Seamless torso controlling garment and method of making same

Abstract

A circular knit blank for use in the manufacture of undergarments and the garments so manufactured comprising a tubular knit body having an elastomeric yarn on selected courses, wherein said tubular body contains at least one area of control that has a stitch pattern increasing the modulus by about 8%, to provide a balance of comfort and control. The stitch pattern is preferably a 1 by 1 alternating tuck.

What we claim is:  
     
         1 . A circular knit blank for use in the manufacture of undergarments comprising a tubular knit fabric having a first stitch pattern and a second stitch pattern with each stitch pattern having an elastomeric yarn knitted therein, said second stitch pattern being a tightening and alternating tuck stitch pattern that forms at least one area of control that increases the modulus of said tubular knit fabric.  
     
     
         2 . The circular knit blank according to    claim 1    wherein said area of control provides control for a user's hips.  
     
     
         3 . A lower torso garment comprising a tubular knit fabric having a first stitch pattern and a second stitch pattern with each stitch pattern having an elastomeric yarn knitted therein, said second stitch pattern being a tightening and alternating tuck stitch pattern that forms at least one area of control that increases the modulus of said tubular knit fabric.  
     
     
         4 . The lower torso garment according to    claim 3   , wherein said lower torso garment is a brief having said at least one area of control substantially covering only a user's stomach and hip areas.  
     
     
         5 . The lower torso garment according to    claim 3   , wherein said lower torso garment is a high waist brief having said at least one area of control substantially covering only a user's abdominal and hip areas.  
     
     
         6 . The lower torso garment according to    claim 3   , wherein said lower torso garment is a half-slip having said at least one area of control substantially covering only a user's stomach and hip areas.  
     
     
         7 . The lower torso garment according to    claim 3   , wherein said lower torso garment is a legged brief having said at least one area of control substantially covering only a user's stomach and hip areas.  
     
     
         8 . The lower torso garment according to    claim 3   , wherein said lower torso garment is a body slip having said at least one area of control substantially covering only a user's abdominal and hip areas.  
     
     
         9 . The lower torso garment according to    claim 3   , wherein said lower torso garment is a maternity brief having said at least one area of control substantially covering a user's buttocks, hips, and groin areas, wherein said at least one area of control aids in controlling the stomach area without reducing the ability of the portion of said maternity brief covering the stomach area to expand as needed.  
     
     
         10 . A brassiere comprising a tubular knit fabric having a first stitch pattern and a second stitch pattern with each stitch pattern having an elastomeric yarn knitted therein, said second stitch pattern being a tightening and alternating tuck stitch pattern forming at least one area of control that increases the modulus of said tubular knit fabric.  
     
     
         11 . The brassiere according to    claim 10   , wherein said at least one area of control is two areas of control, wherein each of said two areas of control is located underneath a respective breast cup of said brassiere.  
     
     
         12 . A method of making a lower torso garment comprising: 
 knitting a welt portion and a tubular knit body, said tubular knit body made of a fabric having a first stitch pattern and a second stitch pattern with each stitch pattern having an elastomeric yarn knitted therein, said second stitch pattern being a tightening and alternating tuck stitch pattern forming at least one area of control that increases the modulus of said fabric;    knitting an extended portion integrally to said tubular knit body, said extended portion having a distal edge; and    attaching said distal edge to said tubular knit body to form leg openings.    
     
     
         13 . The method of making a lower torso garment according to    claim 12   , wherein said modulus is reduced by about 15%.  
     
     
         14 . The method of making a lower torso garment according to    claim 12   , wherein said stitch pattern is a 1×1 alternating tuck stitch pattern.  
     
     
         15 . A method of making a brassiere comprising: 
 knitting a welt portion and a tubular knit body, said tubular knit body made of a fabric with a first stitch pattern and a second stitch pattern with each stitch pattern having an elastomeric yarn knitted therein, said second stitch pattern being a tightening and alternating tuck stitch pattern forming at least one area of control that increases the modulus of said elastomeric fabric; and    knitting to said tubular knit body extended portions that when attached together form shoulder straps.    
     
     
         16 . The method of making a lower torso garment according to    claim 15   , wherein said modulus is reduced by about 15%.  
     
     
         17 . The method of making a lower torso garment according to    claim 15   , wherein said stitch pattern is a 1×1 alternating tuck stitch pattern.  
     
     
         18 . The circular knit blank according to    claim 1   , wherein said stitch pattern is a 1×1 alternating tuck stitch pattern.