Maternity panty with expandable ventral assembly area and ventral support area

Abstract

The present invention relates to maternity tights (10), comprising a deformable waistband area (16), a ventral assembly area (18) and a ventral support area (20), and an associated manufacturing method. The ventral assembly area (18) comprises a central region (38), two intermediate regions (40) and two lateral regions (42), the extensibility of the regions being decreasing from the central region (38) towards the lateral regions (42). The ventral support area (20) comprises a pubic region (44) arranged under the ventral assembly area (18), and two ancillary regions (46), the pubic region (44) having an extensibility strictly less than the extensibility of the ancillary regions (46). The respective extensibilities of the regions of the ventral support area (20) are strictly less than each of the respective extensibilities of the regions of the ventral assembly area (18).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to maternity tights intended to be worn during pregnancy, and a method of manufacturing the same.

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

[0003] This helps to promote venous return.

[0004] The belly shape of maternity tights is suitable for a pregnant belly.

[0005] Generally, such maternity tights correspond to classic tights to which a yoke has been added at the front, in order to provide comfort for the pregnancy belly.

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

[0007] The aim of the invention is therefore to propose maternity tights that are particularly suitable for pregnancy.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to maternity tights, comprising a waistband area, a ventral overall area and a ventral support area, the belt area being deformable and extending above the ventral assembly area in a vertical direction, the ventral assembly 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 an extensibility of the intermediate regions, the extensibility of the intermediate regions being strictly greater than an extensibility of the lateral regions, the central region being intended to extend over the stomach of a person wearing the maternity tights, the ventral assembly area extending between the belt area and the ventral support area in the vertical direction,the ventral support zone comprising a pubic region arranged under the ventral assembly zone in the vertical direction, and at least two ancillary 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 ancillary 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 ventral assembly zone.

[0009] The ventral area allows, through its extensibility, an adaptation to the pregnancy belly. In particular, this area is evolving during pregnancy due to its extensibility. The central region is particularly extensible, this accommodating the central part of the belly, the intermediate and lateral regions being gradually less extensible, and gradually offering more support.

[0010] The ventral support area, with its lower extensibility, provides support to support the abdomen and distribute this support, especially on the flanks. In particular, the pubic region, arranged below the ventral region and which is adapted to extend under the abdomen, offers increased support due to its lower extensibility than the other regions.

[0011] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the maternity tights comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations: each extensibility is equal to the sum of a longitudinal extensibility in a longitudinal direction and a transverse extensibility in a transverse direction, the transverse direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; the respective extensibilities of each of the regions of the ventral overall zone are greater than or equal to 260% in any direction; the respective extensibilities of each of the regions of the ventral support zone are strictly less than 420% in any direction; the maternity tights comprise at least one lumbar support zone, the at least one lumbar support zone being intended to extend opposite the lumbar region of a person wearing the maternity tights, the at least one lumbar support zone having an extensibility strictly less than 10% in any direction;the ventral support zone further comprises at least one rear region, the at least one rear region extending from one side of each ancillary region opposite the pubic region, the at least one rear region being intended to extend over the flanks and back of a person wearing the maternity tights, the at least one rear region having an extensibility strictly greater than the extensibility of the ancillary regions of the ventral support zone; the or each lumbar support zone is surrounded over its entire circumference by the 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.

[0012] 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 assembly 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 assembly area, and the ancillary regions of the ventral support area.

