Article having a tubular weft-knitted jersey-based fabric with an enhanced economic grip top band

Abstract

The invention relates to a tubular weft-knitted jersey-based fabric having a portion of the size of at least six consecutive courses and at least six consecutive wales, wherein at least two of the at least six courses are grip courses. The jersey-based ground knit consists of plain stitches over at least 60% of the circumference of the tubular weft-knitted jersey-based fabric. Each grip course comprises a ground yarn, two laid-in yarns, namely a first laid-in yarn and a second laid-in yarn and a high-friction yarn having floats. The first and the second laid-in yarns are tucked and missed in such a way that the first laid-in yarn is tucked whilst the second laid-in yarn is missed along a same wale to form crossover points between at most two consecutive wales.

Description

[0001] Article having a tubular weft-knitted jerseybased fabric with an enhanced economic grip top band

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a tubular weft-knitted j ersey-based fabric having a portion of the si ze of at least six consecutive courses and at least six consecutive wales . The j ersey-based ground knit consists of plain stitches over at least 60% of the circumference of the tubular weft-knitted j ersey-based fabric . At least two of the at least six consecutive courses are grip courses . Each grip course comprises a ground yarn, two laid-in yarns , namely a first laid-in yarn and a second laid-in yarn, and a high- friction yarn having floats over at least three consecutive wales . The first and the second laid-in yarns are tucked and missed in such a way that the first laid-in yarn is tucked whilst the second laid-in yarn is missed along a same wale to form crossover points between at most two consecutive wales .

[0004] Furthermore , the invention relates to a method for producing such a tubular weft-knitted j erseybased fabric on a single j ersey circular knitting machine having at least four feeds .

[0005] Background Art

[0006] Single j ersey circular knitting machines are used to produce articles having tubular weft-knitted j ersey-based fabric and notably thigh-high stockings , knee- high socks and cal f-high socks . Grip top bands are most typically used on thigh-high stockings to hold on the upper region of the thigh of the user to avoid it from slipping down . The most common method used is to sew a grip top band onto the upper region . The grip top band is typically made of lace with strips of silicone spread on the inner side . The strip of silicone increases the adhesion of the grip top band to the skin of the user . Even though this solution provides a satis factory grip, comfort and aesthetics , the application of the silicone and the confection step to assemble the grip top band to the top of the thigh-high stockings highly increase the production cost of these articles .

[0007] To decrease the manufacturing costs , the possibility of integrating high- friction yarn, such as silicone yarn in the knit of the upper region of the thigh- high stockings on a single j ersey circular knitting machine has been further studied . In this economical solution, the high- friction yarn is typically floated over at least three consecutive wales on several courses on the technical back of the tubular weft-knitted j ersey-based fabric of the article creating a raised structure of aligned high- friction yarn in the circumferential direction . The grip force depends on the amount of high- friction yarn integrated in the knit in contact with the skin .

[0008] However, integrating high- friction yarn on the tubular weft-knitting j ersey-based fabric of an article has never been considered a satis factory qualitative solution as it has a lower grip and it isn' t as comfortable and aesthetic as the traditional grip top band . This resulting grip top band is more flexible than the traditional grip top band, allowing the top band to roll or to crease more easily . Additionally, it looks less elegant due to the large loose floats of high- friction yarn on the inner surface and the uneven outer surface created by irregular tension distribution from the high- friction yarn . The grip is also considerably less ef ficient than in a traditional grip top band .

[0009] To enhance the grip, the grip top band can be knitted with a lower circumference in order to hold tighter on the upper region of the thigh . This solution can however create a local tensioning on the upper region of the thigh, hindering the venous circulation . It can also be less comfortable and less flattering on the leg as it can create bulges of the skin under and above the grip top band on the upper region of the thigh .

[0010] Even though grip top bands are most typically found on thigh-high stockings , they are can also be found on knee-high socks or cal f-high socks .

[0011] Grip top bands are often part of medical compression garments and most typically on medical compression thigh-high stockings . Medical compression garments assist in the management of venous and lymphatic disorders , by applying a compressive force on a body part . Known medical compression garments such as medical compression thigh-high stockings have a tendency to slip down the leg of the wearer, thereby detracting from their benefits .

[0012] Disclosure of the Invention

[0013] The problem to be solved by the present invention is therefore to provide a tubular weft-knitted j ersey-based fabric with an enhanced economic grip section .

