METHOD FOR KNITTING DENSITY ZONES AND RESULTING KNITWARE

Description

Domaine technique

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of circular knitting, and more particularly to the circular knitting of footwear. Art antérieur

[0002] It is known to produce knits by varying the selection of needles and threads so as to obtain a knit whose mechanical or aesthetic characteristics are different depending on the areas of the knit considered, for example in document US3998076 A, describing the preamble of claim 1. Document FR3049454 A1 presents a weft insertion within jersey stitches.

[0003] For example, it is known to add additional threads, called reinforcement threads, in certain areas of the knit, so that the knit contains more material in these areas. These are therefore dense areas.

[0004] It is possible to add a reinforcing thread only every other row of stitches, within a dense area. The density obtained is higher than that of the rest of the knit, but insufficiently. If used to increase the strength of the knit, it does not strengthen the knit sufficiently to ensure good wear resistance. If used to increase the opacity of the knit, adding the additional thread results in an irregular appearance of the knit, in that it creates unsightly stripes. This is due to the spacing between the rows of stitches containing the reinforcing thread, visually creating a succession of opaque and less opaque lines.

[0005] It is also possible to add a reinforcement thread for each row of stitches, within the dense area. The density obtained is satisfactory because it is significantly higher than that of the rest of the knit. However, this solution leads to production difficulties and knitting defects.

[0006] In fact, reinforcement yarns are used only in dense areas of the knit. When not in use, they must be held in a so-called waiting position within the knitting machine. With reference to figures 1 et 2 , the yarns of the knit which are in the waiting position (A) are held by a brake plate (4) which pinches the yarns. We note that if the knit contains a high number of yarns, the brake plate must consequently hold a high number of yarns.

[0007] However, if you want to obtain areas that are much denser than the rest of the knit, for example by adding a reinforcement thread for each row of stitches, the number of threads in the knit becomes too high and the brake plate (4) can no longer play its role of retaining the threads: in fact, adjusting the air gap under the brake plate (4) requires very / too much care and is very difficult to achieve due to the very design of the machine. The threads on standby are not well positioned so that they are not picked up correctly by the needles. This results in machine stops, or knitting defects. In the latter cases, the dense area is not homogeneous and the knit presents a visual defect.

[0008] Furthermore, unused reinforcement yarns are cut, and the waste must be removed from the knitting machine. When too much reinforcement yarn is used, the machine cannot remove all the waste, so it accumulates and creates a blockage in the discharge. Here again, the consequences can be a machine stoppage, or at the very least a knitting defect. Exposé de l'invention

[0009] One of the aims of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, by proposing an industrial and optimized knitting process making it possible to obtain dense areas on a knit. These dense areas can be used to opacify the knit in certain specific places and thus create aesthetic shapes or to reinforce the knit so that it is more resistant to wear.

[0010] For this purpose, a method of circular knitting of a knitted fabric with a knitting machine has been developed, in which the circular knitted fabric is formed from a plurality of rows of stitches knitted with a mesh yarn, and comprises at least one dense area.

[0011] The concept of "circular knitting" is defined as a knitted fabric in a tubular form manufactured on a circular loom, as suggested by the ISO 8388 standard. This circular knitting, by its manufacture, has visible characteristics that allow it to be differentiated from a tubular "flat knit" manufactured on a flat loom. In particular, we can note as a visible characteristic of "circular knitting" the absence of a selvedge stitch connecting zone. The selvedge stitch connecting zone is found on a tubular "flat knit" due to the need, to form a tube, to connect the adjacent selvedge stitches of the knitted fabric produced flat. Thus, for a "circular knit", it is possible to manufacture a tubular knitted fabric with the same stitch structure around the entire circumference of the article.On the contrary, on a flat knit there will necessarily be a visible line along the tubular item with a different stitch structure from the rest of the item. This line corresponds to this selvedge stitch connection area.

[0012] According to the invention, the dense zone(s) of the circular knitting have an alternation, in each row of stitches, of a first row of jersey stitches and a second row of jersey stitches, such that: the first row of jersey stitches is knitted according to a first selection of needles, comprising at least one loaded stitch within the row of jersey stitches, so as to form binding stitches with the interstitch loops of the second row of jersey stitches, the second row of jersey stitches is knitted according to a second selection of needles, comprising the knitting of a reinforcement thread in addition to the stitch thread.