[0013] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, 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 a maternity pantyhose worn according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, [ Fig 2 ] there figure 2 is a flat developed schematic view of the structure of the upper part of the tights of the figure 1 , [ Fig 3 ] there figure 3 is a schematic representation of an example of knitting of the ventral region of the ventral set area, [ Fig 4 ] there figure 4 is a schematic representation of an example of knitting a bonding area, [ Fig 5 ] there figure 5 is a schematic representation of an example of knitting of a lateral region of the ventral set area, [ Fig 6 ] there figure 6 is a schematic representation of an example of knitting of a rear region of the ventral support area, [ Fig 7 ] there figure 7 is a schematic representation of an example of knitting a lumbar support area, [ Fig 8 ] there figure 8 is a schematic representation of an example of knitting of an annex region of the ventral support zone, [ Fig 9 ] there figure 9 is a schematic representation of an example of knitting of the pubic region of the ventral support area, [ Fig 10 ] there figure 10 is a schematic representation of an example of knitting of an intermediate region of the ventral set zone, [ Fig 11 ] there figure 11 is a schematic representation of an example of knitting of a rear 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 joining area.

[0014] An example of maternity tights according to an embodiment according to the invention is shown in the figures 1 And 2 .

[0015] 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.

[0016] Maternity tights 10 are a textile.

[0017] The textile has, for example, a right side and a wrong side.

[0018] Maternity tights 10, for example, are made entirely of knitwear.

[0019] Alternatively, only the upper portion 12 is made of knitting, as will be described below.

[0020] The two legs 14 of the tights 10 are, for example, adapted to apply a containment and / or compression effect to the legs of a person wearing the tights.

[0021] The two legs of the tights 10 are, for example, compliant 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.

[0022] The upper part 12, more particularly all of the zones and regions defined below, here the whole of the tights 10, have a symmetry with respect to the median sagittal plane.

[0023] The tights 10, more particularly the upper part 12, comprise a waistband zone 16, a ventral assembly zone 18 and a ventral support zone 20.

[0024] In the embodiment shown, the tights 10 further comprise, for example, at least one lumbar support zone 22, optionally.

[0025] The tights 10 here comprise, for example, in addition at least one connecting zone 24, 26.

[0026] The tights 10 further comprise, here for example, at least one junction zone 28.

[0027] The belt zone 16 extends above the ventral assembly zone 18 in a vertical direction Z.

[0028] The terms "above", "under", "lower" and "upper" are defined in relation to this vertical direction Z in a given sense. The direction and sense given here correspond to the sense usually defined in relation to the vertical of the place, when the person wearing the tights is standing.

[0029] The ventral assembly zone 18 extends between the belt zone 16 and the ventral support zone 20 in the vertical direction Z.

[0030] The belt area 16 has a cylindrical shape.

[0031] The waistband area 16 is adapted to extend around the body, on a circumference, of a person wearing the tights, above the belly of said person.

[0032] Belt zone 16 is deformable.

[0033] The belt zone 16 here comprises a front region 30 and a rear region 32.

[0034] The front 30 region is intended to extend above the belly of a person wearing the tights.

[0035] The front region 30 has an extensibility in at least one direction, more particularly in a transverse direction, greater than or equal to 350%.

[0036] The transverse direction here corresponds to a horizontal direction when the tights are worn by a standing user.

[0037] For the rest, the extensibility, here called total, is equal to the sum of a longitudinal extensibility in a longitudinal direction and a transverse extensibility in a transverse direction, the transverse direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0038] Here, the longitudinal direction corresponds to the vertical direction.

[0039] The region before 30 presents, here, more particularly, a transverse extensibility greater than or equal to 350%.

[0040] The front region 30 is thus particularly extensible along the transverse axis of its manufacture, here knitting.

[0041] The area before 30 is designed to adapt and evolve with the pregnancy belly.

[0042] The front region 30 comprises, more particularly consists of, two parts, more particularly an upper part 34 and a lower part 36.

[0043] The lower part 36 extends under the upper part 34 in the vertical direction Z.

[0044] More particularly, the front region 30 is split into two at an axis perpendicular to the vertical direction Z, here along the transverse direction: the entire front region 30 arranged above the axis is the upper part, and that below the axis is the lower part.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The textile forming the upper part 34 is folded back on itself, so that, in the upper part 34, the tights are double.

[0047] In the lower part 36, the textile is not folded, so that it forms a single layer.

