BACKGROUND Certain garments suitable for wearing on the human body may require a secure fit to prevent them from slipping or sagging. The typical human body possesses many areas which are typically wider than their adjacent or nearby areas. For example, the hips are typically wider than the waist, the chest is typically wider than the neck, and the calf is typically wider than the knee. Thus, in order to properly fit, garments for these areas of the body often contain a wider portion adjacent or close to a more narrow portion. This is especially true for tight-fitting and/or elastic garments which are designed to closely follow the contours of the body such as, spandex exercise clothes, diapers, swimsuits, etc.

However, if the wider portions possess too small of a circumference, or the elastic tension is too strong, such garments may constrict the body too tightly, or be uncomfortable to wear. As consumers prefer comfortable garments, it is desirable to make such garments fit the body's contours, without unduly constricting the body.

To provide such comfortable and better fitting garments, it is desirable to be able to measure the characteristics of, for example, both the waist and hip portions of a garment. This is especially true for garments which are to directly touch the skin, or are to be worn under another set of clothes. Such garments often require a closer, more comfortable fit, and yet should also be designed to reduce the potential for redness, irritation, skin abrasion, rashes, etc. Thus, it is

highly desirable to be able to measure the tension or force exerted, as a function of the circumference.

However, it is difficult to measure such characteristics of a garment, especially when a wider portion (e. g., a hip portion) adjoins a more narrow portion (e. g., a waist portion). This is because the more narrow portion is usually on the edge and therefore blocks direct measurement of the wider portion, which is usually towards the"center"of the garment. While the wider portion could be measured from the exterior (e. g., non-body-facing side) of the garment, this measurement may not be accurate, especially where the garment's thickness is uneven, or variable depending upon the tension exerted.

The current measuring methods which provide measurements from the interior (e. g., the body-facing side) of the garment therefore require that the more narrow portion of the garment first be cut away, or removed, in order to accurately measure the characteristics of the wider portion. This is especially the case with, for example, pants-type garments, in which the characteristics of the wider portion can not be accurately measured by merely turning the garment up- side down. Methods and apparatuses for measuring garment characteristics, such as circumference and tension are known, but are unsuitable for accurately measuring the characteristics of the wider portion of a garment, without damaging the more narrow portion adjoining it.

Accordingly, the need remains for a measuring apparatus suitable for non- destructively measuring a garment's wider portion characteristics. The need also remains for a non-destructive method for measuring a garment's wider portion characteristics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a measuring apparatus comprising a first pole and a second pole, the first pole being in spaced relation to the second pole.

The first pole and the second pole each have both a first diameter and a second diameter. The first diameter of each pole is larger than the corresponding second diameter of the same pole. A separator is also provided for varying the distance between the first pole and the second pole, while a measuring device is provided for measuring the distance between the first pole and the second pole.

A force gauge is provided for measuring the force required by the separator to vary the distance between the first pole and the second pole.

The present invention also relates to a method for non-destructively measuring the wider portion characteristic of a garment. This method comprises the steps of providing the measuring apparatus described herein, and providing a garment having a wider portion and a more narrow portion, the wider portion having wider portion characteristic. The method also comprises the steps of placing the garment over the first pole and the second pole by aligning the wider portion of the garment with the first diameter of the first pole and the first diameter of the second pole, and measuring the wider portion characteristic of the garment.

It has now been found that a measuring apparatus having at least two poles, each having at least two diameters can non-destructively measure a garment's wider portion characteristics from the body-facing side of the garment.

The measuring apparatus allows measurement of the garment's wider portion characteristic, while reducing or avoiding interference caused by the garment's more narrow portion. Additionally, the present invention allows one to easily and accurately analyze the correlation between a garment's wider portion circumference and wider portion tension. Furthermore, it has now been found that the present invention can also provide accurate measurements of, for example, the wider portion circumference when the wider portion tension is zero.

The data provided by the measuring apparatus and measuring method herein allows one to produce better fitting, and more comfortable garments which possess an improved sustained fit, and yet reduce the potential to cause redness, irritation, skin abrasion, and rashes. The present invention is especially advantageous for measuring the hip characteristic of a pants-type garment.

