WO2013143601A1

WO2013143601A1 - Method for producing a weft-knitted pant

Info

Publication number: WO2013143601A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/055805
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kresten Karlsen; Anna Marie Houe KJÆRSGAARD; Knud FJELSTED RASMUSSEN; Cengiz ÖZDEMIR
Original assignee: Tytex A/S
Priority date: 2012-03-30
Filing date: 2012-03-30
Publication date: 2013-10-03

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for producing a weft-knitted pant. The method comprises knitting a tubular body portion having first and second ends and front and back parts, and at least a first fabric modulus. Furthermore, knitting a crotch portion arranged between two leg openings at the first end of the tubular body portion, the crotch portion comprising a pad accommodating zone, the pad accommodating zone extending from the front part to the back part via an area arranged between the two leg openings, the pad accommodating zone having at least a second fabric modulus. In addition, knitting a waistband portion at the second end, and knitting fixation zones arranged at least along both sides of the pad accommodating zone with at least a third fabric modulus being higher than the second fabric modulus, whereby the higher third fabric modulus of the fixation zones is adapted to provide fixation and pressure to edges of an absorbent pad accommodated in the pant during use to minimise the risk of leakage.

Description

METHOD FOR PRODUCING A WEFT-KNITTED PANT

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a method for producing a weft-knitted pant comprising a tubular body portion having first and second ends and front and back parts, and at least a first fabric modulus, a crotch portion situated between two leg openings at the first end of the tubular body portion, the crotch portion comprising a pad accommodating zone, the pad accommodating zone extending from the front part to the back part via an area arranged between the two leg openings, the pad accommodating zone having at least a second fabric modulus, and a waistband portion at the second end.

Background art

Textile-based pants are known in the prior art. They are adapted for supporting and fixating for instance absorbent pads on human wearers.

It is desirable that such pants be manufactured with a shape and design giving them a suitable anatomic form with a limited need for subsequent cut and sew operations. Furthermore, for pants used for absorbent pads, it is advantageous to provide additional volume in the crotch area of the pant to accommodate the absorbent pad which is often large and bulky and may increase substantially in weight and thickness during use.

One solution suggested in the prior art solves this by applying a looser knitting in the central pad area of the crotch region, thereby forming containment pockets providing additional room, cf. WO 94/24978.

Even though these known pants are reasonable, good solutions, several disadvantages have been observed.

The anatomy around the crotch region of a human being has many three- dimensional shapes, such as the crotch, the thighs, the buttock and the groin areas. Some disadvantages have been observed in the known pants in relation to providing adequate support to the absorbent pad in these areas and sufficient pressure to the edges of the absorbent pad to ensure that the edges are sealed against the skin surface of the wearer. As a consequence, the absorbent pad may leak.

Another disadvantage of the existing pants is that it is difficult for the wearer as well as a caregiver to position the absorbent pad correctly in the pant and to position the pant correctly on the wearer, the purpose being to ensure an optimal fit between the wearer and the pant as well as between the pant and the absorbent pad to avoid leakage. Thus, applying existing two-piece systems correctly requires instruction and training of the caregiver or wearer. However, caregivers in today's healthcare systems are often under time pressure, and many are new to the job and therefore somewhat inexperienced. This means that caregivers often do not receive the training required to be capable of applying the two-piece system correctly in such a way that optimal leakage control is achieved. In particular, it is not obvious to the caregiver or wearer how high a pant should be positioned on the wearer and exactly where the absorbent pad should be placed in the pant, particularly in the length direction and in the crotch region. A special challenge occurs when the wearer is bedridden. It is difficult for the caregiver to pull the pant up tight when the wearer is laying down, and furthermore, it is difficult to check whether the absorbent pad is positioned correctly. This is due to the fact that the caregiver can only see and reach either the front or the back of the wearer without having to move to the other side of the bed or turn the wearer in the bed. The consequence is that, particularly on bedridden wearers, leakage from the absorbent pads along the edges of the absorbent pad may not be detected due to poor positioning of the absorbent pad/pant. Such a leakage is unpleasant for the wearer and may cause skin damage due to wetness. Furthermore, it is inconvenient for the wearer and time consuming for the caregiver as the pant and other clothes and the bed linen need to be changed and washed afterwards.

Summary of the invention An object of the present invention is to wholly or partly overcome the above disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a weft-knitted pant where adequate pressure is exerted to the edges of an absorbent pad when worn. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a weft-knitted pant which is easy to position correctly on the wearer's body, i.e. which is self-fitting.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a weft-knitted pant whose correct positioning on the human body is easy to check.

Furthermore, it is an object to provide a method for producing a weft-knitted pant facilitating easy positioning of an absorbent pad in the pant and on the wea rer.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a weft-knitted pant which is self-explanatory in terms of correct absorbent pad positioning. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a weft-knitted pant where it is easy to check whether the absorbent pad is positioned correctly when applying the system to a wearer and when worn.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a weft-knitted pant which makes it easy to check whether the absorbent pad is generally correctly positioned, even when the wearer is bedridden.

The above objects, together with numerous other objects, advantages and features, which will become evident from the below description, are accomplished by a solution in accordance with the present invention by a method for producing a weft-knitted pant, comprising the steps of:

- knitting a tubular body portion having first and second ends and front and back parts, and at least a first fabric modulus,

- knitting a crotch portion arranged between two leg openings at the first end of the tubular body portion, the crotch portion comprising a pad accommodating zone, the pad accommodating zone extending from the front part to the back part via an area arranged between the two leg openings, the pad accommodating zone having at least a second fabric modulus,

- knitting a waistband portion at the second end, and

- knitting fixation zones arranged at least along both sides of the pad accommodating zone with at least a third fabric modulus being higher than the second fabric modulus, whereby the higher third fabric modulus of the fixation zones is adapted to provide fixation and pressure to edges of an absorbent pad accommodated in the pant during use to minimise the risk of leakage. By applying the method for producing a weft-knitted pant according to the invention, a weft-knitted pant is obtained which facilitates easy positioning of the absorbent pad in the pant for the wearer as well as for the caregiver. Additionally, the fixation zones have inherent pressure properties causing the zones to provide a certain power to specific areas of the pant. In this way, the fixation zones apply pressure to the edges of the absorbent pad towards the skin surface of the wearer, thereby ensuring optimal leakage security.

