NO-SHOW PANTY CONFIGURATION

BACKGROUND
Field

The present application generally relates to undergarments. More specifically, the present application relates to undergarments constructed to reduce or eliminate the appearance of visible panty lines.

Description of the Related Art

A visible panty line has been defined as a situation in which an outline of a person's undergarment is visible through the outer layer of clothing. The undergarment may be seen as a ridge or a depression in the outer layer of clothing. Typically, a visible panty line is a result of the material of the outer layer of clothing being clingy or transparent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Visible panty lines are not desired. Accordingly, a panty has been designed to reduce the likelihood of visible panty lines. The panty is constructed as a no-show panty. Desirably, the no-show panty also incorporates features that limit the panty from riding upward and from rolling over at the edges.

In some configurations, a panty comprises a front panel formed of a first material. The front panel comprises a left front side edge and a right front side edge. A top front edge extends between the left front side edge and the right front side edge. A left front leg edge extends downward at a first angle from the left front side edge. A right front leg edge extends downward at a second angle from the right front side edge. A front panel gusset edge extends between the left front leg edge and the right front leg edge. A rear panel is formed of a second material. The rear panel comprises a left rear side edge and a right rear side edge. A top rear edge extends between the left rear side edge and the right rear side edge. A left rear leg edge extends upwardly at a third angle from the left rear side edge. A right rear leg edge extends upwardly at a fourth angle from the right rear side edge. A rear panel gusset edge extends between the left rear leg edge and the right rear leg edge. A gusset panel is formed of a third material. The gusset panel comprises a front gusset edge, a rear gusset edge, a left gusset leg edge extending from the front gusset edge to the rear gusset, and a right gusset leg edge extending from the front gusset edge to the rear gusset edge. Each of the top front edge, top rear edge, left front leg edge, left rear leg edge, right front leg edge, and the right rear leg edge is free cut. The left front side edge and the left rear side edge are connected with a left side seam. A left upper bar tack only is positioned at a top of the left side seam and a left lower bar tack only is positioned at a bottom of the left side seam. The left upper bar tack and the left lower bar tack are configured such that a left side seam allowance can be contained by the left upper bar tack and the left lower bar tack. The right front side edge and the right rear side edge are connected with a right side seam. A right upper bar tack only is positioned at a top of the right side seam and a right lower bar tack only is positioned at a bottom of the right side seam. The right upper bar tack and the right lower bar tack are configured such that a right side seam allowance can be contained by the right upper bar tack and the right lower bar tack. The front panel gusset edge, the rear panel gusset edge, and the gusset rear edge are connected by a rear gusset seam. The left front leg edge and the left gusset edge are connected by a left gusset seam. The right front leg edge and the right gusset edge are connected by a right gusset seam. A left gusset bar tack is positioned only at a forward end of the left gusset seam and extends parallel to the left front leg edge. A right gusset bar tack is positioned only at a forward end of the right gusset seam and extends parallel to the right front leg edge. The left gusset bar tack and the right gusset bar tack are configured to resist rolling of the gusset. The first second material comprises an interior surface that comprises exposed elastic threads.

In some configurations, the first material is a four-way stretch material and the second material is a different four-way stretch material. In some configurations, the front panel gusset edge is cut across a grain of the four-way stretch material and the rear panel gusset edge is cut across a grain of the different four-way stretch material. In some configurations, the rear panel is cut across a grain of the different four-way stretch material. In some configurations, the left side seam is an overlock seam and the right side seam is an overlock seam.

In some configurations, a panty comprises a front panel comprising a first material having a first weight and a top edge. A rear panel comprises a second material having a second weight within 10% of the first weight. The rear panel comprises an inner surface. The inner surface comprises exposed elastomeric threads. A gusset panel is connected to the front panel and the front panel is connected to the rear panel at two substantially vertical seams. All of the edges of the front panel and the rear panel are free edges with the exception of the edges connected to the gusset panel. The vertical seams are configured to be medial of a pair of anterior superior iliac spines of a wearer.

In some configurations, the vertical seams are configured to be lateral of the mid inguinal points of the wearer. In some configurations, the vertical seams each has a first bar tack adjacent an upper end of the vertical seam and a second bar tack adjacent a lower end of the vertical seam. In some configurations, the gusset panel is not connected to the front panel at a forward end of the gusset panel and a pair of bar tacks is positioned adjacent the forward end of the gusset panel such that a bar tack is positioned along a forwardmost end of each lateral side of the gusset panel. In some configurations, the gusset panel is formed of a third material that is different from the first material and the second material. In some configurations, the first material comprises nylon and elastane. In some configurations, the second material comprises nylon and LYCRA. In some configurations, the second material comprises nylon and LYCRA. In some configurations, the first material is a four-way stretch material and the second material is a different four-way stretch material. In some configurations, a ratio of a total relaxed length of the top edge of the front panel to a total relaxed length of the top edge of the rear panel is between 1:1.5 and 1:2.7. In some configurations, the ratio is between 1:1.63 and 1:2.62. In some configurations, the ratio is between 1:2.55 and 1:2.62.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be described with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a panty construction that is arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an additional front view with three enlarged views of the panty construction of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view with two enlarged views of the panty construction of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a front panel of the panty construction of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a rear panel of the panty construction of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front view of another panty construction that is arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention, the figure includes three enlarged views;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a front panel of the panty construction of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a rear panel of the panty construction of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Panties having elastic-trimmed edges generally result in visible panty lines due to the increased bulk of material along the edges. While panties featuring free-cut edges (i.e., edges without elastic trimming) have been used to reduce the appearance of visible panty lines, such panties lack the elastic-trimmed edges that help to anchor and secure the panty in place. As such, the free-cut edge panties tend to shift, have edges that roll over, and generally become displaced during wearing. Accordingly, the panties described below have been constructed to reduce or eliminate one or more of these concerns.