These and other features, aspects, advantages, and variations of the present invention, and the embodiments described herein, will become evident to those skilled in the art from a reading of the present disclosure with the appended claims, and are covered within the scope of these claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description of preferred, nonlimiting embodiments and representations taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective side view of a measuring apparatus; Fig. 2 is a side view of a computerized measuring apparatus; Fig. 3 is a schematic for calculating the circumference of a garment; Fig. 4 is a simplified perspective side view of a measuring apparatus with three poles; Fig. 5A is a side view of the second pole of Fig. 4; Fig. 5B is a side perspective view of a pole; Fig. 5C is a side perspective view of a pair of angled poles; and Fig. 5D is a side view of a pair of poles with a plurality of discs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION All cited references are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Citation of any reference is not an admission regarding any determination as to its availability as prior art to the claimed invention. The drawings herein are not necessarily drawn to scale.

The term"pants"as used herein includes all forms of slacks, shorts, underwear, diapers, etc. which cover the hips.

The term"tension"as used herein, refers to the force tending to restore the shape of an extended, elastic garment.

The term"wider portion"as used herein, refers to a portion of a garment which is to be measured with the present invention, while the term"more narrow portion"refers to an adjacent or nearby portion of the garment which, if not for the present invention, would interfere with the measurement of the wider portion characteristic. Thus, the more narrow portion and the wider portion are paired together in a garment. For example, associated"more narrow portions"and "wider portions"may include, respectively, the waist portion and hip portion of a pants-type garment, the neck portion and chest portion of a shirt-type garment, the knee portion and calf portion of a long sock or leg-covering garment, etc.

The term"wider portion characteristic"as used herein includes the wider portion circumference, the wider portion tension, and combinations thereof.

Similarly, the term"hip characteristic"as used herein includes the hip circumference, the hip tension, and combinations thereof.

Measurina Apparats

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows a side perspective view of a measuring apparatus, 10, of the present invention, having a base, 12, to which is attached a first pole, 14. A second pole, 16, is provided which is in spaced relation to the first pole, 14, and moveable relative to the first pole, 14. The second pole, 16, is secured to the base, 12, via a frame, 18, which maintains the orientation and alignment of the first pole, 14, and the second pole, 16, as it is moved back and forth. As shown in Fig. 1, it is preferred, but not required, that the first pole and the second pole be substantially parallel to each other. It is essential that the first pole and/or the second pole be moveable relative to each other, so that the operator is able to vary the distance between them, preferably in an incremental manner. Thus, as seen in Fig. 1, the frame is typically a sliding framework having at least one rail, preferably from one to three rails upon which at least one of the first pole and the second pole moves. For example, the first pole may be fixed in place, while the second pole is moveable (as in Fig. 1), or visa-versa. Alternatively, both the first pole and the second pole may be moveable, either together, or independently of each other. Additional moveable and/or stationary poles may also be useful herein. In a preferred embodiment (Fig. 4), the measuring apparatus contains more than one moveable pole, preferably from about two to about ten moveable poles, each having an independent direction of movement. Preferably, each movable pole has its own sliding framework, and at least one, more preferably one to three rails, upon which each sliding framework moves. Preferably, the measuring apparatus further comprises a third pole, and more preferably the measuring apparatus comprises from about three poles to about ten poles, in total, these poles being in spaced relation to the first pole.

The first pole, 14, and the second pole, 16, each possess a first diameter, 20, and a second diameter, 22. For these two poles, the first diameter, 20, is larger than that pole's corresponding second diameter, 22. It is at the first diameter, 22, that the wider portion (see Fig. 2 at 44) of the garment is aligned for measuring. The first diameter preferably extends beyond the second diameter at substantially all points where the garment is to contact the first diameter. This allows the operator to place the garment over the first pole and second pole, and avoids interference with the measurements by the garment's more narrow portion. Both the first diameter and the second diameter are measured in the direction of movement of the pole (s). For a stationary (non-moveable) pole, the

first diameter and the second diameter of the stationary pole is measured opposite from the moveable pole's direction of movement. In the case of parallel poles, this measurement is within the plane defined by the first pole and the second pole (see Fig. 3 at 50). The transition from the first diameter to the second diameter may be either abrupt, as seen in Fig. 1, or may be gradual (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 5B), so as to form an angled, or curved first pole and/or second pole. Such a gradual transition may be desirable, for example, to mimic the contours of the body. Typically, the pole is a straight pole; however, curved and/or angled poles (see. Fig. 5C, and Fig. 5D, respectively) are also useful herein.

It is recognized that the actual dimensions of the measuring apparatus, the first pole, the second pole, and especially the first diameter, and the second diameter will vary greatly depending upon the type, shape, and portion of the garment to be measured and the portion of the body upon which the garment is to be worn. Specific, preferred ranges of the first pole, second pole, first diameter, and second diameter measurements are described, below.

