Abstract:
Maternity garments are presented herein. The maternity garments are intended for use by pregnant women throughout the entirety of their pregnancy. In one exemplary arrangement, the maternity garments include a built-in support belt and a belly bump portion. The maternity garment may further include leggings. In some arrangements, the maternity garment is formed of light compression weaves in areas such as the baby bump area and the leggings area of the garment, while the areas around the periphery of the baby bump, as well as the back area of the garment are formed of slightly stronger compression weave so as to provide needed support and lift in these areas. Finally, the area associated with the middle of the back of the pregnant woman may be formed of an even stronger compression weave so as to provide even greater support in this area to deal with the troublesome soreness and pain often had by pregnant woman as the pregnancy progresses.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure herein resides generally in the art of maternity garments and, more particularly, to a maternity garment having leggings and maternity support. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Many maternity garments, especially undergarments, have been developed over the years to address various problems associated with providing appropriate clothing and support to women during pregnancy. U.S. Pat. No. 5,094,648 discloses a maternity support top with a built in bra and a two-inch bellyband that lifts weight off of the pelvis. This garment, however, focuses only on the upper torso of a pregnant woman and does not address the hip or buttock area, or the legs. 
     Spanx® brand maternity hosiery provides undergarment support in a full-length panty hose with a non-binding waistband with under belly support. However, the Spanx® maternity hosiery is not configured to providing support for the upper body. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,286 discloses a back and abdominal support worn over the brassiere and under the panties, and with a supportive band under the tummy. However, this garment only covers the upper torso of a pregnant woman and does not address the hip or buttock area, or the legs. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,181,755 discloses a knit fabric band that is worn over pants that are either too tight or too loose, holding them in place. The band is worn as a single layer over the tummy and is designed to stretch as the tummy grows. The band, however, does not address the torso, the back, or the legs. Nor does the band perform a support function. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,864,551 discloses a maternity garment made of high performance fabric which provides mild support to shape a woman&#39;s body. The garment, however, requires either the garment to be worn over the shoulders of the woman, or the degrees of compression of the fabric are not properly tailored to the needs of a pregnant woman. 
     Thus, traditional maternity support garments such as those described above only target a specific area of the body and only solve a limited few problems. Therefore, a need exists for an all-in-one garment that simultaneously addresses several areas, including smoothing a woman&#39;s profile, improving her level of comfort, providing her needed support, and complimenting her desired aesthetics. There is also a need in the art for a maternity support garment that may be worn throughout the entirety of a pregnancy while providing the necessary comfort and support that the expecting mother needs and deserves. 
     SUMMARY 
     The needs apparent from the deficiencies of the prior art as noted above are satisfied by various embodiments of the disclosure presented directly below and as will become apparent in detail with reference to the drawings and detailed description. 
     In a first exemplary embodiment, a maternity garment is disclosed wherein the maternity garment comprises: a leggings portion, a belly bump portion, and a built-in support belt. 
     In a second exemplary embodiment, the built-in support belt may further comprise an enhanced back support panel. 
     In a third exemplary embodiment, the leggings portion and the belly bump portion is formed from a light compression weave. 
     In a fourth exemplary embodiment, the built-in support belt is formed from a medium compression weave. 
     In a fifth exemplary embodiment, the enhanced back support panel is formed from a heavy compression weave. 
     In a sixth exemplary embodiment, the maternity garment is constructed as a seamless maternity garment. 
     In a seventh exemplary embodiment, the maternity garment further comprises a friction, tension and/or elastic band. 
     In an eighth exemplary embodiment, the friction, tension and/or elastic band is located above the built-in support belt. 
     In a ninth exemplary embodiment, the maternity garment is made from a material selected from the group consisting of Lycra®, Spandex®, Nylon®, micro denier, polyester, cotton or the like, including various blends thereof. 
     In a tenth exemplary embodiment, a maternity support garment comprises a lower belly support section, an upper belly support section, a baby bump section, and a back support panel. 
     In an eleventh exemplary embodiment, the back support panel further comprises an enhanced back support panel. 
     In a twelfth exemplary embodiment, the belly bump section is formed from a light compression weave. 
     In a thirteenth exemplary embodiment, the maternity support garment further includes two side support sections, and wherein the lower belly support section, the upper belly support section, and the back support panel are formed from a medium compression weave. 
     In a fourteenth exemplary embodiment, the enhanced back support panel is formed from a heavy compression weave. 
     In a fifteenth exemplary embodiment, the maternity support belt is a seamless maternity support belt. 