In the event that the fixation zones of the pant are aligned with the groin of the wearer, the pant will become "self-fitting" to a certain extent in that it will be very clear to the wearer or caregiver where on the wearers body the zones are to be positioned. In this way, it is ensured that the pant is pulled up high and firm enough on the wearer's body despite the somewhat bulky absorbent pad covering and hiding the contours of the crotch-area. The term "fabric modulus" is in this context to be construed as the elastic properties of the fabric making up the pant. The higher the fabric modulus in the portions, zones or areas of the pant, the greater the pull and fixation in the portions, zones or areas of the fabric of the pant. The modulus of a fabric may be determined by means of the test method EN 14704-1 which will be further described below.

The term "surrounding portions" is in this context to be construed as the areas of the pant which are positioned around the fixation zones, i.e. around the crotch portion which is partly or fully surrounded by the fixation zone, and the area arranged on the outside of and surrounding the fixation zones, i.e. the remaining part of the tubular body portion. The term "edges of the absorbent pad" is in this context to be construed as the edge regions of the absorbing area of an absorbent pad as well as the integrated sealed edges surrounding the absorbing area of the pad, the sealed edges having a substantially flat cross-sectional configuration and being adapted for tight closure against the skin surface of the wearer.

The term "leakage" is in this context to be construed as a situation where urine, faeces, blood, wound discharges or other bodily fluids leak from the pad to the pant and/or its surroundings during wear earlier than what is to be expected based on the in-use capacity of the pad.

The term "self-fitting" is in this context to be construed as a situation where a pant easily and naturally fits and/or falls into its correct position on the human anatomy.

The term "self-explanatory" is in this context to be construed as a situation where it is clear from the visual features of a pant how an absorbent pad is intended to be positioned in the pant or how a pant should be positioned on the wearer's body.

Furthermore, it is essential to achieve good leakage security; i.e. to ensure that both the pant itself and the absorbent pad in the pant are positioned correctly on the wearer's body and that the absorbent pad is well supported by the pant and kept in close contact with the wearer's skin surface. Particularly, it has been found that close contact between the absorbent pad and the wearer's body in the crotch and groin areas as well as close contact between the pad edges and the wearer's skin surface are essential for avoiding leakage, regardless of whether the pad is almost empty or near its full capacity. Furthermore, to achieve good leakage security, the pant must fit the user's body as well as the pad type and size well. The pant must thus have the correct size and fabric properties, .e.g. suitable elasticity and "power", and be pulled up tight on the wearers body so that it is in a position where it applies pressure to the absorbent pad towards the wearers body, particularly in the crotch and groin areas and along the pad edges. This will become evident from test results described below. Thus, by the present method it is possible to manufacture a weft-knitted pant having different portions, zones and areas with different fabric moduli whereby the pant may be tailor-made to its specific purpose. Furthermore, the weft-knitted pant may be knitted in one piece. It may also be knitted seamlessly.

Moreover, the second fabric modulus may be between 10 and 50 N/m in a load phase and between 8 and 40 N/m in a return phase.

The term "load phase" is in this context to be construed as the phase where a cut piece of fabric is extended when a load/force is gradually applied using a constant rate of extension (CRE) testing machine. The term "return phase" is in this context to be construed as the phase where the load/force is gradually released from a piece of extended fabric, as measured on a CRE testing machine, when a load/force is gradually released.

Also, the third fabric modulus may be between 40 and 120 N/m in a load phase and between 25 and 70 N/m in a return phase.

Additional, the third fabric modulus may be between 50% and 600% higher than the second fabric modulus in the load phase and the return phase. Furthermore, the fixation zones may be knitted with a width, the width varying along its extension, being smallest at the first end of the pant.

Moreover, the width of the fixation zones may be knitted so that it varies between 1 mm and 140 mm.

Also, the third fabric modulus may be knitted so that it varies in a width and/or a length direction of the fixation zones.

Additional, the second fabric modulus may be knitted so that it varies in a width and/or a length direction of the pad accommodating zone. Furthermore, the first fabric modulus may be knitted so that it is lower than the third fabric modulus.

Moreover, the first fabric modulus may be knitted so that it varies in a width and/or a length direction of the tubular body portion.

Also, the pad accommodating zone may be knitted with a higher elongation or stretchability than the fixation zones and/or the tubular portion. The term "elongation or stretchability" is in this context to be construed as the fabric's ability to extend when a force is applied. The elongation of a fabric may be determined by means of the test method EN 14704-1 which will be further described below. Additionally, the elongation or stretchability of the pad accommodating zone may be between 50% and 400% higher than the elongation of the fixation zones.

Furthermore, the elongation or stretchability of the pad accommodating zone may be knitted so that it varies in a width and/or length direction of the pad accommodating zone.

Moreover, the fixation zones may be knitted so that they extend continuously from the waistband portion of the front part substantially downwards to the area between the leg openings and upwards to the waistband portion of the back part.

Also, the fixation zones may be knitted so that they extend along the pad accommodating zone into one fixation zone in the front part and/or the back part above the pad accommodating zone. Additionally, the one fixation zone may extend up to the waistband portion.

Furthermore, the one fixation zone may be knitted with a fabric modulus being different, preferably smaller, than the third fabric modulus of the fixation zones. Moreover, the one fixation zone may be broadening in a width direction from the pad accommodating zone upwards to the waistband portion. Also, the fixation zones may be knitted with a visibly different fabric structure or pattern than the surrounding portions.

