Sports socks

Abstract

A knitted sock having a leg portion and an integrally knitted ankle welt extending about a circumference of the leg portion and positioned at a lower end of the leg portion. The knitted sock also includes an integrally knitted flap located at a posterior face of the ankle welt.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application date of November 18, 2021 and application number 202180088145.X. Technical Field

[0002] Aspects of the present invention relate to a sports sock. Background Art

[0003] Conventional athletic socks can be used for a variety of athletic activities. However, conventional athletic socks may lack features such as zoned cushioning, zoned grip, zoned breathability and permeability, and fit features that make them suitable for certain activities such as running (including trail running / hiking). Running (including trail running / hiking) presents many challenges, such as uneven terrain that causes the foot to shift, for example, inwardly and outwardly, and forwardly and backwardly within the shoe, debris (e.g., gravel) that may enter the space between the sock and the foot (especially for ankle socks), sweating and temperature increases caused by exertion, and compact surfaces that may impact the joints and muscles of the wearer's foot. Summary of the invention

[0004] The following clauses represent example aspects of the concepts contemplated herein. Any of the following clauses may be combined in a multi-subordinate manner to be dependent on one or more other clauses. In addition, any combination of dependent clauses (clauses that explicitly depend on previous clauses) may be combined while remaining within the scope of the various aspects contemplated herein. The following clauses are examples and not limitations.

[0005] Item 1. A knitted sock comprising: a collar having a peripheral edge surrounding an opening for receiving a wearer's foot; a leg portion extending from the collar; a foot portion extending from the leg portion and terminating at the toe tip; an integrally knitted ankle roll extending around the circumference of the knitted sock and positioned at the lower end of the leg portion; and a wing located at a rearward aspect of the ankle roll, the wing being integrally knitted with the ankle roll.

[0006] Clause 2. The hosiery of Clause 1, wherein an inwardly facing surface of the flap is positioned adjacent an outwardly facing surface of the leg portion.

[0007] Clause 3. The knitted sock of any one of Clauses 1 to 2, wherein the ankle tape has an upper edge and a lower edge, the lower edge being knitted integrally with the leg portion.

[0008] Clause 4. The hosiery of Clause 3, wherein the upper edge of the ankle tape is separate from the leg portion.

[0009] Item 5. A knitted sock according to any one of Items 3 to 4, wherein the wing includes a wing base, a wing body extending from the wing base, and a top edge separated from the wing base by the wing body, and wherein the wing base is knitted integrally with the upper edge of the ankle tape.

[0010] Clause 6. The hosiery of Clause 5, wherein the top edge of the flap is separate from the leg portion.

[0011] Item 7. A knitted sock according to any one of Items 1 to 6, further comprising a heel portion positioned between the leg portion and the foot portion, the heel portion having an Achilles tendon segment and a plantar segment, wherein the Achilles tendon segment is formed by a knitted structure having an alternating pattern, the alternating pattern comprising a first number of rows of knitted loops knitted with terry loops and a second number of rows of knitted loops not knitted with terry loops.

[0012] Clause 8. The knitted sock of Clause 7, wherein the first number of knitted courses and the second number of knitted courses extend from a lateral side to a medial side of the Achilles tendon segment.

[0013] Clause 9. The knitted sock of any one of Clauses 1 to 8, further comprising: a first plurality of integrally knitted gripping strips located on a lateral side of the foot portion; and a second plurality of integrally knitted gripping strips located on a medial side of the foot portion.

[0014] Clause 10. The knitted sock according to any one of clauses 1 to 9, further comprising: a third plurality of integrally knitted gripping strips located on the dorsal side of the toe portion of the knitted sock; and a fourth plurality of integrally knitted gripping strips located on the plantar side of the toe portion of the knitted sock.

[0015] Item 11. A knitted sock according to any one of items 1 to 10, further comprising a heel portion positioned between the leg portion and the foot portion, the heel portion having an Achilles tendon segment and a plantar segment, wherein the plantar segment comprises a fifth plurality of integrally knitted gripping strips extending from the outside to the inside of the plantar portion.

[0016] Item 12. A knitted sock comprising: a tubular knitted body forming a leg portion and a foot portion extending from the leg portion and terminating at the toe tip; an ankle roll extending around the circumference of the tubular knitted body and positioned between the leg portion and the foot portion, the ankle roll being knitted integrally with the tubular knitted body; and a wing located at the rear side of the ankle roll, the inward-facing surface of the wing being positioned adjacent to the outward-facing surface of the leg portion.

[0017] Clause 13. The knitted sock of Clause 12, wherein the ankle tape has an upper edge and a lower edge, and wherein the flap is knitted integrally with the upper edge of the ankle tape.

[0018] Clause 14. The knitted sock according to Clause 13, wherein the lower edge of the ankle tape is knitted integrally with the tubular knitted body, and wherein the upper edge of the ankle tape is separate from the leg portion.

[0019] Item 15. A knitted sock according to any one of items 12 to 14, wherein the wing includes a wing base, a wing body extending from the wing base, and a top edge separated from the wing base by the wing body, wherein: the wing base is knitted integrally with the ankle tape, and each of the wing body and the top edge of the wing is separated from the leg portion.

[0020] Item 16. A knitted sock according to any one of Items 12 to 15, further comprising a heel portion positioned between the leg portion and the foot portion, the heel portion having an Achilles tendon segment and a plantar segment, wherein the Achilles tendon segment is formed by a knitted structure having an alternating pattern, the alternating pattern comprising a first number of rows of knitted loops knitted with terry loops and a second number of rows of knitted loops not knitted with terry loops.

[0021] Clause 17. The knitted hosiery of any of Clauses 12 to 16, further comprising one or more integrally knitted grip strips knitted with yarn formed from filaments having a diameter of from about 25 nanometers to about 350 nanometers.