[0014] This problem is solved by a tubular weft- knitted j ersey-based fabric according to the independent device claim . According to this , the tubular weft-knitted j ersey-based fabric comprises a ground knit consisting of plain stitches over at least 60% of the circumference of the tubular weft-knitted j ersey-based fabric and a portion of the si ze of at least six, in particular at least 20 , in particular at least 40 , consecutive courses and at least six, in particular at least 20 , in particular at least 40 consecutive wales .

[0015] At least two , in particular at least three , in particular all , of the at least six consecutive courses are grip courses . Each grip course comprises - a ground yarn, - two laid-in yarns , namely a first laid-in yarn and a second laid-in yarn . The first and the second laid-in yarns are tucked and missed in such a way that the first laid-in yarn is tucked whilst the second laid- in yarn is missed along a same wale to form crossover points between at most two consecutive wales .

[0016] - a high- friction yarn having floats over at least three consecutive wales , in particular wherein the floats appear on the technical back of the knit . In particular the ground yarn and the two laid-in yarns are not high- friction yarns .

[0017] A " course" is a hori zontal row of stitches produced by consecutive needles during the same knitting cycle . A "wale" is a vertical column of intermeshed needle loops generally produced by the same needle knitting at consecutive knitting cycles .

[0018] A "j ersey-based fabric" refers to a fabric having predominantly plain j ersey stitches in the ground knit . In particular, the ground knit consists of plain stitches over at least 60% of the circumference of the tubular weft-knitted j ersey-based fabric .

[0019] "Laid-in yarns" are non-knitted yarns that are incorporated into the ground knit on a tuck-and-miss basis .

[0020] "Crossover points" correspond to intersection points where the two laid-in yarns cross meet and go across each other .

[0021] A " float" is a portion of yarn that has not been kinked by several needles and that consequently hangs freely over several wales .

[0022] The technique enables to enhance the prior art knitting structures with high- friction yarn . This enhanced resulting structure has the particularity of having a more satis factory grip without having the necessity to tighten the structure . The technique allows all needles to knit at least one laid-in yarn during a knitting cycle . This enables to maintain the fabric in a stretched state , creating a wider circumference . The fact that the knit is stretched enables to incorporate more high- friction yarn in the knit and consequently to increase the grip . Incorporating more high- friction yarn in the knit also enables to avoid the potential tightening of the fabric as the high- friction yarn is also an elastic yarn that would otherwise contribute to the compression . Due to the lower tightening of the structure , potential problems linked to hinderance of the blood circulation and unaesthetic bulges of the skin are avoided . This structure also benefits from a sti f fer and thicker ground knit that is more comfortable to wear and that prevents the structure from creasing or from rolling when worn . When not worn, the sti f fer and stretched fabric also allows the floats of the high- friction yarn to lay flatter, making the structure more aesthetically appealing .

[0023] This invention was designed to create the grip top band on a thigh-high stocking and possibly also on knee-high sock or on cal f-high sock . Nevertheless , this invention can also be used on any article having a tubular weft-knitting j ersey-based fabric produced on a single j ersey circular knitting machine having at least four feeds , requiring some grip . For example , the invention could be used to create a grip band on the top part of arm sleeves or on the waist part of tights . The article can be a medical compression article . In particular, the article can be a medical compression thigh-high stocking, a medical compression knee-high sock or a medical compression cal f-high sock .

[0024] The invention is defined by a portion of at least six courses and at least six wales . However, it is envisioned that the portion of the tubular weft-knitted j ersey-based fabric as defined in the claim is signi ficantly larger . The invention is reali zed i f the structure is knit according to the invention within a portion with the si ze as defined .

[0025] The high- friction yarn is An elastic bare silicone yarn, a bare elastane yarn, a bare natural rubber yarn, an elastic yarn coated with silicone or with elastomer, an elastic yarn covered with one covering yarn wherein the covering yarn is a bare silicone yarn, a bare elastane yarn or a bare natural rubber yarn, an elastic yarn covered with two covering yarns wherein the outer of the two covering yarns is a bare silicone yarn, a bare elastane yarn or a bare natural rubber yarn, an elastic yarn covered with one covering yarn wherein the covering yarn is coated with silicone or with elastomer or an elastic yarn covered with two covering yarns wherein the outer of the two covering yarns is coated with silicone or with elastomer .

[0026] Advantageously, the high- friction yarn is floated over four to nine consecutive wales , preferentially over exactly seven consecutive wales .

[0027] The floats of the high- friction yarn are arranged on the technical back, wherein the technical back is directed to the inside of the article , in particular adapted for residing against a wearer ' s skin .

