EP2760305A1

EP2760305A1 - Underwear article of clothing

Info

Publication number: EP2760305A1
Application number: EP12766891.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Lucio Azzano
Original assignee: Azzano Calze Srl
Current assignee: Azzano Calze Srl
Priority date: 2011-09-28
Filing date: 2012-09-26
Publication date: 2014-08-06
Anticipated expiration: 2032-09-26
Also published as: WO2013045081A1; EP2760305B1; ES2618920T3; ITUD20120163A1

Abstract

Underwear article of clothing characterised in that it includes at least one zone formed by the alternation of two portions of tissue at least in correspondence of an alternated portions band or zone of which a first portion of tissue comprising a first fibre and a second portion of tissue comprising a second fibre, the first portion of tissue and the second portion of tissue forming contiguous and alternated bands or textures, the first fibre being a humidity-absorbing fibre, the second fibre being a humidity-repelling fibre, the first portion of tissue and the second portion of tissue being shaped with tensioning features which are different from one another, the different tensioning involving a high adhesion to the skin of the first fibre and a reduced adhesion to the skin of the second fibre.

Description

DESCRIPTION

UNDERWEAR ARTICLE OF CLOTHING

Technical field

The present invention relates to an underwear article of clothing according to the characteristics of the pre-characterizing part of claim 1.

Definitions

Through the present description and in the appended claims, the term underwear article of clothing is intended to mean an item of clothing which can be worn on a condition of direct contact with the skin as, for example, sock or ankle sock, man slip or pant, boxers slip or sport slips, woman slip or panties, Brazilians slips or G-strings, jersey or T-shirt, sport brassiere, brassiere, or other equivalent embodiments. Within the above definition also the articles of clothing so-called "outerwear" fall, for example those articles of clothing that are not underwear articles of clothing in the strict sense but which can be worn in contact with the skin even without being subsequently covered by other articles of clothing such as shirts or dresses. For example, into this category of items jersey or T-shirt for sports use fall.

Through the present description and in the appended claims, the term sock or ankle sock is intended to mean an item of clothing which can be worn on a foot and possibly also extending along at least a portion of the leg. Consequently the term sock or ankle sock is intended to include socks, ankle socks, knee socks, pantyhose, leggings, pop socks, tights altogether.

Through the present description and in the appended claims, the expression "large meshes" is intended to refer to the size of the meshes formed by the weaving of the threads which constitute the tissue (weft or warp or combination of weft and warp) meaning that the width of the meshes of a first portion of tissue (weft or warp or combination of weft and warp) is noticeably greater than the width of the meshes of a second portion of tissue size of the (weft or warp or combination of weft and warp). Noticeably greater is intended to mean that such difference in size of the two meshes is visible to the naked eye.

Prior art

During usual activities, regardless of whether they are sport activities or rest activities, the body is closed within the articles of clothing with the underwear articles of clothing in direct contact with the skin. Depending on the level of physical activity and on ambient temperature and conditions, even in the absence of a great physical activity, the body heats up and sweating occurs.

For example, during usual activities, regardless of whether they are sport activities or rest activities, the foot is closed within a shoe and within a sock or ankle sock. The purpose of footwear is to maintain the foot in a position suitable for waking or for a physical activity and to protect it from contact with the ground. Similarly the sock or ankle sock protects the foot from contact with the footwear. Depending on the level of physical activity and on ambient temperature, even in the absence of a great physical activity, the foot heats up and sweating occurs.

Some prior art solutions are intended to favor heat and/or sweat discharging.

Patent US5335517 describes an anatomical isotonic sock and method for knitting the sock providing enhanced protection and cushioning comfort to the foot of the wearer and is form-fitting and remains so after prolonged periods of use and numerous launderings. The sock has a knit foot and includes a relatively thick density of terry loops formed of at least three terry yarns in the ball and heel portions of the foot for supplementing and protecting the fatty pads so as to provide a therapeutic and preventative benefit to the foot of the wearer.

Patent EP1621087 describes a breathable sock comprising at least one portion of fabric, positioned at the toes, which is looser-woven than the main body of the sock. Other portions of loose-woven fabric are preferably positioned on both the upper part and on the lower part of the sock, at the sole of the foot and close to the instep.

Patent US5086518 describes a double-layered sock which includes an inner sock made of a moisture-permeable material such as polypropylene and an outer sock that absorbs such moisture. The inner sock is interposed between the skin of the foot and the absorbed moisture, providing enhanced warmth and comfort. The inner and outer layers are secured together, such as by sewing at the toe portion of each to form the double sock.

