Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/795,226, filed on Jun. 7, 2010, which is a division of application Ser. No. 10/515,580, filed on Nov. 23, 2004, which is the national phase of International Application No. PCT/US2003/016885, filed on May 27, 2003, claiming the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/382,964, filed on May 24, 2002. The entire contents of these earlier applications are incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to wicking, antibacterial/bacteriostatic/antifungal, (hereinafter referred to as antibacterial/antifungal, antibacterial/bacteriostatic, or antibacterial/bacteriostatic/antifungal), and low friction apparel and methods for producing same, such as clothing, fabrics and the like. More particularly, the invention relates to wicking, antibacterial/antifungal, low friction apparel which incorporates fabrics or chemicals which wick, have antibacterial/antifungal properties and low coefficient of friction either overall or in specific areas of the apparel that will minimize the development of irritation of a person&#39;s skin and related bacterial and fungal infections. The invention also includes methods for producing the wicking, antibacterial/antifungal and low friction apparel and methods for using wicking, antibacterial/antifungal and low friction materials to reduce moisture, friction and the resulting bacterial and fungal infections due to skin moisture and irritation. More particularly, the invention relates to apparel, which incorporates fabrics or chemicals having antibacterial/antimicrobial, wicking, and low friction coefficient of friction properties either overall, or in specific areas of the apparel that will minimize the development of irritation of an apparel wearer&#39;s body surface. The invention also includes methods for producing the antibacterial/antifungal, wicking and low friction apparel and methods for using antibacterial/antifungal, wicking and low coefficient of friction materials to reduce irritation and infections. 
         [0003]    The invention relates to apparel with an interior wicking surface against the skin that also has antibacterial/antifungal properties with an exterior low friction surface and methods for producing same. More particularly, the invention relates to apparel with a wicking surface against the skin which incorporates fibers or chemicals that have antibacterial/antifungal properties and a low friction outer surface which incorporates fibers or chemicals having a low coefficient of friction either overall or in specific areas of the apparel, such that the wicking, antibacterial/antifungal surface will be on the interior of the apparel and the low friction surface will be presented on the exterior of the apparel. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Skin when rubbing against another surface of skin causes irritation, breaks down and becomes irritated. Perspiration is usually also present in areas where skin rubs together. Intertrigo, or a rash in body folds, develops. Affected skin is reddened and uncomfortable. Body folds are prone to inflammatory rashes because the skin has a relatively high temperature, moisture from insensible water loss and sweat cannot evaporate, and friction from movement of adjacent skin results in chafing. Bacteria, fungus and yeasts, which are normally resident on the skin, multiply in such environments and may result in further damage to the skin. 
         [0005]    It can appear anywhere two skin surfaces lie next to each other and rub together, but most often occur in the skin folds of the groin, the inner thigh area, underarms, between the ribs, and under and between the breasts. This condition is most common in warm climates and during the summer months. Intertrigo will appear as a reddish color rash that might be sore or itchy. It normally progresses gradually, starting as a mild chafing, then slowly, with continued exposure to moisture and friction, develops into a persistent itchy rash. Sometimes a secondary bacterial or fungal infection may occur, causing the formation of pustules and weeping and oozing of the skin, as well as severe itching and pain. Severe Intertrigo on the groin or thighs can limit or affect mobility. Intertrigo primarily affects overweight people who perspire heavily and people with diabetes. It can also occur in any individual where fat distribution causes two surfaces of the skin to rub together. Persons who suffer from urinary incontinence are at increased risk of developing Intertrigo in the groin area. Once a person develops Intertrigo it is usually chronic and reoccurring. 
         [0006]    Previous patents have addressed part of the problem, that is, the addition of fibers with low co-efficient of friction into apparel to reduce friction. Or, conversely, patents exist which only address wicking properties, especially garments designed for incontinence problems. In doing so, they only addressed part of the problem with skin irritation. None have addressed both factors, that is, moisture and friction as being the causative agents for creating Intertrigo. Prior art has failed to combine wicking and low friction materials to solve the problem and with obesity becoming an epidemic world wide a solution to this problem is important. 
         [0007]    Robert T. Gunn&#39;s U.S. Pat. No. 5,752,278, May 19, 1998, U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,057, Nov. 3, 1998, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,752,278, May 19, 1998 acknowledge that irritation is caused by moisture and friction. He states, “the addition of low friction material to the fiber, yarn, fabric or article can also be useful to wick away moisture from the skin to help guard against irritation as well as wetness.” However, according to the DuPont Technical Information brochure, TEFLON® PTFE, Properties, Processing, and Applications, which he makes reference to, the moisture regain percentage for TEFLON® is 0.0%. All of the garments heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantages: 
         [0008]    Since irritation of the skin is known to result from moisture and friction, the addition of a fiber with 0.0% moisture absorption properties while serving to facilitate wicking would not work as efficiently as a fiber whose sole function is to wick and absorb perspiration. 
         [0009]    Gunn&#39;s patent&#39;s primarily teach the addition of low friction materials which are incorporated into both sides of the material. When he teaches plating as a method, he only includes weaving, not knitting, as the preferred method. 
         [0010]    Gunn&#39;s patents include apparel with seams in the inner thigh area. The addition of seams in the inner thigh area causes irritation of the skin. His patent does not address the addition of an inner thigh panel or circular knitting techniques, which eliminate seams altogether, as a preferred method of constructing a garment. His solution is the addition of low friction fibers to the seams instead of the elimination of seams altogether in this area. 
         [0011]    Gunn&#39;s patents do not add any fiber or chemical which are antibacterial/antifungal into the garment to help with infections that are secondary to skin irritation once moisture and friction are present. 
         [0012]    Gunn&#39;s patents teach the use of low friction materials on the exterior of both sides of the inner surfaces of the thigh areas. This method can be used, however, exterior plating on one surface of the inner thigh area is sufficient to reduce friction on both surfaces and he does not teach this. 
       OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
       [0013]    Apparel is made out of many materials, natural and man-made as well as blends. They can be natural such as cotton, silk, linen, or leather. They can also be man made such as nylon, vinyl, spandex, polyester, TEFLON®, rayon, or any combination of natural or manmade fibers. 
         [0014]    Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are: 
         [0015]    the addition of a layer of wicking fibers or chemicals to the interior surface of the apparel to absorb all perspiration to keep the skin dry. 
         [0016]    the addition of antibacterial/antifungal fibers or chemicals into the moisture absorption layer of the apparel to protect the skin from infections. 
         [0017]    the method of plating wicking fibers on the interior surface, with antibacterial/antifungal properties, and low friction fibers on the exterior surface instead of the fibers all being woven together. 
         [0018]    the method of knitting instead of weaving as the preferred method of plating the fibers since knitted garments contour to the body more easily and cause less friction because they conform more. 
         [0019]    the method of constructing the garments on a circular knitting machine as a way of avoiding seams, especially in the inner thigh or underarm areas, as the preferred method of constructing the garments. Or, the method of sewing a plated panel or gusset with wicking, antibacterial/antifungal and low friction properties into the garment, for example, in the inner thigh or underarm areas, which eliminate seams in these areas. 
         [0020]    the addition of antibacterial/antifungal fibers or chemicals into the garment to help with infections that are secondary to skin irritation once moisture and friction are present. 
         [0021]    the use of low friction materials on only one, versus both, exterior surface of the inner thigh areas or underarm areas, to reduce friction between the legs, or under the arms, as a means of cutting down heat and friction between the legs, or under the arms. TEFLON® and other low friction fibers, such as nylon, are high heat retention fibers. Thus, to only plate one side of an area in apparel where two sides oppose each other, for example, one side of the inner thigh area, for example, the right side, where the left side is not plated, or one side of the underarm area, for example the top or bottom portion of the gusset with the opposite area not being plated, would be an added advantage in terms of heat reduction. 
         [0022]    the use of low friction materials, which are costly, on one side only of an inner thigh or underarm area, would significantly reduce costs for manufacturers and consumers. 
         [0023]    It would be highly desirable to have apparel which has a wicking, anti-bacterial/antifungal inner layer plated with an exterior low friction material in areas of high body surface contact such that irritations and the secondary skin infections are avoided. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    It is the principle object of the invention to is provide wicking, antibacterial/-bacteriostatic/antifungal, low friction apparel which avoids or minimizes the development of skin irritations due to moisture and friction which can lead to the development of skin infections. 
