity tights according to an embodiment of the invention is shown on the figures 1 And 2 .

[0016] The maternity tights 10 here comprise an upper part 12, also called panties, and two legs 14, each adapted to receive one of the legs of a wearer of the tights.

[0017] Maternity tights 10 are a textile.

[0018] The textile, for example, has a right side and a wrong side.

[0019] Maternity tights 10, for example, are entirely made of knit fabric.

[0020] Alternatively, only the upper part 12 is made in knitting, as will be described below.

[0021] The two legs 14 of the tights 10 are, for example, adapted to apply a support and / or compression effect to the legs of a person wearing the tights.

[0022] The two legs of the tights 10 are, for example, in conformity with class I, II or III of the French standard NF G30-102 "Hosiery articles - Determination of compression pressure" dated September 1984 and / or the German standard RAL-GZ 387 / 1 "Medical Compression Hosiery" dated January 2008.

[0023] The upper part 12, more particularly all the zones and regions defined below, here the whole of the tights 10, exhibit a symmetry with respect to the median sagittal plane.

[0024] The tights 10, more particularly the upper part 12, includes a waistband area 16, a ventral assembly area 18 and a ventral support area 20.

[0025] In the embodiment shown, the tights 10 also include, for example, at least one lumbar support zone 22, optionally.

[0026] The sticky 10 here includes, for example, in addition at least one bonding zone 24, 26.

[0027] The adhesive 10 also includes, here for example, at least one junction zone 28.

[0028] The belt area 16 extends above the ventral assembly area 18 in a vertical direction Z.

[0029] The terms "above," "below," "lower," and "upper" are defined relative to this vertical direction Z in a given sense. The given direction and sense here correspond to the sense usually defined relative to the vertical of the location, when the person wearing the tights is standing.

[0030] The ventral overall area 18 extends between the belt area 16 and the ventral support area 20 along the vertical direction Z.

[0031] Belt zone 16 has a cylindrical shape.

[0032] The waistband area 16 is designed to extend around the body, over a circumference, of a person wearing the tights, above the stomach of said person.

[0033] Belt area 16 is deformable.

[0034] The belt zone 16 here includes a front region 30 and a rear region 32.

[0035] The area before 30 is intended to extend over the stomach of a person wearing the tights.

[0036] The region before 30 exhibits extensibility in at least one direction, more particularly in a transverse direction, greater than or equal to 350%.

[0037] The transverse direction here corresponds to a horizontal direction when the tights are worn by a standing user.

[0038] For the following, extensibility, here called total, is equal to the sum of a longitudinal extensibility along a longitudinal direction and a transverse extensibility along a transverse direction, the transverse direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0039] Here, the longitudinal direction corresponds to the vertical direction.

[0040] The region before 30 exhibits, here in particular, a transverse extensibility greater than or equal to 350%.

[0041] The region before 30 is thus particularly extensible along the transverse axis of its manufacture, here knitting.

[0042] The pre-30 area is designed to adapt and evolve with the pregnancy belly.

[0043] The region before 30 comprises, more specifically is made up of, two parts, more specifically an upper part 34 and a lower part 36.

[0044] The lower part 36 extends under the upper part 34 in the vertical direction Z.

[0045] More specifically, the front region 30 is divided into two at an axis perpendicular to the vertical direction Z, here along the transverse direction: the whole front region 30 arranged above the axis is the upper part, and that below the axis is the lower part.

[0046] The upper part 34 has a surface area strictly less than that of the lower part, more particularly strictly less than half the surface area of ​​the lower part 36.

[0047] The textile forming the upper part 34 is folded over itself, so that, in the upper part 34, the tights are double.

[0048] In the lower part 36, the textile is not folded, so that it forms a single layer.

[0049] The area before 30 is, for example, knitted, more specifically according to a pattern represented in the figure 12 .

[0050] The upper part 34 features knitting according to a first pattern A, and the lower part 36 features knitting according to a second pattern B.

[0051] The first pattern A corresponds to a plain stockinette stitch, that is to say a stockinette stitch consisting entirely of plain (stockinette) rows with stitches on each column.

[0052] The second pattern B has a knitting consisting of one stitch in every other column, the stitches being, alternately, every other row, on the odd-numbered needles or columns and, the other every other row, on the even-numbered needles or columns.