[0048] The region before 30 is, for example, knitted, more particularly according to a pattern shown in the figure 12 .

[0049] The upper part 34 has a knit according to a first pattern A, and the lower part 36 has a knit according to a second pattern B.

[0050] The first pattern A corresponds to a plain jersey knit, that is to say a jersey-based knit consisting entirely of rows of plain (jersey) with stitches on each column.

[0051] The second pattern B has a knitting consisting of one stitch every other column, the stitches being, alternately, every other row, on odd needles or columns and, the other row in two, on even needles or columns.

[0052] The front region 30 is preferably knitted with elastic yarns, more particularly a single, double covered or interlaced elastic yarn by air jet called "airjet" with an elastic core which can range from 17 to 78 decitex and one or two covers of synthetic or natural or artificial yarn which can range from 17 decitex to 156 decitex.

[0053] The rear region 32 has an extensibility in at least one direction, more particularly in the transverse direction, greater than or equal to 280%.

[0054] The rear region 32 has, here, more particularly, a transverse extensibility greater than or equal to 280%.

[0055] The rear region 32 has, for example, a classic pantyhose construction.

[0056] The rear region 32 has a double thickness, formed of an inner layer and an outer layer.

[0057] More particularly, the textile forming the rear region 32 is folded back on itself and thus fixed, so as to define an inner layer and an outer layer.

[0058] The inner layer is intended to lie against the skin of the pantyhose wearer.

[0059] The rear region is, for example, knitted, more particularly according to a pattern shown in the figure 11 .

[0060] 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.

[0061] The first pattern I corresponds to a plain jersey knit, that is to say a jersey-based knit consisting entirely of rows of plain (jersey) with stitches on each column.

[0062] The second pattern E corresponds over three consecutive rows to a plain jersey knit, that is to say a jersey-based knit consisting entirely of plain rows (jersey) having stitches on each column, then a row having point charges, for example on two adjacent columns every eight columns, then three consecutive rows to a plain jersey knit, then a row having point charges in a location opposite the previous row with charges, for example on two adjacent columns every eight columns, the two charges being arranged on the two columns opposite the center of the six columns not having charges on the previous row with charges.

[0063] The rear region 32 is preferably knitted with elastic yarns, more particularly a single, double-gapped or interlaced elastic yarn by air jet called “airjet” with an elastic core which can range from 17 to 78 decitex and one to two covers of synthetic or natural or artificial yarn which can range from 17 decitex to 156 decitex.

[0064] Alternatively, the back region is knitted with alternating elastic and non-elastic yarns.

[0065] In the rest of the panties, excluding the upper part 34 and the rear region 32, the textile is not folded and forms a single thickness.

[0066] The ventral assembly area 18 comprises a central region 38, two intermediate regions 40 and two lateral regions 42.

[0067] The central region 38 is intended to extend over the belly, more particularly so as to cover the entire belly, of a person wearing the maternity tights 10.

[0068] The two intermediate regions 40 extend on either side of the central region perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. More particularly, each intermediate region 40 extends on a respective side of the central region 38.

[0069] The two lateral regions 42 each extend on one side of a respective intermediate region 40 opposite the central region, here perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.

[0070] The central region 38 here has, when the tights are not worn, a rectangular shape, two sides of the rectangle being, for example, here in the vertical direction Z.

[0071] The central region 38 exhibits a total extensibility between 600% and 1000%.

[0072] The central region 38 has, here, more particularly, a longitudinal extensibility of between 250% and 450% and a transverse extensibility of between 350% and 550%.

[0073] The central region 38 is, for example, knitted, more particularly according to a pattern shown in figure 3 .

[0074] The pattern corresponds to a plain jersey knit, that is to say a jersey-based knit consisting entirely of rows of plain (jersey) with stitches on each column.

[0075] The central region 38 is preferably knitted with elastic yarns, more particularly a single, double-gapped or interlaced elastic yarn by air jet called “airjet” with an elastic core which can range from 17 to 78 decitex and one to two covers of synthetic or natural or artificial yarn which can range from 17 decitex to 156 decitex.