         [0025]    From the description above, my knit sewn in leg panel, a cut and sew leg panel, gussets, or a plated area in a circular knit method has the additional advantages in that: 
         [0026]    a further object of the invention is to provide a method for producing the wicking, antibacterial/bacteriostatic/antifungal, low friction apparel by chemically treating the wicking yarns or fibers or the like of the material from which the apparel is made prior to or after production with antibacterial/-bacteriostatic/antifungal chemicals. 
         [0027]    a further object of the invention is to provide a method for producing wicking, antibacterial/bacteriostatic/antifungal, low friction apparel by incorporating wicking, antibacterial/bacteriostatic/antifungal, low friction yarns and fibers into the fabric from which the apparel is made. 
         [0028]    a further object of the invention is to provide a method for producing a wicking, antibacterial/bacteriostatic/antifungal, low friction inner leg panel by incorporating wicking and low friction, antibacterial/bacteriostatic/antifungal, yarns and fibers into the fabric from which the apparel is made. 
         [0029]    a further object of the invention is to provide a method for producing a wicking, antibacterial/bacteriostatic/antifungal, low friction underarm gusset by incorporating wicking and low friction yarns and fibers into the fabric and chemically treating them with antibacterial/bacteriostatic/antifungal chemicals which the apparel includes. 
         [0030]    a further object of the invention is to provide a method for producing a wicking, antibacterial/bacteriostatic/antifungal inner leg panel by incorporating wicking, antibacterial/bacteriostatic/antifungal, yarns and fibers into the fabric from which the apparel is made. 
         [0031]    a further object of the invention is to provide a method for producing a wicking, antibacterial/bacteriostatic/antifungal, gusset by incorporating wicking yarns and fibers into the fabric and chemically treating them with antibacterial/bacteriostatic/antifungal chemicals which the apparel includes. 
         [0032]    a further object of the invention is to provide a method for producing a wicking, antibacterial/bacteriostatic/antifungal, low friction apparel by incorporating wicking, antibacterial/bacteriostatic/antifungal, low friction yarns and fibers into the fabric from which the apparel is made where only one side of the leg panel, that is, the right or left one, or either the top or bottom portion of the underarm gusset, have low friction fibers on the exterior surface. 
         [0033]    a further object of the invention is to provide a method for producing apparel so that the panel or gusset which contains the antibacterial/bacteriostatic/antifungal, low friction yarns and fibers can be incorporated into any type of apparel a manufacturer wishes to make. 
         [0034]    a further object of the invention is to provide a method for producing apparel so that the sewn in inner thigh panel which contains the antibacterial/-bacteriostatic/antifungal, low friction yarns and fibers can be incorporated into any type of apparel a manufacturer wishes independent of a wicking and antimicrobial/bacteriostatic/antifungal gusset. 
         [0035]    a further object of the invention is to provide a method for producing apparel so that the underarm gusset which contains the antibacterial/-bacteriostatic/antifungal, low friction yarns and fibers can be incorporated into any type of apparel a manufacturer wishes independent of a wicking and antimicrobial/bacteriostatic/antifungal leg panel. 
         [0036]    a further object of the invention is to provide a method for producing the wicking, antibacterial/bacteriostatic/antifungal, low friction panels and gussets which can either be utilized on cut and sew garments or in seamless garments should the manufacturer wish. 
         [0037]    a further object of the invention is to provide a method for producing the wicking, antibacterial/bacteriostatic/antifungal, low friction panels and gussets in any type of legwear, be it ready to wear, active wear, hosiery, or any other type. 
         [0038]    Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, the gusset can have other shapes such as oval, trapezoidal, triangular, etc. The inner leg panels can be tailored to accommodate the various types of garments manufactured and can be made larger or smaller as size determines. It can also have other shapes, such as oval, trapezoidal, etc. The seams can be of any type. The length of the garment can be any type the manufacturer wishes. All parts of the garment may include stretch fibers for memory and shape retention. The amount of spandex can range from as little as 0% to as much as 40% for shapewear. The knits can be of any type such as, but not limited to, warp knits and circular knits. Circular knits, such as jersey knits, are ideal for bodywear, sportswear, and hosiery. Closures may be zippers, VELCRO®, buttons, snaps or any other type of closure the manufacturer wishes to utilize. 
         [0039]    Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than the examples given. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0040]    While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0041]      FIG. 1A  is a three-quarter view of an ankle length seamless garment worn by a person in accordance with the teachings of this invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 1B  is a representation of both the front and back views of  FIG. 1A  that are identical. 
           [0043]      FIG. 1C  is a side view of the garment as shown in  FIG. 1A . 
           [0044]      FIG. 2  is a view of a circular knit tube used to construct the seamless garment in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C and  FIG. 8 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 3  is the front and back views of the circular knit tube showing the center cut lines, that when cut, forms the leg portions of the garment. 
           [0046]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of cut circular knit tube in  FIG. 3  showing the torso and leg portions which are attached to the sewn in leg panel  38 , comprised of sides  38   a  and  38   b.    
           [0047]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged detail of sewn in panel in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C, and  FIG. 8  that is attached to the circular knit tube in  FIG. 4  to form the garment. 
           [0048]      FIG. 6  is a cross section taken through section lines  6 - 6  on  FIG. 5 . 
           [0049]      FIG. 7A  is a cross section taken through section lines  7 - 7  on  FIG. 5 . 
           [0050]      FIG. 7B  is an alternate method of construction for the cross section taken through section lines  7 - 7  on  FIG. 5 . 
           [0051]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the sewn in leg panel in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B, and  1 C. 
           [0052]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged detail of leg stitches and hem in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C and  FIG. 8 . 
           [0053]      FIG. 10  is a three-quarter view of an ankle length “cut and sew” garment, worn by a person, in accordance with the teachings of this invention. 
           [0054]      FIG. 11A  is the right pattern piece of a “cut and sew” garment. 
           [0055]      FIG. 11B  is the left pattern piece of a “cut and sew” garment. 
           [0056]      FIG. 12  is a view of the front and back pattern pieces of a “cut and sew” garment sewn together, front to back, in the torso area. 
           [0057]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the “cut and sew” garment in  FIG. 12  showing the torso and leg portions that are to be attached to the “cut and sew” sewn in leg panel. 
           [0058]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged detail of “cut and sew” sewn in panel in  FIG. 10  that is attached to the “cut and sew” garment in  FIG. 13  to form the garment. 
           [0059]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0060]      FIG. 16A  is a three-quarter view of a maternity seamless garment worn by a woman with a midriff waistline that is below the knee length. 
           [0061]      FIG. 16B  is a three-quarter view of a seamless garment worn by a man with a natural waistline, is above the knee length, has a separate sewn on waistband, and a fly front closure. 
           [0062]      FIG. 16C  is a three-quarter view of a seamless garment, worn by a woman, with a turtleneck styled collar, long sleeves, and front zipper closure. 
           [0063]      FIG. 17A  is a three-quarter view of a “cut and sew” garment worn by a woman with a bikini waistline, is ankle length, and has oblique below the knee seaming for the “cut and sew” sewn in panel. 
           [0064]      FIG. 17B  is a three-quarter view of a “cut and sew” garment worn, by a woman, with a separate sewn on waistband at the natural waistline, and is a boy cut length. 
           [0065]      FIG. 18A  is a three-quarter view of a pair of pantyhose, with a plated area on the inner thigh area, a plated crotch, and a plated bottom and sides of a foot. 
           [0066]      FIG. 18B  is a perspective view of a pair of pantyhose with a plated area on the inner thigh area, a plated crotch, and a plated bottom and side of a foot. 
           [0067]      FIG. 19A  are seamless knit tubes with plated wicking inner thigh sections and a plated bottom and sides of a foot. 
           [0068]      FIG. 19B  is a cross section taken through section lines  19   b - 19   b  on  FIG. 19A . 
           [0069]      FIG. 19C  are the knit tubes, cut in the torso area, with plated wicking inner thigh sections, and plated bottom and sides of feet. 
           [0070]      FIG. 19D  is the cut knit tubes, stitched together in the torso area, with plated wicking inner thigh sections, hemmed toes, and the unattached plated crotch gusset. 
           [0071]      FIG. 19E  is a cross section taken through section lines  19   e - 19   e  in  FIG. 19D . 