[0028] The portion with the incorporated high- friction yarn forms an anti-slip portion that keeps the garment in position on the wearer ' s body part . The portion generates a high slip resistance between the article and the respective body part . The high slip resistance reduces the tendency of the garment to slide along the body part , and thus it is not necessary that the garment applies localised pressures exceeding a limit acceptable for the wearer . With other words , the anti-slip portion prevents the garment from sliding along the body part but is still comfortable to wear .

[0029] In particular, the floats are aligned in wales direction over at least 10 , in particular over at least 20 , in particular over at least 100 , consecutive courses . Alternatively, the floats are de-aligned at least each 10 consecutive courses , in particular at least each 7 consecutive courses , in particular at least each 4 consecutive courses , in particular at least each single course .

[0030] The high- friction yarn can be floated on the same wales for each consecutive courses in such a way that it forms a rib-ef fect on the technical front of the knit . The rib-ef fect is created by the alignment of slight indentations in the knit on the wales on which the high- friction yarn has been inserted . The raised structure created by the floats are then aligned in the length direction on the technical back .

[0031] To avoid the rib-ef fect , the float generated by the high- friction yarn can be de-aligned in such a way that it forms a more homogenous-looking ef fect . The high- friction yarn is de-aligned each three to nine consecutive courses , preferentially each seven consecutive courses . The technical front appears more homogeneous .

[0032] In a preferred embodiment , the first and the second laid-in yarns form alternatively single tuck stitches and single miss stitches within the portion .

[0033] Advantageously, the tubular weft-knitted j ersey-based fabric comprises a plating yarn . During knitting, the ground yarn and the "plating yarn" are separately supplied through its own guide to the needle hook . The plating can enable the grip top band to have a detailed aesthetic design on the technical front of the knit . The plating yarn has either the same type of stitch as the ground yarn or a miss stitch. Preferentially, the plating yarn and the ground yarn have either different colors or shades or different dyabilities. When the type of stitch of the plating yarn does not correspond to the type of stitch of the ground yarn, then an esthetic pattern appears on the surface of the tubular weft-knitted jersey-based fabric created by a difference in color. In the case where the plating yarn and the ground yarn have different dyabilities, the dye of the tubular weft-knitted jersey fabric enables to reveal the esthetic pattern.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the portion is integrally formed with the article. The integration of the portion into the article has the advantage that sewing a separate elastomeric band to the garment is not required.

[0035] In particular, the portion extends over the whole circumference of the fabric.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the article is a calf-high sock, a knee-high sock or a thigh-high stocking .

[0037] If the article is a thigh-high stocking, a knee-high sock or a calf-high sock, it comprises a welt arranged at one end of the article. In a preferred embodiment, the portion is arranged proximate to the one end of the article, directly under the welt.

[0038] In such a way, if the article is a thigh-high stocking, the portion is arranged on the thigh part of the thigh-high stocking, in particular on the upper half of the thigh part of the thigh-high stocking.

[0039] If the article is a knee-high sock, the portion is arranged on the knee part of the knee-high sock, in particular on the upper half of the knee part of the knee-high sock.

[0040] If the article is a calf-high sock, the portion is arranged on the calf part of the calf-high sock, in particular on the upper half of the calf part of the calf-high sock. In a preferred embodiment , i f the article is a thigh-high stocking, the portion, situated on the thigh part of the thigh-high stocking, has a height between 3 and 10 cm, in particular between 5 and 8 cm . I f the article is a knee-high stocking, the portion, situated on the knee part of the knee-high stocking, has a height between 2 and 8 cm, in particular between 4 and 7 cm . I f the article is a cal f-high stocking, the portion, situated on the cal f part of the cal f-high stocking, has a height between 1 and 6 cm, in particular between 2 and 5 cm .

[0041] In a preferred embodiment , the article with the described tubular weft-knitted j ersey-based fabric is a medical compression article , having a controlled pressure profile along its length . In particular, the controlled pressure profile is formed to apply a compressive force on a body part , for example a leg or an arm . The controlled pressure profile is achieved by controlling the tension of the elastic non-knitted yarn laid in the ground j ersey-based fabric .

[0042] Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for producing a tubular weft-knitted j ersey-based fabric with an enhanced economic grip top band . This problem is solved by a method for producing a tubular weft-knitted j ersey fabric on a single j ersey circular knitting machine having at least four feeds . The fabric comprises a ground knit consisting of plain stitches over at least 60% of the circumference of the tubular weft-knitted j ersey-based fabric and having a portion of the si ze of at least six consecutive courses and at least six consecutive wales , wherein at least two of the at least six courses are grip courses , wherein knitting each grip course comprises the following actions :

[0043] - knitting a ground yarn,

[0044] - inlaying a first and a second laid-in yarn,

[0045] - floating a high- friction yarn over at least three consecutive wales , wherein the first and the second laid-in yarns are tucked and missed in such a way that the first laid-in yarn is tucked whilst the second laid-in yarn is missed along a same wale to form crossover points between at most two consecutive wales. The article is produced by a single jersey circular knitting machine and the single jersey circular knitting machine has at least four feeds.