[0076] Each intermediate region 40 is adjacent to a side of the central region, more particularly a side extending in the vertical direction Z.

[0077] Each intermediate region 40 has, for example, a circular segment shape, the adjacent side of the central region 38 comprising the chord delimiting the circular segment.

[0078] More particularly, the rope extends only over a portion of said adjacent side.

[0079] Each intermediate region 40 is intended to extend over one flank of the person.

[0080] The two intermediate regions 40 are identical and have the same characteristics.

[0081] Each intermediate region 40 has a total extensibility of between 570% and 970%.

[0082] Each intermediate region 40 has, here, more particularly, a longitudinal extensibility of between 250% and 450% and a transverse extensibility of between 320% and 520%.

[0083] Each intermediate region 40 is, for example, knitted, more particularly according to a pattern shown in figure 10 .

[0084] The pattern corresponds to a plain jersey knit, that is to say a jersey-based knit consisting entirely of rows of plain (jersey) with stitches on each column.

[0085] Each intermediate region 40 is preferably knitted with elastic yarns, more particularly a single, double-covered or interlaced elastic yarn using an air jet called “airjet” with an elastic core which can range from 17 to 78 decitex and one to two covers made of synthetic or natural or artificial yarn which can range from 17 decitex to 156 decitex.

[0086] 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.

[0087] Each lateral region 42 has, for example, a shape of a circular segment 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.

[0088] More particularly, the chord delimiting said circular segment extends over the entire adjacent side.

[0089] Each intermediate region 40 is surrounded by the central region and one of the side regions.

[0090] Each lateral region 42 is adjacent to the central region 38 above and below the intermediate region 40 in the vertical direction Z.

[0091] Each lateral region 42 is provided to extend across one flank of the person.

[0092] The two lateral regions 42 are identical and have the same characteristics.

[0093] Each lateral region 42 has a total extensibility of between 560% and 960%.

[0094] Each lateral region 42 has, here, more particularly, a longitudinal extensibility of between 260% and 460% and a transverse extensibility of between 300% and 500%.

[0095] Each lateral region 42 is, for example, knitted, more particularly according to a pattern shown in figure 5 .

[0096] The pattern corresponds, one row out of two, to a plain jersey knit, that is to say a jersey-based knit consisting entirely of plain rows (jersey) with stitches on each column, and, the other row out of two to a jersey-based knit consisting of a stitch three columns out of four.

[0097] The location not showing a mesh is successively shifted by one column.

[0098] Each lateral region 42 is preferably knitted with elastic yarns, more particularly a single, double-gapped or interlaced elastic yarn by air jet called “airjet” with an elastic core which can range from 17 to 78 decitex and one to two covers of synthetic or natural or artificial yarn which can range from 17 decitex to 156 decitex.

[0099] The extensibility of the central region 38, that is to say here the sum of its longitudinal extensibility and its transverse extensibility, has 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.

[0100] The transverse direction here corresponds to the direction of a row of knitting.

[0101] More particularly, 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] The yarns used for knitting are, for example, identical between the central region, the intermediate regions and the lateral regions, the evolution of the 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, fillers and floats.

[0104] The respective total extensibilities of each of the regions of the ventral assembly area 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%.

[0105] The ventral support zone 20 comprises a pubic region 44 arranged under the ventral assembly zone 18 in the vertical direction Z, and at least two ancillary regions 46 extending on either side of the pubic region 44 perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.

[0106] The ventral support area further comprises at least one rear region 48.

[0107] The pubic region 44 is intended to extend to the pubic area of ​​the person wearing the tights 10.

[0108] Pubic region 44 is adjacent to central region 38.

[0109] The pubic region 44 extends over the entire lower end in the vertical direction Z of the central region 38.

[0110] Thus, the pubic region 44 provides support under the entire central region 38 which accommodates the belly.