[0053] The area before 30 is preferably knitted with elastic yarns, more particularly a single elastic yarn, double wrapped or interlaced by air jet called "airjet" with an elastic core ranging from 17 to 78 decitex and one to two blankets in synthetic or natural or artificial yarn ranging from 17 decitex to 156 decitex.

[0054] The rear region 32 exhibits extensibility in at least one direction, more particularly in the transverse direction, greater than or equal to 280%.

[0055] The rear region 32 exhibits, here in particular, a transverse extensibility greater than or equal to 280%.

[0056] The rear region 32, for example, features a classic tights construction.

[0057] The rear region 32 has a double thickness, formed of an inner layer and an outer layer.

[0058] More specifically, the textile forming the rear region 32 is folded over itself and fixed in this way, so as to define an inner layer and an outer layer.

[0059] The inner layer is designed to lie flat against the skin of the person wearing the tights.

[0060] The back region, for example, is knitted, more specifically according to a pattern shown in the figure 11 .

[0061] The inner layer has a knit according to a first pattern I, and the outer layer has a knit according to a second pattern E.

[0062] The first pattern I corresponds to a plain stockinette stitch, that is to say a stockinette stitch consisting entirely of plain (stockinette) rows with stitches on each column.

[0063] The second pattern E corresponds over three consecutive rows to a plain stockinette stitch, that is to say a stockinette-based knit consisting entirely of plain (stockinette) rows with stitches on each column, then a row with point loads, for example on two adjacent columns every eight columns, then three consecutive rows of plain stockinette stitch, then a row with point loads in a location opposite the row with previous loads, for example on two adjacent columns every eight columns, the two loads being arranged on the two columns opposite the center of the six columns not having loads on the row with previous loads.

[0064] The back region 32 is preferably knitted with elastic yarns, more particularly a single elastic yarn, double wrapped or interlaced by air jet called "airjet" with an elastic core ranging from 17 to 78 decitex and one to two covers in synthetic or natural or artificial yarn ranging from 17 decitex to 156 decitex.

[0065] Alternatively, the back region is knitted with alternating elastic and non-elastic yarns.

[0066] In the rest of the pant, excluding upper part 34 and rear region 32, the fabric is not folded and forms a single layer.

[0067] The ventral overall area 18 comprises a central region 38, two intermediate regions 40 and two lateral regions 42.

[0068] The central region 38 is intended to extend over the belly, more specifically to cover the entire belly, of a person wearing maternity tights 10.

[0069] The two intermediate regions 40 extend on either side of the central region perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. More specifically, each intermediate region 40 extends from a respective side of the central region 38.

[0070] The two lateral regions 42 each extend from one side of a respective intermediate region 40 opposite the central region, here perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.

[0071] The central region 38 here presents, when the tights are not worn, a rectangular shape, two sides of the rectangle being, for example, here along the vertical direction Z.

[0072] The central region 38 exhibits a total extensibility between 600% and 1000%.

[0073] The central region 38 exhibits, more specifically here, a longitudinal extensibility between 250% and 450% and a transverse extensibility between 350% and 550%.

[0074] The central region 38 is, for example, knitted, more specifically according to a pattern represented in the figure 3 .

[0075] The pattern corresponds to a plain stockinette stitch, that is to say a stockinette stitch consisting entirely of plain (stockinette) rows with stitches on each column.

[0076] The central region 38 is preferably knitted with elastic yarns, more particularly a single elastic yarn, double wrapped or interlaced by air jet called "airjet" with an elastic core ranging from 17 to 78 decitex and one to two blankets in synthetic or natural or artificial yarn ranging from 17 decitex to 156 decitex.

[0077] Each intermediate region 40 is adjacent to one side of the central region, more specifically a side extending along the vertical direction Z.

[0078] Each intermediate region 40 presents, for example, a circular segment shape, the adjacent side of the central region 38 comprising the chord delimiting the circular segment.

[0079] More specifically, the rope extends only over a portion of said adjacent side.

[0080] Each intermediate region 40 is designed to extend along one side of the person.

[0081] The two intermediate regions 40 are identical and have the same characteristics.

