Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of clothing and garments.

Background

[0002] Clothing articles and clothes are typically formed of textile material and are worn on the body. Clothes are worn for various purposes, for example, to keep the human body warm in a cold weather, to protect the human body from rough surfaces or insects or plants, to provide a hygienic barrier between the human body and the environment, to protect the human body from ultraviolet radiation, to cover genitals, for social reasons or as fashion, or the like.

Summary

[0003] Some embodiments of the present invention may comprise a clothing article or clothes or clothing or a garment, in which a particular region or area comprises melting yarns that were melted and became more rigid or stiffer or less elastic relative to other non-melting / non-melted yarns that surround them or that are nearby. The ratio of melted yarns to non-melted yarns, in a particular area or garment-region, is configured or pre-defined to achieve particular characteristic(s) of rigidity and/or elasticity and/or body-support and/or rigidness and/or flexibility that are desired in that particular area or garment region.

[0004] The present invention may provide other and/or additional advantages and/or benefits.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] Fig. 1A is a schematic illustration of a bra, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention.

[0006] Fig. IB is a schematic illustration of another bra, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention. [0007] Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a shirt, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention.

[0008] Fig. 3A is a schematic illustration of pants, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention.

[0009] Fig. 3B is a schematic illustration of a garment, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention.

[0010] Figs. 4A to 4L are schematic illustrations demonstrating patterns and structures of melting and non-melting yarns, arranged in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description of Some Demonstrative Embodiments of the Invention

[0011] The Applicants have realized that a garment or a clothing article is typically formed of stretchable materials (e.g., cotton, polyester), which do not provide adequate body-support to one or more body parts or body organ, or that do not adjust their three-dimensional structure in order to form-fit the body of the wearer or to form-fit a particular body organ or body region.

[0012] The Applicants have also realized that in some conventional garments, such as a bra or a brassiere, a metal wire may be incorporated into the garment in order to provide some level of support or form-fitting; however, such wire may be too rigid, or may be non-flexible, and may provide too much rigidity or rigidness to the entire garment or to the particular garment-region in which the wire is located or to which the wire is adjacent, thereby reducing the level of comfort of the wearer; and sometimes even limiting the natural movement of the wearer. Additionally or alternatively, utilization of such wire and particularly metal wire may have other disadvantage; for example, some users are allergic to the metal wire; the metal wire may rip-out of the garment and cause injury; the metal wire may break or may become deformed due to usage or due to being exposed to multiple laundry cycles and/or heated drying cycles; the wire adds weight to the garment which is no longer a light-weight article; or the like.

[0013] The Applicants have realized that a suitable, adequate, comfortable and/or efficient level of combined rigidity-flexibility or combined rigidity-elasticity, as well as a particular or predefined level of Body Support by the garment, may be achieved in accordance with the present invention, by selectively incorporating or integrating or embedding one or more Melting Yarn(s) or Melted Yarn(s) into particular, specific, regions or areas or portions of a garment or a clothing article; in a manner that allows such garment to remain generally soft and comfortable, while not being entirely loose, and/or while providing at least some support or at least some partial form- fitting or body-support functionality. This may be achieved, in accordance with the present invention, without necessarily using metal wires or metallic support elements or plastic support elements; but rather, by selectively inserting or integrating or embedding one or more Melting Yarn(s) among other (or surrounded by other) non-melting yarn(s), and then causing a melting and thus stiffening of only those Melting Yarn(s) through a melting process (e.g., by dyeing, boarding, heating, pressing, ironing, ultrasonic heating, or the like).

[0014] In some embodiments, a garment or an article of clothing may comprise at least: a first region (or, a set of one or more regions) that comprises only or exclusively non-melting yarns; and a second region (or, a set of two or more regions) that comprise a combination of both non-melting yarns and one or more melting yarns; such that the melting yarn(s) are then melted (e.g., during the fabrication or production process of the garment) and become(s) stiff or stiffer or rigid or more rigid or less elastic or less flexible (relative to the non-melting / non-melted yarns that are nearby or that are adjacent or that surround them). The melting yarn(s) or the melted yarn(s) provide the desired level of rigidity or body-support to the wearer; while the non-melting yarns or non-melted yarns provide the desired comfort and convenience to the wearer, in a suitable combination of both softness (or elasticity) and body-support (or rigidity or rigidness).

[0015] Reference is made to Fig. 1A, which is a schematic illustration of a bra 100, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention. Bra 100 comprises, for example, two cups 101-102, two straps 103-104, and other elements or regions such as bra regions 105-108.

[0016] In some embodiments, the straps 103-104 (or other particular regions or parts of bra 100) may require increased stiffness or increased rigidity or increased rigidness, or may be required to provide increased body-support and form-fitting features relative to one or more of regions 105- 108. Accordingly, in some embodiments, straps 103-104 are formed exclusively of melting yarns or melted yarns (e.g., that were stiffed or strengthened via heat-based melting process), and straps 103-104 do not include any non-melting yarns. In other embodiments, straps 103-104 are formed of a combination or mixture of both melting yarns and non-melting yarns, or melted yarns and non-melted yarns, in one of the following ratios: 1:8 or 1:7 or 1 :6 or 1:5 or 1 :4 or 1:3 or 1:2 (e.g., more non-melting yarns than melting yarns, per area), or 1: 1 (e.g., same amount of melting yarns and non-melting yarns, in an area of yarns), or 8: 1 or 7: 1 or 6: 1 or 5: 1 or 4: 1 or 3: 1 or 2: 1 (e.g., more melting yarns than non-melting yarns, per area). The particular combination of yarns and their ratio, may provide the additional stiffness or rigidity or body-support to the straps 103-104.