[0111] The central region 38 over the entire upper end along the vertical direction Z of the pubic region 44.

[0112] The support provided by the pubic region 44 is thus concentrated at the level of the support of the belly, so that it is particularly suitable and comfortable to help support the pregnancy belly, without discomfort elsewhere.

[0113] The pubic region 44 here has, when the tights are not worn, a rectangular shape, two sides of the rectangle being, for example, here in the vertical direction Z.

[0114] The upper side of the rectangle forming the pubic region 44 is common with the lower side of the central region 38.

[0115] The pubic region 44 has a total extensibility of between 160% and 560%.

[0116] The pubic region 44 presents, here, more particularly, a longitudinal extensibility of between 30% and 230% and a transverse extensibility of between 130% and 330%.

[0117] The pubic region 44 is, for example, knitted, more particularly according to a pattern shown in the figure 9 .

[0118] 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.

[0119] The motif represented in the figure 9 comprises at least one iteration of the following two rows: first row with a stitch on a first column out of four given, and second row with a stitch on a second column out of four, said second column being at the median location between two consecutive first columns.

[0120] 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.

[0121] More specifically, here, the motif represented at the figure 9 repeats every sixteen rows.

[0122] It includes seven repetitions of a first row and a second row, as defined previously.

[0123] It also includes, between the first repetition and the second repetition, 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.

[0124] It also includes, between the first row and the second row 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 previous notation, the stitches are therefore present in columns i+3 modulo 4.

[0125] The motif represented in the figure 9 thus 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+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, stitches only on columns i modulo 4, stitches only on columns i modulo 4, and stitches only on columns i+2 modulo 4.

[0126] 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.

[0127] Rigid thread is synthetic, artificial or natural.

[0128] Each annex region 46 is adjacent to one side of the pubic region 44, more particularly one side extending in the vertical direction Z.

[0129] Each adjunct region 46 has, for example, a circular segment shape, the adjacent side of the pubic region 44 comprising the chord delimiting the circular segment.

[0130] More particularly, the rope extends along the entire length of said adjacent side.

[0131] The two annex regions 46 are identical and have the same characteristics.

[0132] Each Annex 46 region has a total extensibility between 320% and 720%.

[0133] Each annex region 46 presents, here, more particularly, a longitudinal extensibility of between 160% and 360% and a transverse extensibility of between 160% and 360%.

[0134] The pubic region 44 presents a total extensibility, here the sum of its longitudinal extensibility and its transverse extensibility, strictly lower than the extensibility of the annex regions 46 of the ventral support zone.

[0135] Each annex region 46 is, for example, knitted, more particularly according to a pattern represented in the figure 8 .

[0136] 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.

[0137] The motif represented in the figure 8 comprises at least one iteration of the following two rows: first row with a stitch on a first column out of four given, and second row with a stitch on a second column out of four, said second column being at the median location between two consecutive first columns.

[0138] 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.

[0139] More specifically, here, the motif represented at the figure 8 repeats every sixteen rows.

[0140] The motif represented in the figure 8 thus 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 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, and stitches only on columns i+2 modulo 4.

[0141] Each annex region 46 is preferably knitted with elastic yarns, more particularly a single, double-gapped or interlaced elastic yarn by air jet called “airjet” with an elastic core which can range from 17 to 78 decitex and one to two covers of synthetic or natural or artificial yarn which can range from 17 decitex to 156 decitex.

[0142] The at least one rear region 48 extends from one side of each ancillary region 46 opposite the pubic region 44, more particularly in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.

[0143] The at least one rear region 48 is intended to extend over the flanks and back of a person wearing the maternity tights.

[0144] Here, the pantyhose comprises a single rear region 48, said rear region 48 connecting the sides of each ancillary region 46 opposite the pubic region 44.

[0145] The rear region 48 extends from each side of the ancillary regions 46 opposite the pubic region 44, more particularly over its entire length, then on either side partially over the wearer's hips, and finally over the back.