[0022] Item 18. A method of knitting a sock, comprising: during a single knitting event: knitting a sock collar having a peripheral edge surrounding an opening for receiving a wearer's foot; knitting a leg portion extending from the sock collar; knitting a foot portion extending from the leg portion and terminating at the toe tip; knitting an ankle roll such that the ankle roll extends around the circumference of the sock and is positioned at a lower end of the leg portion; and knitting a wing located at a rearward aspect of the ankle roll such that an inwardly facing surface of the wing is positioned adjacent an outwardly facing surface of the leg portion.

[0023] Clause 19. The method of knitting a sock according to Clause 18, further comprising knitting one or more gripping strips using yarn formed from filaments having a diameter of from about 25 nanometers to about 350 nanometers.

[0024] Clause 20. The method of knitting socks according to any one of clauses 18 to 19, further comprising knitting a heel portion positioned between the leg portion and the foot portion, the heel portion being knitted to have an Achilles tendon section and a plantar section, wherein the Achilles tendon section comprises a knitting structure having an alternating pattern, the alternating pattern comprising a first number of rows of knitted loops knitted with terry loops and a second number of rows of knitted loops knitted without terry loops. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Examples of various aspects of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates an outside view of an example knitted sock according to aspects herein;

[0027] Figure 2 The diagram shows the various aspects of the present invention. Figure 1 An inside view of an example knitted sock;

[0028] Figure 3 The diagram shows the various aspects of the present invention. Figure 1 A front view of an example of a knitted sock;

[0029] Figure 4 The diagram shows the various aspects of the present invention. Figure 1 A bottom view of an example knitted sock;

[0030] Figure 5 The diagram shows the various aspects of the present invention. Figure 1 A rear view of an example of a knitted sock;

[0031] Figure 6 The diagram shows the various aspects of the present invention. Figure 1 A cross-section of an example knitted sock taken at cutting line 6-6;

[0032] Figure 7 The diagram shows the various aspects of the present invention. Figure 3 A cross-section of an example knitted sock taken at cutting line 7-7;

[0033] Figure 8 The diagram shows a method for performing a multi-functional Figure 1 A knitting schematic diagram of a knitting structure at a heel portion of an example knitted sock;

[0034] Fig. 9 The diagram shows a method for performing a multi-functional Figure 1 A knitting schematic diagram of a knitting structure at a forefoot portion of an example knitted sock; and

[0035] Fig.10 Illustrated is a method of manufacturing a device according to various aspects of the present invention. Figure 1A flow chart of an example method of knitting an example sock. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The subject matter of the present invention is specifically described herein to meet statutory requirements. However, this description itself is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. On the contrary, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed or disclosed subject matter may also be embodied in other ways in conjunction with other current or future technologies to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the steps described in this document. In addition, although the terms "step" and / or "box" may be used herein to represent different elements of the method employed, unless and in addition to the order of the individual steps being explicitly stated, these terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between the various steps disclosed herein.

[0037] Conventional athletic socks can be used for a variety of athletic activities. However, conventional athletic socks may lack features such as zoned cushioning, zoned grip, zoned breathability and permeability, and fit features that make them suitable for certain activities such as running (including trail running or hiking). Running (including trail running or hiking) presents many challenges, such as uneven terrain that causes the foot to shift, for example, inwardly and outwardly, and forwardly and backwardly within the shoe, debris (e.g., gravel) that may enter the space between the sock and the foot (especially for ankle socks), sweating and temperature increases caused by exertion, and compact surfaces that may impact the joints and muscles of the wearer's foot.

[0038] Aspects of this paper relate to a knitted sock comprising different knitted structures and different yarn types, which contribute to its use in various athletic activities including, for example, running. In an example aspect, the knitted sock comprises a leg portion. The knitted sock comprises an integrally knitted ankle roll extending around the circumference of the sock at the lower end of the leg portion of the sock. The ankle roll provides 360-degree cushioning in an area corresponding to the ankle of a typical shoe collar adjacent to the wearer. This may be useful when the wearer runs on uneven terrain causing the foot to shift in the shoe. In an example aspect, a wing is located at the rear side of the ankle roll, wherein the wing is integrally knitted with the ankle roll. The wing can provide enhanced cushioning along the wearer's Achilles tendon. In addition, the wing can help put on the sock, and if the sock shifts during wear, the wing can provide an easy way for the wearer to adjust the positioning of the sock.

[0039] The knitted sock may include additional features that provide zoned cushioning and zoned breathability and / or permeability. For example, the heel portion of the sock may include an Achilles section adapted to be positioned adjacent to the wearer's Achilles tendon during wear and a plantar section adapted to be positioned adjacent to the wearer's heel during wear. One or more of the Achilles section and the plantar section include a knitted structure having an alternating pattern of knitted courses knitted with terry loops (to provide cushioning) and knitted courses not knitted with terry loops (to enhance breathability and permeability of the knitted sock).

[0040] Knitted socks can also optionally have a zoned grip feature. For example, an integrally knitted grip strip knitted with a grip yarn can be located in strategic locations to enhance grip where needed. Some example locations include the dorsal and plantar sides of the toe tip of the sock. Designing the sock to include a grip strip in this area can help prevent the toe area of ​​the foot from shifting during wear. This is particularly useful when the wearer is running or hiking on a slope. Since traditional socks lack a grip strip in this area, this type of movement may cause the wearer's toe to slide forward and impact the toe tip of the shoe, which may cause discomfort and / or bruises to the wearer's toenails. The integrally knitted grip strip can also be positioned on the outside and inside of the foot portion of the sock. Positioning the grip strip on the inside and outside of the foot portion of the sock can help minimize the medial to lateral displacement that may occur when the wearer runs / walks on uneven terrain. In terms of examples, there may be no grip strip in the dorsal midfoot portion and the plantar midfoot portion of the sock. Not utilizing a gripping strip on the instep midfoot portion of the sock can allow the wearer's skin to shift slightly during wear, which helps reduce tension or shear forces on this sensitive area. Not utilizing a gripping strip on the plantar midfoot portion of the sock allows the sock to move somewhat against the wearer's arch, which also reduces tension or shear forces on this sensitive area. An integrally knitted gripping strip can be positioned on the plantar section of the heel portion of the sock to help prevent heel shifting, especially when running or hiking in hilly terrain.