[0017] In contrast, in some embodiments, one or more of regions 105-108 is formed exclusively of non-melting yarns; or all of regions 105-108 are formed exclusively of non-melting yarns.

[0018] In other embodiments, one or more of regions 105-108 is formed of a combination or mixture of both melting yarns and non-melting yarns, in one of the following ratios: 1 :8 or 1 :7 or 1:6 or 1 :5 or 1 :4 or 1:3 or 1:2 (e.g., more non-melting yarns than melting yarns, per area), or 1: 1 (e.g., same amount of melting yarns and non-melting yarns, in an area of yarns).

[0019] In some embodiments, a first region of the bra 100, such as strap 103 and/or strap 104, comprises a greater number of melting yarns (M) than non-melting yarns (N), per area that includes M+N yarns in total; in order to provide increased rigidity or stiffness or support to that area, relative to other area(s) which exclude any melting yarns.

[0020] In some embodiments, a second region of the bra 100, such as one or more of regions 105-108, comprises a greater number of non-melting yarns (N) than melting yarns (M), per area that includes M+N yarns in total; in order to provide reduced (or no) rigidity or stiffness or support to that area, relative to other area(s) which include one or more melting yarns.

[0021] The melting yarns or melted- yarns may be structured in one or more pre-defined locations or parts or regions of bra 100, and may have a particular pattern or shape or structure or size or other characteristics, in order to achieve a particular desired level of rigidity or rigidness or body- support or flexibility or elasticity. For example, region 121 may comprise generally-parallel melting yarns that are generally parallel to the longest dimension of strap 104; region 122 may comprise generally-parallel melting yarns that are generally perpendicular to the longest dimension of strap 104; region 123 may comprise generally-parallel melting yarns that are generally slanted (e.g., slanted at 40 or 45 or 50 degrees) relative to the longest dimension of strap 103, and that are non -parallel and non-perpendicular to the longest dimension of strap 103; region 124 may comprise crisscrossed or interwoven melting yarns that are non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the longest dimension of strap 103; region 126 may comprise a zigzag structure or pattern of melting yarns formed within bra region 108; region 127 may comprise an alternating pattern or an alternating structure of melting yarns (e.g., long melting-yarns followed by short melting yarns, each group of melting yarns being perpendicular to its neighboring group of melting yarns). Other suitable structures or patterns of melting yarns may be used, at other suitable locations or regions of bra 100 or of other types of clothing articles.

[0022] Reference is made to Fig. IB, which is a schematic illustration of a bra 150, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention. The two shoulder straps are, or may comprise, "melting yarn(s) zone" 151 and 152, which comprise (e.g., exclusively, only) melting yarn(s) or melted yarn(s); or which are comprised of a combination or mixtures of melting yarns (M) and non-melting yarns (N) at a pre-defined ratio (M:N) or at a predefined density of melting yarns per area-unit; or that comprise more melting yarn(s) relative to other regions of the bra 150. It is noted that bra 150 is shown for demonstrative purposes; and that melting yarn zone(s) may be located or formed or placed in other and/or additional regions of the bra; and that the present invention may be used in conjunction with other types of garments which may not necessarily be a bra.

[0023] Reference is made to Fig. 2, which is a schematic illustration of a shirt 200, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] Shirt 200 may comprise various regions, that may have various different ratios of melting yarns (M) to non-melting yarns (N). Shirt 200 may comprise one or more (or all) of the following regions:

[0025] Shirt Region 201, which is formed exclusively of non-melting yarns ("only N"), and which provides softness and lacks form-fitting properties or lacks support to the body of the wearer;

[0026] Shirt Region 202, which is formed exclusively of melting yarns ("only M"), and which provides increased rigidity and/or stiffness and/or body-support and/or form-fitting properties and/or body-clinging properties;

[0027] Shirt Region 203, which is formed of a mixture of melting yarns (M) to non-melting yarns (N), at a ratio of 1: 1; such that in that shirt region 203, the number of melting yarns (M) is identical to the number of non-melting yarns (N), such that M=N, thereby providing a medium level of combined softness and support;

[0028] Shirt region 204, which is formed of a mixture of melting yarns (M) to non-melting yarns (N), at a ratio of M:N wherein M > N, such that in that shirt region 203, the number of melting yarns (M) is greater than the number of non-melting yarns (N), thereby providing an increased level of support relative to shirt region 201 and relative to shirt region 203, but reduced level of support relative to shirt region 202;

[0029] Shirt region 204, which is formed of a mixture of melting yarns (M) to non-melting yarns (N), at a ratio of M:N wherein M < N, such that in that shirt region 203, the number of melting yarns (M) is smaller than the number of non-melting yarns (N), thereby providing an increased level of support relative to shirt region 201 , but reduced level of support relative to shirt region 202 and relative to shirt region 203.

[0030] In some embodiments, shirt 200 may feature gradual transition from increased-rigidity region(s) to reduced-rigidity region(s), or vice versa; thereby preventing abrupt changes in the level of body-support or softness or rigidity or rigidness or flexibility that are provided to the wearer by neighboring regions or adjacent regions of shirt 200. For example, in some embodiments, shirt region 202 (maximum support) is not directly neighboring with shirt region 201 (minimum support, or no support); but rather, an intermediate region is placed between them, such as, shirt region 203 or shirt region 204 or shirt region 205 separates between shirt regions 201 and 202, and such intermediate region or separating region may provide gradual and non-abrupt transition between softness and rigidity, or between softness and support.