FIG. 1 illustrates a panty 100 that is arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention. While described in the context of the panty 100, many of the features, aspects, and advantages discussed herein can find utility with respect to other garments and undergarments for men and children as well. As such, the term “panty” should be given its ordinary meaning but should also be considered to extend to undergarments for men and children as well as undergarments for women where a panel of material having increased friction could have utility.

With reference still to FIG. 1, the illustrated panty 100 generally comprises a front panel 102 and a rear panel 104. In the illustrated configuration, the panty 100 also comprises a separate gusset panel 106. These three panels 102, 104, 106 are sized and configured in manners that will be described below and these three panels 102, 104, 106 then can be attached to each other in manners that also will be described below. As will be explained, the illustrated panty provides a construction that can reduce or eliminate some or all visible panty lines (e.g., lines around the legs, around the waist, and/or at the gusset) while also reducing or eliminating riding up of the panty and/or rolling of a panty waistband. As such, the panty 100 provides improved comfort and performance over prior panty constructions.

With reference now to FIG. 4, the front panel 102 comprises a front panel left side edge 110 and a front panel right side edge 112. A front panel top edge 114 extends between the front panel left side edge 110 and the front panel right side edge 112. The front panel top edge 114 defines a portion of a waistband of the panty 100. The front panel left side edge 110 and the front panel right edge 112 extend away from the front panel top edge 114 at an angle α. The angle α can be an angle other than ninety degrees. In some configurations, the angle α is greater than ninety degrees. In some configurations, the angle α defined between the side edges 110, 112 and the top edge 114 is between 83 degrees and 107 degrees. In some such configurations, the angle α defined between the side edges 110, 112 and the top edge 114 is between 89 degrees and 101 degrees. In some such configurations, the angle α defined between the side edges 110, 112 and the top edge 114 is 95 degrees.

With reference still to FIG. 4, the front panel 102 also comprises a left front leg edge 116 and a right front leg edge 118. The left front leg edge 116 extends downwardly away from the left side edge 110 and the right front leg edge 118 extends downwardly away from the right side edge 112. A hip angle β is defined as an included angle at a juncture 120 between the left front leg edge 116 and the left side edge 110 and at the juncture 120 between the right front leg edge 118 and the right side edge 112. The hip angle β is between 80 degrees and 125 degrees. In some such configurations, the hip angle β is between 85 degrees and 120 degrees. The hip angle β can be larger than ninety degrees. In addition, the hip angle β is larger than a standard hip angle. In some configurations, the hip angle β is larger than the angle α.

A front panel gusset edge 122 extends between the left front leg edge 116 and the right front leg edge 118. The gusset edge 122 and the top edge 114 are positioned at opposing ends of the combined front side edges 110, 112 and the front leg edges 116, 118. In the illustrated configuration, the front panel gusset edge 122 is arcuate in configuration. The illustrated front panel gusset edge 122 bows outwardly away from the front panel top edge 114.

In the illustrated configuration, the left front leg edge 116 and the right front leg edge 118 each includes a respective gusset step 124, 126. The gusset steps 124, 126 align with a placement of an end of the gusset panel 106, as will be explained. Prior to assembly, the gusset steps 124, 126 provide an expanded width defined between the left front leg edge 116 and the right front leg edge 118 toward the front panel gusset edge 122. The expanded width provides a seam allowance for sewing of the gusset panel 106 to the front panel 102.

The front panel 102 can be formed of any suitable material. In some configurations, the material is dope dyed. In the illustrated configuration, the front panel 102 is a knit material. In some such configurations, the knit material is an interlocking knit material. The knit material can consist of nylon and elastane. In some configurations, the knit material is 57% nylon and 43% elastane. Instead of, or in addition to, nylon, the knit material can comprise one or more of polyester, wool, acrylic, and/or regenerative fiber such as rayon, acetate, and/or cellulosic fiber like cotton. Instead of elastane, a different elastic fiber, such as spandex or LYCRA®, can be used. The knit material can have a weight of between 114 g/m2 and 126 g/m2. In some such configurations, the knit material can have a weight of 120 gm/m2+/−5%. Other weights also are possible keeping in mind a desire for a no-show panty construction. The weight of the material can be tested using the test method of ASTM D-3776. In some configurations, the material for the front panel 102 is a four-way stretch material. In some configurations, the material has a minimum of 80% length recovery as tested using ASTM D2594, loose fitting (after 60 minutes), and a minimum of 85% width recovery as tested using ASTM D2594, loose fitting (after 60 minutes).

