Method for producing tubular textiles by means of circular weft knitting machine

Abstract

A method for implementing a tubular textile (100) comprising at least the steps of arranging a seamless circular knitting machine, programming the circular knitting machine to define the tubular textile to be implemented from a first end (1) to a second open end (2), and producing a knitted fabric to implement the programmed textile, the programming step comprises at least the following steps: defining an increased needle section consisting of a first plurality of rows (R1-R2), and determining a first conical section (3) of the tubular textile, the diameter of which gradually increases; and defining a reduced stitch section consisting of a second plurality of rows (R3-R4) and defining a second conical section (4) of the tubular textile, the diameter of which gradually decreases.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for producing tubular textiles using a circular weft knitting machine or a sock knitting machine, preferably warp knitting or weft knitting. Specifically, this invention relates to a method suitable for implementation by a circular warp knitting machine for obtaining tubular textiles that typically correspond to semi-finished textile products.

[0002] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a tubular textile obtained by the above method.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention also aims to provide a method for realizing a textile, wherein the method comprises realizing the textile using at least one tubular textile obtained by the method.

[0004] Another object of the present invention is to provide a textile obtained by the above-described method. Specifically, the textile of the present invention is a garment comprising at least one tubular textile obtained by the above-described method. Background Technology

[0005] It is known to use circular knitting machines to produce tubular articles for textile production, such as garments. After being produced by textile machinery, these tubular articles typically undergo a series of processing operations, such as cutting, sewing, and attaching other components, to obtain textiles that are aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to wear.

[0006] In particular, textiles produced using circular knitting machines are widely used in the manufacture of lower-body garments, such as trousers or leggings. Indeed, the area that accommodates the wearer's legs typically exhibits a basic tubular structure, making tubular fabrics produced directly using circular weft knitting machines especially advantageous. Specifically, compared to alternative technologies that use flat knitting machines or large-diameter circular knitting machines to produce knitted fabrics by the meter, using circular knitting machines significantly simplifies the forming and sewing processes.

[0007] Over the years, various technical solutions have been developed to use circular textile machines to produce tubular fabrics for use in the production of lower body clothing.

[0008] The first known approach involves preparing two tubular textiles, each forming one of the two leg sections of the final trousers. These two tubular textiles are then cut, shaped, and sewn together at their longitudinal ends to form a tubular section with an increased diameter to accommodate the wearer's waist. This method is obviously complex, as it first requires preparing two independent initial tubular fabrics, and then connecting them through tedious cutting and sewing processes to form a larger diameter section suitable for covering the end-user's waist.

[0009] To simplify the textile manufacturing process, alternative solutions have been proposed that utilize a special tubular fabric. Specifically, in these solutions, a tubular fabric with a constant diameter is first prepared. In this case, the diameter of the tubular fabric is set such that the openings at both longitudinal ends are wide enough to accommodate the wearer's waist. Subsequently, one or more cuts are made from one end along the longitudinal direction of the tubular fabric to form two fabric flaps, which, after proper sewing, constitute the trouser leg portion of the garment.

[0010] The advantage lies in the fact that cutting along the longitudinal direction of the textile allows the trouser legs to be shaped to fit the wearer's body shape, especially the lower limbs, whose overall circumference typically increases gradually from the ankle upwards towards the thigh near the groin. Therefore, when the starting textile has a constant diameter throughout its longitudinal length, the cutting operation will inevitably generate a certain amount of textile waste, particularly in the areas that form the lower part of the finished trouser legs.

[0011] To minimize material waste caused by the aforementioned cutting and shaping operations, a tubular fabric with a variable diameter along its longitudinal direction is proposed. Specifically, in this design, the initial tubular fabric has a minimum diameter in the region forming the ankle opening, and a maximum diameter at the end defining the waist opening for the wearer. In other words, the tubular fabric exhibits a conical configuration in at least a portion of its longitudinal extension. Therefore, the gradual increase in the diameter of a portion of the tubular fabric can reduce, or even eliminate, the amount of waste textile material when performing the cutting operations applicable to the corresponding parts constituting the lower part of the finished garment's trouser legs.

[0012] The first known embodiment of forming a conical section with a variable diameter involves keeping the number of knitted loops in each row of the tubular fabric constant. The change in diameter is achieved by locally altering the density of the knitted fabric (i.e., tightening or loosening the knitted loops), and / or by changing the properties of the yarn (e.g., adjusting the tension of the feed yarn or using yarns with different elasticities), and / or by changing the structure of the knitted fabric (e.g., selecting a varying "rib" between rows, i.e., jacquard weave).

[0013] Another alternative involves altering the number of needles involved in fabric formation, thereby changing the number of knitted loops in each row constituting the conical section of the tubular fabric. In this way, the density of the knitted fabric is more uniform throughout the longitudinal extension of the conical tubular fabric when worn. Specifically, the textile production method begins at the end with the smallest diameter, activating only a portion of the needles constituting the needle bed, while the remaining needles remain idle. Within the conical section, the diameter of the fabric is gradually increased by progressively activating one or more needles initially in an idle state between adjacent rows; this operation is commonly referred to as "needle increase." An exemplary description of a method for producing tubular fabric with conical sections by progressively activating the needle bed needles is given in document US404229A.

[0014] Once the maximum diameter programmed and / or allowed by the needle bed is reached, the method typically includes a further section producing a constant diameter, i.e., a section where "needle addition" is no longer performed, to form an area suitable for wrapping around the wearer's waist.

[0015] Finally, the obtained tubular fabric is cut longitudinally at least in the conical section to obtain two flaps, which are then sewn together to form the trouser leg portion of the garment.

[0016] It should also be noted that textiles made using the same techniques described above and having conical sections are also used in the production of sleeves for upper-body garments (such as sweaters and T-shirts). Specifically, in the production of such garments, the sleeves are typically made separately and then sewn to the corresponding area to cover the wearer's chest. Summary of the Invention

[0017] In the field of garment manufacturing using tubular textiles produced by circular knitting machines, the applicant has found that the relevant technical solutions adopted to date still have several limitations and defects.

[0018] First, practice has shown that most known and implemented solutions require discarding at least a portion of the textile materials that make up the tubular textiles, which obviously has an adverse impact on the production cost of the corresponding textiles.

[0019] Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, existing technologies typically begin by preparing an initial tubular textile, which then requires a certain number of cutting and sewing processes to realize the corresponding textile or related parts. Specifically, the tubular textile is usually cut along a portion of its longitudinal length to form several fabric pieces, which are then sewn together in an appropriate manner to obtain a textile with a desired diameter in a localized area. These cutting and sewing processes are not only complex and labor-intensive, but also significantly impact the efficiency of the entire textile realization process.

[0020] Furthermore, to obtain textiles of the desired quality, the cutting process must be performed with extremely high precision to ensure that the edges of the cut fabric pieces fit together perfectly, thereby avoiding wrinkles and / or seam defects. Therefore, in existing technologies, the installation of high-precision cutting equipment is essential; otherwise, the quality of the final textile will inevitably be affected.

[0021] Against this backdrop, a fundamental objective of the present invention in its various aspects and / or embodiments is to provide a method for realizing tubular textiles using a circular knitting machine, a tubular textile obtained by the method, a method for realizing textiles, and a textile obtained by the method, thereby solving the aforementioned problems and overcoming the limitations of the prior art.

[0022] Specifically, the present invention aims to provide a method for realizing tubular textiles, which is used to realize textiles and whose realization process is particularly simple.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for realizing tubular textiles, which can minimize or eliminate material waste generated during the final textile realization process.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for realizing tubular textiles, wherein the cutting and sewing processes necessary to realize the final textile are minimized.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to describe a method for realizing tubular textiles with specific structural features, so that the final textiles can achieve predetermined aesthetics and / or comfort and wearability.

[0026] Another objective of this invention is to provide a method for realizing tubular textiles that are structurally stable and less prone to defects or flaws.

[0027] Furthermore, the present invention also aims to provide a tubular textile fabric achieved by the above method.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for realizing a textile, the method comprising implementing the above-described method for realizing a tubular textile.

[0029] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for realizing textiles with reduced complexity.

[0030] Another objective of this invention is to provide a textile manufacturing method that has a cost-competitive advantage over existing technical solutions.

[0031] Another object of the present invention is to provide a textile obtained by the above-described method. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a textile, specifically a garment, that improves upon existing technologies in terms of aesthetics and / or comfort and wearing performance.

[0032] Another object of the present invention is to provide alternatives to existing technologies for the realization of tubular articles and textiles, and / or to open up new design fields.