[0146] The dimension of the rear region 48 in the vertical direction Z is maximum in a dorsal portion, intended to extend against the wearer's back.

[0147] The at least one rear region 48 has a total extensibility of between 420% and 820%.

[0148] The at least one rear region 48 has, here, more particularly, a longitudinal extensibility of between 220% and 420% and a transverse extensibility of between 200% and 400%.

[0149] The at least one rear region 48 has an extensibility strictly greater than the extensibility of the annex regions 46 of the ventral support zone.

[0150] Each rear region 48 is, for example, knitted, more particularly according to a pattern shown in figure 6 .

[0151] The pattern includes a first sub-pattern and a second sub-pattern.

[0152] Each sub-pattern consists of four rows.

[0153] The first sub-reason includes: on three consecutive rows, twice the following sequence: stitches on two consecutive columns, then a column without a stitch or load, then a stitch, then a column without a stitch or load, then a stitch, then a column without a stitch or load, and on the fourth row: once the previous sequence, then stitches on all the columns for which the sequence is repeated in the three previous rows.

[0154] The second sub-reason includes: on three consecutive rows, twice the previous sequence, and on the fourth row: stitches on all the columns corresponding to the first sequence for the three previous rows, then the previous sequence.

[0155] The motive of the figure 6 includes, more particularly 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.

[0156] The rear region 48 is preferably knitted with elastic yarns, more particularly a single, double-gapped or interlaced elastic yarn by air jet called “airjet” with an elastic core which can range from 17 to 78 decitex and one to two covers of synthetic or natural or artificial yarn which can range from 17 decitex to 156 decitex.

[0157] The total extensibility of each rear region 48 has an extensibility strictly greater than the extensibility of the annex regions 46, the extensibility of the annex regions 46 being strictly greater than the extensibility of the pubic region 44.

[0158] More particularly, the transverse extensibility of each rear region 48 is greater than the transverse extensibility of the annex regions 46, the transverse extensibility of the annex regions 46 being strictly greater than the transverse extensibility of the pubic region 44.

[0159] Furthermore, the longitudinal extensibility of each rear region 48 is greater than the longitudinal extensibility of the ancillary regions 46, the longitudinal extensibility of the ancillary regions 46 being strictly greater than the longitudinal extensibility of the pubic region 44.

[0160] 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.

[0161] Thus, the ventral support zone 20 provides support under the belly, which further has a gradient so that the support is maximum under the belly, while the ventral overall zone 18 is capable of expanding to accommodate the pregnancy belly, in particular with a gradient so that the extensibility is maximum at the belly. The ventral support zone 20 distributes the load from the pubis to the flanks.

[0162] The extensibility gradients are reversed between ventral support zone 20 and ventral bulk zone 18.

[0163] In the event of the presence of at least one lumbar support zone 22, the at least one lumbar support zone 22 is intended to extend opposite the lumbar region of a person wearing the maternity tights.

[0164] The maternity tights 10 here comprise a plurality of lumbar support zones, for example an even number.

[0165] Maternity tights 10 include, for example, a given number, here two, lumbar support zones provided on each side of the wearer's spine.

[0166] The or each lumbar support zone 22 here has a main extension in a direction forming an angle of less than 5° with the vertical direction Z.

[0167] The or each lumbar support zone 22 extends within the dorsal portion of the rear region 48.

[0168] The or each lumbar support zone has a dimension in the vertical direction Z greater than or equal to three-quarters of the maximum dimension in the vertical direction Z of the dorsal portion of the rear region 48.

[0169] The or each lumbar support zone 22 is surrounded over its entire circumference, that is to say entirely surrounded, by the at least one rear region 48.

[0170] The at least one lumbar support zone 22 has a longitudinal extensibility strictly less than 10% and a transverse extensibility less than 10%.

[0171] The lumbar support zone(s) 22 thus provides support at the lumbar level.