With reference now to FIG. 5, the rear panel 104 will be described. The rear panel 104 comprises a rear panel left side edge 140 and a rear panel right side edge 142. A rear panel top edge 144 extends between the rear panel left side edge 140 and the rear panel right side edge 142. The rear panel top edge 144 defines at least a portion of the waistband of the panty 100. The rear panel left side edge 140 and the rear panel right edge 140 extend away from the rear panel top edge 144 at an angle γ of substantially ninety degrees. In some configurations, the angle γ defined between the side edges 140, 142 and the top edge 144 is between 83 degrees and 107 degrees. In some such configurations, the angle γ defined between the side edges 140, 142 and the top edge 144 is between 89 degrees and 101 degrees. In some such configurations, the angle γ defined between the side edges 140, 142 and the top edge 144 is 90 or 95 degrees.

With reference still to FIG. 5, the rear panel 104 also comprises a left rear leg edge 146 and a right rear leg edge 148. When assembled (see FIG. 2), the left rear leg edge 146 initially extends upwardly away from the left side edge 140 and the right rear leg edge 148 initially extends upwardly away from the right side edge 142. A hip angle γ is defined as an included angle at a juncture 150 between the left rear leg edge 146 and the left side edge 140 and at the juncture 150 between the right rear leg edge 148 and the right side edge 142. The hip angle δ is between 80 degrees and 120 degrees. In some such configurations, the hip angle δ is between 87 degrees and 115 degrees. The hip angle δ can be smaller than ninety degrees. In addition, the hip angle δ can be smaller than a standard hip angle. In some configurations, the hip angle δ can be smaller than the angle γ.

A rear panel gusset edge 152 extends between the left rear leg edge 146 and the right rear leg edge 148. The rear panel gusset edge 152 and the rear panel top edge 144 are positioned at opposing ends of the combined rear side edges 140, 142 and rear leg edges 146, 148. In the illustrated configuration, the rear panel gusset edge 152 is arcuate in configuration. The illustrated rear panel gusset edge 152 bows inwardly toward the rear panel top edge 144.

In the illustrated configuration, the left rear leg edge 146 and the right rear leg edge 148 each includes a hip bend 154, 156. The hip bends 154, 156 transition from a waistband portion 160 of the rear panel 104 to a portion that extends along the buttocks. The hip bends define an included angle ε of between 35 degrees and 45 degrees. In some configurations, the hip bends define an included angle ε of between 37 degrees and 42 degrees. In some configurations, the hip bends are 40 degrees. Moreover, in the illustrated configuration, the left rear leg edge 146 and the right rear leg edge 148 extend substantially linearly (i.e., as shown, very large radius curvature, if any) from the hip bends 154, 156 to the rear panel gusset edge 152.

The rear panel 104 can be formed of any suitable material. In some configurations, the material is dope dyed. In the illustrated configuration, the rear panel 104 is a knit material. In some such configurations, the knit material is a circular knit or lace material. The knit material can consist of nylon and a synthetic elastane fiber (e.g., LYCRA®). In some configurations, the knit material is 32% nylon and 68% LYCRA®. Instead of, or in addition to, nylon, the knit material can comprise one or more of polyester, wool, acrylic, and/or regenerative fiber such as rayon, acetate, and/or cellulosic fiber like cotton. The knit material can have a weight of between 123 g/m2 and 137 g/m2. In some such configurations, the knit material can have a weight of 130 gm/m2+/−5%. Other weights also are possible keeping in mind a desire for creating a no-show panty construction. Additionally, it has been found that a weight significantly greater than 137 g/m2 can feel too heavy while a weight significantly less than 123 g/m2 will lack a desired level of durability. Preferably, the material for the rear panel 104 comprises a weight range that overlaps with the weight range of the material of the front panel 102. The weight of the material can be tested using the test method of ASTM D-3776. In some configurations, the material for the rear panel 104 is a four-way stretch material. In some configurations, the material has a minimum of 85% length recovery as tested using ASTM D2594, loose fitting (after 60 minutes), and a minimum of 85% width recovery as tested using ASTM D2594, loose fitting (after 60 minutes). Preferably, the material for the rear panel 104 comprises at least one of a width recovery and a length recovery that is the same as with the material of the front panel 102.

The material used for the rear panel 104 can include a material with one side forming a grippy surface (as used herein, a “one-sided grippy material”). The material can be an exposed elastic material. In such materials, high friction elastic threads are exposed on one surface of the material. As used herein, the elastic threads may comprise elastane, spandex, or LYCRA®. The fabric is knit such that the elastic threads are exposed to one side of the fabric. In conventional knitting methods, the elastic threads are hidden within the knitting construction of the fabric and not exposed to either surface of the fabric.

The high friction elastic threads directly contact the body of the wearer and the interior surface of the rear panel 104 of the panty 100 resists sliding relative to the body. The material using the high friction elastic threads on the interior surface allows the garment to stretch evenly while also reducing bulk relative to the use of silicone strips, polymer bumps, or the like. As such, the interior surface of the rear panel 104 of the panty 100 can be devoid of any coatings having a higher coefficient of friction than the interior surface of the rear panel 104 of the panty 100.