[0033] The foregoing and other objectives will be further shown in the following description, all of which are substantially achieved by a method for realizing tubular textiles using a circular knitting machine, the tubular textiles obtained by the method, a method for realizing textiles, and the textiles obtained by the method, as defined in the appended claims and the various aspects and / or embodiments described below, which may be combined with each other and may also be combined with the foregoing claims.

[0034] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for producing tubular textiles using a circular weft knitting machine. Specifically, the tubular textiles produced by this method are intended to constitute at least a portion of a textile, particularly a garment.

[0035] According to the above aspects, the method includes the step of arranging a seamless circular knitting machine. The circular knitting machine includes at least one feed line or drop-off point, and a needle-holding member carrying a plurality of needles, the needle-holding member defining a circular needle bed arranged circumferentially, and configured to form a knitted fabric using at least one yarn supplied from the at least one feed line. The needle-holding member is rotatably disposed relative to the at least one feed line.

[0036] It should be noted that the term "seamless" is a general term in the field of circular knitting machines, referring to the ability to produce textile fabrics with a tubular configuration without seams, wherein the continuity of the knitted fabric structure is ensured by weaving each row with its preceding and following rows. For example, seamless circular weft knitting machines are disclosed in documents WO2011042299 and WO2012117352 under the same applicant.

[0037] According to the above aspects, each of the plurality of needles can be selectively configured to an active mode and an idle mode, wherein in the active mode, the needle receives or retains the at least one yarn at the at least one feed line; and in the idle mode, the needle does not receive the at least one yarn at the at least one feed line.

[0038] In this document, "active state" refers to a state in which a needle in a circular needle bed is planned and configured to receive yarn from the at least one feed line when forming a particular knit row. The at least one yarn may be knitted with the previous row to form a knitting loop, such as forming a plain knit loop, or it may be retained for one or more rows, such as for forming a tuck-type knit loop.

[0039] Accordingly, in this document, the term "idle state" refers to a state in which a needle in a circular needle bed is planned to not receive yarn from the at least one feed line when forming a particular knitted row. Therefore, in that particular row, the needle in the idle state does not knit loops on its shank and does not utilize the yarn to form any type of new stitch.

[0040] It should be noted that, in the activated state, the needle can also selectively be in one of the following positions: - The working position, also known as the "needle selection" position, is in which the needle receives at least one type of yarn to form a knitting loop; - The non-working position, also known as the "non-selective needle" position, is in which the needle does not receive yarn but instead retains its previously formed knitted loops in the needle hook for at least one row.

[0041] Therefore, the aforementioned "idle state" should not be confused with "needle in a non-working position," because in the idle state, the needle not only has no knitting loops on its shank, but also does not participate in the formation of new stitches; while in the non-working position, although the needle does not participate in the formation of new stitches, it still participates in the formation of the knitted fabric structure because there are still stitches on its shank.

[0042] In essence, both the working and non-working needles are included in the aforementioned "active state," meaning they are all part of the knitting needles.

[0043] In one aspect, the ratio between the number of needles in active mode and the circumferential dimension of the circular needle bed defines the fineness of the circular knitting machine. Specifically, fineness is a precise measure of the number of needles (i.e., the needles used for knitting) involved in forming the stitches of the knitted fabric in each row, typically expressed as the number of needles per unit length of the needle bed, for example, the number of needles per inch of the cylinder. Therefore, the fineness of the circular knitting machine can be adjusted between a maximum nominal value and a minimum nominal value, where, at the maximum nominal value, all needles of the circular needle bed are in active mode and participate in forming the stitches of a row of knitted fabric; while at the minimum nominal value, only the minimum number of needles are in active mode.

[0044] According to the above aspects, the method includes the step of programming the circular knitting machine to define the tubular textile as extending from a first opening end defining a first opening to a second opening end defining a second opening. Specifically, the tubular textile extends continuously longitudinally between the first end and the second end and is composed of multiple consecutive rows of knitted rows.

[0045] Based on the above aspects, the step of programming the circular knitting machine includes at least the following steps: - Determine the number of initial needles in the activated state among the plurality of needles, wherein the number of initial needles defines the initial fineness; - Determine the number of termination needles in the active state among the plurality of needles, wherein the number of termination needles defines the terminal fineness; - Determine the number of target needles in the activated state among the plurality of needles, wherein the number of target needles is greater than the number of starting needles and the number of ending needles, and limit the maximum fineness; - Define an increasing stitch section located between the first end and the second end, and consisting of a first multi-row continuous knitting line, the first multi-row continuous knitting line extending from a first row (the first row of the increasing stitch section), which is close to the first end and formed by the initial stitch count, to a second row (the last row of the increasing stitch section), which is away from the first end and formed by the target stitch count; the increasing stitch section defines a first conical section of the tubular textile, the diameter of which gradually increases from the first row to the second row; - Define a decrease section located between the increase section and the second end, and consisting of a second multi-row continuous knitting line starting from a third row (the first row of the decrease section), which is away from the second end and formed by the target stitch count, extending to a fourth row (the last row of the decrease section), which is close to the second end and formed by the termination stitch count; the decrease section defines a second conical section of the tubular textile, the diameter of which gradually decreases from the third row to the fourth row.

[0046] According to the foregoing aspects, the method includes the step of producing a knitted fabric using the circular knitting machine to realize the tubular textile according to the programming steps.

[0047] According to one aspect, the steps of producing knitted fabric using a circular knitting machine include starting from the first end and completing the fabric formation at the second end. According to this aspect, the knitted fabric production steps cause the formation of the tubular fabric to begin at the first end and end at the second end.

[0048] In one aspect, the step of arranging the circular knitting machine includes arranging a single-needle bed type circular knitting machine.

[0049] In one aspect, the step of arranging the circular knitting machine causes the circular knitting machine to include a special needle-holding component.

[0050] In one aspect, the starting number of stitches is the same as the ending number of stitches. According to this aspect, the starting fineness is the same as the ending fineness.

[0051] In one aspect, the target number of needles is less than or equal to the total number of the plurality of needles in the needle-holding component.

[0052] In one respect, the target number of needles is at least twice the starting number of needles.

[0053] In one respect, the target number of needles is at least twice the number of termination needles.

[0054] In one aspect, the step of determining the needle-increasing section includes: during the transition between at least one pair of consecutive knitting rows in the first plurality of rows, switching at least one of the plurality of needles from the idle state to the active state. Specifically, the switching of the at least one needle from the idle state to the active state constitutes a needle-increasing operation.

[0055] In one aspect, the step of determining the decrease section includes: during the transition between at least one pair of consecutive knitting rows in the second plurality of rows, switching at least one of the plurality of needles from the active state to the idle state. Specifically, the switching of the at least one needle from the active state to the idle state constitutes a decrease operation.

[0056] In one respect, each needle-increasing operation causes the fineness to increase during the transition between adjacent rows in the first plurality of rows.

[0057] In one respect, each increase in stitches results in the second row containing more loops than the first row.

[0058] It should be noted that in this specification, "the first row / second row in a pair of adjacent rows" refers to the production order and spatial order of the two rows on the circular knitting machine, where the first row represents the row produced first and the second row represents the row produced subsequently.

[0059] In one respect, each decrease in needles causes a reduction in fineness during the transition between adjacent rows in the second multiple row.

[0060] In one respect, each decrease operation results in the second row containing fewer loops than the first row.

[0061] In one aspect, each needle increase operation causes the at least one needle that has switched from the idle state to the active state to receive the at least one yarn starting from the second row of the two adjacent rows.

[0062] In one aspect, each decrease operation causes the at least one needle that has switched from the active state to the idle state to transfer its own knitting loop to an adjacent needle, and no longer receives the at least one yarn starting from the second of the two adjacent rows.

[0063] In one aspect, each decrease operation includes transferring the knitted fabric from at least one needle, which has switched the knitted fabric from an active state to an idle state, to an adjacent needle in the circular needle bed. It should be noted that after a needle completes a transfer operation and subsequently enters an idle state, the needle may remain idle for an indeterminate number of subsequent knitting rows, and may not participate in knitting operations until the entire tubular textile production is completed. In this specification, "transfer" refers to the displacement operation of moving a knitted loop from one needle to an adjacent needle, which is typically accomplished by transferring the needle in accordance with techniques known in the art. Examples of knitted fabric transfers are disclosed, for example, in documents WO2006136312A1 and ITMI20041146A under the same applicant's name.

[0064] In one aspect, the step of determining the needle increment segment causes the first multi-row to consist of a number of needles in an active state, which starts from the initial number of needles corresponding to at least the first row and varies monotonically until it reaches the target number of needles corresponding to at least the second row.