[0082] Each intermediate region 40 exhibits a total extensibility between 570% and 970%.

[0083] Each intermediate region 40 exhibits, here more particularly, a longitudinal extensibility between 250% and 450% and a transverse extensibility between 320% and 520%.

[0084] Each intermediate region 40 is, for example, knitted, more specifically according to a pattern represented in the figure 10 .

[0085] The pattern corresponds to a plain stockinette stitch, that is to say a stockinette stitch consisting entirely of plain (stockinette) rows with stitches on each column.

[0086] Each intermediate region 40 is preferably knitted with elastic yarns, more particularly a single elastic yarn, double wrapped or interlaced by air jet called "airjet" with an elastic core ranging from 17 to 78 decitex and one or two blankets in synthetic or natural or artificial yarn ranging from 17 decitex to 156 decitex.

[0087] Each lateral region 42 is adjacent to the side of the corresponding intermediate region 40 opposite the central region 38, more particularly perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.

[0088] Each lateral region 42 presents, for example, a circular segment shape from which the intermediate region 40 is removed, the side of the central region 38 adjacent to the corresponding intermediate region 40 comprising the chord delimiting said circular segment.

[0089] More specifically, the rope delimiting said circular segment extends over the entire adjacent side.

[0090] Each intermediate region 40 is surrounded by the central region and one of the lateral regions.

[0091] Each lateral region 42 is adjacent to the central region 38 above and below the intermediate region 40 in the vertical direction Z.

[0092] Each lateral region 42 is designed to extend along one side of the person.

[0093] The two lateral regions 42 are identical and have the same characteristics.

[0094] Each lateral region 42 exhibits a total extensibility between 560% and 960%.

[0095] Each lateral region 42 exhibits, here more particularly, a longitudinal extensibility between 260% and 460% and a transverse extensibility between 300% and 500%.

[0096] Each lateral region 42 is, for example, knitted, more specifically according to a pattern represented in the figure 5 .

[0097] The pattern corresponds, one row out of two, to a plain stockinette stitch, that is to say a stockinette stitch consisting entirely of plain (stockinette) rows with stitches on each column, and, the other row out of two to a stockinette stitch consisting of one stitch three columns out of four.

[0098] The location without a mesh is successively shifted by one column.

[0099] Each lateral region 42 is preferably knitted with elastic yarns, more particularly a single elastic yarn, double wrapped or interlaced by air jet called "airjet" with an elastic core ranging from 17 to 78 decitex and one to two blankets of synthetic or natural or artificial yarn ranging from 17 decitex to 156 decitex.

[0100] The extensibility of the central region 38, that is to say here the sum of its longitudinal extensibility and its transverse extensibility, presents an extensibility strictly greater than the extensibility of the intermediate regions 40, the extensibility of the intermediate regions 40 being strictly greater than the extensibility of the lateral regions 42.

[0101] The transverse direction here corresponds to the direction of a row of knitting.

[0102] In particular, the transverse extensibility of the central region 38 is greater than the transverse extensibility of the intermediate regions 40, the transverse extensibility of the intermediate regions 40 being strictly greater than the transverse extensibility of the lateral regions 42.

[0103] Furthermore, the longitudinal extensibility of the central region 38 is greater than the longitudinal extensibility of the intermediate regions 40, the longitudinal extensibility of the intermediate regions 40 being strictly greater than the longitudinal extensibility of the lateral regions 42.

[0104] The yarns used for knitting are, for example, identical between the central region, the intermediate regions and the lateral regions, the evolution of extensibilities being, for example, obtained by changing the mesh structure, that is to say the alternation in the direction of the rows and / or columns between stitches, loads and floats.

[0105] The respective total extensibilities of each of the regions of the ventral overall zone 18 are greater than or equal to 560%, the longitudinal extensibility being greater than or equal to 260% and the transverse extensibility being greater than or equal to 300%.

[0106] The ventral support zone 20 includes a pubic region 44 arranged under the ventral overall zone 18 along the vertical direction Z, and at least two accessory regions 46 extending on either side of the pubic region 44 perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.

[0107] The ventral support zone includes 20 in addition to at least one rear region 48.

[0108] The pubic region 44 is intended to extend to the level of the pubis of the person wearing the tights 10.

