WO2012039835A1

WO2012039835A1 - Lower body garment and methods

Info

Publication number: WO2012039835A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/045380
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shelby R. Mason
Original assignee: Leg Up, Llc
Priority date: 2010-09-24
Filing date: 2011-07-26
Publication date: 2012-03-29

Abstract

A lower body garment includes a bottom trunk portion, a pair of leg portions and a pair of sock portions in which the sock portion is permanently attached to one of the leg portions. Each of the sock portions are permanently attached to one of the leg portions. 'Hie sock portions may include yarn having a denier higher than the yarn denier in the leg portions. The lower body garment can provide sock portions that are not visible when the garment is worn with boots. The lower body garment can further include an upper trunk portion attached at the waist to create a full body garment. Λ method of making the lower body garment includes fabricating the lower body garment with or without the upper trunk portion as a one-piece unit. Portions may also be made separately then joined together.

Description

LOWER BODY GARMENT AND METHODS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to, and incorporates herein by reference in its entirety, Applicant's co-pending provisional patent application having U.S. Serial No. 61/277,392, filed September 24, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a lower body garment and methods of making a lower body garment. Some embodiments of the lower body garment and methods advantageously provide a combination of a hosiery leg portion and a sock portion.

KACKCROUND

[0003] Women and, to a lesser extent, men wear stockings or tights with boots for fashion and/or warmth. Wearing stockings or tights with boots cart create mpltiple problems. For example, when stockings or tights are worn inside boots, the often slick fabric from which the stockings or tights are made can cause the wearer's feet to slide in the boots, which can result in blistering. Blistering can also occur from seams in the feet of such garments. In addition, the feet in the stockings or tights, and particularly in. the heel and toes of the feet, often do not provide sufficient cushioning for comfort. In some such garments the fabric can be so thin that the boot docs not fit properly. Another persistent issue related to wearing stockings or tights in boots is that the thinly fabricated stockings or tights, particularly those made with synthetic fibers, tend to provide insufficient warmth in cold weather, and contribute to perspiration of feet and legs in wurm weather. Other practical issues with wearing stockings or lights with boots include the tendency of the stockings or tights to snag or run from linings and zippers in the boots, and to become permanently stained from dyes in the hoots.

[0004] To address at least some of these issues, boot wearers at times wear socks over their stockings or tights. Doing so may increase cushioning and decrease sliding of the wearer's feet inside the boots. However, wearing socks over stockings or tights inside boots has disadvantages. For example, socks lend to fall down around a wearer's legs due to the slick nature of fine denier hosiery underneath and to the motion of the boots about the feet and legs. Such rumpling of an overlaid sock can cause discomfort. In addition, the thickness of the sock over a stocking or right can cause an improper fit of the boots. Another disadvantage of wearing socks inside boots is that the socks may be visible above the top of the boots. Socks extending above the top of boots may be more noticeable when the socks are a different color or design than the stockings or tights. Visible socks are particularly undesirable when the boots are fashion boots. Another disadvantage of wearing socks over stockings or tights in boots is that such a layering of fabric can create too much warmth, especially when natural fiber socks are worn over synthetic fiber stockings or lights. Such additional warmth in the presence of low- breathability synthetic fiber stockings or lights can lead to even more undesirable perspiration of the wearer's feet and legs. Another disadvantage is that in order to wear socks over stockings or tights consumers must purchase and maintain two different garments to wear with boots.

[0005] Thus, there is a need for a lower body garment that as a single garment provides for comfort and fit when worn inside a boot. There is a need for such a lower body garment having a sock portion that is not visible when worn with a boot. There is a need for such a lower body garment that does not fall down around a wearer's legs. There is a need for such a lower body garment that can provide sufficient warmth while allowing sufficient brcaihability 10 avoid undesirable perspiration.

SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention can include embodiments of a lower body garment. For example, a lower body garment can comprise a pair of leg portions and a pair of sock portions. Each of the sock portions can be permanently attached to one of the leg portions. In some embodiments, the sock portions can further include yarn having a denier higher than the yarn denier in the leg portions. In some embodiments, the lower body garment advantageously provides sock portions that are not visible when the garment is worn with boots.

