WO2007017917A1

WO2007017917A1 - Elastic maternity clothing article and manufacture of it

Info

Publication number: WO2007017917A1
Application number: PCT/IT2006/000609
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paolo Mondini; Aurora Caputi; Serena Felini
Original assignee: Ergonixart, S.R.L.
Priority date: 2005-08-10
Filing date: 2006-08-08
Publication date: 2007-02-15
Also published as: ITRM20050442A1

Abstract

There is described a method for making a clothing article finalized to support the abdomen of pregnant women, by means of different elastic fabrics. The invention furthermore concerns such a clothing article. This clothing article may be mass produced, because it allows adaptation to different person with different size and shape. This is effected by making this clothing article with elastic material, special fastening solutions and elastic seams. This basic-dressing product points to minimize negative effects on the vertebral column due to weight coming from fetus. Using different textile fibers or fabrics, each of them having a defined Young modulus, and applying an appropriate design of the structure, it's possible to realize a suit which is able to help to support the weight coming from the fetus and redistributing it on the whole back, in order to get correct positioning of the vertebral column.

Description

ELASTIC MATERNITY CLOTHING ARTICLE AND MANUFACTURE OF IT

Technical Field

The present invention concerns a method for manufacturing a clothing article for pregnant women. This clothing article points to help to support the weight of the abdomen, coming from the fetus and redistributing it on the whole back, in order to get correct positioning of the vertebral column. The invention furthermore concerns such a clothing article.

Today maternity supports for pregnant moms are becoming routine items in a pregnancy wardrobe as an increasing number of doctors, nurses and health care professionals are now consistently recommending abdominal and back supports during pregnancy for many women. The routine use of maternity supports is on the rise because of the need to remain active during pregnancy.

As pregnancy progresses, the weight of abdomen can cause some discomfort, especially in the lower back and legs. Many women may feel the need for an extra support around their abdomen, especially if back begins to ache. Backache is the most common complaint during pregnancy. It is most often caused by a strain put on the back muscles by the growing uterus pulling downward and forward. After one full term pregnancy, tummy muscles are stretched and they often are not as supportive for the next pregnancy.

It's has been estimated that 49% of female population experiences moderate to severe low-back pain at some point during pregnancy. Several medical studies show that this back pain is usually related to the postural changes associated with pregnancy. In fact, during pregnancy the magnitude and distribution of loads acting on the spine change dramatically the spine undergoes adjustments in its form and to accommodate these changes. In consequence of that, many different postural behaviors are possible, and a woman may adopt anyone of them during the course of her pregnancy. Anyway, during these years, medical studies have defined some general trends; one is that with he progression of pregnancy there is a tendency for the lordotic curvature to increase, and this situation is correlated with low back pain: the greater the increase in lordosis, the greater the back-pain, because of the increase in compressive force leads to irritation of the joint capsule. Another general trend is thata at the third trimester the change in the position of line of gravity is significantly related to the degree of low-back pain: the further anterior position of the line of gravity the greater the degree of pain. As the position of the line of gravity shifts more anteriorly, the moment acting about the vertebral and hip joints increases.

Studies demonstrate that the adjustment in the loading pattern of the lumbar spine, resulting from changes in its form, plays an important role in the development of low-back pain. So it's really important to restore the original distribution of weight on the vertebral column, so that women can maintain proper posture in order to help reduction of back-pain and let them to continue an active lifestyle. The clothing article related to this invention is then finalized to support the abdomen of pregnant women and minimize negative effects on their vertebral column by means of different elastic fabrics.

Background Art

A wide selection of maternity supports for pregnant women are available in several styles, from simple belts to torso supports, from pregnancy bra to compression stockings. Simple belts give support to the lower abdomen pulling the weight to the lower back; some stronger belts have a large back portion and come around the hips to support the lower abdomen; some panty types support the abdomen with an elasticized band; full torso supports lift the weight. More complex systems are full torso abdominal and back supports, usually realized by stretching bands sewed together, with an open abdomen.

