Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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The invention relates to a novel stocking for
ladies. More specifically, the invention relates to such a
stocking which provides ext~a comfort by relieving, instead
of causing, pressure along an elasticized open end thereof.
It is known in the art to provide s-tockings having
elasticized bands at the open ends thereof. Such stockings
are illustrated in, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 3,625,029,
Safrit et al, December 7, 1971, 3,800,331, Taddeo, April 2,
1974, 3,590,390, Howard et al, July 6, 1971, and 3,501,774
Norman, March 2~, 1970. The disadvantage of the prior art
stockings is, when worn, the elasticized band contrac-ts
around -the thigh of the wearer causing pressure and
discomfort to the wearer.
It is an object of the invention to provide ladies
stockings which overcome the disadvantages of the prior art
stockings.
More specifically, it is an object of the
invention to provide ladies stockings with elasticized bands
which relieve, instead of causing, -pressure along the
elasticized open end thereof.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a
garter belt and ladies stockings combination.
In accordance with the invention, the elasticized
open end is in the shape of an inverted V.
The invention wi11 be better understood by an
examination of the following description, together with the
accompanying drawing, in which:
The single Figure illustrates the novel stockings
in perspective and also illustrates a garter belt
arrangement for supporting the s-tockings.
Referring to the drawing, the novel stocking in
accordance with the invention, illustrated generally at 1,
comprises a foot portion 3, having a first, closed, end 5
and a second, open, end 6. The stocking also includes an
elongated tubular leg portion 7 having a first end connected
to the second end of the elongated foot portion. The second
end of the elongated tubular leg portion 9 is an open end
and is in the shape of an inverted V. An elastic band 11 is
disposed adjacent to the peripheral edge of the second
opened leg of the leg portion. The elastic band may either
be encased between two layers of the material of the
stocking, or it may be adhered to the inner side of the
stocking. Affixing the elastic band to the top edge of the
s-tocking may be done by any means well known in the ar-t.
The stocking may also include a gar-ter attachment
13, which, as can be seen, is a continuation of the elastic
band, for attachment to garters 15 of garter belt 17.
Preferably, 13 is attached to 15 by hook and eye fasteners
as shown in the drawing. However, velcro pads, or other
means well known in the art, may be used for this purpose.
In operation, when the stocking is worn as
illustrated in the Figure, an upward pulling force is
applied by the garters 15, through the garter support 13, to
the elastic band. This force, because it is being applied
to an elastic band, is evenly distributed over the entire
band. Thus, a relatively small force will support the
stocking from the single point as compared with prior art
belts which required support at both the front and rear of
the stockings, i.e., at two points. Provision of the
elastic band at the peripheral edge ensures that the
stocking will not crawl down at any part of the top edge but
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will remain smartly in place in spite of the single point
support. At the same time, it will do so without requiring
a strong enough stretch on the elastic band which will dig
in-to the thigh of -the wearer causing a blockage of blood
circulation as well as other discomforts to the wearer as in
the prior art stockings with elasticized bands as described
in the above-identified U.S. patents.
In a preferred embodiment, the stretch of the
elasticized material forming the band, i.e., the increase in
leng-th of the elastic band when stretched while having~a
total stretch capacitiy of 100%, is less than or equal to
17~% in order to mi-tigate against excess contraction of the
elasticized band when it is released to thereby dig into -the
thigh of the wearer.
Although a single embodiment has been described,
this was for the purpose of illustrati.ng, but not limiting,
the invention. Various modifications, which will come
readily -to the mind of one skilled in the art, are within
the scope of the invention as defined in the appended
claims.