[0007] In some embodiments, the leg portions can comprise fashion hosiery, while in other embodiments, the leg portions can comprise tights. The sock portions may further include moisture-wicking yarns. In certain embodiments, selected zones of the sock portions can be reinforced with additional yarn, higher denier yarn, and/or more densely fabricated material for cushioning and support. In particular embodiments, the sock portions can each further include an upper foot zone having a first thickness and a lower foot zone having a second thickness. The upper foot zone first thickness can be less than the lower fool zone second thickness, thereby allowing for a belter fit of the garment inside boots. In still other embodiments, al least a portion of each of the sock portions can include a breathable mesh construction. In certain embodiments, selected zones of the garment can include compressive pressure capabilities.

[0008] Some embodiments of the lower body garment can have sock portions thai are ankle-length, mid-calf length, or upper-calf length. In some embodiments, the garment can be a fashion garment, while in other embodiments, the garment can be an athletic garment. [0009] Some embodiments of the present invention can include a method of making the lower body garment. Such a method can include fabricating a lower body garment comprising a pair of leg portions and a pair of sock portions, and permanently attaching each sock portion to one of the leg portions. Such a method can further include providing the sock portions with yarn having a denier higher than the yarn denier in the leg portions. Such a method can further include providing the garment such that the sock portions are not visible when the garment is worn with boots.

[0010] In some embodiments of a method of making the lower body garment, the leg portions and (he sock portions can be continuously fabricated as a one-piece unit on a single machine. Alternatively, the leg portions and the sock portions can be made separately, and then a bottom end of one of the leg portions and a top end of one of the sock portions can be joined together. In such a method, the leg portions and the sock portions can be joined together by sewing.

[0011] Features of a lower body garment and/or method of the present invention may be accomplished singularly, or in combination, in one or more of the embodiments of the present invention. As will be realized by those of skill in the art, many different embodiments of a lower body garment and/or method according to the present invention are possible. Additional uses, advantages, and features of the invention are set forth in the illustrative embodiments discussed in the detailed description herein and will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lower body garment having an ankle-height sock portion attached to a sheer leg portion in an embodiment of the present invention. [0013] FTG. 2 is a perspective view of a lower body garment having a mid-calf height sock portion attached to a sheer leg portion in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a lower body garment having a mid-calf height sock portion attached to a tight leg portion in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the lower body garment shown in Fig. 2, showing the relationship of the sock portion to the height of a boot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Definitions

[0016] For the purposes of this specification, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, conditions, and so forth used in the specification are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification arc approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the embodiments described herein. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents tn the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0017] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the described embodiments are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples arc reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein. [0018] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, Tor example, the term "a yarn" is intended to mean a single yarn or more than one yarn. For the purposes of this specification, terms such as "forward," "rearward," "front," "back," "right," 'left," "upwardly." "downwardly," and the like are words of convenience and arc not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0019] Additionally, any reference referred to as being "incorporated herein" is to be understood as being incorporated in its entirely.

Lower Body Garment

[0020] The present invention includes embodiments of a lower body garment I0 and/or methods of making a lower body garment 10. Some embodiments of the lower body garment 10 comprise a sock portion 30 attached to a hosiery leg portion 20. Such embodiments of the lower body garment 10 are useful for wearing with boots 56. Figs. I -4 illustrate such embodiments. Construction