[0013] The combination of the two rows of stitches obtained by their specific needle selections allows for densification of the knit while avoiding the addition of a reinforcement thread to each row of stitches, which is responsible for production losses due to jamming and poor quality. Then, the upper binding stitches between the rows of stitches allow these rows to be tightened. It is therefore possible to knit efficiently, safely, and repeatably, a knit comprising sufficiently dense areas.

[0014] In order to strengthen the connection between the two rows of stitches, for the first needle selection, the knitting of a loaded stitch is preferably carried out every other stitch, within the first row of stitches. This of course occurs in the dense area. This preferred method allows the rows of stitches to be tightened in order to obtain a satisfactory level of density.

[0015] Alternatively, for the first needle selection, the knitting of a loaded stitch can be done every third stitch, every fourth stitch, or every fifth stitch within the first row of stitches.

[0016] The difference in density between dense and non-dense areas formed on a basic jersey knit is notable. The ratio of the density of a dense area formed on a weft knit to that of a non-dense area formed on a weft knit is assumed to be about 20%. Similarly, the ratio of the density of a dense area formed on a non-weft knit to that of a non-dense area formed on a non-weft knit is assumed to be about 20%.

[0017] The size of the dense area depends on the number of rows and columns knitted with this method.

[0018] According to the invention, the method comprises knitting a weft yarn between each row of stitches. This aspect will be detailed later in this text.

[0019] We propose two possible uses for these dense areas.

[0020] In the first of the two preferred uses, the dense areas are used to opacify the knit in certain specific places and thus create aesthetically pleasing shapes. The dense areas are made so that they create uniform geometric shapes (the geometric shapes are identical or similar) dispersed regularly over the surface of the knit, and the total area of ​​the dense areas is less than 10% of the total surface of the knit, and preferably less than or equal to 5% of the total surface of the knit. For example, it is possible to obtain a plumetis effect directly in knitting, without it being necessary to embroider the geometric shapes on the knit.

[0021] In this first aesthetic use, the method comprises knitting a weft yarn between the rows of stitches. This weft yarn makes it possible to confer additional properties to the knit, such as better stability, greater elastic resistance, or a different feel or visual appearance. In particular, the addition of a weft yarn makes it possible to control the elasticity of a textile article, in particular a compression and / or support article, by giving it greater elastic resistance.

[0022] It is specified that, according to the ISO 8388 standard, so-called basic knitting on a circular loom is defined as knitting on all needles called "plain jersey knitting" without weft. According to this same standard, point 3.1.30, in the case of a knitted fabric with a weft jersey base, one or more non-knitted weft threads are inserted into the knit, in rows called "float-load". The concept of "weft thread" as well as its method of insertion into a knit are therefore per are known to those skilled in the art.

[0023] The space between the rows of stitches where the weft thread is inserted is called a "weft row".

[0024] For this first use, the weft yarn is inserted between each row of stitches, making a float that corresponds to the needle that knitted a stitch on the first row of stitches. As a result, the weft yarn is located between the first row of stitches and the second row of stitches and also between the second row of stitches and the first row of stitches. The weft yarn is only picked up on every other needle. This creates a column alignment between the stitch of the first row of stitches and the float of the weft row. The floats of the weft yarn are made in staggered rows (i.e. on the opposite needles, or offset) in relation to the following row of weft. In other words, the floats are made offset from each other, from one row of weft to the next, so that this creates an alternation in each row of weft, of fillers and floats following the same column.This gives a uniform and smooth appearance, without a ribbed appearance.

[0025] According to one embodiment of this first use, the weft yarn is inserted between each row of stitches, by making two or three or four consecutive floats which correspond to the needles which knitted a stitch on the first row of stitches. The weft yarn is picked up respectively only one needle in three or one needle in four or one needle in five. The floats of the weft yarn are made in staggered rows with respect to the following row of weft, so as to offset the floats relative to each other from one row of weft to the next. This gives floats, on several columns, offset relative to each other from one row of weft to the next, without overlap.

[0026] The invention also relates to a knit provided with at least one dense zone according to the aforementioned technical characteristics.

[0027] The invention also relates to a textile article comprising at least one knit provided with at least one dense zone according to the aforementioned technical characteristics.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the article is a stocking, tights or a sock.

[0029] Preferably, it is a compression and / or support article, the article then being intended for medical use.