Additionally, the fixation zones may be provided with a different optical appearance than the surrounding portions of the pant.

Furthermore, the fixation zones may be knitted with a different combination of yarns than the surrounding portions of the pant. Moreover, the pant may be knitted with yarns made of polyester, polyamide, polypropylene, cotton, acrylic, viscose, wool, elastane, rubber, latex-free rubber or a combination thereof.

Also, the fixation zones may be knitted with stitches having shorter stitch lengths than a stitch length in the surrounding portions of the pant. Hereby, it is obtained that the fixation zones apply additional pressure to the absorbent pad edges and provide limited visibility to the fixation zones.

Additionally, the fixation zones may be knitted with fewer knitting rows than the surrounding portions of the pant. Hereby, it is obtained that the fixation zones are able to apply additional pressure to the pad edges and provide some visibility to the fixation zones.

Furthermore, the fixation zones may be knitted with a miss and knit structure on every second needle on every knitting row.

Moreover, the fixation zones may be knitted with a miss and knit structure on every second alternating needle on every alternating knitting row. Also, the fixation zones may be knitted with different fabric modulus and/or elongation in different areas and/or extensions of the fixation zones by applying two or more knitting techniques.

Additionally, the fixation zones may be knitted with a miss and knit structure on every second needle, repeated for several knitting rows, and the one fixation zone is knitted with a miss and knit structure on every second alternating needle on every alternating knitting row. Furthermore, the crotch portion may be knitted with a knitting structure being loosest in a centre of the crotch portion and gradually becoming firmer towards the fixation zones.

Moreover, the leg openings may be knitted with a looser knitting structure so that the leg openings have more room for the legs.

Also, at least one area in the pad accommodating zone may be knitted in an open, transparent structure to provide a visible wetness indicator on the pad observable through the pant.

Additionally, the portions, zones and areas of the pant may be knitted by applying a plurality of different knitting techniques and different combinations of yarns.

Furthermore, the pant may be provided with after-treatment, the after- treatment being heat-setting, moulding, lamination, printing, application of a different material, gluing, dyeing or a combination thereof.

Moreover, the fixation zones or pad accommodating zone may be provided with a visible effect, such as a line, a dot or the like, which is used for alignment with a corresponding effect on the absorbent pad. Also, the pant is seamlessly circularly knitted on a bodysize or legsize machine.

Additionally, an outer pant may be attached to the pant so that the pant functions as an inner pant, the outer pant being provided with additional room in the tubular portion, the crotch portion and in the leg openings, enabling the outer pant to hide the shape of an absorbent pad, thereby making it less visible.

Furthermore, the inner and outer pants may be knitted in one piece during manufacturing. Moreover, the inner pant may be knitted first, and a row of courses may subsequently at least partly be hung up in a waiting position on the knitting machine, after which the outer pant may be knitted and the hung up courses picked up to form a closed loop directly on the knitting machine.

Also, the outer pant may be knitted first and the inner pant may be knitted second.

Additional, the pad accommodating zone may be provided with fastening means adapted to secure and position an absorbent pad.

Moreover, the pad accommodating zone may be knitted with a loop structure, enabling easier securing of the fastening means, such as hook type fastening means, arranged on an absorbent pad to the pad accommodating zone.

Furthermore, a pant according to a second aspect, comprising a tubular body portion having first and second ends and front and back parts, and at least a first fabric modulus, a crotch portion arranged between two leg openings at the first end of the tubular body portion, the crotch portion comprising a pad accommodating zone, the pad accommodating zone extending from the front part to the back part via an area arranged between the two leg openings, the pad accommodating zone having at least a second fabric modulus and a waistband portion at the second end, the pant comprising fixation zones arranged at least along both sides of the pad accommodating zone, the fixation zones having a third fabric modulus higher than the second fabric modulus of the pad accommodating pad, whereby the higher third fabric modulus of the fixation zones applies fixation and pressure to areas of the absorbent pad for minimising the risk of leakage.

Hereby, a pant is obtained which facilitates easy positioning of the absorbent pad in the pant for the wearer as well as for the caregiver. Additionally, the fixation zones have inherent pressure properties causing the zones to provide a certain power to specific areas of the pant. In this way, the fixation zones apply pressure to the edges of the absorbent pad towards the skin surface of the wearer, thereby ensuring optimal leakage security.

According to the second aspect, the second fabric modulus of the pad accommodating zone of the pant may be between 10 and 50 N/m in a load phase and between 8 and 40 N/m in a return phase. According to the second aspect, the third fabric modulus of the fixation zones of the pant may be between 40 and 120 N/m in a load phase and between 25 and 70 N/m in a return phase. According to the second aspect, the third fabric modulus of the fixation zones of the pant may be between 50% and 600% higher than the second fabric modulus of the pad accommodating zone of the pant in the load phase and the return phase. According to the second aspect, the fixation zones of the pant may have a width, the width varying along its extension, being smallest at the first end of the pant.

According to the second aspect, the width of the fixation zones of the pant may vary between 1 mm and 140 mm.

According to the second aspect, the third fabric modulus may vary in a width and/or a length direction of the fixation zones of the pant.

According to the second aspect, the second fabric modulus may vary in a width and/or a length direction of the pad accommodating zone of the pant.

According to the second aspect, the first fabric modulus of the tubular body being lower than the third fabric modulus of the fixation zones of the pant. According to the second aspect, the first fabric modulus may vary in a width and/or a length direction of the tubular portion of the pant.

According to the second aspect, the pad accommodating zone of the pant may have a higher elongation or stretchability than the fixation zones and/or the tubular portion.