[0031] It is noted that shirt regions 201-205 may have different sizes, shapes, length value, width value, yarn-count value, yarn density value, color, M:N ratio, and/or other characteristics, in order to achieve a particular desired level of rigidness or rigidity or elasticity or body-support at a particular region or part of the shirt 200 or other article of clothing.

[0032] Reference is made to Fig. 3A, which is a schematic illustration of pants 300, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] Pants 300 may comprise multiple regions, having or featuring different compositions or mixtures of melting / non-melting yarns in accordance with pre-defined ratios. For example:

[0034] Pants Region 301 is formed exclusively of melting yarns and does not include any non- melting yarns; in order to provide support or relative stiffness in that region; for example, by feeding all the feeding-points of the knitting machine with only melting yarn(s) when that region is knitted;

[0035] Pants Regions 303 and 304, that are formed exclusively of non-melting yarns and do not include any melting yarns; in order to provide softness and to lack any rigidity in those regions; for example, by feeding all the feeding-points of the knitting machine with only non-melting yarn(s) when that region is knitted;

[0036] Pants Region 302 is formed of a particular mixture of both melting yarn(s) and non- melting yarn(s) (for example, at a respective ratio of 1 :8 or 1:4 or 1 :2); in order to provide some support or some stiffness in that region relative to pants regions 303-304, while also providing less stiffness relative to pants region 301 ; for example, by feeding some (and not all) of the feeding- points of the knitting machine with melting yarn(s), while also feeding the remaining feeding- points of the knitting machine with non-melting yarn(s), when that pants region 302 is knitted.

[0037] Optionally, pants region 305 may be least a portion of the waist area or waist-band 305 of the pants 300, and may be generally similar to pants region 301 (namely, knitted exclusively from melting yarn to provide maximum stiffness and minimum elasticity); or, may be generally similar to pants region 302 (namely, knitted from a mixture of melting yarn and non-melting yarn, at a pre-defined ratio).

[0038] It is noted that in the same pants 300, pants region 305 (if knitted exclusively from melting yarn) and pants region 301 (which is knitted exclusively from melting yarn), may still have different stiffness properties relative to each other, since each one of these pants regions (305 and 301) may be formed of a different Type of melting yarn (e.g., having different melting yarn thickness values), and/or may be formed by using a different Density of melting yarns or may be formed by using a different Yarn-Count, and/or may be formed by using a different Knitting Technique or a and/or different knitting Pattern; thereby providing a different level of support or stiffness or rigidity to pants region 305 relative to pants region 301, even though both of them are formed exclusively of melting yarn(s).

[0039] Reference is made to Fig. 3B, which is a schematic illustration of a garment 350 (e.g., underpants, underwear, boxers, shorts, short pants, swimsuit, swim-pants, exercise shorts, or the like), in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention. Two opposing regions of the waist area or the waist band may comprise "melting yarn(s) zones" 351 and 352, which comprise melting yarn(s); or which are comprised of a combination or mixtures of melting yarns (M) and non-melting yarns (N) at a pre-defined ratio (M:N) or at a pre-defined density of melting yarns per area-unit; or that comprise more melting yarn(s) relative to other regions of the garment. It is noted that the garment is shown for demonstrative purposes; and that melting yarn zone(s) may be placed in other and/or additional regions of the garment; and that the present invention may be used in conjunction with other types of garments.

[0040] Reference is made to Figs. 4A to 4J, which are schematic illustrations demonstrating patterns and structures 401-412 of melting and non-melting yarns, arranged or structured in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, each one of such patterns may be repeated iteratively, across a greater area. Each one of such patterns provides a different level or different properties of stiffness and/or support and/or elasticity and/or rigidity and/or softness, relative to other patterns. Other suitable patterns or schemes or knitting programs may be used in conjunction with the present invention.

[0041] In some embodiments, an article of clothing comprises: a first region which consists of, exclusively, non-melting yarns; and a second region which comprises a mixture of both: (I) at least one melting yarn, and (II) at least one non-melting yarn.

[0042] In some embodiments, the second region comprises both melting yarns and non- melting yarns, wherein the ratio of the melting yarns to the non-melting yarns is not more than 1:8, or not more than 1:7, or not more than 1 :6, or not more than 1 :5, or not more than 1 :4, or not more than 1 :3, or not more than 1:2, or not more than 1: 1.

[0043] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the second region comprises both melting yarns and non-melting yarns, wherein the ratio of the non-melting yarns to the melting yarns is not more than 1:8, or not more than 1 :7, or not more than 1:6, or not more than 1 :5, or not more than 1:4, or not more than 1:3, or not more than 1:2, or not more than 1 : 1.

[0044] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the second region comprises both melting yarns and non-melting yarns, wherein the ratio of the non-melting yarns to the melting yarns is exactly 1: 1.

[0045] In some embodiments, a single article of clothing comprises two regions: a first garment-region formed exclusively of melting yarns; and, a second garment-region formed exclusively of non-melting yarns.

[0046] In some embodiments, a single article of clothing comprises three regions: a first garment-region formed exclusively of melting yarns; and, a second garment-region formed exclusively of non-melting yarns; and, a third garment-region formed of a mixture of both melting yarns and non-melting yarns. [0047] In some embodiments, a single article of clothing comprises three regions: a first garment-region formed exclusively of melting yarns; and, a second garment-region formed exclusively of non-melting yarns; and, a third garment-region formed of a mixture of both melting yarns and non-melting yarns; such the first region is not immediately adjacent to the second region, and such that the first region and the second region do not share a common border or a common edge; but rather, such that the third region is an intermediate region (or, a separating region) that provides gradual transition of support-level between the first region and the second region.