     In a sixteenth exemplary embodiment, the maternity garment further comprises a friction, tension and/or elastic band located above the upper belly section and the back support panel. 
     In a seventeenth exemplary embodiment, a maternity support garment is disclosed that further comprises a pair of leggings extending from said two side support sections, the lower belly support section, and the back support panel. 
     In an eighteenth exemplary embodiment, the leggings are in seamless interconnection with said two side support sections, the lower belly support section, and the back support panel. 
     In a nineteenth exemplary embodiment, the leggings are formed from a light compression weave. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       For a complete understanding of the various aspects of the disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of a legging with maternity support according to a first exemplary arrangement; 
         FIG. 2  is a back view of the legging with maternity support of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a right side view of the legging with maternity support of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a left side view of the legging with maternity support of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of a support belt according to an exemplary arrangement; 
         FIG. 6  is a back view of the support belt of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a right side view of the support belt of  FIG. 5 ; and 
         FIG. 8  is a left side view of the support belt of  FIG. 5 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to  FIGS. 1 through 4 , it can be seen that a maternity garment, made in accordance with an exemplary arrangement, is designated generally by the numeral  10 . The garment  10  has a leggings portion  12 , a belly bump portion  14 , a built-in maternity support belt  16 , and an enhanced back support panel  18 . The maternity support belt  16  may be constructed with two side support sections  20 , a lower belly support section  22 , an upper belly support section  24 , and a back support panel  26 . The maternity support garment  10  also optionally contains an elastic or friction band  28 . In one exemplary arrangement, the maternity garment  10  may cover a woman&#39;s belly, back, sides, hips, and legs, extending down from right above a pregnant woman&#39;s “belly bump” to the woman&#39;s ankles, right above her feet. However, other arrangements are also contemplated. For example, in one arrangement, the maternity garment  10  may be designed to extend just past the woman&#39;s knee, so as to be capri length. In another exemplary arrangement, the maternity garment may be designed to extend above the knee such as shorts. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 , in one exemplary arrangement, the belly bump portion  14  of the maternity garment  10  is configured to cover the portion of the woman&#39;s belly that will expand due to the growth of the baby. Belly bump portion  14  desirably adapts to the changing size of the woman&#39;s belly and is configured to expand with the growing belly for maximum comfort. In one exemplary arrangement, the belly bump portion  14  is made of a light compression weave, which will cover the baby bump and expand with limited resistance as the baby develops. 
     In an alternative arrangement, the belly bump portion  14  of the maternity garment  10  is configured as an opening. More specifically, rather than forming the belly bump portion  14  with a layer of material that will gradually stretch to accommodate the mother&#39;s growing belly, the growing belly will naturally extend out of the opening that is bounded by the two side support sections  20 , lower belly support section  22 , and upper belly support section  24 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 through 4 , in one exemplary arrangement, the leggings portion  12  of the maternity garment  10  covers the legs of the woman, extending down from around the hips of the woman, all the way to the woman&#39;s ankles. However, as set forth above, the present disclosure is not limited to leggings of this length. The leggings portion  12  of the maternity garment  10  is also made of a light compression weave, and in one exemplary arrangement, from the same light compression weave as the belly bump portion  14 , for those arrangements that include a fabric belly bump portion  14 . Due to the light compression provided by the light compression weave, the leggings portion  14  may serve to provide vascular support to the legs to minimize problems such as varicose veins, which are common during pregnancy. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 through 4 , the built-in maternity support belt  16  of the maternity garment  10  comprises two side support sections  20 , a lower belly support section  22 , an upper belly support section  24 , and a back support panel  26 . The maternity support belt  16  of the maternity garment  10  is made of a stronger compression weave than the light compression weave of the belly bump portion  14  and leggings portion  12 . The strong compression weave of the maternity support belt  16  provides support to the ever-growing belly of a pregnant woman. Specifically, the two side support sections  20  and the lower belly support section  22  help lift and cradle the belly and desirably alleviate some discomforts caused by the weight and pressure of the growing belly. Furthermore, the upper belly section  24  also cradles the belly while the back support panel  26  provides back support to alleviate similar discomforts in the woman&#39;s back caused by the weight and pressure of the growing belly. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , the enhanced back support panel  18  of the maternity garment  10  is located in the small of the back of the woman to provide for enhanced back support in this particular area of the woman&#39;s back where she feels the most discomfort caused by the weight and pressure of the growing belly. Although the exemplary arrangement shown in the figures is depicted in a diamond shaped pattern, the back support panel  18  is not limited to such a shape and can be any shape necessary to provide the proper support to the small of the woman&#39;s back. The enhanced back support panel  18  of the maternity garment  10  is made of the strongest compression weave relative to the other components of the maternity garment  10 , even stronger than the compression weave used for the maternity support belt  16  of the maternity garment  10 . Having the enhanced back support panel  18  being made of the strongest compression weave used in the maternity garment  10  allows for the enhanced back support panel  18  to provide the strongest compression needed at the troublesome area of a woman&#39;s small of the back during pregnancy. 