[0030] In the second preferred use, the dense areas are used to reinforce the knit so that it is more resistant to wear. In order to protect the textile article from wear in the areas where it is most stressed, the dense area(s) are preferably made on a surface of the article in contact with the heel and / or a surface of the article in contact with the toes and / or a lower surface of the foot of an individual when the article is worn by an individual.

[0031] In this second intended use, the knitting also includes a weft thread.

[0032] The weft yarn is inserted between each row of stitches, creating a float that corresponds to the needle that knitted a load on the first row of stitches. As a result, the weft yarn is located between the first row of stitches and the second row of stitches and also between the second row of stitches and the first row of stitches. The weft yarn is only picked up on every other needle. This results in a column alignment between the load of the first row of stitches and the float of the weft row. The floats of the weft yarn are made in the same columns from one weft row to the next. In other words, the floats are made in the same columns, on each weft row, so as to align the said floats. This alignment gives a ribbed appearance and allows for better resistance of the knit.

[0033] According to an embodiment of this second use, the weft yarn is inserted between each row of stitches, by making two or three or four consecutive floats which correspond to the needles which knitted a load on the first row of stitches. The weft yarn is picked up respectively only one needle in three or one needle in four or one needle in five. The floats of the weft yarn are made in the same columns from one row of weft to the next, so as to align the floats with respect to each other.

[0034] The invention also relates to a knit provided with at least one dense zone according to the aforementioned technical characteristics.

[0035] The invention also relates to a textile article comprising at least one knit provided with at least one dense zone according to the aforementioned technical characteristics.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the article is a stocking, tights or a sock.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the textile article comprises at least one knitted fabric provided with at least one dense zone according to the second use described above, in which the weft yarn is inserted between each row of stitches. Said article is a stocking, tights or a sock, and the dense zone(s) are located on a surface of the article in contact with the heel and / or a surface of the article in contact with the toes and / or a surface in contact with the lower surface of the foot of an individual when the article is worn by an individual.

[0038] The textile article is necessarily a compression and / or support article, for example for medical purposes because the knit constituting the article includes a weft thread. Brève description des dessins

[0039] There figure 1 is a partial view of a circular knitting machine. The figure 2 is a detail view of the machine of the figure 1 . There figure 3 is a representation of a combination of needle selections used in the method according to an example not included in the invention. The figure 4 is a representation of a combination of needle selections used in the process according to the invention to form dense areas used to opacify the knitting in certain specific places and thus create aesthetically pleasing shapes. figure 5 is a representation of the repetition of geometric shapes created by dense areas for aesthetic purposes on a knit according to the invention. The figure 6 is a repetition of dense areas of circular shape created by the dense areas for aesthetic purposes on a knitted fabric according to the invention. The figure 7 is a repetition of dense areas of triangular shape created by the dense areas for aesthetic purposes on one knit on another knit according to the invention. The figure 8 is a representation of a combination of needle selections used in the process according to the invention to form dense areas used to reinforce the knit to make it more resistant to wear. The figure 9 is a microscope view of a knit outside the dense areas. The figure 10A is a microscope view of the outer face of a knitted fabric within a dense area used to reinforce the knit. figure 10B is a microscope view of the inner face of a knitted fabric within a dense area used to reinforce the knit. figure 11 is a partial view of the shape of the dense area used to reinforce the knit in a footwear article. figure 12 is a diagram of an article of footwear according to the invention. The figure 13 is a diagram of another article of footwear according to the invention. The figure 14 is a representation of the right side view of the knitting stitch pattern of the figure 8 . There figure 15 a representation of the reverse view of the knitting stitch pattern of the figure 8 . Description détaillée de l'invention

[0040] The invention relates to a circular knitting method, a circular knitted fabric (1), and a textile article (3) incorporating such a circular knitted fabric (1). A combination of needle selections used is illustrated in the figures 4 Or 8 : it includes knitting an alternation of a first row of jersey stitches (M1) and a second row of jersey stitches (M2).

[0041] The rows of stitches (M1, M2) are knitted using any suitable yarn. In the case of footwear, the knit yarn (5) may in particular be a single-gimped or double-gimped yarn, for example comprising an elastane core yarn and polyamide covering yarns.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the core yarn is a 22 dtex elastane yarn, double-wrapped with 22 dtex polyamide covering yarns comprising 20 filaments, and with false twist. It is recalled that 1 dtex = 10 -7 < kg / m. In this embodiment, the two covering yarns preferably have reversed false twist directions.