[0048] In some embodiments, a single article of clothing comprises three regions: a first garment-region formed exclusively of melting yarns; a second garment-region formed exclusively of non-melting yarns; a third garment-region formed of a mixture of both melting yarns and non- melting yarns, in which the number of melting yarns per unit-of-area is identical to the number of non-melting yarns per unit of area. In some embodiments, the first region is not immediately adjacent to the second region, and such that the first region and the second region do not share a common border or a common edge; but rather, such that the third region is an intermediate region (or, a separating region) that provides gradual transition of support-level between the first region and the second region.

[0049] In some embodiments, a single article of clothing comprises three regions: a first garment-region formed exclusively of melting yarns; a second garment-region formed exclusively of non-melting yarns; a third garment-region formed of a mixture of both melting yarns and non- melting yarns, in which the number of melting yarns per unit-of-area is greater than the number of non-melting yarns per unit of area. In some embodiments, the first region is not immediately adjacent to the second region, and such that the first region and the second region do not share a common border or a common edge; but rather, such that the third region is an intermediate region (or, a separating region) that provides gradual transition of support-level between the first region and the second region.

[0050] In some embodiments, a single article of clothing comprises three regions: a first garment-region formed exclusively of melting yarns; a second garment-region formed exclusively of non-melting yarns; a third garment-region formed of a mixture of both melting yarns and non- melting yarns, in which the number of melting yarns per unit-of-area is smaller than the number of non-melting yarns per unit of area. In some embodiments, the first region is not immediately adjacent to the second region, and such that the first region and the second region do not share a common border or a common edge; but rather, such that the third region is an intermediate region (or, a separating region) that provides gradual transition of support-level between the first region and the second region.

[0051] In some embodiments, a single article of clothing comprises four regions: a first garment-region formed exclusively of melting yarns; a second garment-region formed exclusively of non-melting yarns; a third garment-region formed of a mixture of both melting yarns and non- melting yarns, in which the number of melting yarns per unit-of-area is smaller than the number of non-melting yarns per unit of area; a fourth garment-region formed of a mixture of both melting yarns and non-melting yarns, in which the number of melting yarns per unit-of-area is greater than the number of non-melting yarns per unit of area. In some embodiments, the first region is not immediately adjacent to the second region, such that the first region and the second region do not share a common border or a common edge; but rather, the third region or the fourth region is an intermediate region (or, a separating region) that provides gradual transition of support-level between the first region and the second region.

[0052] In some embodiments, a single article of clothing comprises five regions: a first garment-region formed exclusively of melting yarns; a second garment-region formed exclusively of non-melting yarns; a third garment-region formed of a mixture of both melting yarns and non- melting yarns, in which the number of melting yarns per unit-of-area is smaller than the number of non-melting yarns per unit of area; a fourth garment-region formed of a mixture of both melting yarns and non-melting yarns, in which the number of melting yarns per unit-of-area is greater than the number of non-melting yarns per unit of area; a fifth garment-region formed of a mixture of both melting yarns and non-melting yarns, in which the number of melting yarns per unit-of-area is identical to the number of non-melting yarns per unit of area. In some embodiments, the first region is not immediately adjacent to the second region, such that the first region and the second region do not share a common border or a common edge; but rather, the third region or the fourth region or the fifth region is an intermediate region (or, a separating region) that provides gradual transition of support-level between the first region and the second region.

[0053] In some embodiments, a garment-region has a mixture of both melting yarn (M) and non-melting yarn (N) at a ratio of M : N per unit of area (e.g., per square-centimeter; or per square- inch). In some embodiments, the ratio of M : N is exactly 1: 12; or is exactly 1: 10: or is exactly 1:8: or is exactly 1 :7; or is exactly 1:6; or is exactly 1:5; or is exactly 1 :4; or is exactly 1 :3; or is exactly 1:2; or is exactly 1: 1.

[0054] In some embodiments, a garment-region has a mixture of both melting yarn (M) and non-melting yarn (N) at a ratio of N : M per unit of area (e.g., per square-centimeter; or per square- inch). In some embodiments, the ratio of N : M is exactly 1: 12; or is exactly 1: 10: or is exactly 1:8: or is exactly 1 :7; or is exactly 1:6; or is exactly 1:5; or is exactly 1 :4; or is exactly 1 :3; or is exactly 1:2; or is exactly 1: 1.

[0055] In some embodiments, a garment-region has a mixture of both melting yarn (M) and non-melting yarn (N) at a ratio of M : N per unit of area (e.g., per square-centimeter; or per square- inch). In some embodiments, the ratio of M : N is not more than 1: 12; or is not more than 1 : 10: or is not more than 1 :8: or is not more than 1:7; or is not more than 1:6; or is not more than 1:5; or is not more than 1 :4; or is not more than 1 :3; or is not more than 1:2; or is not more than 1: 1.

[0056]

[0057] In some embodiments, a garment-region has a mixture of both melting yarn (M) and non-melting yarn (N) at a ratio of M : N per unit of area (e.g., per square-centimeter; or per square- inch). In some embodiments, the ratio of M : N is not less than 1 : 12; or is not less than 1 : 10: or is not less than 1:8: or is not less re than 1:7; or is not less than 1 :6; or is not less than 1:5; or is not less than 1 :4; or is not less than 1:3; or is not less than 1:2; or is not less than 1: 1.