Similarly, the length of the first pole, the second pole, and any additional poles may vary greatly according to the intended use of the measuring apparatus. The length of such poles should take into account the size of the garment to be measured, as well as the type of garment. Thus, in order to measure a shirt, for example, the length of the poles should approximate the chest, or the torso over which the shirt is to fit. Furthermore, the length of the second diameter is dependent upon how thick the more narrow portion of the garment is, and therefore, how deep into the center of the garment the second diameter needs to extend.

More specifically, when the measuring apparatus is intended for measuring child, infant, or similarly-sized pants such as diapers, the first pole, the second pole, and any other additional poles are typically from about 5 cm to about 15 cm, preferably from about 8 cm to about 13 cm in length. This length corresponds to the region of the pole that the garment will typically cover, when the garment is correctly aligned on the measuring apparatus. Of this length, the second diameter typically makes up at least about 2 cm, preferably about 3 cm to about 5 cm. Furthermore, the length of the first diameter will typically be from about 1 cm to about 10 cm, preferably from about 2 cm to about 8 cm, and more preferably from about 2.5 cm to about 6 cm. When measured in the plane

defined by the first pole and the second pole, the second diameter is typically at least about 0.5 cm, preferably from about 1 cm to about 4 cm smaller than the first diameter.

When the measuring apparatus is intended for measuring adult-sized garments such as pants, the first pole, the second pole, and any other additional poles are typically from about 10 cm to about 40 cm, preferably from about 12 cm to about 35 cm in length. This length corresponds to the region of the pole that the garment will typically cover, when the garment is correctly aligned on the measuring apparatus. Of this length, the second diameter typically makes up at least about 2 cm, preferably about 2 cm to about 10 cm, and more preferably from about 3 cm to about 8 cm. Furthermore, the length of the first diameter will typically be from about 8 cm to about 50 cm, preferably from about 10 cm to about 25 cm. When measured in the plane defined by the first pole and the second pole, the second diameter is typically at least about 0.5 cm, preferably from about 2 cm to about 49 cm, and more preferably from about 5 cm to about 24 cm smaller than the first diameter.

When the measuring apparatus is intended for measuring sleeves, socks, or similarly-sized garments (or portions of garments), the first pole, the second pole, and any other additional poles are typically from about 3 cm to about 70 cm, preferably from about 10 cm to about 50 cm in length. This length corresponds to the region of the pole that the garment will typically cover, when the garment is correctly aligned on the measuring apparatus. Of this length, the second diameter typically makes up at least about 2 cm, preferably about 3 cm to about 45 cm. Furthermore, the length of the first diameter will typically be from about 1 cm to about 10 cm, preferably from about 1.5 cm to about 8 cm. When measured in the plane defined by the first pole and the second pole, the second diameter is typically at least about 0.25 cm, preferably from about 0.5 cm to about 9 cm, and more preferably from about 0.5 cm to about 7 cm smaller than the first diameter.

In a preferred embodiment, the first pole and second pole are removable poles. Such a feature allows poles of different sizes and different diameters to be easily affixed and removed from the measuring apparatus. Such removable poles may be affixed and removed with or without attachments, for example, screws, snaps, sliding locks, etc. Such attachments may prevent the poles from rotating relative to each other, and/or sliding out of place. In a preferred

embodiment, the removable poles may also be placed up-side down, so as to allow easier measurement of the narrow portion characteristics of a garment, or a different-sized garment.

In Fig. 1, the first pole, 14, and second pole, 16, are both depicted as round poles; however, this is not necessary. One or more non-round first poles and/or non-round second poles are also useful herein. Typically, the shape of both the first pole and second pole, especially the first diameter of the first pole, and the second pole, will at least partially correspond to the cross-sectional shape of a body portion. This body portion in turn, should correspond to where the garment is to be worn. Accordingly, the shape of the first diameter is preferably selected from the group consisting of a round or rounded shape, a hemi-cylindrical shape, an oval shape, and combinations thereof, as these the shapes are conducive to accurately measuring garments (or portions thereof) which are to be worn on human bodies. As noted above, one or more additional stationary and/or moveable poles may also be provided. If multiple moveable poles are provided (see, e. g., Fig. 4), then it is highly desirable that their overall shape approximate the cross-sectional of a portion of the human body, and that their overall direction of movement be radially outward from a central point.

