Auxetic article

Abstract

The invention relates to a knitted fabric (50) for a garment article (60) or footwear article, comprising: (a) a first portion (51) that is auxetic; (b) a second portion (52) that is not auxetic, and wherein the second portion (52) is adjacent to the first portion (51).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application filed on June 30, 2021, with application number 202110735590.2 and invention title "Stretchable Article". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a knitted fabric for clothing or footwear and a method for manufacturing the same. The knitted fabric includes a stretched first portion. Background Technology

[0003] Knitting is a technique that allows the manufacture of a variety of fabrics for clothing or footwear. Knitted fabrics are generally preferred due to their high elasticity and corresponding wearing comfort. However, improvements are still needed, especially for sports applications where the dynamic properties of the fabric are particularly relevant.

[0004] For example, during physical activity, fabrics may stretch due to the wearer's body movements. In conventional knitted fabrics, if the fabric is stretched in a first direction, it will contract in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. This can cause discomfort to the wearer during physical activity.

[0005] It is known that some materials are tensile, which means that if a material is stretched in a first direction, it responds by stretching in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0006] US2018 / 0199651 A1 relates to a garment article having at least one garment piece comprising a first material having a first elastic modulus and a second material having a second elastic modulus, the first elastic modulus being greater than the second elastic modulus. A stretching structure is provided by the first material on the garment piece and includes a pattern of recessed shapes.

[0007] US2017 / 0290376 A1 relates to a knitted or woven bra that may include a knitted or woven structure that varies within a region, altering the elastic modulus of the yarns used to form the region and / or changing the elastic modulus of the knitted or woven material through a specific knitting orientation or weaving technique.

[0008] The object of this invention is to provide a fabric for clothing or footwear that allows for improved wearing comfort, particularly for sports applications, compared to existing technologies. A specific problem of this invention is how to generate and control a strong tensile effect in knitted fabrics. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This objective is achieved by the knitted fabric provided by the present invention, particularly by a knitted fabric for clothing or footwear, the knitted fabric comprising: (a) a stretched first portion; (b) a non-stretched second portion, wherein the second portion is adjacent to the first portion.

[0010] Therefore, both the first and second portions comprise knitted fabric. In the context of this invention, the term "stretching" refers to any material having a negative Poisson's ratio. Thus, when the first portion is stretched along a first direction, it responds by expanding along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. "Substantially perpendicular" means within the typical deviation range experienced by knitted fabrics, for example, between 70° and 110°. The second portion is non-stretching, meaning its Poisson's ratio is equal to or greater than zero.

[0011] Due to the tensile properties of the first part, when the knitted fabric is stretched, the wearer experiences a damping effect as the area of ​​the knitted fabric in contact with the wearer expands. This simultaneously leads to a reduction in the pressure exerted on the wearer by the knitted fabric and a better distribution of pressure and compression exerted by the knitted fabric. Furthermore, improved ventilation is most desired when the knitted fabric is stretched due to physical activity, at which point the permeability and breathability of the knitted fabric are improved. The knitted fabric also allows for improved damping and absorption of energy from both low-frequency and high-frequency movements. In summary, support and wearing comfort are improved compared to existing technologies.

[0012] The inventors’ key insight is that, in order to control the stretch properties of knitted fabrics, it is important to introduce a non-stretching second part.

[0013] In the context of this invention, clothing articles can be a garment, such as a shirt, T-shirt, jacket, hat, trousers, shorts, socks, etc. Footwear articles can be shoes, such as running shoes, soccer shoes, hiking shoes, mountaineering boots, tennis shoes, basketball shoes, golf shoes, sandals, etc.

[0014] The first part may include a first substantially flat element and a first protruding element. This arrangement allows for the production of the stretching characteristics of the first part through a geometric stretching effect and has the advantage of being particularly easy to implement for large quantities of yarn used during knitting. In other words, the stretching behavior is generated through the transformation between the three-dimensional and flat knitting of the first part.

[0015] The first part may also include a second substantially flat element and a second protruding element, wherein the flat element and the protruding element are arranged in an alternating manner. After extensive modifications, the inventors have found that such an arrangement allows for a particularly significant tensile effect.