While not shown separately from the assembled panty 100, the gusset 106 can be formed of any suitable material. In the illustrated configuration, the gusset 106 is not formed of the same material used for either the front panel 102 or the rear panel 104. The material for the gusset 106 can be cotton or any other suitable material.

With reference to FIG. 2, the gusset panel 106 comprises a front gusset edge 170 and a rear gusset edge 172. The gusset panel 106 also comprises a left gusset edge 174 that extends from the front gusset edge 170 to the rear gusset edge 172 and a right gusset edge 176 that extends from the front gusset edge 170 to the rear gusset edge 172. The front gusset edge 170 of the gusset panel 106 is configured to remain unattached to either the front panel 102 or the rear panel 104. In some configurations, exterior pullout/lattice stitching can be used to finish the front gusset edge 170 of the gusset panel 106.

The left gusset edge 174 is connected to the left front leg edge 116 and the right gusset edge 176 is connected to the right front leg edge 118. The left gusset edge 174 and the left front leg edge 116 as well as the right gusset edge 176 and the right front leg edge 118 can be connected in any suitable manner. In the illustrated configuration, the left edges 175, 116 and the right edges 176, 118 can be connected using any suitable seam, including interior pullout lattice stitching. Similarly, the rear gusset edge 172 of the gusset panel 106, the front panel gusset edge 122, and the rear panel gusset edge 152 can be connected using any suitable seam, including but not limited to interior pullout lattice stitching. In the illustrated configuration, pullout/lattice stitching fully contains the gusset panel 106 and the adjoining portions of the front panel 102 and the rear panel 104.

The front panel left side edge 110 and the rear panel left side edge 140 can be connected to each other in any suitable manner. In the illustrated configuration, the front panel left side edge 110 and the rear panel left side edge 140 can be connected to each other by a left upper seam 180. In some configurations, the left upper seam 180 comprises overlock stitching. The front panel right side edge 112 and the rear panel right side edge 142 can be connected to each other in any suitable manner. In the illustrated configuration, the front panel right side edge 112 and the rear panel right side edge 142 can be connected to each other by a right upper seam 182. In some configurations, the right upper seam 182 comprises overlock stitching. In the illustrated configuration, when the panty is flat on a surface, the seams 180, 182 are positioned inward of the fold lines of the sides of the panty 100. In some configurations, the distance between the natural fold line and the seams 180, 182 is between 1 inch and 4 inches. In some such configurations, the distance is between 1.75 inches and 3 inches. In some such configurations, the distance is 3 inches or 1.75 inches.

Bar tacks are strategically positioned to improve performance and life of the illustrated panty 100. In the illustrated configuration, upper bar tacks 184 can be positioned near the top edges 114, 144 of the front and rear panels 102, 104 along the left and right upper seams 180, 182. The illustrated upper bar tacks 184 extend about 3 mm from the edge to contain the seam allowance such that the panty 100 can lie more flatly on the body while also improving seam durability. Similarly, lower bar tacks 186 can be positioned adjacent to the edge at the leg openings. In the illustrated configuration, the lower bar tacks 186 extend about 3 mm along the seams 180, 182 from the edge at the leg openings.

The gusset panel 106 also can be prone to rolling. To assist with keeping the gusset panel 106 positioned as desired along the body of the wearer, a gusset bar tack 188 can be positioned along each of the seams running with the sides of the gusset panel 106. In the illustrated configuration, the gusset bar tacks 188 are positioned at the forwardmost end of the gusset panel 106 and the gusset bar tacks 188 extend parallel to the leg openings along the gusset panel 106. The illustrated gusset bar tacks 188 extend about 4 mm along the gusset panel, parallel to the leg openings. Except for the gusset bar tacks 188, the front edge 170 of the gusset panel 106 is not attached to any other panel; as described, the other three edges are stitched to the front panel with internal seams. The gusset bar tacks 188 help to reduce the likelihood of rolling at the forward portion of the gusset panel 106.

In the illustrated configuration, one or more of the edges that define the front panel 102 and the back panel 104 can be free cut. A free cut edge is an edge that is formed when a panel is cut from a piece of fabric (e.g., using scissors, a blade, a laser, or any other suitable method for cutting fabric). Such free cut edges are not finished with any type of seam or bonding. In the illustrated front panel 102, all of the edges are free cut but, when the panty 100 is assembled, the portion of the left front leg edge 116 that is positioned between the left gusset step 124 and the front panel gusset edge 122 and the portion of the right front leg edge 118 that is positioned between the right gusset step 126 and the front panel gusset edge 122 will be attached to the gusset 106 with respective seams. Thus, in the illustrated configuration, all of the exposed edges of the panty 100 are free cut edges with the exception of the portions of the edges that are attached to the gusset panel 106. To reduce the risk of tears in the fabric and to enhance the life of the panty 100, the front panel gusset edge is cut across a grain of the material (e.g., four-way stretch material) and the rear panel gusset edge is cut across a grain of the different material (e.g., a different four-way stretch material). In some configurations, the rear panel 104 is cut across a grain of the different four-way stretch material.