In Fig. 1, a force gauge, 24, is located between the second pole, 16, and a screw-shaft, 26. The force gauge, 24, useful herein measures the amount of force required to separate the first pole, 14, and the second pole, 16, a given distance. The force gauge is preferably a pus-pull force gauge, or an electronic force gauge which measures the force exerted, preferably in kilograms. When a garment is aligned on the measuring apparatus, with the wider portion corresponding to the first diameter (see Fig. 2), this force may be expressed as the garment's wider portion tension at the given separation.

In Fig. 1, the separator is represented by the screw shaft, 26, and a hand crank, 28, which are both affixed to the base, 12. The operator turns the hand crank, 28, to vary the distance between the first pole, 14, and the second pole, 16. Other separators are also useful herein. A preferred separator includes elastic, a hand crank, a hydraulic shaft, a pneumatic shaft, a screw shaft, a spring, an electric motor, a stepper motor, a manual separator (e. g., manually pulling or pushing), and combinations thereof. The preferred separators useful herein are able to vary the distance between the first pole and the second pole incrementally. This may be achieved at either a constant, or a variable speed.

Affixed to the base, 12, is a ruler, 30. A pointer, 32, affixed to the second pole, 16, indicates on the ruler, 30, the distance between the first pole, 14, and the second pole, 16. Together, the ruler, 30, and the pointer, 32, provide a measuring device which measures the distance between the first pole, 14, and the second pole, 16. This allows the user to easily determine the wider portion circumference. More specifically, as seen in Fig. 3, the measuring device typically measures the distance between the garment's contact area on the first pole, and the garment's contact area on the second pole. A preferred measuring device includes manual measuring devices, electronic measuring devices, and automatic measuring devices, more preferably a ruler, a scale, a pointer, and combinations thereof. In a highly preferred embodiment, the measuring device is combined with the separator.

In Fig. 1, the first pole, 14, and the second pole, 16, each contain an optional indicator mark, 34, which helps the operator to correctly align and position the garment onto the measuring apparatus. The preferred indicator marks include notations such as characters, symbols, and lines, as well as physical tabs, pins, and platforms which physically prevent the operator from mis- positioning the garment.

Fig. 2 provides a side view of a computerized measuring apparatus, 10.

The computer, 36, controls the measuring apparatus, 10, and automatically measures the wider portion characteristic of the garment. Control and data connectors, 38, connect the computer, 36, with the force gauge, 24, and the stepper motor, 40. The control and data connectors, 38, are typically wires which control the stepper motor, 40, and receive data from the force gauge, 24, and the stepper motor, 40. The computer, 36, then receives the data from the force gauge, 24, and the stepper motor, 40, to calculate and analyze the wider portion characteristics of the garment. In Fig. 2, the stepper motor, 40, serves both as a separator, and as a measuring device. A stepper motor, or similar separator is highly preferred, because it may vary the distance between the first pole and the second pole, while simultaneously accurately measuring this distance.

In Fig. 2, the first pole, 14, and the second pole, 16, each include a disc, 42, attached thereto. In this embodiment, the discs, 42, are attached to the upper portions of the first pole, 14, and the second pole, 16. In this preferred embodiment, the first diameter (see Fig. 3 at 18) is measured as the diameter of the disc, 42, which is part of the first pole, 14, and the second pole, 16. In this

preferred embodiment, the first pole, 14, and the second pole, 16, and their respective discs, 42, are the same size, and mirror-images of each other. The disc may be of any shape, but is preferably round, hemi-cylindrical, or oval, as these are the shapes most conducive to accurately measuring garments to be worn on human bodies. The number of discs per pole is dependent upon the shape to be measured, and the resolution desired. In a preferred embodiment, the first pole and the second pole each contain at least one, preferably from about one to about five discs, attached to each pole. If multiple discs are present, then they may be of the same, or differing shapes, sizes, thicknesses, and/or diameters. In a preferred embodiment, multiple discs may be grouped together, or spaced out to simulate specific body portions. Each disc is preferably from about 0.1 cm to about 9 cm, more preferably from about 0.5 cm to about 4.5 cm thick. Thicker discs may also be preferable to reduce slippage of the garment to be measured. In a preferred embodiment, the disc may be raised or lowered along the first pole and/or second pole, to vary the distance between the disc, 42, and the base, 12. This allows the operator to customize the height of the disc to measure different garments, and/or different portions of the same garment.