The term "elongation or stretchability" is in this context to be construed as the fabric's ability to extend when a force is applied. The higher the elongation or stretchability in the portions or zones of the pant, the greater the extension of the fabric is possible in the portions or zones of the fabric of the pant. The elongation of a fabric may be determined by means of the test method EN 14704-1 which will be further described below. According to the second aspect, the elongation or stretchability of the pad accommodating zone of the pant may be between 50% and 400% higher than the elongation of the fixation zones of the pant.

According to the second aspect, the pad accommodating zone of the pant may have an elongation or stretchability at 5N in the range 75% to 300%, and the fixation zones and/or the tubular portion may have an elongation or stretchability at 5N in the range 25% to 150%.

According to the second aspect, the elongation or stretchability of the pad accommodating zone of the pant may vary in a width and/or length direction of the pad accommodating zone. According to the second aspect, the fixation zones of the pant may extend continuously from the waistband portion of the front part substantially downwards to the area between the leg openings and upwards to the waistband portion of the back part. According to the second aspect, the fixation zones of the pant may define the outer boundaries of the pad accommodating zone.

According to the second aspect, the fixation zones extending along the pad accommodating zone may be joined into one fixation zone in the front part and/or the back part above the pad accommodating zone.

According to the second aspect, the one fixation zone may extend up to the waistband portion. According to the second aspect, the one fixation zone may have a fabric modulus being different, preferably smaller, than the third fabric modulus of the fixation zones of the pant.

According to the second aspect, the one fixation zone may be broadening in a width direction from the pad accommodating zone upwards to the waistband portion. According to the second aspect, the fixation zones may be integrated into the pant during manufacturing of the fabric structure, or they may be provided by after-treatment of a fabric blank or pre-made pant. According to the second aspect, the fixation zones may be provided in a visibly different fabric structure or pattern than the surrounding portions.

According to the second aspect, the fixation zones may comprise different or additional yarn types than the surrounding portions of the pant. Hereby, it is obtained that the fixation zones are able to apply additional pressure to the absorbent pad edges and provide increased visibility.

According to the second aspect, the yarn types used for the fixation zones may be chosen based on their inherent properties, and the inherent properties are then built into the fixation zones.

According to the second aspect, the fixation zones may be provided with a different optical appearance, such as a different colour or shine, than the surrounding portions of the pant. Hereby, it is obtained that the fixation zones are easily noticeable, thereby facilitating easy positioning of an absorbent pad in the pant.

According to the second aspect, the fixation zones of the pant may be provided with or enhanced by after-treatment. Such after-treatment may be heat-setting, moulding, lamination, printing, application of other materials, gluing or dyeing. In this way, it is possible to alter already made inherent properties and to build in new inherent properties when the pant has been formed . Also, it is possible to change and incorporate visible properties after manufacturing of the pant. According to the second aspect, the fixation zones may be constructed, using any combinations of the above mentioned methods.

According to the second aspect, the fixation zones of the pant may be easily visible on the inside and/or outside of the pant, thereby facilitating easy, correct positioning of the absorbent pad and/or easy control of the absorbent pad position in the pant by the caregiver or wearer. According to the second aspect, the fixation zones of the pant may be designed to be easily visible on the inside of the pant and hardly visible on the outside, thereby providing a certain discreetness when the pant is worn while still being helpful when the pant and pad are mounted on the wearer.

According to the second aspect, the fixation zones of the pant may be further aligned with the groins of the wearer to facilitate easy, correct positioning of the pant and/or easy control of the position of the pant on the wearer's body. In this way, the pant becomes "self-fitting" on the wearers body.

According to the second aspect, the fixation zones or the pad accommodating zone may comprise a visible effect, such as a line, a dot or another shape, which may be used for alignment with a corresponding effect on the absorbent pad to facilitate correct positioning and easy check of the absorbent pad in the pant.

According to the second aspect, the pant may be made from yarns or fabrics made of polyester, polyamide, polypropylene, cotton, acrylic, viscose, wool, elastane, rubber, latex-free rubber or a combination thereof. According to the second aspect, an outer pant may attached to the pant so that the pant functions as an inner pant, the outer pant being designed with additional room in the tubular portion, the crotch portion and in the leg openings, enabling the outer pant to hide the shape of the absorbent pad, thereby making it is less visible.

According to the second aspect, the inner and outer pants may be knitted in one piece during manufacturing.

According to the second aspect, the pad accommodating zone may comprise fastening means adapted to secure and position an absorbent pad.

According to the second aspect, the pad accommodating zone may be knitted with a loop structure, enabling easier securing of the fastening means, such as hook type fastening means, arranged on an absorbent pad to the pad accommodating zone. According to the second aspect, the fixation zones may be adapted for partial or full cover and/or alignment with one or more edge(s) of predetermined absorbent pad types in relation to their properties, such as their size, thickness and/or capacity.

Furthermore, a two-piece system according to a third aspect, comprising a pant comprising any of the above-mentioned features and one or more absorbent pad(s). Also, the fixation zones may be adapted for partial or full cover and/or alignment with one or more edge(s) of a predetermined absorbent pad or a selection of absorbent pads, the pant being sold and marketed together with the absorbent pad(s) as an optimised two-piece system. The optimised two-piece system may even be provided in a kit together with other optimised continence or hygiene aids, such as wipes for washing the wearer's skin, latex gloves or a disposable bag, to make the pad changing process even easier, safer, less time consuming and self-explanatory.

Furthermore, a use, according to a fourth aspect, of the pant for accommodating an absorbent pad, diaper or bandage.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention and its many advantages will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which for the purpose of illustration show some non-limiting embodiments and in which

Fig. 1 shows a female pant according to the present invention seen from the front,

Fig. 2 shows the pant of Fig. 1 seen from the back,

Fig. 3 shows a male pant according to the present invention seen from the front, Fig. 4 shows the pant of Fig. 3 seen from the back, Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of a male pant according to the present invention,

Fig. 6 shows the pant of Fig. 5 from the back,

Figs. 7a-7b show cross-sectional views of two embodiments of an absorbent pad positioned in a pant according to the present invention,

All the figures are highly schematic and not necessarily to scale, and they show only parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the invention, other parts being omitted or merely suggested.