[0021] Some embodiments of the lower body garment 10 comprise a trunk portion (not shown) for enclosing the hips and crotch of a wearer and having an upper waist zone, a hip zone, a crotch zone, and two leg openings, similar to conventional pantyhose, stockings, or lights, ^'fhe trunk is constructed continuously with two hosiery leg portions 20 extending from the trunk portion. Alternatively, some embodiments of the lower body garment 10 can comprise the leg portion 20 and the attached sock portion 30 without the trunk portion. The "hosiery leg portion" 20 can be interchangeably referred to as the "hosiery leg portion" 20 or simply the "leg portion" 20. As shown in the embodiments in Figs. 1, 2, and 4, the leg portion 20 can comprise a sheer material 40. Alternatively, the leg portion 30 can comprise a thicker, more opaque material, such as a tights material 42, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0022] As shown in Figs. 1-3, the sock portion 30 can include a forward ankle zone 44, a rearward ankle zone 46, a heel zone 48, an upper foot zone SO, a lower foot, or sole, zone 52, and a toe zone 54. As shown in Figs. 2-3, in embodiments of the lower body garment 10 having a mid-calf length sock 66, the sock portion 30 can further include a shin zone 68 and a calf zone 70.

[0023] The hosiery leg portion 20 and the sock portion 30 (or the trunk, leg portion, and sock portion) can be fabricated together as one piece. For example, the leg portion 20 and ⁽he sock portion 30 can be fabricated continuously on a machine in a "seamless" fashion, as is known to those of skill in the hosiery arts. Such a one-piece hosiery leg and sock garment 10 can be knit or woven at one time on a single machine. In this manner, the sock portion 30 is permanently attached to the leg portion 20, thereby providing advantages, among others, those related to comfort, warmth, support, and fashion, when wearing boots 56.

[0024] Alternatively, the leg portion 20 and the sock portion 30 can be made separately and then joined together. For example, the leg portion 20 can be fabricated on a circular knitting machine (or on one loom), and the sock portion 30 can be knit on a sock knitting machine, (or woven on a sock making loom). Then, the bottom end, or edge, 58 of the leg portion 20 and the (op end, or edge, 60 of the sock portion 30 can be sewn together. Sewing together the bottom end 58 of the leg portion 20 and the top end 60 of the sock portion 30 creates a leg sock transition 62, as shown in Figs. 1-4. The leg portion 20 can be permanently attached to the sock portion 30 by stitching. The stitching can form, for example, a serged or flat seam that provides a secure attachment, us well as a smooth transition 62 that appears sleek on the leg when worn. A serge seam binds the two opposed edges 58, 60 of the leg portion 20 and the sock portion 30 to each other using overcast sewing to prevent raveling. A flat seam provides a low profile. The stitching in the leg/sock transition 62 can comprise any suitable, strong synthetic or natural fiber useful in hosiery manufacture. The stitching material may be the same yarn as that used in the leg portion 20 and/or the sock portion 30. By permanently attaching the sock portion 30 to the leg portion 20 in this manner, the sock portion 30 is prevented from sagging or sliding downward toward the wearer's ankle and foot.

[0025] The length of the sock portion 30 can vary. For example, an ankle-length sock portion 64 (as shown in Fig. I) can be utilized to be enclosed within a short, or above the ankle, boot 56. A mid-calf length sock portion 66 (as shown in Figs. 2-4) can be utilized to be enclosed within a calf-length boot. An upper-calf length sock portion (not shown) can be utilized to be enclosed within a knee-length boot. Fig. 4 illustrates the relationship of the height of the sock portion 30 to the boot 56. In some applications, fashion trends or athletic activity may call for I he lower body garment 10 having u longer sock portion 30 than the boot 56 with which it is worn.

Full Body Garment

[0026] In one embodiment, the lower body garment 10 can include the addition of an upper portion having a lower waist zone, a mid body zone and upper body zone (not shown). This upper portion may be fashioned as a tank top or camisole style (not shown). This upper body portion may be constructed as a seamless or as a cut and sew garment, as commonly referred to in the hosiery and apparel industries. The upper portion may be detachable or sewn as a surged or flat seam to the lower body garment portion 10 at the waist creating one connected full body garment which includes the upper body portion, the trunk portion, the leg portion 20 und the sock portion 30. In certain embodiments, the upper body garment includes moisture- wicking properties, cooling yarns and compression technology.