Fig. 2 also depicts the broken outline of a garment, in this case, a diaper, 44, having a wider portion, 46, and a more narrow portion, 48. The diaper, 44, is placed over the discs, 42, of the first pole, 14, and the second pole, 16. The wider portion, 46, is aligned with, and contacts the disc, 42, of the first pole, 14, and the disc, 42, of the second pole, 16. When the diaper is thus placed and aligned on the measuring apparatus, the more narrow portion, 48, touches neither the first pole, 14, nor the second pole, 16. Thus, the wider portion characteristic may be easily and accurately measured, without interference from the more narrow portion.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic for calculating the circumference of the garment.

Fig. 3 represents a top view of the first pole, 14, and the second pole, 16, of Fig.

2. A plane, 50, is formed by the first pole, 14, and the second pole, 16. The plane, 50, also corresponds to the direction of movement of the poles. Both the first diameter, 20, and the second diameter, 22, are measured in the plane, 50.

This corresponds to the direction of the force exerted as the first pole, 14, and the second pole, 16, move apart. The first diameter, 20, is measured as the flat side of a disc, which is hemi-cylindrical in shape. The contact area of the

garment's wider portion (see Fig. 2 at 46) against the first pole, 14, is represented by arc AB. The contact area of the garment's wider portion (see Fig.

2 at 46) against the second pole, 16, is represented by arc CD. The distance, 5, between the first pole and the second pole is indicated by broken lines AC and BD. Accordingly, the circumference of this portion of the garment is calculated, preferably in centimeters, by the following equation: Circumference = length of arc AB + length of arc CD + 26. In Fig. 3, the length of arc AB and the length of arc CD are equal, but this is merely a preferred embodiment. A measuring apparatus wherein the arc AB and the arc CD are of different lengths is also encompassed herein. Similarly, a measuring apparatus wherein the first diameter of the first pole is different from the first diameter of the second pole is specifically encompassed herein.

Fig. 4 shows a simplified perspective side view of a measuring apparatus with three poles. Each pole has multiple diameters, and its own independent direction of movement. Although not required, in this preferred embodiment, each pole's direction of movement generally extends radially outward from a central point. The first pole, 14, has a curved shape to simulate a portion of the body. As such it is recognized that the first pole, 14, has virtually an infinite number of diameters therein, including the first diameter, 20, and the second diameter, 22. In an embodiment, such as Fig. 4, which has three or more poles, the first diameter, 20, and second diameter, 22, of each pole is measured along the direction of movement for that pole. The second pole, 16, and the third pole, 52, are different in shape from the first pole, 14. The second pole, 16, and the third pole, 52, each have three distinct diameters (see Fig. 5). As with two-pole embodiments, the circumference of the garment is calculated as the sum of the length of each contact area on each of the poles + sum of the distance between adjoining contact area edges.

Fig. 5A shows a side view of the second pole of Fig. 4. The second pole, 16, has three distinct diameters. The first diameter, 20, is larger than both the second diameter, 22, and the third diameter, 54.

Fig. 5B shows a side perspective view of a pole useful in the present invention. Such a pole is especially suitable to simulate the hips.

Fig. 5C shows a side perspective view of a pair of angled poles useful herein. Each pole terminates in a disc. In this preferred embodiment, the poles

are affixed to the measuring apparatus so that only the discs contact the garment to be measured. Other curved poles are also useful herein.

Fig. 5D shows a side view of a pair of poles having a plurality of discs.

The first pole, 14, has five discs, 42, attached thereto, while the second pole, 16, has four discs, 42, attached thereto. Each pole is angled and attached so as to minimize interference with the more narrow portion of the garment. The number of discs on each pole need not be equal, nor have the same diameters.

Furthermore, as the human body is not always symmetrical, the poles need not be mirror images of each other (see also Fig. 4). Other angled and multiple-disc poles are also useful herein.

The measuring apparatus, base, first pole, second pole, separator, measuring device, etc. may be formed of virtually any material, or combinations of materials. Preferred materials include metal, plastic, rubber, resin, and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the base, separator, and measuring device are formed of metal, while the first pole and second pole are formed of plastic, or resin, more preferably polyacetal resin.

In a highly preferred embodiment, the first diameter is formed of a resilient material, which is resilient, but not overly deformable. The resiliency of the preferred materials approximate the resiliency of human skin and body. A preferred resilient material is selected from the group consisting of rubber, plastic, silicone rubber, foam rubber surrounding a harder core, cloth surrounding a harder core, and combinations thereof.