           [0072]      FIG. 19F  is an alternate method of construction for the cross section taken through section lines  19   e - 19   e  on  FIG. 19  D. 
           [0073]      FIG. 19  G is an alternate method of construction for the cross section taken through section lines  19   b - 19   b  on  FIG. 19A . 
           [0074]      FIG. 20A  is an above the knee circular knit garment with a plated inner thigh area. 
           [0075]      FIG. 20  B is a cross section through the plated inner thigh area. 
           [0076]      FIG. 20C  is a cross section through the plated crotch gusset. 
           [0077]      FIG. 20D  is an alternative method of constructing the cross section taken through section lines  20   c - 20   c.    
           [0078]      FIG. 21  is a plated bra. 
           [0079]      FIG. 22  is a plated knit skirt garment. 
           [0080]      FIG. 23  is a plated knit above the knee garment. 
           [0081]      FIG. 24  is a garment with a plated underarm area. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Description FIGS. 1-9 
       [0082]    The novel features of the present invention are incorporated and illustrated in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C and  FIG. 8 . In general, the present invention is shown generally as a “seamless” washable garment  20 . It is an improvement over prior garments for both men and women whether they are classified as underwear, shaping garments, hosiery, athletic garments, or ready-to-wear. A person  28  is wearing the garment  20  and comprises numbers  21  through  70 . For purposes of clarity, like reference numerals are used where appropriate. The garment  20  is comprised of a torso portion  23  having a waistband  22  with a top  56  and a stitching line  58 , a front portion  24 , and a back portion  26 . Further, the garment  20  contains a pair of leg portions of the garment  39  that are connected at a perforated line  30  and extend downwardly to the feet  49  of the person  28  wearing the garment  20 . A region of the angle formed by the junction of the legs or crotch  32  and an inner part of the leg  40  is covered by a knit sewn in leg panel  38 . Knit sewn in leg panel  38  is comprised of a crotch portion of sewn in panel  34 , and an inner leg portion of knit sewn in leg panel  36  that will be further described in  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 6 , and  FIG. 7 . A front leg panel seam  42  connects the knit sewn in leg panel  38  to the torso portion of the garment  23  and to the leg portion of the garment  39  which in total forms garment  20 . Alternating five rows of jersey stitches  44  and five rows of diamond-patterned stitches  46  are above the hem seam  48  that help hold the garment in place. First and second leg openings of the hem  50   a  and SOb respectively allow for an opening for the foot  49 . 
         [0083]    An important aspect of this invention is to provide the garment with the knit sewn in leg panel  38 , which is generally shown in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C and  FIG. 8 , that eliminates an inner thigh seam, as being disposed of crotch portion  34  and an inner leg portion of knit sewn in leg panel  36 . Knit sewn in leg panel  38  is sewn into garment  20  so as to overlay the inner part of leg  40  and crotch  32  of the person  28 . The relative position of knit sewn in leg panel  38  is to cover the inner part of the leg  40  and is comprised of yarns that have stretch, wicking, friction reduction and antibacterial, antifungal, and or antimicrobial characteristics and will be further described in  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 . 
         [0084]    The criteria for wicking yarns or fibers are as follows: Tactel®, a type of wicking yarn is used on the inside of the plated area and Tactel®, cotton, polyester, viscose, and or wool, for example, would be utilized on the outside of the plated areas. Or, a yarn or fiber with a higher DPF, denier per filament, is plated on the inside of a fabric, and a yarn or fiber with a lower DPF, is plated on the outside of a surface of a fabric. The higher DPF material has fatter, larger filaments and the lower DPF material has more smaller, thinner filaments. As a result the moisture on the inside of a person&#39;s skin is wicked away by the material with the larger DPF to the surface of the fabric with the lower DPF. The surface of the wetted area on exterior surface of the garment is greater than the surface of the wetted area on the inside. The result is that a person&#39;s skin stays dry. 
         [0085]    Another method of producing wicking would be to plate fibers or yarns with different shapes together. For example, if moisture is on a person&#39;s skin, it will wick from a surface comprised of yarns or fibers that has few “lobes” or “clover leafed” shapes into a surface which is comprised of yarns or fibers that have many “lobes” or “clover leafed” shapes. The surface of the wetted area on the exterior surface of the garment is greater than the surface of the wetted area on the inside. The result is that a person&#39;s skin stays dry. 
         [0086]      FIG. 1B  is a representation of both the front and back views of  FIG. 1A  that are identical. 
         [0087]      FIG. 1C  is a side view of the garment as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0088]      FIG. 2  represents a circular knit tube  52  out of which the seamless garment  20  is constructed. It is comprised of a top of circular knit tube  54 , a top of the folded over waistband  56 , and a waistband seam  58 . A bottom of the circular knit tube  60  is folded up to hem seam  48  to form the first and second leg openings of hem  50   a  and SOb respectively. Alternating five rows of jersey stitches  44  and five rows of diamond-patterned stitches  46  are above the hem seam  48  that helps hold the garment in place but are at the manufacturers discretion and can be omitted or an alternative method for hemming the garment can be used. 
         [0089]      FIG. 3  represents the front and back views of the circular knit tube  52  showing the front and back center cut lines that are identical  62 , that forms the leg portion  39  of the seamless garment  20  shown in a perspective view in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0090]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of cut circular knit tube in  FIG. 3  showing the torso portion  23  and leg portions  39  of the garment  20 . The torso portion  23  shows a folded over waistband  22  with a top  56  and a seam  58 . The leg portions  39  have bottoms of the circular knit tube  60   a  and  60   b  which are folded up to hem seams  48   a  and  48   b  to form the first and second leg openings of hem  50   a  and SOb respectively after the knit sewn in leg panel  38  has been sewn in place. This will be further explained in  FIG. 5 . There is a crotch area  32  in between the leg portions of the garment  39 . Alternating five rows of jersey stitches  44  and five rows of diamond-patterned stitches  46  are above the hem seam  48 , which help hold the garment in place. The circular knit tube sides represented by  52   a  and  52   b  are for sewing purposes and are to be attached to sides of knit sewn in leg panel  38   a  and  38   b  to form the front and back leg panel seams  42  that are identical to form garment  20 . 
         [0091]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged detail of knit sewn in panel  38  in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C and  FIG. 8 . The inner leg portion of knit sewn in leg panel  36  consists of a lower portion from an area from the ankle to above the knee  36   a , and an upper portion from above the knee to the crotch area  36   b . The crotch portion of sewn in panel  34  is smaller due to increased tension of the stitches in the crotch area  32 . The tapering shape of the sewn in leg panel is dependent on the length of the garment but designed to cover an area of the inner part of the leg  40 . 
         [0092]    Together both the inner leg portion of sewn in leg panel  36  and crotch portion  34  comprise the knit sewn in leg panel  38 . Section lines  6 - 6  represent cross sections through the plated yarns in the upper portion of inner leg portion of the knit sewn in panel from an area above the knee to crotch  36   b  and will be further described in  FIG. 6 . Section lines  7 - 7  represent cross sections through the plated yarns in the crotch portion of the knit sewn in panel  34  and will be further described in  FIG. 7 . Hem seam  48   a  and  48   b  and the bottoms of the sewn in leg panel  64   a  and  64   b  form the first and second leg openings of the hem  50   a  and SOb. When the sides of sewn in knit panel  38   a  and  38   b  are sewn into the cut circular knit tube sides  52   a  and  52   b  the garment  20  is hemmed on the hem seams  48   a  and  48   b.    
         [0093]      FIG. 6  is an enlargement of a cross section taken through section lines  6 - 6  in  FIG. 5 . An outer friction reducing yarn or fiber  66  is plated, (a knit fabric which has one kind of yarn on the face while another type is found on the back of the goods), over an inner wicking yarn or fiber  68 . The placement of the yarns can also be accomplished by cutting the knit sewn in leg panel  34  from a woven double-faced fabric. The antifriction yarn is on the exterior of the garment and the wicking face is on the interior of the garment. An illustrative example of the friction reducing yarn may take the form of DuPont&#39;s® Teflon®, silicone, graphite, KYNAR % o boron, polypropylene, polyethylene, and GORETEX®. An illustrative example of a wicking yarn may take the form of DuPont&#39;s® Coolmax® and Aquator® fibers. The resulting knit fabric that makes up the knit sewn in leg panel  38  that is worn against the person&#39;s  28  skin. The wicking yarn  68  can be chemically treated to be antibacterial, antifungal, and bacteriostatic. To save the manufacturer money, the friction reducing yarn  66  can be plated on one side of the upper portion of the inner leg portion of the sewn in panel  38  to save money for the consumers without losing a decrease in function for the wearer. 