[0065] In one aspect, the step of determining the reduction section causes the second multi-row to consist of the number of needles in an active state, which starts from the target number of needles corresponding to at least the third row and varies monotonically in descending order until it reaches the termination number of needles corresponding to at least the fourth row.

[0066] In one aspect, the step of programming the circular knitting machine further includes the step of determining a starting section, the starting section consisting of a series of starting rows of knitting that begin at the first end and extend to the first row.

[0067] In one aspect, the initial multiple rows are configured to be implemented using the initial number of stitches.

[0068] In one aspect, the initial multi-row is configured to be implemented by the circular knitting machine at the initial fineness.

[0069] In one aspect, the initial multi-row has a constant number of loops. According to this aspect, the initial multi-row is configured to be implemented by the knitting machine at a constant fineness equal to the initial fineness.

[0070] In one aspect, the starting section is configured to define a first end section of the tubular textile having a substantially constant diameter from the starting row to the first row.

[0071] In one aspect, the first end section is configured to form a first hem of the textile. In one embodiment, the first hem is a single-layer hem or a double-layer hem. In another alternative embodiment, the first hem is a buttonhole hem (i.e., a double-layer hem formed solely using needles in the needle bed).

[0072] In one aspect, the step of programming the circular knitting machine further includes the step of determining a termination section, the termination section being composed of a terminating multi-row continuous knitting row that begins at the fourth row at the second end and extends to the termination row.

[0073] In one aspect, the termination of multiple rows is configured to be achieved by the number of termination pins.

[0074] In one aspect, the termination of multiple rows is configured to be achieved by the circular knitting machine at the terminal fineness.

[0075] In one aspect, the terminating multi-row has a constant number of loops. According to this aspect, the terminating multi-row is configured to be implemented by the knitting machine at a constant fineness equal to the terminal fineness.

[0076] In one aspect, the terminating section is configured to define a second end section of the tubular textile, the second end section extending from the fourth row to the terminating row and having a constant diameter.

[0077] In one aspect, the second end section is configured to form a second hem of the textile. In one embodiment, the second hem is a single-layer hem or a double-layer hem. In another alternative embodiment, the second hem is a buttonhole hem, i.e., a double-layer hem formed solely using needles in the needle bed.

[0078] In one aspect, the step of programming the circular knitting machine further includes determining a central section, the central section being composed of a central multi-row continuous knitting row that begins at the second row and extends to the third row.

[0079] In one aspect, the central multi-row is configured to be implemented by the target number of needles.

[0080] In one aspect, the central multi-row is configured to be implemented by the circular knitting machine at the maximum fineness.

[0081] In one aspect, the central multi-row has a constant number of loops. According to this aspect, the central multi-row is configured to be implemented by the knitting machine at a constant fineness equal to the maximum fineness.

[0082] In one aspect, the central section is configured to define an intermediate section of the tubular textile, the intermediate section extending from the second row to the third row and having a constant diameter.

[0083] In one aspect, the central multi-row allows for one or more decrease operations followed by corresponding increase operations, and / or one or more increase operations followed by corresponding decrease operations, in order to locally and temporarily change the amount of knitted fabric constituting the central section.

[0084] In one aspect, in the activated state, each of the plurality of needles may at least selectively be in one of the following positions: - Working position, or "needle selection" position, in which the needle is configured to receive the at least one yarn from the at least one feed line to form a knitting loop; - The non-working position, or "non-selective needle" position, in which the needle does not receive yarn but retains the knitted loops previously formed and present in its needle hook for at least one row.

[0085] The switching of the needle in the active state between the working position and the inactive position is achieved by a technique known in the art and is usually defined by the term "needle selection".

[0086] In one aspect, the step of programming the circular knitting machine includes determining at least one functional segment of the tubular textile fabric, the functional segment extending through a plurality of continuous knitting rows. According to this aspect, the at least one functional segment is defined by a geometric pattern formed by needles in a working position and needles in a non-working position.

[0087] In one aspect, the at least one functional segment is configured to define or adjust the shape of the tubular textile.

[0088] In one aspect, the multiple consecutive knitted rows constituting the at least one functional segment extend at least into the central multiple rows.

[0089] In one aspect, the geometric pattern may also include performing one or more decrease operations followed by corresponding increase operations, and / or one or more increase operations followed by corresponding decrease operations, in order to change the amount of knitted fabric defining the corresponding functional segment.

[0090] In one aspect, the step of programming the circular knitting machine further includes determining at least one cutting line that extends through multiple consecutive knit rows. Specifically, the at least one cutting line is configured to define an area in the tubular textile to which a cutting operation will be performed to achieve the desired finish.

[0091] In one aspect, the at least one cutting line is configured to guide the cutting operation after the tubular knitting machine has completed the fabric production step.

[0092] In one aspect, the cutting line is configured to be formed by a specific needle selection method, or by a yarn of a different color than the rest of the tubular textile.

[0093] In one independent aspect, the invention also relates to a tubular textile produced by the method described in any of the foregoing aspects.

[0094] In another independent aspect, the invention also relates to a method for realizing textiles, and more particularly to a method for realizing clothing.

[0095] Based on the foregoing aspects, the implementation method includes at least the following steps: - To achieve at least one tubular textile by the method according to any of the foregoing aspects; - At least a portion of the tubular textile is cut, preferably in the longitudinal direction, to form at least one additional opening adapted for insertion of a body part of the wearer of the textile.

[0096] In one aspect, the implementation method further includes at least the following steps: - To achieve at least one second textile; - The at least one second textile is attached to the at least one additional opening, preferably by sewing.

[0097] In one aspect, the at least one second textile is a second tubular textile that extends continuously in the longitudinal direction between its lower and upper ends. According to this aspect, the second tubular textile is configured to connect at its lower end to the at least one additional opening in the tubular textile, preferably by sewing.

[0098] In one aspect, the at least one second textile is a second tubular textile having a substantially constant diameter.

[0099] In another independent aspect, the invention also relates to a textile implemented by means of the implementation method described in one or more of the foregoing aspects.

[0100] In one respect, the textiles are garments for the lower body of the wearer.

[0101] In one respect, the textile is leggings.

[0102] In one respect, the textile is trousers.

[0103] In one aspect, a first conical segment of the tubular textile constitutes a first leg segment of the textile, while a second conical segment of the tubular textile constitutes a second leg segment opposite to the first leg segment.

[0104] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred, but not unique, embodiments relating to a method for realizing tubular textiles using a circular knitting machine, tubular textiles realized by the method, a method for realizing a textile, and textiles realized by the method. Attached Figure Description

[0105] The following description will refer to the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not restrictive. Wherein: Figure 1 A first embodiment of a tubular textile produced by a circular knitting machine according to the method of the present invention is shown; specifically, a simplified side view of the tubular textile is shown. Figure 2 A simplified view of a second embodiment of a tubular textile fabric realized according to the method described in the present invention is shown; Figure 3 It shows according to Figure 2 A photograph of a sample garment made according to the illustrated embodiment; Figure 4 and Figure 5 An embodiment of the results of a knitting machine programming step as part of the method described in this invention is shown, wherein, Figure 5 Compared to Figure 4 It deflected by 180°; Figure 6 It shows Figure 4 A magnified view of detail VI in the programming steps shown; Figure 7 It shows Figure 4 A magnified view of detail VII in the results of the programming steps shown; Figure 8 It shows Figure 4 A magnified view of detail VIII in the results of the programming steps shown; Figure 9 It shows Figure 2 The method for realizing the tubular textile shown; Figure 10 It shows the way Figure 9 Textiles obtained by the implementation method shown; Figure 11 It shows Figure 1 Several parts of the knitted fabric structure of the tubular textile shown (viewed from inside the tube). Detailed Implementation

[0106] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a tubular textile is generally designated by the reference numeral "100," and for simplicity, it may also be referred to as "textile 100," "tubular component 100," "article 100," or "tubular body 100." The tubular textile 100 is configured to constitute at least a portion of a textile T, also shown in the drawings and the subject of this specification. Specifically, this specification relates to a method for realizing the tubular textile 100 using a circular weft knitting machine, and a method for realizing the textile T. Generally, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components, even in different variations of its embodiments.

[0107] Preferably, as clearly shown in the accompanying drawings, the textile T, at least partially composed of the tubular textile 100, is a garment. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the textile T is garment for the lower body of the wearer, such as leggings or trousers. It should be understood that this limitation is merely illustrative and absolutely non-limiting, as the textile T can also be garment for other parts of the body, such as garment for the upper body.