[0041] In an exemplary aspect, a knitted sock may optionally include a knitted structure at the forefoot of the sock, wherein the knitted structure is adapted to be positioned adjacent to the ball of the wearer's foot during wear. The knitted structure may provide cushioning, grip, and breathability and / or permeability characteristics. In an exemplary aspect, the knitted structure may include a repeating pattern having a first number of knitted courses and a subsequent second number of knitted courses, the first number of knitted courses having a body yarn and a plating yarn knitted with a basic knitting stitch with a terry loop, in which the body yarn floats the first number of stitches and knits the second number of stitches; the second number of knitted courses are knitted integrally with the first number of knitted courses. In further exemplary aspects, a gripping yarn may be used in the knitted structure (including in the terry loops). The floating body yarn increases stretch resistance and increases overall compression at the forefoot of the sock to provide a snug fit. In addition, the floating body yarn may increase the breathability and permeability of the knitted structure in the floated regions because there are fewer knitted loops in the floated regions, which reduces the overall yarn density in these regions. The use of terry loops provides cushioning for this high impact area of ​​the wearer's foot. In addition, the use of gripping yarns in this area helps stabilize the forefoot in the shoe and thereby reduces displacement of the foot during movement.

[0042] The above features can be used in various combinations, including using all of the features, to provide a sock having zoned grip, zoned cushioning, zoned breathability / permeability, and / or enhanced fit features, making the sock suitable for athletic activities.

[0043] As used throughout the disclosure, the term "sock" means a knitted tubular structure having an open first end and a closed second end. The sock can be worn on the foot of the wearer. The term "inward-facing surface" means a surface of the sock that is configured to face the skin surface of the wearer, and the term "outward-facing surface" means a surface of the sock that is away from the inward-facing surface and faces the external environment. In exemplary aspects, the inward-facing surface may include the technical back of the knitted tubular structure, and the outward-facing surface may include the technical front of the knitted tubular structure. In exemplary aspects, the knitted socks described herein may include mid-tube socks. The term "mid-tube sock" means a sock comprising a leg portion that extends completely or partially over the calf area of ​​the wearer. The sock can be described as having several parts, such as a sock collar, a leg portion, a heel portion, a foot portion, and a toe tip. The sock collar has a peripheral edge defining an opening that is used to receive the wearer's foot when the sock is put on. In one example, when worn, the sock collar can be positioned below the wearer's knee. The leg portion extends from the collar and is configured to fully or partially cover the calf / shin area of ​​the wearer.

[0044] The foot portion extends from the leg portion and is configured to cover the wearer's foot. The foot portion may include: a dorsal side configured to cover the instep of the wearer's foot; a medial side configured to cover the inside of the wearer's foot; a lateral side configured to cover the outside of the wearer's foot; and a plantar side configured to cover the sole of the wearer's foot. In an exemplary aspect, the foot portion may be divided into: a toe portion configured to cover the toe of the wearer's foot; a forefoot portion configured to cover, for example, an area just behind the toe of the wearer, such as the ball of the foot; a midfoot portion configured to cover the middle of the wearer's foot, including, for example, an arch region of the wearer's foot; and a rearfoot portion configured to cover the rear of the wearer's foot. The heel portion of the sock may include a plantar section that covers the plantar surface of the wearer's heel and an Achilles section that is configured to cover the lower portion of the wearer's Achilles tendon. The different regions of the sock described above are intended to represent general areas or approximate locations for reference purposes in the following discussion and may not be limiting.

[0045] Relative terms used when describing the sock, such as upper, lower, lower layer, upper layer, front, back, front, back, etc., refer to the sock worn by the wearer when the wearer is in a standing position and facing forward.

[0046] As used herein, the term "knitting row" refers to a predominantly horizontal row of knitting loops (in an upright textile when knitted) produced by adjacent needles during the same knitting cycle. A knitting row may include one or more stitch types, such as knit stitches, holding stitches, float stitches, tuck stitches, transfer stitches, etc., as known in the art of knitting. As used herein, the term "knitting stitch" or "basic knitting stitch" refers to a basic stitch type in which the yarn is cleared from the needle after the loop of the yarn is pulled from the back to the front of the textile by the previous stitch. Thus, the legs of the stitch appear on the technical side of the knitted textile, and the top and bottom of the stitch appear on the technical back of the knitted textile. As used herein, a knitting stitch or basic knitting stitch may include terry loops. As used herein, the term "wale" is a predominantly vertical row of knitting loops that are interlocked or intertwined, usually produced by the same needle in consecutive (but not necessarily all) rows or knitting cycles. The terms "horizontal" and "vertical" are relative to a textile standing upright when knitted, with the heads of the knitted loops facing the top of the textile and the course knitted fabric oriented first toward the bottom of the textile.

[0047] As used herein, the term "float stitch" occurs when no new stitch is formed at the needle. Therefore, the float yarn can extend across one or more adjacent wales. As used herein, the term "terry loop" refers to a loop formed by a knitted yarn that extends away from the technical side and / or technical back side of a knitted textile, and the term is given the meaning commonly used in the knitting field. In terms of examples, the terry loops extend away from the technical back side of a knitted sock so that they face the skin surface of the wearer. As used herein, the term "plated yarn" means a knitted construction in which one or more main yarns and one or more plating yarns are knitted in the same knitted stitch using, for example, a main yarn feeder and one or more plating yarn feeders. The term "lining yarn" means a yarn that is incorporated into a knitted construction during a knitting cycle but does not knit the plating yarn into a loop.

[0048] Unless otherwise indicated, the body yarn for knitting a hosiery may include yarns that include natural fibers / filaments, yarns that include man-made fibers / filaments, or yarns that include both natural fibers / filaments and man-made fibers / filaments. In one exemplary aspect, the body yarn may include wool fibers / filaments twisted with polyester fibers / filaments. In an exemplary aspect, the plating yarn may include an elastic yarn, such as a spandex yarn covered with nylon. Similarly, in an exemplary aspect, the padding yarn may include an elastic yarn, such as a spandex yarn covered with nylon. Yarn.