Patent FR2923142 describes a half hose sock has a set of layers provided internal to the half hose sock to separate a tubular textile sleeve from the sportsman foot to create an air space along localized zones between the half hose sock and the foot and to avoid creation of the humid zones at the contact of the foot and on the foot back. Another set of layers are provided external to the half hose sock to separate the sleeve from a shoe to create an air space along the localized zones between the half hose sock and the shoe. The layers are respectively constituted of bands.

Patent FR2819271 describes a sock, comprising a leg portion, a foot portion with a heel portion, a sole portion and a toe portion, which has the lower halves of the heel and/or toe made with knitted plush loops, and the upper halves without loops so to avoid making the sock too thick when worn with footwear.

Problems of the prior art

In order to adjust the body heat a transpiration process occurs during which also sweating starts. Due to evaporation of the produced sweat, heat is removed from the body, resulting in obtaining a cooling effect with the temperature control function. The increase of the transpiration of the body involves an accumulation of humidity in the underwear article of clothing which corresponds to a high humidity in the corresponding area of the body with reduction in the effectiveness of the transpiration, temperature increasing and low comfort feelings on the part of the user of the underwear articles of clothing, as for example sock or ankle sock, man slip or pant, boxers slip or sport slips, woman slip or panties, Brazilians slips or G- strings, jersey or T-shirt, sport brassiere, brassiere, to other equivalent embodiments.

Prior art underwear articles of clothing do not provide special technical solutions to promote the disposal of body heat and of the humidity which is produced by means of perspiration.

Furthermore prior art underwear articles of clothing also have problems from the point of view of the wearing because, due to body movements, underwear articles of clothing tend to move on the skin, creating areas in which portions of tissue accumulate creating warping and which, for example in the case of socks or ankle socks can be a problem in the contact areas with the shoe, for example in the area of the under-foot or in the areas of the heel and ankle bone, possibly causing an uncomfortable condition, presence of stress areas and formation of blisters or abrasions.

Aim of the invention

The aim of the present invention is to provide an underwear article of clothing allowing an efficient elimination of the body heat and of the humidity which is produced by means of perspiration.

A further aim of the present invention is to provide an underwear article of clothing which remains in the worn position preventing the generation of heaps and warping of portions of tissue.

Concept of the invention

The aim is reached with the characteristics of the main claim. The subclaims represent advantageous solutions.

Advantageous effects of the invention

The solution according to the present invention, by the considerable creative contribution whose effect constitutes an immediate and not-negligible technical progress, presents various advantages. The underwear article of clothing according to the present invention allows an increased control of perspiration and humidity of the body, favoring the maintenance of the body in a dry condition, both during sports activities and in resting phases or low physical activities.

Furthermore the problem of the displacement of the underwear article of clothing during the activity is considerably reduced, greatly reducing the risk of formation of accumulations of tissue and, consequently, the formation of blisters or abrasions of the skin or low comfort conditions on the part of the user of the underwear articles of clothing

Description of the drawings

It is hereinafter described an embodiment with reference to the included drawings to be considered as a non-limiting example of the present invention in which:

Fig. 1 represents a schematic side view of the underwear article of clothing made according to an embodiment of the present invention in the form of a sock or ankle sock.

Fig. 2 represents a schematic view showing the conformation of the tissue of the underwear article of clothing made according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a resting condition.

Fig. 3 represents a schematic view showing the conformation of the tissue of the underwear article of clothing made according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a worn condition.

Fig. 4 represents a schematic side view of the underwear article of clothing in the form of a sock or ankle sock made according to a different embodiment.

Fig. 5 represents a schematic side view of the underwear article of clothing in the form of a sock or ankle sock made according to a different embodiment.

Fig. 6 represents a schematic side view of the underwear article of clothing in the form of a sock or ankle sock made according to a different embodiment. Fig. 7 represents a schematic side view of the underwear article of clothing in the form of a sock or ankle sock made according to a different embodiment.

Fig. 8 represents a schematic view of the underwear article of clothing made according to an embodiment of the present invention in the form of a man slip or pant.

Fig. 9 represents a schematic view of the underwear article of clothing made according to an embodiment of the present invention in the form of a boxers slip or sport slips.

Fig. 10 represents a schematic view of the underwear article of clothing made according to an embodiment of the present invention in the form of a woman slip or panties.

Fig. 11 represents a schematic view of the underwear article of clothing made according to an embodiment of the present invention in the form of Brazilians slips or G-strings.

Fig. 12 represents a schematic view of the underwear article of clothing made according to an embodiment of the present invention in the form of a jersey or T-shirt.