[0058] In some embodiments, a garment-region has a mixture of both melting yarn (M) and non-melting yarn (N) at a ratio of N : M per unit of area (e.g., per square-centimeter; or per square- inch). In some embodiments, the ratio of N : M is not more than 1: 12; or is not more than 1 : 10: or is not more than 1 :8: or is not more than 1:7; or is not more than 1:6; or is not more than 1:5; or is not more than 1 :4; or is not more than 1 :3; or is not more than 1:2; or is not more than 1: 1.

[0059] In some embodiments, a garment-region has a mixture of both melting yarn (M) and non-melting yarn (N) at a ratio of N : M per unit of area (e.g., per square-centimeter; or per square- inch). In some embodiments, the ratio of N : M is not less than 1 : 12; or is not less than 1 : 10: or is not less than 1:8: or is not less re than 1:7; or is not less than 1 :6; or is not less than 1:5; or is not less than 1 :4; or is not less than 1:3; or is not less than 1:2; or is not less than 1: 1.

[0060] In some embodiments, a ratio of M : N or a ratio of N : M as mentioned above, may relate to the number of melting yarns (M) and to the number of non-melting yarns (N); for example, in an entire garment, or in an entire portion of a garment (e.g., an entire sleeve of a shirt; or an entire strap of a bra), or in a particular portion or region of the garment, or in a particular area of the garment (e.g., measured by an area-unit, such as square-inch or square-centimeter).

[0061] In some embodiments, a ratio of M : N or a ratio of N : M as mentioned above, may be replaced with or may be equivalent to, a Percentage value per area unit, in order to facilitate an operation of a knitting machine. For example, a ratio of 1:4 of melting yarn (1) per non-melting yarn (4), may be converted into a percentage value of: in a particular area (e.g., in a particular square-inch of a shirt), 20% of that area are formed of (or consist of) melting yarn, and 80% of that are formed of (or consist of) non-melting area. Accordingly, any one of the above-mentioned ratio values, may also be utilized as a converted percentage value.

[0062] For example, in some embodiments, an area (or a region) of the garment may comprise at least 5% of melting yarn and not more than 95% of non-melting yarn; or, at least 10% of melting yarn and not more than 90% of non-melting yarn; or, at least 15% of melting yarn and not more than 85% of non-melting yarn; or, at least 20% of melting yarn and not more than 80% of non- melting yarn; or, at least 25% of melting yarn and not more than 75% of non-melting yarn; or, at least 30% of melting yarn and not more than 70% of non-melting yarn; or, at least 33% of melting yarn and not more than 67% of non-melting yarn; or, at least 40% of melting yarn and not more than 60% of non-melting yarn; or, at least 45% of melting yarn and not more than 55% of non- melting yarn; or, at least 49% of melting yarn and not more than 51% of non-melting yarn.

[0063] For example, in other embodiments, an area (or a region) of the garment may comprise at least 5% of non-melting yarn and not more than 95% of melting yarn; or, at least 10% of non- melting yarn and not more than 90% of melting yarn; or, at least 15% of non-melting yarn and not more than 85% of melting yarn; or, at least 20% of non-melting yarn and not more than 80% of melting yarn; or, at least 25% of non-melting yarn and not more than 75% of melting yarn; or, at least 30% of non-melting yarn and not more than 70% of melting yarn; or, at least 33% of non- melting yarn and not more than 67% of melting yarn; or, at least 40% of non-melting yarn and not more than 60% of melting yarn; or, at least 45% of non-melting yarn and not more than 55% of melting yarn; or, at least 49% of non-melting yarn and not more than 51% of melting yarn.

[0064] For example, in other embodiments, an area (or a region) of the garment may comprise 50% of non-melting yarn and 50% of melting yarn; or, 75% of non-melting yarn and 25% of melting yarn; or, 25% of non-melting yarn and 75% of melting yarn; or, 20% of non-melting yarn and 80% of melting yarn; or, 80% of non-melting yarn and 20% of melting yarn; or, 66.7% of non- melting yarn and 33.3% of melting yarn; or, 33.3% of non-melting yarn and 66.7% of melting yarn; other suitable values, or ranges of values, may be used in order to achieve a desired level of elasticity or rigidity or support.

[0065] In some embodiments, a bra or a shirt may be formed of seamless fabric or a seamless tube or tube-shaped fabric. The seamless fabric may have high elasticity, which may be beneficial for various purposes but may not be desired in particular garment-regions that require increased support or rigidity or stiffness. Therefore, a melting yarn or a low melting yarn may be selectively integrated or inserted or incorporated in such garment-regions (e.g., the straps of a bra; the shoulder straps; the back strap).

[0066] In some embodiments, the melting yarn is, for example, a CooPolymer yarn, a nylon- based CooPolymer yarn, a polyester-based CooPolymer yarn, a Lurex yarn, a Glitter Lurex yarn, a Glurex yarn, a partially- metallic yarn (e.g., a yarn that combines both metallic portions or elements and non-metallic portions or elements), a Grilon yarn, a Solvron yarn, a bonding yarn, a fusible or fuse-able or fusion-capable yarn, a fusible bonding yarn, a fusible adhesive yarn, a low melt separation yarn, a low melt multi-filament yarn, or other suitable melting yarn, or a combination of two or more such yarns.

[0067] In some embodiments, the melting yarn is or may comprise, for example: technical fibers; fusible adhesive yarns; mono-filaments based on Polyamide 6 and/or Polyamide 12 and/or Polyamide 610 and/or Polyamide 612; copolyamides yarn; copolyesters yarn; fusible bonding fibers made from copolyamides and/or copolyesters; bi-component fibers; abrasion resistant polyamide fibers; thermoplastic yarns; low melting yarns made from Copolyamides and/or Copolyesters, for example, having a melting temperature in the range of 60°C (140°F) to 178°C (352°F); melting separation yarn; melting reinforcement yarn; and/or any other suitable material(s). In some embodiments, melting yarn(s) may remain white or raw white, or may be dyed or colored to the color of the garment or to the color of the surrounding fabric or the nearby non-melting yarns; or may be cross dyed to a different color that is different from the color(s) of the garment or that is different from the color(s) of nearby or adjacent non-melting yarns.

