Seamlessly knitted structure and a male garment comprising the same

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to a seamlessly knitted structure (100) for a male garment (200), the knitted structure (100) comprising: a main fabric layer (110); a support fabric layer (120) knitted to the main fabric layer (110), the support fabric layer (120) formed of a stiffer material than the main fabric layer (110); and a pouch fabric layer (130) knitted to and extending outwardly from the main fabric layer (110) and supported by the support fabric layer (120), the pouch fabric layer (130) forming a pouch space for accommodating a groin region of a male user wearing the male garment (200) comprising the knitted structure (100).

1 . A seamlessly knitted structure for a male garment, the knitted structure comprising:
 a main fabric layer;   a support fabric layer knitted to the main fabric layer, the support fabric layer formed of a stiffer material than the main fabric layer; and   a pouch fabric layer knitted to and extending outwardly from the main fabric layer and supported by the support fabric layer, the pouch fabric layer forming a pouch space for accommodating a groin region of a male user wearing the male garment comprising the knitted structure.   
     
     
         2 . The knitted structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the support fabric layer comprises a double jersey knit structure, a spacer structure, or a plated structure. 
     
     
         3 . The knitted structure according to  claim 1 , further comprising a functional layer knitted to the pouch fabric layer and disposed within the pouch space. 
     
     
         4 . The knitted structure according to  claim 3 , wherein the functional layer is configured for absorbing and/or wicking moisture. 
     
     
         5 . The knitted structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the main fabric layer comprises frictional yarns along peripheral edges of the main fabric layer. 
     
     
         6 . The knitted structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the main fabric layer comprises a mesh or porous structure. 
     
     
         7 . The knitted structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the main fabric layer comprises first fabric areas adjacent to the support fabric layer, such that when the male garment is worn by the male user, the first fabric areas are aligned to the groin region and inner thigh regions of the male user. 
     
     
         8 . The knitted structure according to  claim 7 , wherein the first fabric areas comprise a smooth material. 
     
     
         9 . The knitted structure according to  claim 7 , wherein the main fabric layer comprises second fabric areas adjacent to the first fabric areas, such that when the male garment is worn by the male user, the second fabric areas are aligned to the sartorius muscles of the male user. 
     
     
         10 . The knitted structure according to  claim 9 , wherein the second fabric areas comprise a mesh or porous structure. 
     
     
         11 . The knitted structure according to  claim 9 , wherein the second fabric areas comprise a substantially inelastic material and/or frictional yarns. 
     
     
         12 . A male garment comprising a fabric body and the knitted structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the knitted structure is joined to the fabric body. 
     
     
         13 . The male garment according to  claim 12 , wherein the knitted structure is stitched to the fabric body. 
     
     
         14 . The male garment according to  claim 12 , wherein the knitted structure is seamlessly knitted together with the fabric body. 
     
     
         15 . A method of producing the knitted structure according to  claim 1 , the method comprising seamlessly knitting the knitted structure using a knitting machine. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the knitting machine is a V-bed flat knitting machine.