Fig. 13 represents a schematic view of the underwear article of clothing made according to an embodiment of the present invention in the form of a sport brassiere.

Fig. 14 represents a schematic view of the underwear article of clothing made according to the present invention referring to a different embodiment of a jersey or T-shirt.

Fig. 15 represents a schematic view of the underwear article of clothing made according to the present invention referring to a different embodiment of a sport brassiere.

Fig. 16 represents a schematic view of the underwear article of clothing made according to the present invention referring to a different embodiment of a slip.

Fig. 17 represents a schematic view of the underwear article of clothing made according to the present invention referring to a different embodiment of a jersey or T-shirt.

Fig. 18 represents a schematic view of the underwear article of clothing made according to the present invention referring to a different embodiment of a jersey or T-shirt.

Fig. 19 represents a schematic view of the underwear article of clothing made according to the present invention referring to a different embodiment of a jersey or T-shirt.

Description of the invention

The present invention relates to an underwear article of clothing (1) which can be, for example, a sock or ankle sock (Fig. 1 , Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7), a man slip or pant (Fig. 8), boxers slip or sport slips (Fig. 9), woman slip or panties (Fig. 10), Brazilians slips or G-strings (Fig. 11), jersey or T-shirt (Fig. 12), sport brassiere (Fig. 13). Although in the present description reference is mostly made to the embodiment which relates to a sock or ankle sock, it will be apparent that same considerations can immediately also apply to the other illustrated embodiments or to other equivalent embodiments.

Referring to the figures, and in particular to the embodiment (Fig. 1) relating to an underwear article of clothing (1) in the form of a sock or ankle sock, it comprises (Fig. 1) a zone of tip (2) in correspondence with the toes of the foot, a zone of the heel (3) and a collar (4) which are connected with each other by means of an alternated portions band (5) forming a band of the foot which constitutes the body of the sock or ankle sock inside of which the foot is inserted. Preferably, but not necessarily, the zone of tip (2) and / or the zone of the heel (3) and / or the area of the metatarsus are made of a reinforced material or fabric with wear- resistant function of the areas which are most subject to stresses. Preferably the collar (4), if present, comprises an elastic portion to assist in maintaining in an extended condition the tissue of the sock and to prevent the sock or ankle sock to descend along the leg or foot. The collar (4) can be positioned at different areas of the foot, ankle or leg according to the type of sock or ankle sock. Indeed, the present invention is applicable to different types of socks or ankle socks, as for example and without limitation, socks, ankle socks, knee socks, pantyhose, leggings, pop socks, tights.

The zone of the heel (3) is shaped to fit the anatomy of the foot in this area. The alternated portions band (5), which in the embodiment (Fig. 1) relating to an underwear article of clothing (1) in the form of a sock or ankle sock constitutes the band of the foot, is made in such a way that the close-up union of two alternating and antagonistic fibers, a portion made of a first fiber (6) having features of high absorption capability of the humidity and a portion made of a second fiber (7) having features of high repellency capability of the humidity, facilitates aeration and corresponding expulsion of humidity which is spontaneously produced by the foot.

Furthermore the alternated portions band (5), which in the embodiment (Fig. 1) relating to an underwear article of clothing (1) in the form of a sock or ankle sock constitutes the band of the foot, is made in such a way that the close-up union of two alternating and antagonistic fibers give rise to a different tensioning of the different constituent parts of the alternated portions band (5) itself (the band of the foot in the case of a sock or ankle sock), so that the surface of the skin remains in contact with the natural fiber of cotton, consequently avoiding the frequent effects of sensitivity with respect to allergies or sensitizing effects.

The alternated portions band (5) may consist of horizontal bands (Fig. 12), vertical bands (Fig. 19), inclined bands (Fig.18) or crossed bands to form chess or diamonds (Fig. 17). Although these embodiments are represented with reference to the embodiment of a jersey or T-shirt, it will be obvious that the same configurations are applicable to all underwear articles of clothing.

For example, the fiber having features of high absorption capability of the humidity is cotton, which is a textile fiber having a vegetable origin, composed of almost pure cellulose (80%). Advantageously, the cotton has several properties which make it suitable for the production of clothing because it has an excellent compatibility with the skin, it is light in weight, it quite easily disperses heat, it is hygienic and especially it has a high humidity absorption capability.

For example the fiber having features of high repellency capability of the humidity is a polyamide fiber. Preferably the polyamide fiber is the fiber commercially known under the registered trademark of DuPont Tactel, i.e. a microfiber made of a high density nylon polymer, which is very elastic and ultra thin, extremely soft, transpiring, soft on the skin. This fiber advantageously resists in a good way to water and can be washed in the washing machine, drying very quickly.