[0049] As used herein, the term "taping" generally refers to a knit structure that may include ribbing and / or may be double knitted for support or structure to a specific area of ​​a sock. In a typical construction, the taping is typically positioned at the collar of the sock. In various aspects contemplated herein, a sock may include a collar taping in addition to a taping positioned at the ankle area of ​​the sock (referred to as an "ankle taping"), as further described herein.

[0050] As used herein, the term "integrally knitted" may refer to a textile in which yarns from one or more knitted courses are intertwined with one or more knitted courses of another area. For example, if yarns from an ankle band are intertwined with yarns from the tubular body, the ankle band may be integrally knitted with a tubular body, such as a knitted sock. In another example, if yarns from a flap are intertwined with yarns from the ankle band, the flap may be integrally knitted with the ankle band.

[0051] Continuing, it is contemplated herein that the gripping strips may be knitted with a type of yarn having gripping characteristics, which yarn is referred to herein as a "gripping yarn." The term "gripping yarn" as used in describing the yarn that forms the gripping strip refers to a yarn having a large number of filaments (e.g., 7,000 or more) per single yarn strand, such that the gripping yarn has a single filament denier of about 0.01 or less. In other words, the gripping yarn may be formed from filaments having a diameter from about 25 nanometers to about 350 nanometers. In an exemplary aspect, the gripping yarn may be formed by an "island in the sea" process. Example filaments that may be used for the gripping yarn are produced by Teijin Limited, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The large number of filaments provides the yarn with a large surface-to-volume ratio, which aids in the gripping function of the yarn. In other words, the large number of filaments within the yarn provides the yarn with a higher coefficient of friction than, for example, more typical yarns incorporating a smaller number of filaments within a single yarn strand, such as yarns incorporating, for example, 50 to 500 filaments per yarn. As used herein, the term "elastic yarn" refers to the ability of a yarn to stretch from about 100% to about 200% of its original length and to return to approximately its original length (e.g., within 5% to 10%) after the stretching force is removed.

[0052] Unless otherwise indicated, all measurements provided herein were made with the sock at standard ambient temperature and pressure (298.15 K and 100 kPa) and with the sock in a static state (eg, unstretched state).

[0053] Figures 1 to 5 The lateral view, medial view, front view, plantar view, and rear view of an example knitted sock 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure are depicted, respectively. The sock 100 is depicted as if worn by a standing wearer, with the wearer's heel raised to better illustrate the various features of the sock 100. The sock 100 generally includes a tubular body 101 having an open end and a closed end. Figure 1 (which depicts an outside view of a knitted sock 100), the knitted sock 100 includes a collar 110 having a peripheral edge 111 defining an opening 112 for receiving a wearer's foot. In some exemplary aspects, the collar 110 can include piping as shown. A leg portion 114 extends downwardly from the collar 110. In exemplary aspects, the leg portion 114 can include a plurality of knitted courses extending circumferentially around the leg portion 114.

[0054] The sock 100 also includes an ankle roll 116 positioned at the lower end of the leg portion 114 and knitted integrally with the leg portion 114. The ankle roll 116 extends around the circumference of the sock 100 and includes an upper edge 118 and a lower edge 120. In exemplary aspects, the lower edge 120 is knitted integrally with the leg portion 114, and the upper edge 118 is separated or separated from the leg portion 114 so that it includes a free edge. In exemplary aspects, for additional cushioning, stability and structure, the ankle roll 116 may include a ribbed structure and / or may be double-sided knitted. The ankle roll 116 is positioned so that when the sock 100 is worn, the ankle roll 116 extends around the wearer's ankle and is positioned between the shoe collar and the wearer's ankle to provide additional cushioning in the area, which may be useful when the foot is displaced inwardly and / or outwardly and forwardly or backwardly during wear.

[0055] The wing 122 is positioned at the rear aspect of the ankle roll 116 and is knitted integrally with the ankle roll 116. In exemplary aspects, the wing 122 may be double knitted for additional stability and cushioning. In exemplary aspects, the wing 122 may be knitted using a high decitex elastic yarn (such as 156 decitex spandex yarn covered with nylon). In exemplary aspects, the wing 122 may not include plating yarn or padding yarn. Using a high decitex elastic yarn provides structure to the wing 122 and provides stretch and recovery, allowing the wearer to more easily manipulate the wing 122.

[0056] In exemplary aspects, the wing 122 includes a wing base 124, a wing body 126 extending from the wing base 124, and a top edge 128 spaced apart from the wing base 124 by the wing body 126, wherein the top edge 128 is positioned above the wing base 124. In exemplary aspects, the top edge 128 of the wing 122 can be positioned from about 3 cm to about 5 cm above the wing base 124, from about 3.5 cm to about 4.5 cm above the wing base 124, or about 4 cm above the wing base 124. As used herein, the term "about" means within ±10% of the indicated value. Configuring the wing 122 to have this height ensures that the top edge 128 is positioned so that it extends above the collar of a typical shoe, thereby enabling it to be easily grasped by the wearer when adjusting the sock 100. In exemplary aspects, the flap base 124 can be knitted integrally with the upper edge 118 of the ankle tape 116. The top edge 128 of the flap 122 can be separate or separated from the leg portion 114 of the knitted sock 100. As shown, the flap 122 tapers as it extends from the flap base 124 to the top edge 128.

[0057] Below the ankle tape 116, the knitted sock 100 includes a heel portion 130. The heel portion 130 includes an Achilles tendon section 132 and a plantar section 134, wherein the Achilles tendon section 132 is configured to cover the lower end of the wearer's Achilles tendon, and the plantar section 134 is configured to cover the plantar portion of the wearer's heel area. Figure 8 As further described, the Achilles tendon section 132 has a knit structure that includes an alternating pattern of a first number of knitted courses 136 knitted with terry loops extending from an inner-facing surface of the knitted sock 100 and a second number of knitted courses 138 knitted without terry loops. The first number of knitted courses 136 and the second number of knitted courses 138 extend from the outer side of the Achilles tendon section 132 to the inner side.