Description of preferred embodiments Fig. 1 schematically shows one embodiment of a pant 1. The pant 1 comprises a tubular body portion 2 having first and second ends 3, 4. Furthermore, a crotch portion 5 is arranged between two leg openings 6, 7 at the first end 3 of the tubular body portion 2. The crotch portion 5 comprises a pad accommodating zone 10 which is adapted to accommodate an absorbent pad 15 during use. The absorbent pad 15 is shown in a dotted line, the dotted line depicting the edges of the absorbent pad 15. In this embodiment, the absorbent pad 15 extends outside the pad accommodating zone and beyond the fixation zones. The pant 1 furthermore comprises a waistband portion 8 at the second end 4. The fixation zones 9 are arranged at least along both sides of the pad accommodating zone 10, the fixation zones 9 having a third fabric modulus being higher than a second fabric modulus of the pad accommodating zone, causing the fixation zones 9 to partly or fully cover and/or be aligned with one or more absorbent edges of the absorbent pad 15 when the pant 1 and absorbent pad 15 are worn by a wearer. In this way, the higher third fabric modulus of the fixation zones 9 apply fixation and pressure to the absorbent pad 15 to minimise the risk of leakage. The fixation zones 9 are in this embodiment arranged in the front part 20 of the pant 1, extending up to the waistband portion 8. The pant 1 of Fig. 1 is in this embodiment shown as a front part 20 of the pant 1. In this case, the pant 1 is a style with high-cut leg openings 6, 7. The crotch portion 5 may advantageously be knitted with a loose knitting structure to create room for the predetermined absorbent pad 15. The style of the pant 1 as shown in Fig. 1 is often preferred by female wearers.

Fig. 2 shows the pant 1 of Fig. 1 seen from the back. The fixation zones 9 also extend upwards from the first end 3 towards the second end 4 and up to the waistband portion 8. Furthermore, the fixation zones 9 at the back part 21 of the pant 1 are adapted to completely surround the pad accommodating zone 10. The fixation zones 9 of the front and back parts 20, 21 of the pant 1, shown in Figs. 1 and 2, are connected via the crotch connection 11 placed between the leg openings 6, 7, thereby facilitating and securing correct positioning and support for the absorbent pad 15 in that area. The absorbent pad 15 is shown in a dotted line.

In the back part 21, the fixation zones 9 extending along the pad accommodating zone 10 are joined into one fixation zone 9' above the pad accommodating zone 10. The one fixation zone 9' extends up to the waistband portion 8. The one fixation zone 9' is broadening in a width direction from the pad accommodating zone 10 upwards to the waistband portion 8. The fabric modulus of the one fixation zone 9' may vary from the third fabric modulus of the fixation zones 9 arranged around the pad accommodating zone 10. In fact, the third fabric modulus of the one fixation zone 9' may decrease from the pad accommodating zone 10 to the waistband portion 8.

The fixation zones 9 shown in Fig. 2 slightly differ in position and configuration in relation to the position and configuration of the fixation zones 9 shown in Fig. 1. This is done to accommodate the anatomical difference between the front and back sides of the wearer as well as the front and back shapes of the pad.

Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of a pant 1 according to the invention. The pant 1 of Fig. 3 is in this embodiment shown as a front part of the pant 1. Furthermore, the pant 1 has thigh-long legs 12, 13 at the leg openings 6, 7. Such a pant style is often preferred by male wearers. The fixation zones 9 completely surround the pad accommodating zone 10 and extend upwards adjacent to the crotch portion 5 to the waistband portion 8. The fixation zones 9 extending along the pad accommodating zone 10 are joined into one fixation zone 9' above the pad accommodating zone 10. The one fixation zone 9' extends up to the waistband portion 8. The one fixation zone 9' is broadening in a width direction from the pad accommodating zone 10 upwards to the waistband portion 8. The fabric modulus of the one fixation zone 9' may vary from the third fabric modulus of the fixation zones 9 arranged around the pad accommodating zone 10. In fact, the fabric modulus of the one fixation zone 9' may decrease from the pad accommodating zone 10 to the waistband portion 8.

Fig. 4 shows the pant 1 of Fig. 3 seen from the back. The fixation zones 9 also extend upwards from the first end 3 towards the second end. The fixation zones 9 are also at the back part 21 of the pant 1 adapted to completely surround the pad accommodating zone 10. The fixation zones 9 shown in Fig. 4 also have a slight difference in position and configuration in relation to the position and configuration of the fixation zones 9 shown in Fig. 3. This is done to accommodate the anatomical difference between the front and back sides of the wearer as well as the front and back shapes of the pad.

The fixation zones 9 extending along the pad accommodating zone 10 are joined into one fixation zone 9' above the pad accommodating zone 10. The one fixation zone 9' extends up to the waistband portion 8. The one fixation zone 9' is broadening in a width direction from the pad accommodating zone 10 upwards to the waistband portion 8. As mentioned above, the fabric modulus of the one fixation zone 9' may vary from the third fabric modulus of the fixation zones 9 arranged around the pad accommodating zone 10. In fact, the fabric modulus of the one fixation zone 9' may decrease from the pad accommodating zone 10 to the waistband portion 8.

Additionally, as shown in the above-mentioned figures, the fixation zones 9 may be easily visible on the inside and/or outside of the pant 1 to facilitate easy, correct positioning of the absorbent pad and/or easy control of the absorbent pad position in the pant 1 by the caregiver or wearer. In an embodiment, the fixation zones 9 may be designed to be easily visible on the inside of the pant 1 and hardly visible on the outside, providing a certain discreetness when the pant 1 is worn while still being helpful when the pant and pad are mounted.

