Integrated knit loop closure

Abstract

A knitted article has an integral loop portion of a hook-and-loop fastener. The one-piece loop portion is knitted and integrated into the knitted article.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to knitted articles having integrated loop closures and methods of forming knitted articles having integrated loop closures. Background Art

[0002] Automated knitting and 3D knitting technologies have revolutionized the textile industry by enabling the creation of complex, customizable and functional fabrics. Unlike traditional knitting methods that require time-consuming and labor-intensive processes to form items, automated knitting and 3D knitting allow for the rapid and efficient production of flat, cylindrical, and in the case of 3D knitting, complex 3D shapes including apparel, footwear and other textiles.

[0003] Automation and 3D knitting technology relies on computer-controlled knitting machines that can produce three-dimensional shapes by varying the position and tension of yarns or threads. These machines can be programmed to produce a variety of shapes and patterns, enabling designers to create fabrics with specific functional properties such as stretch, strength and breathability.

[0004] There are several advantages to using automated and / or 3D knitting techniques over traditional manufacturing methods. First, knitting reduces waste and saves time and resources because it eliminates or reduces the need to cut and sew multiple pieces together. In addition, knitting allows for greater customization and design flexibility, enabling designers to create unique and complex structures that are not possible with traditional methods.

[0005] Despite the potential benefits of the knitting techniques described above, additional improvements can be made to incorporate features that enhance the functionality of the merchandise through automated knitting techniques. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

[0007] Figure 1A A knitted article having an integrated loop closure according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0008] Figure 1B An example knitted article having an integrated loop closure according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown with the hook and loop fastener in an open configuration.

[0009] Figure 1C An example knitted article having an integrated loop closure according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown with the hook and loop fastener in a closed configuration.

[0010] Figures 2A-2D An example method of forming a knitted loop according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 2E-2F yes Figures 2A-2D Magnified front and back views of the middle knitted loop section.

[0012] Figure 2G An example of a knitting loop formed by a latch needle is shown.

[0013] Figure 3 is a diagram of a knitting process of a knitting loop according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 4 is a symbol view of a knitted closure according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 5 is a technical view of a knitted closure according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 6 is an example programming view of a method of forming a knitted closure according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 7 is through Figure 6 Schematic representation of the method of knitting the physics of knitted fabrics.

[0018] Figure 8 is a symbolic view of an integral knit closure according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figures 9A-9K is an example of a plating method that locks an integral loop from opposite sides of the article.

[0020] Figures 10A-10I is an example of a suturing method according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The detailed description presented below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended to describe various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configuration in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details used to provide a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known components are hidden to avoid obfuscating these concepts. In addition, it should be understood that the drawings provided herein are intended to be explained to those of ordinary skill in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0022] 1. Terminology

[0023] Throughout the specification, references to an aspect, an aspect, an example, or an example mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment or example may be a feature included in at least one example of the present invention. Therefore, the appearance of a phrase in an aspect, an aspect, an example, or an example in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same example. In addition, in one or more embodiments or examples, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combination and / or sub-combination.

[0024] Throughout the disclosure, these terms may be used as modifiers for the geometric relationship between elements or the shape of an element or component, substantially or approximately. Although the term is not limited to a specific change or substantially or substantially, and may encompass any change that is understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to be an acceptable level of change, some examples are provided below. In one example, the term may substantially or substantially include a change of less than 10% of the size of an object or component. In another example, the term may substantially or substantially include a change of less than 5% of an object or component. If the term is substantially or substantially used to define the angular relationship between one element and another element, a non-limiting example of the term may substantially or substantially include a change of 5 degrees or less. These examples are not intended to be limiting, and may be increased or decreased based on an understanding of the limitations acceptable to a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

[0025] For the purposes of this disclosure, when the aspects or articles described herein are oriented in use, directional terms are generally expressed relative to a standard reference frame. In some examples, directional terms are generally expressed relative to a left-handed coordinate system.

[0026] Terms such as "a", "an", and "the" do not refer to only a single entity, but include general categories that can be explained using specific examples. The terms "a", "an", and "the" are used interchangeably with the term at least one. The phrases "at least one" and "including at least one of the following list" refer to any one of the items in the list and any combination of two or more items in the list. Unless otherwise specified, all numerical ranges include their endpoints and non-integer values ​​between the endpoints.