[0016] The first part may also include multiple flat elements and multiple protruding elements, wherein repeating units of the flat elements may include at least four adjacent flat elements. In this case, a very strong tensile effect is observed.

[0017] The first part may also include an alternating pattern of face stitches and reverse stitches. This pattern can be produced, for example, through a series of stitch transfers. Furthermore, this knitting structure can be knitted on a single-needle bed knitting machine, but can be transformed into different forms.

[0018] Alternating patterns of front and back coils can form a purl rib structure. This structure can be stretched while allowing contraction in different axial planes.

[0019] The first part can be configured to stretch along the wale direction when worn. The inventors have found that the stretching behavior is generally better when the first part is configured to stretch along the wale direction when worn. This is especially true in the case of a double reverse rib structure.

[0020] The first section can also include a wavy pattern. This construction allows for neat, controlled edges to be added to the first section.

[0021] The first section may also include a reverse corrugated pattern. This arrangement can be used to form a first section with different properties on the front and back sides, which interact with each other when they meet. This allows the three-dimensional properties of the fabric, which has flattened out when stretched, to be weakened. Compared to patterns without a reverse corrugated pattern, the reverse corrugated pattern allows for a significant reduction in the total length of the first section. This structure is preferably knitted on a double-needle bed knitting machine. The inventors have discovered that particularly strong stretching behavior is observed when the reverse corrugated pattern is arranged in a rectangular pattern or a horizontal zigzag pattern.

[0022] The first section may also include a tubular jacquard pattern. The jacquard pattern can be easily and quickly produced using existing knitting techniques. This arrangement allows one yarn to be displayed on the front of the first section, while another yarn is displayed on the back, and vice versa. For example, elastic and inelastic yarns can be used to create a first section with different properties on its front and back sides, which interact with each other in a strategic pattern. This allows for inward curling and concave characteristics, creating a stretching effect at the opening. This structure is preferably knitted on a double-needle bed knitting machine.

[0023] Tubular jacquard patterns can include triangular patterns. Jacquard patterns can be easily and quickly produced using existing knitting techniques. This arrangement has been found to provide a particularly strong stretch effect.

[0024] The first part may also include at least one elastic yarn. The term "elastic" is understood by those skilled in the art in a conventional manner. For example, an elastic yarn may include elastic fibers. Elastic yarns are advantageous for producing a strong tensile effect.

[0025] The first section may further include at least one inelastic yarn, wherein the first knitted row may include an elastic yarn, and at least five consecutive knitted rows include inelastic yarn. For example, the knitting may include a strip of knitted elastic yarn, followed by eight rows of tucked inelastic yarn. The tucks may be repeated alternately in a brick pattern. The elastic element contracts and pulls into the first section. As the first section is stretched, the contracted section unfolds, resulting in a stretching behavior. This structure can be knitted on a single-needle bed knitting machine or a double-needle bed knitting machine.

[0026] Any or all of the knitted structures in the first part described above can be combined and / or shaped to produce a knitted fabric according to the invention. In particular, any combination of knitted structures or constructions comprising the first part and any second part disclosed above can be produced as an integral knitted fabric. In the context of this invention, the term "integral" means that the knitted fabric can be knitted on a single knitting machine in a single manufacturing step, i.e., in particular, without the need to cut and sew different garment pieces together.

[0027] Another aspect of the invention relates to a garment article comprising a knitted fabric according to any aspect described herein. Therefore, this garment article possesses the advantages provided by knitted fabrics.

[0028] Another aspect of the invention relates to a bra comprising a knitted fabric according to any aspect described herein. The advantageous technical effects of the knitted fabric according to the invention in cushioning and absorbing kinetic energy are particularly advantageous for the application of sports bras. Sports bras are designed to minimize discomfort felt by women during running by supporting and restraining the breasts. A common trade-off in sports bras is activity comfort versus long-term discomfort. The most supportive sports bras are often unsuitable for prolonged wear due to the significant pressure around the shoulder straps and underbust band. By incorporating stretch knitted fabric into the bra structure, performance (e.g., damping and pain reduction) can be improved while maintaining long-term comfort.