[0109] The pubic region 44 is adjacent to the central region 38.

[0110] The pubic region 44 extends over the entire lower extremity along the vertical Z direction of the central region 38.

[0111] Thus, the pubic region 44 provides support under the entire central region 38 which accommodates the belly.

[0112] The central region 38 over the entire upper extremity along the vertical direction Z of the pubic region 44.

[0113] The support provided by the pubic region 44 is thus concentrated at the level of belly support, so that it is particularly suitable and comfortable to help support the pregnancy belly, without discomfort otherwise.

[0114] The pubic region 44 here presents, when the tights are not worn, a rectangular shape, two sides of the rectangle being, for example, here along the vertical direction Z.

[0115] The upper side of the rectangle forming the pubic region 44 is common with the lower side of the central region 38.

[0116] The pubic region 44 exhibits a total extensibility between 160% and 560%.

[0117] The pubic region 44 here, more specifically, exhibits a longitudinal extensibility between 30% and 230% and a transverse extensibility between 130% and 330%.

[0118] The pubic region 44 is, for example, knitted, more specifically according to a pattern represented in the figure 9 .

[0119] The pattern corresponds to a knitting, presenting, for each row, only stitches one column out of four, that is to say that, for each row, there is successively one stitch, three columns without stitch or other (load...), one stitch, three columns without stitch or other, and so on.

[0120] The motif depicted in the figure 9 includes at least one iteration of the following two rows: first row with one stitch on a first column out of four given, and second row with one stitch on a second column out of four, said second column being at the median location between two consecutive first columns.

[0121] In other words, if in the first row the stitches are present in columns i modulo 4, then in the second row the stitches are present in columns i+2 modulo 4.

[0122] More specifically, here, the motif represented at the figure 9 repeats every sixteen rows.

[0123] It comprises seven repetitions of a first row and a second row, as defined previously.

[0124] It also includes, between the first and second repetitions, a row in which the stitches are present in the previous column relative to the stitches of the second row of the first repetition. In the previous notation, the stitches are therefore present in columns i+1 modulo 4.

[0125] It also includes, between the first and second rows of the fifth repetition, a row in which the stitches are present in the previous column relative to the stitches of the first row of said repetition. In the preceding notation, the stitches are therefore present in columns i+3 modulo 4.

[0126] The motif depicted in the figure 9 It therefore includes the following ranks in this order: stitches only on columns i modulo 4, stitches only on columns i+2 modulo 4, stitches only on columns i+1 modulo 4, stitches only on columns i modulo 4, stitches only on columns i+2 modulo 4, stitches only on columns i modulo 4, stitches only on columns i+2 modulo 4, stitches only on columns i modulo 4, stitches only on columns i+2 modulo 4, stitches only on columns i modulo 4, stitches only on columns i modulo 4, stitches only on columns i+3 modulo 4, stitches only on columns i+2 modulo 4, stitches only on columns i modulo 4, stitches only on columns i modulo 4, and stitches only on columns i+2 modulo 4.

[0127] The pubic region 44 is preferably made of an elastic thread associated with a rigid thread having a count between 17 decitex and 156 decitex.

[0128] The rigid wire is synthetic, artificial or natural.

[0129] Each accessory region 46 is adjacent to one side of the pubic region 44, more particularly one side extending along the vertical direction Z.

[0130] Each annex region 46 presents, for example, a circular segment shape, the adjacent side of the pubic region 44 including the cord delimiting the circular segment.

[0131] More specifically, the rope extends along the entire length of said adjacent side.

[0132] The two annexed regions 46 are identical and have the same characteristics.

[0133] Each Annex 46 region has a total extensibility between 320% and 720%.

[0134] Each region annexed here, more specifically, exhibits a longitudinal extensibility between 160% and 360% and a transverse extensibility between 160% and 360%.

[0135] The pubic region 44 exhibits a total extensibility, here the sum of its longitudinal extensibility and its transverse extensibility, strictly less than the extensibility of the accessory regions 46 of the ventral support zone.

[0136] Each region in Annex 46 is, for example, knitted, more specifically according to a pattern represented in the figure 8 .