[0058] The first number of knitted coil rows 136 may include a greater number of knitted coil rows than the second number of knitted coil rows 138, such that the ratio of the first number of knitted coil rows 136 to the second number of knitted coil rows 138 may be about 2: 1. In an example aspect, the first number of knitted coil rows 136 may include from three knitted coil rows to five knitted coil rows or four knitted coil rows, and the second number of knitted coil rows 138 may include from one knitted coil row to three knitted coil rows or two knitted coil rows.

[0059] In an exemplary aspect, a first number of knit courses 136 may be knitted with one type of yarn, and a second number of knit courses 138 may be knitted with a second type of yarn. For example, the first number of knit courses 136 may be knitted with yarns that include natural fibers / filaments, such as wool, yarns that include synthetic fibers / filaments, such as polyester, and / or yarns that have a mixture of natural fibers / filaments and synthetic fibers / filaments. The second number of knit courses 138 may be knitted with elastic yarns, such as spandex yarns covered with polyester or nylon.

[0060] The alternating courses of loops with terry loops and courses without terry loops provide a desired degree of cushioning while still providing breathability and permeability characteristics. For example, the terry loops provide cushioning, and the areas without terry loops provide breathability and permeability because they have a lower yarn density. The ratio of the first number of knitted loops 136 to the second number of knitted loops 138 can be adjusted as desired to provide more or less cushioning and / or more or less breathability / permeability characteristics. For example, using wool yarn in the first number of knitted loops 136 can contribute to the cushioning characteristics due to the inherent curl of wool fibers, and can also contribute to moisture management due to wool's large moisture regain (e.g., from about 13% to 18% under standard conditions), which allows the wool yarn to absorb moisture. Using elastic yarn in the second number of knitted loops 138 provides a snug fit around the Achilles tendon area of ​​the wearer.

[0061] The plantar section 134 of the heel portion 130 may include a similar knit structure including an alternating pattern of a first number of knitted courses 140 knitted with terry loops and a second number of knitted courses 142 knitted without terry loops, as described with respect to the Achilles tendon section 132. As such, the description of the pattern provided with respect to the Achilles tendon section 132 also applies to the plantar section 134. The first number of knitted courses 140 and the second number of knitted courses 142 extend from the lateral side to the medial side of the plantar section 134. In exemplary aspects, similar to the Achilles tendon section, the second number of knitted courses 142 may be knitted with an elastic yarn, such as a spandex yarn covered with polyester or nylon, to provide a snug fit. The first number of knitted courses 140 may be knitted with a gripping yarn, as further explained below.

[0062] The foot portion 144 extends from the heel portion 130 and the ankle tape 116 to a closed toe 146 of the sock 100. The leg portion 114 and the foot portion 144 combine to form the tubular body 101 of the sock 100. The foot portion 144 includes a plurality of knitted rows extending around the circumference of the sock 100. Figure 1As shown in the lateral view of the foot portion 144, the foot portion 144 may include a first plurality of gripping strips 148 that are integrally knitted with the knitted sock 100 using a gripping yarn. In exemplary aspects, the first plurality of gripping strips 148 are generally positioned on the lateral side of the foot portion 144 of the knitted sock 100 such that they generally do not extend onto the dorsal side of the sock or onto the plantar side of the foot portion 144 of the sock 100. The first plurality of gripping strips 148 may include terry loops extending from the inward-facing surface of the knitted sock 100. Forming the gripping yarn into terry loops increases the exposed surface area of ​​the gripping yarn to provide a greater level of grip. The first plurality of gripping strips 148 may help stabilize and prevent the wearer's foot from shifting within the shoe, especially on uneven terrain. As described with respect to Figure 3 and Figure 4 As further described, the toe portion 146 of the hosiery 100 may also include a gripping strip.

[0063] Figure 2 Depicted is an inside view of a knitted sock 100 that includes a number of Figure 1 The lateral view shown shows the same features (indicated by the same reference numerals), but viewed from the opposite side of the sock 100. As such, the ankle tape 116 is shown extending circumferentially around the sock 100, and the flap 122 is shown extending partially around the medial side of the sock 100. Similarly, the first number of knitted courses 136 and the second number of knitted courses 138 of the Achilles tendon section 132 are shown extending around the medial side of the heel portion 130, and the first number of knitted courses 140 and the second number of knitted courses 142 of the plantar section 134 are shown extending around the medial side of the heel portion 130.

[0064] like Figure 2 1, the foot portion 144 may include a second plurality of gripping strips 210 that are integrally knitted with the knitted sock 100 using a gripping yarn. In exemplary aspects, the second plurality of gripping strips 210 are generally positioned on the medial side of the foot portion 144 of the knitted sock 100 such that they generally do not extend onto the dorsal side of the sock or onto the plantar side of the foot portion 144 of the sock 100. The second plurality of gripping strips 210 may include terry loops extending from the inwardly facing surface of the knitted sock 100. Similar to the first plurality of gripping strips 148, the second plurality of gripping strips 210 may help stabilize and prevent the wearer's foot from shifting medially and laterally within the shoe, particularly on uneven terrain. By not extending the first plurality of gripping strips 148 and the second plurality of gripping strips 210 onto the dorsal side of the sock 100 and the plantar side of at least the midfoot region of the sock 100, the sensitive, thinner skin in these areas can move more freely relative to the inward-facing surface of the knitted sock 100, which can reduce shear forces or tensions in these areas and improve the comfort of the wearer.

[0065] Figure 3 A front view of a knitted sock 100 is depicted, illustrating a number of Figure 1 and Figure 2 The same features as shown. Figure 3 As shown, the first plurality of gripping strips 148 and the second plurality of gripping strips 210 do not extend onto the dorsal side (indicated by reference numeral 305) of the foot portion 144 of the hosiery 100. In other words, the first plurality of gripping strips 148 and the second plurality of gripping strips 210 are generally not present on the dorsal side 305 of the hosiery 100.