Materials

[0027] In some embodiments, the hosiery leg portion 20 can be made in a sheer design 40, as is common in many fashion hosiery products. For example, the leg portion 20 can be sheer 40 as shown in Figs. 1 , 2, and 4. The trunk portion and the leg portion 20 of particular embodiments of the lower body garment 10 can comprise pantyhose, stockings, control top components, maternity and/or support elements. Thus, such sheer leg portions 40 can provide both support and aesthetic appeal. In certain embodiments, the leg portion 20 can comprise a mesh 72, or open, design.

[0028] In other embodiments, the hosiery leg portion 20 can comprise a thicker and/or heavier material, such as a higher denier material useful in making tights 42. For purposes herein, "tights" are defined as a cloth leg garment, most often sheathing the body from about the waist to the feet with a more or less tight fit. Tights are often knit with yarns having a denier of greater than about 40. For purposes herein, "denier" is defined as the equivalent numerically to the number of grams per 9,000 meters length of a material. That is, the larger the denier of a material, such as a yarn, the heavier the yarn. In embodiments of the lower body garment 10, the leg portion 20 comprises yarn having a denier lower than the yarn denier in the sock portion 30.

[0029] The leg portion 20 can comprise various fibers and yarns suitable for making hosiery. For example, the leg portion 20 can comprise polyester, nylon, spandex, cotton, wool, silk, or combinations of these and/or other yarns.

[0030] In some embodiments, the sock portion 30 can comprise yarns and constructions typical in sock manufacture. In embodiments of the lower body garment 10, the sock portion 30 comprises yam having a denier higher than the yarn denier in the leg portion 20. Generally, the heavier, or thicker, yarn(s) in the sock portion 30 provide additional comfort and warmth to a wearer's feet inside boots 56 that are not provided by conventional fashion hosiery, The sock portion 30 can comprise various fibers and yarns suitable for making socks. For example, the sock portion 30 can comprise natural yarns, synthetic yams, or combinations thereof. The leg portion 20 and/or the sock portion 30 may be fabricated using eco-friendly yarns.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the durability of the sock portion 30 can be increased by reinforcing the heel and/or toe portions 48, 54, respectively, with additional yam, higher denier yarn, and/or more densely fabricated material. Some embodiments of the lower body garment 10 designed for toddlers and infants can further include a grippable material on the lower toot 52 so as to provide greater traction when standing or walking.

[0032] The lower body garment 10 can be constructed in various patterns or styles. For example, the leg portion 20 may have a mesh 72, or fishnet, pattern or other design. The sock portion 30 may have an argyle, herringbone, flannel pinstripe, cable knit, or other pattern. Either or both of the leg portion 20 and the sock portion 30 can include decorative ornamentation. The pattern or style can be different or the same for the leg portion 20 and the sock portion 30. Examples of the lower body garment 10 having the leg portion 20 comprising either a sheer leg portion 40 or a tights leg portion 42 and having a sock portion 30 permanently attached are commercially available as BOOTIGHTS™, from Leg Up, LLC, in Redondo Beach, California. Performance Construction / Characteristics

[0033] In vurious embodiments of the lower body garment 10, either or both of the leg portion 20 and the sock portion 30 can include particular yarns and/or constructions that impart enhanced performance characteristics to the garment 10. For example, the leg portion 20 and/or the sock portion 30 can include areas of compressive pressure. Such areas of compressive pressure can be provided by including elastomeric yarn, a more lightly stretched yarn, and/or a more dense construction in those areas. Compressive pressure in embodiments of the lower body garment 10 may be graduated in a decreasing manner from the toe 54 of the sock portion 30 to the upper aspects of the leg portion 20. In certain embodiments, only selected segments of the sock portion 30 and/or the leg portion 20 can include compressive pressure capabilities. Compressive pressure in the lower body garment 10 can provide such therapeutic effects as enhuncing circulation, decreasing fluid retention, promoting skin integrity, and providing comfort to the wearer.