[0137] The pattern corresponds to a knitting, presenting, for each row, only stitches one column out of four, that is to say that, for each row, there is successively one stitch, three columns without stitch or other (load...), one stitch, three columns without stitch or other, and so on.

[0138] The motif depicted in the figure 8 includes at least one iteration of the following two rows: first row with one stitch on a first column out of four given, and second row with one stitch on a second column out of four, said second column being at the median location between two consecutive first columns.

[0139] In other words, if in the first row the stitches are present in columns i modulo 4, then in the second row the stitches are present in columns i+2 modulo 4.

[0140] More specifically, here, the motif represented at the figure 8 repeats every sixteen rows.

[0141] The motif depicted in the figure 8 It therefore includes the following ranks in this order: stitches only on columns i modulo 4, stitches only on columns i+2 modulo 4, stitches only on columns i+1 modulo 4, stitches only on columns i modulo 4, stitches only on columns i+2 modulo 4, stitches only on columns i modulo 4, stitches only on columns i+3 modulo 4, stitches only on columns i modulo 4, stitches only on columns i+2 modulo 4, stitches only on columns i modulo 4, stitches only on columns i+1 modulo 4, stitches only on columns i+2 modulo 4, stitches only on columns i modulo 4, stitches only on columns i+2 modulo 4, stitches only on columns i+3 modulo 4, and stitches only on columns i+2 modulo 4.

[0142] Each Annex 46 region is preferably knitted with elastic yarns, more particularly a single elastic yarn, double wrapped or interlaced by air jet called "airjet" with an elastic core ranging from 17 to 78 decitex and one or two blankets of synthetic or natural or artificial yarn ranging from 17 decitex to 156 decitex.

[0143] At least one rear region 48 extends from one side of each accessory region 46 opposite the pubic region 44, more particularly in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.

[0144] At least one back region 48 is intended to extend over the sides and back of a person wearing the maternity tights.

[0145] Here, the tights comprise a single rear region 48, said rear region 48 connecting the sides of each adjunct region 46 opposite the pubic region 44.

[0146] The rear region 48 extends from each side of the accessory regions 46 opposite the pubic region 44, more particularly along its entire length, then on either side partially over the hips of the wearer, and finally over the back.

[0147] The dimension of the rear region 48 along the vertical direction Z is maximum in a dorsal portion, designed to extend against the back of the wearer.

[0148] At least one back region 48 exhibits a total extensibility between 420% and 820%.

[0149] At least one rear region 48 exhibits, here, more particularly, a longitudinal extensibility between 220% and 420% and a transverse extensibility between 200% and 400%.

[0150] At least one rear region 48 exhibits an extensibility strictly greater than the extensibility of the accessory regions 46 of the ventral support zone.

[0151] Each back region 48 is, for example, knitted, more specifically according to a pattern represented in the figure 6 .

[0152] The pattern includes a first sub-pattern and a second sub-pattern.

[0153] Each sub-motif consists of four rows.

[0154] The first sub-motif includes: over three consecutive rows, twice the following sequence: stitches in two consecutive columns, then a column without stitch or load, then a stitch, then a column without stitch or load, then a stitch, then a column without stitch or load, and on the fourth row: once the previous sequence, then stitches in all the columns for which the sequence is repeated in the three previous rows.

[0155] The second sub-motif includes: over three consecutive rows, twice the previous sequence, and on the fourth row: stitches in all columns corresponding to the first sequence for the three previous rows, then the previous sequence.

[0156] The pattern of the figure 6 includes, more specifically is made up, in this order, of a given number, here six, repetitions of the first sub-motif, then of the given number of repetitions of the second sub-motif.

[0157] The back region 48 is preferably knitted with elastic yarns, more particularly a single elastic yarn, double wrapped or interlaced by air jet called "airjet" with an elastic core ranging from 17 to 78 decitex and one to two blankets of synthetic or natural or artificial yarn ranging from 17 decitex to 156 decitex.

[0158] The total extensibility of each rear region 48 exhibits an extensibility strictly greater than the extensibility of the accessory regions 46, the extensibility of the accessory regions 46 being strictly greater than the extensibility of the pubic region 44.

[0159] In particular, the transverse extensibility of each rear region 48 is greater than the transverse extensibility of the accessory regions 46, the transverse extensibility of the accessory regions 46 being strictly greater than the transverse extensibility of the pubic region 44.