         [0094]      FIG. 7A  is an enlargement of a cross section taken through section lines  7 - 7  in  FIG. 5 . An outer antibacterial, antifungal or bacteriostatic yarn or fiber  70  is plated over an inner wicking yarn or fiber  68 . An illustrative example of the antibacterial, antifungal, and bacteriostatic yarn or fiber is Merrill&#39;s Skin life®. The resulting knit fabric which makes up the crotch portion of sewn in panel  34  in knit sewn in leg panel  38  is worn against the person&#39;s  28  skin. The wicking yarns or fibers can be chemically treated to be antibacterial. antifungal or bacteriostatic and the antibacterial, antifungal, and bacteriostatic yarn eliminated to save money. 
         [0095]      FIG. 7B  is an alternate method of construction for the cross section taken through section lines  7 - 7  on  FIG. 5 . An antibacterial, antifungal or bacteriostatic yarn or fiber  70  is knit with an inner wicking yarn or fiber  68 . These two yarns are then plated with an outer friction reducing yarn or fiber  66 . An illustrative example of the antibacterial, antifungal, and bacteriostatic yarn or fiber is Merrill&#39;s Skin life®. The resulting knit fabric which makes up the crotch portion of sewn in panel  34  in knit sewn in leg panel  38  is worn against the person&#39;s  28  skin. The wicking yarns or fibers can be chemically treated to be antibacterial, antifungal, and bacteriostatic and the antibacterial, antifungal, and bacteriostatic yarn eliminated to save money. 
         [0096]    A perspective view of the sewn in leg panel  38  in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B, and  1 C is represented in  FIG. 8 . It is achieved by sewing the cut circular knit tube in  FIG. 4  to the knit sewn in leg panel  38  in  FIG. 5 . Side  52   a  of the cut circular knit tube  52  is sewn to side  38   a  of the knit sewn in leg panel  38  and side  52   b  of the cut circular knit tube  52  is sewn to side  38   b  of the knit sewn in leg panel  38  to form seams  42  that are identical front and back. The garment is finished when the first and second leg openings of hem  50   a  and SOb are hemmed. This is accomplished by turning up the bottom of circular knit tube  60 ,  60   a  and  60   b , and the bottoms of sewn in leg panel  64   a  and  64   b  and sewn on the hem seam  48 . A first and second leg opening of hem  50   a  and SOb are thus formed. A detail of leg stitches and a leg opening of hem  50  is shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0097]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged detail of leg stitches and hem in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C and  FIG. 8 . Five rows of jersey stitches  44  and five rows of diamond patterned stitches  46  alternate and help hold the garment  20  in place. The stitches are not necessary for the function of the garment and are at the manufacturer&#39;s discretion. The lower portion of the inner leg panel from the ankle to above the knee  36   a  covers the inner part of the leg  40  at the leg panel seam  42 . The hem seam  48  creates the leg openings of the hem  50 . 
       Description FIGS. 10-15 
       [0098]    An additional embodiment is shown in  FIG. 10 . In this case the garment  120  is shown as a “cut and sew” garment with a “cut and sew” sewn in leg panel  138 . The novel features of the “cut and sew” example of the present invention are incorporated and illustrated in  FIGS. 10 ,  11 A,  11 B,  12 ,  13 ,  14 , and  15 . In general, the present invention is shown generally as a “cut and sew” washable garment  120 . It is an improvement over prior garments for both men and women whether they are classified as underwear, shaping garments, hosiery or as athletic garments. A person  128  is wearing the garment  120  and comprises numbers  122  through  170 . For purposes of clarity, like reference numerals are used where appropriate. The garment  120  is comprised of a torso portion  123  having a waistband  122  with a top  156  and a stitching line  158 , a front portion  124 , and a back portion  126 . Further, the garment  120  contains a pair of leg portions of the garment  139  that are connected at a perforated line  130  and extend downwardly to the foot  148  of the person  128  wearing the garment  120 . A region of the angle formed by the junction of the legs or crotch  132  and inner parts of the leg  140  is covered by a “cut and sew” sewn in leg panel  138 . “Cut and sew” sewn in leg panel  138  is comprised of a crotch portion of sewn in panel  134  and an inner leg portion of the “cut and sew” sewn in panel  136  that will be further described in  FIG. 14 . The garment  120  has a torso center front and back seams  127   a  and  127   b  respectively. A front and back leg panel seams  142   a  and  142   b  respectively connects the “cut and sew” sewn in leg panel  138  to the torso portion of the garment  123  and to the leg portion of the garment  139   a  and  139   b , right and left respectively, which in total forms garment  120 . Leg openings of hem  146  are formed when the hem of the pattern pieces of the garment  162  and the hem of “cut and sew” sewn in panel  164  and stitched to the hem seam  144 . 
         [0099]    An important aspect of this invention is to provide the garment with the “cut and sew” sewn in leg panel  138 , that eliminates the need for an inner thigh seam, which is generally shown in  FIG. 10  as being disposed of crotch portion  134  and an inner leg portion of sewn in panel  136 . “Cut and sew” sewn in leg panel  138  is sewn into garment  120  so as to overlay the inner part of leg  140  and crotch  132  of the person  128 . The relative position of the “cut and sew” sewn in leg panel  138  is to cover the inner part of the leg  140  and is comprised of materials that have stretch, wicking, friction reduction, and antibacterial or antimicrobial characteristics and will be further described in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0100]      FIG. 11A  and  FIG. 11B  are a representation of the front and back views of the pattern pieces used to construct the “cut and sew” garment  120  in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 15  that are identical. The front of the pattern piece  150  of “cut and sew” garment  120  and the back of the pattern piece  152  of “cut and sew” garment  120  are comprised of “cut and sew” pattern piece top,  154   a  and  154   b , representing front and back respectively. Top of folded over waistband,  156   a  and  156   b , representing front and back respectively and the waistband seam,  158   a  and  158   b ; representing front and back respectively, comprise the waistband. Both the right pattern piece  FIG. 11A  and the left pattern piece  FIG. 11B  have front and back sides to them. The fronts of the pattern pieces  124  of “cut and sew” garment  150  are comprised of two portions, the torso front portion of pattern pieces  124   a  and the leg front portions of pattern pieces  124   b . The backs of the pattern pieces  126  of “cut and sew” garment  152  are comprised of two portions, the torso back portions of pattern pieces  126   a  and leg back portions of pattern pieces  126   b . Both pattern pieces have a hem seam  144 , a leg opening of hem  146 , and a bottom of pattern pieces,  160   a  and  160   b , representing front and back respectively. 
         [0101]    Sewn together front and back pattern pieces without the sewn in leg panel  125  is represented in  FIG. 12 . The garment is comprised of the same elements that are contained in  FIG. 11A  and  FIG. 11B . The only additional components are torso center front and back seam,  127   a  and  127   b  respectively. The front seam  127   a  holds the front portions of pattern pieces  124   a  together. The torso center back seam  127   b  hold the back portion of pattern pieces  126   a  together. 
         [0102]    A perspective view of the sewn together front and back pattern pieces without the sewn in leg panel  125  is represented in  FIG. 13 . It is achieved by sewing the front portions of pattern pieces,  124   a  and  124   a  of  FIG. 11A  and  FIG. 11B  respectively together at the torso center front  127   a  as well as the back portion of pattern pieces  126   a  and  126   b  respectively to form the torso center back seam  127   b . In this view the folded over waistband  122 ,  122   a  and  122   b  representing front and back respectively, is created when the top of folded over waist and  156   a  and  154   b , representing front and back respectively, is folded over and is sewn down on the waistband seam,  158   a  and  158   b  representing front and back respectively. The torso portion of garment  123  and the leg portions of the garment  139   a  and  139   b , right and left respectively, comprise the “cut and sew” garment  121 . The front leg openings  124   b  and the back leg openings  126   b  are the areas the “cut and sew” sewn in leg panel  138  is to be attached. The other parts are identical to those previously described in  FIG. 11A  and  FIG. 11B . 