[0034] In some embodiments, the sock portion 30 can have a construction in the lower oot 52 , heel 48, and/or toe 54 portions that includes increased cushioning to the bottom of the wearer's foot, thereby providing additional comfort to the wearer. The sock portion 30 can include increased cushioning in other areas as well. In some embodiments, increased cushioning can be provided by additional material, such as more or the same yarn or a higher denier yam, and/or a tightly knit or woven, construction. For example, the lower foot 52 and/or upper foot 50 portions may include a tighter construction than other areas of the sock portion 30. Such a tighter construction can provide increased support and comfort to the foot in those areas, for example, by providing a tighter fit that decreases friction between the sock portion 30 and the wearer's foot and thus decreases the risk of blisters in those areas.

[0035] In some embodiments, as shown in Figs. 1-3, the forward ankle zone 44 and/or the upper foot zone 50 can comprise a mesh 72, or open knit or open weave, construction. Such a mesh construction 72 can improve the brealhabtlity of the sock portion 30, thereby allowing for improved air flow through, and removal of moisture from, the sock portion 30. In embodiments having a mid-calf length 66 (as in Figs. 2-4) or a knee-length sock portion, the shin zone 68 and/or the calf zone 70 can include the mesh construction 72 in addition to the forward ankle zone 44 and/or the upper foot zone SO. Embodiments having the mesh construction 72 in the sock portion 30 can provide increased garment breathability, which may be desirable in warmer weather. In addition, since the mesh construction 72 employs less yarn than a solid construction, the total amount of material in the sock portion 30 may provide for a better fit inside the boot 56.

[0036] In certain embodiments, the upper foot zone SO in the sock portion 30 can have a first thickness and the lower fool zone 52 in the sock portion 30 can have a second thickness. "Thickness" herein means the distance between the outer surface and the inner surface of the fabric. The first thickness can be less than the second thickness, such that the total amount, or volume, of material in the sock portion 30 may provide for a better fit inside the boot 56 than a sock having a uniform thickness about its entire circumference.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the lower foot zone in the sock portion 30 can include a ripple or ribbed construction in the sole to increase comfort for the wearer by creating a massaging effect as well as to help prevent the wearer from slipping in or out of footwear.

[0038] In some embodiments, the sock portion 30 can include moisture-wicking yarns, such as COOLMAX® yarns. Such moisture-wicking yarns help transfer moisture from perspiration away from the wearer's skin to the outer surface of the garment 10, thereby providing a drier and thus more comfortable feel to the wearer's foot. Embodiments of the lower body garment 10 comprising moisture-wicking yarns in the foot area of the sock portion 30 are particularly advantageous with respect to minimizing discomfort created by heavy, tightly fitting boots 56. [0039] In some embodiments, the sock portion 30 can include yarns having antimicrobial properties. Such anti-microbial yarns can help reduce odor caused by microorganisms that tend to grow in worm, moist, dark environments such as inside (he boot .56. In certain embodiments, moisture wicking and/or anti-microbial yarns may be utilized in either or both of the leg portion 20 and the sock portion 30.

[0040] In some embodiments, the sock portion 30 and/or the leg portion 20 can include yarns having cooling properties using chemically treated yarns. These chemically treated yarns can provide relief to the wearer in hotter climates, athletes, cooling relief to women with^' menopausal symptoms and women who are pregnant.

[0041] Thus, the lower body garment 10 according to the present invention can provide a single-piece garment having the leg portion 20 permanently attached to the sock portion 30 useful for wearing with boots 56. Various embodiments of the lower body garment 10 can include elements of style with features that arc comfortable. Such embodiments can further include enhanced performance capabilities, including compressive pressure, additional cushioning, optimized breathability, and/or odor reduction.