[0160] In addition, the longitudinal extensibility of each rear region 48 is greater than the longitudinal extensibility of the accessory regions 46, the longitudinal extensibility of the accessory regions 46 being strictly greater than the longitudinal extensibility of the pubic region 44.

[0161] The respective total extensibilities, the respective longitudinal extensibilities and the respective transverse extensibilities of each of the regions 44, 46, 48 of the ventral support zone 20 are, respectively, strictly less than each of the respective total, longitudinal and transverse extensibilities of each of the regions 38, 40, 42 of the ventral overall zone 18.

[0162] Thus, the ventral support zone 20 provides support under the abdomen, which also features a gradient to maximize support there, while the overall ventral zone 18 is designed to expand to accommodate the pregnancy abdomen, specifically with a gradient to maximize extensibility over the abdomen. The ventral support zone 20 distributes the load from the pubic bone to the flanks.

[0163] The extensibility gradients are reversed between the ventral support zone 20 and the ventral overall zone 18.

[0164] In the presence of at least one lumbar support zone 22, at least one lumbar support zone 22 is intended to extend over the lumbar region of a person wearing the maternity tights.

[0165] The maternity tights 10 here include a plurality of lumbar support zones, for example an even number.

[0166] The maternity tights 10 include, for example, a given number, here two, lumbar support zones provided on each side of the wearer's spine.

[0167] The lumbar support zone 22 here presents a main extension along a direction forming an angle of less than 5° with the vertical direction Z.

[0168] The lumbar support zone 22 extends within the dorsal portion of the back region 48.

[0169] Each lumbar support zone has a dimension along the vertical Z direction greater than or equal to three-quarters of the maximum dimension along the vertical Z direction of the dorsal portion of the back region 48.

[0170] Each lumbar support zone 22 is surrounded around its entire circumference, i.e. entirely surrounded, by at least one back region 48.

[0171] At least one lumbar support zone 22 has a longitudinal extensibility strictly less than 10% and a transverse extensibility less than 10%.

[0172] Each lumbar support zone 22 thus provides support at the lumbar level.

[0173] Each lumbar support zone 22 is, for example, knitted, more specifically according to a pattern shown in the figure 7 .

[0174] The pattern corresponds to a knitting, presenting, for each row, only stitches one column out of four, that is to say that, for each row, there is successively one stitch, three columns without stitch or other (load...), one stitch, three columns without stitch or other, and so on.

[0175] The motif depicted in the figure 7 includes at least one iteration of the following two rows: first row with one stitch on a first column out of four given, and second row with one stitch on a second column out of four, said second column being at the median location between two consecutive first columns.

[0176] In other words, if in the first row the stitches are present in columns i modulo 4, then in the second row the stitches are present in columns i+2 modulo 4.

[0177] More specifically, here, the motif represented at the figure 7 repeats every twelve rows.

[0178] It comprises five repetitions of a first row and a second row, as defined previously.

[0179] It also includes, between the first and second repetitions, a row in which the stitches are present in the previous column relative to the stitches of the second row of the first repetition. In the previous notation, the stitches are therefore present in columns i+1 modulo 4.

[0180] It also includes, between the first and second rows of the fourth repetition, a row in which the stitches are present in the previous column relative to the stitches of the first row of said repetition. In the preceding notation, the stitches are therefore present in columns i+3 modulo 4.

[0181] The motif depicted in the figure 7 It therefore includes the following ranks in this order: stitches only on columns i modulo 4, stitches only on columns i+2 modulo 4, stitches only on columns i+1 modulo 4, stitches only on columns i modulo 4, stitches only on columns i+2 modulo 4, stitches only on columns i modulo 4, stitches only on columns i+2 modulo 4, stitches only on columns i modulo 4, stitches only on columns i+3 modulo 4, stitches only on columns i+2 modulo 4, stitches only on columns i modulo 4, and stitches only on columns i+2 modulo 4.

[0182] At least one lumbar support zone 22 is preferably knitted with elastic yarns, more particularly a single elastic yarn, double wrapped or interlaced by air jet called "airjet" with an elastic core ranging from 17 to 78 decitex and one to two covers of synthetic or natural or artificial yarn ranging from 17 decitex to 156 decitex.