[0172] The or each lumbar support zone 22 is, for example, knitted, more particularly according to a pattern shown in figure 7 .

[0173] 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.

[0174] The motif represented in the figure 7 comprises at least one iteration of the following two rows: first row with a stitch on a first column out of four given, and second row with a stitch on a second column out of four, said second column being at the median location between two consecutive first columns.

[0175] 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.

[0176] More specifically, here, the motif represented at the figure 7 repeats every twelve rows.

[0177] It includes five repetitions of a first row and a second row, as defined previously.

[0178] It also includes, between the first repetition and the second repetition, 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.

[0179] It also includes, between the first row and the second row 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 previous notation, the stitches are therefore present in columns i+3 modulo 4.

[0180] The motif represented in the figure 7 thus 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.

[0181] The at least one lumbar support zone 22 is preferably knitted with elastic yarns, more particularly a single, double-gapped or interwoven elastic yarn using an air jet called "airjet" with an elastic core which can range from 17 to 78 decitex and one to two covers made of synthetic or natural or artificial yarn which can range from 17 decitex to 156 decitex.

[0182] Alternatively, the at least one lumbar support zone 22 is, for example, knitted with alternating elastic yarns and non-elastic yarns.

[0183] The at least one junction zone 28 here forms the junction between the panties and the legs.

[0184] More particularly, the upper portion 12 comprises a junction zone per leg.

[0185] Each joining zone 28 is provided to extend around the entire circumference of a leg of the wearer at a lower end of the panties.

[0186] The at least one joining zone 28 has a total extensibility of between 420% and 820%.

[0187] The at least one junction zone 28 has, here, more particularly, a longitudinal extensibility of between 160% and 360% and a transverse extensibility of between 260% and 460%.

[0188] The or each junction zone 28 is, for example, knitted, more particularly according to a pattern shown in figure 13 .

[0189] The pattern consists of every other row of plain stockinette stitch, with stitches on all columns, and every other row alternating between stitches and fillers.

[0190] More particularly, the pattern comprises a first row with alternating stitches and fillers, for example stitches on the odd columns and fillers on the even columns, a second row with stitches on all columns, a third row with alternating stitches and fillers, the stitches being present on the columns where there were fillers in the first row, for example stitches on the even columns and fillers on the odd columns, and a fourth row with stitches on all columns.

[0191] The at least one joining zone 28 is preferably knitted with elastic yarns, more particularly a single, double covered or interlaced elastic yarn by air jet called “airjet” with an elastic core which can range from 17 to 78 decitex and one to two covers of synthetic or natural or artificial yarn which can range from 17 decitex to 156 decitex.

[0192] The at least one connecting zone 24, 26 connects the previously defined zones and regions together, more particularly so as to have panties without an orifice.

[0193] Here, the tights comprise a first bonding area 24 extending between the rear region 32, the rear region 48 and the side regions 42.

[0194] The pantyhose further comprises a second connecting zone 26 under the pubic area 44 and between the rear region 48 and the joining zones 28.

[0195] The first connecting zone 24 and the second connecting zone 26 are here, for example, identical.

[0196] The at least one bonding zone 24, 26 has a total extensibility of between 500% and 900%.

[0197] The at least one connecting zone 24, 26 has, here, more particularly, a longitudinal extensibility of between 250% and 450% and a transverse extensibility of between 250% and 450%.

[0198] The or each connecting zone 24, 26 is, for example, knitted, more particularly according to a pattern shown in figure 4 .

[0199] The pattern includes, more specifically, rows with stitches every other column.

[0200] More specifically, the pattern includes alternating rows, in which every other row includes stitches only on even columns and every other row includes stitches only on odd columns.

[0201] In the embodiment shown, the panty 12 comprises, here is formed, of a plurality of panels F, R, L, for example a front panel F, a right rear panel R and a left rear panel L.

[0202] The panels are, for example, made separately, here by knitting, then assembled, for example by sewing.