To compensate for the use of the free cut edges (i.e., not using elastic at the waistband and the leg openings), the illustrated panty 100 uses the exposed elastomer material to maintain the panty 100 in a desired position on the body of the wearer. To improve comfort, only the rear panel 104 is formed of the exposed elastomer material. In part because the exposed elastomer material is only used on the rear panel 104 and in part to better position the side seams to reduce the appearance of any visible panty lines, the side seams 180, 182 were moved forward relative to a standard placement. To demonstrate this, FIGS. 4 and 5, which are proportionally accurate, compare the standard panel cut (shown in chain line) to the panels 102, 104 used in the illustrated panty 100. The seams 180, 182 are moved forward on the body but not all the way to the stomach for comfort and improved invisibility of the seams 180, 182. Moreover, extending the length of the rear panel 104 improves the resistance to rolling of the waistband.

In the illustrated configuration, the waistband portion of the panty 100 is defined by the top edge 114 of the front panel 102 and the top edge 144 of the rear panel 104. As discussed directly above, the panty 100 has a shortened top edge 114 of the front panel 102 relative to standard panties and has a lengthened top edge 144 of the rear panel 104. In some configurations, a ratio of between 1:1.5 and 1:2.7 can be used for the length of the front top edge to the rear top edge. In some configurations, the ratio can be between 1:1.63 and 1:2.62. In some configurations, the ratio can be between 1:2.55 and 1:2.62. By lengthening the rear waistband region, the grippy material can wrap around the hips of the wearer and toward the front of the wearer. Desirably, the rear waistband region is not elongated to such an extent that the seams are positioned on the stomach of the wearer. More desirably, the seams are positioned proximate the front hip bones of the wearer. In some configurations, the seams are positioned just medial of the anterior superior iliac spine ASIS of the wearer (see FIG. 1). In some such configurations, the seams are positioned lateral of the mid inguinal point MIP while remaining medial of the anterior superior iliac spine of the wearer. The proportions of the front panel and the rear panel can vary depending upon the elasticity of the materials used for the respective panels.

With reference now to FIGS. 6-8, a thong panty 200 is illustrated that is configured in accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention. The thong panty 200 is similar in more regards to the panty 100 described above.

The illustrated thong panty 200 generally comprises a front panel 202 and a rear panel 204. In the illustrated configuration, the panty 200 also comprises a separate gusset panel 206. These three panels 202, 204, 206 are sized and configured in manners that will be described below and these three panels 202, 204, 206 then can be attached to each other in manners that also will be described below.

With reference now to FIG. 7, the front panel 202 comprises a front panel left side edge 210 and a front panel right side edge 212. A front panel top edge 214 extends between the front panel left side edge 210 and the front panel right side edge 212. The front panel top edge 214 defines a portion of a waistband of the thong panty 200. The front panel left side edge 210 and the front panel right edge 212 extend away from the front panel top edge 214 at an angle ϕ other than ninety degrees. In some configurations, the angle ϕ is greater than ninety degrees. In some configurations, the angle ϕ defined between the side edges 210, 212 and the top edge 214 is between 83 degrees and 107 degrees. In some such configurations, the angle ϕ defined between the side edges 210, 212 and the top edge 214 is between 89 degrees and 101 degrees. In some such configurations, the angle ϕ defined between the side edges 210, 212 and the top edge 214 is 95 degrees.

With reference still to FIG. 7, the front panel 202 also comprises a left front leg edge 216 and a right front leg edge 218. The left front leg edge 216 extends downwardly away from the left side edge 210 and the right front leg edge 218 extends downwardly away from the right side edge 212. A hip angle θ is defined as an included angle at a juncture 220 between the left front leg edge 216 and the left side edge 210 and at the juncture 220 between the right front leg edge 218 and the right side edge 212. The hip angle θ is between 83 degrees and 107 degrees. In some such configurations, the hip angle θ is between 89 degrees and 101 degrees. In some such configurations, the hip angle θ is 95 degrees. The hip angle θ is larger than ninety degrees. In addition, the hip angle θ is larger than a standard hip angle. In some configurations, the hip angle θ is larger than the angle θ.

A front panel gusset edge 222 extends between the left front leg edge 216 and the right front leg edge 218. The gusset edge 222 and the top edge 214 are positioned at opposing ends of the combined front side edges 210, 212 and the front leg edges 216, 218. In the illustrated configuration, the front panel gusset edge 222 is substantially linear in configuration.

In the illustrated configuration, the left front leg edge 216 and the right front leg edge 218 each includes a respective gusset step 224, 226. The gusset steps 224, 226 align with a placement of an end of the gusset panel 206 (shown in FIG. 6), as will be explained. Prior to assembly, the gusset steps 224, 226 provide an expanded width defined between the left front leg edge 216 and the right front leg edge 218 toward the front panel gusset edge 222. The expanded width provides a seam allowance for sewing of the gusset panel 206 to the front panel 202.