[0068] In some embodiments, the melting yarn(s) are melted or stiffed or strengthened or fused or bonded or become more rigid (e.g., relative to non-melting yarns), by performing one or more of the following operations: melting, heating, raising the temperature, soaking in hot water, soaking in hot liquid, exposing to hot air or hot wind, insertion into a hot oven or a heating device or heating chamber, heat compressing, ironing, compression via an ironing device, insertion into a hot ironing device, exposure to steam, placement within or near a steam source or a steam chamber, exposure to ultrasonic fusion or ultrasonic operations, applying Infra-Red (IR) radiation or rays, thermal treatment, heat treatment, heat-based treatment, a coloring process that includes heating, a color- applying operation that includes heating, a pre-coloring heating treatment, a pre- coloring thermal treatment, a during-coloring heating treatment, a during-coloring thermal treatment, a post-coloring heating treatment, a post-coloring thermal treatment, or a combination of two or more of such operations.

[0069] In some embodiments, a "melting" yarn is a yarn that becomes stiff or fused or rigid, or that increases its rigidity and/or its stiffness and/or its rigidness, and/or that reduces its softness, and/or that reduces its elasticity, upon performing of one of more of the above-mentioned operations; or, upon being exposed to heat of no more than 100 degrees Celsius; or upon being exposed to heat of no more than 120 degrees Celsius; upon being exposed to heat of no more than 150 degrees Celsius; upon being exposed to heat of no more than 180 degrees Celsius; upon being exposed to heat of no more than 80 degrees Celsius; upon being exposed to heat of no more than 60 degrees Celsius; upon being exposed to heat of no more than 50 degrees Celsius.

[0070] It is clarified that, theoretically, "any" yarn may "melt" and may become liquid or may have liquid-like properties if exposed to extremely high temperature (e.g., 950 degrees Celsius); however, the fact that "any" yarn may melt or may dissolve or may be burnt at such high temperature, does Not imply as if "any" yarn is a "melting yarn". Rather, a melting yarn or a melted yarn for the purposes of the present invention is a particular type of yarn that changes and increases its rigidity or rigidness or stiffness when being thermally treated in a thermal treatment that exposed the yarn to heat of under 200 (or under 180, or under 150, or under 120, or under 100, or under 80, or under 70, or under 60, or under 50) degrees Celsius, but does not burn or combust upon such thermal treatment; and still remains a non-burnt yarn, and/or becomes a stiffed-yarn, upon such thermal treatment. For example, a "non-melting" yarn is: cotton, wool, silk, conventional polyester, or the like, which simply burn or catch fire when heated, and/or which do not become a stiffed yarn when heated.

[0071] Some embodiments may comprise a method and a system for producing a garment; as well as a garment-producing apparatus or system, or a production-line system and method. [0072] For example, a knitting machine may comprise one or more selectively-controlled needles, whose knitting operations are controlled via a central control unit and/or based on a predefined knitting pattern and/or knitting instructions and/or knitting scheme and/or knitting program that are pre-defined for such needles (e.g., via a computerized terminal or work-station, or a computerized interface). In some embodiments, K discrete feeds (e.g., 8 feeds) are included and can be selectively and/or separately controlled for selective knitting and/or for selective feeding of which yarn(s) each such feeds is fed for knitting, and different needles counts (e.g., from a single needle, to dozens or hundreds or even thousands of needles, depending on the desirable melting zone and/or the machine diameter and/or the particular properties of the knitting machine).

[0073] In some embodiments, a melting-yarn feeder unit may feed to needle(s) only melting yarn, from a melting yarn repository (e.g., a melting yarn cone); and a separate non-melting yarn feeder may feed to needle(s) only non-melting yarn from a non-melting yarn repository (e.g., a non-melting yarn cone).

[0074] A feeding selector unit may selectively operate to choose which yarn is fed to a particular knitting needle; based on the pre-defined knitting scheme or knitting program or knitting rules or knitting instructions, which in turn indicates which mixture ratio of melting yarn to non- melting yarn is to be used for any particular needle and/or at any particular time in the knitting process and/or at any particular location or position in the garment that is being knitted or manufactured.

[0075] For example, the pre-defined knitting program may indicate that for knitting or producing a bra, the needle(s) that knit the shoulder straps are to be fed exclusively melting yarn when the straps are knitted; and that the needle(s) that knit a fabric-region located under the cups of the bra are to be fed exclusively non-melting yarn; and that the needle(s) that knit a particular first region of the bra are to be fed a mixture of melting yarn and non-melting yarn at a pre-defined mixture ratio of M:N; and the feeding selector unit, as well as a knitting controller, may ensure that the needles and the yarn feeders are operative in a selective and/or time-based manner in accordance with the knitting scheme or knitting program.

[0076] In some embodiments, the components of the system may have 8 knitting needles or 8 yarn-feeding points; and out of those 8 needles or out of those 8 yarn-feeding points, M of them may be fed with melting yarn, while the remaining N of them are fed with non-melting yarn; in order to achieve a pre-defined level of rigidity or stiffness or support, based on the pre-defined knitting pattern or scheme or knitting program.