In a number of prior art clothing articles the required support is produced by different belts and straps which are tightened after the user has plit the device on. However, medical studies refer . that adjustable products are unsuitable for use during pregnancy, because the user can mistakenly place the bands and tighten them too much, with possible problems with the fetus. Some of these prior art clothing articles for maternity support are made in stretching material, and present extra-abdominal reinforcements (for instance stays inserted in the fabric) internally sewn in the article, but they can result not so comfortable to be worn. The reason for the present invention is a desire of obtaining one clothing article, preferably in the shape of a bodysuit, for pregnant women. Particularly it is desirable to make a clothing article which does not have the drawbacks of the prior art products, which is flexible in making and adaptation, and which therefore is suited for mass production, preferably without possibility of individual adaptation in relation to adjustable belts. The clothing article, desirably, should be able to be produced in predefined variation of size and shape which has anatomical adaptation to users with different size.

The object of the present invention is to provide a clothing article, preferably in the form of a body suit, which is suited for mass production and flexible in making and adaptation. The bodysuit will provide a fit so that even a small variation in body size and shape assures correct support. According to the invention this is achieved with a special design of the clothing article and an appropriate choice of the materials. The design of the clothing article will be peculiar of each predefined size and shape and able to establishing a structure for producing appropriate redistribution of weights. The choice of the materials to be used in the different areas of the article itself, will depend on functionality of each area. The clothing article according to the invention is peculiar because of materials: it preferably combines different elastic fabrics in order to realize an effective continuity of the different functional parts. It does not use stays inserted in the fabric or simple stretching bands cut and sewed together. It preferably uses different types of elastic fabrics. According to the following descriptions, high Young modulus fabrics are used in the supporting areas, low Young modulus and high elongation fabrics are used in the areas where it needs expansion, for example on the abdomen that enlarges during pregnacy.

The clothing article according to the invention is also peculiar because of the resistant structure and design: the resistant structure points to trahsfer weights as uniformly as possible around the entire torso and points to help to restore the original line of gravity and not only to lift the abdomen or push the weight of fetus on the lower back; the design preferably realizes the resistant structure with vertical and horizontal continuity at the same time, achieving a complex piece with anatomical and suitable properties.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention concerns a method for manufacturing a clothing article for pregnant women. This clothing article points to help with supporting the weight of the the fetus, and redistributing it on the whole back, in order to get correct positioning of the vertebral column. The invention furthermore concerns such a clothing article.

The invention concerns a clothing article, preferably in the shape of a bodysuit, which is finalized to support the abdomen, by means of different elastic fabrics, and which is suited for mass production, flexible in making and adaptation, easy to put on. The clothing article, desirably, is produced in predefined variation of size and .shape which provides anatomical adaptation to users with different size and assures the correct anatomical fit and supportive action even if a small variation in body size and shape of users occurs.

The clothing article related to the invention, preferably, may be used as a common piece of lingerie, with special elastic areas, and has the functions to transfer weights from the abdomen to the back as uniformly as it's possible. According to the invention this is achieved with a special, anatomical design of functional parts of the clothing article, as described in FIG.1 , and an appropriate choice of the materials. The main object of the present invention is to provide the fundamental points of a resistant clothing structure able to maintain the correct posture, just distributing weight equally among the entire torso and restoring the original distribution of weights on the vertebral column. Original distribution" means the distribution existing before that negative changes of weights in the abdomen occurred to the person.

According to the invention it's possible to form a supporting area, which can help to redistribute the weight coming from the fetus on the back, in order to get correct posture. The support and re- distribution action is realized by using different selected fabrics located in defined area of the clothing article, following an appropriate design.of the structure, as described in FIG.1. According to the invention, the support effect is created by using fabrics with different Young modulus , obtained changing the percentage of elastic yarns, e.g. elasthane, also in combination with changes in the knitting mode used to realize the structure of the fabric. Variation of the yarn composition of fabrics used in the clothing article may be established over functionality of parts. According to a particular embodiment, elastic yarns, preferably elasthane, are used in part between 10 and 70%, preferably between 15 and 60%, to realize fabrics to be used in different areas of the clothing article in dependence from the greater or less support they have to exert on the user's body.

According to the invention, some of the elastic fabrics used in the clothing article may preferably have a stress-strain curve including a largely flat force-elongation characteristic over a part of the curve pattern. A flat curve pattern between force and elongation allows maintaining sufficient consistence of the fabric even thought if it occurs variations in the user's size. Therefore this kind of elastic fabric would be used, preferably, in the areas where it needs high enlarge ability as in the abdomen area, extending with the growth of fetus.