         [0103]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged detail of “cut and sew” sewn in panel  138  in  FIG. 10 , and  FIG. 15 . The inner leg portion of sewn in panel  136  consists of a lower portion from an area above the ankle to the knee  136   a  and an upper portion from above the knee to the crotch area  136   b  that are stitched together at seam  168 . The crotch portion of sewn in panel  134  connects the leg portions of the “cut and sew” sewn in panels  136 . The upper portion from above the knee to the crotch area  136   b  is sewn to the crotch panel  134  by the seams represented by  170 . Together both the inner leg portion of the “cut and sew” panel  136  and crotch portion  134  comprise the “cut and sew” sewn in leg panel  138  the sides of which are represented by  138   a  and  138   b  for sewing purposes. The tapering shape of the sewn in leg panel is dependent on the length of the garment but designed to cover an area of the inner part of the leg  140  and eliminates an inner thigh seam. The panel sections from the ankle to above the knee  136   a  are comprised of the same material as the body of the garment and are connected to an upper portion from above the knee to the crotch area  136   b  by a seam  168 . The seam  170  holds the upper portion of “cut and sew” leg panel  136   b  to the crotch portion of the panel  134 . 
         [0104]    The panel sections from above the knee to the crotch area  136   b  are comprised of a knit plated or knit double-faced fabric that wicks on the inside and is slick on the exterior of the garment. The slickness of the exterior reduces friction between the legs for the wearer. The crotch portion of sewn in panel  134  is comprised of a wicking material that is treated with an anti-bacterial, antifungal and or bacteriostatic chemical to reduce infections and odors for the wearer. Or, it is plated as well, with a wicking fiber on the inside and an anti-bacterial, antifungal or bacteriostatic fabric on the outside. In both the upper portions from above the knee to the crotch area  136   b  and the crotch panel  134  the wicking yarns can be chemically treated to be antibacterial, antifungal, and bacteriostatic. To save money for the manufacturer, the friction reducing yarn can be plated on one side only of the upper portion from above the knee to the crotch area  136   b  to save money for the manufacturer and the consumer without loosing a decrease in function for the wearer. The hem seam of “cut and sew” panel  162 , leg opening of “cut and sew” sewn in panel  164  and bottom of “cut and sew” sewn in leg panel  166  finish the sewn in leg panel  138 . 
         [0105]    A perspective view of the sewn in leg panel  138  in  FIG. 10  is represented in  FIG. 15 . It contains all of the elements as in  FIG. 10 . The garment  120  is made by sewing together front and back pattern pieces shown in  FIG. 13  to the sewn in leg panel shown in  FIG. 14 . Leg front portions of pattern pieces  124   b  of the sewn together front and back pattern pieces without the “cut and sew” sewn in leg panel  125  are sewn to side  138   a  of the “cut and sew” sewn in leg panel  138 . Leg back portions of pattern pieces  126   b  of the sewn together front and back pattern pieces without the “cut and sew” sewn in leg panel  125  are sewn to side  138   b  of the “cut and sew” sewn in leg panel  138 . This forms the front and back leg panel seams  142 . The garment is finished when the bottoms of pattern pieces  160  and the bottom of “cut and sew” sewn in leg panel  164  are turned up and sewn down on the hem seam  144  and on the hem seam of “cut and sew” sewn in leg panel  162  to create the leg opening of hem  146 . 
       Description of FIGS. 16A-17B 
       [0106]    The knit sewn in leg panel  38  and the “cut and sew” sewn in leg panel  138  can be made part of any type of garment whether it is seamless or “cut and sew” and there are various possibilities regarding the design of the garments that can utilize the sewn in leg panel  138  whether of a knit or “cut and sew” construction. 
         [0107]    Some examples of the types of garments that can utilize the knit seamless sewn in leg panel are represented in  FIGS. 16A-16C . Unless stated otherwise they contain the elements as in  FIGS. 1-A ,  1 -B  1 -C, and  10  previously identified. 
         [0108]    A three-quarter view of a maternity seamless garment worn by a woman, with a waistline  22  in the midriff area, and is below the knee length is represented in  FIG. 16A . A three-quarter view of a seamless garment worn by a man with a natural waistline  22 , is an above the knee length, has a separate sewn on waistband  35 , and a fly front closure  25  is represented in  FIG. 16B . A three-quarter view of a seamless garment worn by a woman with a plated turtleneck styled collar  21  has been added to the garment that is the same construction as the knit sewn in leg panel  38 , a turtleneck seam  74 , long sleeves  29  attached to the garment  20  by a armhole seam  72  and front zipper closure  27  is represented in  FIG. 16C . A plated underarm gusset  37  has been added to the garment that is the same construction as the knit sewn in leg panel  38  comprised of the chemically treated antibacterial or antimicrobial wicking and friction reduction yarns or fibers. 
         [0109]    The “cut and sew” sewn in leg panel  138  can also be utilized in “cut and sew” garments as represented in  FIGS. 17A and 17B . Unless stated otherwise they contain the elements in  FIGS. 10 and 15  previously identified. 
         [0110]    A three-quarter view of a “cut and sew” garment worn by a woman with a waistline  22  in the “bikini” position, is ankle length, and has an oblique below the knee seam  168  detail on the “cut and sew” sewn in leg panel  138  is represented in  FIG. 17A . 
         [0111]    A three-quarter view of a “cut and sew” garment worn by a woman with a natural waistline, and is a boy cut length with a separate sewn on waistband  35  is represented in  FIG. 17B . 
       Description of Style Options 
       [0112]    The  FIGS. 16A-17B  illustrate the point that the knit sewn in leg panel  38  and the “cut and sew” leg panel  138  can be sewn into any type of garment whether classified as underwear, shaping garments, athletic or ready-to-wear. Two methods can be utilized to construct them. The first method is to knit a antibacterial, antifungal and or bacteriostatic yarn or fibers  70  with an inner wicking yarn or fiber  68  together with a friction reducing yarn or fiber  66  so that the wicking/antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial layer is against the skin and the friction reducing yarn or fiber is on the outer surface of the garment  120 . The second method is to knit the wicking yarn or fiber  68  together with a friction reducing yarn or fiber  66  so that the wicking layer is against the skin and the friction reducing yarn or fiber is on the outer surface of the garment  120 . The wicking yarns can then be chemically treated to be antibacterial, antifungal, and or bacteriostatic. Garments can have any style of waistband whether a folded over waistband  22  or separate sewn on waistband  35 . The placement of the waistband determines the “design style” of the garment. Examples of waistband  22  or separate sewn on waistband  35  placement include “bikini”, “tanga”, “French cut”, “midriff style”, “American”, “natural”, “Japanese” or any placement variation thereof. If the garment  20  is “seamless” and has a waistband  22 , it can be knit into the garment  20 , folded over and hemmed. The waistband  22  can also be knit into the garment with a different type of stitch construction and the top edge of the waistband  22  can be finished on the knitting machine. If the garment  20  is a “cut and sew” type the waistband  22  is folded over and sewn down forming a casing. This type of waistband  22  may or may not contain elastic or any other type of stretch materials. On both types of garment  20 , “seamless” and “cut and sew”, the waistband can also be sewn on separately. When a separate sewn on waistband  35  is sewn on it can also be made of elastic or any other type of stretch material. The garment  20  can also be constructed as a full bodysuit, see  FIG. 16C , and the waistband  22  can be omitted altogether. 
         [0113]    The garment  20  can have any type of identifying label sewn onto the back of the waistband  22 . If the garment  20  is “seamless” and has a waistband  22 , it can be knit into the waistband  22 . Identifying information can be heat sealed onto the waistband  22 . The garments  20  and  120  can be any length, “boy cut”, “mid-thigh”, “three-quarter thigh”, “above the knee”, “below the knee”, “Capri”, “flood”, “midi”, “ankle”, or any variation of the length up or down the leg. The garments  20  and  120  can also be manufactured without legs, for example as a “thong”, and any other version thereof, and only contain the unique features of the crotch portion of knit sewn in panel  34  and the crotch portion of “cut and sew” sewn in leg panel  134 . 