[0046] The high-friction yarn can be incorporated on a tuck-and-miss basis, on a tuck-and-plain basis or on a plain-and-miss basis.

[0047] In particular, the high-friction yarn is incorporated on a 1 x 3, 3 x 1, 1 x 4, 4 x 1, 1 x 5, 5 x 1, 1 x 6, 6 x 1, 1 x 7, 7 x 1, 1 x 8, 8 x 1, 1 x 9 or 9 x 1 tuck-and-miss basis, on a 1 x 3, 1 x 4, 1 x 5, 1 x 6, l x 7, 1 x 8 or 1 x 9 plain-and-miss basis or on a 3 x 1, 4 x 1, 5 x 1, 6 x 1, 7 x 1, 8 x 1 or 9 x 1 tuck-and-plain basis, preferentially on a l x 7 or 7 x l tuck-and-miss basis.

[0048] When the high-friction yarn is floated and incorporated on a 1 x 3, 1 x 4, 1 x 5, 1 x 6, 1 x 7, l x 8 or 1 x 9 tuck-and-miss basis or on a 1 x 3, 1 x 4, l x 5, 1 x 6, 1 x 7, 1 x 8 or 1 x 9 plain-and-miss basis, the high-friction yarn is not held on the consecutive needles that are in miss position and forms a float. The high- friction yarn is held on the adjacent needle that is in tuck or in plain position where either a tuck stitch or a plain stitch is formed.

[0049] When the high-friction yarn is incorporated on a 3 x l, 4 x 1, 5 x 1, 6 x 1, 7 x 1, 8 x 1 or 9 x 1 tuck-and-miss basis or on a 3 x 1, 4 x 1, 5 x 1, 6 x 1, 7 x l, 8 x 1 or 9 x 1 tuck-and-plain basis, the high-friction yarn is not held on the consecutive needles that are in tuck position. The head on the tuck stitch floats across between the consecutive wales and forms a float. The high-friction yarn is held on the adjacent needle that is in miss or in plain position where either a miss stitch or a plain stitch is formed. Incorporating the high-friction yarn on a 3 x 1, 4 x 1, 5 x 1, 6 x 1, 7 x 1, 8 x 1 or 9 x 1 tuck-and- miss basis or on a 3 x 1, 4 x 1, 5 x 1, 6 x 1, 7 x 1, 8 x 1 or 9 x 1 tuck-and-plain basis is preferred as it enables to create larger floats, with a higher grip.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the first and the second laid-in yarns are incorporated on a 1 x 1 tuck- and-miss basis.

[0051] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0052] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent from the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings, wherein :

[0053] Fig. la shows a medical compression thigh- high stocking with an anti-slip portion according to the invention;

[0054] Fig. lb shows a medical compression knee-high sock with an anti-slip portion according to the invention;

[0055] Fig. 1c shows a medical compression calf-high sock with an anti-slip portion according to the invention;

[0056] Fig. 2a shows the top part of a medical compression thigh-high stocking with an anti-slip portion wherein each courses are grip courses having a floated high-friction yarn and two laid-in yarns not crossing each other;

[0057] Fig. 2b shows the top part of the inventive medical compression thigh-high stocking according to Fig. la with the anti-slip portion wherein all courses are grip courses having a floated high-friction yarn and two laid-in yarns with crossover points between at most two consecutive wales; Fig . 3a shows the technical back of an exemplary course wherein two laid-in yarns are incorporated on a 1 x 1 tuck-and-miss basis in a ground knit with a floated high- friction yarn on a 1 x 7 tuck-and-miss basis ;

[0058] Fig . 3b shows the technical back of an exemplary course wherein two laid-in yarns are incorporated on a 1 x 1 tuck-and-miss basis in a ground knit with a floated high- friction yarn on a 7 x 1 tuck-and-miss basis ;

[0059] Fig . 3c shows the technical back of an exemplary course wherein two laid-in yarns are incorporated on a 1 x 2 and 2 x 1 tuck-and-miss basis in a ground j ersey-based knit with a floated high- friction yarn on a 1 x 7 tuck-and-miss basis ;