[0077] In some embodiments, a single garment may utilize or may comprise, or may be formed of, or may comprise at least: a first garment-region formed of a first type of melting yarn that melts or fuses or stiffens at a first temperature; and a second garment-region that is formed of a second, different, type of melting yarn that melts or fuses or stiffens at a second, different, temperature. Optionally, the same garment further comprises also a third region, formed exclusively of non- melting yarns.

[0078] In some embodiments, a single garment may utilize or may comprise, or may be formed of, or may comprise at least: a first garment-region formed of a first type of melting yarn has a first thickness and thus provides a first level of stiffness or support upon melting; and a second garment-region that is formed of a second, different, type of melting yarn that has a second, different, thickness and thus provides a second, different, level of stiffness or support upon melting. Optionally, the same garment further comprises also a third region, formed exclusively of non-melting yarns. For example, the greater the thickness of the melting yarn being used, the greater the support or stiffness or rigidity provided by such melting yarn upon its melting or upon its thermal treatment.

[0079] In some embodiments, a single garment may utilize or may comprise, or may be formed of, or may comprise at least: (I) a first garment-region formed of a first type of melting yarn has a first thickness and thus provides a first level of stiffness or support upon melting, and which melts or fuses or bonds at a first threshold temperature; and a second garment-region that is formed of a second, different, type of melting yarn that has a second, different, thickness and thus provides a second, different, level of stiffness or support upon melting, and which melts or fuses or bonds at a second, different, threshold temperature. Optionally, the same garment further comprises also a third region, formed exclusively of non-melting yarns.

[0080] In some embodiments, a garment comprises: a first garment-region which is formed exclusively of non-melting yarn(s); and a second garment-region which is formed of a combination or mixture of both melting yarn(s) and non-melting yarn(s); such that the first and the second garment regions are formed by utilizing the same knitting machine, the same knitting process, the same manner of knitting, the same density of yarns (e.g., the same total number of yarns per square- centimeter of per square-inch); and wherein the first and second garment regions differ from each other only by the type of yarns that form them, namely, only non-melting yarns or a particular mixture of melting and non-melting yarns which then undergoes thermal treatment.

[0081] The discussion herein may relate, for demonstrative purposes, to a bra or to a shirt or to pants. However, the present invention may similarly comprise, or may similarly be used in conjunction with, other suitable garments and/or undergarments and/or clothing articles; for example, panties, boxers, briefs, shorts, sportswear, yoga pants, aerobic pants, training pants, lingerie, thongs, shaper, body-shaper, shaping garment, shaping undergarment, shape-wear, active-wear, sports-wear, form-fitting undergarment, form-fitting garment, swimsuit, swim-wear, pants, trousers, shirt, sweat- shirt, jacket, long-sleeve shirt, short-sleeve shirt, Polo shirt, T-shirt, or the like.

[0082] Some embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by using a machine or an automated or semi-automatic production line, which may comprise, for example: cutting unit, welding unit, bonding unit, ultrasonic operations unit, gluing unit, conveyor belt, robotic arm, control unit, workstation; as well as suitable hardware components and/or software components, for example, processor to execute code, memory unit, storage unit, input unit (keyboard, mouse, touch-screen), output unit (screen, touch-screen), modems, transceivers or transmitters or receivers, wireless and/or wired communication links and/or transceivers or transmitters or receivers, power sources, Operating System (OS) and suitable applications, or the like.

[0083] In some embodiments, a clothing article comprises: a first garment-region which consists of, exclusively, non-melting yarn, wherein the first garment-region has a first level of rigidity; a second garment-region which comprises a mixture of both (i) non-melting yarn and (ii) stiffed (or stiff) melted-yarn (or already-melted yarn), wherein the second garment-region has a second level of rigidity which is greater than said first level of rigidity.

[0084] In some embodiments, the clothing article comprises multiple garment-regions having different levels of rigidity, wherein each garment-region consists of a different ratio of non-melting yarn (N) to stiffed melted-yarn (M).

[0085] In some embodiments, the second garment-region has non-melting yarn and stiffed melted-yarn at a ratio of 1 to 1.

[0086] In some embodiments, the second garment-region has an area A; wherein at least 75 percent of the area A consist of stiffed melted-yarn; wherein up to 25 percent of the area A consist of non-melting yarn. [0087] In some embodiments, the second garment-region has an area A; wherein at least 90 percent of the area A consist of stiffed melted-yarn; wherein up to 10 percent of the area A consist of non-melting yarn.

[0088] In some embodiments, the second garment-region has an area A, wherein at least 95 percent of the area A consist of stiffed melted-yarn, wherein up to 5 percent of the area A consist of non-melting yarn.

[0089] In some embodiments, the second garment-region has an area A, wherein at least 98 percent of the area A consist of stiffed melted-yarn, wherein up to 2 percent of the area A consist of non-melting yarn.

[0090] In some embodiments, the second garment-region has an area A, wherein 50 percent of the area A consist of stiffed melted-yarn, wherein 50 percent of the area A consist of non- melting yarn.

[0091] In some embodiments, the second garment-region has an area A, wherein at least 75 percent of the area A consist of non-melting yarn, wherein up to 25 percent of the area A consist of stiffed melted-yarn.

[0092] In some embodiments, the second garment-region has an area A, wherein at least 95 percent of the area A consist of non-melting yarn, wherein up to 5 percent of the area A consist of stiffed melted-yarn.

[0093] In some embodiments, the clothing article comprises: a third garment-region which consists of, exclusively, stiffed melted-yarn, wherein the third garment-region has a third level of rigidity; wherein the third level of rigidity is greater than the second level of rigidity and is also greater than the first level of rigidity.