         [0114]    To help prevent the garment  20  from riding up the leg, in the knit “seamless” construction, five rows of jersey stitches  44  and five rows of diamond-patterned stitches  46  can be incorporated into the garment  20  but are not mandatory. The type of stitches at the hemline can be changed at the manufacturer&#39;s discretion to prevent the garment from riding up or down the leg. The alternating five rows of jersey stitches  44  and five rows of diamond-patterned stitches  46  are not mandatory for the function of the garment. Other types of materials, such as a silicone strip, may also be added to the inside of the hems  48  and  144  to prevent them from riding up at the manufacturers discretion. The “cut and sew” versions of the garment  120  do not contain these stitches. First and second leg opening  50   a  and SOb respectively of hem  50  can have any detailing the manufacture wishes to incorporate into the garment  120  to hold the garment in place such as a strip of silicone. Other types of seam placement such as princess seams on the torso portion of the garment  23  are also at the manufacturer&#39;s discretion and will not affect the function of the knit sewn in leg panel  38  or the “cut and sew” sewn in leg panel  138 . 
         [0115]    The shape of the knit sewn in leg panel  38 , that eliminates the need for an inner thigh seam, can be long and rectangular, short and rectangular, hourglass, tapered or not depending on the length of the garment  20 . In a “seamless” version of garment  20  the crotch portion of sewn in panel  24  may be made narrower to form the hourglass shape by increasing the tension on the stitches in the crotch portion of the sewn in panel  24 . On an ankle length version of garment  20 , the hem  50 , can be made narrower. This can be accomplished by increasing the tension in the stitches at the hem  50 . Cutting the lower portion of the inner leg portion of the knit sewn in leg panel from an area from the ankle to above the knee in a tapered fashion out of knit tubular fabric will also accomplish a tapered effect. If the knit sewn in leg panel  38  is knit as a separate piece, and is not cut from a long tubular piece of fabric, the number of stitches may be increased or decreased, as the pattern requires achieving the desired shape. The shape of the knit sewn in leg panel  38  will vary depending on the size and length of the garment  20  but the pattern should always be cut to cover the part of leg and crotch of body  40  to be functional. It can be cut to cover an area larger than the inner part of leg and crotch of body however if the manufacturer wishes. 
         [0116]    Regarding the “cut and sew” sewn in leg panel  138  required for a “cut and sew” garment, once again, the pattern piece is cut in a tapered hourglass shape for an ankle length version of garment  20 . The shape of the sewn in leg panel  138  will vary depending on the size and length of the garment  120  but the pattern should always be cut to cover the part of leg and crotch of body  140  to be functional. It can be cut to cover an area larger than the inner part of leg and crotch of body  140  however if the manufacturer wishes. 
       Description FIGS. 18A-19E 
       [0117]    Another embodiment of the present invention is incorporated and illustrated in  FIGS. 18A-19E . In general, the present invention in  FIGS. 18A and 18B  is shown generally as a pair of washable pantyhose with plated inner thigh area, plated crotch and plated bottom and sides of foot or garment  220 . It is an improvement over prior pantyhose. A person  228  is wearing the garment  220  and comprises numbers  220  through  250 . For purposes of clarity, like reference numerals are used where appropriate. The garment  220  is comprised of a torso portion  223  having a waistband  222 , with a top of folded over waistband  248 , a seam of folded over waistband  250 , a front portion  224 , and a back portion  226 . Torso center front and back seams,  227   a  and  227   b  respectively, hold the two torso portions of the pantyhose  223  together. Further, the garment  220  contains a pair of leg portions of the garment  239  that are connected at a perforated line  230  and extend downwardly to the plated bottom and sides of foot  244  of the person  228  wearing the garment  220 . The plated bottom and sides of foot  244  has a toe seam  245 . A plated crotch gusset  236 , which will be further described, in  FIG. 19D  and  FIG. 19E , covers a region of the angle formed by the junction of the legs or crotch  232 . A plated knit inner thigh leg area  242 , of the garment  220 , and a plated crotch gusset  236 , covers an inner part of the leg  240 . Plated inner thigh knit leg area  242  is adjacent to a plated crotch gusset  236  that will be further described in  FIG. 19D  and  FIG. 19E . 
         [0118]    An important aspect of this invention is to provide the garment with the plated knit inner thigh leg area  242 , and plated crotch gusset  236 , which is generally shown in  FIGS. 18A ,  18 B. Plated knit inner thigh leg area  242 , is knit into garment  220  so as to overlay the inner part of leg  240  of the person  228 . The relative position of plated knit inner thigh leg area  242 , is to cover the inner part of the leg  240  and is comprised of yarns that have stretch, wicking, antibacterial or antimicrobial, and friction reduction properties. This will be further described in  FIG. 19B  and  FIG. 19G . The plated crotch gusset  236  is comprised of fibers that have wicking and antibacterial or antimicrobial characteristics and or friction-reducing properties will be further described in  FIG. 19E , and  FIG. 19F . 
         [0119]    Tactel®, a type of wicking yarn is used on the inside of the plated area and Tactel®, cotton, polyester, viscose, and or wool, for example, would be utilized on the outside of the plated areas. Or, a yarn or fiber with a higher DPF, denier per filament, is plated on the inside of a fabric, and a yarn or fiber with a lower DPF, is plated on the outside of a surface of a fabric. The higher DPF material has fatter, larger filaments and the lower DPF material has more smaller, thinner filaments. As a result the moisture on the inside of a person&#39;s skin is wicked away by the material with the larger DPF to the surface of the fabric with the lower DPF. The surface of the wetted area on exterior surface of the garment is greater than the surface of the wetted area on the inside. The result is that a person&#39;s skin stays dry. 
         [0120]    Another method of producing wicking would be to plate fibers or yarns with different shapes together. For example, if moisture is on a person&#39;s skin, it will wick from an surface comprised of yarns or fibers that has few “lobes” or “clover leafed” shapes into a surface which is comprised of yarns or fibers that have many “lobes” or “clover leafed” shapes. The surface of the wetted area on exterior surface of the garment is greater than the surface of the wetted area on the inside. The result is that a person&#39;s skin stays dry. 
         [0121]      FIG. 18B  is a perspective view of garment  220  in  FIG. 18A  showing the torso portion  223  and leg portions  239  of the garment  220 . The torso portion  223  shows a folded over waistband  222  with a top  248  and a seam  250 . The leg portions  239  have a plated bottom and sides of foot  244  and a toe seam  245 . The front portions of the garment  224  are sewn together at the torso center front seam  227   a  and the back portions of garment  226  is sewn together at the torso center back seam  227   b . There is a plated crotch gusset  236  in a region of the angle formed by the junction of the legs or crotch  232 . This will be further explained in  FIGS. 19E and 19F . A plated knit inner thigh leg area  242 . in the garment  220  covers the inner portion of the leg  240 . This will be further explained in  FIGS. 19B and 19G . The plated bottom and sides of foot  244  and the toe seam  245  complete the garment. 
         [0122]      FIG. 19A  is a representation of the circular knit tubes  252  out of which the pantyhose garment  220  is constructed. They are comprised of a circular knit tube tops  246 , tops of the folded over waistband  248 , and waistband seam placement  250   b  that form the waistband  222 . The outer sides of knit tubes forming pantyhose garment  254 , and the inner side of knit tubes  256 , comprises the tubes. A portion of the tube is knit in a plated manner and creates a plated knit inner thigh leg area  242 . This plated knit inner thigh leg area  242 . is designed to cover the inner part of leg  240 . A cross section through the plated knit inner thigh leg area  242  and plated bottom and sides of foot  244  is represented by lines  19   b - 19   b  and will be further explained in  FIGS. 19B and 19G . An area of the bottom of the knit tube is knit in a reinforced manner and forms the plated bottom and sides of foot  244  when the toe seam  245  is stitched. 
         [0123]      FIG. 19B  is an enlarged detail of the plated inner thigh sections  19   b - 19   b  and plated bottom and sides of foot  19   b - 19   b . An outer “bright” yarn or friction reducing yarn  238  is plated over an inner wicking yarn or fiber  243 . The resulting knit fabric that makes up the plated knit inner thigh leg area  242  and the plated bottom and sides of foot  244 . is worn against the person&#39;s  228  skin. The wicking yarn can be chemically treated to be antibacterial, antifungal or bacteriostatic. 