In general the fibre having features of high repellency capability of the humidity will be a fibre with:

- humidity regain rate in the range from 12 to 24%, preferably in the range from 15 to 21%, even more preferably 18%, which values are stated with a measuring method with a Crimp Contraction Test according to HATRA method in water,

- elongation at break in the range from 19 to 31 %, preferably in the range from 21 to 29%, even more preferably 25 %,

- tenacity at break in the range from 3.0 to 4.2 cN/dtex, preferably in the range from 3.2 to 4.0 cN/dtex, even more preferably 3.6 cN/dtex. The weft of the tissue of the underwear article of clothing (in particular of the sock or ankle sock or of the other embodiments of the underwear article of clothing itself) is made by the combination or sequence of portions made of the first fiber (6) and portions made of the second fiber (7) according to a conformation with alternating bands. Preferably portions made of the first fiber (6) and portions made of second fiber (7) (tactel and cotton) alternate which are made in the form of bands having a width which is comprised between 1 and 30 mm preferably between 1 and 20 millimeters, the preferred solution providing bands having a width between 1 and 5 mm, so as to optimize the repellent effect of humidity produced by the natural sweating of the foot or of the body. In other words, the bands made of the first fiber (6) absorb the humidity, while the bands made of the second fiber (6), which are alternated with and adjacent to those made of the first fiber (6), act as dryers.

In the resting condition (Fig. 2) of the tissue, that is, when the underwear article of clothing (1) (for example the sock or ankle sock) is not worn, the portions made of the second fiber (7) are in a relaxed condition and, due to the fact that such portion made of the second fiber (7) is elastic, it is in a released condition.

When it is in a worn condition (Fig. 3), the tissue of the underwear article of clothing (1) (for example the sock or ankle sock) relaxes and the portions made of the second fiber (7) are stretched and become much more thin if compared to the portions made of the first fiber (6) applying an elastic force on the overall tissue. The weft (Fig. 3) is compact and dense in correspondence with textures or bands made of the first fiber (6), while the weft is thin and transparent in correspondence with textures or bands made of the second fiber (7). This configuration has two main advantages. The first advantage is to have a greater contact between the skin and the bands made of the first fiber (6), which is the natural fiber, with considerable benefits in the prevention of skin sensitization due to fibers having a synthetic origin and forming the bands made of the second fiber (7). The second advantage is the one which derives from the proximity and the alternation of bands made of the first fiber (6) and bands made of second fiber (7); the extension of the bands made of the second fiber (7) makes the tissue of such areas almost transparent, allowing a considerable aeration and then a rapid expulsion of sweat and a relative drying function of the foot or of the body, depending on the specific embodiment of the underwear article of clothing according to the present invention.

The making process on the weaving machines provides the bands to be made with three different thread-guides, which can be single color or different colors thread-guides, the use of different thread-guides allowing to obtain a different tensioning of one with respect to the other ones, in such a way to have a different compression in correspondence of the various portions of the sock.

The use of two main materials constituting the sequence of alternate bands made of first fibre (6) and made of second fibre (7) has been specifically designed in order to have a greater breathability.

The making of the underwear article of clothing (1) (for example the sock or ankle sock) by means of a weaving machine occurs using a configuration comprising:

- At least one bobbin of a first fibre having features of high absorption capability of the humidity;

- At least one bobbin of a second fibre having features of high repellency capability of the humidity;

- At least one bobbin of elastic fibre.

For example, with reference to the sock or ankle sock, the making of the same starts from the collar (4) according to the following operating sequence to obtain the described alternation of bands or textures in first fibre and second fibre: a) Making of a collar (4) starting the spinning from the collar (4) itself by means of feeding the first fibre and the elastic fibre until the end of the making of the collar (4);

b) Making of a zone of the leg (8) by alternation of portions in first fibre and portions in second fibre until the end of the zone of the leg (8);

c) Making of a zone of the heel (3);

d) Making of an alternated portions band (5), that is the band of the foot, by alternation of portions in first fibre and portions in second fibre until the end of the alternated portions band (5), that is the band of the foot;

e) Making of a zone of tip (2) in correspondence of the toes of the foot;

f) Ending of machining with the closing of the sock or ankle sock.

More in detail, for the underwear article of clothing (1) according to the present invention, a configuration is used which comprises:

- At least one bobbin of elastic fibre or lycra;

- At least one bobbin with nylon.