[0108] First, the method for realizing the tubular textile 100 includes the step of arranging a seamless circular knitting machine. In its basic configuration, the circular knitting machine includes at least one feed line or path and a needle-holding member supporting a plurality of needles configured to form a knitted fabric using at least one yarn fed from the feed line. Specifically, the plurality of needles defines a circular needle bed arranged circumferentially. During the formation of the knitted fabric, the needle-holding member is rotatable relative to the feed line.

[0109] It should be noted that the term "seamless" is a general term in the field of circular textile machinery, referring to the ability to produce seamless tubular textiles, in which the continuity of the knitted fabric structure is ensured by weaving each row together with the preceding and following rows. For example, seamless circular weft knitting machines are disclosed in documents WO2011042299 and WO2012117352 under the same applicant.

[0110] In a circular knitting machine, each of the plurality of needles can be selectively configured to at least one active state, including: an active state in which the needle receives or holds at least one yarn at at least one feed line; and an idle state in which the needle does not receive any yarn at the one or more feed lines.

[0111] In this specification, "active mode" refers to a state in which a needle in a circular needle bed is configured to receive and / or hold at least one yarn from at least one feed line during the formation of a specific knitted row. Specifically, each received yarn may form a knitted loop with the previous row, such as forming a plain knit loop, or it may be held for one or more rows, such as forming a tucked knit loop. In other words, in the active mode, the needle is configured to receive at least one yarn and form any type of knitted loop. That is, in the active mode, the needle holds a knitted loop on its needle bar, thereby enabling the formation of any type of new knitted loop.

[0112] The "idle state," essentially the opposite of the above, refers to a state in which a needle in a circular needle bed is configured not to receive yarn at one or more feed lines during the formation of a specific knitted row. In this case, in the aforementioned knitted row, the needle in the idle state does not maintain a loop on its corresponding needle bar and does not form any new loop. The difference between the active and idle states of the needles in the circular needle bed will be clearly explained below in conjunction with the knitted fabric structure constituting the various parts of the tubular textile 100.

[0113] A characteristic of circular knitting machines, often referred to as fineness, can be adjusted by dynamically changing the configuration of the needles in the circular needle bed between active and idle states. Specifically, the fineness of a circular knitting machine is defined as the ratio between the number of needles in active state and the circumference of the circular needle bed. Fineness is a precise measure indicating the number of needles involved in forming the loops in each knitted row (i.e., the number of needles in active state), typically expressed as the number of needles per unit length of the needle bed, such as the number of needles per inch of the circular needle bed (or cylinder). Therefore, the fineness of a circular knitting machine can be adjusted between a maximum nominal value and a minimum nominal value, where, at the maximum nominal value, all needles in the circular needle bed are in active state and participate in forming the loops in the row; and at the minimum nominal value, only the minimum number of needles are in active state. Advantageously, adjusting the fineness of the knitting machine during the production of knitted fabrics allows for the production of tubular textiles with varying numbers of loops between rows.

[0114] Preferably, in the activated state, each of the plurality of knitting needles can be selectively positioned at at least the following locations: - Working position, or "needle selection" position, in which the needle is configured to receive at least one yarn from the one or more feed lines and form a knitting loop; - Inactive position, or "non-selective needle", in which the needle is configured to hold at least one yarn supplied by the one or more feed lines in at least one row, without receiving new yarn.

[0115] The switching of a knitting needle in an active state between a working position and an inactive position is achieved through technical solutions known in the art, which is commonly referred to as "needle selection" in the textile industry.

[0116] Specifically, in the working position or "needle selection" state, the knitting needle is configured to receive at least one yarn that interweaves with the yarn from the previous row to form a new knitting loop. Therefore, in the working position, the knitting needle is configured to generate knitting loops in each row, for example, forming plain knitting loops in each row.

[0117] Conversely, in the non-working state, the needles are configured to hold at least one yarn forming a knitted loop in one or more rows. In other words, in the non-working position, instead of generating a new knitted loop in each row, the needles hold one or more already formed knitted loops for several rows without receiving new yarn, thus creating a thickened area of ​​fabric spanning multiple rows. Generally, the needles should not hold the knitted loop in the non-working position for too many rows, as prolonged holding of the knitted loop can create tension, potentially causing malfunctions in the circular knitting machine, such as breakage of the held yarn and / or the needle itself in the non-working position. Generally, for safety reasons, it is not advisable to hold the same yarn in too many consecutive rows.

[0118] Although a needle in its inactive position does not receive yarn in the rows it is in active mode, there is still a fundamental difference between a needle in its active inactive position and a needle in its idle position. In fact, a needle in its idle position neither receives any yarn nor maintains any loops while in that state. Conversely, a needle in its active inactive position, although it has received one or more yarns from the knitting machine's feed line and formed a loop, does not receive new yarn in its inactive position, but instead maintains the previously formed loops.

[0119] Preferably, the step of arranging the circular knitting machine includes arranging a single-needle bed type circular knitting machine. In other words, the arranged circular knitting machine preferably includes only one special needle holding component. Specifically, the circular knitting machine arranged according to the method described in this specification is not a so-called double-cylinder knitting machine.

[0120] Subsequently, after arranging a circular knitting machine that includes at least the aforementioned characteristics, the method for realizing the tubular textile 100 further includes the step of programming the circular knitting machine. Specifically, the circular knitting machine is programmed to define, as follows: Figure 4 and Figure 5 The tubular textile 100 shown in the figure represents the individual knitted rows constituting the textile 100 by horizontal lines, while the vertical columns represent the configuration of a specific needle in a circular needle bed during the knitting process. Some details of the programming steps are shown in... Figures 6-8 The enlarged view shows the state of each needle in the circular needle bed (distributed along the columns) in each knitted row (distributed along the horizontal lines) of the textile 100, indicated by squares. Specifically, each white square represents a needle in an active state and working position in a knitted row. Conversely, each black square represents a needle in an idle state, or an active state but not working position, in a knitted row. In the idle state, each needle in the circular needle bed is configured to maintain a greater number of knitted rows; conversely, the needle can only maintain a smaller number of knitted rows in the active, inactive position.

[0121] Reference Figure 1 The tubular textile 100 to be realized extends from a first opening end 1 that defines a first opening A1 to a second opening end 2 that defines a second opening A2. Specifically, the tubular textile 100 is composed of a plurality of continuous knitted rows and extends continuously in the longitudinal direction between the first end 1 and the second end 2.

[0122] First, the programming steps for a circular knitting machine include at least the following steps: - Determine the number of starting needles in the active state to determine an initial fineness Fstart; - Determine the number of terminating needles in the active state to determine an end fineness Fend; - Determine the target number of needles in the active state, thereby determining a maximum fineness Fmax, wherein the target number of needles is greater than the starting number of needles and greater than the ending number of needles.

[0123] It should be noted that, according to the aforementioned definitions of active and idle states, the target number of needles is less than or equal to the total number of needles in the needle-holding component. In other words, the target number of needles in the active state cannot exceed the number of needles constituting the circular needle bed of the needle-holding component. Therefore, the maximum fineness Fmax is also less than or at most equal to the maximum nominal value that the knitting machine can achieve.

[0124] As described below, the setting of the starting number of needles, the ending number of needles, and the target number of needles (and thus the corresponding starting fineness Fstart, ending fineness Fend, and maximum fineness Fmax) constrains the structural characteristics of the tubular textile 100, especially constrains the number of knitted loops contained in one or more consecutive knitted rows located between the first end 1 and the second end 2.

[0125] In a preferred embodiment, the number of starting needles is the same as the number of ending needles. Therefore, the starting fineness Fstart is the same as the ending fineness Fend.

[0126] Preferably, the target number of needles is at least twice the starting number of needles. Therefore, the number of knitted loops in a knitted row formed with the target number of needles (i.e., a knitted row formed when the knitting machine is set to the maximum fineness Fmax) is at least twice the number of knitted loops in a knitted row formed with the starting number of needles (i.e., a knitted row formed when the knitting machine is set to the starting fineness Fstart).

[0127] In essentially the same manner, the target number of needles is at least twice the number of termination needles. Therefore, the number of knitted loops contained in a knitted row formed with the target number of needles (i.e., a knitted row formed when the knitting machine is set to the maximum fineness Fmax) is at least twice the number of knitted loops contained in a knitted row formed with the termination needles (i.e., a knitted row formed when the knitting machine is set to the terminal fineness Fend).

[0128] The subsequent programming of the circular knitting machine also includes defining at least one needle-increasing section, said needle-increasing section being located between the first end 1 and the second end 2. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the needle-increasing section consists of a first series of consecutive knitted rows R1-R2, starting from the first row R1 (i.e., the first row of the needle-increasing section), which is close to the first end 1 and formed by the aforementioned initial needle count (i.e., formed by a circular knitting machine set to the initial fineness Fstart), until the second row R2 (i.e., the last row of the needle-increasing section), which is away from the first end 1 and formed by the aforementioned target needle count (i.e., formed by a circular knitting machine set to the maximum fineness Fmax). Specifically, the needle-increasing section defines a first conical section 3 of the tubular textile 100, as... Figure 1 As shown, the diameter gradually increases from the first row R1 to the second row R2.

[0129] Furthermore, the programming steps for the circular knitting machine also include defining at least one decrease section, the decrease section being located between the increase section and the second end 2. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The decrease section is composed of a second series of continuous knitting rows R3-R4, starting from the third row R3 (i.e., the first row of the decrease section), which is away from the second end 2 and formed by the target number of needles (i.e., formed by a circular knitting machine set to the maximum fineness Fmax), until the fourth row R4 (i.e., the last row of the decrease section), which is close to the second end 2 and formed by the aforementioned number of terminating needles (i.e., formed by a circular knitting machine set to the terminal fineness Fend). Specifically, the decrease section defines a second conical section 4 of the tubular textile 100, as... Figure 1 As shown, the diameter gradually decreases from the third row R3 to the fourth row R4.

[0130] In light of the above, it should be noted that the increasing stitch section begins generating knitted fabric with the initial number of needles in the active state when corresponding to at least the first row R1, and ends with the target number of needles in the active state when corresponding to at least the second row R2. Therefore, the increasing stitch section increases the number of needles in the active state. Similarly, in a substantially symmetrical manner, the decreasing stitch section begins generating knitted fabric with the target number of needles in the active state when corresponding to at least the third row R3, and ends with the final number of needles in the active state when corresponding to at least the fourth row R4. Therefore, the decreasing stitch section reduces the number of needles in the active state.

[0131] Several embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which the tubular textile 100 includes only one increasing stitch section, and preferably, after a certain number of transition rows, it is immediately followed by only one decreasing stitch section. It should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative and not limiting, as the tubular textile 100, including alternating arrangements of multiple increasing stitch sections and multiple decreasing stitch sections, can also be achieved by the same method. Specifically, even in these embodiments, at least one first multi-row R1-R2 and at least one second multi-row R3-R4 can still be determined, satisfying the requirements described above regarding the programming steps of this method.

[0132] Finally, the method further includes the step of generating a knitted fabric using a circular knitting machine to realize the tubular textile 100 according to the programming steps. It should be further noted that, according to the method described in this specification, the generation steps of the multiple rows of knitted fabric constituting the tubular component 100 are executed automatically based entirely on the programming steps. Specifically, the step of generating the knitted fabric using a circular knitting machine includes realizing the textile from the first end 1 to the second end 2 in the production direction X. Therefore, the knitted fabric generation steps specify that the realization of the textile 100 begins at the first end 1 and ends at the second end 2. In other words, in the production process of the tubular textile 100, the first end 1 is formed before the second end 2. According to the foregoing structural definition and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the realization process of the tubular component 100 causes the first row R1, the second row R2, the third row R3, and the fourth row R4 to be generated sequentially in the order listed above.

[0133] The following will combine Figure 6 The enlarged view provides a further detailed explanation of the needle-increasing sections defined in the knitting machine programming steps according to the method described in this specification.

[0134] The definition of the needle-increasing section specifies that, during at least one transition between at least one pair of consecutive knitting rows in the first multi-row R1-R2, at least one of the plurality of needles is changed from an idle state to an active state. Specifically, the process of changing at least one needle from an idle state to an active state constitutes a needle-increasing operation 31, 32, or 33. Given that the first row R1 is formed by the initial number of needles, and that the initial number of needles is less than the target number of needles used to form the second row R2 (and that target number of needles is less than or equal to the total number of needles in the circular needle bed), the definition of the needle-increasing section means that, corresponding to the first row R1, at least a portion of the needles in the circular needle bed are in an idle state. During at least one transition between at least one pair of consecutive knitting rows in the first multi-row R1-R2, the needle-increasing section specifies that, through the corresponding needle-increasing operations 31, 32, or 33, at least one needle that was in an idle state during the first row R1 is changed to an active state. In other words, each needle increase operation 31, 32, and 33 results in an increase in the number of needles in the active state. Therefore, each needle increase operation leads to an increase in the fineness of the knitting machine during the transition between a pair of consecutive knitting rows in the first multi-row R1-R2.

[0135] According to the foregoing definition and as follows Figure 11As shown, each needle increase operation 31, 32, and 33 causes the number of knitted loops in the second row of a pair of consecutive knitted rows in the first multi-row R1-R2 to be greater than the number of knitted loops in the first row of that pair of consecutive knitted rows. It should be noted that, in this specification, "the first / second row of a pair of consecutive knitted rows" refers to two rows of knitted rows generated sequentially by a circular knitting machine in both temporal and spatial order, where the first row represents the knitted row generated earlier, and the second row represents the knitted row generated subsequently in the production direction X. Therefore, each needle increase operation 31, 32, and 33 causes at least one needle, transitioning from an idle state to an active state, to receive at least one yarn in the second row of the pair of consecutive knitted rows to form a knitted loop.

[0136] Preferably, the needle-increasing section specifies that each row in the first multi-row R1-R2 is composed of a number of needles in an active state, and this number is at least the starting needle number corresponding to the first row R1, and at least the target needle number corresponding to the second row R2, and its change is monotonically increasing. In other words, the number of knitted loops in each individual knitting row constituting the first multi-row R1-R2 increases along the direction from the first row R1 to the second row R2, i.e., along the production direction X. More preferably, in the needle-increasing section, the number of needles in an active state gradually increases from at least the starting needle number corresponding to the first row R1 to at least the target needle number corresponding to the second row R2. In the illustrated embodiment, this gradual increase in the number of needles in an active state is achieved through... Figures 4-5 The width of the bright (white) area corresponding to R1-R2 in the first multi-row gradually increases and Figure 6 The progressive needle-increasing operations 31, 32, and 33 are illustrated. Therefore, the diameter of the first conical section 3 gradually changes from the first row R1 to the second row R2, specifically, it gradually increases. In particular, the change in the number of knitted loops caused by the needle-increasing operations 31, 32, and 33 allows for a localized increase in the diameter of the tubular member 100 without significantly altering the density of the knitted fabric produced by the circular knitting machine.

[0137] In a manner substantially symmetrical to the aforementioned needle-adding section, the following will be combined with Figure 8 The enlarged view provides a further detailed explanation of the reduction section performed after the increase section in the method described in this specification.

[0138] The defined decrease section specifies that, during at least one transition between at least one pair of consecutive knitting rows in the second multi-row R3-R4, at least one of the plurality of needles is changed from an active state to an idle state. Given that the third row R3 is formed by a target number of needles, and that the target number of needles is greater than the number of terminating needles used to form the fourth row R4, the definition of the decrease section means that at least a portion of the circular needles in the active state corresponding to the third row R3 are in an idle state corresponding to the fourth row R4. Specifically, the process of at least one needle changing from an active state to an idle state constitutes a decrease operation 41, 42, 43. In other words, each decrease operation 41, 42, 43 results in a reduction in the number of needles in the active state. Therefore, each decrease operation, during the transition between a pair of consecutive knitting rows in the second multi-row R3-R4, leads to a decrease in the fineness of the knitting machine.

[0139] In view of the above and as Figure 11 As shown, each decrease operation 41, 42, 43 causes the number of knitted loops in the second row of a pair of consecutive knitted rows in the second multi-row R3-R4 to be less than the number of knitted loops in the first row of that pair of consecutive knitted rows. Specifically, each decrease operation 41, 42, 43 causes at least one needle that has changed from an active state to an idle state to stop receiving any yarn from the second row of the pair of consecutive knitted rows onwards, thus preventing the formation of knitted fabric and effectively excluding it from the production process.

[0140] Still refer to Figure 11 Each decrease operation 41, 42, and 43 includes the process of changing a knitting needle from an active state to an idle state and transferring the knitted loop on that needle to an adjacent needle in the circular needle bed. In this specification, "loop transfer" refers to the transfer of a knitted loop from one needle to an adjacent needle, typically achieved by a "loop transfer" type needle according to techniques known in the art. Examples of loop transfers can be found in documents WO2006136312A1 and ITMI20041146A under the same applicant's name. Advantageously, the loop transfer operation thus terminates the activity of changing the needle from an active to an inactive state and allows it to interweave with the knitted loops formed by adjacent needles by laterally lengthening the last knitted loop of the needle itself. It should be noted that after the needle completes the loop transfer operation and subsequently enters an idle state, the needle may remain in an idle state for an indeterminate number of consecutive rows and be continuously excluded from the production of the knitted fabric until the production of article 100 is completed, i.e., until the second end 2. Figure 8As shown, the loop shifting operation of a knitting loop is represented by a circular mark at the position where the corresponding needle in the circular needle bed changes from an active state to an idle state, i.e., at the upper limit position of the vertical area composed of adjacent black squares.

[0141] Preferably, the decrease section specifies that each row in the second multi-row R3-R4 is composed of a number of needles in an active state, and this number is the target needle number at least corresponding to the third row R3, and the termination needle number at least corresponding to the fourth row R4, and its change is monotonically decreasing. In other words, the number of knitted loops in each individual knitting row constituting the second multi-row R3-R4 decreases along the direction from the third row R3 to the fourth row R4, i.e., along the production direction X. More preferably, in the decrease section, the number of needles in an active state gradually decreases from the target needle number at least corresponding to the third row R3 to the termination needle number at least corresponding to the fourth row R4. In the illustrated embodiment, this gradual decrease in the number of needles in an active state is achieved through... Figures 4-5 The width of the light (white) area corresponding to R3-R4 in the second row gradually decreases and Figure 8 The gradual decrease operations 41, 42, and 43 are shown in detail below. In this way, the diameter of the second conical section 4 gradually changes from the third row R3 to the fourth row R4, specifically decreasing gradually. Specifically, the change in the number of knitted loops caused by the decrease operations 41, 42, and 43 allows for a localized reduction in the diameter of the tubular member 100 without significantly altering the density of the knitted fabric produced by the circular knitting machine.

[0142] As shown in the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, preferably, the programming steps of the circular knitting machine further include defining a starting section, said starting section consisting of a series of consecutive starting knitting rows R0-R1, extending from the starting row R0 corresponding to the first end 1 to the first row R1. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The initial multiple rows R0-R1 constitute a first end section 5 of the tubular textile 100, which extends from the first end 1 to the first conical section 3.

[0143] Preferably, the initial multi-row R0-R1 is configured to be achieved by the initial number of needles, i.e., by setting the circular knitting machine to the initial fineness Fstart. In other words, the number of needles in the active state in the initial multi-row R0-R1 is preferably kept constant. Therefore, the initial multi-row R0-R1 has a constant number of knitted loops, such that the first end segment 5 of the tubular textile 100 has a substantially constant diameter from the initial row R0 to the first row R1.

[0144] Preferably, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first end segment 5 is configured to form the first hem B1 of the textile T. In a first embodiment corresponding to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first hem B1 is a double-layer hem. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the first hem B1 is a single-layer hem. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the first hem B1 is a buttonhole hem (i.e., a double-layer hem formed only using needles from a circular needle bed). For example, in the application scenario of the textile T, the first hem B1 is configured to cover the end of the wearer's limb, such as the ankle or wrist.

[0145] According to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, preferably, the programming steps of the circular knitting machine further include the step of defining a termination section, said termination section being composed of a termination of multiple consecutive knitting rows R4-R5, extending from the fourth row R4 to the termination row R5 corresponding to the second end 2. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The terminating multiple rows R4-R5 constitute a second end section 6 of the tubular textile 100, which extends from the second conical section 4 to the second end 2.

[0146] Preferably, the terminating multiple rows R4-R5 is configured to be achieved by terminating the number of needles, i.e., by setting the circular knitting machine to the terminal fineness Fend. In other words, in the terminating multiple rows R4-R5, the number of needles in the active state preferably remains constant. Therefore, the terminating multiple rows R4-R5 have a constant number of knitted loops, such that the second end segment 6 of the tubular textile 100 has a substantially constant diameter from the fourth row R4 to the terminating row R5.

[0147] Preferably, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the second end segment 6 is configured to form a second hem B2 of the textile T. In a first embodiment corresponding to the embodiment shown in the figures, the second hem B2 is a double-layer hem. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the second hem B2 is a single-layer hem. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the second hem B2 is a buttonhole hem (i.e., a double-layer hem formed only using needles from a circular needle bed). For example, in the application scenario of the textile T, the second hem B2 is configured to cover the end of the wearer's limb, such as the ankle or wrist.

[0148] Furthermore, the programming steps of a circular knitting machine may also include defining an intermediate section, said intermediate section consisting of a series of intermediate knitting rows R2-R3 extending from the second row R2 to the third row R3. (See also...) Figure 1In the embodiment shown, the intermediate multiple rows R2-R3 constitute an intermediate section 7 of the tubular textile 100, which extends from the first conical section 3 to the second conical section 4.

[0149] Preferably, the intermediate rows R2-R3 are configured to be achieved by a target number of needles, i.e., by setting the circular knitting machine to the maximum fineness Fmax. In other words, the number of needles in the active state in the intermediate rows R2-R3 is preferably kept constant. Therefore, the intermediate rows R2-R3 have a constant number of knitted loops, such that the middle section 7 of the tubular textile 100 has a constant diameter from the second row R2 to the third row R3.

[0150] In other embodiments, the intermediate multiple rows R2-R3 may include performing one or more decrease operations followed by corresponding increase operations, and / or performing one or more increase operations followed by corresponding decrease operations, in order to locally and temporarily change the amount of knitted fabric constituting at least a portion of the intermediate section 7 of the tubular member 100.

[0151] Preferably, the programming steps of the circular knitting machine further include defining at least one functional area Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4 of the tubular textile 100, said functional area extending through multiple consecutive knitting rows. Specifically, each functional area Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4 is defined by geometric patterns M1, M2, M3, M4 of the needles in working and non-working positions. In other words, the functional areas Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4 are designed and subsequently implemented by schematically selecting needles in the active state according to predetermined geometric patterns M1, M2, M3, M4, i.e., by an orderly spatial distribution of needles between working and non-working positions. Typically, each geometric pattern is characterized by following a specific alternation between working and non-working positions in multiple consecutive knitting rows to form the corresponding functional area Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4. Advantageously, each geometric pattern preferably specifies that the alternation between the working and non-working positions of two adjacent needles used to form the same functional area is spatially staggered to avoid a situation where a large number of adjacent needles (i.e., an entire sector of the circular needle bed) are simultaneously in a non-working position.

[0152] exist Figure 4-5 In the illustrated embodiment, four distinct functional areas Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 are shown, each characterized by a different geometric pattern M1, M2, M3, and M4. The differences between the geometric patterns M1, M2, M3, and M4 are as follows: Figure 7A more detailed illustration is provided in the enlarged version. The first geometric pattern M1 of the first functional area Z1 specifies that the needles alternate in a "1:1" ratio, with some needles always remaining in the working position (corresponding to a column entirely white within the entire extension of the first functional area Z1), while other needles remain in the working position for two rows, and are then placed in the non-working position, for example, for ten or twenty rows (corresponding to a column where the longitudinal extension length of the black line segment is greater than that of the white line segment). The remaining geometric patterns M2, M3, and M4 specify that all needles constituting the corresponding functional areas Z2, Z3, and Z4 follow the same alternation between working and non-working positions, and preferably introduce at least one row of longitudinal misalignment between adjacent needles. Specifically, the second functional area Z2 is implemented according to the second geometric pattern M2, which stipulates that all the needles constituting the functional area alternate between working and non-working positions in a "1:2" ratio; the third functional area Z3 is implemented according to the third geometric pattern M3, which stipulates that all the needles constituting the functional area alternate between working and non-working positions in a "1:1" ratio; and the fourth functional area Z4 is implemented according to the fourth geometric pattern M4, which stipulates that all the needles constituting the functional area alternate between working and non-working positions in a "2:1" ratio (i.e., a pattern that is a mirror image of the second geometric pattern M2).

[0153] According to some embodiments, the geometric pattern may also include performing one or more decrease operations followed by corresponding increase operations, and / or performing one or more increase operations followed by corresponding decrease operations, in order to change the amount of knitted fabric forming the corresponding functional areas.

[0154] Preferably, the multiple continuous knitted rows forming functional zones Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 extend at least within the intermediate multiple rows R2-R3. More preferably, as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in the embodiment, each functional area Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 extends not only into the middle multi-row R2-R3, but also into the first multi-row R1-R2 and the second multi-row R3-R4.