         [0124]      FIG. 19G  is an alternative method of constructing the cross section taken through section lines  19   b - 19   b  in  FIG. 19A . An antibacterial, antifungal or bacteriostatic yarn or fiber  241  is knit together with a wicking yarn or fiber  243  to form the inner layer and plated with an outer “bright” yarn or friction reducing yarn. The resulting knit fabric that makes up the plated knit inner thigh leg area  242  and the plated bottom and sides of foot  244  is worn against the person&#39;s  228  skin. Should the manufacturer wish the wicking yarns or fibers can be chemically treated to be antibacterial, antifungal or bacteriostatic. In this case the antibacterial, antifungal or bacteriostatic yarn or fiber  241  can be omitted to reduce costs. 
         [0125]      FIG. 19C  is identical to  FIG. 19A  with the exception that the inner side of knit tube forming pantyhose garment with the cut edges of knit tubes,  256   a  the front, and  256   b  the back, respectively are shown. 
         [0126]      FIG. 19D  is a perspective view of the two leg panels that have been sewn together forming the torso center front and back seams,  227   a  and  227   b  respectively. The toes have been sewn forming the toe seam  245 . All other parts are identical to those previously identified. The plated crotch gusset  236  is shown separately and has not been sewn in and a cross section represented by lines  19   e - 19   e  will be further explained in  FIG. 19E . To finish the pantyhose garment  220 , a hole is burned into the crotch  232  area of the garment  220 , and then the plated crotch gusset  236  is stitched into the hole. To garment  220  may be “boarded” to obtain a pair of pantyhose in the shape of a person&#39;s  228  leg or not, and is at the discretion of the manufacturer. 
         [0127]      FIG. 19E  is an enlargement of a cross section taken through section lines  19   e - 19   e  in  FIG. 19D . An outer antibacterial, antifungal or bacteriostatic yarn or fiber  241  is plated over an inner wicking yarn or fiber  243 . The resulting knit fabric that makes up the platted crotch gusset  236  is worn against the person&#39;s  228  skin. Should the manufacturer wish the wicking yarns or fibers can be chemically treated to be antibacterial, antifungal or bacteriostatic. In this case the outer antibacterial, antifungal or bacteriostatic yarn or fiber  241  can be omitted to reduce costs. 
         [0128]      FIG. 19F  is an alternative method of constructing the cross section taken through section lines  19   e - 19   e  in  FIG. 19D . An antibacterial, antifungal or bacteriostatic yarn or fiber  241  is knit together with a wicking yarn or fiber  243  to form the inner layer and plated with an outer “bright” yarn or friction reducing yarn. The resulting knit fabric that makes up the platted crotch gusset  236  is worn against the person&#39;s  228  skin. Should the manufacturer wish the wicking yarns or fibers can be chemically treated to be antibacterial, antifungal or bacteriostatic. In this case the antibacterial, antifungal or bacteriostatic yarn or fiber  241  can be omitted to reduce costs. 
       Description FIGS. 20A-20D 
       [0129]    Another embodiment of the present invention is incorporated and illustrated in  FIGS. 20A-20D . In general, the present invention in  FIGS. 20A and 20C  is shown generally as a washable below the knee garment with plated inner thigh area or garment  320 . It is an improvement over prior garments. A person  328  is wearing the garment  320  and comprises numbers  320  through  345 . For purposes of clarity, like reference numerals are used where appropriate. The garment  320  is comprised of a torso portion  323  having a waistband  322 , with a top of folded over waistband  325 , a hem of folded over waistband  329 , a front portion  324 , and a back portion  326 . Torso center front and back seams,  327   a  and  327   b  respectively, hold the two torso portions of the garment  320  together. Further, the garment  320  contains a pair of leg portions of the garment  339  that are connected at a perforated line  330  and extend downwardly. A plated crotch gusset  334 , which will be further described, in  FIG. 20C  and  FIG. 20D , covers a region of the angle formed by the junction of the legs or crotch  332 . An inner part of the leg  340  is covered by a plated knit inner thigh leg area  335 , and a plated crotch gusset  334 . Plated inner thigh knit leg area  336  will be further described in  FIG. 20A  and  FIG. 20B . A hem seam  338  and the bottom of folded edge of hem  340  finish the garment. 
         [0130]    An important aspect of this invention is to provide the garment with the plated knit inner thigh area  336 , a plated crotch gusset  334 , and which is generally shown in  FIGS. 20A ,  20 B. The garment  320  is constructed in the same way as the pantyhose garment  220 , thus avoiding seams in the inner part of leg  345 . The plated knit inner thigh leg area of garment  336  is knit into garment  320  so as to overlay the inner part of leg  345  of the person  328 . The relative position of plated knit inner thigh leg area of garment  336  is to cover the inner part of leg  345  and is comprised of yarns that have stretch, wicking, antibacterial, antifungal and or antimicrobial, and friction reduction properties. This will be further described in  FIG. 20B . The plated crotch gusset  334  is comprised of fibers that have wicking and antibacterial, antifungal or antimicrobial characteristics and will be further described in  FIG. 20C . 
         [0131]      FIG. 20B  is an enlarged detail of the plated inner thigh sections  20   b - 20   b . An outer “bright” yarn or friction reducing yarn  344  is plated over an inner wicking yarn or fiber  342 . The resulting knit fabric that makes up the plated knit inner thigh leg area  336  is worn against the person&#39;s  328  skin. The wicking yarn can be chemically treated to be antibacterial, antifungal or bacteriostatic. Or, it can be knit with yarns or fibers that are antibacterial, antifungal or bacteriostatic together with the outer “bright” yarn or friction reducing yarn  344  so that the wicking/antibacterial, antifungal, bacteriostatic layer is against the skin  328  and the outer “bright yarn or friction reducing yarn  344  is on the outer surface of the garment. 
         [0132]      FIG. 20C  is an enlargement of a cross section taken through section lines  20   c - 20   c  of the plated crotch gusset  334 . An outer antibacterial, antifungal or bacteriostatic yarn or fiber  346  is plated over an inner wicking yarn or fiber  342 . The resulting knit fabric that makes up the platted crotch gusset  334  is worn against the person&#39;s  328  skin. Should the manufacturer wish the wicking yarns or fibers can be chemically treated to be antibacterial, antifungal or bacteriostatic. In this case the outer antibacterial, antifungal or bacteriostatic yarn or fiber  346  can be omitted to reduce costs. An outer “bright” yarn of friction reducing yarn  344  may or may not be used in place of the outer antimicrobial, antifungal or antibacterial yarns or fibers. 
         [0133]      FIG. 20D  is an alternative method of constructing the cross section taken through section lines  20   c - 20   c  in  FIG. 20D . An antibacterial, antifungal or bacteriostatic yarn or fiber  241  is knit together with an inner wicking yarn or fiber  243  to form the inner layer and plated with an outer “bright” yarn or friction reducing yarn  238 . The resulting knit fabric that makes up the platted crotch gusset  236  is worn against the person&#39;s  228  skin. Should the manufacturer wish the wicking yarns or fibers can be chemically treated to be antibacterial, antifungal or bacteriostatic. In this case the antibacterial, antifungal or bacteriostatic yarn or fiber  241  can be omitted to reduce costs. 
       Description FIG. 21, FIG. 22, FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 
       [0134]      FIG. 21 ,  FIG. 22 ,  FIG. 23  and  FIG. 24  represent additional embodiments of garments that have wicking, antibacterial/antifungal/bacteriostatic and low friction properties. These garments have areas of inner wicking yarn  342  and outer “bright” yarn or friction reducing yarn  344  which are represented by the hatch marks. In these examples the inner friction yarn is treated with an antibacterial, antifungal or bacteriostatic chemicals. Antibacterial, antifungal or bacteriostatic fibers can also be incorporated with the inner wicking yarn  342  when plating the material. 