For example, with reference to the sock or ankle sock, the making of the same starts from the collar (4) according to the following operating sequence to obtain the described alternation of bands or textures in first fibre and second fibre:

a) Making of a collar (4) starting the spinning from the collar (4) itself by means of feeding of the first fibre and the elastic fibre until the end of the making of the collar (4), with the following configuration:

- thread-guide 7 fall 1 with first fibre;

- thread-guide 1 fall 2 with elastic fibre;

b) Making of a zone of the leg (8) by alternation of portions in first fibre and portions in second fibre until the end of the zone of the leg (8), with the following configuration:

- exit of thread-guide 1 fall 2

- thread-guide 7 fall 1 with first fibre

- entry of thread-guide 1 fall 1 with lycra

- entry of thread-guide 1 fall design 1

- entry of thread-guide 1 fall design 2 - entry of thread-guide 1 fall design 3 with the second fibre;

c) Making of a zone of the heel (3), with the following configuration:

- exit of all falls of the design

- exit of thread-guide 1 fall 1

- exit of thread-guide 7 fall 1

- entry of thread-guide 3 with first fibre + nylon;

d) Making of an alternated portions band (5), that is the band of the foot, by alternation of portions in first fibre and portions in second fibre until the end of the alternated portions band (5), with the following configuration:

- entry of the thread-guides of the falls of the design

- entry of the thread-guide 7 fall 1

- entry of the thread-guide 1 fall 1

- exit of the thread-guide 3;

e) Making of a zone of the tip (2) in correspondence of the toes of the foot, with the following configuration:

- exit of the thread-guides of the design

- exit of the thread-guide 7

- exit of the thread-guide 1

- entry of the thread-guide 3 fall 1

f) Ending of machining with the closing

- exit of the thread-guide 3 fall 1

- entry of the thread-guide 5 fall 1 with nylon for seam detachment

- after 4 turns entry of the thread-guide 3 fall 1 to make a machining closing ring.

By way of summary, therefore, the present invention relates to an underwear article of clothing (1) (for example the sock or ankle sock) which is provided with at least one alternated portions band (5) (the band of the foot in the case of a sock or ankle sock) which is formed by the alternation of two portions of tissue of which:

- a first portion of tissue comprising a first fibre (6);

- a second portion of tissue comprising a second fibre (7).

The expression "at least one alternated portions band (5)" must be intended as meaning that such zone formed by alternation develops on at least a portion of the underwear article of clothing (1) (for example in the case of a sock or ankle sock, at least on the band of the foot). For example in the case of a sock or ankle sock, such zone formed by alternation possibly can develop along all the band of the foot or only along a portion thereof, as well as possibly developing even outside with respect to the band of the foot strictly speaking being able to also involve the zone of the tip (2), the zone of the heel (3), the collar (4) or the whole sock (1), for example excluding the reinforcement zones only and therefore it can involve also the whole portion corresponding to the leg.

The first portion of tissue and the second portion of tissue form contiguous and alternated bands, and the first fibre (6) is a humidity-absorbing fibre, while the second fibre (7) is a humidity-repelling fibre. The first portion of tissue and the second portion of tissue are shaped with tensioning features which are different from one another, the different tensioning involving a high adhesion to the skin of the first fibre (6) and a reduced adhesion to the skin of the second fibre (7). Each first portion of tissue therefore acts as a humidity-absorbing element, while each second portion of tissue acts as a drying element.

In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to a sock (Fig. 4), in order to create a air intake allowing the zone of the tip of the foot to perspire, a high-breathability portion (10) is provided which preferably has a width extension in the range from 0.5 cm to 20 cm when the sock is not worn, that is in a rest condition. Wherein not specified in a different way, the measures of the bands are intended to be referred to a condition in which the sock is not worn, that is in a rest condition, also for the other bands whose preferential measures are reported. Such high-breathability portion (10) is preferably located near the tip seam (9) in correspondence of which the zone of the tip (2) of the underwear article of clothing (1) in the form of a sock is connected. Preferably the high- breathability portion (10) is spaced from the zone of the tip (2) of the sock or ankle sock by means of an intermediate band (11) which preferably has an extension in width in the range from 0.5 cm to 2 cm., in such a way that the high-breathability portion (10) is spaced from seam by a distance in the range from 0.5 cm to 2 cm. The high-breathability portion (10) can be a portion of honeycomb tissue (Fig. 4) and the sock or ankle sock can comprise (Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7) or not (Fig. 4) the previously described inventive configuration with the alternation of two portions of tissue in first fibre (6) and second fibre (7) in the form of contiguous and alternated bands.