[0027] The terms first, second, third, and fourth, as well as other numerical values, may be used in the present disclosure. It should be understood that these terms are used only in their relative sense unless otherwise indicated. In particular, certain components may be presented in interchangeable and / or identical multiples (e.g., pairs). For these components, the designations of first, second, third, and / or fourth may be applied to these components only as a matter of convenience in the specification.

[0028] II. Overview

[0029] A typical hook and loop fastening system has a hook portion with a plurality of small hooks that "mate" or are otherwise removably connected to a loop portion with a plurality of small loops, which is a temporary connection until pulled apart with sufficient force. A conventional hook and loop fastening system may be referred to or commonly referred to as The hook and loop fastener closure system generally includes a hook side and a loop side that can be pressed together to mate the hook and loop sides. Typically, hook and loop fastener closure systems require the hook and loop members or prefabricated fabrics to be bonded, adhered or sewn to the article. The bonding and / or sewing of the hook and / or loop members may cause irritation, delamination problems and / or cause design constraints that may have undesirable properties in the finished product. For example, the sewing of the hook and / or loop panels may increase the stiffness of the finished product or reduce the elasticity of the finished product. In addition, fastening the hook and / or loop members to the article reduces the efficiency of manufacturing the article and / or causes waste of materials.

[0030] This overview and the detailed description below have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is it intended to limit the present disclosure to the form described. In view of the teachings herein, many modifications, including any combination of the different examples described herein, are possible. Some of these modifications have been discussed, and those skilled in the art will understand other modifications. Different aspects are selected and described to best illustrate the principles of the present disclosure and various aspects suitable for the intended specific use. Of course, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the examples or aspects described herein, but can be used by those of ordinary skill in the art with any number of applications and equivalent devices. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to define its scope by the appended claims.

[0031] III. Detailed Examples

[0032] Figure 1A An example of an article 100 having an integral loop portion (i.e., loop portions 110A and 110B) as disclosed herein is shown. The integral loop portions 110A and / or 110B are configured to interact with or otherwise be removably connected to a corresponding hook structure, thereby allowing the fastening of the hook structure and the loop structure. As discussed in further detail below, the loop portions 110A and / or 110B are integrated with the knitted article 120, i.e., multiple loops of each loop portion 110A and 110B are formed when the article 100 is knitted, and the individual loops of the loop portions are locked in place or otherwise prevented from undesired movement via the knitting process described in further detail below.

[0033] For example, article 100 may be part of a shoe, sandal, or other footwear. Figure 1B and 1CAn example of a sandal incorporating articles and / or article features described herein is shown. For example, article 100 can be attached to sandal sole 101. Article 100 can be attached to sandal sole 101 via any known method including, but not limited to, stitching, fusing, welding (e.g., friction welding), gluing or otherwise adhering, or any combination thereof. Figure 1B An example of loop portions 110A and / or 110B being disengaged from hook portions 111A and / or 111B of an article is shown. Figure 1C An example of a loop portion 110A and / or 110B connected or otherwise coupled to a hook portion 111A and / or 111B is shown. The hook portion 111A and / or 111B may be connected to a second article 120B, which may also be connected to the sandal sole 101 in a similar manner. The second article may have one or more knitted portions formed similarly or identically to the first article 120A. In some examples, the first and second articles 120A and / or 120B described above may be formed as a single continuous article. In some examples, both the first and second articles 120A and / or 120B may be formed using weft knitting techniques, or a combination thereof in which both are formed as a single continuous article.

[0034] Although examples are provided herein, it should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to specific items. Some additional examples of embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, bags, wallets, jackets, coats, sweaters, and / or covers, to name a few additional examples.