[0066] like Figure 3 As shown, the toe tip 146 includes a third plurality of gripping strips 310, which are located on the dorsal side 305 of the sock and extend from the inner side of the toe tip 146 to the outer side. The third plurality of gripping strips 310 are knitted integrally with the knitted sock 100 using gripping yarn. In exemplary aspects, the third plurality of gripping strips 310 include terry loops formed by gripping yarn and extending from the inwardly facing surface of the knitted sock 100. The third plurality of gripping strips 310 can help prevent the wearer's toes from shifting forward, such as during athletic activities, thereby reducing the chance of damage to the wearer's toenails. Adjacent gripping strips in the third plurality of gripping strips 310 can be separated by knitting coil rows (such as those knitting coil rows indicated by reference numeral 311), which are knitted using non-gripping yarns (such as the above-mentioned main body yarn).

[0067] Figure 4 A bottom view of the knitted sock 100 is depicted. The toe tip 146 includes a fourth plurality of gripping strips 410 located on the plantar side 405 of the knitted sock 100 and extending from the medial side to the lateral side of the toe tip 146. The fourth plurality of gripping strips 410 are integrally knitted with the knitted sock 100 using gripping yarns. In exemplary aspects, the fourth plurality of gripping strips 410 include terry loops formed by gripping yarns and extending from the inwardly facing surface of the knitted sock 100. The fourth plurality of gripping strips 410, in combination with the third plurality of gripping strips 310, help reduce displacement of the wearer's toes during wear. Adjacent gripping strips in the fourth plurality of gripping strips 410 may be separated by knitting courses (such as those indicated by reference numeral 411) that are knitted using non-gripping yarns (such as the body yarns described above).

[0068] Figure 4 Also depicted is a plantar section 134 of the heel portion 130. Figure 1As shown, the plantar section 134 includes a repeating pattern of a first number of knitted courses 140 knitted with terry loops and a second number of knitted courses 142 knitted without terry loops. In an exemplary aspect, the first number of knitted courses 140 are knitted with a gripping yarn such that the first number of knitted courses 140 form a fifth plurality of gripping strips 412. Positioning the fifth plurality of gripping strips 412 on the plantar section 134 of the heel portion 130 helps lock the wearer's heel in place and prevent displacement, such as during walking or running on uneven terrain.

[0069] Figure 4 Additionally depicted is a knit structure generally indicated by reference numeral 414, which is located on the plantar side 405 of the forefoot portion of the foot portion 144, directly behind the fourth plurality of gripping strips 410 at the toe tip 146. When the knitted sock 100 is worn, the knitted structure 414 is positioned adjacent the ball of the wearer's foot. Fig. 9 As further described, the knit structure 414 may include a repeating pattern having a first number of knitted courses 416 having a body yarn and a plating yarn knitted with a basic knitting stitch with terry loops, followed by a second number of knitted courses 418, wherein the body yarn floats the first number of stitches and knits the second number of stitches in the second number of knitted courses 418. The area of ​​the knitted structure 414 including the floats is indicated by reference numeral 420. The floated body yarn increases the stretch resistance and increases the overall compression at this portion of the knitted sock 100. The use of terry loops in the knitted structure 414 provides cushioning for this high impact area of ​​the wearer's foot. In addition, since the floated area 420 in the second number of knitted courses 418 has a lower yarn density than, for example, an area including knitting stitches without floats, the air permeability and permeability in the floated area 420 may be enhanced.

[0070] Figure 5 A rear view of the knitted sock 100 is depicted. As shown, the flap 122 is positioned at the rear aspect of the knitted sock 100 and extends from the outside to the inside of the knitted sock 100. Such positioning allows the wearer to easily grasp the flap 122 to provide fit adjustment of the knitted sock 100, particularly at the ankle area. The Achilles tendon section 132 of the heel portion 130 is depicted as having a repeating pattern of a first number of knitted courses 136 including terry loops and a second number of knitted courses 138 not including terry loops. The plantar section 134 of the heel portion 130 includes a repeating pattern of a first number of knitted courses 140 knitted with terry loops and a second number of knitted courses 142 not knitted with terry loops, wherein the first number of knitted courses 140 are knitted with a gripping yarn and form a fifth plurality of gripping strips 412.

[0071] Figure 6 is Figure 1 A cross section of the knitted sock 100 is taken at the cutting line 6-6. Figure 6 10 and 11. The ankle roll 116 is knitted integrally with the sock 100 and the leg portion 114 of the sock 100. The lower edge 120 of the ankle roll 116 is knitted integrally with the lower end of the leg portion 114, as indicated by the same shading pattern used throughout. Reference numeral 610 schematically depicts a yarn that is intertwined with one or more yarns of the leg portion 114 and one or more yarns of the ankle roll 116. The upper edge 118 of the ankle roll 116 is separated or decoupled from the leg portion 114, and an inwardly facing surface 612 of the ankle roll 116 is positioned adjacent to and / or facing the leg portion 114.

[0072] Figure 7 is Figure 3 A cross section of the knitted sock 100 is taken at the cutting line 7-7. Figure 7 1 to illustrate how the flap 122 is integrally knitted with the ankle roll 116. The flap base 124 is integrally knitted with the upper edge 118 of the ankle roll 116. Reference numeral 710 schematically depicts a yarn that is intertwined with one or more yarns of the ankle roll 116 and one or more yarns of the flap 122. The top edge 128 of the flap 122 is separated or separated from the leg portion 114, and an inwardly facing surface 712 of the flap 122 is positioned adjacent to and / or facing the leg portion 114.