[0203] 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.

[0204] The right back panel R and the left back panel L are here adapted to lie together against the sides and back of the person wearing the tights.

[0205] 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.

[0206] The right rear panel R and the left rear panel L are symmetrical to each other.

[0207] The front panel F here comprises the front region 30 of the belt zone 16, the central region 38 of the ventral assembly zone 18 and the pubic region 44 of the ventral support zone 20, and here furthermore a portion of the second connecting zone 26.

[0208] The panels R, L comprise the rear region 32 of the belt zone 16, the intermediate regions 40 and the lateral regions 42 of the ventral assembly zone 18, and the annex regions 46 of the ventral support zone 20, and here in addition the rear region 48 of the ventral support zone 20, the at least one lumbar support zone 22, the at least one junction zone 28, the first connection zone 24 and a portion of the second connection zone 26.

[0209] An example of the manufacturing process for maternity tights will now be described.

[0210] The manufacturing method comprises a step of knitting each of the panels as defined above, more particularly 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.

[0211] The right R and left L back panels are each knitted here with the corresponding leg.

[0212] More particularly, the front panel F is positioned between the left rear panel L and the right rear panel R, such that each of the right or left rear panels extends to one side of the front panel F.

[0213] The right rear panel R and the left rear panel L are assembled opposite the front panel F, more particularly here from the upper end to the bottom of the corresponding junction area 28.

[0214] The front panel F, the right back panel R and the left back panel F are each knitted in one piece, without assembly.

[0215] More specifically, each panel is made on a single cylinder circular knitting machine.

[0216] These tights, thanks to their stretchability in the overall ventral area, allow for adaptation to the pregnancy belly and also offer gradually more support on the sides. The ventral support area provides support to support the belly and distribute this support gradually.

Claims

1. Maternity tights (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) in a vertical direction (Z), the ventral assembly area (18) comprising a central region (38), two intermediate regions (40) and two lateral regions (42), the two intermediate regions (40) extending on either side of the central region (38) in 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) having an extensibility strictly greater than an extensibility of the intermediate regions (40), the extensibility of the intermediate regions (40) being strictly greater than extensibility of the lateral regions (42),the central region (38) being intended to extend over the stomach of a person wearing the maternity tights (10), the ventral assembly zone (18) extending between the belt zone (16) and the ventral support zone (20) in the vertical direction (Z), the ventral support zone (20) comprising a pubic region (44) arranged under the ventral assembly zone (18) in the vertical direction (Z), and 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) having an extensibility strictly less than the extensibility of the ancillary regions (46) of the ventral support zone (20), the respective extensibilities of each of the regions of the ventral support zone (20) being strictly less than each of the respective extensibilities of each of the regions of the ventral assembly zone (18)., 2. Maternity tights according to claim 1, wherein each extensibility is equal to the sum of a longitudinal extensibility in a longitudinal direction and a transverse extensibility in a transverse direction, the transverse direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

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

4. Maternity tights according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the respective extensibilities of each of the regions of the ventral support zone (20) are strictly less than 420% in any direction.

5. Maternity tights according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising at least one lumbar support zone (22), the at least one lumbar support zone (22) being intended to extend opposite the lumbar region of a person wearing the maternity tights (10), the at least one lumbar support zone (22) having an extensibility strictly less than 10% in any direction.

6. Maternity tights according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the ventral support zone (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 back of a person wearing the maternity tights (10), the at least one rear region (48) having an extensibility strictly greater than the extensibility of the ancillary regions (46) of the ventral support zone (20).

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

8. Maternity tights according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the waistband area (16) comprises a front region (30) having an extensibility in the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z) greater than or equal to 350%.

9. Maternity tights according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the maternity tights (10) are made of knit fabric.

10. A method of manufacturing maternity tights (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 back panel (R), a step of knitting a left back panel (L) and a step of assembling the front panel (F), the right back panel (R) and the left back 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 back 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).

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