[0155] From a structural perspective, the presence of at least one functional zone Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4 is configured to shape the tubular textile 100. Specifically, the specific geometric patterns M1, M2, M3, M4 (i.e., needle selection methods) used to form each functional zone Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4 enable the fabric produced by the circular knitting machine to produce a curling effect, and overall... Figure 2 and Figure 3It is clearly shown that the tubular part 100 is shaped, especially bent, and also shows the tubular textile obtained at the exit of the circular knitting machine as a result of the knitting fabric production step.

[0156] like Figure 5 As shown, the programming steps of a circular knitting machine may further include defining at least one cutting line C1, which extends through multiple consecutive knit rows. As will be further explained later, the cutting line C1 is configured to indicate that a cutting operation is required in the tubular textile 100 to complete a portion of the textile T. Specifically, the cutting line C1 is configured to guide the cutting operation, which can be automated or performed manually by an operator. In this sense, the cutting line C1 is configured to be easily identifiable during the cutting operation by using a specific needle selection method or by using yarn of a different color than the rest of the tubular textile 100.

[0157] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 The following describes another object of this specification, namely, a method for implementing a textile T. Specifically, the textile T obtained by this implementation method is a garment.

[0158] In its main steps, the implementation method includes at least the following steps: - Produce at least the tubular textile 100 by the aforementioned method; - At least a portion of the tubular textile is cut, preferably in the longitudinal direction, to form at least one additional opening A3, which is adapted for at least a portion of the body of the final wearer of the textile T to be inserted.

[0159] Preferably, the cutting operation of the tubular textile 100 is performed along the cutting line C1.

[0160] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the implementation method further includes the following steps: - To achieve at least one second textile 200; - The second textile 200 is attached to the tubular textile 100 at the additional opening A3, preferably by sewing.

[0161] Preferably, the second textile 200 has a tubular configuration, extending continuously longitudinally between its upper end 201 and lower end 202. More preferably, the second textile 200 is a second tubular textile with a substantially constant diameter. Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the lower end 202 of the second textile 200 is configured to connect to the additional opening A3 of the tubular member 100, preferably by sewing, thereby forming the integral structure of the textile T.

[0162] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the textile T obtained by the above-described method is a garment for the lower body of the final wearer. In the first embodiment, the textile T is a pair of leggings; in the second embodiment, the textile T is a pair of trousers. Specifically, the first conical segment 3 of the tubular textile 100 constitutes the first leg portion of the textile T, while the second conical segment 4 constitutes the second leg portion of the same textile T opposite to the first leg portion. The first hem B1 and the second hem B2 define the lower opening of the textile T and are configured to cover the wearer's ankles. The second textile 200, after being connected to the additional opening A3 formed in the tubular member 100, is configured to constitute the upper hem of the textile T for covering the wearer's waist.

[0163] It should be noted that the method used to realize the tubular textile 100 enables the production of a textile T with an adjustable coverage factor. Specifically, the increase and decrease stitch operations dynamically change the number of knitted loops in each individual knitted row constituting the tubular element 100, thereby creating areas with a higher coverage factor, i.e., areas with a larger number of knitted fabrics. Advantageously, when the textile T is made and worn, the change in coverage factor ensures adequate coverage of the wearer's body, even in areas subjected to greater dynamic stress during use (such as the hip or knee areas). In fact, if the number of knitted loops constituting the tubular textile 100 remains constant, the tension attached to the textile T during dynamic use may cause the fabric to become excessively thin, resulting in an undesirable transparent visual effect in certain areas. In this sense, setting areas with a higher coverage factor improves the aesthetics, fit, and comfort of the textile T compared to existing technologies.

[0164] In other embodiments not shown, the textile T may also represent garment for the upper body of the end wearer, wherein a first conical segment 3 of the tubular textile 100 constitutes a first sleeve segment of the textile T, and a second conical segment 4 of the tubular textile constitutes a second sleeve segment opposite to the first sleeve segment. For example, the textile T may be a knitted garment, wherein the garment 100 is configured to form the sleeve segment and an upper segment of the waist, and one or more second textiles may be attached to form, for example, a lower segment of the waist and / or a collar and / or a hood.

[0165] Advantages of the invention This invention achieves significant advantages.

[0166] As described above, the method for realizing the tubular textile 100 and the method for realizing the textile T described in this specification can overcome the defects of the prior art in the art that uses a circular textile machine to produce tubular fabrics and thereby make textiles.

[0167] Specifically, according to the method described in this specification, a tubular textile 100 comprising at least two conical segments can be obtained in a particularly simple manner, specifically comprising at least one first conical segment 3 with a diameter that gradually increases in a variable manner, and subsequently at least one second conical segment 4 with a diameter that gradually decreases in a variable manner. It should be noted that, according to the method of the present invention, at least two diameter changes in opposite directions can be achieved in the same tubular textile, i.e., an increase in diameter is achieved in the first conical segment 3, and a subsequent decrease in diameter is achieved in the second conical segment 4.

[0168] Furthermore, according to the method described in this specification, the first conical segment 3 and the second conical segment 4 can be obtained without any cutting or sewing operations. In fact, the production process of the tubular textile 100 specifies that the first conical segment 3 and the second conical segment 4 are formed directly during the production of the knitted fabric using a circular knitting machine, without any cutting operations. Conversely, as shown in the background section of this specification, prior art solutions typically require first producing a tubular fabric, and then obtaining at least two conical segments through cutting and sewing operations to constitute certain structural and / or functional parts of the textile to be produced, such as the leg area in a garment for the wearer's lower body.

[0169] In particular, thanks to the absence of cutting and forming operations, the method according to the invention can minimize or even completely eliminate waste generated during the production of textile T. In fact, the tubular textile 100 can be utilized almost entirely in the process of producing textile T, thus generating no waste textile material.

[0170] Furthermore, the method for achieving tubular textile 100 exhibits good repeatability and minimal quality variation. Specifically, since there is no need to cut and sew the tubular textile output from the knitting machine to form conical segments, this method minimizes the possibility of defects or flaws affecting the quality of textile T.

[0171] The tubular textile 100 has virtually no seams in its conical sections, making it possible to obtain a textile T that improves both appearance and / or comfort and / or wearing performance. Specifically, according to the method of the invention, the diameter variations of the first conical section 3 and the second conical section 4 can be freely adjusted by simple design of needle increase and decrease operations, which allows, for example, a better fit to the shape of the wearer's leg.

[0172] Furthermore, by defining the increasing and decreasing stitch sections, a substantially uniform knitted fabric density can be obtained across the entire longitudinal extension of the tubular textile 100 from the first end 1 to the second end 2. Conversely, in existing technologies, achieving diameter variations along the longitudinal direction of the tubular fabric typically requires different knitting structures or the use of yarns with different properties (e.g., different tensions and / or elasticities), which inevitably has an adverse effect on the appearance of the resulting textile T, causing insufficient coverage in areas subjected to greater dynamic stress.

[0173] The beneficial effects of the method for realizing the tubular textile 100 are also reflected in the method for realizing the textile T, wherein the textile T is at least partially composed of the tubular textile 100. Specifically, the method is easy to implement and has good reproducibility without significantly affecting the quality of the final textile T.

[0174] Specifically, the implementation method of textile T can reduce cutting and sewing operations. In embodiments where the textile is clothing, the implementation method requires only one cutting operation to form an opening for insertion into a part of the wearer's body, followed by a selective sewing operation to connect a second textile, thereby defining another part of the structure of textile T.