Also, as shown in Figs. 1-4, the lower end of the fixation zones 9 closest to the crotch portion 5 may be aligned with the groin of the wearer (not shown) to facilitate easy, correct positioning of the pant 1 and/or easy control of the position of the pant 1 on the wearers body. Furthermore, the fixation zones 9 may be adapted for partial or full cover and/or alignment with one or more edge(s) of a predetermined absorbent pad type in relation to their properties, such as size, thickness and/or capacity. Furthermore, the fixation zones 9 may be adapted for partial or full cover and/or alignment with one or more edge(s) of a predetermined absorbent pad or a selection of absorbent pads, the pant 1 being sold and marketed together with said absorbent pad(s) as an optimised two-piece system. This optimised two-piece system may even be provided in a kit together with other optimised continence or hygiene aids, such as wipes for washing the wearer's skin, latex gloves and a disposal bag, to make the pad changing process even easier, safer, less time consuming and self-explanatory.

Furthermore, the fixation zones 9 may be partly transparent so that the edges of the absorbent pad may be easily deducible through the pant 1, whereby correct positioning of the absorbent pad in the pant is facilitated and folds in the pad can easily be seen and corrected.

Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of a pant 100 according to the invention. The pant 100 of Fig. 5 is in this embodiment shown as a front part 20 of the pant 100. The pant 100 in this embodiment comprises an outer pant 50 which is attached to the pant 1 so that the pant 1 functions as an inner pant 1. The inner pant 1 is substantially identical to the pant described in Figs. 3 to 4 above. The outer pant 50 is designed with additional room in the tubular portion 51, the crotch portion 52 and in the leg openings 53, 54 so that the outer pant 50 may hide the shape of the absorbent pad, making it less visible. The pant shown in Fig. 5 is a boxer short type and is often preferred by male wearers.

The inner 1 and outer pants 50 are at least attached to each other at the waistband portion 8. The inner 1 and outer pants 50 are knitted in one piece during manufacturing, or they may be manufactured separately and subsequently be attached to each other. For instance, the inner pant may be knitted first, an d a row of courses is subsequently at least partly hung up in a waiting position on the knitting machine, after which the outer pant is knitted and the hung up courses are picked up to form a closed loop directly on the knitting machine. Also, the outer pant may be knitted first and the inner pant second. Fig. 6 shows the pant 100 of Fig. 5 seen from the back side.

In Fig. 7a, a cross-sectional view of pant 1 with an absorbent pad 15 is shown. The absorbent pad 15 comprises an absorbing area 16 as well as edges 17. The pant 1 comprises the crotch portion 5 which is adapted to accommodate the absorbent pad 15 and especially the absorbing area 16 of the pad. Furthermore, the fixation zones 9 and partly the tubular body portion 2 are shown. In this embodiment, the edges 17 of the absorbent pad 15 end within the fixation zones 9, and the fixation zones do not overlap with the absorbing area 16 of the pad. In this embodiment, additional power and pressure may be exerted to the pad edges 17 by the fixation zones 9, which means that the pad edges 17 are pressed tightly towards the wearer's skin (not shown).

Fig. 7b shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the pant 1 with an absorbent pad 15. In this embodiment, the edges 17 of the absorbent pad is partly positioned outside the fixation zones 9, and the fixation zones 9 partly overlap with the absorbing part of the pad 16. In this case, additional power and pressure may be exerted to the outer edges of the absorbing part of the pad 16 as well as to an area of the pad edges 17, which means that these areas are pressed tightly towards the wearer's skin (not shown). Many other positions of the absorbent pad in relation to the fixation zones are conceivable.

The above-mentioned pants 1, 100 may advantageously be manufactured on a circular body size knitting machine, e.g. the machine marketed by the Italian company Santoni. Such circular knitting machines are very flexible, and it is possible to set up the machine to enable incorporation of one or more properties into the knitted structures of the pant 1, 100 during manufacturing. These circular knitting machines are known per se and will not be described in detail. Another suitable technology for providing pants according to this invention is knitting each left and right pant sections separately on leg-size knitting machines (hosiery machines) and subsequently joining the two pieces, e.g. by sewing. It is also possible to use the more conventional method of sewing the pants from cut fabric parts (cut and sew technology). On a circular bodysize knitting machine, the fixation zones 9, 9' may be knitted in a less stretchy and/or higher stretch modulus knitting structure, causing the fixation zones 9, 9' to apply additional pressure to the edges of the absorbent pad. Hereby is obtained that the third fabric modulus of the fixation zones 9, 9' may be higher than the first and second modulus of the surrounding portions of the pant. An example of such a structure is integrating miss or tuck knitting constructions, or a combination of both, in the fixation zones, which can be done by needle selection on a Santoni bodysize knitting machine.

Also, the fixation zones 9, 9' may comprise stitches knitted with a shorter or longer stitch length than a stitch length in the surrounding portions of the pant. On a Santoni circular knitting machine, this may be done by adjusting the position of the stitch cam by means of e.g. a stepmotor, or in cases where elastane yarns is used by adjusting the feed on a positive feeding system.

Furthermore, the fixation zones 9, 9' may comprise different yarn types than the surrounding portions of the pant. Adding in additional yarns on some needles or rows or leaving out some of the yarns on some needles or rows can be done by means of needle selection and by controlling the yarn guides (yarn fingers).

The fixation zones 9, 9' may also be knitted with yarns in different colours, shine or texture than the surrounding portions of the pant to provide a mainly visible effect. This can also be done by needle selection and/or yarn finger control.

Additionally, the fixation zones 9, 9' may comprise more or fewer knitting rows than one or more of the surrounding portions of the pant. This may e.g. be done on a Santoni TL machine, for example by knitting more or less rows in the crotch portion than in the fixation zones.