     In one exemplary arrangement, the entire maternity garment  10  is constructed as a seamless garment. By seamless, it is understood that, in certain embodiments, the maternity garment is made of one single material having a continuous weave. This means, that the transition from the light compression leggings  12  to the medium compression maternity support belt  16 , from the medium compression maternity support belt  16  to the light compression baby bump section  14 , and from the medium compression maternity support belt  16  to the strongest compression enhanced back section  18  is seamless. The change in the compression from section to section of the maternity garment  10  may be changed by changing only the density and weight, or grams per square meter, of the weave itself, as the garment  10  is formed with no seams being needed. Alternatively, and as contemplated by the disclosure, the material, or blend of materials, may change in the continuous wave process to achieve the desired compression characteristics from section to section. Because the maternity garment  10  is seamless, it avoids unnecessary bulk and ensures a comfortable and smooth silhouette while at the same time providing no irritation to the pregnant woman, irritation which a garment having seams would deliver. 
     Any fabrics having the appropriate compression and/or elasticity as described above could be used to create the maternity garment  10 , such as, and without limitation, Lycra®, Spandex®, Nylon®, micro denier, polyester, cotton or the like, including various blends thereof. 
     According to one exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the material used to form the garment  10  is of the same composition throughout, with only the density of the weave changing, although it is contemplated that the material itself may be of varying blends in the various sections and panels. One embodiment contemplates the light compression weave to be of a fabric weight of 120-320 grams per square meter (“gsm”), the medium compression weave to be a fabric weight of 200-400 gsm, and the heavy compression weave to be of a fabric weight of over 300 gsm. Of course, for the various garments made according to the invention, the general ratios of light-to-medium-to-heavy will remain rather consistent as between the lower and upper ends of the spectrum. In particular, the light compression weave will have a fabric weight lighter than the medium compression weave, and the medium compression weave will have a fabric weight lighter than the heavy compression weave. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the elasticity of any particular section or panel of the garment  10  will be a function of the material composition, thread weave, and density or weight of the material. 
     The optional elastic or friction band  28  may be attached to the top of the upper belly section  24  and back support panel  26  of the maternity support belt  16 . Friction band  28  preferably serves to ensure that the entire maternity garment  10  stays put where desired. In some exemplary arrangements, the friction band  28  is generally made of a slip-resistant material and preferably having elastic qualities, such as for example silicone. To one having ordinary skill in the art it is understood that various materials with elasticity may be used so as to ensure proper resistance without restriction on the body. In an alternative embodiment, friction band  28  may be created using tighter knit or higher compression fabric than even the strongest compression weave of the enhanced back support panel  18 . It some embodiments it is desirable that the friction band  28  be attached to garment  10  in a seamless fashion so as to avoid any additional bulk and to ensure a comfortable, smooth silhouette; however, it is considered that an appropriately strong yet concealed and/or concealable seam may alternately be utilized. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 through 8 , an alternative exemplary arrangement of a maternity garment is designated generally by the numeral  100 . The garment  100  is generally in the form of a maternity support belt and is generally the nature of the garment  10 , but without the leggings  12 . In that regard, its characteristics, method of manufacture, and the materials employed are quite akin to those characteristics listed above in regards to garment  10 . The maternity support belt  100  comprises two side support sections  120 , a lower belly support section  122 , an upper belly support section  124 , a belly bump portion  125 , a back support panel  126 , and an enhanced back support panel  130 . The maternity support belt  100  also optionally contains an elastic or friction band  128 . The maternity support belt  100  preferably provides support for a woman&#39;s belly, back, sides, and hips, extending down from right above a pregnant woman&#39;s “belly bump” to right below her belly. 