         [0135]    The plating of these yarns in areas where there is moisture, heat and friction of skin rubbing against skin is very important in the reduction of Intertrigo for the wearer of the garments. Affected areas can include areas between and below the breasts as in  FIG. 21  is a plated brassiere, which may be plated in its entirety or in only affected areas, including between and/or below the breasts. As is conventional, the brassiere includes two breast supporting portions, which may optionally include a pair of cups; the breast supporting portions are connected by a fabric bridge; and a thorax-encircling band is united with the fabric bridge, and optionally one or more straps. Affected areas can also include below the abdomen, between the ribs and under the gut as in  FIG. 22 , below the gut, in the crotch, and between the thighs as in  FIG. 23 , and under the armholes and around the neck as in  FIG. 24 . All of these treated areas may be included singularly or in addition to other treated areas of a garment. All of these treated areas, represented by the hatch marks, can have the areas of inner wicking yarn  342 , antibacterial/antifungal/bacteriostatic yarns  346 , that are plated with an outer “bright” yarn or friction reducing yarn  344 . The manufacturer is not limited to plating the designated areas exclusively. The garments may be plated in their entirety. The area with the hatch marks should consist of an inner wicking yarn  342  layer and an outer “bright” yarn or friction reducing yarn  344 . The antimicrobial, antifungal or antibacterial yarns or fibers can be knit with the inner wicking yarn  342  or the inner wicking yarn  342  can be chemically treated with antimicrobial, antifungal or antibacterial chemicals. The method to make these garments can either be “cut and sew”, utilizing either wovens or knits, or knit, using circular or flat knitting techniques. The knits may be constructed with seams in a “cut and sew” fashion or knit in a circular method to produce a seamless circular knit tube from which “seamless” knit garments are formed. 
         [0136]    It is understood that the invention is not limited to human apparel. The invention can also be used in pet apparel, and the like. 
         [0137]    It is also understood that the invention is not restricted to the detailed description of the invention, which may be modified without departure from the accompanying claims. 
       SUMMARY, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE 
       [0138]    From the description above, a number of advantages of my knit plated areas become evident: 
         [0139]    (a) The portions of the panel from below the knee or above the knee to the crotch, i.e., the upper portion of the leg panels from above the knee to the crotch area,  36   b ,  136   b , and the plated knit inner thigh leg area  242  eliminates the need for an inner thigh seam and thus irritation for the wearer, and consists of wicking fibers that have a plated outer friction reducing yarn or fiber, wick moisture away from a person&#39;s skin and reduce friction between a person&#39;s legs. 
         [0140]    (b) The wicking. The combination of these yarns helps the skin stay dry, and help reduce the possibility of infections and concomitant odors. Or, the wicking yarns or fibers are plated with an antibacterial, antifungal, and bacteriostatic yarns or fibers on the inside of the garment and the friction reducing yarns or fibers are plated on the outside of the garment. 
         [0141]    (c) Should the manufacturer wish, the antibacterial, antifungal, and bacteriostatic yarns or fibers can be eliminated in all of the areas previously described examples and the wicking fibers can be treated chemically with antibacterial, antifungal, and bacteriostatic chemicals to help eliminate odors and infections. 
         [0142]    (d) Should the manufacturer wish the friction reducing yarns on the knit sewn in leg panel could be eliminated on one side to reduce costs. Friction reducing yarns are very expensive when compared to other yarn costs, sometimes ten times as much. The function of the friction reduction is not reduced for the wearer of the garment when one side is plated. Since friction reducing yarns typically retain heat it is preferable that they be eliminated on one side. 
         [0143]    (e) The panels and gussets, whether knit sewn in leg panel  38 , the “cut and sew” leg panel  138 , and the plated crotch gusset  236  with the plated knit inner thigh panel  242 , or any other type of panel with the previously described construction can be sewn or plated into any type of garment including ones not mentioned here with the sole purpose of reducing moisture, friction and bacteria or fungus or yeast for the wearer. It is up to the manufacturer to choose the type of garment to sew or plate the panels into. 
         [0144]    (f) The panels or plated areas can be utilized by both genders and are not age specific. They can be utilized in the manufacture of any type of articles of apparel where wicking, friction reduction, and antibacterial, antifungal, and bacteriostatic properties are needed. 
         [0145]    (g) The panel or plated areas&#39; shapes can be tailored to accommodate the various types of garments manufactured and can be made larger or smaller as size determines as long as the affected areas are covered. 
         [0146]    (h) The panels or plated areas can be used independently of a wicking and antimicrobial and bacteriostatic gusset should the manufacturer wish. 
         [0147]    (i) All comparable parts of the garments are interchangeable, For example, the knit sewn in leg panel  38  can be utilized on a “cut and sew” garment and the “cut and sew” leg panel  138  can be utilized in a seamless garment should the manufacturer wish. 
         [0148]    (j) The knit plated panels and areas in the legwear or hosiery can be used on any type of hosiery or legwear whether it is sheer, semi-opaque, opaque, non-control, control, a shaper, or any other type. It may also be utilized with any type of pattern such as lace, geometric, stripes, dots, or any other one the manufacturer wishes to utilize. 
         [0149]    (k) The combination of the yarns helps the skin stay dry and without irritation from rubbing. Intertrigo is a red, moist irritation or friction in the following areas of a person; the groin and inner thigh area of people whose thighs rub together, between and under the breasts, between the ribs, under the gut, under the arm, in skin folds between the ribs and around the neck. The moist irritated skin can be infected with yeast, fungus and bacteria. The antibacterial, antifungal, and bacteriostatic yarns or chemical treatment of the fibers helps reduce infection. These types of embodiments of the wicking, friction reduction and antibacterial, antifungal, and bacteriostatic yarn or chemicals, reduce Intertrigo for the wearers. 
         [0150]    (l) The garments contain panels or plated areas that are knit, thus providing superior fit over a woven garment with plated panels or areas. Knit conform more to the body and move with it when compared to a woven garment with plated areas or panels. Knitting is a very different process than weaving and is preferred for a garment that fits closely to the body that is curved. 
         [0151]    (m) Two criteria for ensuring wicking are utilized that will ensure that the skin stays dry. The first method included yarns or fibers with a higher DPF, denier per filament, is plated on the inside of a fabric, and a yarn or fiber with a lower DPF, is plated on the outside of a surface of a fabric. The second method of using fibers or yarns with different shapes where there are fewer shapes on the yarns or fibers next to the skin in comparison to the number of shapes on the yarns or fibers on the outside surface of the material. Both methods insure that the surface of the wetted area on exterior surface of the garment is greater than the surface of the wetted area on the inside. The result is that a person&#39;s skin stays dry. 
         [0152]    Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, the gusset can have other shapes such as oval, trapezoidal, triangular, etc. The inner leg panels or plated areas can have other shapes, such as oval, trapezoidal, etc as long as the inner thigh area is covered. 
         [0153]    The seams can be flat locked, French seamed; simulated French seamed, double-stitched, flat-felled, hairline, double-stitched, over edge-stitched, topstitched, double topstitched, lapped, tucked, etc. The style lines for the seam placement in the “cut and sew” garment&#39;s “cut and sew” sewn in leg panel can be placed either above the knee or below it in any area to the ankle and can be horizontal or oblique. All parts of the garment including the inner leg panels, crotch areas, and gussets may contain a stretch fiber for memory and shape retention. An illustrative example of the spandex type of yarn may take the form of DuPont&#39;s® Lycra® brand spandex or Bayer&#39;s® and Dorlastan®, each of which are made from elastic fibers. The spandex fiber can be covered, wrapped, with other fibers-natural or man-made-and is often used in this form in hosiery, narrow fabrics and wovens for ready-to-wear. The spandex can be covered in five ways: single-covered, double-covered, corespun, interlaced or air-covered and core-twisted as the manufacturer wishes. The knits can be warp knits, such as a Raschel knit, or a Tricot knit, and is ideal but not limited to bodywear and active sportswear. Circular knits, such as jersey knits, are ideal for bodywear, sportswear, and hosiery. In hosiery and ready to wear, where circular knitting machines are utilized such as a Santoni® machines, the spandex can also be “laid in” between rows of knitting, or knitted into every stitch, the latter producing superb fit and uniformity in the stitches. 
         [0154]    The amount of spandex can range from as little as 1% to as much as 30% for shapewear. The bodies of the garments may be made of many materials whether man-made or natural or any and all blends of man-made fibers and synthetics. They include cotton, wool, silk, leather, linen, vinyl, Model, nylon-polyamides and polyamide co-polymers, LYCRA® spandex in different filament configurations, orion, polyvinylidene fluoride, such as KNAR® polyester, for example, polyethylene terepthalate, glycol modified polyesters, such as PETG®, KODURA®, rayon, orion cellulosic fiber blends, and the like, as well as blends of the above. The choice of materials to make the bodies of the garment out of is left to the discretion of the manufacturer. Closures may be zippers, Velcro®, buttons, snaps or any other type of closure the manufacturer wishes to utilize. The fly closure may be made in any design as the manufacturer wishes. 
         [0155]    Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

Technology Category: 4