The high-breathability portion (10) consists of a transpiring net allowing the passage of air at the zone of the zone of tip of the foot, in detail in correspondence of the toes. Furthermore on such perspiring net forming the high-breathability portion (10), a texture can be laid which is made of such first fibre (6) or second fibre (7), for example with alternate rows of one or more needles (up to 4). For example the transpiring net constituting the high-breathability portion (10) can be formed by the base warp (12) of the sock on which the first fibre (6) and the second fibre (7) are weaved. For example the transpiring net constituting the high- breathability portion (10) can be formed by the base warp (12) of the sock which is made of lycra. On such base warp (12), in correspondence with the high- breathability portion (10) the transpiring weft (13) is obtained which is formed by portions made of first fibre (6), or portions made of second fibre (7) or by a combination of alternated bands of portions made of the first fibre (6) and made of the second fibre (7) in order to further obtain the previously described effect corresponding to the alternation of a humidity-absorbing fibre and a humidity- repelling fibre, with tensioning features which are different from one another. Alternatively the transpiring weft (13) can be omitted, the high-breathability function being obtained by means of the base warp (12).

By way of summary, therefore, the present invention relates to an underwear article of clothing (1) which includes at least one zone formed by the alternation of two portions of tissue at least in an alternated portions band or zone (5), of which:

- a first portion of tissue comprising a first fibre (6);

- a second portion of tissue comprising a second fibre (7);

The first portion of tissue and the second portion of tissue forming contiguous and alternated bands or textures. The first fibre (6) is a humidity-absorbing fibre, the second fibre (7) is a humidity-repelling fibre. The first portion of tissue and the second portion of tissue are shaped with tensioning features which are different from one another, the different tensioning involving a high adhesion to the skin of the first fibre (6) and a reduced adhesion to the skin of the second fibre (7).

The underwear article of clothing (1) can be made in the form of a sock or ankle sock (Fig. 1 , Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7), man slip or pant (Fig. 8), boxers slip or sport slips (Fig. 9), woman slip or panties (Fig. 10), Brazilians slips or G- strings (Fig. 11), jersey or T-shirt (Fig. 12), sport brassiere (Fig. 13), brassiere or other equivalent embodiments.

The underwear article of clothing (1) can include at least one high- breathability portion (10) consisting of a transpiring net having large meshes with respect to the width of the meshes of the tissue constituting the underwear article of clothing (1) as a whole. Such high-breathability portion (10) is placed on the underwear article of clothing (1) at least in correspondence of a portion corresponding to a zone which is subject to a greater sweating with respect to other zones of the body. For example in the case of the sock or ankle sock (1) the high-breathability portion (10) is located in correspondence of the zone within which the toes of the foot of the user of the sock or ankle sock (1) are located. Through the present description and in the appended claims, the expression "large meshes" is intended to refer to the size of the meshes formed by the weaving of the threads which constitute the tissue (weft or warp or combination of weft and warp) meaning that the width of the meshes of a first portion of tissue (weft or warp or combination of weft and warp) is noticeably greater than the width of the meshes of a second portion of tissue size of the (weft or warp or combination of weft and warp). Noticeably greater is intended to mean that such difference in size of the two meshes is visible to the naked eye. The transpiring net having large meshes preferably consists of the base warp (12) of the underwear article of clothing (1), the weft of the tissue of the underwear article of clothing (1) being interrupted in correspondence with said high-breathability portion (10) or being thinned out in correspondence with such high-breathability portion (10), thinned out being intended to mean that the texture or weft made of the threads of the tissue has a lower density with respect to the density of the texture or weft made of the threads of the tissue of the underwear article of clothing (1) in correspondence of the other portions with respect to said high-breathability portion (10). Preferably but not necessarily the high-breathability portion (10) constitutes a circular band having a width in the range from 0.5 cm to 5 cm. In the case of the embodiment referring to a sock or ankle sock, preferably the high-breathability portion (10) constitutes a circular band placed near the tip seam (9) of said sock or ankle sock (1), such high-breathability portion (10) being spaced from said tip seam (9) by means of an intermediate band (11) which preferably is a circular band having a width in the range from 0.5 cm to 2 cm.

In general, the high-breathability portion (10) can include a texture of transpiring weft (13) having large meshes with respect to the width of the meshes of the tissue constituting the underwear article of clothing (1) and having large meshes with respect to the meshes of the transpiring net. The texture can be obtained as tissue portions which are reciprocally parallel portions which are positioned according to any direction with respect to the direction of the development in length of the sock or positioned according to junctions forming quadrangular meshes as for example rectangular meshes, square meshes, rhomboidal meshes, etc.