[0029] The first stretch portion can be located in at least one of the following: (a) the underbust band, (b) the cup area, and (c) the strap region. This provides the wearer with a better fit and greater comfort.

[0030] A sports bra may include at least one garment piece, wherein the garment piece may include a first portion according to any aspect described herein. Thus, a sports bra can be manufactured as a garment piece, which is then cut and sewn together to produce a complete bra. This allows for great flexibility in the design of the bra. Alternatively, a sports bra can be manufactured as a semi-finished garment piece, wherein the edges of the garment piece may have neat embellishments. The garment pieces are then fused or sewn together to form a complete bra.

[0031] Another aspect of the invention relates to a footwear article comprising a knitted fabric according to any aspect described herein. Therefore, the footwear article provides improved fit and comfortable dynamic support, especially during sporting activities and movement.

[0032] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a knitted fabric for clothing or footwear articles, comprising: (a) knitting a stretched first portion; and (b) knitting a non-stretched second portion such that the second portion is adjacent to the first portion.

[0033] This method can be performed, for example, using a single-bed or double-bed knitting machine, preferably with multi-gauge support. This method can produce knitted fabrics with many of the advantages already described herein.

[0034] The method may also include knitting a first substantially flat element and a first protruding element in the first part. After extensive improvements, the inventors have found that such an arrangement allows for a particularly significant stretching effect.

[0035] The method may also include knitting a second basic flat element and a second protruding element in the first part, and arranging the flat element and the protruding element in an alternating manner. After extensive development, the inventors have discovered that such an arrangement allows for a particularly significant stretching effect.

[0036] The method may also include knitting a plurality of flat elements and a plurality of protruding elements in the first part, and arranging at least four adjacent flat elements in repeating units of the flat elements. In this case, a very strong stretching effect is observed.

[0037] The method may also include knitting an alternating pattern of face stitches and reverse stitches in the first part. This pattern can be produced, for example, by a series of stitch transfers. Furthermore, this knitting structure can be knitted on a single-needle bed knitting machine, but can be transformed into different forms.

[0038] Alternating patterns of front and back coils can form a double-reverse rib structure. This structure can be stretched while allowing contraction in different axial planes.

[0039] The method may also include configuring the first portion to be stretched along the longitudinal direction of the coils when worn. The inventors have found that the stretching behavior is generally better when the first portion is configured to be stretched along the longitudinal direction of the coils when worn. This is especially true in the case of a double reverse rib structure.

[0040] The method may also include knitting a wavy pattern in the first section. This construction allows for the addition of neat, controlled edges to the first section. This structure can be produced, for example, by knitting a row on both needle beds of a double-needle bed knitting machine using elastic yarn, and then knitting three rows only on the front needle bed. This produces a stretchable fabric that is pulled back into a tighter, shorter structure than the fabric without the wavy pattern.

[0041] The method may also include knitting a reverse wavy pattern in the first part. Alternatively or additionally, the method may also include knitting a tubular jacquard pattern in the first part. Alternatively or additionally, the method may also include knitting a triangular pattern within the tubular jacquard pattern.

[0042] The advantages and details of knitted fabrics in relation to these aspects are described elsewhere in this article.

[0043] The method may also include knitting with at least one elastic yarn in the first part. The term "elastic" is understood by those skilled in the art in a conventional manner. For example, an elastic yarn may include elastic fibers. Elastic yarns are advantageous for producing a strong tensile effect.

[0044] The method may also include knitting in the first part with at least one inelastic yarn, wherein the first knitted row may include an elastic yarn and at least five consecutive knitted rows include inelastic yarns. Advantages and details relating to these aspects of the knitted fabric are described elsewhere in this document.

[0045] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing garment articles, comprising manufacturing knitted fabrics according to any aspect described herein. Therefore, such garment articles are advantageously beneficial as described herein.

[0046] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a bra, comprising manufacturing a knitted fabric according to any aspect described herein. Therefore, the bra is advantageously beneficial as described herein.

[0047] The method of manufacturing a bra may also include arranging the first part in at least one of: (a) an underbust band, (b) a cup area, and (c) a suspender area. Therefore, it can provide the wearer with a better fit and wearing comfort.

[0048] Methods of manufacturing a bra may include knitting at least one garment piece by means of any of the methods described herein. Therefore, a bra can be easily customized into a desired geometry.

[0049] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing footwear articles, comprising manufacturing a knitted fabric according to any aspect described herein. Thus, the footwear articles provide improved fit and comfortable dynamic support, especially during sporting activities and movement. Attached Figure Description

[0050] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings show:

[0051] Figure 1 A and 1B are non-stretch knitted parts. Figure 1 A) and the stretched knitted part ( Figure 1 Example illustration of B);

[0052] Figure 2 This is an example of coil transfer in the stretching section;

[0053] Figure 3 A-3C is an exemplary first part that includes a double reverse rib structure;

[0054] Figure 4 A and 4B include continuous features ( Figure 4 A) or alternating features ( Figure 4 B) is an exemplary first part of a double reverse rib structure;

[0055] Figure 5 This is an exemplary knitted pattern used for a first portion including an elastic loop;

[0056] Figure 6 A and 6B are exemplary first parts that include elastic clusters;

[0057] Figure 7 A-7C is an exemplary first part that includes a flexible cluster;

[0058] Figure 8 A-8D is an exemplary first part that includes a corrugated pattern;

[0059] Figure 9 A-9C is an exemplary first part that includes a tubular jacquard pattern;

[0060] Figure 10 Examples of knitted patterns used in the first part include triangular patterns in tubular jacquard patterns;

[0061] Figure 11A , 11B It is an exemplary shaped knitted fabric according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0062] Figures 12A-12C An exemplary knitted fabric comprising a combination of different structures according to one aspect of the invention; and

[0063] Figures 13A-13F This is an exemplary sports bra illustrating various arrangements of the first and second parts according to various aspects of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0064] The following describes only some embodiments of the present invention in detail. It should be understood that these exemplary embodiments can be modified in many ways, combined with each other when compatible, and certain features can be omitted, as long as they do not appear to be necessary.

[0065] Figure 1 A and 1B show the non-stretch knitted portion ( Figure 1 A) and the stretched knitted part ( Figure 1 The exemplary illustration of B) can be used as a first stretched portion and a second non-stretched portion in an exemplary knitted fabric of the present invention, which will be explained below.

[0066] Figure 1 A illustrates an exemplary non-stretched portion 11 in a relaxed state (left) and a stretched state (right). When the exemplary non-stretched portion 11 is stretched along a first direction 13, the non-stretched portion 11 contracts along a second direction 14 substantially perpendicular to the first direction 13, as shown. Figure 1 As shown in Figure A.

[0067] It should be noted that, in Figure 1 In this example of A, the corresponding Poisson's ratio of the non-stretched portion 11 is greater than zero. However, the non-stretched portion may also have a Poisson's ratio of zero or approximately zero, which means that when the exemplary non-stretched portion 11 is stretched along the first direction 13, the non-stretched portion 11 neither contracts nor expands along the second direction 14, which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction 13.

[0068] Figure 1 B illustrates an exemplary tensile portion 12 in a relaxed state (left) and a stretched state (right). When the exemplary tensile portion 12 is stretched along a first direction 13, the tensile portion 12 expands along a second direction 14 that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction 13, as shown. Figure 1 As shown in B.

[0069] Figure 2 An exemplary stitch transfer of a stretch portion, which may be employed according to certain aspects of the invention, is shown. The exemplary stretch portion includes an alternating pattern of front and back coils.

[0070] Rows of right-side loops 21 and rows of wrong-side loops 22 are knitted. This can be done on a single-needle bed or double-needle bed knitting machine, also known as a two-needle bed knitting machine. In the first loop course 24a, for example, only right-side loops are formed on the first needle bed. In the subsequent second loop course 24b, for example, only wrong-side loops are formed on the second needle bed. In the subsequent third loop course 24c, for example, only right-side loops are formed on the first needle bed. In the subsequent fourth loop course 24d, for example, only wrong-side loops are formed on the second needle bed. The direction of the pass is indicated by reference numeral 23.

[0071] Figure 3 A-3C illustrates an exemplary first stretching portion of the invention, which includes a double purlrib structure. A horizontal direction 31 approximately follows the transverse direction of the coils in this portion, while a vertical direction 32 approximately follows the longitudinal direction of the coils.

[0072] Figure 3 A illustrates an exemplary first stretching section of a knitted fabric including a transfer section with a double reverse rib structure having 12N×6R, i.e., 12 stitches per 6 rows. This structure exhibits good stretching behavior.

[0073] Figure 3 B illustrates an exemplary first stretch portion of a knitted fabric including a transfer loop double reverse rib structure with a 24N×6R pattern, i.e., a transfer loop portion of 24 stitches per 6 rows. This structure exhibits very good stretch behavior.

[0074] Figure 3 C illustrates an exemplary first stretch portion of a knitted fabric including a transfer loop double reverse rib structure, which has a higher... Figure 3 B has a deeper proportion, 24N×12R, meaning a shift portion of 24 stitches per 12 rows. This structure exhibits very good stretching behavior.

[0075] Figure 4 A and 4B illustrate an exemplary first part, which includes continuous features ( Figure 4 A) or alternating features ( Figure 4 B) Double reverse thread structure. The horizontal direction 31 is approximately along the transverse direction of the coil, while the vertical direction 32 is approximately along the longitudinal direction of the coil.

[0076] Figure 4 A illustrates an exemplary first portion of a double reverse rib structure including continuous features, while Figure 4B illustrates an exemplary first portion of a double-reverse rib structure including alternating features. These structures exhibit good tensile behavior, especially when stretched along the vertical direction 32.

[0077] Figure 5 An exemplary knitting pattern is shown for a first portion including elastic tuck loops. The tuck loop structure consists of a held loop, one or more tuck loops, and knitting loops.

[0078] A knitted pattern is used for the first section, which includes at least one inelastic yarn and an elastic yarn. The inelastic yarn is knitted in eight rows, indicated by reference numeral 39, and the elastic yarn is knitted in two rows of stripes, indicated by reference numeral 38. The loops repeat alternately in a brick pattern. The elastic element contracts and pulls into the first section. When the first section is stretched, the contracted section unfolds, resulting in a stretching behavior. This structure can be knitted on a single-needle bed knitting machine or a double-needle bed knitting machine. Knitted loops are indicated by reference numeral 37, and hold loops are indicated by reference numerals 36 and 37.

[0079] Figure 6 A and 6B illustrate an exemplary first knitted portion including elastic loops. This exemplary first portion can be made by... Figure 5 The knitted pattern shown is generated. Figure 6 A shows the main view, while Figure 6 B shows a larger-scale rear view of the fabric, which includes several repeating loop units.

[0080] Figure 7 A-7C illustrates an exemplary first portion comprising a flexible coil. The horizontal direction 31 approximates the transverse direction of the coil, while the vertical direction 32 approximates the longitudinal direction of the coil.

[0081] Figure 7 A shows a smaller-scale tufted pattern. In particular, bulging behavior is observed when stretched along the vertical direction 32.

[0082] Figure 7 B shows a larger proportion of the tufted pattern. In particular, good tensile behavior is observed when stretched along the vertical direction 32.

[0083] Figure 7 C shows the variation in the tuck ratio of the knitted sections within the same knitted stretch section. Good stretching behavior is observed, especially when stretched along the vertical direction 32.

[0084] Figure 8 A-8D illustrates an exemplary first stretched knitted section including a corrugated pattern. The horizontal direction 31 is approximately along the transverse direction of the loops, while the vertical direction 32 is approximately along the longitudinal direction of the loops.

[0085] Figure 8 A shows a corrugated pattern with 24N x 10R corrugations between each pair of shifting sections. Good tensile behavior is observed when stretched along the vertical direction 32.

[0086] Figure 8 B shows another corrugated pattern with 24N x 10R corrugations between each pair of shifting sections. Good tensile behavior was observed when stretched along the vertical direction 32.

[0087] Figure 8 C shows another corrugated pattern with 24N x 10R corrugations between each pair of shifting sections. Good tensile behavior was observed when stretched along the vertical direction 32.

[0088] Figure 8 D shows another corrugated pattern with 24N x 6R corrugations between each pair of shifting sections. Good tensile behavior was observed when stretched along the vertical direction 32.

[0089] Since a good stretching effect is observed when the first part is stretched along the vertical direction 32 (approximately along the longitudinal direction of the coil), the first part is configured to stretch along the longitudinal direction when worn.

[0090] Figure 9 A-9C illustrates an exemplary first stretched knitted section including a tubular jacquard pattern. The horizontal direction 31 is approximately along the transverse direction of the loops, while the vertical direction 32 is approximately along the longitudinal direction of the loops.

[0091] Figure 9 A shows a tubular jacquard pattern with a chiral scroll pattern. Stretch behavior is observed when stretched along the vertical direction 32.

[0092] Figure 9 B shows a tubular jacquard pattern with a star-shaped scroll design. Stretch behavior is observed when stretched along the vertical direction 32.

[0093] Figure 9 C shows a jacquard tubular pattern with different triangular patterns. When stretched along the vertical direction 32, good tensile behavior is observed.

[0094] Figure 10 An exemplary knitted pattern for the first part is shown, which includes a triangular pattern in a tubular jacquard pattern. Elastic yarn 41 is knitted into a triangular geometry, while non-elastic yarn 42 is used to fill the remaining space in the tubular jacquard knit. For example, the non-elastic yarn may comprise recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate), while the elastic yarn may comprise elastic fibers. Good stretching behavior is observed.

[0095] Figure 11A , 11B An exemplary shaped knitted fabric according to one aspect of the present invention is shown.

[0096] Figure 11A A knitted fabric 50 for clothing or footwear is shown, comprising: (a) a stretched first portion 51; and (b) a non-stretched second portion 52, wherein the second portion 52 is adjacent to the first portion 51.

[0097] The first part 51 includes a first substantially flat element 56a and a first protruding element 57a. The first part also includes a second substantially flat element 56b and a second protruding element 57b, wherein the flat element 56 and the protruding element 57 are arranged alternately.

[0098] In this case, the first part 51 includes a plurality of flat elements 56 and a plurality of protruding elements 57, wherein the repeating unit of the flat elements includes at least four adjacent flat elements.

[0099] Part 51 includes a reverse wavy pattern, while Part 52 includes a single jersey knit. In particular, the knitted fabric 50 is a monolithic knitted fabric manufactured in a single manufacturing step on a single knitting machine, that is, specifically, without the need to cut and sew different garment pieces together.

[0100] Figure 11B A knitted fabric 50 for clothing or footwear is shown, comprising: (a) stretched first portions 51a, 51b; and (b) a non-stretched second portion 52, wherein the second portion 52 is adjacent to the first portions 51, 51b.

[0101] One first part 51a includes a reverse wavy pattern, while the other first part 51b includes a tubular jacquard pattern. The second part 52 includes a single plain weave.

[0102] Figures 12A-12C An exemplary knitted fabric comprising a combination of different structures according to one aspect of the invention is shown. The knitted fabric 50 is used for clothing or footwear articles and includes: (a) a stretched first portion 51; (b) a non-stretched second portion 52, wherein the second portion 52 is adjacent to the first portion 51.

[0103] Figure 12A Part 51 includes a wavy pattern, while Part 52 includes a single plain weave.

[0104] Figure 12B Part 51 includes a tubular jacquard pattern, while Part 52 includes a single plain knit.

[0105] Figure 12C Part 51 includes a reverse wavy pattern, while Part 52 includes a single plain weave.

[0106] Figures 13A-13F Exemplary garment articles are shown, in which all examples relate to a sports bra 60, having various arrangements of first and second parts according to aspects of the invention.

[0107] Figure 13A All sports bras 60 shown in -F include knitted fabrics for clothing or footwear, comprising: (a) a stretched first portion; (b) a non-stretched second portion, wherein the second portion is adjacent to the first portion.

[0108] Figure 13A A sports bra 60 including a bust band 61 is shown. In this example, the bust band 61 comprises a knitted fabric including: (a) a stretched first portion; and (b) a non-stretched second portion, wherein the second portion is adjacent to the first portion. The bust band 61 can be integrated into the bra 60 by cutting and sewing, or it can be knitted as part of the garment. The bust band 61 is a highly stretchable and highly compressible area.

[0109] Figure 13B A sports bra 60 including a cup support 62 is shown. In this example, the cup support 62 includes a knitted fabric comprising: (a) a stretched first portion; and (b) a non-stretched second portion, wherein the second portion is adjacent to the first portion.

[0110] The bra 60 includes at least one garment piece, which comprises a first portion. In this case, the garment piece also includes a second portion. Therefore, the garment piece comprises the entire knitted fabric. Thus, the cup support 62 can be integrated into the bra 60 by cutting and sewing. Alternatively, the bra can be knitted as a complete garment.

[0111] Figure 13C A sports bra 60 is shown, comprising a strap area 63 and a front area 64. In this example, the strap area 63 comprises a knitted fabric including: (a) a stretched first portion; and (b) a non-stretched second portion, wherein the second portion is adjacent to the first portion. In this example, the front area 64 comprises a knitted fabric including: (a) a stretched first portion; and (b) a non-stretched second portion, wherein the second portion is adjacent to the first portion. The non-stretched area is located in the cup 62 and underbust 61 areas.

[0112] Figure 13DA sports bra 60 is shown, comprising a strap area 63 and a back area 65. In this example, the strap area 63 comprises a knitted fabric including: (a) a stretched first portion; and (b) a non-stretched second portion, wherein the second portion is adjacent to the first portion. In this example, the back area 65 comprises a knitted fabric including: (a) a stretched first portion; and (b) a non-stretched second portion, wherein the second portion is adjacent to the first portion. This can be manufactured as separate garment pieces and formed into a bra using cutting and sewing. Alternatively, it can be manufactured as a single garment.

[0113] Figure 13E A sports bra 60 including a lower strap region 66 is shown. In this example, the lower strap region 66 includes a knitted fabric comprising: (a) a stretched first portion; and (b) a non-stretched second portion, wherein the second portion is adjacent to the first portion.

[0114] Figure 13F This demonstrates how various geometric arrangements can be combined with each other to ideally customize a bra for a specific application or to allow for personal preferences. For example, Figure 13F A sports bra 60 is shown, including a lower strap area 66 and an underbust area 61.

[0115] In this example, the lower strap region 66 includes a first knitted fabric comprising: (a) a stretched first portion; and (b) a non-stretched second portion, wherein the second portion is adjacent to the first portion.

[0116] In this example, the lower chest band 61 includes a second knitted fabric comprising: (a) a stretched third portion; and (b) a non-stretched fourth portion, wherein the third portion is adjacent to the fourth portion.

[0117] The third part may be similar to the first part in terms of the knitting structure used; for example, both structures may include a wavy pattern. However, the third part may also differ from the first part in terms of knitting structure. For example, the first part may include a wavy pattern, while the second part may include a tubular jacquard pattern. Similarly, the second and fourth parts may be similar or different in terms of knitting structure.

[0118] Figure Labels

[0119] 11: Non-stretch portion

[0120] 12: Stretch portion

[0121] 21: Rows of front coils

[0122] 22: Rows of reverse coils

[0123] 23: Direction of Shifting Circles

[0124] 24a-d: First to fourth coils run horizontally

[0125] 31: Horizontal direction

[0126] 32: Vertical direction

[0127] 36: Holding the coil

[0128] 37: Knitting loops

[0129] 41: Elastic yarn

[0130] 42: Non-elastic yarn

[0131] 50: Knitted fabrics

[0132] 51: Part One

[0133] 52: Part Two

[0134] 56: Basic flat element

[0135] 57: Prominent Components

[0136] 60: Sports Bra

[0137] 61: Lower chest band

[0138] 62: Cup support

[0139] 63: Sling area

[0140] 64: Front Area

[0141] 65: Rear Area

[0142] 66: Lower sling area

Claims

1. A knitted fabric (50), comprising: (a) The first part of the stretch (51); (b) The second part without stretching (52), The second part (52) is adjacent to the first part (51). Wherein, the knitted fabric (50) is an integral knitted fabric comprising the first part (51) and the second part (52), and The first part (51) includes a first substantially flat element (56a) and a first protruding element (57a), and the stretching behavior is generated by the transition between the three-dimensionally flat knitted first part.