[0035] For example, the knitted article 100 can be knitted and include a portion or knitted portion 120 formed by interlocking fiber loops, which may also be referred to as sutures in the present disclosure. In some instances, a suture or loop or a series of sutures or loops may be referred to as a textile throughout the disclosure. The interlocking fiber loops may be formed by any yarn or thread formed by a natural or synthetic material or a combination thereof. The fibers include any one or combination of natural or synthetic materials. For example, natural fibers include cotton, wool, alpaca, hemp, coconut fiber, or silk. Among the synthetic fibers are polymer-based fibers, such as nylon, which may be produced as classic fibers, high-performance fibers, or technical fibers. TM , polyester fiber, elastic fiber or spandex or kevlar fiber TM Yarn and thread refer to a structure of one or more fibers that are long relative to their diameter. A fiber is a flexible structure that is relatively thin relative to its length. Throughout the disclosure, the terms yarn, thread or textile are used interchangeably.

[0036] For example, knitted article 100 may be formed using automatic flat knitting, fly knitting, and / or 3D knitting processes via an automatic or semi-automatic knitting machine that may use any one or combination of weft knitting and / or warp knitting to form the above-mentioned interlocking fiber loops or stitches.

[0037] For example, the stitches may be weft knitted and / or warp knitted. In weft knitted fabrics and single-thread warp knitted fabrics, the stitch structure may include at least one thread or yarn, wherein the thread extends in the longitudinal direction of the product (at right angles to the direction in which the product is manufactured during the manufacturing process). In warp knitted fabrics, the stitch structure may include at least one warp yarn sheet (a plurality of so-called warp yarns), wherein the thread formed by the stitches extends in the longitudinal direction (the direction in which the product is manufactured during the manufacturing process).

[0038] Figures 2A-2D An example of how an automated knit, 3D knit, and / or flyknit fabric of an article may be created is shown. An article or portion of article 100 may be formed by interlocking loops or stitches, such as Figure 2A and 2C The loops may interlock as the article is formed, thereby forming a portion of the article that expands as additional yarn is knitted thereon. For example, if the article or a relevant portion of the article is weft knitted, the loops may be knitted using a method such as Figure 2A and 2C The interlocking stitch shown in FIG. 2 is knitted from left to right with a thread 201 (e.g., Figure 2B and 2D ) to create an item or item part. Figure 2E is a close-up front view of an example of a front side 203 (also referred to as a front loop fabric side) of article 100, and Figure 2F 207a and 207b are covered on the back loop fabric side 207b, but not on the front loop fabric side 207a. Note that the above aspects are provided as examples only and may include or exclude features described herein. For example, filler yarn (not shown) may be provided partially or throughout the article. The filler yarn may be a longitudinally placed longitudinal row 209 ( Figure 2F ) and can be held or otherwise inserted between the transverse threads of other knitting elements. Combining filling yarns with other knitting elements can be used to influence the properties of a weft knitted fabric or to achieve various pattern effects. The elasticity or stretchability of a weft knitted fabric in the longitudinal direction can be reduced, for example, by filling yarns.

[0039] In addition, the article may be formed entirely or at least partially by warp knitting. Warp knitting may use many threads from top to bottom and is achieved by interlocking the stitches of one thread with the stitches of an adjacent thread. Depending on the desired pattern, the stitches of adjacent threads are interlocked. Some examples of interlocking connections include, but are not limited to, column, tricot, 2×1 plain, satin, velvet, atlas, and twill.

[0040] The sutures described herein may be arranged one above the other with junctions, which may be referred to as wales, as described above. An example of a wale is Figure 2F As shown in the figure 209 in FIG. The vertical line may also be suitable for warp knitting. The vertical line can pass vertically through the article composed of it. For example, Figure 2D The rows of stitches arranged side by side shown in the weft knitted article of the figure number 209 can be referred to as loops in weft knitted and warp knitted articles. For example, generally, the loops can penetrate the article in the transverse direction.

[0041] The knitted article or part of the knitted article can be manufactured using an automatic or semi-automatic machine with a plurality of "needles". In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the "needle" may include a latch needle 230 ( Figure 2G ), each latch needle includes a pivotable tongue 232 and a hook 234 at its end. The tongue 232 closes the hook 234 of the needle 230 so that the thread or yarn 202 can be pulled through the previously formed stitch 236. In one aspect, the needles 230 can be moved individually so that each individual latch needle can be controlled to grab the thread to form a stitch.