Methods

[0042] Some embodiments of the present invention can include a method of making the lower body garment 10 as discussed herein. Such a method can include fabricating the leg portion 20 and the sock portion 30 (or the trunk, leg portion 20, and sock portion 30) together as one piece. For example, the leg portion 20 and the sock portion 30 can be fabricated continuously on a machine, such as a circular knitting machine, in a "seamless" fashion. Such a one-piece hosiery leg and sock garment 10 can be knit or woven at one time on a single machine. [0043] In another embodiment, the leg portion 20 and the sock portion 30 can be made separately and then joined together. For example, the leg portion 20 can be fabricated on a circular knitting machine (or on one loom), and the sock portion 30 can be knit on a conventional sock knitting machine (or woven on a sock making loom). Then, the bottom end, or edge, 58 of the leg portion 20 and the top end, or edge, 60 of the sock portion 30 can be sewn together. Sewing together the bottom end 58 of the leg portion 20 and the top end 60 of the sock portion 30 creates a leg sock transition 62, as shown in Figs. 1 -4. The leg portion 20 is permanently attached to the sock portion 30 by stitching, such as with a scrged or flat seam, that provides a secure attachment, as well as a smooth transition 62 that appears sleek on the leg when worn. The stitching in the leg/sock transition 62 can comprise any suitable, strong synthetic or natural fiber useful in hosiery manufacture. The stitching material may be the same yarn as that used in the leg portion and/or the sock portion. By permanently attaching the sock portion 30 to the leg portion 20 in this manner, the sock portion 30 is prevented from sagging or sliding downward toward the wearer's ankle and foot.

[0044] Some embodiments of the present invention can include a method of making the full body garment as discussed herein. Such a method can include fabricating the upper portion, trunk portion, leg portion 20 and sock portion 30 together as one piece. Another method can include fabricating the trunk portion, leg portion 20, and sock portion 30 together as one piece and the upper portion as a separate portion. For example, the upper portion, trunk portion, leg portion 20 and the sock portion 30 can be fabricated continuously on a machine, such as a circular knitting machine, in a "seamless" fashion. Such a one-piece garment can be knit or woven at one time on a single machine. [0045] In another embodiment, the upper portion and lower body garment 10 can be made separately and then joined together. For example, the upper and lower portions may be fabricated separately on a machine and joined at the upper and lower waist of each respective portion. Then upper waist of the lower body garment and the lower waist of the upper body portion can be sewn together. Sewing together lower body garment to the upper body portion creates a waist transition (not shown). The lower body garment may be permanently attached to the upper portion by stitching, such as with a scrged or flat seam, that provides a secure attachment, as well as a smooth transition that appears sleek on the waist when worn. The stitching in the waist transition can comprise any suitable, strong synthetic or natural Tiber useful in hosiery manufacture. The stitching material may be the same yarn as that used in the lower body garment or the upper body portion. By permanently attaching the lower body garment to the upper body portion in this manner, the lower body garment is prevented from sagging or sliding downward toward the foot and ankle and the upper body portion will not inch or slide upward.

Advantages

[0046] Embodiments of the lower body garment 10 and methods according to the present invention can have advantages over conventional lower body garments and methods. For example, embodiments of the lower body garment 10 and methods combine the comfort of a sock and the fashion appeal of a sleek-looking tights hosiery garment in one garment for wearing with boots 36. As a result, consumers do not need to purchase both fashion hosiery and socks to wear with boots 56. Another advantage of some embodiments of the lower body garment 10 and methods is that due to additional cushioning in the lower foot 52 and/or toe 54 zones and less material in the upper foot zone 50 of the sock portion 30, the garment 10 provides for a better fit inside the boot 56. Another advantage of some embodiments of the lower body garment 10 and methods is that the sock portion 30 does not fall down around a wearer's ankles and feet due to the permanent attachment of the sock portion 30 to the leg portion 20. Another advantage of some embodiments of the lower body garment 10 and methods is that the sock portion 30 is not visible when worn with the boot 56.