Test for determining the elasticity of fabrics according to EN 14704-1

A 5 x 17 cm strip of fabric is placed between two clamps on a constant rate of extension (CRE) measuring device. The distance between the clamps is 10 cm. The strip is stretched and the elongation and force is measured. The clamps stop when the force reaches 5 N, and the force is gradually released by moving the clamps back to starting position at a predefined speed. The same fabric strip is stretched in two cycles. Evaluation of results

Modulus:

To calculate modulus, a straight line is drawn on the force-extension graphs for the load phase and the return phase respectively, and the x- and y-coordinates on the straight line drawn are used to calculate the slope. The x-coordinates represent the elongation in mm and the y-coordinates represent the force in N. The slope is the modulus with unit N/mm and is multiplied with 1000 to have N/m as unit:

y2— yl

— ^■ 1000 = a = modulus

x2— xl

The modulus is calculated both for the load phase and the return phase and indicates the elastic properties of the fabric. The higher the modulus, the greater the pull and fixation in the fabric. Elongation :

Elongation is the recorded extension of the strip at the second cycle at 5N applied force.

Examples

Four pants having areas of different elasticity according to the present invention were tested.

Pant 1 : Cotton 58%, polyamide 38% and elastane 4% pant, white colour, produced on a seamless machine from Santoni. The tubular body portion 2 is made as plain knit. The pad accommodating zone 10 is made with longer stitches compared to the tubular body portion. The longer stitches of the pad accommodating zone are made continuously on the knitting machine by moving the stitch cam position down in the pad accommodating zone. This is done electronically by changing the position of a step motor. Furthermore, the fixations zones 9 are made as plain knit and miss knitting structure in alternating knitting rows. The knitting configuration of the fixation zones 9 is a plain knit combined with miss stitches on every second needle, repeated for several knitting rows. The structure is interrupted by a plain knit structure where after the miss and knit structure is repeated. The one fixation zone 9' is made by miss and plain knit structures in a knitting configuration, which is different from the configuration of the fixation zones 9, as the plain knit area has been modified to a miss and knit structure on alternating needles on every second row.

Pant 2: Cotton 58%, polyamide 38% and elastane 4% pant, black colour, having the same configuration as pant 1.

Pant 3: Polyamide 96% and elastane 4% pant, white colour, having a pad accommodating zone and fixation zones 9, 9', made as plain knit and miss knitting structure in alternating knitting rows.

Pant 4: Polyamide pant 96% and elastane 4%, black colour, having the same configuration as pant 3.

The following test results were measured :

Table

Pant Zone Modulus load Modulus Elongation 5N

(N/m) return (N/m) (%)

1 Pad accommodating 16 13 166

zone

1 Fixation zones 9 93 53 48

1 Fixation zone 9' 90 48 49

1 Tubular body portion 80 30 68

2 Pad accommodating 40 20 110

zone

2 Fixation zones 9 104 50 42

2 Fixation zone 9' 100 47 41

2 Tubular body portion 87 47 47

3 Pad accommodating 25 11 182

zone

3 Fixation zones 9, 9' 49 30 86

3 Tubular body portion 30 17 145

4 Pad accommodating 43 25 98

zone

4 Fixation zones 9, 9' 60 40 58

4 Tubular body portion 50 34 78 Thus, the fabric modulus of the fixation zones is higher than the fabric modulus of the pad accommodating zone, which may be concluded from the above- mentioned tests. The second fabric modulus of the pad accommodating zone is between 10 and 50 N/m in a load phase and between 8 and 40 N/m in a return phase, and the third fabric modulus of the fixation zones is between 40 and 120 N/m in a load phase and between 25 and 70 N/m in a return phase.

Furthermore, the elongation or stretchability in the pad accommodating zone is between 50% and 400% higher than in the fixation zones. Also, the pad accommodating zone has an elongation or stretchability at 5N in the range 75% to 300%, and the fixation zones have an elongation or stretchability at 5N in the range 25% to 150%.

In this case, the fixation zones provide both a visible and a pressure increasing effect to the absorbent pad to minimise the risk of leakage.

For comparison, a conventional Santoni pant, without knitted-in fixation zones and pad accommodating zone, would have substantially the same stretch properties in the height and width direction, respectively, in all areas along the circumference of the tubular body portion.

The pant 1 may also be subject to after-treatment where one or more properties may be applied to the pant 1, so that the pant, especially the fixation zones, may be custom-made for an absorbent pad of specific and/or predetermined size, thickness and/or capacity. The after-treatment may for instance be heat-setting, moulding, lamination, printing, application of other materials, gluing, dyeing or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the fixation zones may comprise coloured stripes printed onto the pant fabric on the in or outside of the pant to provide visibility.

In a further embodiment, a separate material may be applied to the fixation zones by e.g . lamination, gluing or sewing. This could be in the form of an easy, visible material, a material with different stretch properties, a waterproof material, an adhesive, adhesive means, pocket-like structures or even a material that makes leakages highly visible and easily discoverable. In one embodiment, the fixation zones may also comprise components acting as sensors and sending out a signal when a leakage occurs.

Furthermore, it is possible to change the properties, i.e. the modulus and/or the elongation/stretchability, within the fixation zones, both in a longitudinal and/or a transverse direction of the fixation zones.

Furthermore, the knitting structure may be loosest in a centre of the crotch portion and gradually firmer towards the fixation zones. Also, the leg openings may be knitted with a looser knitting structure so that the leg openings have more room for the legs.

At least one area in the pad accommodating zone may be knitted in an open, transparent structure to make a visible wetness indicator on the pad observable through the pant. Furthermore, one or more sensor(s) may be arranged in predetermined area(s) of the pant for monitoring leakages or wetness of the pant during use, preferably in the fixation zones, overlaying the pad edges. Additionally, the pant may comprise water proof areas, skin moisturiser, antibacterial substances, odour control substances etc., adhesive means or a combination thereof.