[0042] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a knitting machine may have two parallel rows of needles (e.g., needles 230). When viewed from the side, the needles of the two rows of needles may, for example, be opposite to each other and angled relative to each other (e.g., at right angles). The use of two rows of needles allows one or two layers of an article to be knitted simultaneously. For example, when the stitches produced on the first row of needles engage with the stitches produced on the second row of needles, a single-layer knitted fabric may be formed. In another example, when the stitches produced on the first row of needles do not or only selectively engage with the stitches produced on the second row of needles, and / or if the stitches produced on the first row of needles engage with each other only at the ends of the two layers of weft knitted fabric, a double-layer knitted fabric may be formed.

[0043] Thus, the articles described herein may be manufactured at least in part using the above methods and / or machines. If only one row of needles is used, a layer of knitted fabric is formed. If two rows of needles are used, the stitches of the two rows of needles may be uniformly connected to each other so that the resulting knitted fabric comprises a single layer. If two rows of needles are used, and the stitches of the two rows of needles are not connected, or are only connected along a specific line, then two layers are produced, for example, to form a first layer and a second layer in knitting.

[0044] Three-dimensional (3D) knitted articles can also be manufactured via the above-mentioned machines or methods. In addition, 3D knitted articles can be formed via weft knitting machines and / or warp knitting machines. 3D knitting or fly knitting (these two terms are used interchangeably in this article) can be used to form articles or parts of articles with spatial features or structures. Three-dimensional weft knitting or warp knitting technology allows the manufacture of spatial knitted fabrics in a single process without seaming, cutting or assembling into one piece.

[0045] The above-mentioned spatial structure can be formed by changing the number of stitches in the wale direction. The process of changing the number of stitches, which can also be called forming "partial loops (courses), can be achieved by a mechanical process called "stop stitch". When forming partial loops, the stitch formation only occurs temporarily along part of the width of the knitted item. The needles that do not participate in the stitch formation remain in a semi-finished stitch ("stop stitch") until weft knitting occurs again at the same location.

[0046] The above aspects can be used for knitting articles with different functional areas while maintaining their contours. The structure of the knitted fabric can be adjusted by stitch pattern, yarn, needle size, needle distance or tensile strain to provide functional requirements in certain areas, wherein the tensile strain depends on the yarn placed on the needles selected accordingly. In some aspects of the present disclosure, two or more knitted layers can be combined and / or formed simultaneously on a weft knitting and / or warp knitting machine with multiple rows of needles. In the case of combining two or more knitted layers, one or more layers can be formed in a separate stage and then combined such as by stitching, bonding or otherwise adhering, welding (e.g., ultrasonic or chemical welding) and / or connecting.

[0047] Alternatives to double-layer knitted articles may include spacer weft knitted fabrics or spacer warp knitted fabrics. In this example, the spacer yarns may be loosely weft knitted or warp knitted between two weft knitted layers or warp knitted layers, interconnecting the two layers and simultaneously serving as fillers. The spacer yarns may be the same material as one or more layers themselves or a different material. Spacer weft knitted fabrics or spacer warp knitted fabrics may also be referred to herein as three-dimensional (3D) articles, but may be different from the aforementioned 3D weft knitted fabrics or 3D warp knitted fabrics or articles.

[0048] When the above ring is formed (for example, Figure 1A and 1B When the loops 110A and / or 110B in the hook and loop closure are formed, the stitches may be dropped or pressed out (the terms "drop stitch" and "pressed out stitch" are used interchangeably throughout the disclosure) to form the respective loops of the hook and loop closure portions 110A and / or 110B. The aforementioned drop stitch may be formed by allowing one or more needles to release the previous loops without receiving new loops. The terms "drop stitch" and "pressed out stitch" are used interchangeably throughout the disclosure.

[0049] In order for the above-mentioned drop stitch or press-out stitch to function as the loop of the hook and loop closure, for example, when the hook and loop closure is to be reopened (e.g., as Figure 1C as shown), the loop must be properly secured to prevent it from being pulled away from the item.