[0073] Figure 8 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a knitted structure, which forms, for example, an Achilles tendon section 132 and / or a plantar section 134 of a heel portion 130. The knitted structure includes a first number of knitted courses 136 / 140 knitted with a terry loop (indicated by reference numeral 810) and a second number of knitted courses 138 / 142 knitted without the terry loop 810. Although not shown, the first number of knitted courses 136 / 140 may include a greater number of knitted courses than the second number of knitted courses 138 / 142, such that a ratio of the first number of knitted courses 136 / 140 to the second number of knitted courses 138 / 142 may be approximately 2:1.

[0074] The first number of knit courses 136 / 140 are knitted with a body yarn 805 and a plating yarn 807. With respect to the first number of knit courses 136, the body yarn 805 may include a yarn having natural fibers / filaments (such as wool), synthetic fibers / filaments (such as polyester), and / or a mixture of natural fibers and synthetic fibers / filaments. With respect to the first number of knit courses 140, the body yarn 805 may include a grip yarn. The plating yarn 807 in the first number of knit courses 136 and the first number of knit courses 140 may include an elastic yarn, such as a spandex yarn covered with polyester or nylon.

[0075] In some example aspects, the second number of knit courses 138 / 142 may be knitted with a body yarn 812 that is different from the body yarn 805. For example, the body yarn 812 may include an elastic yarn, such as a spandex yarn covered with polyester or nylon, for both the second number of knit courses 138 and the second number of knit courses 142. The same plating yarn 807 may be used for both the second number of knit courses 138 and the second number of knit courses 142.

[0076] Fig. 9 A knitting schematic diagram of a knitting structure 414 is depicted, the knitting structure 414 being located on the plantar side 405 of the forefoot portion of the foot portion 144, directly behind the fourth plurality of gripping strips 410 at the toe tip 146. When the knitted sock 100 is worn, the knitted structure 414 is positioned adjacent to the ball of the wearer's foot. It is contemplated herein that the knitted structure 414 may be used in other locations on the knitted sock 100.

[0077] The knitted structure 414 includes a first number of knitted coil rows 416, which are knitted with a basic knitting stitch using at least one main body yarn 912 (shown in cross-hatching) and a plating yarn 914 (shown in hatching). In exemplary aspects, the main body yarn 912 may include a gripping yarn. Although terry loops are not shown, it is contemplated herein that one or more of the main body yarn 912 and plating yarn 914 in the first number of knitted coil rows 416 may be knitted to form terry loops on the technical back of the knitted structure 414 to provide buffering known in the knitting field. As shown, the first number of knitted coil rows 416 may include two coil rows. In exemplary aspects, the first number of knitted coil rows 416 may include more than two knitted coil rows, such as three knitted coil rows, four knitted coil rows, etc. Alternatively, the first number of knitted coil rows 416 may include a smaller number of knitted coil rows than shown, such as one knitted coil row. The selection of the number of knitted courses in the first number of knitted courses 416 may be based on a desired final characteristic of the knitted structure 414, such as increased or decreased cushioning.

[0078] Next, the knitted structure 414 includes a second number of knitted courses 418 having a repeating pattern of two basic knitted stitches (such as knitted stitches 918 and 920 knitted with the body yarn 912 and the plating yarn 914) and then two float stitches (such as float stitches 922 and 924 to form the float area 420). In this exemplary aspect, the body yarn 912 is floated on two wales, while the plating yarn 914 continues to be knitted with the basic knitted stitch, followed by two basic knitted stitches knitted with the body yarn 912 and the plating yarn 914, followed by two float stitches, and so on. Floating at least the body yarn 912 increases the stretch resistance of the knitted structure 414 (the knitted structure 414 is more stretch resistant) because there is less yarn available for stretching compared to the knitted loops. This in turn increases the compression of the knitted structure 414, which can create a tighter fit at the forefoot portion of the foot portion 144 and prevent the knitted sock 100 from shifting or rotating. In addition, due to the reduced yarn density at the float areas 420, the breathability and / or permeability in these areas can be increased. Knitting the plating yarn 914 in the float areas 420 increases the structural stability of the knitted structure 414.

[0079] Although the second number of knitted coil rows 418 is shown as including two knitted coil rows, it is contemplated herein that the second number of knitted coil rows 418 may include additional knitted coil rows, such as three knitted coil rows, four knitted coil rows, etc. It is also contemplated herein that the second number of knitted coil rows 418 may include the same number of knitted coil rows as the first number of knitted coil rows 416, such as Fig. 9 It is also contemplated herein that the second number of knitted courses 418 may include a fewer number of knitted courses than the first number of knitted courses 416 or a greater number of knitted courses than the first number of knitted courses 416. The selection of the number of knitted courses in the second number of knitted courses 418 may be based on the desired final properties of the knitted structure 414, such as increased or decreased stretch resistance and / or air permeability.

[0080] It is also contemplated herein that the body yarn 912 may extend over a fewer number of wales or a greater number of wales than shown. By extending the body yarn 912 over a fewer number of wales (e.g., one wale), stretch resistance and / or air permeability may be reduced, and by extending the body yarn 912 over a greater number of wales (e.g., greater than two wales), stretch resistance and / or air permeability may be increased. It is additionally contemplated that the number of float stitches (two in this example) may be different than the number of base knit stitches immediately preceding and / or following the float stitch. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated as being within the various aspects herein.

[0081] The knitted structure 414 is a repeating pattern such that Fig. 9 The repeating first number of knitted courses 416 is shown. Thus, the repeating pattern includes a first number of knitted courses having base knit stitches with terry loops, wherein the body yarn is knitted the first number of stitches and then floated the second number of stitches, and a second number of knitted courses.

[0082] Fig.101 is a flow chart of an example method 1000 for making a knitted sock, such as knitted sock 100. Method 1000 is performed during a single knitting event on a knitting machine, such as a circular knitting machine configured to knit socks. At step 1012, a sock collar, such as sock collar 110, is knitted, wherein the sock collar has a peripheral edge around an opening for receiving a foot of a wearer. At step 1014, a leg portion, such as leg portion 114, is knitted, wherein the leg portion extends from the sock collar. At step 1018, an ankle roll, such as ankle roll 116, is knitted so that the ankle roll extends around the circumference of the knitted sock and is positioned at the lower end of the leg portion. At step 1020, a wing, such as wing 122, is knitted at the rear aspect of the ankle roll. In example aspects, the inwardly facing surface of the wing is positioned adjacent to the outwardly facing surface of the leg portion.