[0047] Another advantage of some embodiments of the lower body garment 10 and methods is that the sock portion 30 can provide sufficient warmth while allowing increased breathability to avoid undesirable perspiration. Another advantage of some embodiments of the lower body garment 10 and methods is that moisture wicking sock materials and constructions can help provide foot and leg moisture control, thereby reducing odors that may form inside boots 56. Another advantage of some embodiments of the lower body garment 10 and methods is thut additional sock cushioning provides extra cushioning for the wearer's fool and heel to prevent blistering. Another advantage of some embodiments of the lower body garment 10 and methods is that the sock portion 30 constructed to have compressive pressure can provide such therapeutic effects as enhanced circulation, decreased fluid retention, greater skin integrity, and more comfort to the wearer. Another advantage of some of the embodiments of the lower body garment 10 and methods is that the leg portion 20 and sock portion 30 can provide the wearer with relief due to a cooling effect from the use of chemically treated cooling yarns. Another advantage of some of the embodiments of the lower body garment 10 and the methods is that sock portion 30 constructed to have a ripple or ribbed effect in the sole can provide the wearer with extra comfort such as a massaging effect while decreasing slippage inside footwear. Another advantage of some of the embodiments of the lower body garment 10 is the possible connection to a tank/camisole style upper body garment. This full body garment provides the wearer with a convenient one piece garment that includes the upper body garment portion, and the lower body garment having a trunk portion, a leg portion 20 and sock portion 30 or the upper body garment and the trunk and leg portion 20 without the sock portion 30 attached. This lull body garment prevents the tank style top IVom "riding" up in the wearer's clothes and becoming ''untucked", creating a wrinkled appearance underneath outerwear and can be annoying to the wearer. Another advantage of some embodiments of the lower body garment 10 and methods is that the sock portion 30 can have greater durability due to additional material in the lower foot zone 52 and due to the elimination of snags and runs that result in an unwearablc pair of hose, thus providing significant value to the consumer.

Applications

[0048] Some embodiments of the lower body garment 10 according to the present invention may be utilized when wearing boots 56 with fashion dress. In other applications, such a lower body garment 10 in which the leg portion 20 comprises tights 42 can be worn by cyclists, runners, ice skaters, snow skiers, snow boarders, tennis players, hikers, hunters, or participants in other sports or outdoor activities. As another example, the lower body garment 10 comprising leg portion tights 42 may be worn by basketball players under their uniform shorts. It is known that the use of tights 42 can reduce muscle strain and other injury. Thus, embodiments of the lower body garment 10 having leg portion tights 42 may provide protection against athletic injury as well as comfort and support to a wearer's feet due to the attached sock portion 30. In another embodiment, sock portions 30 can be attached to footless tights, which are usually called leggings, or to footless pants used as apparel in horseback riding, running or skiing.

[0049] In another application, some embodiments of the lower body garment 10 that include compressive pressure constructions may be utilized by people who need compressive therapy for poor circulation in the legs, who have varicose veins, or who have increased risk for breaks in skin integrity, such as diabetic patients.

[0050] In another application, some embodiments of the lower body garment 10 can be utilized to contain micro-encapsulated substances such as moisturizers and/or other skin creams or agents that may provide a health and/or beauty benefit for the wearer.

[0051] Embodiments of the lower body garment 10 may be utilized by women, men, children, and or infants. Such applications may be utilized for fashion and/or for support purposes. Some embodiments of the lower body garment 10 can be utilized as undergarments, while other embodiments can be "wear alone" garments, that is, such lower body garments 10 may be worn alone without an outer garment.

[0052] Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it should be recognized that these embodiments arc merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the an will appreciate that a lower body garment 10 and method of the present invention may be constructed and implemented in other ways and embodiments. Accordingly, the description herein should not be read as limiting the present invention, as other embodiments also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A lower body garment, comprising:

u bottom trunk portion having an upper waist zone, a hip /one and a crotch zone;

a pair of leg portions; und

a pair of sock portions having a shin zone, a calf zone, a forward ankle zone, a rearward ankle zone, a heel zone, an upper foot zone, a sole zone and a toe zone; wherein each sock portion is permanently attached to one of the leg portions.

2. ^'ITie garment of claim I , wherein the sock portions further comprise yarn having a denier higher than the yarn denier in the leg portions.