     The two side support sections  120 , the lower belly support section  122 , the upper belly support section  124 , and the back support panel  126  of the maternity support belt  100  is made of a strong compression weave. The strong compression weave of the two side support sections  120 , the lower belly support section  122 , the upper belly support section  124 , and the back support panel  126  provides support to the ever-growing belly of a pregnant woman. Specifically, the two side support sections  120  and the lower belly support section  122  help lift and cradle the belly and desirably alleviate some discomforts caused by the weight and pressure of the growing belly. Furthermore, the upper belly section  124  also cradles the belly while the back support panel  126  provides back support to alleviate similar discomforts in the woman&#39;s back caused by the weight and pressure of the growing belly. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 5, 7 and 8 , the belly bump portion  125  of the maternity support belt  100  may be configured to cover the belly of the woman that will expand due to the growth of the baby. In one exemplary arrangement, the material for the belly bump portion  125  adapts to the changing size of the woman&#39;s belly and is configured to expand for maximum comfort. In this arrangement, the belly bump portion  125  is made of a light compression weave, which will cover the baby bump and expand as the baby develops. Alternatively, as described above in connection with the arrangement for maternity garment  10 , the belly bump portion  125  may be configured as an opening through which the expending belly may protrude. As the opening is bounded by the side support section  120 , the lower belly support section  122 , and the upper belly support section  124 , the expanding belly is supported by the garment  100 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 , the enhanced back support panel  130  of the maternity support belt  100  is located in the small of the back of the woman to provide for enhanced back support in this particular area of the woman&#39;s back where she is most likely to feel the most discomfort caused by the weight and pressure of the growing belly. Although shown in the figures as being in a diamond shaped pattern, the back support panel  130  is not limited to such a shape and can be any shape necessary to provide the proper support to the small of the woman&#39;s back. The enhanced back support panel  130  of the maternity support belt  100  is made of a stronger compression weave than the strong compression weave of the two side support sections  120 , the lower belly support section  122 , the upper belly support section  124 , and the back support panel  126 . Having the enhanced back support panel  130  being made of the strongest compression weave used in the maternity support belt  100  allows for the enhanced back support panel  130  to provide the strongest compression needed at the troublesome area of a woman&#39;s small of the back during pregnancy. 
     One exemplary feature of the maternity support belt  100  is that the entire garment is a seamless garment. By seamless, it is understood that the maternity garment is made of one single material having a continuous weave. This means that the transition from the strong compression weave of the back support panel  126  to the strongest compression weave of the enhanced back section  130  is seamless. The change in the compression from section to section of the maternity support belt  100  is effected by changing only the density and strength of the weave itself, no seams are needed. By having the maternity support belt  100  be seamless, it allows for the maternity support belt  100  to avoid any additional bulk and it ensure a comfortable and smooth silhouette while at the same time providing no irritation to the pregnant woman, irritation which a garment having seams would deliver. 
     Any fabrics having the appropriate compression and/or elasticity as described above could be used to create the maternity support belt  100 , such as, and without limitation, Lycra®, Spandex®, Nylon®, micro denier, polyester, cotton/polyester blend or the like, including various blends thereof. 
     The optional elastic or friction band  128  may be attached to the top of the upper belly section  124  and back support panel  126  of the maternity support belt  100 . Friction band  128  preferably serves to ensure that the entire maternity support belt  100  stays put where desired. In some embodiments, the friction band  128  is generally made of a slip-resistant material, preferably having elastic qualities, such as for example silicone. To one having ordinary skill in the art it is understood that various materials with elasticity may be used so as to ensure proper resistance without restriction on the body. In an alternative embodiment, friction band  128  may be created using tighter knit or higher compression fabric than even the strongest compression weave of the enhanced back support panel  130 . It some embodiments it is desirable that the friction band  128  be attached to the maternity support belt  100  in a seamless fashion so as to avoid any additional bulk and to ensure a comfortable, smooth silhouette; however, it is considered that an appropriately strong yet concealed and/or concealable seam may alternately be utilized. 
     It will be appreciated that the maternity garments and components thereof described herein have broad applications. The foregoing embodiments were chosen and described in order to illustrate principles of the garments as well as some practical applications. The preceding description enables others skilled in the art to utilize the various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the principles and modes of operation of this disclosure have been explained and illustrated in exemplary embodiments. 
     It is intended that the scope of the present methods and apparatuses be defined by the following claims. However, it must be understood that this disclosure may be practiced otherwise than is specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various alternatives to the embodiments described herein may be employed in practicing the claims without departing from the spirit and scope as defined in the following claims. The scope of the disclosure should be determined, not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the arts discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future examples. Furthermore, all terms used in the claims are intended to be given their broadest reasonable constructions and their ordinary meanings as understood by those skilled in the art unless an explicit indication to the contrary is made herein. In particular, use of the singular articles such as “a,” “the,” “said,” etc. should be read to recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that the method and apparatus within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby. In sum, it should be understood that the invention is capable of modification and variation and is limited only by the following claims.