[0043] The reinforcing yarn (6) may be of any suitable type. A preferred reinforcing yarn (6) is a 13-filament, false-twisted polyamide yarn with a count of 44 dtex.

[0044] On the representations of the selection of the needles of the figures 4 And 8 : the positions (m) are those where the machine needles rise in ascent to knit only the mesh yarn (5), and make stockinette stitches; the positions (r) are those where the needles rise in full ascent to knit the mesh yarn (5) as well as the reinforcement yarn (6); the positions (c) are those where the needles rise in half-ascent to pick up the mesh yarn and make loaded stitches, in order to form upper binding points with the interstitch loops of the following row of stitches.

[0045] In this way, the mesh yarn (5) and the reinforcement yarn (6) inserted in the second row of stitches (M2) are knitted by the needles of the loaded stitches of the first row of stitches (M1). The rows (M1, M2) are therefore brought closer to each other.

[0046] On the representation of the selection of the needles of the figures 4 And 8, every second stitch in the first row of stitches (M1) of the dense zone (2) is a loaded stitch (c) to tighten the rows of stitches in order to obtain a satisfactory level of density.

[0047] In the first aesthetic use, the dense areas (2) obtained by the invention have a greater thickness than the rest of the knitted fabric (1). By judiciously choosing the dimensions and distribution of these dense areas (2) on the knitted fabric (1), it is possible to obtain textures or aspects which are usually obtained by additional manufacturing steps. For example, a plumetis is traditionally obtained by embroidering a thread on a textile article, so as to obtain small raised dots.

[0048] This first use is illustrated by the mesh diagram of the figure 4 . In this stitch pattern, the dense areas (2) are only 5 stitches wide and 12 rows high.

[0049] For a plumetis, the raised dots are small. Depending on the desired effect and so that the relief of the dense areas (2) is highlighted, the total surface area of ​​the dense areas (2) is less than 20% of the total surface area of ​​the knit (1), or less than 10%, and preferably less than or equal to 5%.

[0050] There figure 5 represents the repetition of geometric shapes in which the dense areas (2) of the figure 4 are arranged regularly on the knitted fabric (1). This can be a rectangular matrix of variable height or width, or successive rows in a staggered pattern as illustrated. The knitted fabric (1) obtained with such a repetition of geometric shapes has a plumetis effect, directly from the knitting machine. The advantage obtained is therefore economical, since it is possible to do without an additional manufacturing step.

[0051] It is specified that the person skilled in the art understands that the dense zones created by means of the selection of the needles represented in figure 5 In practice, it requires the creation of a specific drawing representing the ratio and shape of the desired pattern. This drawing is converted according to the computer extension recognized by the single-cylinder knitting machine used, and associated with its knitting program to obtain the repetition(s) of the desired pattern shapes. The predetermined drawing ratio allows the pattern to be repeated regularly both around the circumference and along a desired length of the product according to the desired design (as shown in figure 6 ).

[0052] In reference to this same figure 6 , the "uniform" appearance of the geometric shapes results in an identical visual effect for each of the dense areas, since the latter are obtained from the same needle selections. The "regular" dispersion of said dense areas results in an identical distance between each dense area and the neighboring dense areas, since the same pattern is repeated on the knit using the computer software.

[0053] The geometric shape of the dense area (2) to be repeated to obtain the plumetis effect can be adapted according to aesthetic needs. The dense area can be circular, oval, rectangular or any other desired shape.

[0054] The regular distribution of dense areas (2) on the knit (1) may include, for example, symmetries or rotations. figures 6 And 7 presented previously illustrate two examples of plumetis effects obtained: there figure 6 represents the repetition of dense areas of circular shape, as found on traditional plumetis; figure 7 represents the repetition of dense triangular-shaped areas, in which the geometric shapes are rotated 180° every other time along a row.

[0055] As illustrated in the figure 4 , the combination of needle selections includes a row (T) in which a weft thread (7) is knitted. In this mode, there is a succession of the first row of stitches (M1), a weft row (T), the second row of stitches (M2), then a weft row (T).

[0056] The weft yarn (7) serves to confer particular properties to the knitted fabric (1), and may be of any type suitable for this purpose. In particular, the addition of a weft yarn makes it possible to control the elasticity of a textile article, in particular a compression and / or support article, by giving it greater elastic resistance. It may then be a single-gimped or double-gimped yarn, for example with an elastane core yarn and polyamide covering yarns.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the core yarn is a 310 dtex elastane yarn, double-wrapped with 22 dtex polyamide covering yarns, comprising 20 filaments, and with false twist. In this embodiment, the two covering yarns preferably have reversed false twist directions.