[0050] In one aspect of the present disclosure, any one or combination of step knitting, cross stitching, and / or plating may be used to form an article having an integral loop portion. Plating stitching may be integrated into the article to ensure that the loops of the loop portion remain properly secured or anchored to the knitted article to ensure that the loop portion functions properly (i.e., properly functions as a hook and loop connection) when the loop portion is removably connected to a hook portion of the article.

[0051] The above-mentioned step knitting process includes forming stitches as a unit module (ie, process) based on using yarns fed one by one by one of one or more yarn feeders, and then repeating these steps to form an article.

[0052] The stitching cross-knitting process includes transferring the yarn forming the stitch from the first needle seat to the second needle seat, or transferring the yarn forming the stitch from the second needle seat back to the first needle seat. Other aspects will be described below in conjunction with FIG.

[0053] The above-mentioned plating process includes feeding two or more yarns into a needle to form two different stitches, one stitch covering another stitch. In some aspects, the two different yarns fed can be different colors and / or formed by different materials.

[0054] Although above-mentioned each method is described separately, when being used as the loop part of hook-and-loop fastener, any combination of above-mentioned process can be used to prevent drop needle or press-out stitch from moving.In a preferred example, all three methods are used to provide triple locking for drop needle or press-out stitch.

[0055] Figure 3 An example of a knitting process diagram of a 3D knitted loop according to one aspect of the present disclosure is shown. The loop of the loop fastening portion is formed by dropping a needle as shown in the figure numeral 302. It is noted that any number of stitches and any number of sutures can be dropped to correspond to the size and dimensions of the loop fastening portion. The needle drop portion may additionally include a back stitch portion 304 and a front stitch portion 306. The portion may also additionally include an additional back stitch portion 308 and a tuck-stitch portion 310. When forming the loop fastening portion of the article, the process can be repeated continuously (for example, as shown in portions A1 and A2) until a loop portion of the desired size is formed. However, when forming as shown in Figure 3 , the dropped needles forming the individual loops of the loop securing portion will not be properly anchored to the knit structure to allow proper function of the loop portion when the hook portion is repeatedly connected to and disconnected from the loop.

[0056] Figure 44 is a symbolic view of a 3D knitted closure according to aspects of the present disclosure. The loop portion of the article can be knitted from the right side to the left side and from the bottom to the top (i.e., as indicated by the arrows). When knitting the article, the loop portion is formed by dropping needles 402 via the first yarn feeder, for example, when the article is knitted using stitches 406 via the first yarn feeder while the yarn is backflushed 404. The loop portion can be formed by dropping needles 402 via the first yarn feeder, for example, Figures 9A-9K 920a in) and a second yarn feeder (e.g., Figures 9A-9K 920b) in the loop portion is plated to lock the individual loops and / or the majority of the individual loops of the loop portion in place. Other steps of the loop forming process are as follows Figure 8 as shown in .

[0057] Figure 5 is a technical view of a method of forming an article feature disclosed herein. In a first step 520a, a first yarn feeder (e.g., yarn feeder 920b) is run before a second yarn feeder (e.g., yarn feeder 920b). Figures 9C-9E 920a), two yarns are fed to form a plated article and / or an article having twice the thickness of an article or part of an article formed by a single yarn. Steps 518a and 518b are backwash steps, in which, for example, a first yarn feeder (e.g., yarn feeder 920a) forms a stitch while a second yarn feeder (e.g., yarn feeder 920b) remains stationary or otherwise does not interact. In a third step 516a and / or 516b, the yarn is transferred (e.g., from the left stitch to the back stitch and presses out the right front stitch). These steps (e.g., steps 520b, 518b, and 516b) can then be repeated continuously until an article or part of an article is formed.

[0058] Figure 6 is an example programming view of a method of forming a 3D knitted closure according to various aspects of the present disclosure, and is similar in principle to Figure 5 For example, programming may include fabric portion 610 that interfaces with or is external to loop closure portion 612, for example, Figure 1A The programming may additionally include a horizontal connecting portion 614 of the loop knitted closure and a transition region 616 for preparing the transition from the fabric portion to the loop knitted closure. The transition region may include an introduction yarn (e.g., Figures 9A-9K 919a and 919b in the figure) and a yarn feeder (e.g., Figures 9A-9K 920a and 920b in the figure).