[0083] Method 1000 may include additional steps, such as knitting a foot portion (e.g., foot portion 144), wherein the foot portion extends from the leg portion. Method 1000 may also include knitting one or more gripping strips using a yarn formed by a filament having a diameter of from about 25 nanometers to about 350 nanometers. In addition, method 1000 may include knitting a heel portion, such as heel portion 130, wherein the heel portion is located between the leg portion and the foot portion. The heel portion is knitted to have an Achilles tendon segment (such as Achilles tendon segment 132) and a plantar segment (such as plantar segment 134). One or more of the Achilles tendon segment and the plantar segment may include a knitted structure having an alternating pattern, the alternating pattern including a first number of knitting coil rows knitted with terry loops (e.g., a first number of knitting coil rows 136 and 140) and a second number of knitting coil rows not knitted with terry loops (e.g., a second number of knitting coil rows 138 and 142).

[0084] The knitting steps described above can be performed in the order listed, but it is contemplated herein that the knitting steps can be performed in a different order. For example, the toe tip of the knitted sock can be knitted first.

[0085] Various aspects of the present disclosure have been described with illustrative, non-restrictive intent. Without departing from its scope, alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the skilled person may develop alternative means for implementing the above improvements.

[0086] It should be understood that certain features and subcombinations are useful and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated to be within the scope of the claims.Not all steps listed in the various figures need to be performed in the particular order described.

Claims

1. A knitted sock comprising: a sock collar having a peripheral edge surrounding an opening for receiving a wearer's foot; a leg portion extending from the collar; a foot portion extending from the leg portion and terminating at a toe tip; a heel portion positioned between the leg portion and the foot portion, the heel portion having an Achilles tendon section and a plantar section, Wherein at least the Achilles tendon segment comprises a knitted structure having an alternating pattern comprising a first number of knitted courses knitted with terry loops and a second number of knitted courses knitted without terry loops.

2. The knitted sock according to claim 1, wherein the first number of knitted loops and the second number of knitted loops extend from the outside to the inside of the Achilles tendon section.

3. The knitted sock of claim 2, wherein the first number of knitted courses is greater than the second number of knitted courses.

4. The knitted sock of claim 3, wherein a ratio of the first number of knitted courses to the second number of knitted courses is about 2:

1.

5. The knitted sock of claim 1, wherein the plantar section includes a first plurality of integrally knitted gripping strips extending from a lateral side to a medial side of the plantar section.

6. The knitted sock of claim 5 wherein the first plurality of integrally knitted gripping strips comprises terry loops.

7. The knitted socks according to claim 6, further comprising: a second plurality of integrally knitted grip strips on the lateral side of the foot portion; as well as a third plurality of integrally knitted gripping strips located on the medial side of the foot portion.

8. The knitted socks according to claim 7, further comprising: a fourth plurality of integrally knitted gripping strips located on the dorsal side of the toe portion of the knitted sock; as well as A fifth plurality of integrally knitted gripping strips is located on the plantar side of the toe portion of the knitted sock.

9. The knitted socks according to claim 8, wherein: The integrally knitted grip strip is knitted with yarn comprising filaments having a diameter of about 25 nanometers to about 350 nanometers.

10. The knitted socks according to claim 6, wherein: The integrally knitted gripping strip is knitted from gripping yarns.

11. The knitted socks according to claim 10, wherein: The second number of knitted courses includes elastic yarn.

12. A knitted sock comprising: a sock collar having a peripheral edge surrounding an opening for receiving a wearer's foot; a leg portion extending from the collar; a foot portion extending from the leg portion and terminating at a toe tip; a heel portion positioned between the leg portion and the foot portion, the heel portion having an Achilles tendon section and a plantar section, in: The Achilles tendon segment includes a first knit structure having an alternating pattern including a first number of knitted courses knitted with terry loops and a second number of knitted courses knitted without terry loops; and The plantar section includes a second knit structure having an alternating pattern including a third number of knit courses knitted with terry loops and a fourth number of knit courses knitted without terry loops.

13. The knitted sock of claim 12, wherein the third number of knitted courses comprises a first body yarn and a first plaiting yarn.

14. The knitted sock of claim 13, wherein the fourth number of knitted courses comprises a second body yarn and a second plaited yarn.

15. The knitted sock of claim 14, wherein the first body yarn and the second body yarn are different types of yarns.

16. The knitted sock of claim 15, wherein the second body yarn and the second plaiting yarn comprise elastic yarn.

17. A knitted sock comprising: a sock collar having a peripheral edge surrounding an opening for receiving a wearer's foot; a leg portion extending from the collar; a foot portion extending from the leg portion and terminating at a toe tip; a heel portion positioned between the leg portion and the foot portion, the heel portion having an Achilles tendon section and a plantar section, in: The Achilles tendon segment includes a knitted structure having an alternating pattern, the alternating pattern including a first number of knitted courses knitted with terry loops and a second number of knitted courses knitted without terry loops; the plantar section including a second knit structure having an alternating pattern including a third number of knitted courses knitted with terry loops and a fourth number of knitted courses not knitted with terry loops; The first number of knitted courses are knitted with a first body yarn and a first plating yarn; The second number of knitted courses are knitted with a second body yarn and a second plating yarn; The third number of knitted courses are knitted with a third body yarn and a third plating yarn; and The fourth number of knitted courses are knitted using a fourth body yarn and a fourth plating yarn.

18. The knitted sock of claim 17, wherein the first plated yarn, the second plated yarn, the third plated yarn, and the fourth plated yarn comprise elastic yarn.

19. The knitted sock of claim 18, wherein the first body yarn is different from the second body yarn.

20. The knitted sock of claim 19, wherein the third body yarn is a gripping yarn.

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