The front panel 202 can be formed of any suitable material. In some configurations, the material is dope dyed. In the illustrated configuration, the front panel 202 is a knit material. In some such configurations, the knit material is an interlocking knit material. The knit material can consist of nylon and elastane. In some configurations, the knit material is 57% nylon and 43% elastane. Instead of, or in addition to, nylon, the knit material can comprise one or more of polyester, wool, acrylic, and/or regenerative fiber such as rayon, acetate, and/or cellulosic fiber like cotton. Instead of elastane, a different elastic fiber, such as spandex or LYCRA®, can be used. The knit material can have a weight of between 114 g/m2 and 126 g/m2. In some such configurations, the knit material can have a weight of 120 gm/m2+/−5%. Other weights also are possible keeping in mind a desire for a no-show panty construction. The weight of the material can be tested using the test method of ASTM D-3776. In some configurations, the material for the front panel 202 is a four-way stretch material. In some configurations, the material has a minimum of 80% length recovery as tested using ASTM D2594, loose fitting (after 60 minutes), and a minimum of 85% width recovery as tested using ASTM D2594, loose fitting (after 60 minutes).

With reference now to FIG. 8, the rear panel 204 will be described. The rear panel 204 comprises a rear panel left side edge 240 and a rear panel right side edge 242. A rear panel top edge 244 extends between the rear panel left side edge 240 and the rear panel right side edge 242. The rear panel top edge 244 defines at least a portion of the waistband of the thong panty 200. The rear panel left side edge 240 and the rear panel right edge 240 extend away from the rear panel top edge 244 at an angle μ of substantially ninety degrees. In some configurations, the angle μ defined between the side edges 240, 242 and the top edge 244 is between 72 degrees and 92 degrees. In some such configurations, the angle μ defined between the side edges 240, 242 and the top edge 244 is between 77 degrees and 87 degrees. In some such configurations, the angle μ defined between the side edges 240, 242 and the top edge 244 is 82 degrees.

With reference still to FIG. 8, the rear panel 204 has a two-part configuration. The first portion is a waistband portion 245. The waistband portion 245 includes a lower edge 246. A hip angle t is defined as an included angle at a juncture 250 between the lower edge 246 and the left side edge 240 and at the juncture 250 between the lower edge 248 and the right side edge 242. The hip angle t is between 80 degrees and 104 degrees. In some such configurations, the hip angle t is between 86 degrees and 98 degrees. The hip angle t is smaller than ninety degrees. In addition, the hip angle t is smaller than a standard hip angle. In some configurations, the hip angle t is smaller than the angle μ.

The second portion of the rear panel comprises a connecting strip 251. The connecting strip 251 is configured to extend from the lower edge 248 to the front panel gusset edge 222. The connecting strip 251 is separate from the waistband portion 245 of the rear panel 204. The connecting strip 251, as will be described below, can be made of a different material compared to the waistband portion 245. In some configurations, the connecting strip 251 can be formed of the same material as the front panel 202. The connecting strip 251 can be connected to the waistband portion 245 in any suitable manner. In some configurations, the connecting strip 251 is connected to the waistband portion with a seam. In some configurations, the seam comprises overlock stitching.

The connecting strip 251 comprises a rear panel gusset edge 252 that extends between lateral sides of the connecting strip 251. The rear panel gusset edge 252 and the rear panel top edge 244 are positioned at opposing ends of the combined waistband portion 245 and the strip 251. In the illustrated configuration, the rear panel gusset edge 252 is substantially linear in configuration.

The waistband portion 245 of the rear panel 204 can be formed of any suitable material. In some configurations, the material is dope dyed. In the illustrated configuration, the material is a knit material. In some such configurations, the knit material is a circular knit material. The knit material can consist of nylon and a synthetic elastane fiber (e.g., LYCRA®). In some configurations, the knit material is 32% nylon and 68% LYCRA®. Instead of, or in addition to, nylon, the knit material can comprise one or more of polyester, wool, acrylic, and/or regenerative fiber such as rayon, acetate, and/or cellulosic fiber like cotton. The knit material can have a weight of between 123 g/m2 and 137 g/m2. In some such configurations, the knit material can have a weight of 130 gm/m2+/−5%. Other weights also are possible keeping in mind a desire for creating a no-show panty construction. Additionally, it has been found that a weight significantly greater than 137 g/m2 can feel too heavy while a weight significantly less than 123 g/m2 will lack a desired level of durability. Preferably, the material for waistband portion 245 of the rear panel 204 comprises a weight range that overlaps with the weight range of the material of the front panel 202. In some configurations, the weight of the material for the rear panel is within 10% of the weight of the material for the front panel (e.g., if the front panel material is 120 g/m2 then the rear panel material can be anywhere between 108 g/m2 and 132 g/m2). The weight of the material can be tested using the test method of ASTM D-3776. In some configurations, the material for the waistband portion 245 of the rear panel 204 is a four-way stretch material. In some configurations, the material has a minimum of 85% length recovery as tested using ASTM D2594, loose fitting (after 60 minutes), and a minimum of 85% width recovery as tested using ASTM D2594, loose fitting (after 60 minutes). Preferably, the material for the waistband portion 245 of the rear panel 204 comprises at least one of a width recovery and a length recovery that is the same as with the material of the front panel 202.

The material used for the waistband portion 245 of the rear panel 204 can include a material with one side forming a grippy surface (as used herein, a “one-sided grippy material”). The material can be an exposed elastic material. In such materials, high friction elastic threads are exposed on one surface of the material. As used herein, the elastic threads may comprise elastane, spandex, or LYCRA®. The fabric is knit such that the elastic threads are exposed to one side of the fabric. In conventional knitting methods, the elastic threads are hidden within the knitting construction of the fabric and not exposed to either surface of the fabric.