[0058] On the representation of the needle selection illustrated on the figure 4 , positions (i) are those where the needles are inactive, that is to say the weft thread (7) is not picked up by the needles and creates a float on the knitting (1).

[0059] With this representation, the reinforcement thread (6) of the second row of stitches (M2) is picked up at positions (c) with the mesh thread (5) of the following row of stitches (M1).

[0060] In this way, it is possible to obtain a functionalized knit (1), for example in a compression and / or support article having a higher elastic resistance, further comprising dense zones (2) which are significantly denser than the rest of the knit (1) and which have a satisfactory aesthetic when worn, that is to say that there are no stripes or streaks despite the fact that the reinforcing thread (6) is only inserted in every other row of stitches.

[0061] The space between the rows of stitches (M1, M2) where the weft thread is inserted is called the "weft row" (T).

[0062] For this first aesthetic use, the weft yarn (T) is inserted between each row of stitches, making a float (i) which corresponds to the needle which knitted a stitch (m) on the first row of stitches (M1). As a result, the weft yarn is located between the first row of stitches (M1) and the second row of stitches (M2) and also between the second row of stitches (M2) and the first row of stitches (M1). The weft yarn (7) is only picked up on every other needle. This results in a column alignment between the stitch (m) of the first row of stitches (M1) and the float (i) of the weft row (T). The floats of the weft yarn (i) are made in a staggered pattern (i.e. on the opposite needles or offset) in relation to the following weft row.In other words, the floats (i) are made offset from each other, from one row of weft (T) to the next, so that this creates an alternation in each row of weft (T), of fillers (c) and floats (i) following the same column. This gives a uniform and smooth appearance, without a ribbed appearance.

[0063] The textile article (3) may be a compression and / or support article, for example for medical purposes.

[0064] In the second preferred use, the dense areas are used to reinforce the knit. The improved strength is particularly advantageous in regions of the knit that are subject to high mechanical stress when the article is worn, for example, the sole of a sock.

[0065] This second use is illustrated by the mesh diagram of the figure 8 .

[0066] There figure 11 is a partial view of the shape of the dense area of ​​the knit (1) intended for the production of a textile article (3) as illustrated in the figure 12 . A large dense area (2) is provided over the entire surface coming into contact with the heel, the arch of the foot and the toes of an individual intended to wear the article. The textile article (3) illustrated is a sock, but is not limited to the latter. It may be, for example, a sock, a stocking, or even a pair of tights. The large dense area (2) illustrated therefore reinforces the textile article (3) in the places where it is most subject to wear, in this specific case when walking.

[0067] There figure 13 illustrates another textile article (3) comprising a knit (1) and two dense zones (2) reinforcing said knit (1) at sensitive locations, provided on the surfaces intended to come into contact with the heel and toes of an individual's foot.

[0068] As previously described, the weft yarn (7) serves to confer particular properties to the knitted fabric (1), and may be of any type suitable for this purpose. In particular, the addition of a weft yarn makes it possible to control the elasticity of a textile article, in particular a compression and / or support article, by giving it greater elastic resistance. It may then be a single-gapped or double-gapped yarn, for example with an elastane core yarn and polyamide covering yarns.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the core yarn is a 310 dtex elastane yarn, double-wrapped with 22 dtex polyamide covering yarns, comprising 20 filaments, and with false twist. In this embodiment, the two covering yarns preferably have reversed false twist directions.

[0070] The weft yarn (T) is inserted between each row of stitches, making a float (i) which corresponds to the needle which knitted a load (c) on the first row of stitches (M1). As a result, the weft yarn is located between the first row of stitches (M1) and the second row of stitches (M2) and also between the second row of stitches (M2) and the first row of stitches (M1). The weft yarn (T) is only picked up on every other needle. This results in a column alignment between the load (c) of the first row of stitches (M1) and the float (i) of the weft row (T). The floats of the weft yarn (i) are made in the same columns on each row of weft (T). In other words, the floats are made in the same columns, on each row of weft (T) so that the alignment of these gives a ribbed appearance and allows for better resistance of the knit.

[0071] THE figures 9, 10A And 10Billustrate microscopic views of knitting (1) according to the needle selections of the figure 8 . There figure 9 is a view outside a dense area (2), and the figures 10A And 10B are views within a dense area used to reinforce the knitting (2).

[0072] We see on the figure 9 the knit (1) comprising only jersey stitches made by the knit yarn (5), and the weft yarn (7) creating a float between two stitches, the latter being picked up only every other round. Here, the knit (1) is relatively fine and smooth.

[0073] We see on the figures 10A And 10B the knitting further comprising the reinforcing yarn (6), and the arrangement of the different rows of stitches (M1, M2) and the rows of weft (T) which gives the dense zone (2) the desired reinforcement and opacity.

[0074] On the figures 10A And 10B, we also note that the weft thread (7) is found inside the knit (1), while the reinforcing thread (6) is found outside the knit (1), which improves the wear resistance of the knit (1). Furthermore, the dense zone (2) is more resistant, and is in relief.

[0075] This specific knitting technique based on the needle selections of rows M1, M2 and T as described previously, allows the added and vanished yarn from the fall of the second row of stitches (M2) to stand out on the outside of the finished textile article, and thus improves strength.

[0076] This advantage is illustrated schematically on the figures 14 et 15 .

[0077] There figure 14 is a representation of the right side view of the knitting of the figure 8 , that is to say on the outside and therefore visible when the knit is worn.

[0078] In this figure, we see the reinforcement yarn knitted mainly with the mesh yarn of the second row of stitches (M2). The reinforcement yarn therefore visually stands out on this side of the knitting. This rendering is due, as described previously, to the selection of needles of the first row of stitches (M1) of the mesh and load type, in combination with the placement of the weft yarn (7) inside the mesh loops of the second row of stitches (M2).

[0079] There figure 15 is a representation of the reverse side of the knitting of the figure 8 , that is to say on the inside facing the wearer when the knit is worn.

[0080] In this figure, we mainly observe the mesh yarn of the first row of stitches (M1) and the weft yarn (7). The mesh yarn of the first row of stitches (M1) and the weft yarn (7) therefore visually stand out on this side of the knitting.

[0081] Thus, the particular needle selection of the weft yarn and the selective placement of the loads on every other needle on the mesh yarn of the first row of stitches (M1), make it possible to bring out on the outside of the knit the reinforcement yarn knitted in M2 plating to provide greater resistance.

[0082] The textile article (3) is necessarily a compression and / or support article, for example for medical purposes because the knit (1) constituting the article comprises a weft thread (7).

[0083] The textile article (3) thus produced is reinforced in its most stressed areas and therefore subject to wear. The textile article (3) according to the invention therefore has increased longevity, without increasing its manufacturing cost because the knitting process according to the invention does not impact production rates or reject rates, unlike the processes of the prior art.

[0084] Both in the knitting of dense areas for aesthetic purposes and in the knitting of dense areas to reinforce the knit, the person skilled in the art can of course adapt the number and shape of the dense areas (2) according to the type of knit and article that he wishes to manufacture.

[0085] According to an example not included in the invention and in connection with the two envisaged uses of the dense zones, the combination of needle selections may comprise another alternation of rows of stitches and weft. For example, the rhythm may be: first row of stitches (M1), second row of stitches (M2), weft row (T), and so on; first row of stitches (M1), weft row (T), second row of stitches (M2), and so on; or any other functional combination chosen by a person skilled in the art, while respecting the alternation in each row of stitches, of a first row of jersey stitches (M1) and a second row of jersey stitches (M2).

[0086] The yarns used can be adapted to the intended knitting application (1). Their counts, compositions and material(s) can therefore be different.

[0087] Furthermore, the technical characteristics of the various embodiments and variants mentioned above can be combined, in whole or in part, with each other. Thus, the process and the knitting can be adapted according to the desired costs, functionalities and performances.

Claims

1. A method for circular knitting (1) by using a knitting machine, wherein the knit (1) is formed from a plurality of rows of stitches knitted with a stitch-forming yarn (5), and comprises at least one dense zone (2), the dense zone or zones (2) being produced by knitting alternately, on each row of stitches, of a first row of jersey stitches (M1) and a second row of jersey stitches (M2), such as: - the first row of jersey stitches (M1) is knitted on a first selection of needles, and includes at least one tuck stitch within the row of jersey stitches, so as to form binding points with the sinker loops of the second row of stitches (M2), - the second row of jersey stitches (M2) is knitted with a second selection of needles and includes knitting with a reinforcing yarn (6) in addition to the stitch-forming yarn (5), characterised in that the said method further comprises knitting a weft yarn (7) between each row of stitches (M1, M2 ; M2, M1).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, for the first selection of needles, the knitting of a tuck stitch is performed every second stitch or one stitch out of three or one stitch out of four or one stitch out of five, within the first row of stitches (M1).

3. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the weft yarn (7) is inserted between each row of stitches (M1, M2), by creating a float (i) or two or three or four consecutive floats (i) which correspond to the needles which have knitted a stitch (m) on the first row of stitches (M1), the weft yarn (7) being picked only one needle out of two, or one needle out of three or one needle out of four or one needle out of five, and wherein the floats (i) of the weft yarn (7) are staggered relative to the next weft row (T), such that the floats (i) are offset relative to each other from one weft row (T) to the next.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dense zones (2), creating uniform geometric shapes evenly dispersed over the surface of the knit (1) and whose total surface area of the dense zones (2) is less than 10% of the total surface area of the knit (1), and preferably less than or equal to 5% of the total surface area of the knit.

5. The method according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the weft yarn (7) is inserted between each row of stitches (M1, M2), by creating a float (i) or two or three or four consecutive floats (i) which correspond to the needles which have knitted a load (c) on the first row of stitches (M1), the weft yarn (7) being picked only one needle out of two, or one needle out of three or one needle out of four or one needle out of five, and wherein the floats (i) of the weft yarn (7) are produced in the same columns from one weft row (T) to the next, such that the floats (i) are aligned with each other.

6. A circular knit (1) formed from a plurality of rows of stitches knitted with a stitch-forming yarn (5), and comprising at least one dense zone (2), the dense zone or zones (2) alternate at each row of stitches, of a first row of jersey stitches (M1) and a second row of jersey stitches (M2), such as: - the first row of jersey stitches (M1) is knitted on a first selection of needles, and includes at least one tuck stitch within the row of jersey stitches, so as to form binding points with the sinker loops of the second row of jersey stitches (M2), - the second row of jersey stitches (M2) knitted with a second selection of needles and includes knitting with a reinforcing yarn (6) in addition to the stitch-forming yarn (5), characterised in that the said knit further comprises a weft yarn (7) knitted between each row of stitches (M1, M2; M2, M1).

7. The knit (1) according to claim 6, wherein, for the first needles selection, the tuck stitch is knitted every second stitch or one stitch out of three or one stitch out of four or one stitch out of five, within the first row (M1) of stitches.

8. The knit (1) according to claims 6 and 7, wherein the weft yarn (7) is inserted between each row of stitches (M1, M2), by creating a float (i) or two or three or four consecutive floats (i) in the column(s) where a stitch has been knitted on the first row of stitches (M1), the weft yarn (7) being picked only every second column or one column out of three or one column out of four or one column out of five, and wherein the floats (i) of the weft yarn (7) are staggered from one weft row (T) to the next, such that the floats (i) are offset relative to each other from one weft row (T) to the next.

9. The knit (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the dense zones (2) create uniform geometric shapes evenly dispersed over the surface of the knit (1) and whose total surface area of the dense zones (2) is less than 10% of the total surface area of the knit (1), and preferably less than or equal to 5% of the total surface area of the knit (1).

10. The knit (1) according to claims 6 and 7, wherein the weft yarn is inserted between each row of stitches (M1, M2), by creating a float (i) or two or three or four consecutive floats (i) in the column (s) where one or several load(s) has (have) been knitted on the first row of stitches (M1), the weft yarn (7) being picked only every second column or one column out of three or one column out of four or one column out of five, and wherein the floats (i) of the weft yarn (7) are produced in the same columns from one weft row (T) to the next, such that the floats (i) are aligned with each other.

11. The textile item (3) comprising at least one knit (1) provided with at least one dense zone (2) according to any one of claims 6 to 10.

12. The textile item (3) according to claim 11, said item being stockings, tights or socks.

13. The textile item (3) comprising at least one knit (1) provided with at least one dense zone (2) according to claim 7 or claim 10, said item being stockings, tights or socks, wherein the dense zone or zones (2) are located on a surface of the item in contact with the heel and / or a surface of the item in contact with the toes and / or a surface in contact with the lower surface of the foot of an individual when the item is worn by an individual.

14. The textile item (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterised in that it is a compression and / or support item.