Claims

1. A method for realizing a tubular textile (100), carried out by a circular weft knitting machine, for constituting at least a portion of a textile (T), particularly a garment; said method comprising at least the following steps: - A seamless circular knitting machine is provided, the circular knitting machine including at least one feed line or drop-off point and a needle holding member supporting a plurality of needles defining a circular needle bed arranged circumferentially and configured to form a knitted fabric using at least one yarn supplied by the at least one feed line; the needle holding member is rotatable relative to the at least one feed line; each of the plurality of needles is at least selectively in an active state and an idle state, wherein, in the active state, the needle receives or holds the at least one yarn at the at least one feed line, and in the idle state, the needle does not receive the at least one yarn at the at least one feed line; the ratio between the number of needles in the active state and the size of the circular needle bed defines the fineness of the circular knitting machine; - The circular knitting machine is programmed to define the tubular textile (100) to be realized to extend from a first open end (1) to a second open end (2), the first open end (1) defining a first opening (A1) and the second open end (2) defining a second opening (A2); the tubular textile (100) extends continuously in the longitudinal direction between the first end (1) and the second end (2) and is composed of multiple continuous rows of knitted rows; - According to the programming steps, the circular knitting machine is used to produce knitted fabric to realize the tubular textile (100). The programming step of the circular knitting machine includes at least the following steps: - Determine the number of starting needles in the active state among the plurality of needles, wherein the number of starting needles defines the starting fineness (Fstart). - Determine the number of termination needles in the active state among the plurality of needles, the number of termination needles defining the terminal fineness (Fend). - Determine the target number of needles in the active state among the plurality of needles; the target number of needles is greater than the starting number of needles and the ending number of needles, and less than or equal to the total number of needles among the plurality of needles, and define the maximum fineness (Fmax). - Determine at least one needle-increasing section, the needle-increasing section being located between the first end (1) and the second end (2), and consisting of a first multi-row continuous knitting row (R1-R2), extending from the first row (R1) formed by the initial needle count to the second row (R2) formed by the target needle count; the needle-increasing section defining a first conical section (3) of the tubular textile (100), the diameter of which gradually increases from the first row (R1) to the second row (R2); - Determine at least one decrease section, which is located between the increase section (3) and the second end (2) and is composed of a second multi-row continuous knitting row (R3-R4) extending from the third row (R3) formed by the target stitch count to the fourth row (R4) formed by the termination stitch count; the decrease section defines a second conical section (4) of the tubular textile (100) whose diameter gradually decreases from the third row (R3) to the fourth row (R4).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of arranging the circular knitting machine includes arranging a single-needle bed type circular knitting machine; and / or wherein... The step of arranging the circular knitting machine includes a special needle-holding component; and / or wherein the starting number of needles is the same as the ending number of needles; and / or wherein the target number of needles is less than or equal to the number of the plurality of needles of the needle-holding component; and / or wherein the target number of needles is at least twice the starting number of needles; and / or wherein the target number of needles is at least twice the ending number of needles.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The step of determining the needle-increasing section is specified as follows: in at least one transition between at least one pair of consecutive knitting rows in the first plurality of rows (R1-R2), at least one needle among the plurality of needles is changed from the idle state to the active state; the change of at least one needle from the idle state to the active state constitutes a needle-increasing operation (31, 32, 33). And / or wherein the step of determining the decrease section specifies that: in at least one transition between at least one pair of consecutive knitting rows in the second plurality of rows (R3-R4), at least one of the plurality of needles is changed from the active state to the idle state; the change of at least one needle from the active state to the idle state constitutes a decrease operation (41, 42, 43).

4. The method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The needle-increasing operations (31, 32, 33) achieve the increase in fineness during the transition between a pair of consecutive knitting rows in the first multi-row (R1-R2); and / or wherein, The increasing stitch operation (31, 32, 33) causes the number of loops in the second row of the continuous knitting row pair to be greater than the number of loops in the first row of the continuous knitting row pair; and / or wherein the decreasing stitch operation (41, 42, 43) causes the fineness to decrease during the transition between a pair of continuous knitting rows in the second multi-row (R3-R4); and / or wherein the decreasing stitch operation (41, 42, 43) causes the number of loops in the second row of the continuous knitting row pair to be less than the number of loops in the first row of the continuous knitting row pair.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The needle-increasing operation (31, 32, 33) stipulates that, starting from the second row in the continuous knitting row pair, at least one needle that has changed from the idle state to the active state receives at least one yarn. And / or wherein the decrease operation (41, 42, 43) specifies that, starting from the second row in the continuous knitting row pair, the at least one needle that has changed from the active state to the idle state does not receive the at least one yarn, and the decrease operation (41, 42, 43) includes transferring the at least one needle that has changed from the active state to the idle state to an adjacent needle in the circular needle bed.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The step of determining the increasing needle segment specifies that: the first multi-row (R1-R2) is formed by multiple needles in an active state, which changes monotonically from the starting needle number at least at the first row (R1) until the target needle number at least at the second row (R2); and / or wherein the step of determining the decreasing needle segment specifies that: the second multi-row (R3-R4) is formed by multiple needles in an active state, which changes monotonically from the target needle number at least at the third row (R3) until the ending needle number at least at the fourth row (R4).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The step of programming the circular knitting machine further includes: determining a starting section consisting of a set of initial multi-row continuous knitting rows (R0-R1) extending from the starting row (R0) corresponding to the first end (1) to the first row (R1); and / or wherein the initial multi-row (R0-R1) is configured to be achieved by the initial number of stitches; and / or wherein the initial multi-row (R0-R1) is configured to be achieved by the circular knitting machine at the initial fineness (Fstart); and / or wherein the initial multi-row (R0-R1) has a constant number of loops; and / or wherein the starting section is configured to define a first end section (5) of the tubular textile (100) having a constant diameter from the starting row (R0) to the first row (R1); and / or wherein the first end section (5) is configured to constitute a first hem (B1) of the textile (T), preferably a first single-layer hem or a first double-layer hem; and / or wherein the step of programming the circular knitting machine further includes: determining a termination section consisting of a set of terminating continuous knitting rows (R4-R5) extending from the fourth row (R4) to a termination row (R5) located at the second end (2); and / or wherein the terminating rows (R4-R5) are configured to be implemented by the number of terminating stitches; and / or wherein the terminating rows (R4-R5) are configured to be implemented by the circular knitting machine at the terminal fineness (Fend); and / or wherein the terminating rows (R4-R5) have a constant number of loops; and / or wherein the termination section is configured to define a second end section (6) of the tubular textile (100) having a constant diameter from the fourth row (R4) to the termination row (R5); and / or wherein the second end section (6) is configured to constitute a second hem (B2) of the textile (T), preferably a second single-layer hem or a second double-layer hem.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The programming of the circular knitting machine further includes: determining a central section consisting of a set of central multi-row continuous knitting rows (R2-R3) extending from the second row (R2) to the third row (R3); and / or wherein the central multi-row (R2-R3) is configured to be achieved by the target needle count; and / or wherein the central multi-row (R2-R3) is configured to be achieved by the circular knitting machine at the maximum fineness (Fmax); and / or wherein the central multi-row (R2-R3) may have a constant number of loops; and / or wherein the central section is configured to define an intermediate section (7) of the tubular textile (100) which may be achieved from the second row (R2) to the third row (R3) with a constant diameter.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, In the activated state, each of the plurality of needles may be selectively positioned at least in the following locations: - Working position or "needle selection", wherein the needle is configured to receive the at least one yarn from the at least one feed line to form a knitting loop; - Non-working position or "non-selective needle", wherein the needle is configured not to receive the at least one yarn, but to retain the knitted loops previously formed and present on the respective needle head in at least one row; And / or wherein the step of programming the circular textile machine includes determining at least one functional area (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4) of the tubular textile (100), the at least one functional area extending through multiple consecutive knitted rows and defined by a geometric pattern (M1, M2, M3, M4) formed by needles in the working position and needles in the non-working position; and / or wherein the at least one functional area (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4) is configured to achieve the shaping of the tubular textile (100); and / or wherein the multiple consecutive knitted rows constituting the at least one functional area (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4) extend at least in the central multiple rows (R2-R3).

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The steps of programming the circular textile machine further include: determining at least one cutting line (C1) that extends through multiple consecutive rows of knitted fabric and is configured to indicate that at least one cutting operation is required in the tubular textile (100) to realize a segment of the textile (T); and / or wherein the at least one cutting line (C1) is configured to guide the cutting operation after the production of the knitted fabric using the circular textile machine is completed; and / or wherein the cutting line (C1) is configured to be realized by a specific needle selection method or by yarn of a different color than the remaining segments of the tubular textile (100).

11. A tubular textile (100) which is produced by the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. A method for realizing a textile (T), particularly a method for realizing a garment, said method comprising at least the following steps: - Produce at least one tubular textile (100) by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10. - At least one section of the tubular textile (100) is cut, preferably longitudinally, to form at least one additional opening (A3) adapted to be inserted into at least a portion of the body of the wearer of the textile (T).

13. The implementation method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, It also includes at least the following steps: - To realize at least one second textile (200); - The at least one second textile (200) is attached to the at least one additional opening (A3), preferably by sewing; And / or wherein the at least one second textile (200) is a second tubular textile that extends longitudinally continuously between an upper end (201) and a lower end (202) and is configured to be connected at its lower end (202) to the at least one additional opening (A3) of the tubular textile (100), preferably by sewing; And / or wherein the at least one second textile (200) is a second tubular textile having a substantially constant diameter.

14. The implementation method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The textile (T) is clothing for the lower part of the wearer's body; and / or wherein the textile (T) is leggings; and / or wherein the textile (T) is trousers; and / or wherein a first conical segment (3) of the tubular textile (100) constitutes a first leg segment of the textile (T), and a second conical segment (4) of the tubular textile (100) constitutes a second leg segment of the textile (T) opposite to the first leg segment.

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