Alternatively, heat fixation may provide possibility of improving anatomical adaptation of the clothing article, particularly where it needs higher expansion capability, as in the front abdominal region.

On the other side, according to the invention, some of the elastic fabrics used in the clothing article may preferably have a stress-strain curve that, in the range of forces related to the present application field, will show stiff behaviour. These fabrics willl preferably result stiff and resistent to strain, in order to give correct support to the abdomen and in order to effectively redistribute loads on the entire torso.

Correct disposition of defined fabrics with different elasticity provides the desired support without need for sewing extra reinforcements, elastic bandages, bands or similar.

The object of the present invention is to provide a clothing article, preferably in the form of a body suit, which is suited for mass production and flexible in making and adaptation. The bodysuit will provide a fit so that, even in case of small valuation in body size and shape, it assures correct support. According to the invention this is achieved with a special design of the clothing article, peculiar of each predefined size and shape and able to establishing a structure for producing appropriate redistribution of weights.

According to the invention it's possible to make the clothing article in a limited number of different sizes and at the same time enable different users, within a certain size interval, to use the same size of clothing article. Different shapes and size will be, preferably, defined in function of specific Parameters like height of the woman or phase of pregnancy ( for example: 1°, 2° and^' 3° trimester of pregnancy), in order to give correct fitting.

The object of the present invention is to provide design solutions which can realize an effective resistant structure and an appropriate level of adaptation to different user's conformation. The first aim can be achieved by realizing both vertical and horizontal continuity between the elements. The second aim can be achieved with a correct selection and disposition of stiffer or looser fabrics in defined parts of the clothing article.

According to the invention is possible to realize a clothing article, preferably in the form of a body suit, which realizes both vertical and horizontal continuity between the elements. Referring to Fig.1 , the clothing article realizes this continuity by means of a structural connection between the resistant elements: the bellyband, the lateral bands, the underbreast band, the shoulder straps, and the back-panel.

The inner non constrictive elastic bellyband (Fig.1 , item n°5) lift weight off the pelvis, gently providing abdomen with support without introduce back pressure, lnfact the band is connected both to the lateral bands and to the back-panel in order to assure horizontal continuity and correct transferring of weights from the abdomen to the entire back; the connection between bellybands and lateral bands allows to lift weight of fetus off and to redistribute it to shoulders and upper back.

The resistant lateral bands (Fig.1 , item n°2) lift weight off the pelvis and redistribute it uniformly to the back and on the shoulders. These bands, infact, connected with the bellyband, receive part of the weight from the bellyband itself and redistribute it to the under breast band (that send loads to . the upper back) and to the shoulder straps, so that it occurs an effective continuity in the ditribution of weights.

The elastic under breast band (Fig.1 , item n°6) assures redistribution of weights to the upper back. This band has fastening at the front, adjustable to different positions, in order to assure comfort and suitable dressing to pregnant woman. Under-breast bands are functionally connected with the back panel, the lateral bands and the shoulder straps to realize continuity of the whole structure. To give main advantage is preferable, but non limitative, to use hook and eye closures that reduce snagging of expensive lingerie. The large adjustable shoulder straps (Fig.1 , item n°1) are connected with the lateral bands in order to get continuity from the front shoulder side to the back and in order to eliminate the feeling of weight around the neck and humerus.

The back-panel (Fig.2, item n°3; Fig.3, item n°3 and Fig.4, item n°3), connected to the shoulder straps, points to pull shoulders back and to equally distribute weights on the entire torso. The resistant part can arrive to the hips, in order to cover uniformly all the back. Different solutions are possible for the design of the back panel, for instance, but not limited to the ones illustrated in the Fig. 2 and fig.4 and fig. 7 and fig. 8. The back panel can be realized of a unique fabric or with more overlapped fabrics.

The design of the bodysuit may, preferably, include a supportive bra, finalized to support the mass of the enlarged breast, to avoid breastbone compression and to discharge the chest from this load, but the invention mantains the same level of functionality also if the breast zone is not covered with fabrics, as shown, for example, in Fig.9. By including asupport bra, it's possible to reach a higher level of comfort for the user.