Method of Use A garment is provided which has at least one wider portion (see Fig. 2 at 46) and at least one more narrow portion (see Fig. 2 at 48). The garment also contains one or more openings through which a body part is intended to protrude. Typically, the opening, such as a neck hole, a waist hole, a leg hole, etc., is at an edge of the garment. This opening typically corresponds to the more narrow portion of the garment. Thus, the wider portion (see Fig. 2 at 46) of the garment is typically towards the center of the garment, e. g., further from the opening of the garment. Accordingly, the garment's more narrow portion would prevent, or interfere with measurement of the garment's wider portion if, for example, the first pole and the second pole were a single diameter throughout.

However, as the present measuring apparatus has a first pole and a second pole

each having at least a first diameter and a second diameter, the wider portion characteristic of such garments may be easily and non-destructive measured. It is recognized herein that the present invention is applicable to measuring the wider portion characteristic of a variety of garments. Nonlimiting examples of such garments include, pants, shirts, socks, blouses, underwear, etc.

The method of the present invention provides and employs the measuring apparatus described herein. The garment is placed onto the measuring apparatus by inserting the first pole and the second pole into the garment opening, and into the interior of the garment. At this point, the first pole and the second pole are typically at a minimal separation, so as to allow the garment to be easily aligned upon the measuring apparatus. The wider portion of the garment is aligned with the first diameter of the first pole and the first diameter of the second pole, as depicted in Fig. 2.

Alternatively, if the garment has more than one opening, then the first pole may be inserted into one opening, and the second pole may be inserted into a different opening. For example, to measure the hip characteristic of a pair of shorts, the first pole may be inserted into the right leg opening, while the second pole may be inserted into the left leg opening. However, in such a situation, the garment portions between the two openings may affect the measurements obtained.

Once the garment is properly aligned, the operator, or preferably the computer, increases the distance between the first pole and the second pole with the separator, until the desired circumference or tension is reached. The operator, or preferably the computer, then measures the wider portion characteristic of the garment by collecting data from the measuring device, the force gauge, and combinations thereof. The data provided is extremely accurate in measuring the wider portion characteristic without interference from the more narrow portion. This data may be collecte simultaneously, or incrementally, as preferred. Once the wider portion characteristic is measured, the distance between the first pole and the second pole may be reduced, and the undamaged garment removed. The above measuring method thus provides the desired measurements without any damage occurring to the garment itself.

Additionally, this method provides an accurate measurement of the wider portion circumference under relaxed conditions, e. g., when the wider portion tension is zero. To do so, the garment is placed upon the measuring apparatus,

and aligned as described above. The distance between the first pole and second pole is then increased until tension begins to register. This distance is then decreased, preferably slowly, until the force meter indicates that no wider portion tension is present, and the circumference calculated. Alternatively, the wider portion circumference under relaxed conditions may be extrapolated from the data collected.

In a highly preferred embodiment, as seen in Fig. 2, the present method is used for measuring the hip characteristic of a pants-type garment. The prior art can not accurately measure a pants-type garment's hip characteristic, because in addition to the waist portion, the garment's legs and/or leg openings may also interfere with the measurements of the hip characteristic. However, the present invention conveniently and accurately measures the hip characteristic of the hip portion of a pants-type garment. Thus, the measuring apparatus herein may be used to measure the hip characteristic of a pants-type garment, more preferably a pull-on diaper and/or adult incontinence pants.

In a highly preferred embodiment, as seen in Fig. 2, a computer is connected to the force gauge, the separator, and/or the measuring device, and adapted to automatically control them and receive data from them. The computer then analyzes the data, and presents it in an easy-to-read format, such as a graph, chart, or table. It is especially desirable for the computer to provide a correlation between the wider portion circumference and the wider portion tension. It is preferable for the computer to automatically calculate the wider portion circumference.

It is also recognized that by aligning the more narrow portion of the garment with the first diameter of the first pole and the first diameter of the second pole, the more narrow portion characteristics (e. g., the more narrow portion circumference, and/or the more narrow portion tension) may also be measured. Alternatively, it is recognized that a measuring apparatus may also simultaneously measure both the wider portion characteristics of a garment as well as the more narrow portion characteristics of a garment. Such a measuring apparatus may include, for example, a measuring apparatus as described herein, as well as additional poles, diameters, discs, frames, or combinations thereof.

Such a measuring apparatus is also encompassed herein. With such modifications, the operator may measure the more narrow portions of a garment either while the wider portion is under tension, or under relaxed conditions.

The measuring apparatus herein also allows the measurement of a garment's wider portion characteristic in a variety of orientations, for example from side-to-side, or from front-to-back, merely by turning the orientation of the garment.

It is understood that the embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes will be suggested to one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.