[0183] Alternatively, at least one lumbar support zone 22 is, for example, knitted with alternating elastic and non-elastic yarns.

[0184] At least one junction zone 28 here forms the junction between the panties and the legs.

[0185] More specifically, the upper part 12 includes a junction zone per leg.

[0186] Each junction zone 28 is designed to extend around the entire circumference of one leg of the wearer at the level of a lower end of the breeches.

[0187] At least one junction zone 28 exhibits a total extensibility between 420% and 820%.

[0188] At least one junction zone 28 exhibits, here more particularly, a longitudinal extensibility between 160% and 360% and a transverse extensibility between 260% and 460%.

[0189] The or each junction zone 28 is, for example, knitted, more specifically according to a pattern shown in the figure 13 .

[0190] The pattern includes every other row of plain stockinette stitch, with stitches in all columns, and every other row an alternation between stitches and ribs.

[0191] More specifically, the pattern includes a first row with alternately stitches and charges, for example stitches on odd columns and charges on even columns, a second row with stitches on all columns, a third row with alternately stitches and charges, the stitches being present on the columns where there were charges in the first row, for example stitches on even columns and charges on odd columns, and a fourth row with stitches on all columns.

[0192] At least one junction zone 28 is preferably knitted with elastic yarns, more particularly a single elastic yarn, double wrapped or interlaced by air jet called "airjet" with an elastic core ranging from 17 to 78 decitex and one or two blankets of synthetic or natural or artificial yarn ranging from 17 decitex to 156 decitex.

[0193] At least one connecting zone 24, 26 links the previously defined zones and regions together, more specifically in such a way as to have a panty without an opening.

[0194] Here, the adhesive includes a first bonding zone 24 extending between the rear region 32, the rear region 48 and the lateral regions 42.

[0195] The tights further include a second connecting zone 26 below the pubic area 44 and between the rear region 48 and the connecting zones 28.

[0196] The first connection zone 24 and the second connection zone 26 are identical here, for example.

[0197] At least one connection zone 24, 26 exhibits a total extensibility between 500% and 900%.

[0198] At least one connection zone 24, 26 exhibits, here, more particularly, a longitudinal extensibility between 250% and 450% and a transverse extensibility between 250% and 450%.

[0199] The or each connecting zone 24, 26 is, for example, knitted, more particularly according to a pattern represented in the figure 4 .

[0200] The pattern includes, more specifically is made up of, rows with stitches in every other column.

[0201] More specifically, the pattern includes an alternation of rows, in which one row out of two includes stitches only on even columns and the other row out of two includes stitches only on odd columns.

[0202] In the embodiment shown, the pant 12 comprises, here is formed, a plurality of panels F, R, L, for example a front panel F, a right rear panel R and a left rear panel L.

[0203] The panels are, for example, made separately, here by knitting, then assembled, for example by sewing.

[0204] More specifically here, the right back panel R is knitted with the right leg of the tights, and the left back panel L is knitted with the left leg of the tights.

[0205] The right back panel R and the left back panel L are here adapted to extend together against the sides and back of the person wearing the tights.

[0206] The right back panel R and the left back panel L are each intended to extend against the flank, respectively right or left, and the side, respectively right or left, of the back of a person wearing the tights.

[0207] The right rear panel R and the left rear panel L are symmetrical to each other.

[0208] The front panel F here includes the front region 30 of the belt zone 16, the central region 38 of the ventral overall zone 18 and the pubic region 44 of the ventral support zone 20, and here further a portion of the second linking zone 26.

[0209] The R, L panels include the rear region 32 of the belt area 16, the intermediate regions 40 and the lateral regions 42 of the ventral overall area 18, and the adjunct regions 46 of the ventral support area 20, and herein further the rear region 48 of the ventral support area 20, at least one lumbar support area 22, at least one junction area 28, the first linking area 24 and a portion of the second linking area 26.

[0210] An example of a manufacturing process for maternity tights will now be described.

[0211] The manufacturing process includes a knitting step for each of the panels as defined above, more specifically the front panel F, the right rear panel R, and the left rear panel L, and a step of assembling the panels together, here by making, for example by sewing.