[0060] Fig . 3d shows the technical back of an exemplary course wherein two laid-in yarns are incorporated on a 1 x 1 tuck-and-miss basis in a ground j ersey-based knit with a floated high- friction yarn on a 7 x 1 tuck- and-plain basis

[0061] Fig . 3e shows the technical back of an exemplary course wherein two laid-in yarns are incorporated on a 1 x 1 tuck-and-miss basis in a ground j ersey-based knit with a floated high- friction yarn on a 1 x 7 plain- and-miss basis ;

[0062] Fig . 3 f shows the technical back of an exemplary course wherein two laid-in yarns are incorporated on a 1 x 1 tuck-and-miss basis in a plated j ersey-based ground knit with a floated high- friction yarn on a 7 x 1 tuck-and-miss basis ;

[0063] Fig . 4 shows the technical back of a knit formed by three consecutive courses of Fig . 3a .

[0064] Fig . 5a shows a bigger view on the anti-slip portion, wherein all vertically consecutive floats of the high- friction yarn are aligned; and

[0065] Fig . 5b shows again a bigger view on the anti-slip portion, wherein the high- friction yarn is floated on of fset wales for each seven consecutive courses in such a way that the floats of the high- friction yarn are de-aligned each seven consecutive courses .

[0066] Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0067] Fig . la to 1c show a medical compression garment 1 in the form of a medical compression thigh-high stocking, a compression knee-high sock and a compression cal f-high sock . The medical compression garment 1 has a controlled pressure profile along its length L . The controlled pressure profile is achieved by controlling the tension of the elastic non-knitted yarn laid in the ground j ersey-based fabric .

[0068] The medical compression garments 1 comprise a body portion 2 formed as a tubular body, an anti-slip portion 3 and a welt 4 . The anti-slip portion 3 is integrally formed with the body portion 2 , arranged proximate to the upper end of the medical compression garment 1 and extends over the whole circumference of the medical compression garment 1 . The whole anti-slip portion 3 corresponds to the structure defined by the claimed, inventive portion .

[0069] The welt 4 is intended to prevent the topmost upper extent of the medical compression garment 1 from rolling down over on itsel f and forming an undesirable thicker area .

[0070] The medical compression thigh-high stocking 1 according to Fig . la has a Length L of approximately 58 cm and reaches until the upper part of the thigh . The anti-slip portion 3 has a high Hi of 6 cm and a circumference C of 39 cm in a non-stretched state . The welt 4 has a high H2 of 2 . 5 cm .

[0071] The medical compression garments 1 have a tubular weft-knitted j ersey-based fabric and can be knitted by any conventional single j ersey circular knitting machine having at least four feeds , for example by a four- feed CC4 I I Med single j ersey circular knitting machine of 30 gauges from Merz .

[0072] Fig . 2a and 2b show the top part of di f ferent medical compression thigh-high stockings . Fig . 2a shows a medical compression thigh-high stocking with a floated high- friction yarn and two laid-in yarns not crossing each other . Fig . 2b shows the medical compression thigh- high stocking according to the invention as already shown in Fig . la with crossover points between at most two consecutive wales . The top part is folded over in order to make the anti-slip portion 3 and the welt 4 visible .

[0073] As described above , the medical compression thigh-high stocking 1 according to the invention, shown in Fig . 2b has a wider circumference C than the medical compression thigh-high stocking shown in Fig 2a . , due to it being in a stretched state . As such, the width of the grip top band of the medical stocking 1 according to the invention appears to have a more even width, with no indentation . Furthermore , the floats of high- friction yarn lay flatter in the medical compression thigh-high stocking 1 according to the invention .

[0074] Fig . 3a to 3 f illustrate the knitting of a fabric according to the invention . The fabric is preferably produced by a conventional circular single j ersey knitting machine , having at least four feeds and the resulting structure of the anti-slip portion 3 can be described as an arrangement of several consecutive courses wherein some or all of the courses are grip courses contributing to the desired frictional ef fect of the antislip portion 3 on the body of the wearer . Not every single course of the anti-slip portion 3 has to be a grip course . It is possible that only every second or every third or fourth course is a grip course and the courses between are configured di f ferently . Each of the Fig . 3a to 3 f show only one single grip course consisting of several yarns , namely a first laid-in yarn, a second laid-in yarn, a high-friction yarn and a ground yarn, and in Fig. 3f additionally of a plating yarn.

[0075] The knitting is illustrated by two different types of notation systems which are simple symbolic representations of a knitting repeat sequence. Each horizontal row of squares represents a yarn. The four (Fig. 3a to 3e) or the five (Fig. 3f) yarns represent together one single course with four or five yarns. Such a course including a high-friction yarn represents a grip course as defined in the claims.

[0076] In the notation system on the left, an empty square represents a miss stitch. A point is placed in the middle of a square where a tuck stitch occurs and an empty circle is placed in the square where a plain stitch occurs .

[0077] In the notation system on the right, the points represent a needle in plan view from above and, after the thread path has been drawn, it also represents its stitch.

[0078] Any desirable yarn of natural, synthetic or artificial fibers and of yarn count can be used as ground yarn. In case the knitted grip portion has a plating yarn, the plating yarn can also be of any desirable yarn of natural, synthetic or artificial fibers. The choice of material of the ground yarn and of the plating yarn depends on the type of article, the portion of the article being knit and the machine gauge. For example, the ground yarn can be a 1 / 44 / 34 textured nylon. In case the knitted grip portion has a plating yarn, the plating yarn can be a 2 / 78 / 23 textured nylon. In terms of yarn count, any yarn count can be used for the ground yarn and the plating yarn.

[0079] The high-friction yarn is an elastic bare silicone yarn, a bare elastane yarn, a bare natural rubber yarn, a bare synthetic rubber yarn, an elastic yarn coated with silicone or with elastomer, an elastic yarn covered with one covering yarn wherein the covering yarn is a bare silicone , a bare elastane yarn or a bare natural rubber yarn, an elastic yarn covered with two covering yarns wherein the outer of the two covering yarns is a bare silicone , a bare elastane yarn or a bare natural rubber yarn, an elastic yarn covered with one covering yarn wherein the covering yarn is coated with silicone or with elastomer or an elastic yarn covered with two covering yarns wherein the outer of the two covering yarns is coated with silicone or with elastomer .

[0080] In terms of yarn count , i f the high- friction yarn is an elastic bare silicone yarn or a yarn coated with silicone , it can be between 500 and 5000 denier . I f the high- friction yarn is a bare elastane yarn or a yarn coated with elastomer, it can be between 120 and 720 denier . I f the high- friction yarn is a bare natural rubber yarn or a yarn coated with natural rubber coated yarn, it can be between 300 and 7000 denier .

[0081] The materials of the laid-in yarns can be any type of elastic polymer . The choice of material of the laid-in yarns depends on the type of article , the portion of the article being knit and the machine gauge . In the case of knitted grip portion of thigh-high stockings produced on a single j ersey circular knitting machine of 30 gauges , the laid-in yarns can be 180 denier double covered with 1 / 22 / 7 textured nylon yarn, for example . The two laid-in yarns are preferably between 40 and 720 denier, preferably between 180 and 520 denier in order to achieve a certain thickness and sti f fness and to achieve a certain circumferential width of the grip top band . In case the laid-in yarns are bare elastic yarns , they can have between 400 and 700% of elongation . In case the laid-in yarns are covered elastic yarns, then, they can have between 200 and 450% of elongation.

[0082] The two laid-in yarns do not have to be of the same polymer nor of the same yarn count nor the same elongation .

[0083] The portion of the tubular weft-knitted jersey-based fabric according to the invention can be knitted for instance on a four-feed single jersey circular knitting machine according to the following specifications as to produce a knit as presented in Figures 3a to 3e :

[0084] 1stFeed-Finger 3: (high-friction yarn) = Silicone Yarn lOOOdtex

[0085] 2ndFeed-Finger 8: (ground yarn) 1 / 44 / 34 textured nylon

[0086] 3rdFeed-Finger 8: (laid-in yarn 1) 180 denier double covered with 1 / 22 / 7 textured nylon yarn

[0087] 4thFeed-Finger 7: (laid-in yarn 2) 180 denier double covered with 1 / 22 / 7 textured nylon yarn

[0088] The portion of the tubular weft-knitted jersey-based fabric according to the invention can be knitted for instance on a four-feed single jersey circular knitting machine according to the following specifications as to produce a knit as presented in Figure 2f :

[0089] 1stFeed-Finger 3: (high-friction yarn) Silicone Yarn lOOOdtex

[0090] 2ndFeed-Finger 1: (plating yarn) 2 / 78 / 23 textured nylon

[0091] 2ndFeed-Finger 8: (ground yarn) 1 / 44 / 34 textured nylon

[0092] 3rdFeed-Finger 8: (laid-in yarn 1) 180 denier double covered with 1 / 22 / 7 textured nylon yarn

[0093] 4thFeed-Finger 7: (laid-in yarn 2) 180 denier double covered with 1 / 22 / 7 textured nylon yarn

[0094] As already said, the invention relates to a tubular weft-knitted jersey-based fabric comprising a jersey-based ground knit, two laid-in yarns and a floated high- friction yarn . The laid-in yarns are tucked and missed in such a way that one laid-in yarn is tucked whilst the one other laid-in yarn is missed along a same wale . The two laid-in yarns cross each other to form crossover points between at most two consecutive wales . This enables to create a more even, sti f fer, more stretched, and thicker knit . It also enables to incorporate more high- friction yarn and consequently to increase the grip . The high- friction yarn is floated over at least three consecutive wales .

[0095] Regarding Fig . 3a and Fig . 4 : the tubular weft-knitted j ersey-based fabric comprises a first and a second laid-in yarn, a high- friction yarn and a ground yarn along the same course . The first and second laid-in yarns are incorporated on a 1 x 1 tuck-and-miss basis in a ground knit but shi fted relative to each other by one stitch such the second laid-in yarn is missed on the wales on which the first laid-in yarn is tucked and is tucked on the wales on which the first laid-in yarn is missed . The laid-in yarns cross one another to form crossover points between each wale .

[0096] The high- friction yarn is inserted on a 1 x 7 tuck-and-miss basis and consequently forms floats over seven wales on the technical back of the article .

[0097] Regarding Fig . 3b : a di f ferent possible structure design is shown . Again, the first and the second laid-in yarns are incorporated on a 1 x 1 tuck-and- miss basis in a ground knit but with a floated high- friction yarn on a 7 x 1 tuck-and-miss basis .

[0098] Regarding Fig . 3c : in this case , the first laid-in yarn is incorporated on a 2 x 1 tuck-and-miss basis and the second laid-in yarn is incorporated on a 1 x 2 tuck-and-miss basis such that the two laid-in yarns cross one another to form crossover points only before and after every miss stitch of the first laid-in yarn . The high- friction yarn is floated on a 7 x 1 tuck-and- miss basis . Regarding Fig. 3d: identical to the example of Fig. 3a, the first and second laid-in yarns are incorporated on a 1 x 1 tuck-and-miss basis in a ground knit but shifted relative to each other by one stitch such that the laid-in yarns cross one another to form crossover points between each wale. In contrast to the example of Fig. 3a, the high-friction yarn is floated on a 7 x 1 tuck-and plain basis.

[0099] Regarding Fig. 3e: the laid-in yarns are identically incorporated in the ground knit as in the examples of Fig. 3a and 3d but the high-friction yarn is floated on a 1 x 7 plain-and-miss basis.

[0100] Regarding Fig. 3f: shown is a course with two laid-in yarns and a high-friction yarn identically incorporated as in the example shown by Fig. 3b but an additional plating yarn is incorporated following the loops of the ground yarn.

[0101] Fig. 5a and 5b show a bigger view on the anti-slip portion 3. Each horizontal line shows one single float of the high-friction yarn. For example, if the high-friction yarn is incorporated on a 1 x 7 tuck-and- miss basis, one single float extends over seven wales.

[0102] Horizontally consecutive floats are incorporated on the same course. Vertically consecutive floats are incorporated on consecutive courses.

[0103] Fig. 5a shows a portion with a high-friction yarn floated on the same wales for each consecutive courses in such a way that it forms a rib-effect. The floats are aligned in the vertical direction on the technical back which is shown in Fig. 5a. The rib-effect may be unaesthetically pleasing on the technical front of the article .

[0104] To avoid the rib-effect, the high-friction yarn can also be floated on offset wales for each n consecutive courses as shown in Fig. 5b in such a way that it forms a more homogenous-looking effect on the technical front. The floats are de-aligned each n consecutive courses on the technical back. In Fig. 5b, the high-friction yarn is de-aligned each seven consecutive courses, i.e. seven vertically consecutive floats of consecutive courses forming a group of floats are vertically aligned, but the groups are horizontally shifted with respect to each other, i.e. the floats are de-aligned each seven consecutive courses in vertical direction.

[0105] While the invention is described for purposes of illustration as a medical compression thigh-high stocking with a controlled pressure profile, the invention also includes any other garments, such as fashion thigh-high stockings, sleeves, and the like.

Claims

Claims1 . Tubular weft-knitted j ersey-based fabric having a ground knit consisting of plain stitches over at least 60% of the circumference of the tubular weft-knitted j ersey-based fabric and having a portion of the si ze of at least six consecutive courses and at least six consecutive wales , wherein at least two of the at least six courses are grip courses , wherein each grip course comprises- a ground yarn,- two laid-in yarns , namely a first laid-in yarn and a second laid-in yarn,- a high- friction yarn having floats over at least three consecutive wales , characteri zed in that the first and the second laid-in yarns are tucked and missed in such a way that the first laid-in yarn is tucked whilst the second laid-in yarn is missed along a same wale to form crossover points between at most two consecutive wales .2 . Tubular weft-knitted j ersey-based fabric according to claim 1 , wherein the high- friction yarn is an elastic bare silicone yarn, a bare elastane yarn, a bare natural rubber yarn, an elastic yarn coated with silicone or with elastomer, an elastic yarn covered with one covering yarn wherein the covering yarn is a bare silicone , a bare elastane yarn or a bare natural rubber yarn, - an elastic yarn covered with two covering yarns wherein the outer of the two covering yarns is a bare silicone , a bare elastane yarn or a bare natural rubber yarn,an elastic yarn covered with one covering yarn wherein the covering yarn is coated with silicone or with elastomer, or an elastic yarn covered with two covering yarns wherein the outer of the two covering yarns is coated with silicone or with elastomer .3 . Tubular weft-knitted j ersey-based fabric according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the high- friction yarn is floated over four to nine consecutive wales , preferentially over exactly seven consecutive wales , within the portion .4 . Tubular weft-knitted j ersey-based fabric according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the first and the second laid-in yarns form alternatively single tuck stitches and single miss stitches within the portion .5 . Tubular weft-knitted j ersey-based fabric according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the portion of the si ze of at least six consecutive courses and at least six consecutive wales comprises only grip courses .6 . Tubular weft-knitted j ersey-based fabric according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the floats are aligned in wales direction over at least 10 , in particular over at least 20 , in particular over at least 100 , consecutive courses creating a rib-ef fect .7 . Tubular weft-knitted j ersey-based fabric according to any one of the claims 1 to 5 , wherein the floats are de-aligned at least each 10 consecutive courses , in particular at least each 7 consecutive courses , in particular at least each 4 consecutive courses , in particular at least each single courses .

8. Tubular weft-knitted jersey-based fabric according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grip course comprises a plating yarn.

9. Article comprising a tubular weft-knitted jersey-based fabric according to any one of the preceding claims .

10. Article according to claim 9, wherein the portion is integrally formed with the article.

11. Article according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the portion extends over the whole circumference of the article.

12. Article according to any one of the claims 9-11, wherein the article is a calf-high sock, a knee-high sock or a thigh-high stocking.

13. Article according to any one of the claims 9-12, wherein the article comprises a welt arranged at one end of the article and the portion is arranged directly adjacent to the welt.

14. Article according to any one of the claims 9-13, wherein the article is a medical compression garment having a controlled pressure profile along its length .

15. Method for producing a tubular weft-knitted jersey-based fabric on a single jersey circular knitting machine having at least four feeds, wherein the tubular weft-knitted jersey-based fabric has a ground knit consisting of plain stitches over at least 60% of the circumference of the tubular weft-knitted jersey-based fabric and having a portion of the size of at least sixconsecutive courses and at least six consecutive wales, wherein at least two of the at least six courses are grip courses, wherein knitting each grip course comprises the following actions:- knitting a ground yarn,- inlaying a first and a second laid-in yarn,- floating a high-friction yarn over at least three consecutive wales, wherein the first and the second laid-in yarns are tucked and missed in such a way that the first laid-in yarn is tucked whilst the second laid-in yarn is missed along a same wale to form crossover points between at most two consecutive wales.

16. Method according to claim 15, wherein the high-friction yarn is incorporated on a 1 x 3, 3 x 1, l x 4, 4 x 1, 1 x 5, 5 x 1, 1 x 6, 6 x 1, 1 x 7, 7 x 1, l x 8, 8 x 1, 1 x 9 or 9 x 1 tuck-and-miss basis, on a 1 x 3, 1 x 4, 1 x 5, 1 x 6, 1 x 7, 1 x 8 or 1 x 9 plain-and-miss basis or on a on a 3 x 1, 4 x 1, 5 x 1, 6 x 1, 7 x 1, 8 x 1 or 9 x 1 tuck-and-plain basis, preferentially on a 1 x 7 or a 7 x 1 tuck-and-miss basis within the portion.

17. Method according to claims 15 or 16, wherein the floats of the high-friction yarn are dealigned at least each 10 consecutive courses, in particular at least each 7 consecutive courses, in particular at least each 4 consecutive courses, in particular at least each single course within the portion.

Images