According to the invention the continuity of the bodysuit includes solution for the parts that needs special fitting, particularly the part of the front panel (Fig.1 , item n^c4) that closes the front of the bodysuit. This part has to be able to expand to accommodate growth during various stages of pregnancy without compressing the baby. Special solutions in the breastbone area assure vertical continuity with the resistant part of the bodysuit, as shown, for example, in Fig. 5 and in ig. 6.

As the object of the present invention is to provide design solutions which can realize an effective resistant structure and an appropriate level of adaptation to different user's conformation, some design solutions point to realize the suitable level of comfort and adaptation. The supportive bras, for example, includes cups (Fig.1, item n°7) with special design that expands with the growth of the breast, offering support without compressing it.

In the groin area, an appropriate border (Fig.1 , item n^c8) allows correct blood flow to the low back and the legs. Besides that, a soft part is located in the the pelvis zone in order to give accommodation to different pelvis width or size, allowing correct blood flow. According to the invention needs for an appropriate level of comfort, it's preferred that an opening is provided in the groin area (Fig.1 , item n°10) of the panty brief, so that there is no need for removing the clothing article for urination.

In order to obtain an appropriate level of adaptation and wearability, different fabrics are differently located in the bodysuit. Where there is a need for enlargement of parts of the bodysuit, are preferably used looser fabrics; it happens, for example, in relation to incoming changes in the woman body or in relation to daily actions as putting on and taking off the clothing article. The breast cups(Fig.1 , item n°7), the abdominal region (Fig.1 , item n^c4) of the bodysuit, the part of the groin area(Fig.1 , item n°10), the buttocks fcone (Fig.1 , item n°9) and the lower part of hips will allow high expansion possibility in order to assure easier putting on.

Easy putting' on and taking off is considerably important for this clothing article; at the same time it's important that it can provide the required support while in use. Until now, this has been achieved by using belts and straps which are tightened at or after applying the clothing article. According to the invention it's possible to facilitate putting on and taking off by means of different methods. It's possible to provide opening devices such as Velcro closers, zippers, snap fasteners, or, alternatively, using a looser quality of the fabric in selected area of the clothing article, such as the buttock area.The clothing article may use different solution at the same time, in order to assure easy putting on and taking off and effective function in correspondence of critical areas such as the breast circumference, the belly and the buttocks. Fig. 1 and Fig, 10 show a possible embodiment for the clothing article.

A bodysuit realized according to the invention, will be simple to use and comfortable to wear under the usual clothes; besides there is not risk of the clothing article to be wrongly displaced. Due to the inherent elastic ability of the clothing article, there will be the possibility of maintaining a fit, irrespectively of the user having a loss or increase of weight.

According to the invention, the vertical design of this clothing article provides gentle but firm support by means of transferring the weight of the extended abdomen from the front to the back of the spine and over the pelvis, so that the lordosis is held in its natural curve. Main purpose is to restore the original line of gravity, not only to lift the abdomen or push the weight of fetus on the lower back.

The clothing article related to the invention is, preferably, based on the use of different fabrics and on the continuity of all structural, comfortable and aesthetical parts, giving global support: vertical and horizontal at the same time.

The both vertical and horizontal design works on five peculiar elements: the inner band under the abdomen (bellyband), the lateral bands, the under breast band, the shoulders straps and the back resistant panel.

The inner band under the abdomen (bellyband) Is jointed to the lateral bands lifting up the abdomen and discharging the hips and the low back from part of the weight of fetus; the under breast band redistributes weights to the shoulders and to the upper back, and is connected to the shoulder straps; the shoulder straps equally transmit weights to the back resistant panel, which uniformly redistributes all weights on the entire back. Fig. 1 show some possible, but not exclusive or limiting, solutions for the design of the parts.

Continuity of the parts, do not means absence or lack of cuts, empty parts, holes, strips, or absence of inserts of different fabrics or materials, as cotton, silk, laces and so on. We want to focalize on the fact that the suit works as a whole element independently from the number of parts or elements that constitutes the suit itself. Structural and filleting parts can be realized also by means of sandwiches of fabrics, or overlapping of fabrics, and can contain further elastic bands, ribbons, tapes, seams and similar solutions.