The high friction elastic threads directly contact the body of the wearer and the interior surface of the waistband portion 245 of the rear panel 204 of the thong panty 200 resists sliding relative to the body. The material using the high friction elastic threads on the interior surface allows the garment to stretch evenly while also reducing bulk relative to the use of silicone strips, polymer bumps, or the like. As such, the interior surface of the waistband portion 245 of the rear panel 204 of the thong panty 200 can be devoid of any coatings having a higher coefficient of friction than the interior surface of the waistband portion 245 of the rear panel 204 of the thong panty 200.]

While not shown separately from the assembled thong panty 200, the gusset 206 can be formed of any suitable material. In the illustrated configuration, the gusset 206 is not formed of the same material used for either the front panel 202 or the waistband portion 245 of the rear panel 204. The material for the gusset 206 can be cotton or any other suitable material.

With reference to FIG. 6, the gusset panel 206 comprises a front gusset edge 270 and a rear gusset edge 272. The gusset panel 206 also comprises a left gusset edge 274 that extends from the front gusset edge 270 to the rear gusset edge 272 and a right gusset edge 276 that extends from the front gusset edge 270 to the rear gusset edge 272. The front gusset edge 270 of the gusset panel 206 is configured to remain unattached to either the front panel 202 or the rear panel 204. In some configurations, exterior pullout/lattice stitching can be used to finish the front gusset edge 270 of the gusset panel 206.

The left gusset edge 274 is connected to the left front leg edge 216 and the right gusset edge 276 is connected to the right front leg edge 218. The left gusset edge 274 and the left front leg edge 216 as well as the right gusset edge 276 and the right front leg edge 218 can be connected in any suitable manner. In the illustrated configuration, the left edges 275, 216 and the right edges 276, 218 can be connected using any suitable seam, including interior pullout lattice stitching. Similarly, the rear gusset edge 272 of the gusset panel 206, the front panel gusset edge 222, and the rear panel gusset edge 252 can be connected using any suitable seam, including but not limited to interior pullout lattice stitching. In the illustrated configuration, pullout/lattice stitching fully contains the gusset panel 206 and the adjoining portions of the front panel 202 and the rear panel 204.

The front panel left side edge 210 and the rear panel left side edge 240 can be connected to each other in any suitable manner. In the illustrated configuration, the front panel left side edge 210 and the rear panel left side edge 240 can be connected to each other by a left upper seam 280. In some configurations, the left upper seam 280 comprises overlock stitching. The front panel right side edge 212 and the rear panel right side edge 242 can be connected to each other in any suitable manner. In the illustrated configuration, the front panel right side edge 212 and the rear panel right side edge 242 can be connected to each other by a right upper seam 282. In some configurations, the right upper seam 282 comprises overlock stitching. In the illustrated configuration, when the thong panty is flat on a surface, the seams 280, 282 are positioned inward of the fold lines of the sides of the panty 200. In some configurations, the distance between the natural fold line and the seams 280, 282 is between 1 inch and 4 inches. In some such configurations, the distance is between 1.75 inches and 3 inches. In some such configurations, the distance is 3 inches or 1.75 inches.

Bar tacks are strategically positioned to improve performance and life of the illustrated thong panty 200. In the illustrated configuration, upper bar tacks 284 can be positioned near the top edges 214, 244 of the front and rear panels 202, 204 along the left and right upper seams 280, 282. The illustrated upper bar tacks 284 extend about 3 mm from the edge to contain the seam allowance such that the thong panty 200 can lie more flatly on the body while also improving seam durability. Similarly, lower bar tacks 286 can be positioned adjacent to the edge at the leg openings. In the illustrated configuration, the lower bar tacks 286 extend about 3 mm along the seams 280, 282 from the edge at the leg openings.

The seams along the gusset panel 206 also can be prone to rolling. To assist with keeping the seams positioned as desired along the body of the wearer, a gusset bar tack 288 can be positioned along each of the seams running with the sides of the gusset panel 206. In the illustrated configuration, the gusset bar tacks 288 are positioned at the forwardmost end of the gusset panel 206 and the gusset bar tacks 288 extend parallel to the leg openings along the gusset panel 206. The illustrated gusset bar tacks 288 extend about 4 mm along the gusset panel, parallel to the leg openings. Except for the gusset bar tacks 288, the front edge 270 of the gusset panel 206 is not attached to any other panel. Thus, the gusset bar tacks 288 help to reduce the likelihood of rolling at the forward portion of the gusset panel 206.

In the illustrated configuration, one or more of the edges that define the front panel 202 and the back panel 204 can be free cut. A free cut edge is an edge that is formed when a panel is cut from a piece of fabric (e.g., using scissors, a blade, a laser, or any other suitable method for cutting fabric). Such free cut edges are not finished with any type of seam or bonding. In the illustrated front panel 202, all of the edges are free cut but, when the panty 200 is assembled, the portion of the left front leg edge 216 that is positioned between the left gusset step 224 and the front panel gusset edge 222 and the portion of the right front leg edge 218 that is positioned between the right gusset step 226 and the front panel gusset edge 222 will be attached to the gusset 206 with respective seams. Thus, in the illustrated configuration, all of the edges of the thong panty 200 are free cut edges with the exception of the portions of the edges attached to the gusset panel 206 and where the waistband portion 245 of the rear panel 204 connects to the connecting strip 251. To reduce the risk of tears in the fabric and to enhance the life of the thong panty 200, the front panel gusset edge is cut across a grain of the material (e.g., four-way stretch material) and the rear panel gusset edge is cut across a grain of the different material (e.g., a different four-way stretch material). In some configurations, the rear panel 204 is cut across a grain of the different four-way stretch material.