The high-breathability portion (10) preferably has a width extension in the range from 0.5 cm to 20 cm when the underwear article of clothing (1 ) is not worn, that is in a rest condition. Wherein not specified in a different way, the measures of the bands are intended to be referred to a condition in which the underwear article of clothing is not worn, that is in a rest condition, also for the other bands whose preferential measures are reported. Different measures will be provided depending on the type of underwear article of clothing and more than one high-breathability portion (10) will be possibly present which have different width.

In the case of the embodiment referring to a sock or ankle sock (Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7), it includes at least one high-breathability portion (10) consisting of a transpiring net having large meshes with respect to the width of the meshes of the tissue constituting the sock or ankle sock. Such high-breathability portion (10) is placed on the sock or ankle sock at least in correspondence of a portion corresponding to the zone within which the toes of the foot of the user of the sock or ankle sock are located.

In the case of the embodiment referring to a jersey or T-shirt (Fig. 14), the high-breathability portion (10) can be located at an abdominal band and/or at an chest band and/or at the armpit zone, and/or on the back zone (not represented).

In the case of the embodiment referring to a sport brassiere (Fig. 15), the high-breathability portion (10) can be located at an abdominal band and/or at an chest band and/or on the back zone (not represented).

In the case of the embodiment referring to a slip or a pair of pants (Fig. 16), the high-breathability portion (10) can be located at an inguinal band and/or on the back zone (not represented).

The texture of transpiring weft (13) can consist of portions made of a first fibre (6), or made of a second fibre (7) or made of a combination of alternated bands of portions made of first fibre (6) and made of a second fibre (7), with the previously described features of the fibres.

The description of the present invention has been made with reference to enclosed figures in a preferred form of execution of the same, but it is evident that many possible alterations, changes and variants will be immediately clear to those skilled in the art of the sector in view of the previous description. So, it should be stressed that the invention is not limited by the previous description, but contains all alterations, changes and variants in accordance with the appended claims.

Used nomenclature

With reference to the identification numbers reported in the enclosed figures, the following nomenclature was used:

1. Underwear article of clothing

2. Zone of the tip or lower end

3. Zone of the heel

4. Collar or upper end

5. Alternated portions band or zone

6. First fibre portion

7. Second fibre portion

8. Zone of the leg

9. Seam

10. High-breathability portion

11. Intermediate band

12. Base warp

13. Transpiring weft

Claims

1. Underwear article of clothing (1) characterised in that it includes at least one zone formed by the alternation of two portions of tissue at least in correspondence of an alternated portions band or zone (5) of which:

- a first portion of tissue comprising a first fibre (6);

- a second portion of tissue comprising a second fibre (7);

said first portion of tissue and said second portion of tissue forming contiguous and alternated bands or textures, said first fibre (6) being a humidity-absorbing fibre, said second fibre (7) being a humidity-repelling fibre, said first portion of tissue and said second portion of tissue being shaped with tensioning features which are different from one another, the different tensioning involving a high adhesion to the skin of said first fibre (6) and a reduced adhesion to the skin of said second fibre (7).

2. Underwear article of clothing (1) according to the previous claim characterised in that said different tensioning between said first portion of tissue comprising said first fibre (6) and said second portion of tissue comprising said second fibre (7), in a condition in which the sock is worn by a user involves a stretching of said second portion of tissue with thinning effect on the second portion.

3. Underwear article of clothing (1 ) according to any of the previous claims characterised in that said first fibre (6) is a natural fibre and said second fibre (7) is a synthetic fibre.

4. Underwear article of clothing (1 ) according to any of the previous claims characterised in that said second fibre (7) is a fibre with a humidity regain rate in the range from 12 to 24%, preferably in the range from 15 to 21 %, even more preferably 18%, which values are stated with a measuring method with a Crimp Contraction Test according to HATRA method in water.

5. Underwear article of clothing (1 ) according to any of the previous claims characterised in that said second fibre (7) is a fibre with elongation at break in the range from 19 to 31 %, preferably in the range from 21 to 29%, even more preferably 25 %.

6. Underwear article of clothing (1 ) according to any of the previous claims characterised in that said second fibre (7) is a fibre with tenacity at break in the range from 3.0 to 4.2 cN/dtex, preferably in the range from 3.2 to 4.0 cN/dtex, even more preferably 3.6 cN/dtex.