Although the invention above has been described in connection with preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be evident for a person skilled in the art that several modifications are conceivable without departing from the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. Method for producing a weft-knitted pant, comprising the steps of:

- knitting a waistband portion at the second end, and

- knitting fixation zones arranged at least along both sides of the pad accommodating zone with at least a third fabric modulus being higher than the second fabric modulus, whereby the higher third fabric modulus of the fixation zones is adapted to provide fixation and pressure to edges of an absorbent pad accommodated in the pant during use to minimise the risk of leakage.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the second fabric modulus is between 10 and 50 N/m in a load phase and between 8 and 40 N/m in a return phase.

3. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the third fabric modulus is between 40 and 120 N/m in a load phase and between 25 and 70 N/m in a return phase.

4. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the third fabric modulus is between 50% and 600% higher than the second fabric modulus in the load phase and the return phase.

5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixation zones are knitted with a width, the width varying along its extension, being smallest at the first end of the pant.

6. Method according to claim 5, wherein the width of the fixation zones is knitted so that it varies between 1 mm and 140 mm.

7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the third fabric modulus is knitted so that it varies in a width and/or a length direction of the fixation zones.

8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second fabric modulus is knitted so that it varies in a width and/or a length direction of the pad accommodating zone.

9. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first fabric modulus is knitted so that it is lower than the third fabric modulus.

10. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first fabric modulus is knitted so that it varies in a width and/or a length direction of the tubular body portion.

11. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pad accommodating zone is knitted with a higher elongation or stretchabiiity than the fixation zones and/or the tubular portion.

12. Method according to claim 11, wherein the elongation or stretchabiiity of the pad accommodating zone is between 50% and 400% higher than the elongation of the fixation zones.

13. Method according to claims 11 or 12, wherein the elongation or stretchabiiity of the pad accommodating zone is knitted so that it varies in a width and/or length direction of the pad accommodating zone.

14. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixation zones are knitted so that they extend continuously from the waistband portion of the front part substantially downwards to the area between the leg openings and upwards to the waistband portion of the back part.

15. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixation zones are knitted so that they extend along the pad accommodating zone into one fixation zone in the front part and/or the back part above the pad accommodating zone.

16. Method according to claims 15, wherein the one fixation zone extends up to the waistband portion.

17. Method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the one fixation zone is knitted with a fabric modulus being different, preferably smaller, than the third fabric modulus of the fixation zones.

18. Method according to any of the claims 15 to 17, wherein the one fixation zone is broadening in a width direction from the pad accommodating zone upwards to the waistband portion.

19. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixation zones are knitted with a visibly different fabric structure or pattern than the surrounding portions.

20. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixation zones are provided with a different optical appearance than the surrounding portions of the pant.

21. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixation zones are knitted with a different combination of yarns than the surrounding portions of the pant.

22. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pant is knitted with yarns made of polyester, polyamide, polypropylene, cotton, acrylic, viscose, wool, elastane, rubber, latex-free rubber or a combination thereof.

23. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixation zones are knitted with stitches having shorter stitch lengths than a stitch length in the surrounding portions of the pant.

24. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixation zones are knitted with fewer knitting rows than the surrounding portions of the pant.

25. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixation zones are knitted with a miss and knit structure on every second needle on every knitting row.

26. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixation zones are knitted with a miss and knit structure on every second alternating needle on every alternating knitting row.

27. Method according to any of the claims 23 to 26, wherein the fixation zones are knitted with a different fabric modulus and/or elongation in different areas and/or extensions of the fixation zones by applying two or more knitting techniques.

28. Method according to any of the claims 23 to 27, wherein the fixation zones are knitted with a miss and knit structure on every second needle, repeated for several knitting rows, and the one fixation zone is knitted with a miss and knit structure on every second alternating needle on every alternating knitting row.

29. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the crotch portion is knitted with a knitting structure being loosest in a centre of the crotch portion and gradually becoming firmer towards the fixation zones.

30. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the leg openings are knitted with a looser knitting structure so that the leg openings have more room for the legs.

31. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one area in the pad accommodating zone is knitted in an open, transparent structure to provide a visible wetness indicator on the pad, observable through the pant.

32. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the portions, zones and areas of the pant are knitted by applying a plurality of different knitting techniques and different combinations of yarns.

33. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pant is provided with after-treatment, the after-treatment being heat-setting, moulding, lamination, printing, application of a different material, gluing, dyeing or a combination thereof.

34. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixation zones or pad accommodating zone are provided with a visible effect, such as a line, a dot or the like, which is used for alignment with a corresponding effect on the absorbent pad.

35. Method according to claim 1, wherein the pant is seamlessly circularly knitted on a bodysize or legsize machine.

36. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an outer pant is attached to the pant so that the pant functions as an inner pant, the outer pant being provided with additional room in the tubular portion, the crotch portion and in the leg openings, enabling the outer pant to hide the shape of an absorbent pad, thereby making it less visible.

37. Method according to claim 36, wherein the inner and outer pants are knitted in one piece during manufacturing.

38. Method according to claim 36, wherein the inner pant is knitted first, and a row of courses is subsequently at least partly hung up in a waiting position on the knitting machine, after which the outer pant is knitted and the hung up courses are picked up to form a closed loop directly on the knitting machine.

39. Method according to claim 38, wherein the outer pant is knitted first and the inner pant is knitted second.

40. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pad accommodating zone is provided with fastening means adapted to secure and position an absorbent pad.

41. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pad accommodating zone is knitted with a loop structure enabling easier securing of the fastening means, such as hook type fastening means, arranged on an absorbent pad to the pad accommodating zone.