The clothing article according to the invention is characterized in that it uses fabrics having a high Young modulus for the realization of the back-panel, that points to pull shoulder back and to equally distribute weights between the shoulders and all along the back, from the upper to the lower part with continuity. The resistant part can arrive to the hips, in order to cover uniformly all the back. Different solutions are possible for the design of the back panel, for instance, but not limited to, the ones illustrated in the Fig. 2, Fig. 4, Fig.7 and Fig.8. The back panel can be realized of a unique fabric or with more overlapped fabrics.

The clothing article according to the invention is characterized in that it uses fabrics having a high Young modulus for the areas of the bellybands and of the under breast band. These resistant parts lift weight off the pelvis, gently providing abdomen with support and relieving back of pressure. The bands are connected to the back-panel in order to assure horizontal continuity and transferring of weights; they are also connected eachother by means of the lateral bands, which help to lift weight of fetus off and to redistribute it to shoulders and upper back. The under breast band has fastening adjustable to different positions, in order to assure comfort ad suitable dressing to pregnant woman. To give main advantage is preferable, but non limitative, to use hook and eye closures that reduce snagging of expensive lingerie. Different solutions are possible for the design of these parts, some example are shown in the Fig. 1 , Fig. 5 and Fig.6.

The clothing article according to the invention is characterized in that it uses fabrics having a high Young modulus for the shoulder straps, that are connected with the lateral bands in order to get continuity from the front shoulder side to the back. These straps can also be regulated to allow perfect wearability.

The clothing article according to the invention is characterized in that it uses soft fabrics for the front panel, in order to allow expansion to accommodate growth of abdomen during various stages of pregnancy. It closes the front of the suit and special solutions in the breastbone area assure vertical continuity between the under breast, the lateral and the belly supportive bands.

The clothing article according to the invention is characterized in that it uses soft fabrics for the pelvis zone to get better accommodation to different pelvis widths or sizes, and allowing correct blood flow. This soft part assure vertical continuity from the back to the front side of the suit and can eventually give light compression helping against relaxation of pelvic area. Different solutions are possible for the design of the pelvic area as shown, but not limited to, in the Fig. 3, Fig. 7 and Fig.8. Brief Description of Drawings

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows a front view of a first possible embodiment, not exclusive or limited to, of a clothing article made by a method according to the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a rear view of a possible embodiment, not exclusive or limited to, of a clothing article made by a method according to the invention.

Fig. 3 shows a lateral view of a possible embodiment, not exclusive or limited to, of a clothing article made by a method according to the invention.

Fig. 4 shows another rear view of a possible embodiment, not exclusive or limited to, of a clothing article made by a method according to the invention.

Fig. 5 shows a front view of second possible embodiment, not exclusive or limited to, of a clothing article made by a method according to the invention.

Fig. 6 shows a front view of another possible embodiment, not exclusive or limited to, of a clothing article made by a method according to the invention.

Fig. 7 shows a rear view of second possible embodiment, not exclusive or limited to, of a clothing article made by a method according to the invention.

Fig. 8 shows a rear view of another possible embodiment, not exclusive or limited to, of a clothing article made by a method according to the invention.

Fig. 9 shows a front view of another possible embodiment, not exclusive or limited to, of a clothing article made by a method according to the invention.

Fig. 1 Shows a clothing article in the shape of a bodysuit. The body suit includes: ITEM No.1- Large adjustable shoulder straps; ITEM No.2 - Elastic lateral bands lifting weight off the pelvis and redistributing it equally between the entire back; ITEM No.4 - Soft elastic front panel, able to expand to accommodate growth during various stages of pregnancy; ITEM No.5 - Bellyband which lifts weight off the pelvis, gently providing abdomen with support; ITEM No.6 - Elastic underbreast band assuring redistribution of weights to the high back; ITEM NoJ bra cups; ITEM No.8 - Elastic border allowing correct blood flow to the low back; ITEM No.10 - Groin area disposed between leg openings and provided with snap fasteners or others re-closable devices (hooks, Velcro).

Fig. 2 Shows a clothing article in the shape of a bodysuit. The body suit includes ITEM No.3: Back-panel, pointing to pull shoulder back and to equally distribute weights between the entire back;

Fig. 3 Shows a clothing article in the shape of a bodysuit. The body suit includes ITEM No.3:

Back-panel, pointing to pull shoulder back and to equally distribute weights between the entire back; ITEM No.9 -Soft elastic buttocks panel, able to expand to accommodate size and to easier putting on and taking off.