[0059] Figure 7 For example, via Figure 6Schematic diagram of a physically knitted fabric knitted by the method of . The fabric of the article 700 may include a first stitch 710, which may include a weft or stitch portion. In addition, the article may include a second stitch 712, which may include a drop stitch and / or a press stitch to form a loop portion of a loop of an integral loop portion. The article may also include a third stitch 714, which is a first yarn (e.g., Figures 9A-9K The article may also additionally include a fourth stitch 716 as a second yarn (e.g., Figures 9A-9K The article may also additionally include a fifth stitch 718, which may be a weft knitted or stitched portion and may be similar to or approximate the first stitch 710. The article may include a sixth stitch 720, which may include a back stitch for backflushing two or more yarn feeders (e.g., Figures 9A-9K A floating portion of the yarn feeder 920a and / or 920b).

[0060] Figure 8 is an example of a symbolic view of an integral knitted loop closure portion according to aspects of the present disclosure. The article may be knitted from right to left and from bottom to top (i.e., as indicated by the arrows). The article is formed and may include a loop portion formed by dropping needles 402 via a first yarn feeder, for example, as indicated by reference numeral 404, and the article is knitted using stitches 406 via the first yarn feeder as the yarn is backflush. The loop portion may be knitted via a first yarn feeder and a second yarn feeder (e.g., Figures 9C-9E The yarn feeder 920a and / or 920b in the loop is plated to lock a single loop of the loop portion and / or a large portion of a single loop in place. The needle drop is formed by pressing out the stitches 802. The border 810 can be sewn around the loop portion.

[0061] Figures 9A-9I A ring (e.g., Figure 1A and 1B As described above, a knitted article can be manufactured using a machine having a plurality of needles, namely a first needle 910a and a second needle 910b, which can be, for example, a single needle in a plurality of rows of needles.

[0062] Each needle may include a corresponding pivotable tongue 912a and / or 912b and a hook at its end, such as a corresponding hook 914a and / or 914b. In one aspect of the present disclosure, each of the needles 910a and / or 910b comprising a needle row (not shown) may be individually movable so that each tongue needle may be controlled to capture the thread to form a stitch. It is noteworthy that Figures 9A-9K The various stages of the plating process are shown. To avoid obstruction of the view, Figure 9B-9K Only necessary reference numerals are provided to further clarify Fig.9A Parts marked in .

[0063] Fig.9A A series of stitches previously formed are shown. The first stitch 910a is advanced to Fig. 9B Once the yarn feeders 920a and 920b provide two or more yarns 919a and / or 918b, the first needle 910a is inserted into the opening of the previous stitch. Fig. 9C When the first needle 910a is retracted, the corresponding pivotable tongue 912a grabs the previously formed stitch 901a, which makes the tongue 912a as shown in the middle arrow. Fig.9E When needle 910a is further retracted, hook 914a grabs two or more threads or yarns 919a and / or 918b and pulls the threads through the opening of the previously formed loop, such as Figure 9G and 9H As shown. Fig.9I As shown in FIG. 1 , a new ring 901 b is formed, and the process is repeated again until each ring of the ring portion (eg, Figure 1A and 1B 110A and / or 110B) in are completely covered.

[0064] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a needle transfer process may be implemented to transfer multiple loops (e.g., Figure 1A and 1B The loop portions 110A and / or 110B) in the knitted article are locked to the knitted article. Figures 10A-10C Example steps of the needle removal procedure are shown.

[0065] As described above, a knitted article can be manufactured using a machine having a plurality of needles, namely a first needle 1110a and a second needle 1110b, each of the first needle 910a and / or the second needle 110b can be, for example, a single needle in a row of a plurality of needles. The first needle 1110a and the second needle 110b can be the same as described above. Figures 9A-9K The first needle 910a and the second needle 910b in are similar.