3. The garment of claim 1, wherein the ock portions are not visible when the garment is worn with boots.

4. The garment of claim 1 , wherein the leg portions further comprise fashion hosiery.

5. The gurmcnt of claim I , wherein the leg portions further comprise tights.

6. The garment of claim I , wherein the leg portions further comprise polyester, nylon, spandex, cotton, wool, silk, or combinations thereof.

7. The garment of claim 1 , wherein (he sock portions further comprise moisiure-wicking yarns.

8. The garment of claim I , wherein selected zones of the sock portions are reinforced with additional yarn, higher denier yarn, and or more densely fabricated material for cushioning and support.

9. The garment of claim I , wherein the sock portions each further comprise an upper fool zone having a first thickness and a lower foot zone having a second thickness, and wherein the first thickness is less than the second thickness.

10. The garment of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of each of the sock portions comprises a breathable mesh construction.

1 1. The garment of claim I , wherein selected zones of the garment comprise compressive pressure capabilities.

12. The garment of claim 1, wherein the sock portions further comprise ankle-length, mid- call^' length, or upper-calf length sock portions.

13. The garment of claim I , wherein the garment further comprises a fashion garment.

14. The garment of claim 1 , wherein the garment further comprises an athletic garment.

15. A method, comprising:

rubricating a lower body garment comprising a bottom trunk portion having an upper first waist zone, u hip zone and a crotch zone;

a pair of leg portions; and

16. The method of claim I S, further comprising providing the sock portions with yarn having a denier higher than the yarn denier in the leg portions.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the fabricating step further comprises continuously fabricating the leg portions and the sock portions as a one-piece unit on a single machine.

18. The method of claim 15,

wherein the fabricating step further comprises making the leg portions and the sock portions separately; and

wherein the permanently attaching step further comprises joining together a bottom end of one of the leg portions and a top end of one of the sock portions.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the joining together step further comprises sewing the leg portions and the sock portions together.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing the garment wherein the sock portions are not visible when the garment is worn with boots.

21. Λ full body garment, comprising:

a bottom trunk portion having an upper waist zone, a hip zone and a crotch zone;

a pair of leg portions;

a pair of sock portions having a shin zone, a calf zone, a forward ankle zone, a rearward ankle zone, a heel zone, an upper foot zone, a sole zone and a toe zone; wherein each sock portion is permanently attached to one of the leg portions; and

an upper trunk portion having a lower waist zone, mid body zone and upper body zone; wherein the lower waist zone of the upper trunk portion is attached to the upper waist zone of the bottom trunk portion.

22. The garment of claim 21 , wherein the upper trunk portion is a camisole.

23. The garment of claim 21 , wherein the upper garment is a tank top.

24. The garment of claim 21 , wherein the upper trunk portion is seamless or cut and.sew.

25. The garment of claim 21, wherein selected zones of the garment can comprise of chemically treated cooling yarns.

26. The garment of claim 1, wherein selected zones of the garment can comprise of chemically treated cooling yarns.

27. The garment of claim 21, wherein the sock portion consists of graduated compression in the shin zone, calf zone, forward ankle zone, rearward ankle zone, heel zone, upper foot zone, sole zone and toe zone.

28. The garment of claim 1, wherein the sock portion consists of graduated compression in the shin zone, calf zone, forward ankle zone, rearward ankle zone, heel zone, upper foot zone, sole zone and toe zone.

29. The garment of claim 21 , wherein the sole zone is ribbed.

30. The garment of claim 1 , wherein the sole zone is ribbed.

31. A method, comprising:

fabricating a full body garment, comprising a bottom trunk portion having a first waist zone, a hip zone and a crotch zone; a pair of leg portions; a pair of sock portions having a shin zone, a calf zone, a forward ankle zone, a rearward ankle zone, a heel zone, an upper foot zone, a sole zone and a toe zone; and an upper trunk portion having a second waist zone, mid body zone and upper body zone; wherein the second waist zone is attached to the first waist zone; further wherein each sock portion is permanently attached to one of the leg portions.