[0094] In some embodiments, the clothing article comprises: a third garment-region which consists of, exclusively, stiffed melted-yarn, wherein the third garment-region has a third level of rigidity; wherein the third level of rigidity is greater than the second level of rigidity and is also greater than the first level of rigidity; wherein the third garment-region separates between the first garment-region and the second garment region; wherein the first garment-region and the second garment-region do not directly border each other.

[0095] In some embodiments, the clothing article comprises five areas that include: a first garment-area, having level of rigidity Rl, wherein the first garment-area consists of only non- melting yarn, wherein the first garment-area is said first garment-region; a second garment-area, having level of rigidity R2, wherein the second garment-area consists of a mixture of both non- melting yarn (N2) and stiffed melted yarn (M2) at a ratio in which N2 > M2, wherein the second garment-area is said second garment-region; a third garment-area, having level of rigidity R3, wherein the third garment-area consists of a mixture of both non-melting yarn (N3) and stiffed melted yarn (M3) at a ratio in which N3 = M3; a fourth garment-area, having level of rigidity R4, wherein the fourth garment-area consists of a mixture of both non-melting yarn (N4) and stiffed melted yarn (M4) at a ratio in which N4 < M4; a fifth garment-area, having level of rigidity R5, wherein the fifth garment-area consists of only stiffed melted- yarn; and wherein R5 > R4 , wherein R4 > R3 , wherein R3 > R2 , wherein R2 > Rl.

[0096] In some embodiments, the clothing article is a bra, wherein said first garment-region, which consists exclusively of non-melting yarn, is located in a cup of the bra, wherein said second garment-region, which consists of said mixture of non-melting yarn and stiffed melted-yarn, is located in a strap of the bra.

[0097] In some embodiments, the clothing article is an upper-body covering garment; wherein said first garment-region, which consists exclusively of non-melting yarn, is located in a first area of said upper-body covering garment that does not cover a shoulder; wherein said second garment- region, which consists of said mixture of non-melting yarn and stiffed melted-yarn, is located in a second area of said upper-body covering garment that at least partially covers a shoulder.

[0098] In some embodiments, the clothing article is an upper-body covering garment; wherein said first garment-region, which consists exclusively of non-melting yarn, is located in a first area of said upper-body covering garment that does not cover a shoulder; wherein said second garment- region, which consists of said mixture of non-melting yarn and stiffed melted-yarn, is located in a second area of said upper-body covering garment that at least partially covers a shoulder, and wherein a longest dimension of said second garment-region is generally parallel to said stiffed melted-yarn.

[0099] In some embodiments, the clothing article is an upper-body covering garment; wherein said first garment-region, which consists exclusively of non-melting yarn, is located in a first area of said upper-body covering garment that does not cover a shoulder; wherein said second garment- region, which consists of said mixture of non-melting yarn and stiffed melted-yarn, is located in a second area of said upper-body covering garment that at least partially covers a shoulder, and wherein a longest dimension of said second garment-region is generally perpendicular to said stiffed melted-yarn.

[00100] In some embodiments, the clothing article is pants selected from the group consisting of: short pants, long pants; or the clothing article is a buttocks covering and/or genitalia-covering clothing article; wherein said first garment-region, which consists exclusively of non-melting yarn, is located in a first pants-region that does not cover buttocks of a wearer, wherein said second garment-region, which consists of said mixture of non-melting yarn and stiffed melted-yarn, is located in a second pants-region that at least partially covers buttocks of the wearer.

[00101] In some embodiments, the clothing article is pants selected from the group consisting of: short pants, long pants; wherein said first garment-region, which consists exclusively of non- melting yarn, is located in a first pants-region that does not cover a waist of a wearer; wherein said second garment-region, which consists of said mixture of non-melting yarn and stiffed melted- yarn, is located in a second pants-region that at least partially covers the waist of the wearer.

[00102] In some embodiments, the clothing article is pants selected from the group consisting of: short pants, long pants; wherein said first garment-region, which consists exclusively of non- melting yarn, is located in a first portion of a waist-covering area of the pants; wherein said second garment-region, which consists of said mixture of non-melting yarn and stiffed melted-yarn, is located in a second portion of the waist-covering area of the pants.

[00103] In some embodiments, a method of producing a clothing article, comprises: producing a first garment-region which consists of, exclusively, non-melting yarn, wherein the first garment- region has a first level of rigidity; producing a second garment-region which comprises a mixture of both (i) non-melting yarn and (ii) stiffed melted-yarn, wherein the second garment-region has a second level of rigidity which is greater than said first level of rigidity.

[00104] In some embodiments, the method comprises: producing multiple garment-regions having different levels of rigidity, wherein each garment-region consists of a different ratio of non- melting yarn (N) to stiffed melted-yarn (M).

[00105] The present invention comprises clothing article(s) formed of melting yarn and non- melting yarn, and system and method of producing such clothing article(s). For example, a clothing article includes: a first garment-region which consists of, exclusively, non-melting yarn, wherein the first garment-region has a first level of rigidity; and a second garment-region which comprises a mixture of both (i) non-melting yarn and (ii) stiffed melted-yarn, wherein the second garment-region has a second level of rigidity which is greater than the first level of rigidity. A garment includes multiple garment-regions having different levels of rigidity, wherein each garment-region consists of a different ratio of non-melting yarn to stiffed melted- yarn.

[00106] Functions, operations, components and/or features described herein with reference to one or more embodiments, may be combined with, or may be utilized in combination with, one or more other functions, operations, components and/or features described herein with reference to one or more other embodiments, or vice versa.

[00107] While certain features of some embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents may occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all such modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents.