Method for producing textile by means of circular weft knitting machine and textile produced by said method

Abstract

A method for producing a textile (1) by means of a circular weft knitting machine of the seamless type and provided with at least two yarn feeders or doffers, a needle carrier supporting a plurality of needles, and a plurality of knocking-over sinkers. The method provides for programming a textile machine to define a tubular textile made up of a plurality of successive stitch rows and producing a weft knitted fabric according to the programming step to produce the textile. The production step comprises the following steps: feeding a first binding yarn for producing a weft knitted fabric constituting a bottom knitted fabric of the textile; selecting at least one'needle device (S) 'specifying a needle bed for collecting at least one additional yarn; selecting, within the needle device, at least one "loop needle group (G)", which is a needle selected for operation by respective selection and in combination with a loop-type sinker; the additional yarn is fed only to the needles of the needle arrangement in order to produce a knitted fabric comprising the additional yarn corresponding to the needles of the needle arrangement and to produce a knitted fabric (T) of the terry type with the additional yarn corresponding to the needles of the terry needle group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a textile product by means of a circular weft knitting machine. The object of the present invention is also to provide a textile product obtained by means of the method.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to a weaving method which provides for the insertion of at least one additional yarn cut or made into floats on a weft knitting machine and on a seamless weft knitting machine, wherein at least a portion of the needles fed with the additional yarn produce a terry-type knitted fabric. The result is a textile which, in its choice (i.e., "design"), exhibits terry loops produced with the additional yarn. Background Art

[0003] It is known to use circular weft knitting machines to manufacture various types of textiles for the production of any type of clothing and textile products. Such textiles may constitute garments and products that are essentially finished once they have been made by the knitting machine, or such textiles may undergo subsequent operations and processing such as cutting, sewing, applying additional parts, packaging, etc.

[0004] The circular knitting machine for producing textile products comprises at least one needle bearing mechanism (needle bearing cylinder and / or plate) on which one or more series of needles are arranged along a circular path (circular needle bed) and means suitable for controlling the movement of the needles to form the fabric. The knock-over sinkers are arranged in radial seats obtained in annular bodies (sinker crowns) arranged around the needle holder cylinder and cooperate with the needles to form the knitted fabric.

[0005] In the production of textiles on circular weft knitting machines, it is also known to use various processing techniques that allow the production of different types of knitted fabrics. For example, the process can provide for the production of knitted fabric portions produced according to the following technical mode: unloaded needles (plain knitted loops), non-operated needles (floating threads), withdrawn needles (unwound knitted fabric).

[0006] Circular knitting machines of the seamless type are shown for example in WO2011042299 and WO2012117352 in the name of the same applicant. Summary of the invention

[0007] In the case of the manufacture of textile products by means of seamless circular knitting machines, the applicant has encountered some limitations and drawbacks.

[0008] Firstly, the Applicant has noticed that methods of the known type allow limited combinations in the available knitted fabric structures and therefore do not always allow the realization of textiles having the necessary desired technical and / or aesthetic characteristics. For example, the available patterns and patterns are limited and the aesthetic effects obtainable on the textile may not be satisfactory.

[0009] The Applicant has also observed that the textile products obtained with the known methods have a quality that meets aesthetic and / or technical characteristics – but does not always meet market requirements.

[0010] Furthermore, the Applicant has observed that methods of known type do not provide the necessary versatility in terms of the combination of knitted textile structures obtained on a single textile product.

[0011] In this case, in various aspects and / or embodiments of the present invention, the object of the present invention is to propose a method for producing textiles using a seamless circular knitting machine, and a textile obtained by this method, which can solve the above-mentioned problems and overcome the limitations of known technologies.

[0012] In particular, the object of the present invention is to propose a method for producing a textile product having specific structural features capable of conferring on the textile product itself determined technical properties.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to propose a method allowing to achieve a textile product with specific aesthetic characteristics and / or comfort and fit.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to propose a method that allows obtaining textile products characterized by a specific structure of a terry-type knitted fabric and that is not detectable in the known art.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to propose a method that allows producing patterns and motifs on a single textile product that are also complex and detailed, especially in combination with terry-type knitted fabrics.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to propose a method allowing to achieve a textile product featuring a stable structure and not subject to defects or flaws.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to propose a method allowing the production of textile products in an economically competitive manner.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to propose a method capable of providing the necessary versatility in obtaining a combination of knitted textile structures on a single textile product.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to propose a method that allows to obtain specific aesthetic effects on a single textile product.

[0020] The invention also aims to propose a textile product manufactured on a circular knitting machine of the seamless type, in which areas with different properties (technical and aesthetic) are present and arranged where needed.

[0021] Another object of the invention is to create an alternative solution in the production of knitted fabric textiles with respect to the known technology and / or to open up new pattern areas.

[0022] These objects and any other objects that will better emerge from the following description are basically achieved by a method for producing textiles and related textiles produced on a seamless circular knitting machine according to one or more of the attached claims and according to the following aspects and / or various combinations and may include embodiments of the above claims.

[0023] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a textile product by means of a circular knitting machine.

[0024] Preferably, the method is operated with a circular weft knitting machine.

[0025] Preferably, the method is performed with a circular knitting machine of the seamless type.

[0026] In one aspect, the method includes the steps of arranging a circular knitting machine, which includes at least two yarn feeders or yarn droppers and a needle carrying mechanism supporting a plurality of needles, wherein the needle carrying mechanism defines a circular needle bed, which is operable to pick up yarn fed by the at least two yarn feeders and form a weft knitted fabric; the needle carrying mechanism is rotatable relative to the at least two yarn feeders, and the at least two yarn feeders are arranged near the needle carrying mechanism.

[0027] In one aspect, the circular knitting machine includes a plurality of knockover sinkers, which may also be a special type of knockover sinkers, and the plurality of knockover sinkers are operatively associated with the plurality of needles, and the plurality of knockover sinkers include a determined number of Terry sinkers, i.e., sinkers specifically used for processing Terry type knitted fabrics.

[0028] In one aspect, the method comprises the step of programming the textile machine so as to define the textile to be produced, wherein:

[0029] - the textile product is composed of a plurality of continuous stitch rows;

[0030] - the textile has a tubular or cylindrical configuration about a central axis;

[0031] - The textile extends seamlessly and longitudinally between the starting end, where production of the knitted fabric begins, and the final end.

[0032] In one aspect, the method comprises the step of producing a weft knitted fabric using the circular knitting machine to produce a textile product according to the programming step.

[0033] In one aspect, the step of producing a weft knitted fabric includes a step of feeding a first binding yarn corresponding to the at least two yarn feeders in one or more rows among the plurality of rows, the first binding yarn being used to produce a weft knitted fabric constituting a bottom knitted fabric of the textile with the needles of the needle bed.

[0034] In one aspect, the step of producing a weft knitted fabric comprises the following steps in one or more of the plurality of rows:

[0035] - selection of at least one "needle device (S)" of said circular needle bed designated for collecting at least one additional yarn;

[0036] - Selection within said needle device of at least one "Terry needle group (G)", which is the needle selected for operation by corresponding selection and in combination with a Terry type sinker.

[0037] In one aspect, the step of producing a weft knitted fabric comprises the step of feeding the additional yarn only to the needles of the needle arrangement (S) corresponding to at least one of the two yarn feeders in one or more of the plurality of rows, so as to:

[0038] - the needles corresponding to said needle arrangement (S) produce a knitted fabric comprising the additional yarn, and

[0039] - The needles corresponding to the terry needle group produce a terry type knitted fabric with additional yarn.

[0040] In an aspect, the method comprises the step of performing the cutting of the additional yarn at least corresponding to the start and / or the end of said at least one needle arrangement.

[0041] In one aspect, the steps of selecting the needle group, selecting the terry needle group and feeding the additional yarn may be performed to:

[0042] - a stitch row for said textile product,

[0043] - for more continuous rows of stitches in said textile, or

[0044] - for individual stitch rows or sequences of rows, wherein the individual stitch rows or sequences of rows are different from one another and are distributed differently in the textile item, or

[0045] - a determined number of times (preferably higher than 1) of execution at alternating rows in said textile, the alternating rows being based on a series of repeated yes-rows and no-rows, which results in an alternation of rows in which these steps are performed and rows in which these steps are not performed, or

[0046] - is executed in all the stitch rows that make up the textile.

[0047] In one aspect, a circular knitting machine is configured to:

[0048] - allows the selection of needles in the step of selecting the needle device to be operated at will in terms of number and angular position along the needle bed; and

[0049] - Allowing the selection of needles to be manipulated freely in number and angular position within the needle device during the step of selecting the terry needle group, so that terry knitted fabric stitches are made using the additional yarn in any desired position within the stitch row.

[0050] In one aspect, the needle device and the terry needle group therein seamlessly operate more than one stitch row, preferably a determined number of stitch rows or seamlessly operate the rotation of the needle carrier mechanism, during which the additional yarn is used to produce a knitted fabric using the needles of the needle device.

[0051] In one aspect, the needle arrangement can be arbitrarily defined for each stitch row, i.e. the needle arrangement can comprise a different group of needles of the needle bed in each row, and in the same way, the terry needle group can be arbitrarily defined for each stitch row, i.e. the terry needle group can comprise a different group of needles belonging to the needle arrangement in each row.

[0052] In an aspect, the step of selecting at least one needle arrangement and the step of selecting at least one terry needle group may be performed for each row, ie the needle arrangement and the terry needle group within the needle arrangement may vary from row to row.

[0053] In one aspect, the terry needle group comprises (i.e. consists of) at least one terry needle in the needle arrangement, so that: within a row the result always presents at least one portion of a terry knitted fabric produced with an additional yarn (inserted by cutting). The at least one portion of the terry knitted fabric is possibly joined to one or more portions of a plain knitted fabric and / or a float knitted fabric and / or an unwound knitted fabric and / or a float (drop knit). In a similar manner, the solution provides that the additional yarn always produces at least one portion of a terry knitted fabric within a stitch row.

[0054] In a possible aspect, in said step of selecting the needle device, the needle group includes all the needles of the needle bed.

[0055] In an aspect, said step of feeding said additional yarn to the needles of said needle arrangement is performed in correspondence with both of said at least two yarn feeders.

[0056] In one aspect, in the step of programming the textile machine, in one or more of the plurality of continuous stitch rows, the needle arrangement is not defined, i.e. the needle arrangement does not include any needles and feeding of the additional yarn does not occur, nor does production of a knitted fabric comprising the additional yarn occur, nor does definition of a terry needle group for producing terry-type knitted fabric occur.

[0057] In one aspect, in the step of producing the weft-knitted fabric, the circular knitting machine operates with continuous motion (or unidirectional motion), that is, the needle-carrying mechanism rotates continuously in the rotation direction; in particular, the circular knitting machine operates with continuous motion (or unidirectional motion) during the production of stitch rows, in which the needle group and the terry needle group are selected.

[0058] In one aspect, the needle set may consist of:

[0059] only one section of continuous needles, only one section of continuous needles continuing without interruption along the needle bed (for one or more rows, until it is possible to cause more than one needle-carrying means to rotate); or

[0060] - More sections of needles spaced apart from one another along the needle bed, wherein each section consists of a determined number of adjacent needles (possibly decreasing down to just one needle).

[0061] Basically, the needle arrangement corresponds to only one segment or to the sum (combination) of more segments.

[0062] In one aspect, the terry needle set:

[0063] - corresponds to one or more subsets of said needle devices; or

[0064] - coincides with said needle device.

[0065] In one aspect, the subgroups constituting the terry needle group are different from each other and are separated within the needle device.

[0066] In one aspect, each of the subgroups constituting the group of terry needles consists of a determined number of adjacent needles (possibly decreasing down to only one needle).

[0067] In one aspect, the group of terry needles may comprise only some of the needles of the needle arrangement or all the needles of the needle arrangement.

[0068] In one aspect, in the case where the group of terry needles coincides with the needle arrangement, the additional yarn produces only stitches of the terry-type knitted fabric corresponding to each needle in the needle arrangement.

[0069] In one aspect, the cutting operation may occur:

[0070] - corresponds to the start and / or end of the needle arrangement;

[0071] - corresponds to the beginning and / or end of one or more sections of the needle device; or

[0072] - corresponds to the beginning and / or end of said group of looped needles or to the beginning and / or end of one or more subgroups of said group of looped needles.

[0073] Generally, "cutting" can be thought of as:

[0074] - an insertion operation of an additional yarn corresponding to the start of the needle arrangement, or the start of one or more sections of the needle arrangement, or the start of a group of terry needles, or the start of one or more subgroups of the group of terry needles; and

[0075] - an operation corresponding to the end of the feed of the additional yarn, which corresponds to the end of the needle arrangement, or the end of one or more sections of the needle arrangement, the latter the end of the group of terry needles, or the end of one or more subgroups of the group of terry needles.

[0076] In one aspect:

[0077] - said cutting takes place at each insertion position of the additional yarn;

[0078] - The cutting takes place in each position where the feed of additional yarn ends.

[0079] In one aspect, in the case where the terry needle group coincides with the needle group, and the needle arrangement consists of more sections of needles spaced from one another along the needle bed, the additional yarn is inserted at the beginning of the first section of needles and cut at the end of the last section of needles, provided that there is no spacing of the needles along the needle bed between each section of needles and the consecutive section which is equal to or higher than a determined cutting value, in which case the additional yarn is cut at the end of the section of needles and reintroduced at the beginning of the consecutive section.

[0080] In one aspect, when an additional yarn is inserted at the beginning of a needle segment and is cut at the end of a continuous segment of the needle or at the end of a series of continuous segments of the needle, the additional yarn is floated between the end of each segment and the beginning of the continuous segment, that is, the additional yarn is kept suspended, thereby forming a connection between two adjacent segments.

[0081] In one aspect, the step of performing the cutting of the additional yarn occurs in each row in which the additional yarn is selected for the needle arrangement, at least at the beginning and end of the needle arrangement, or at the beginning and end of a segment, or at the beginning and end of a series of more segments connected in series (as long as they are not separated from each other by a plurality of needles above the cutting value).

[0082] In one aspect, the initial cutting of the additional yarn occurs in a determined row (or rotation of the needle-carrying mechanism) in which operation of the needle device begins, and the final cutting is performed in a continuous row (or continuous rotation of the needle-carrying mechanism), or after multiple continuous rows (or continuous rotations of the needle-carrying mechanism) and when operation of the needle device ends.

[0083] In one aspect, the cutting value corresponds to the number of needles beyond which an additional yarn of the float remains suspended between the two sections, subject to cutting, thereby interrupting the connection.

[0084] In one aspect, the cutting value corresponds to the number of needles below which the additional yarn does not have to be cut but can remain floating, ie the needle remains suspended between the two sections without interrupting the connection.

[0085] In one aspect, the cutting value can be higher than 20 needles or higher than 40 needles or higher than 60 needles or higher than 80 needles or higher than 100 needles or higher than 120 needles.

[0086] In one aspect, in case the terry needle groups correspond to one or more subsets of the needle means and the needle means consist of only one section of continuous needles along the needle bed, the additional yarn is inserted at the beginning of the needle means and cut at the end of the needle means.

[0087] In one aspect, where the additional yarn is inserted at the beginning of the needle device and cut at the end of the needle device:

[0088] - an additional yarn is combined with the first binding yarn in each needle of the terry needle group selected for terry processing to produce a terry-type knitted fabric with a bound edge;

[0089] - the additional yarn produces a plain knitted fabric together with the first binding yarn in each needle of said needle arrangement that does not belong to the terry needle group;

[0090] The knitted fabric thus produced with the needles of the needle arrangement and with the additional yarn exhibits a plain knitted fabric interspersed with terry knitted fabric.

[0091] In a different aspect, in the case where the additional yarn is inserted at the beginning of the needle means and cut at the end of the needle means:

[0092] - an additional yarn is combined with the first binding yarn in each needle of the terry needle group selected for terry processing to produce a terry knitted fabric with a bound edge;

[0093] - the additional yarn together with the first binding yarn produces a floating knitted fabric in the remaining needles of the needle arrangement that do not belong to the terry needle group;

[0094] The knitted fabric thus produced with the needles of the needle arrangement and with the additional yarn exhibits a plain knitted fabric interspersed with terry knitted fabric.

[0095] In one aspect, the same additional yarn can produce:

[0096] - the terry knit fabric in the needles of the terry needle group and the plain knit fabric in the remaining needles of the needle arrangement are on the same stitch row or more stitch rows;

[0097] - both the terry knitted fabric in the needles of the terry needle group and the float knitted fabric in the remaining needles of the needle device are on the same stitch row or more stitch rows;

[0098] - both the terry knit fabric in the needles of the terry needle group and the plain knit fabric and / or the float knit fabric in the remaining needles of the needle arrangement are on the same stitch row or more stitch rows;

[0099] - The terry knitted fabric in the needles of the terry needle group and the plain knitted fabric and / or the float knitted fabric and / or the unwound knitted fabric and / or the jacquard knitted fabric in the remaining needles of the needle arrangement are both on the same stitch row or more stitch rows.

[0100] In one aspect, where the additional yarn is inserted at the beginning of the needle arrangement and cut at the end of the needle arrangement:

[0101] - the additional yarn together with the first binding yarn produces an initial portion of the plain knitted fabric by using a first set of needles in the needle arrangement;

[0102] - in each needle of the terry needle group selected for terry processing, the additional yarn is combined with the first binding yarn to produce a terry knitted fabric;

[0103] - the additional yarn together with the first binding yarn is used to produce the end portion of the plain knitted fabric by using a set of last needles in the needle arrangement;

[0104] - in the remaining needles of the needle arrangement that do not belong to the group of terry needles and the first or last needle, the additional yarn is combined with the first binding yarn to produce a floating knitted fabric;

[0105] The knitted fabric produced by the needles of the needle device and the additional yarn thus exhibits an initial plain knitted fabric, a float knitted fabric interspersed with a terry knitted fabric, and a final plain knitted fabric.

[0106] In one aspect, the method provides a textile process with one yarn or two yarns fed in correspondence to at least one of two yarn feeders, wherein:

[0107] - the knitted fabric produced with the needles of the needle arrangement is a double yarn knitted fabric, i.e. a knitted fabric produced using both the first binding yarn and the additional yarn;

[0108] The knitted fabric produced with the remaining needles of the needle bed that do not belong to the needle arrangement is a one-yarn knitted fabric, ie a knitted fabric produced using only the first binding yarn.

[0109] In one aspect, the step of producing a weft knitted fabric includes the step of feeding a second binding yarn corresponding to at least one of the two yarn feeders to produce a double-yarn knitted fabric constituting a base knitted fabric of the textile product together with the first binding yarn.

[0110] In an aspect, the step of producing a weft knitted fabric comprises the step of performing cutting of one of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn and cutting of the additional yarn at least corresponding to the start and the end of the at least one needle device.

[0111] In one aspect, in the case where the terry needle group coincides with the needle device and the needle device consists of more sections of needles spaced from each other along the needle bed, the additional yarn is inserted at the beginning of the first section of needles and the additional yarn together with the first piping yarn and one of the second piping yarns is cut at the end of the last section of needles, provided that there is no spacing of the needles along the needle bed between each section of needles and the consecutive section, which spacing is equal to or higher than a determined cutting value, in which case, on the contrary, the additional yarn and one of the first piping yarn and the second piping yarn are cut at the end of the section of needles and reintroduced at the beginning of the consecutive section.

[0112] In one aspect, when an additional yarn is inserted at the beginning of a segment of the needle and the additional yarn together with one of the first piping yarn and the second piping yarn is cut at the end of a continuous segment of the needle or at the end of a series of continuous segments of the needle, the additional yarn and one of the first piping yarn and the second piping yarn are floated between the end of each segment and the beginning of the continuous segment, that is, the additional yarn is kept suspended, thereby forming a connection between two adjacent segments.

[0113] In one aspect, in which case the group of terry needles corresponds to one or more subsets of the needle device and the needle device consists of only a section of continuous needles along the needle bed, the additional yarn is inserted at the beginning of the needle device and the additional yarn together with one of the first piping yarn and the second piping yarn is cut at the end of the needle device.

[0114] In one aspect, in case the additional yarn is inserted at the beginning of the needle means and the additional yarn and one of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn are cut at the end of the needle means:

[0115] - the additional yarn together with the first binding yarn and one of the second binding yarns produces a terry-type knitted fabric in each needle of the terry needle group selected for terry processing;

[0116] - the additional yarn together with one of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn or together with both of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn produces a plain knitted fabric in the remaining needles of the needle arrangement that do not belong to the terry needle group;

[0117] The knitted fabric thus produced with the needles of the needle arrangement and with the additional yarn exhibits a plain knitted fabric interspersed with terry knitted fabric.

[0118] In a different aspect, in case the additional yarn is inserted at the beginning of the needle means and the additional yarn together with one of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn is cut at the end of the needle means:

[0119] - the additional yarn together with one of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn produces a terry-type knitted fabric in each needle of the terry needle group selected for terry processing;

[0120] - the additional yarn together with the first binding yarn and one of the second binding yarns produces a floating knitted fabric in the remaining needles of the needle arrangement that do not belong to the terry needle group;

[0121] The knitted fabric thus produced with the needles of the needle arrangement and with the additional yarn exhibits a plain knitted fabric interspersed with terry knitted fabric.

[0122] In one aspect, in case an additional yarn is inserted at the beginning of said needle set and the additional yarn together with one of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn is cut at the end of the needle arrangement:

[0123] - the additional yarn together with one of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn produces a terry-type knitted fabric in each needle of the terry needle group selected for terry processing;

[0124] - the additional yarn together with one of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn or together with both of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn produces a plain knitted fabric in one or more needles of the needle arrangement that do not belong to the terry needle group;

[0125] - the additional yarn together with one of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn or together with both of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn produces a floating knitted fabric in one or more needles of the needle arrangement that do not belong to the terry needle group;

[0126] Thus, the knitted fabric produced by the needles of the needle arrangement and by the additional yarn exhibits a plain knitted fabric and a float knitted fabric differently interspersed with a terry knitted fabric.

[0127] In one aspect, the method provides a textile process of a double or triple yarn fed in correspondence to at least one of the two yarn feeders, wherein:

[0128] - the knitted fabric produced with the needles of the needle arrangement is a double-yarn or triple-yarn knitted fabric, i.e. a knitted fabric produced using both the first binding yarn and / or the second binding yarn as well as an additional yarn;

[0129] -The knitted fabric produced with the remaining needles of the needle bed that do not belong to the needle device is a double-yarn knitted fabric, that is, a knitted fabric produced using only the first piping yarn and the second piping yarn, or a one-yarn knitted fabric, that is, a knitted fabric produced using only one of the first piping yarn and the second piping yarn (that is, only one of the two piping yarns).

[0130] In one aspect, the step of producing a weft knitted fabric comprises the following steps:

[0131] - feeding, corresponding to at least one of the two yarn feeders, another additional yarn combined with the additional yarn only to the needles of the needle device, so that:

[0132] - the needles corresponding to said needle arrangement produce a knitted fabric comprising the additional yarn and the further additional yarn, and

[0133] - producing a terry-type knitted fabric with an additional yarn and another additional yarn corresponding to the terry needle group;

[0134] - The cutting of a further additional yarn is performed at least corresponding to the beginning and the end of said at least one needle arrangement.

[0135] In one aspect, the method provides a textile process of three or four yarns corresponding to the feeding of at least one of the two yarn feeders, wherein:

[0136] - the knitted fabric produced with the needles of the needle arrangement is a three-yarn knitted fabric or a four-yarn knitted fabric, i.e. a knitted fabric produced with the first binding yarn and / or the second binding yarn, the additional yarn and the further additional yarn;

[0137] The knitted fabric produced with the remaining needles of the needle bed that are not part of the needle arrangement is a one-yarn knitted fabric or a two-yarn knitted fabric, ie a knitted fabric produced using only the first binding yarn and / or the second binding yarn.

[0138] In one aspect, the step of producing the bottom knitted fabric of the textile with the first binding yarn or the second binding yarn (if any) provides for using all or only some of the needles of the needle bed, preferably for each of the multiple continuous stitch rows or at alternating rows.

[0139] In one aspect, in the step of arranging the circular knitting machine, the circular knitting machine is configured to allow needle-needle type selection, and the needle-needle type selection is configured to arbitrarily select any needle individually to enable the corresponding sinker and allow special knitted fabric stitches, especially terry-type knitted fabric stitches only at certain desired positions of the circular needle bed.

[0140] In one aspect, in said needle-needle type selection performed by the knitting machine, a particular knitted fabric stitch is performed only at a determined desired position, in particular each needle can be selected individually at will due to needle-sinker interaction, i.e. due to the interaction between each needle and the corresponding sinker. In this case, each sinker can be activated individually when selecting it, either directly or indirectly by the action of the corresponding needle.

[0141] In its independent aspect, the present invention relates to a textile produced by a method according to one or more of the above aspects.

[0142] In the above aspects and in the following detailed description and the appended claims, each of the technical features introduced in connection with the method for producing a textile product, in particular each of the features relating to the structure of a knitted fabric, applies analogously to the textile product considered as such, i.e. as a product produced by a process carried out by a circular weft knitting machine. The technical features imparted to the knitted fabric by the method of the invention are reflected in the textile product, which can be found in the textile product.

[0143] Other characteristics and advantages will ensue from the detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a method for producing a textile product and of a textile product produced on a circular knitting machine of the seamless type according to the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0144] The description will now be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided for illustration purposes only and are not therefore limiting, in which:

[0145] - Figure 1 is a picture showing a first embodiment of an exemplary type of textile produced by the method according to the invention; the textile has a tubular configuration and is threaded onto a specific form (not shown) to be well stretched; in particular, Figure 1 , shows a first half of the "opposite side" of the textile, i.e., the first half of the inside side of the tubular fabric when the tubular fabric is produced by a circular knitting machine;

[0146] - Figure 2 is another picture of a textile according to the first exemplary embodiment; in particular, Figure 2 The second half of the "opposite side" of the textile is shown; the tubular textile stretched in the form with the visible "opposite side" is essentially "flat" and consists of two sides, which are formed by the first half (in Figure 1 ) and the second half (shown in Figure 2 ) is shown in;

[0147] - Figure 3 is another picture of a textile according to the first exemplary embodiment; in particular, Figure 3 shows a first half of the "front side" of the textile, i.e., the first half of the outside of the tubular fabric when it is produced by a circular knitting machine;

[0148] - Figure 4 is another picture of a textile according to the first exemplary embodiment; in particular, Figure 4 The second half of the "front side" of the textile is shown; the tubular textile stretched in the form with a visible "front side" is essentially "flat" and consists of two sides, which are formed by the first half (in Figure 3 ) and the second half (shown in Figure 4 ) is shown in;

[0149] - Figure 5 is a picture showing a second embodiment of an exemplary type of textile produced by the method according to the present invention; the textile has a tubular configuration and is threaded to a specific form (not shown) to be well stretched; in particular, Figure 5 , shows a first half of the "opposite side" of the fabric, i.e., the first half of the inside side of the tubular fabric when the tubular fabric is produced by a circular knitting machine;

[0150] - Figure 6 is another picture of a textile according to a second exemplary embodiment; specifically, Figure 6The second half of the "opposite side" of the textile is shown; the tubular textile stretched in the form of a visible "front side" is essentially "flat" and consists of two sides, which are formed by the first half (in Figure 5 ) and the second half (shown in Figure 6 ) is shown in;

[0151] - Figure 7 is another picture of a textile according to a second exemplary embodiment; in particular, Figure 7 shows a first half of the "front side" of the textile, i.e., the first half of the outside of the tubular fabric when it is produced by a circular knitting machine;

[0152] - Figure 8 is another picture of a textile according to a second exemplary embodiment; specifically, Figure 8 The second half of the "front side" of the textile is shown; the tubular textile stretched in the form with a visible "front side" is essentially "flat" and consists of two sides, which are formed by the first half (in Figure 7 ) and the second half (shown in Figure 8 ) is shown in;

[0153] - Fig. 9 is a picture showing a third embodiment of an exemplary type of textile produced by the method according to the present invention; the textile has a tubular configuration and is threaded to a specific form (not shown) to be well stretched; in particular, Fig. 9 , shows a first half of the "opposite side" of the fabric, i.e., the first half of the inside side of the tubular fabric when the tubular fabric is produced by a circular knitting machine;

[0154] - Fig.10 is another picture of a textile according to a third exemplary embodiment; specifically, Fig.10 The second half of the "opposite side" of the textile is shown; the tubular textile stretched in the form with the visible "opposite side" is essentially "flat" and consists of two sides, which are formed by the first half (in Fig. 9 ) and the second half (shown in Fig.10 ) is shown in;

[0155] - Fig.11 is another picture of a textile according to a third exemplary embodiment; in particular, Fig.11 shows a first half of the "front side" of the textile, i.e., the first half of the outside of the tubular fabric when it is produced by a circular knitting machine;

[0156] - Fig.12is another picture of a textile according to a third exemplary embodiment; specifically, Fig.12 The second half of the "front side" of the textile is shown; the tubular textile stretched in the form of a visible "front side" is essentially "flat" and consists of two sides, which are formed by the first half (in Fig.11 ) and the second half (shown in Fig.12 ) structure shown in FIG.

[0157] It should be noted that the appended drawings comprise in particular actual pictures depicting real examples of textile products (according to various exemplary embodiments and different exemplary embodiments) produced by the method according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0158] With reference to the above-mentioned figures, a textile product produced by the method according to the present invention is generally indicated by the reference number 1 .

[0159] In order to carry out the method according to the invention, it is possible (preferably but not exclusively) to use a weft knitting machine having at least two yarn feeders or doffers and having a needle carrier supporting a plurality of needles, the needle carrier defining a needle bed, which can be operated in a manner known per se to pick up the yarn fed by these yarn feeders and to form a knitted fabric. The needle carrier is rotatable relative to the at least two yarn feeders and the at least two yarn feeders are arranged in the vicinity of the needle carrier.

[0160] The circular knitting machine used for carrying out the method according to the invention is a circular weft knitting machine and is of the seamless type.

[0161] From the perspective of textile technology, the structure of the entire textile machine and the function of the needle-carrying mechanism (eg, the cooperation between needles and yarns, etc.) are not described in detail, which are well known in the technical field of the present invention.

[0162] According to a first embodiment, the method according to the invention first provides for arranging a circular weft knitting machine, of the seamless type, comprising:

[0163] - at least two yarn feeders or doffers;

[0164] - a needle-carrying mechanism supporting a plurality of needles and defining a circular needle bed operable to pick up yarn fed by said at least one yarn feeder and to form a weft knitted fabric, the needle-carrying mechanism being rotatable relative to the two (or more) yarn feeders and the two (or more) yarn feeders being arranged in the vicinity of the needle-carrying mechanism;

[0165] - A plurality of knockover sinkers, which may also be a special type of knockover sinkers, are operatively associated with a plurality of needles, the plurality of sinkers comprising a determined number of terry sinkers, which are sinkers specifically used for the processing of terry type knitted fabrics.

[0166] The method then provides for programming a textile machine to define a textile product 1 to be produced, wherein:

[0167] - the textile 1 is composed of a plurality of continuous stitch rows;

[0168] The textile product 1 has a tubular or cylindrical configuration around a central axis and extends seamlessly and longitudinally between a starting end, where production of the knitted fabric begins, and a final end.

[0169] Once the textile product 1 is defined, the process moves to the step of producing a weft knitted fabric by means of a circular knitting machine, so as to subsequently produce the textile product according to the programmed steps.

[0170] The step of producing a weft knitted fabric comprises the following steps in one or more of the plurality of rows constituting the textile 1:

[0171] - feeding a first binding yarn corresponding to the above-mentioned at least two feed threads, which first binding yarn is used to produce a weft knitted fabric constituting the bottom knitted fabric of the textile product 1 with the needles of the needle bed;

[0172] - selecting at least one "needle group" S of the needle bed designated for collecting at least one additional yarn A;

[0173] - selecting at least one "terry needle group" G in the needle device S, wherein the terry needle group G is the needle selected for operation by corresponding selection and in combination with a terry type sinker;

[0174] - at least one of the two yarn feeders corresponding to the above feeds feeds the additional yarn A only to the needles of the needle device S, so that:

[0175] - the needles corresponding to the needle arrangement S produce a knitted fabric comprising the additional yarn A, and

[0176] - The needles corresponding to the terry needle group G produce a terry type knitted fabric with additional yarn A.

[0177] Examples of textiles produced according to such methods are shown in Figures 1 to 12 This will be analyzed below.

[0178] Preferably, the circular knitting machine used to actuate the method is configured to allow needle-needle type selection, i.e., is configured to arbitrarily allow any needle individually and activate the corresponding sinker, and is configured to allow particular knitted fabric stitches, in particular terry-type knitted fabric stitches, to be performed only at certain desired positions.

[0179] Preferably, in the case of the above-mentioned needle-needle type selection performed by the knitting machine, a special knitted fabric stitch is only performed at a determined desired position, in particular due to the needle-sinker interaction, i.e. due to the interaction between each needle and the corresponding sinker, which can be selected arbitrarily and individually. In this case, when selecting the needle, each sinker can be activated individually by direct or indirect action of the corresponding needle. Then, the sinker-sinker selection is performed by the needle-needle type selection (selected individually for each needle).

[0180] An example of an embodiment of “needle-by-needle type selection” in a circular knitting machine is described in Italian Patent Application No. 102021000018047 in the name of the same applicant, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0181] In its possible implementation, the technical solution described in application No. 102021000018047 allowing needle-needle selection, ie individual selection of any needle and activation of the corresponding sinker, can be used to carry out the method according to the invention.

[0182] It should be pointed out that a "terry needle" refers to a needle (also of the conventional type) which is selectable so that the corresponding terry sinker is selected / activated in turn to perform stitches of a terry knitted fabric with the terry sinker.

[0183] It should be noted that the expression "needle arrangement" (reference S) identifies a precise technical feature and in particular a specific grouping / selection of determined needles of a circular needle bed designated for collecting at least said additional yarn A. The needle arrangement S is then defined by the operation of selecting / choosing the determined needles of the needle bed.

[0184] It should be noted that the expression "terry needle group" (reference symbol G) identifies a precise technical feature and in particular a specific grouping / selection of determined needles inside the needle device S, which operate in combination with the terry type sinker to produce a terry type knitted fabric. The terry needle group G is then defined by the operation of selecting / choosing the determined needles inside said needle device S.

[0185] According to a possible embodiment, the method also comprises a step of performing the cutting of the additional yarn A corresponding to at least the beginning and / or the end of the needle means S.

[0186] Preferably, the steps of selecting the needle arrangement S, selecting the terry needle group G and feeding the additional yarn A can be performed to:

[0187] - a stitch row for the textile product 1,

[0188] - for more continuous stitch rows within the textile 1, or

[0189] - for individual stitch rows or row sequences, wherein the individual stitch rows or row sequences are different and are distributed differently in the textile 1, or

[0190] The steps of selecting the needle arrangement S, selecting the terry needle group G and feeding the additional yarn A can be:

[0191] - performing a determined number of times (preferably higher than 1) at alternating rows in the textile 1, the alternating rows being based on a series of repeated yes rows and no rows, which results in an alternation of rows in which the steps are performed and rows in which the steps are not performed, or

[0192] - is executed in all the stitch rows that make up the textile 1.

[0193] It is clear that the above-mentioned options of selecting needle devices S and terry needle groups G and feeding additional yarn A allow to define a plurality of different structures of the knitted fabric in a determined device S of a row and then to obtain a wide variety of technical and aesthetic effects in the produced textile, even very different from each other.

[0194] Therefore, the method shown above is based on a set of technical features:

[0195] - production of "designed" terry parts being selected; the individual parts of the terry knitted fabric can be placed at will in the different rows constituting the textile by needle-by-needle and appropriate selection of the terry sinkers;

[0196] - Insertion of (at least) additional yarn A which is cut or made into floats;

[0197] - Among those needles that pick up the additional yarn A there is at least a portion of the needles that produce a terry-type knitted fabric.

[0198] The result is a textile product 1 having loops in the selection (design) produced with additional yarn A (preferably cut).

[0199] Basically, on each of the stitch rows defined by the needle device S there is at least one portion of a terry knitted fabric produced with the additional yarn A, which is inserted and then cut, possibly combined with a plain knitted fabric and / or a float knitted fabric and / or with an unwound knitted fabric and / or a float (leaky knit), also produced with the additional yarn A, and / or combined on the next or adjacent row with a structure of a knitted fabric obtained with the three technical methods plus floats.

[0200] It should be noted that in some rows it is possible to define a needle arrangement S (which produces a knitted fabric comprising additional yarn A) without selecting the terry needle group G therein; in this case, arrangement S still exists, but group G is actually an empty subgroup (i.e. comprising zero terry needles).

[0201] It should also be noted that in certain rows of textile 1, needle arrangement S may not be defined; therefore, in such rows, arrangement S and terry needle group G are not present and no additional thread A is used. Some parts of the textiles shown by way of example in the figures consist of rows of this type, i.e. rows in which needle arrangement S is not selected.

[0202] The expression "technological mode" identifies the type of knitted fabric typically obtainable with a circular knitting machine, i.e. a knitted fabric produced in the following mode:

[0203] - unloaded needles (plain knitting loops);

[0204] - Non-operating needle (floating thread);

[0205] - The needle is withdrawn (unwinding the knitted fabric).

[0206] In one aspect, a circular knitting machine is configured to:

[0207] - allows the selection of needles to be operated at will in terms of number and angular position along the needle bed during the step of selecting the needle device S;

[0208] - Allows the selection of needles to be manipulated freely in number and angular position within the needle device S during the step of selecting the terry needle group G, so that terry knitted fabric stitches are made using the additional yarn A in any desired position within the stitch row.

[0209] On the one hand, the needle device S and the terry needle group G therein seamlessly operate more than one stitch row, preferably a determined number of stitch rows, or seamlessly operate the rotation of the needle carrier, during which the additional yarn A is used to produce a knitted fabric using the needles of the needle device S.

[0210] On the one hand, the needle arrangement S can be arbitrarily defined for each stitch row, i.e. the needle arrangement S can comprise a different group of needles of the needle bed in each row, and in the same way the terry needle group G can be arbitrarily defined for each stitch row, i.e. the terry needle group G can comprise a different group of needles belonging to the needle arrangement S in each row.

[0211] In one aspect, the step of selecting at least one needle arrangement S and the step of selecting at least one terry needle group G can be performed for each row (ie, needle arrangement S), and the needle arrangement S and the terry needle group G within the needle arrangement S can vary from row to row.

[0212] Thus, considering a series of stitch rows, the portion of terry-type knitted fabric produced with additional yarn A occupies a defined area of ​​the textile; essentially as if the terry area were designed (or "placed") on the tube of knitted fabric that makes up the textile 1.

[0213] Preferably, the group of terry needles G comprises (i.e. consists of) at least one terry needle inside the needle arrangement S, so that within the row the result always presents at least one portion of terry-type knitted fabric produced with the additional yarn A (inserted by cutting). At least one portion of terry-type knitted fabric may be combined with one or more portions of plain knitted fabric and / or float knitted fabric and / or unwound knitted fabric and / or float (drop knitted fabric).

[0214] In a similar manner, the solution provides that the additional yarn A always produces at least one portion of a terry-type knitted fabric within the row.

[0215] In a possible embodiment, in the step of selecting the needle device S, the needle device S may include all the needles of the needle bed.

[0216] In a possible embodiment of the method, the step of feeding the additional yarn A to the needles of the needle arrangement S is performed in correspondence to both of said at least two yarn feeders.

[0217] In a possible embodiment, in the step of programming the textile machine, in one or more of the rows of the plurality of consecutive stitch rows, the needle arrangement S is not defined, i.e. the needle arrangement S does not comprise any needles and no feeding of the additional yarn A takes place, nor does the production of a knitted fabric comprising the additional yarn take place, nor does the definition of the group of terry needles G for the produced terry-type knitted fabric take place. Basically, in this case, some of the rows of the textile 1 may be of conventional type and do not show the structure of the knitted fabric coupled to the arrangement S, the group G and the additional yarn A.

[0218] According to the present invention, the selected needle device S for receiving the additional yarn A and the terry needle group G within the needle device S can be placed more times in the same row or more rows or in a certain part of each stitch row to achieve an overall illustration that highlights different areas (terry, float knitted fabric, plain knitted fabric, unwound knitted fabric, floats).

[0219] It is possible to observe that the accompanying drawings (e.g. Figure 2 , Figure 6 , Fig.10 ) and in particular the exemplary writing "TERRY" in the terry knitted fabric T obtained with the additional yarn A.

[0220] Based on the programming of the textile machine, it is thus possible to obtain a design in which areas of terry T are interspersed horizontally and vertically with areas of knitted fabric of floating type F or flat stitch L, all of which are achieved using additional yarns inserted and cut in each stitch row or alternating rows or determined rows.

[0221] Preferably, in the step of producing the weft knitted fabric, the circular knitting machine operates in continuous motion (or unidirectionally), i.e., the needle-carrying mechanism rotates continuously in the rotational direction; in particular, the circular knitting machine operates in continuous motion (or unidirectionally) during the production of a stitch row, in which the needle device S and the terry needle group G are selected.

[0222] Preferably, the needle device S may be composed of the following components:

[0223] only one section SX of continuous needles, which continues without interruption along the needle bed (for one or more rows, until it is possible to cause a rotation of possibly more than one needle-carrying means); or

[0224] - More sections SX of needles spaced apart from one another along the needle bed, wherein each section SX consists of a determined number of adjacent needles (possibly decreasing down to only one needle).

[0225] Basically, the needle arrangement S may correspond to only one segment SX or to the sum (union) of more segments SX.

[0226] Preferably, the terry needle group G:

[0227] - one or more subgroups GX corresponding to the needle devices S; or

[0228] - coincides with the needle device S.

[0229] Preferably, the subgroups GX constituting the group G of terry needles are different from one another and are separated inside the needle arrangement S.

[0230] Preferably, each of the subgroups GX constituting the group of terry needles G is constituted by a determined number of adjacent needles (possibly reduced down to only one needle).

[0231] It should be noted that, in case the terry needle group G is composed of more subgroups GX, the more subgroups GX may belong to (ie be placed in) only one of the above-mentioned sections SX of the needle device S or belong to different sections SX.

[0232] For example, more subgroups GX may be included in the same section SX of the needle device S, or different subgroups GX may be positioned in different sections SX of the needle device S.

[0233] Depending on the embodiment of the method, the terry needle group G may include only some of the needles of the needle arrangement S or all of the needles of the needle arrangement S.

[0234] In the case where the terry needle group G coincides with the needle device S, the additional yarn A corresponds to each needle of the needle device S and only produces stitches of the terry type knitted fabric.

[0235] According to different embodiments of the method, the cutting operation described above may occur:

[0236] - corresponds to the start and / or end of the needle arrangement S;

[0237] - corresponds to the beginning and / or end of one or more sectors SX of the needle device S; or

[0238] - corresponds to the beginning and / or end of a group of terry needles G or to the beginning and / or end of one or more subgroups GX of this group of terry needles G.

[0239] Generally, "cutting" can be thought of as:

[0240] - an insertion operation of an additional yarn A corresponding to the start of the needle arrangement S, or of one or more sections SX of the needle arrangement, or of the group of terry needles G, or of one or more subgroups GX of the group of terry needles G; and

[0241] - an operation corresponding to the end of the feed of the additional yarn (A) which corresponds to the end of the needle device S, or the end of one or more sections SX of the needle device S, the latter the end of the terry needle group G, or the end of one or more subgroups GX of the terry needle group G.

[0242] It should be noted that in both cases (insertion operation and end operation) the yarn inserted in the first case and removed in the second case appears to be "cut" and is identifiable as a "yarn end" (the yarn end remains connected to the knitted fabric).

[0243] Preferably:

[0244] - cutting takes place at each insertion position of the additional yarn A;

[0245] - Cutting takes place in each position where the feed of additional yarn A ends.

[0246] Corresponding to each of the cutting operations, the additional yarn A is in the form of a "tail" or loose yarn end, i.e., is "hooked / constrained" at the first needle in which the additional yarn A has been collected (corresponding to the start of production with the additional yarn A), or is "hooked / constrained" at the last needle in which the additional yarn A has been used (corresponding to the end of production with the additional yarn A), for which reason, in both cases, the additional yarn A is caused to be "cut".

[0247] Since the first and last needles are intended to be the end needles included in the cutting operation, i.e. the end needles (only one needle) of the assembly / section / terry needle group operated with the additional yarn A from insertion to the end of the feed.

[0248] The series of needles (possibly also reduced to just one needle) between the beginning and the end of a determined feed of the additional yarn A (i.e. during the cutting operation) may correspond to a portion of a row, or to one or more consecutive rows (i.e. a fraction of a rotation of the needle cylinder, or an internal rotation of the needle cylinder, or more rotations of the needle cylinder).

[0249] Preferably, in the case where the terry needle group G coincides with the needle device S, the needle device S being composed of more segments SX of needles spaced from each other along the needle bed, the additional yarn A is inserted at the beginning of the first segment SX of needles and is cut at the end of the last segment SX of needles, provided that there is no spacing of the needles along the needle bed between each segment SX of needles and the continuous segment, which spacing is equal to or greater than the determined value for cutting; otherwise, on the other hand, if the spacing of the needles is equal to or greater than the cutting value, the additional yarn A is cut at the end of the segment SX of needles (note the reference mark AR in the accompanying drawings) and is reintroduced at the beginning of the continuous segment SX.

[0250] Preferably, when the additional yarn A is inserted at the beginning of a needle segment SX and is cut at the end of a continuous segment SX of the needle or a series of continuous segments SX of the needle, the additional yarn A is allowed to float between the end of each segment and the beginning of the continuous segment, that is, the additional yarn A is kept suspended, thereby forming a connection between two adjacent segments SX.

[0251] Preferably, the step of carrying out the cutting of the additional yarn A occurs in each row in which the additional yarn A is selected for the needle device S, at least at the beginning and end of the needle device S, or at the beginning and end of the segment SX, or at the beginning and end of a series of more segments SX in series (as long as they are not separated from each other by a plurality of needles above said cutting value).

[0252] Preferably, the initial cutting of the additional yarn A occurs in a determined row (or rotation of the needle-carrying mechanism) in which operation of the needle device S begins, and the final cutting is performed in a continuous row (or continuous rotation of the needle-carrying mechanism) or after a plurality of continuous rows (or continuous rotations of the needle-carrying mechanism) and when operation of the needle device S ends.

[0253] Preferably, said cutting value corresponds to the number of needles beyond which the additional yarn A of the float remains suspended between the two sectors SX, being cut so as to interrupt the connection.

[0254] Preferably, the cutting value corresponds to the number of needles below which the additional yarn A does not have to be cut but can remain floating, the needles remaining suspended between the two sectors SX without interrupting the connection.

[0255] Preferably, the cutting value may be higher than 20 needles, or higher than 40 needles, or higher than 60 needles, or higher than 80 needles, or higher than 100 needles, or higher than 120 needles.

[0256] Preferably, the cut value is adjusted by the fineness of the textile machine (ie by the number of needles per inch). The cut value generally increases with increasing fineness (eg from fineness E20 to fineness E28).

[0257] It should be noted that when the needles belonging to the needle device S are brought to the floating position after unloading, i.e., without allowing the collection of the additional yarn A, the additional yarn A is floated, i.e., remains suspended: the greater the number of floating needles, the longer the length of the floating yarn becomes between the last needle that picks up the additional yarn and the subsequent needle that will pick up the additional yarn.

[0258] If the number of needles is increased beyond the cutting value, the suspended yarn is cut and thus a portion remains "suspended" to the last needle which has collected the thread, thereby forming a "yarn end" or free yarn end corresponding to the cut end.

[0259] The floated yarn - whether suspended between two locations or cut to form a yarn end - remains within the tube of the knitted fabric.

[0260] Preferably, when the terry needle group G corresponds to one or more subgroups GX of the needle device S and the needle device S consists only of a section SX of adjacent needles along the needle bed, the additional yarn A is inserted at the beginning of the needle device S and cut at the end of the needle device S.

[0261] Preferably, in the case where the additional yarn A is inserted at the beginning of the needle means S and cut at the end of the needle means S, the additional yarn A:

[0262] - producing a terry-type knitted fabric in each needle of the terry needle group G selected for terry processing, the terry-type knitted fabric being hemmed with the first hemming yarn combination; and

[0263] - producing a plain knitted fabric L together with a first binding yarn in each needle of the needle arrangement S that does not belong to the terry needle group G;

[0264] Thus, the knitted fabric produced by the needles of the needle device S and by the additional yarn A appears as a plain knitted fabric L interlaced with the terry knitted fabric T.

[0265] In this case, the needle device S is a continuous section of needles along the needle bed, including one or more subgroups GX of needles constituting the terry needle group G, and feeding all of the needle devices S with additional yarn A achieves a plain knitted fabric L interspersed with terry knitted fabric T, which corresponds only to the needles of the terry needle group G.

[0266] In a different embodiment, in the case where the additional yarn A is inserted at the beginning of the needle device S and cut at the end of the needle device S:

[0267] - in each needle of the terry needle group G selected for terry processing, the additional yarn A is combined with the first piping yarn to produce a terry knitted fabric T with piping;

[0268] - In the remaining needles of the needle arrangement S that do not belong to the terry needle group G, the additional yarn A is combined with the first binding yarn to produce a floating knitted fabric;

[0269] Thus, the knitted fabric produced by the needles of the needle device S and by the additional yarn A presents a knitted fabric of floating threads interlaced with the terry knitted fabric T.

[0270] In this case, the needle device S is a continuous section of needles along the needle bed, including one or more sub-groups GX of needles constituting the terry needle group G, and feeding additional yarn A to all needle devices S achieves a terry knitted fabric T in which the floating knitted fabric F is interspersed in the remaining needles of the needle device S (not belonging to the terry needle group G) and corresponds to the needles of the terry needle group G.

[0271] In a possible embodiment, in the step of producing the knitted fabric, the feeding of the additional yarn A to the needles of the needle device S occurs without interruption for a determined number of stitch rows or rotations of the needle-carrying mechanism before said cutting operation is performed. In this case, said needle device S and the group of terry needles G within said needle device S operate with the additional yarn A for more than one consecutive row and no cutting is performed; cutting occurs only at the beginning and the end, after the number of consecutive rows has been completed.

[0272] It should be pointed out that within the scope of the present description and claims, a "terry-type" knitted fabric (or terry knitted fabric T) is intended to be a knitted fabric produced with two yarns, one of which realizes the base / edge knitted fabric and the other yarn produces the typical crimp of terry.

[0273] It should be noted that within the scope of the present specification and claims, a "floating" knitted fabric is intended to be a knitted fabric produced with two yarns, one of which produces a base knitted fabric and the other "floats" (is discarded / floated) on some needles. Specifically, in this case, the floating knitted fabric is formed by using a first binding yarn for a base (or bottom) knitted fabric and using an additional yarn as a yarn that floats on some adjacent needles.

[0274] In a float knitted fabric, there is an abutment between the needles for collecting the binding yarns for the base knitted fabric and the needles on which the additional yarns float.

[0275] It should be noted that:

[0276] -The processing of wool rings usually provides:

[0277] - a first yarn guide which feeds the crimped yarn producing the loops;

[0278] - a second thread guide which feeds the bottom / piping edge of the loop;

[0279] - Processing of floated fabrics typically provides:

[0280] - a first yarn guide which feeds the ground yarn (in this case a knitted fabric for the base);

[0281] - A second yarn guide which feeds the yarn that floats on some needles (in this case an additional yarn).

[0282] The first yarn guide and the second yarn guide correspond to at least one of the two yarn feeders.

[0283] Preferably, the same additional yarn A can achieve:

[0284] - the terry knitted fabric T in the needles of the terry needle group G and the plain knitted fabric L in the remaining needles of the needle device S are both on the same stitch row or on more stitch rows;

[0285] - the terry knitted fabric T in the needles of the terry needle group G and the floating knitted fabric F in the remaining needles of the needle device S are both on the same stitch row or more stitch rows;

[0286] - the terry knitted fabric T in the needles of the terry needle group G and the plain knitted fabric L and / or the float knitted fabric F in the remaining needles of the needle device S are both on the same stitch row or more stitch rows;

[0287] - The terry knitted fabric T in the needles of the terry needle group G and the plain knitted fabric L and / or the float knitted fabric F and / or the unwinding knitted fabric and / or the jacquard knitted fabric in the remaining needles of the needle device S are both on the same stitch row or more stitch rows.

[0288] In a possible exemplary embodiment, in which the additional yarn A is inserted at the beginning of the needle device S and cut at the end of the needle device S:

[0289] - the additional yarn together with the first binding yarn is passed through a set of first needles of the needle device S to produce an initial portion of the plain knitted fabric L;

[0290] - in each needle of the terry needle group G selected for terry processing, the additional yarn is combined with the first binding yarn to produce a terry type knitted fabric T;

[0291] - the additional yarn together with the first binding yarn is passed through a set of last needles of the needle arrangement S to produce the end portion of the plain knitted fabric L; and

[0292] - in the remaining needles of the needle arrangement S which do not belong to the terry needle group G and the first or last needle, the additional yarn is combined with the first binding yarn to produce a floating knitted fabric F;

[0293] Thus, the knitted fabric produced by the needles of the needle device S and the additional yarn A presents an initial plain knitted fabric L, a float knitted fabric interspersed with the terry knitted fabric T, and a finished plain knitted fabric L.

[0294] In a possible exemplary embodiment, the method provides a textile processing with one yarn or two yarns fed corresponding to at least one of the two yarn feeders, wherein:

[0295] - the knitted fabric produced with the needles of the needle arrangement S is a double-yarn knitted fabric, i.e. a knitted fabric produced using both the first binding yarn and the additional yarn A;

[0296] The knitted fabric produced with the remaining needles of the needle bed that do not belong to the needle arrangement S is a single-yarn knitted fabric, ie a knitted fabric produced using only the first binding yarn (this knitted fabric is indicated by reference numeral P in the figure).

[0297] The double yarn knitted fabric may include a terry type knitted fabric produced using the additional yarn A.

[0298] In another exemplary embodiment, the step of producing the weft knitted fabric may include the step of feeding a second piping yarn corresponding to at least one of the two yarn feeders, wherein the second piping yarn is used to produce a weft knitted double yarn knitted fabric constituting the bottom knitted fabric of the textile 1 together with the first piping yarn.

[0299] Preferably, the step of producing the weft knitted fabric includes the step of performing at least the cutting of one between the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn and the cutting of the additional yarn A corresponding to the start and the end of the needle device S.

[0300] In this case, the additional yarn A and one of the two binding yarns are cut simultaneously at the same position.

[0301] Preferably, when the terry needle group G coincides with the needle device S and the needle device S is composed of more sections SX of needles spaced from each other along the needle bed, the additional yarn A is inserted at the beginning of the first section SX of the needle, and the additional yarn A together with one of the first piping yarn and the second piping yarn is cut at the end of the last section SX of the needle, provided that there is no spacing of the needles along the needle bed between each section SX of the needle and the continuous part that is equal to or greater than the determined value for cutting; conversely, on the other hand, if the spacing of the needles is equal to or greater than the cutting value, the additional yarn A and one of the first piping yarn and the second piping yarn will be cut off at the end of the section SX of the needle (note, marked AR in the accompanying drawings) and reintroduced at the beginning of the continuous section SX.

[0302] Preferably, when the additional yarn A is inserted at the beginning of a section SX of the needle and the additional yarn A is cut together with the first binding yarn and one of the second binding yarn at the end of a continuous section SX of the needle or at the end of a series of continuous sections SX of the needle, the additional yarn A and one of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn are floated, i.e. kept suspended, between the end of each section and the beginning of the continuous section, thereby forming a connecting piece between two continuous sections SX, provided that the spacing of the needles between adjacent sections SX has a value less than the cutting value.

[0303] Preferably, when the terry needle group G corresponds to one or more subgroups GX of the needle device S and the needle device S consists of only a section SX of continuous needles along the needle bed, the additional yarn A is inserted at the beginning of the needle device S and the additional yarn A together with one of the first piping yarn and the second piping yarn is cut at the end of the needle device S.

[0304] Preferably, in case the additional yarn A is inserted at the beginning of the needle device S and the additional yarn A together with one of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn is cut at the end of the needle device S:

[0305] - each needle of the terry needle group G selected for terry processing together with one of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn produces a terry type knitted fabric;

[0306] - the remaining needles of the needle arrangement S that do not belong to the terry needle group G produce a plain knitted fabric L together with one of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn or together with both of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn;

[0307] The knitted fabric thus produced with the needles of the needle arrangement S and with the additional yarn A exhibits a plain knitted fabric L interspersed with terry knitted fabric T.

[0308] In a different aspect, in the case where the additional yarn A is inserted at the beginning of the needle device S and the additional yarn A together with one of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn is cut at the end of the needle device S:

[0309] - in each needle of the terry needle group G selected for terry processing, the additional yarn A together with one of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn to produce a terry type knitted fabric;

[0310] - in the remaining needles of the needle arrangement S which do not belong to the terry needle group G, the additional yarn A together with one of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn to produce a floating knitted fabric F;

[0311] Thus, the knitted fabric produced by the needles of the needle device S and by the additional yarn A presents a floating knitted fabric F interlaced with the terry knitted fabric T.

[0312] Preferably, in case the additional yarn A is inserted at the beginning of the needle device S and the additional yarn A together with one of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn is cut at the end of the needle device S:

[0313] - in each needle of the terry needle group G selected for terry processing, the additional yarn A together with one of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn to produce a terry type knitted fabric;

[0314] - in one or more needles of the needle arrangement S which do not belong to the group of terry needles G, the additional yarn A together with one of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn or together with both of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn to produce a plain knitted fabric L;

[0315] - in one or more needles of the needle arrangement S which do not belong to the terry needle group G, the additional yarn A together with one of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn or together with both of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn to produce a floating knitted fabric F;

[0316] Thus, the knitted fabric produced by the needles of the needle device S and the additional yarn A presents a plain knitted fabric L and a floated knitted fabric F interspersed with terry knitted fabric T.

[0317] Preferably, in case the additional yarn A is inserted at the beginning of the needle device S and the additional yarn A together with one of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn is cut at the end of the needle device S:

[0318] - the additional yarn A together with one of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn or together with both of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn is used to produce an initial portion of the plain knitted fabric L with a set of first needles of the needle device S;

[0319] - in each needle of the terry needle group G selected for terry processing, the additional yarn A together with one of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn produces a terry knitted fabric T;

[0320] - the additional yarn A together with one of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn or together with both of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn produces an end portion in the plain knitted fabric L by using a set of last needles of the needle arrangement S; and

[0321] - in the remaining needles of the needle arrangement S which do not belong to the terry needle group G and the first or last needle, the additional yarn A together with one of the first binding yarn and the second binding yarn to produce a floating knitted fabric F;

[0322] Thus, the knitted fabric produced by the needles of the needle device S and the additional yarn A presents an initial plain knitted fabric L, a float knitted fabric interspersed with the terry knitted fabric T, and a finished plain knitted fabric L.

[0323] In another possible exemplary embodiment, the method provides a textile processing of a double or triple yarn fed in correspondence with at least one of the two yarn feeders, wherein:

[0324] - the knitted fabric produced with the needles of the needle arrangement S is a double-yarn or triple-yarn knitted fabric, i.e. a knitted fabric produced using both the first binding yarn and / or the second binding yarn as well as the additional yarn A;

[0325] -The knitted fabric produced with the remaining needles of the needle bed that do not belong to the needle device S is a double-yarn knitted fabric, that is, a knitted fabric produced using only the first piping yarn and the second piping yarn, or a one-yarn knitted fabric, that is, a knitted fabric produced using only one of the first piping yarn and the second piping yarn (that is, only one of the two piping yarns).

[0326] Another implementation of the method of the present invention (not shown in the figure) provides a step of producing a weft knitted fabric, which comprises the following steps:

[0327] - feeding another additional yarn combined with the above additional yarn only to the needles of the needle device S, corresponding to at least one of the two yarn feeders, so that:

[0328] - the needles corresponding to the needle arrangement S produce a knitted fabric comprising the additional yarn and another additional yarn, and

[0329] - producing a terry-type knitted fabric with an additional yarn and another additional yarn corresponding to the terry needle group G;

[0330] - At least corresponding to the start and the end of the needle arrangement S, the cutting of another additional yarn is performed.

[0331] In this case, the insertion and cutting of the further additional yarn are combined, ie they take place in the same position of the insertion and cutting of the additional yarn (as shown above).

[0332] In another possible exemplary embodiment, the method provides a textile processing of three or four yarns corresponding to the feeding of at least one of the two yarn feeders, wherein:

[0333] - the knitted fabric produced by the needles of the needle arrangement S is a three-yarn knitted fabric or a four-yarn knitted fabric, that is, a knitted fabric produced by the first binding yarn and / or the second binding yarn, the additional yarn and the further additional yarn;

[0334] The knitted fabric produced with the remaining needles of the needle bed that do not belong to the needle arrangement S is a one-yarn knitted fabric or a two-yarn knitted fabric, ie a knitted fabric produced using only the first binding yarn and / or the second binding yarn.

[0335] Preferably, the step of producing the bottom knitted fabric of the textile 1 with the first binding yarn and / or with the second binding yarn (if present) provides for using all the needles of the needle bed, or only some of the needles, preferably some of the needles for each of a plurality of consecutive rows of stitches or some of the needles at alternating rows.

[0336] Preferably, in the step of arranging the circular knitting machine, the circular knitting machine is a seamless body type knitting machine.

[0337] Preferably, in the step of arranging the circular knitting machine, the needle carrier means is a needle roller bearing cartridge.

[0338] Preferably, the number of terry sinkers corresponds to the number of sinkers, that is to say all sinkers of the textile machine are configured for producing (if selected) a terry-type knitted fabric.

[0339] Preferably, each needle in the needle arrangement S can be selected as part of the terry needle group G so that:

[0340] - each needle in the needle group G operates by a selected operation and in combination with a corresponding terry-type sinker to produce a selected terry-type knitted fabric T; and

[0341] The result of a terry knitted fabric T is achieved arbitrarily at any position based on the selection of the needles forming the needle groups G row by row, thereby achieving a "designed" terry, ie an area of ​​arbitrarily constructed terry knitted fabric in the textile 1.

[0342] Please refer to the attached Figure 1 To Attachment Fig.12 Some real and practical embodiments of exemplary and non-limiting types of textile products according to the present invention are described.

[0343] These exemplary textiles (indicated in the figures by reference numeral 1 ) are produced in their various embodiments (at least in some of their parts) by the above-described method.

[0344] It should be noted that in the description and in the appended claims, the shapes of areas, parts and drawings on the fabric of a textile product are referred to as the arrangement of the fabric on a plane, whereas this surface is tubular when the textile product is still arranged on the machine.

[0345] Firstly, as shown above, the method of the invention allows to realize all the structures of knitted fabrics (flat knitted fabrics, retention, unloading, floating, pattern) of a typical seamless knitting machine, and in addition can realize terry knitted fabrics at the same time in "needle-needle selection".

[0346] In particular, the selected loops may be of the "false loop" type, which requires its realization to be provided with specific sinkers appropriately shaped for this purpose.

[0347] The characteristics that characterize this terry falseness are as follows: it is the structure of a knitted fabric in which the bottom yarn (necessary for the binding of the curl of the terry) is visible on the front side (outside of the knitted fabric), while on the opposite side (inside of the knitted fabric) the curled yarn of the terry is visible, which is precisely maintained in the underlying "falseness" hidden (or covered) by the bottom yarn.

[0348] It should be noted that, by convention:

[0349] - the front side of a knitted fabric is the outside of the fabric, i.e. the outside of a tubular fabric when produced by a circular knitting machine;

[0350] - The back side of a knitted fabric is the interior of the fabric, ie the inside of the tubular fabric when produced by a circular knitting machine.

[0351] The use of sinker-sinker selection after needle-needle selection allows various textile combinations to be achieved on the same stitch row, which allows different types of fabrics and textiles to be obtained.

[0352] Figures 1 to 12 Three examples of textile products 1 according to the invention are shown. Specifically:

[0353] - Figures 1 to 4 An exemplary first textile 1 is shown, within which there are three "strips" identified with reference numerals "1", "2" and "3" and obtained with different configurations of the method of the invention;

[0354] - Figures 5 to 8 An exemplary second textile 1 is shown, within which there are three "strips" identified with reference numerals "4", "5" and "6" and obtained with different configurations of the method of the invention;

[0355] - Figures 9 to 12 An exemplary third textile product 1 is shown within which there are three "strips" identified with reference numerals "7", "8" and "9" and obtained with different configurations of the method of the invention.

[0356] also, Figure 1 to Figure 2 , Figure 5 to Figure 6 , Figures 9 and 10 The reverse side of the knitted fabric of the corresponding textile product 1 is shown, while Figure 3 to Figure 4 , Figures 7 and 8 , Figure 11 to Figure 12 The front side of the knitted fabric of the corresponding textile product 1 is shown.

[0357] In more detail, each of the three textiles has a tubular construction and is screwed to a special form (not shown) in order to be well stretched; in this case:

[0358] - Figure 1 A first half of the "opposite side" (inside) of a first textile is shown;

[0359] - Figure 2 A second half of the "opposite side" of the first textile is shown;

[0360] - Figure 3 A first half of the "front" (outside) of a first textile is shown;

[0361] - Figure 4 A second half of the "front side" of the first textile is shown;

[0362] - Figure 5 A first half of the "opposite side" of a second textile is shown;

[0363] - Figure 6 a second half of the "opposite side" of the second textile is shown;

[0364] - Figure 7 A first half of the "front side" of a second textile is shown;

[0365] - Figure 8 A second half of the "front side" of a second textile is shown;

[0366] - Fig. 9 A first half of the "opposite side" of a third textile is shown;

[0367] - Fig.10 a second half of the "opposite side" of a third textile is shown;

[0368] - Fig.11 a first half of the "front side" of a third textile is shown;

[0369] - Fig.12 A second half of the "front side" of a third textile is shown.

[0370] These two halves ( Figure 1 to Figure 2 , Figure 3 to Figure 4 , Figure 5 to Figure 6 Each pair in the above examples (e.g., each pair in the above examples) is continuous between them and, if joined together, they form a tube of knitted fabric produced by a textile machine. Basically, for the purposes of representation, the tube of knitted fabric has been shown in two halves (flattening it and stretching it into a suitable form); this representation is clear and obvious to a person skilled in the art.

[0371] It should be pointed out that, for ease of representation, the needle arrangement S, the segment SX, the group G and the subgroup GX of terry needles are indicated in the figure showing the "front side" of a textile product 1 produced by a textile machine.

[0372] Three textile articles 1 have been produced by way of example using an eight-roller weaving machine configured as a knitted fabric having portions of rows in loops T.

[0373] These images allow to see on successive rows the presence of parts of terry knitted fabric T, interspersed with parts showing other structures of the knitted fabric, in particular sections of plain knitted fabric L, and sections of float knitted fabric F. The presence of terry knitted fabric T is repeated row by row along with other structures of the knitted fabric until a pattern is created at will (in this case, exemplarily, the writing "TERRY" in the terry, the aforementioned numbers "1", "2" and "3", etc. and rectangular sections around some of the letters and numbers implemented).

[0374] Three textiles 1 (exemplary and non-limiting) were all produced with the same construction of three yarns:

[0375] - two white single yarns for the piping loops (except in the case of the third textile product 1 , in which only one of the two white yarns realizes the piping);

[0376] - colored yarn (darker in the figure), which constitutes the additional yarn A, realizes the terry-type knitted fabric T with the terry needle group G and is subjected to the cutting operation (except in the case of the third textile product, in which even one of the two white yarns realizes the curling of the terry together with the colored yarn).

[0377] The following shows Figures 1 to 12 9 different configurations obtained from 3 textiles.

[0378] First Textiles Figures 1 to 4 )

[0379] Configuration "1"

[0380] - 2 white yarns, 2 white yarns to produce the bottom using the binding of the loops;

[0381] - 1 colored yarn cutting, which is selected to produce a terry type knitted fabric.

[0382] Note: It should be noted that in this case, all the needles of the needle device S form the terry knitted fabric T with the additional colored yarn A, and in fact the terry needle group G coincides with the needle device S. The needle device S is subdivided into a plurality of sections SX, and in the same way, the terry needle group G is subdivided into a plurality of subgroups GX (it should be noted that the group G is the sum of the subgroups GX); each subgroup GX corresponds to a section SX. In particular, for each row, the subgroups GX (and the sections SX) correspond to the various letters in the terry and AL numbers "1" (on a white background realized with a plain double yarn knitted fabric). It should be noted that the floating colored yarns between letters and successive letters (i.e. between the subgroups GX and the successive subgroups).

[0383] Configuration "2"

[0384] - 2 white yarns for producing the bottom with the hem of the loops;

[0385] - 1 colored yarn cut which, by selection, produces a plain knitted fabric L and a terry knitted fabric T, the plain knitted fabric L being able to cover the entire development (360°) of the tube (written as "TER RY" and the number "2").

[0386] Note: It should be noted that in this case, the needle arrangement S includes all the needles of the needle bed for certain stitch rows (observe the rectangular colored strips); on the contrary, the group of terry needles G is subdivided into subgroups GX: each subgroup GX corresponds to one of the letters in the terry or to the number "2". The colored fabric of the knitted fabric present between the individual letters in the terry (i.e. the background of the letters) is a plain knitted fabric L made of colored yarn; in fact, the needles of the group S not included in the subgroup GX (which makes up the terry knitted fabric T) are anyway fed with the additional yarn A and make up the plain knitted fabric L.

[0387] Configuration "3"

[0388] - 2 white yarns for producing the bottom with the hem of the loops;

[0389] - 1 colored yarn cut, which is selected to produce a plain knitted fabric L, a "floating knitted fabric" F, and a terry knitted fabric T (written as "TERRY" and the number "3").

[0390] Note: This configuration is similar to number 2, except that the knitted colored fabric existing between the various letters in the loops (i.e., the background of the letters) and the various letters around the number "3" is a floating knitted fabric F made of colored yarn; in fact, the needles of the group S not included in the subgroup GX constituting the letters and the number "3" in the loop knitted fabric T are still supplied with the additional yarn A and made into a floating knitted fabric F. It should be noted that between the letter "Y" and the number "3" and beyond the number "3" is a portion of the plain knitted fabric L produced by colored yarns and needles belonging to the group S (but not to the group G). In configuration 3, the needle device S does not include all the needles of the needle bed (there is no rectangular colored strip).

[0391] Second Textiles( Figures 5 to 8 )

[0392] Configuration "4"

[0393] - 1 white yarn for producing the bottom with a terry binding;

[0394] - 1 white yarn cut / float which realizes the hem of the loops;

[0395] - 1 colored yarn cut, which is selected to produce a plain knitted fabric L and a terry-type knitted fabric T (written as "TERRY" and the number "4" of the profile of the plain knitted fabric L).

[0396] Note: This configuration is similar to number 1, except that after the piping of the loops (with the white yarn) has been achieved, one of the two white yarns is also cut / floated together with the additional yarn A. For each row, the subgroup GX corresponds to a different letter in the loops and to the number "1" (on a white bottom achieved with a plain single-thread knit fabric). It should be noted that both the colored yarn and the white yarn (the white yarn that achieves the piping of the loops) cause a float between a letter and the next one (i.e. between the subgroup GX and the consecutive subgroup).

[0397] Configuration "5"

[0398] - 1 white yarn for producing the bottom with a terry binding;

[0399] - 1 cut of white yarn which produces the piping of the loops and is able to cover the entire development of the tube (360°);

[0400] - 1 colored yarn cut which, by selection, produces a plain knit fabric and a terry knit fabric T, the plain knit fabric being able to cover the entire development (360°) of the tube (written as "TERRY" and the number "5").

[0401] NOTE: This configuration is similar to number 2, except that one of the two white yarns is cut together with the additional yarn A after the piping of the loops (together with the first white yarn) has been achieved. In this case, the needle arrangement S includes all the needles of the needle bed for certain stitch rows (observe the rectangular colored strips). The knitted colored fabrics present in the various letters in the loops (i.e. the background of the letters) are plain knitted fabrics L made with colored yarns and with two white yarns.

[0402] Configuration "6"

[0403] - 1 white yarn for producing the bottom with a terry binding;

[0404] - 1 white yarn cut / float thread, which realizes the piping of the plain knitted fabric L and the floated knitted fabric F and the loops;

[0405] - 1 colored yarn cut, which is selected to produce plain knitted fabric L, float knitted fabric F and terry knitted fabric T (written as "TERRY" and number "6" outline of plain knitted fabric L and has a background of float knitted fabric F).

[0406] Note: This configuration is similar to number 3, except that after the piping of the loops is achieved (together with the first white yarn), one of the two white yarns is also cut / floated together with the additional yarn A. The knitted colored fabric present in the various letters of the loops (i.e., the background of the letters) and around the number "6" is the floating knitted fabric F, and the colored threads and one of the two white yarns that are floated can be noted; while the portion around the letters and number 6 (constituting a kind of "edge") is the plain knitted fabric L, it should be noted that between the letter "Y" and the number "6" and in addition to the number "6" there is a portion of the plain knitted fabric L achieved with colored yarns and two white yarns.

[0407] Third Textile Products( Figures 9 to 12 )

[0408] Configuration "7"

[0409] - 1 white yarn for producing the bottom with a terry binding;

[0410] - 1 white yarn cut, which is selected to produce a terry knitted fabric T (as a colored yarn);

[0411] - 1 colored yarn cut, which is selected to produce terry knitted fabric T (written as "TE RR Y" and the number "7")

[0412] NOTE: This configuration is similar to number 4, except that in this case one of the two white yarns also produces loops along with the additional colored yarn A by selection.

[0413] Configuration "8"

[0414] - 1 white yarn for producing the bottom with a terry binding;

[0415] - 1 white yarn cut that realizes terry knit fabric and plain knit fabric and can cover the entire development (360°) of the tube (like a colored thread);

[0416] - 1 colored yarn cut which, by selection, produces a terry knit fabric T and a plain knit fabric which can cover the entire development (360°) of the tube (written as "TERRY" and the number "8").

[0417] NOTE: This configuration is essentially similar to number 5, but "inversely": the letters "TERRY" and the number "8" are plain knitted fabric L, while the background between the letters is terry knitted fabric T. In this case, the needle arrangement S includes all the needles of the needle bed for some stitch rows (observe the rectangular colored strip in the terry knitted fabric T).

[0418] Configuring "9"

[0419] - 1 white yarn for producing the bottom with a terry binding;

[0420] - 1 colored yarn cut, the 1 colored yarn cut is realized by selecting a plain knitted fabric L, a floating knitted fabric F, and a terry knitted fabric (as a colored yarn);

[0421] - 1 colored yarn cut, which realizes a plain knitted fabric L, a floating knitted fabric F, and a terry-type knitted fabric ("TERRY" and the number "9" are written in the terry).

[0422] Note: This configuration is similar to number 6, except that one of the two white yarns also produces plain knitted fabric L, float knitted fabric F and terry knitted fabric T and forms additional colored yarn A.

[0423] As can be observed in the exemplary embodiments of the attached figures, the textile obtained according to the invention shows different "areas" (shaped areas) at the type level of knitted fabrics (loop knitted fabrics, flocked knitted fabrics, plain knitted fabrics, etc.), and the designed pattern allows each row to pass through / intersect more different areas along its development. This is because on the row, more different parts can be defined at the same time (especially loop knitted fabrics T or floating knitted fabrics F combined with plain knitted fabrics L).

[0424] Then, for example, a row may "pass through" areas of terry alternating with areas of float knit fabric, jersey knit fabric, etc. based on a defined pattern.

[0425] Similarly, several regions (eg, a region in the terry-type knitted fabric T and a region in the float-type knitted fabric F) can be said to share one or more rows, ie, they share a portion of the same row.

[0426] The present invention has important advantages.

[0427] Firstly, the invention allows to overcome the disadvantages of the known technology.

[0428] The Applicant has firstly verified that the textile product according to the invention has high quality, relevant technical qualities and valuable aesthetic properties.

[0429] The Applicant has demonstrated that the method according to the invention allows obtaining textile products having a traditional woven fabric structure and having portions of woven terry fabric with a pattern of defined design.

[0430] Furthermore, the method according to the invention makes it possible to obtain a textile having the structure of a conventional knitted fabric and enriched with portions of reinforced knitted fabric obtained by inserting an additional yarn into a portion (group S) of selected needles of the needle bed, wherein a portion of these needles (also optional) always utilizes the same additional yarn to achieve a terry-type knitted fabric.

[0431] Furthermore, the method according to the invention also makes it possible to obtain a textile in which the specific combination of conventional woven fabric structures allows to structure the product with a portion of a three-dimensional woven fabric and to differentiate the texture / thickness of areas of the three-dimensional woven fabric, also thanks to the different types and / or quantities of yarns used to produce the structure of the woven fabric.

[0432] The method according to the invention allows the "placing" of the terry knitted fabric T in a textile area according to a determined design, thanks to the possibility of defining the terry needle groups G row by row within the group S. Areas of terry knitted fabric T alternating with other areas of knitted fabrics of different needles (e.g., float knitted fabrics F and / or plain knitted fabrics L and / or unworked knitted fabrics) can allow obtaining a local thickening of the produced fabric and thus provide a specific three-dimensional space for determined areas and portions of the textile.

[0433] The Applicant has also verified that the process according to the invention allows:

[0434] - provide for the necessary versatility in the combinations of knitted fabric structures that can be obtained on a single textile product;

[0435] - production of textile products with specific structural features capable of imparting definite technological properties to the product itself;

[0436] - production of textile products with specific aesthetic properties and / or comfort and adaptability;

[0437] - produce textile products with a stable structure, free from defects or flaws;

[0438] - Produce textiles in an economically competitive manner;

[0439] - Realize patterns and designs on a single textile that are also complex and detailed;

[0440] - To achieve specific aesthetic effects on individual textiles;

[0441] - To create alternative solutions to known technologies in the production of woven fabric textiles and to open up new areas of pattern development in the production of textiles using seamless circular knitting machines.

Claims

1. A method for producing a textile (1) by means of a circular weft knitting machine, the method comprising the following steps: - Arrange a circular knitting machine, the circular knitting machine having the following characteristics: - the circular knitting machine is a circular weft knitting machine; - the circular knitting machine is a seamless circular knitting machine; - the circular knitting machine comprises at least two yarn feeders or yarn droppers and a needle-carrying mechanism supporting a plurality of needles, the needle-carrying mechanism defining a circular needle bed, the circular needle bed being operable to pick up the yarn fed by the at least two yarn feeders and forming a weft knitted fabric, the needle-carrying mechanism being rotatable relative to the at least two yarn feeders, and the at least two yarn feeders being arranged near the needle-carrying mechanism; and - the circular knitting machine comprises a plurality of knock-over sinkers, the plurality of knock-over sinkers may also be a special type of knock-over sinkers, the plurality of knock-over sinkers are operatively associated with the plurality of needles, and the plurality of knock-over sinkers comprise a determined number of terry sinkers, the terry sinkers being sinkers dedicated to terry-type knitted fabrics; - programming the knitting machine to define a textile (1) to be produced, wherein - the textile consists of a plurality of continuous stitch rows; - the textile has a tubular or cylindrical configuration around a central axis and extends seamlessly and longitudinally between a starting end, where production of the knitted fabric begins, and a final end; and - producing a weft knitted fabric by means of said circular knitting machine in order to produce said textile product (1) according to said programming steps; - wherein the programming step comprises the following steps in one or more of the plurality of rows: - feeding a first binding yarn corresponding to said at least two yarn feeders, said first binding yarn being used for producing, with said needles of said needle bed, a weft knitted fabric constituting a bottom knitted fabric of said textile product (1); - a "needle device (S)" of at least selected needles designated for collecting at least said circular needle bed of additional yarn (A); - selecting at least a "group of terry needles (G)" within the needle arrangement (S), wherein the group of terry needles (G) are needles selected for operation by a corresponding selection and in combination with a terry-type sinker; and - at least one of the two yarn feeders feeds the additional yarn (A) only to the needles of the needle device (S), so that: - the needles corresponding to the needle device (S) produce a knitted fabric including the additional yarn (A), and - the needles corresponding to the terry needle group (G) produce a terry-type knitted fabric having the additional yarn (A).

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: - the cutting of said additional yarn (A) is performed at least corresponding to the beginning and / or the end of said at least one needle device (S), and / or wherein the steps of selecting the needle arrangement (S), selecting the terry needle group (G) and feeding the additional yarn (A) may be performed to: - a stitch row for the textile (1), - for more continuous rows of stitches in the textile (1), or for individual stitch rows or sequences of rows, wherein the individual stitch rows or sequences of rows are different from one another and are distributed differently in the textile (1), or The steps of selecting the needle arrangement (S), selecting the terry needle group (G) and feeding the additional yarn (A) may be: - performing a determined number of times at alternating rows in the textile (1), said alternating rows being based on a series of repeated yes rows and no rows, said determined number of times preferably being higher than 1, which results in an alternation of rows in which these steps are performed and rows in which these steps are not performed, or - is performed in all the stitch rows constituting said textile (1).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The circular knitting machine is configured to: - allowing, during said step of selecting said needle means (S), the selection of needles to be operated at will in terms of number and angular position along said needle bed; and - allowing the selection of needles to be arbitrarily operated in terms of number and angular position inside the needle device (S) in the step of selecting the terry needle group (G), so that the terry knitted fabric stitches (T) are made using the additional yarn (A) in any desired position within the stitch row, and / or wherein the needle device (S) and the terry needle group (G) within the needle device (S) seamlessly operate more than one stitch row, preferably a determined number of stitch rows, or seamlessly operate the rotation of the needle carrying mechanism, during which the additional yarn (A) is used to produce the knitted fabric using the needles of the needle device (S).

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The needle device (S) is arbitrarily defined for each stitch row, i.e. the needle device (S) can include a different needle group of the needle bed in each row, and in the same way, the terry needle group (G) can be arbitrarily defined for each stitch row, i.e. the terry needle group (G) can include a different needle group belonging to the needle device (S) in each row, and / or wherein the step of selecting at least the needle device (S) and the step of selecting at least the terry needle group (G) can be performed for each row, i.e. the needle device (S) and the terry needle group (G) in the needle device (S) can be changed from row to row, and / or wherein, in the step of producing the weft-knitted fabric, the circular knitting machine is operated in continuous motion, i.e. the needle carrying mechanism rotates continuously in the rotation direction, in particular, the circular knitting machine is operated in a continuous motion during the production of the stitch row, selecting the needle device (S) and the terry needle group (G) in the stitch row.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The terry needle group (G) comprises at least terry needles inside the needle device (S), so that the result in the stitch row always presents at least one portion of a terry knitted fabric (T) produced with the additional yarn (A), and the at least one portion of the terry knitted fabric (T) may be combined with one or more portions of a plain knitted fabric (L) and / or a float knitted fabric (F) and / or an unwinding knitted fabric and / or a float, and / or wherein, in the step of selecting the needle device (S), the needle device (S) comprises all the needles of the needle bed, and / or wherein the step of feeding the additional yarn (A) to the needles of the needle device (S) corresponds to the at least two The invention relates to a method of programming the textile machine, wherein the terry needle group (G) comprises at least the terry needles in the needle device (S) so that in at least two consecutive stitch rows or in alternating rows, i.e. row yes and row no, at least a part of the terry type knitted fabric (T) is presented as a result, and / or wherein, in the step of programming the textile machine, the needle device (S) is not defined continuously in one or more of the plurality of stitch rows, i.e. the needle device (S) does not include any needles and the feeding of the additional yarn (A) does not occur, nor the production of a knitted fabric comprising the additional yarn occurs, nor the definition of the terry needle group (G) for producing the terry type knitted fabric (T) occurs.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The needle device (S) is composed of: - only one section (SX) of consecutive needles, said only one section (SX) of consecutive needles continuing without interruption along the needle bed (for one or more rows, until it is possible to cause more than one needle-carrying means to rotate); or - further sections (SX) of needles spaced apart from one another along the needle bed, wherein each section (SX) consists of a determined number of adjacent needles which may decrease until only one needle, And / or wherein the terry needle group (G): - one or more subgroups (GX) corresponding to said needle means (S); or - coincides with said needle device (S), And / or wherein the subgroups (GX) constituting the terry needle group (G) are different from each other and separated inside the needle device (S), and / or wherein each of the subgroups (GX) constituting the terry needle group (G) is composed of the determined number of adjacent needles which may be reduced to the only one needle.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The cutting operation can take place: - corresponds to the start and / or end of said needle arrangement (S); - corresponds to the beginning and / or end of one or more sections (SX) of said needle device (S); or - corresponds to the beginning and / or the end of said group of terry needles (G) or to the beginning and / or the end of one or more subgroups (GX) of said group of terry needles (G), and / or where "cutting" is considered to be: - an insertion operation of the additional yarn (A) corresponding to the beginning of the needle device (S), or the beginning of one or more sections (SX) of the needle device (S), or the beginning of the group of terry needles (G), or the beginning of one or more subgroups (GX) of the group of terry needles (G); and - An operation corresponding to the end of the feeding of the additional yarn (A), which corresponds to the end of the needle device (S), or the end of one or more sections (SX) of the needle device (S), the end of the terry needle group (G), or the end of one or more subgroups (GX) of the terry needle group (G).

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The cutting occurs in each insertion position of the additional yarn (A) and in each position at which the feed of the additional yarn (A) ends, and / or wherein, corresponding to each cutting operation, the additional yarn (A) is in the form of a "tail" or loose yarn head, i.e., is "hooked / constrained" at the first needle where the additional yarn (A) has been collected, corresponding to the start of production with the additional yarn (A), or is "hooked / constrained" at the last needle where the additional yarn (A) has been used, corresponding to the end of production with the additional yarn (A), in both cases, the additional yarn (A) is The addition of yarn (A) results in "being cut", and / or wherein, since the first needle and the last needle are the needles at the ends included in the cutting operation, i.e. the needles at the ends of the component / segment / loop needle group operated with the additional yarn (A) from insertion to the end of the feed, and / or wherein, between the beginning and the end of a determined feed of the additional yarn (A), i.e. during the cutting operation, the series of needles can correspond to a part of a row, or to one or more consecutive rows, i.e. a fraction of a rotation of the needle cylinder, or an internal rotation of the needle cylinder, or more rotations of the needle cylinder.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In the case where the terry needle group (G) coincides with the needle device (S), the needle device (S) being composed of more sections (SX) of needles spaced apart from one another along the needle bed, the additional yarn (A) is inserted at the beginning of a first section (SX) of needles and cut at the end of a last section (SX) of needles, provided that there is no spacing of needles along the needle bed between each section (SX) of needles and the consecutive section, said spacing being equal to or greater than a determined value for cutting; otherwise, on the other hand, if said spacing of needles is equal to or greater than said cutting value, the additional yarn (A) is cut at the end of said section (SX) of needles and reintroduced at the beginning of said consecutive section (SX); and / or wherein, When the additional yarn (A) is inserted at the beginning of a segment (SX) of the needle and is cut at the end of the continuous segment (SX) of the needle or a series of continuous segments (SX) of the needle, the additional yarn (A) is floated between the end of each segment and the beginning of the continuous segment, that is, the additional yarn (A) is kept suspended, thereby forming a connection between two adjacent segments (SX).

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the step of carrying out the cutting of the additional yarn (A) occurs in each row in which the additional yarn (A) is selected for the needle device (S), at least at the beginning and end of the needle device (S), or at the beginning and end of a segment (SX), or at the beginning and end of a series of further segments (SX) connected in series, as long as they are not separated from each other by a number of needles above the cutting value, and / or wherein the initial cutting of the additional yarn (A) occurs in a determined row or rotation of the needle-carrying mechanism in which the operation of the needle device (S) begins, and the final cutting is carried out in a continuous row or continuous rotation of the needle-carrying mechanism, or after a plurality of continuous rows or continuous rotations of the needle-carrying mechanism and when the operation of the needle device (S) is terminated, and / or wherein the cutting value corresponds to the number of needles beyond which the floating additional yarn (A) remains suspended between two segments (SX), undergoing the cutting, thereby interrupting the connection, And / or wherein the cutting value corresponds to the number of needles below which the additional yarn (A) does not have to be cut but is able to remain floating, the needles remaining suspended between the two sections (SX) without interrupting the connection, and / or wherein the cutting value is higher than 20 needles or higher than 40 needles or higher than 60 needles or higher than 80 needles or higher than 100 needles, and / or wherein the cutting value is adjusted by the fineness of the textile machine and generally increases as the fineness increases.

11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The additional yarn thread (A) itself can achieve: - the terry knitted fabric (T) in the needles of the terry needle group (G) and the plain knitted fabric (L) in the remaining needles of the needle arrangement (S) are both on the same stitch row or more stitch rows; - the terry knitted fabric (T) in the needles of the terry needle group (G) and the float knitted fabric (F) in the remaining needles of the needle device (S) are both on the same stitch row or more stitch rows; - the terry knitted fabric (T) in the needles of the terry needle group (G) and the plain knitted fabric (L) and / or the float knitted fabric (F) in the remaining needles of the needle device (S) are both on the same stitch row or more stitch rows; - the terry knitted fabric (T) in the needles of the terry needle group (G) and the plain knitted fabric (L) and / or the float knitted fabric (F) and / or the unwound knitted fabric and / or the jacquard knitted fabric in the remaining needles of the needle device (S) are both on the same stitch row or more stitch rows, And / or wherein each needle of the needle arrangement (S) can be selected as part of the terry needle group (G) such that: - each needle in the needle group (G) operates by a selected operation and in combination with a corresponding terry-type sinker to produce a selected terry-type knitted fabric (T); and - The result of the terry-type knitted fabric (T) is achieved arbitrarily at any position based on the selection of the needles that constitute the needle group (G) row by row, thereby achieving a "designed" terry, that is, an area of ​​arbitrarily constructed terry-type knitted fabric (T) within the textile (1).

12. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In the step of producing the knitted fabric, before the cutting operation is carried out, the additional yarn (A) is fed to the needles of the needle device (S) without interrupting a determined number of stitch rows or without interrupting the rotation of the needle carrier, And / or wherein the needle arrangement (S) and the terry needle group (G) within the needle arrangement operate with the additional yarn (A) for more than one consecutive row and no cutting is performed, the cutting occurring only at the beginning and the end after a certain number of consecutive rows have been completed.

13. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The step of producing a weft knitted fabric comprises the following steps: - corresponding to at least one of the two yarn feeders, another additional yarn combined with the additional yarn (A) is fed only to the needles of the needle device (S), so that: - a knitted fabric comprising the additional yarn (A) and comprising the another additional yarn corresponding to the needles of the needle device (S) is produced, and - a terry-type knitted fabric (T) comprising the additional yarn (A) and comprising the another additional yarn corresponding to the terry needle group (G) is produced; and - performing a further additional yarn cutting corresponding at least to the beginning and the end of said at least needle means (S), And / or wherein the insertion and cutting of said further additional yarn are combined, ie occur at the same position as the insertion and cutting of said additional yarn (A).

14. A textile product (1) produced by the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. A textile (1) produced by a circular weft knitting machine, which is of the seamless type and is provided with a circular needle bed and a knock-over sinker, the textile (1) consisting of a plurality of continuous stitch rows and comprising in one or more of the plurality of rows: - a knitted fabric comprising additional yarn (A) produced only in correspondence with the needles of the "needle means (S)" of the circular needle bed; and - a terry-type knitted fabric (T), comprising the additional yarn (A) produced only in correspondence with the needles of the terry-type needle group (G) selected in the needle device (S), wherein the needles of the terry-type needle group (G) are selected to operate in combination with a terry-type sinker by a corresponding selection.

Images