2. The knitted fabric (50) according to claim 1, wherein, The first part (51) further includes a second substantially flat element (56b) and a second protruding element (57b), wherein the first substantially flat element (56a) and the second substantially flat element (56b) are both flat elements (56), and the first protruding element (57a) and the second protruding element (57b) are both protruding elements (57), and the flat elements (56) and the protruding elements (57) are arranged in an alternating manner.

3. The knitted fabric (50) according to claim 2, wherein, The first part (51) includes a plurality of flat elements (56) and a plurality of protruding elements (57), wherein a repeating unit of the flat elements (56) includes at least four adjacent flat elements (56).

4. The knitted fabric (50) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The first part (51) also includes an alternating pattern of front and back coils.

5. The knitted fabric (50) according to claim 4, wherein, The alternating patterns of the front coil and the reverse coil form a double reverse rib structure.

6. The knitted fabric (50) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The first part (51) is configured to be stretched along the longitudinal direction of the coil when worn.

7. The knitted fabric (50) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The first part (51) also includes a corrugated pattern, and / or a reverse corrugated pattern, and / or a tubular jacquard pattern.

8. The knitted fabric (50) according to claim 7, wherein, The tubular jacquard pattern includes a triangular pattern.

9. The knitted fabric (50) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The first part (51) also includes at least one elastic yarn.

10. The knitted fabric (50) according to claim 9, wherein, The first part (51) also includes at least one inelastic yarn, wherein the first knitted row includes the elastic yarn, and at least five consecutive knitted rows include inelastic yarn.

11. A garment article comprising a knitted fabric (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A bra (60) comprising a knitted fabric (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. The bra (60) according to claim 12, wherein, The first part (51) is arranged in at least one of the following: (a) underbust band (61), (b) cup area (62), and (c) suspender area (63, 66).

14. A footwear article comprising a knitted fabric (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

15. A method for manufacturing a knitted fabric (50), comprising: (a) The first part of the knitting stretch (51); (b) Knitting a non-stretched second portion (52) such that the second portion (52) is adjacent to the first portion (51). It also includes: knitting a first substantially flat element (56a) and a first protruding element (57a) in the first part (51), so that the stretching behavior is generated by the transition between the three-dimensionally flat knitted first part; The method involves knitting the knitted fabric (50) on a single knitting machine in a single manufacturing step. The knitted fabric (50) is an integral knitted fabric comprising the first portion (51) and the second portion (52).

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: In the first part (51), a second basic flat element (56b) and a second protruding element (57b) are knitted, wherein the first basic flat element (56a) and the second basic flat element (56b) are both flat elements (56), and the first protruding element (57a) and the second protruding element (57b) are both protruding elements (57). The flat element (56) and the protruding element (57) are arranged in an alternating manner.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising knitting a plurality of flat elements (56) and a plurality of protruding elements (57) in the first portion (51), and arranging at least four adjacent flat elements (56) as repeating units of flat elements (56).

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising knitting an alternating pattern of front loops and back loops in the first part (51).

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The alternating patterns of the front coil and the reverse coil form a double reverse rib structure.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising configuring the first portion (51) to be stretched along the longitudinal direction of the coil when worn.

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising knitting a corrugated pattern, and / or a reverse corrugated pattern, and / or a tubular jacquard pattern in the first part (51).

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising knitting a triangular pattern in the tubular jacquard pattern.

23. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising knitting in the first part (51) with at least one elastic yarn.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising knitting in the first portion (51) with at least one inelastic yarn, wherein the first knitted row comprises the elastic yarn and at least five consecutive knitted rows comprise inelastic yarn.

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