To compensate for the use of the free cut edges (i.e., not using elastic at the waistband and the leg openings), the illustrated thong panty 200 uses the exposed elastomer material to maintain the thong panty 200 in a desired position on the body of the wearer. To improve comfort, only the waistband portion 245 of the rear panel 204 is formed of the exposed elastomer material. In part because the exposed elastomer material is only used on the waistband portion 245 of the rear panel 204 and in part to better position the side seams to reduce the appearance of any visible panty lines, the side seams 280, 282 are moved forward relative to a standard placement. To demonstrate this, FIGS. 7 and 8, which are proportionally accurate, compare the standard panel cut (shown in chain line) to the panels 202, 204 used in the illustrated panty 200. The seams 280, 282 are moved forward on the body but not all the way to the stomach for comfort and improved invisibility of the seams 280, 282. Moreover, extending the length of the rear panel 204 improved the resistance to rolling of the waistband.

In the illustrated configuration, the waistband portion of the thong panty 200 is defined by the top edge 214 of the front panel 202 and the top edge 244 of the rear panel 204. As discussed directly above, the thong panty 200 has a shortened top edge 214 of the front panel 202 relative to standard thong panties and has a lengthened top edge 244 of the rear panel 204. In some configurations, a ratio of between 1:1.5 and 1:2.7 can be used for the length of the front top edge to the rear top edge. In some configurations, the ratio can be between 1:1.57 and 1:2.0. In some configurations, the ratio can be between 1:1.60 and 1:1.76. In some configurations, the ratio can be 1.63. By lengthening the rear waistband region, the grippy material can wrap around the hips of the wearer and toward the front of the wearer. Desirably, the rear waistband region is not elongated to such an extent that the seams are positioned on the stomach of the wearer. More desirably, the seams are positioned proximate the front hip bones of the wearer. In some configurations, the seams are positioned just medial of the anterior superior iliac spine of the wearer. In some such configurations, the seams are positioned lateral of the mid inguinal point while remaining medial of the anterior superior iliac spine of the wearer. The proportions of the front panel and the rear panel can vary depending upon the elasticity of the materials used for the respective panels.

While a hipster-cut and a thong-cut have been shown and described above, other cuts also are possible. For example, but without limitation, the panty can be constructed as a bikini (waistbands that usually lay somewhere between the navel and the hip and that have semi-hi-cut legs with a moderate coverage back), a boyshort or culotte (full coverage in a modern silhouette), brief (traditional rise panty with full coverage in the rear), a hi-cut brief (moderate to full coverage panty with very hi-cut leg), a low rise panty (rise of 7 inches or less, which is the measurement between the top of the waistband and the first horizontal seam), or a tanga (moderate to minimal coverage European panty silhouette with back coverage that is more than a thong but narrower than a bikini). Other configurations also are possible.

As discussed above, other materials can be used for the various panels of the different panty constructions discussed above. In some configurations, the material can comprise 61% nylon and 39% spandex with a weight of about 155 gm/60 inch. In some configurations, the material can comprise 63% nylon and 37% spandex with a weight of 154 gm/60 inch. In some configurations, the material can comprise 51% nylon and 49% spandex with a weight of 205 gm/60 inch.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include these features, elements and/or states.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

While the above detailed description may have shown, described, and pointed out novel features as applied to various embodiments, it may be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and/or changes in the form and details of any particular embodiment may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. As may be recognized, certain embodiments may be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features may be used or practiced separately from others.

Additionally, features described in connection with one embodiment can be incorporated into another of the disclosed embodiments, even if not expressly discussed herein, and embodiments having the combination of features still fall within the scope of the disclosure. For example, features described above in connection with one embodiment can be used with a different embodiment described herein and the combination still fall within the scope of the disclosure.

It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the embodiments of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the disclosure herein should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above. Accordingly, unless otherwise stated, or unless clearly incompatible, each embodiment of this disclosure may comprise, additional to its essential features described herein, one or more features as described herein from each other embodiment disclosed herein.

Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added.

Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, 0.1 degree, or otherwise.

The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

Reference to any prior art in this description is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor in any country in the world.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the description of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Where, in the foregoing description, reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. In addition, where the term “substantially” or any of it's variants have been used as a word of approximation adjacent to a numerical value or range, it is intended to provide sufficient flexibility in the adjacent numerical value or range that encompasses standard manufacturing tolerances and/or rounding to the next significant figure, whichever is greater.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. For instance, various components may be repositioned as desired. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, not all of the features, aspects and advantages are necessarily required to practice the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to be defined only by the claims.

NO-SHOW PANTY CONFIGURATION

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INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

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