Fig. 4 Shows a clothing article in the shape of a bodysuit. The body suit includes ITEM No.3:

Back-panel, pointing to pull shoulder back and to equally distribute weights between the entire back;

Fig. 5 and Fig.6 and Fig.9 and Fig 10 show the front views of other possible embodiments, in the shape of a bodysuit. These figures differ from the one shown in Fig. 1 by being provided with a different design of the resistant areas and a different distribution of the funcional parts, as, for example, the breast zone. In particular Fig.9 shows a possible design without bra-cups.

Fig. 7 and Fig.8 show the rear views of other possible embodiments, in the shape of a bodysuit. These figures differ from the ones shown in Fig. 2 and in Fig.4 by being provided with a different design of the resistant areas and a different distribution of the funcional parts, as, for example, the buttocks area.

Fig 10 Show the front views of another possible embodiment, in the shape of a bodysuit. This figure differs from the previous ones by being provided with a different system for assuring adaptation to larger hips sizes by means of solutions as Velcro closers, zippers, and similar things.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention The clothing article according to the invention can be made by means of common lingerie manufacturing tools. The machines will preferably be controlled electronically, enabling possibility of variation in the choice of structure, stitch width, inserting etc. Industrial Applicability

The object of the present invention is to provide a clothing article, preferably in the form of a body suit, which is suited for mass production and flexible in making and adaptation. The bodysuit will provide a fit so that even in case of small variation in body size and shape, it assures correct support. According to the invention this is achieved with a special design of the clothing article, peculiar of each predefined size and shape and able to establishing a structure for producing appropriate redistribution of weights.

According to the invention it's possible to make the clothing article in a limited number of different sizes and at the same time enable different users, within a certain size interval, to use the same size of clothing article. Different shapes and size will be, preferably, defined in function of specific parameters like height of the woman or phase of pregnancy ( for example: 1 °, 2° and 3° trimester of pregnancy), in order to give correct fitting.

According to the previous explanation, the clothing article can also be adapted and used in a number of further different cases, related to problems of extended abdomen. This includes all the cases of extra-frontal weight and reduced ability of the abdominal muscles to support the abdomen, with correlated changes of the line of gravity, such as obesity problems, diabetics, alcohol abuses, weakness related to age or neurological pathologies of the users.

Claims

1. CLAIM 1 : Method for manufacturing a clothing article, preferably in the shape of a bodysuit, for pregnant women; the clothing article is made for exerting support of the weight of the abdomen, coming from the fetus, and redistributing it on the whole back, in order to get correct positioning of the vertebral column by means of different elastic fabrics. The clothing article, preferably in the shape of a bodysuit, is produced in predefined variation of size and shape which provides anatomical adaptation* to users with different size and assures the correct fit and supportive action even if a small variation in body size and shape of users occurs, therefore it is suited for mass production.

2. CLAIM 2: Method, according to claim 1 , for realizing the support effect by using fabrics with different Young modulus. The different fabrics are obtained by changing the percentage of elastic yams also in combination with changes in the knitting mode used to realize the structure of the fabric. Elastic yams, preferably elasthane, are used in part between 5 and

70%, preferably between 10 and 60%, to realize fabrics to be used in different areas of the clothing article in dependence from the greater or less support they have to exert on the user's body.

3. CLAIM 3: Method, according to claim 1 and claim 2, characterized by the fact that in the same basic dressing product different elastic fabrics are chosen and differently used in order to provide correct support and transferring of weights. Variation of Young modulus of the fabrics are established in relation with the functionality of the parts; for example low Young modulus fabrics may be used when there is an expansion need, high Young modulus when it needs support for the abdomen.

4. CLAIM 4: Method, according to any precedent claim, characterized by the fact that different fabrics are differently located in the bodysuit to obtain an appropriate level of adaptation and wearability. Where there is a need for enlargement of parts of the bodysuit, are preferably used looser fabrics; it happens, for example, in relation to incoming changes in the woman body or in relation to daily actions as putting on and taking off the clothing article.

5. CLAIM 5: A clothing article, preferably in the shape of a bodysuit, pointing to exert support of the weight of the abdomen, coming from the fetus, and redistributing it on the whole back, in order to get correct positioning of the vertebral column by means of different elastic fabrics.

The clothing article is produced in a number of sizes and shapes which provides anatomical adaptation to users with different size and assure the correct fit and supportive action even if a small variation in body size and shape of users occurs. The clothing article is suited for mass production.

6. CLAIM 6: A clothing article according to CLAIM 5, characterized by the use of different fabrics and the existence of a continuity of all structural, comfortable and aesthetical parts, giving global support, vertical and horizontal at the same time. The both vertical and horizontal design works on five peculiar elements: the inner band under the abdomen (bellyband), the lateral bands, the under breast band, the shoulders straps and the back resistant panel.

7. CLAIM 7: A clothing article according to claim 5 and claim 6, characterized in that it realizes continuity of all structural, comfortable and aesthetical parts, each of them collaborating in discharging abdomen and giving relief to muscles, without solution of continuity. Continuity of the parts, do not means absence or lack of cuts, empty parts, holes, strips, or absence of inserts of different fabrics or materials, as cotton, silk, laces and similar solutions. We want to focalize on the fact that the suit works as a whole element independently from the number of parts or elements that constitutes the suit itself.

8. CLAIM 8:A clothing article according to claim 5 and claim 6, characterized in that it uses different fabrics, having different Young modulus of elasticity, depending on function of the single part. Structural and filleting parts can be realized also by means of sandwiches of fabrics, or overlapping of them, and can contain further elastic bands, ribbons, tapes, seams and similar.

9. CLAIM 9: A clothing article according to claim 5 and claim 6, characterized in that it uses fabrics having a high Young modulus for the realization of the back-panel, that points to pull shoulder back and to equally distribute weights uniformly on the entire torso, from the upper to the lower part with continuity. The resistant part can arrive to the hips, in order to cover uniformly all the back. The back panel may be realized of a unique fabric or with more overlapped fabrics.

10. CLAIM 10: A clothing article according to claim 5 and claim 6, characterized in that it uses a high Young modulus for the area of the bellybands. These resistant parts lift weight off the pelvis, gently providing abdomen with support. The bands are connected to the back-panel in order to assure horizontal continuity and transferring of weights; the bands are connected to the underbreast band by means of the lateral bands, which help to lift weight of fetus off and to redistribute it to shoulders and upper back.

11. CLAIM 11 : A clothing article according to claim 5 and claim 6, characterized in that it uses a high Young modulus for the areas of the under breast bands. Under breast bands are functionally connected with the back panel, the lateral bands and the shoulder straps to realize continuity of the whole structure and to help with lifting weight of fetus off and to redistribute it to shoulders and upper back. The under breast band has fastening adjustable to different positions, in order to assure comfort ad suitable dressing. To give main advantage is preferable, but non limitative, to use hook and eye closures that reduce snagging of expensive lingerie.

12. CLAIM 12: A clothing article according to claim 5 and claim 6, characterized in that it uses fabrics having a high Young modulus for the areas of the shoulder straps that are connected with the lateral bands in order to get continuity from the front shoulder side to the back and in order to eliminate the feeling of weight around the neck and humerus.

13. CLAIM 13: A clothing article according to claim 5 and claim 6, characterized in that it uses fabrics having a low Young modulus for the area of the front panel, in order to allow expansion to accommodate growth of abdomen during various stages of pregnancy. It closes the front of the suit and special solutions in the breastbone area assure vertical continuity between the under breast, the lateral and the belly supportive bands.

14. CLAIM 14: A clothing article according to claim 5 and claim 6, characterized in that it uses fabrics having a low Young modulus for the pelvis zone to get better accommodation to different pelvis widths or sizes, and allowing correct blood flow. This soft part assure vertical continuity from the back to the front side of the suit and can eventually give light compression helping against relaxation of pelvic area.

15. CLAIM 15: A clothing article according to claim 5 and claim 6, characterized in that it uses fabrics having a low Young for the breast cups, the abdominal region of the bodysuit, the part of the groin area, the buttocks zone and the ^"tower part of hips in order to allow high expansion possibility and to assure easier putting on.