7. Underwear article of clothing (1 ) according to any of the previous claims characterised in that said second fibre (7) is a polyammide fibre, preferably a microfibre made of a high-density nylon polymer.

8. Underwear article of clothing (1 ) according to any of the previous claims characterised in that said second fibre (7) is tactel.

9. Underwear article of clothing (1 ) according to any of the previous claims characterised in that said zone formed by the alternation of two portions of tissue of which:

- a first portion of tissue comprising said first fibre (6);

- a second portion of tissue comprising said second fibre (7);

consists of alternated and contiguous bands having each a width in the range from 1 to 30 millimeters, preferably a width in the range from 1 to 20 millimeters, the preferred solution providing a width in the range from 1 to 5 millimeters.

10. Underwear article of clothing (1 ) according to any of the previous claims characterised in that it includes at least one high-breathability portion (10) consisting of a transpiring net having large meshes with respect to the width of the meshes of the tissue constituting said underwear article of clothing (1).

1 1. Underwear article of clothing (1) according to the previous claim characterised in that said high-breathability portion (10) consisting of a transpiring net having large meshes consists of the base warp (12) of said underwear article of clothing (1), the weft of the tissue of said underwear article of clothing (1 ) being interrupted in correspondence with said high-breathability portion (10).

12. Underwear article of clothing (1) according to claim 10 characterised in that said high-breathability portion (10) consisting of a transpiring net having large meshes consists of the base warp (12) of said underwear article of clothing (1), the weft of the tissue of said underwear article of clothing (1) being thinned out in correspondence with said high-breathability portion (10), thinned out being intended to mean that the texture or weft made of the threads of the tissue has a lower density with respect to the density of the texture or weft made of the threads of the tissue of said underwear article of clothing (1) in correspondence of the other portions with respect to said high-breathability portion (10).

13. Underwear article of clothing (1) according to any of the previous claims 10 to

12 characterised in that said high-breathability portion (10) is a portion of honeycomb tissue.

14. Underwear article of clothing (1) according to any of the previous claims 10 to

13 characterised in that said high-breathability portion (10) constitutes a circular band having a width in the range from 0.5 cm to 20 cm.

15. Underwear article of clothing (1) according to any of the previous claims 10 to

14 characterised in that said high-breathability portion (10) includes a texture of transpiring weft (13) having large meshes with respect to the width of the meshes of the tissue constituting said sock or ankle sock (1) and having large meshes with respect to the meshes of said transpiring net.

16. Underwear article of clothing (1) according to the previous claim characterised in that said texture of transpiring weft (13) consists of portions made of said first fibre (6), or made of said second fibre (7) or made of a combination of alternated bands of portions made of said first fibre (6) and made of said second fibre (7).

17. Underwear article of clothing (1) according to any of the previous claims characterised in that it is a sock or ankle sock, or a man slip or pant, or a boxers slip or sport slips, or a woman slip or panties, or Brazilians slips or G-strings, or a jersey or T-shirt, or a sport brassiere, or a brassiere.

18. Underwear article of clothing (1) according to the previous claim and according to any of the previous claims 10 to 16 characterised in that said underwear article of clothing (1) is a sock or ankle sock and further characterized in that said high- breathability portion (10) is placed on said sock or ankle sock at least in correspondence of a portion corresponding to the zone within which the toes of the foot of the user of said sock or ankle sock are located.

19. Underwear article of clothing (1) according to the previous claim in the form of said sock or ankle sock characterised in that said high-breathability portion (10) constitutes a circular band placed near the tip seam (9) of said sock or ankle sock (1), said high-breathability portion (10) being spaced from said tip seam (9) by means of an intermediate band (11), preferably by means of a circular intermediate band (11) having a width in the range from 0.5 cm to 2 cm.

20. Underwear article of clothing (1) according to claim 17 and according to any of the previous claims 10 to 16 characterised in that said underwear article of clothing (1) is a jersey or T-shirt, said high-breathability portion (10) being located at an abdominal band and/or at an chest band and/or at the armpit zone, and/or on the back zone of said jersey or T-shirt.

21. Underwear article of clothing (1) according to claim 17 and according to any of the previous claims 10 to 16 characterised in that said underwear article of clothing (1) is a sport brassiere or a brasserie, said high-breathability portion (10) being located at an abdominal band and/or at an chest band and/or on the back zone of said sport brassiere or brasserie.

22. Underwear article of clothing (1) according to claim 17 and according to any of the previous claims 10 to 16 characterised in that said underwear article of clothing (1) is a slip or a pair of pants, said high-breathability portion (10) being located at an inguinal band and/or on the back zone of said slip or pair of pants.