[0066] Each needle may include a corresponding pivotable tongue 1012a and / or 1012b and a hook at its end, such as a corresponding hook 1014a and / or 1014b. In one aspect, each of the needles 1110a and / or 1110b comprising a needle row (not shown) may be individually movable so that each individual tongue needle may be controlled to capture the thread to form a stitch. It is noteworthy that Figures 10A-10I The various stages of needle movement are shown. To avoid obstruction of the view, Figures 10A-10I Only necessary reference numerals are provided to further clarify Fig. 10A Parts marked in .

[0067] Fig. 10A A series of stitches previously formed are shown. The first stitch 1100a is advanced to Fig. 10A When the first needle 1110a advances, the corresponding pivotable tongue 1012a is as shown in FIG. Fig. 10B 110 to allow the opening of the previously formed stitch to advance downwardly on the first needle 1110, as shown by the arrow in FIG. Fig. 10C Once the previously formed stitch is fully pushed down the first needle 1110a, the second needle 1110b is moved along Fig. 10C and 10D The second needle 1110b advances into the opening in the previously formed loop, causing the second needle pivotable tongue 1012b to move along Fig. 10D and 10E Then, the first needle 1110a is rotated in the direction shown. Fig.10F The first needle can move forward as shown by the arrow in the middle, causing the first needle to pivot the tongue 1012a along Fig.10F and 10G Once the first needle can pivot the tongue 1012a as shown Figure 10G As shown in FIG. 1 , the previously formed stitch is disengaged from the first needle 1110a. Fig. 10H As shown. The first needle 1110a can then be retracted, leaving the stitch previously formed on the second needle 1110b. The above-described needle shifting step allows plating to occur continuously while the loop portion is formed by drop stitches or press stitches. The above-described combination of stitching, drop stitches, and plating stitches locks or otherwise anchors the loop of the loop portion and allows the article to be formed as an uninterrupted knitted article (i.e., without the need to separately attach the loop portion of the hook and loop fastener system).

[0068] This written description uses examples to disclose various aspects of the invention, including preferred embodiments, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice various aspects of the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined methods. The patentable scope of these aspects is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. These other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art may mix and match aspects from the various embodiments described, as well as other known equivalents for each such aspect, to construct additional embodiments and techniques according to the principles of the present application.

Claims

1. A knitted article having an integral loop fastener portion configured to be attached to and detached from a hook fastener, the article comprising: a knitted portion forming the body of the article; as well as A loop portion, wherein the loop portion includes the dropped stitches of the knit portion, and wherein the knit portion and the loops of the integrated loop fastener portion are knitted from a single, uninterrupted fabric.

2. The knitted article according to claim 1, wherein The respective loops of the loop portion are plated to lock the respective loops of the loop portion.

3. The knitted article according to claim 2, wherein: The loop portion forms a part of the knitted portion.

4. The knitted article according to claim 1, wherein: The loop fastener portion is plated via a second uninterrupted fabric.

5. The knitted article according to claim 1, wherein The loop fastener portion is knitted from the same material as the knitted article.

6. The knitted article according to claim 2, wherein: The knitted portion forms a tab of a sandal, and the loop fastener portion is configured to releasably connect with a hook portion of the sandal.

7. The knitted article according to claim 2, wherein The knitted portion is formed by weft knitting.

8. A method of forming a knitted article having an integral loop fastener portion configured to attach to and detach from a hook fastener portion, the method comprising: knitting a knitted portion of the article via a first yarn feeder supplying a first yarn; The integrated loop fastener portion is knitted by forming dropped loops of the first yarn supplied by the first yarn feeder.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: At least the integral loop portion of the article is plated to lock a single needle drop of the loop portion.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein: The added yarn is formed via a second yarn feeder supplying a second yarn and the first yarn feeder supplying the first yarn.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein: The first yarn provided by the first yarn feeder is an uninterrupted length of yarn that forms the needle drop portion and the dropped loop.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein: The plaited yarn is formed via an uninterrupted length of the second yarn.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising a backflushing step for transferring the first yarn from the first needle to the second needle during the knitting process.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein: The knitting portion and the needle drop portion are formed of the same material.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein: The plating yarn is formed of the same material as the needle drop portion and the knitting portion.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein: The items are formed using an automatic knitting machine.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein: The article is attached to the sandal sole.

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