[0212] The right rear panel R and left rear panel L are each knitted here with the corresponding leg.

[0213] More specifically, the front panel F is positioned between the left rear panel L and the right rear panel R, so that each of the right or left rear panels extends from one side of the front panel F.

[0214] The right rear panel R and the left rear panel L are assembled opposite the front panel F, more specifically here from the top end to the bottom of the corresponding junction area 28.

[0215] The front panel F, the right rear panel R and the left rear panel F are each knitted in one piece, without assembly.

[0216] More specifically, each panel is made on a simple cylindrical circular knitting machine.

[0217] These tights, thanks to their stretchy abdominal area, adapt to the changing shape of your pregnant belly and gradually provide more support at the sides. The abdominal support zone provides support for the belly and distributes this support gradually.

Claims

1. A maternity panty (10), comprising a waistband area (16), a ventral assembly area (18) and a ventral support area (20), the waistband area (16) being deformable and extending above the ventral assembly area (18) along a vertical direction (Z), the ventral assembly area (18) comprising a central region (38), and two lateral regions (42), the central region (38) being intended to extend over the belly of a person wearing the maternity panty (10), the ventral assembly area (18) extending between the waistband area (16) and the ventral support area (20) along the vertical direction (Z), the ventral support area (20) comprising a pubic region (44) arranged below the ventral assembly area (18) along the vertical direction (Z), characterized in that the ventral assembly area (18) comprises two intermediate regions (40), the two intermediate regions (40) extending on either side of the central region (38) along a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z), the two lateral regions (42) each extending on one side of a respective intermediate region (40) opposite the central region (38), the central region (38) presenting an extensibility strictly greater than an extensibility of the intermediate regions (40), the extensibility of the intermediate regions (40) being strictly greater than an extensibility of the lateral regions (42), the ventral support area (20) comprising at least two ancillary regions (46) extending on either side of the pubic region (44) perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z), the pubic region (44) presenting an extensibility strictly less than the extensibility of the ancillary regions (46) of the ventral support area (20), the respective extensibilities of each of the regions of the ventral support area (20) being strictly less than each of the respective extensibilities of each of the regions of the ventral assembly area (18).

2. The maternity panty according to claim 1, wherein each extensibility is equal to the sum of a longitudinal extensibility along a longitudinal direction and a transverse extensibility along a transverse direction, the transverse direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

3. The maternity panty according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the respective extensibilities of each of the regions of the ventral assembly area (18) are greater than or equal to 260% in any direction.

4. The maternity panty according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the respective extensibilities of each of the regions of the ventral support area (20) are strictly less than 420% in any direction.

5. The maternity panty according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising at least one lumbar support area (22), the at least one lumbar support area (22) being intended to extend facing the lumbar region of a person wearing the maternity panty (10), the at least one lumbar support area (22) presenting an extensibility strictly less than 10% in any direction.

6. The maternity panty according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the ventral support area (20) further comprises at least one rear region (48), the at least one rear region (48) extending from one side of each ancillary region (46) opposite the pubic region (44), the at least one rear region (48) being intended to extend over the flanks and the back of a person wearing the maternity panty (10), the at least one rear region (48) presenting an extensibility strictly greater than the extensibility of the ancillary regions (46) of the ventral support area (20).

7. The maternity panty according to claims 5 and 6, wherein the or each lumbar support area (22) is surrounded over its entire circumference by the at least one rear region (48).

8. The maternity panty according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the waistband area (16) comprises a front region (30) presenting an extensibility along the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z) greater than or equal to 350%.

9. The maternity panty according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the maternity panty (10) is knitted.

10. A method for manufacturing a maternity panty (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a step of knitting a front panel (F), a step of knitting a right rear panel (R), a step of knitting a left rear panel (L) and a step of assembling the front panel (F), the right rear panel (R) and the left rear panel (L), the front panel (F) comprising a front region (30) of the waistband area (16), the central region (38) of the ventral assembly area (18) and the pubic region (44) of the ventral support area (20), the right and left rear panels (R, L) comprising a rear region (32) of the waistband area (16), the intermediate regions (40) and the lateral regions (42) of the ventral assembly area (18), and the ancillary regions (46) of the ventral support area (20).