Single knitted fabric having three or more multiple stitches

Abstract

An objective of the present invention is to allow a layer facing the skin in multi-layer knitted fabric described above to perform its functions more efficiently. Single knitted fabric of the present invention is single knitted fabric having three or more multiple stitches, and is knitted with at least one elastic yarn and at least two front yarns. Note that the at least two front yarns have lower elasticity than the elastic yarn. Further, at least one of the at least two front yarns is knitted with flat knitting. The needle-side loops of the front yarn knitted with flat knitting are exposed on a side of a first surface. Additionally, at least one of the at least two front yarns is knitted in float knitting. The sinker-side loops of the front yarn knitted with float knitting are exposed on a side of a second surface, which is a surface of the opposite side of the first surface, in a floating state.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to single knitted fabric with three or more multiple stitches.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In the past, the following techniques were proposed: "three-layer knitted fabric knitted with three yarns, including one elastic yarn, where the two yarns excluding the elastic yarn are arranged such that one yarn is exposed on the surface and the other yarns are exposed on the back surface, with the elastic yarn sandwiched between the two yarns (e.g., see Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 57-034592)" and "three-layer fabric consisting of: a back layer for absorbing insensible perspiration or sweat from the human body; an intermediate layer for allowing moisture from the back layer to pass through, and a surface layer for releasing moisture from the intermediate layer to the outside air, wherein the back layer is composed of hydrophilic fiber, the surface layer is composed of hydrophobic fiber, and the intermediate layer is composed of hydrophobic fiber and / or hydrophilic fiber, the denier ratio of the yarn forming the surface layer to the yarn forming the back layer is 1:1 to 5:8, the denier ratio of the yarn forming the intermediate layer to the yarn forming the surface layer is 1:4 to 1:7, the weight ratio of the intermediate layer to the entire fabric is 0.4 to 5.0%, the weight ratio of the surface layer to the back layer is 5:6 to 1:2, and the overall basis weight of the knitted fabric is 130 to 600 g / m 2< (e.g., see Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 59-169386)."Prior Art Document

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 57-034592 Patent Document 2: Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 59-169386 DISCLOSURE OF INVENTIONTECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0004] An objective of the present invention is to allow a layer facing the skin in multi-layer knitted fabric described above to perform its functions more efficiently.SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

[0005] Single knitted fabric according to a first aspect of the present invention is single knitted fabric with three or more multiple stitches, and is knitted with at least one elastic yarn and at least two front yarns. Note that the at least two front yarns have lower elasticity than the elastic yarn. At least one of the at least two front yarns is knitted with flat knitting. Loops on the needle-side of the front yarn knitted with flat knitting are exposed on a side of a first surface. At least one of the at least two front yarns is knitted with float knitting. Loops on the sinker-side of the front yarn knitted with float knitting are exposed in a floating state on a side of a second surface. Note that the second surface is a surface of the opposite side of the first surface.

[0006] In the single knitted fabric, the sinker-side loops of the front yarns, which is knitted with float knitting, are exposed in a floating state on the second surface side. This allows the front yarn to come into contact with the skin more easily compared to knitted fabric where both the surface and back surfaces are knitted with flat knitting when the second surface side is positioned such that it faces the skin. Thus, in the single knitted fabric, using the front yarn with float knitting as functional yarn allows for more efficiently performing functions of the front yarn for the skin. Additionally, in the single knitted fabric, the side of the first surface, which is a surface of the opposite side of the second surface, is knitted with flat knitting. This allows the side of the first surface of the single knitted fabric to remain dense.

[0007] Single knitted fabric according to a second aspect of the present invention is the single knitted fabric according to the first aspect, in which the front yarns knitted with float knitting are more hydrophobic than the front yarns knitted with flat knitting.

[0008] Thus, when the second surface side is positioned such that it faces the skin, the water absorption effect of the coarse-fine structure (the effect of moisture moving from larger mesh structures to smaller mesh structures) causes sweat and moisture such as insensible perspiration from the skin to move from the second surface side to the first surface side, thereby allowing for minimizing the return of moisture from the skin, such as sweat and insensible perspiration, to the skin, and minimizing the contact of moisture from the outside, such as rain, with the skin. Additionally, the contact area between the front yarn knitted with float knitting and the skin is reduced, thus making it possible for the skin to feel less moist.

[0009] Single knitted fabric according to a third aspect of the present invention is the single knitted fabric according to the first aspect, in which the front yarns knitted with float knitting are yarns having a function of warming an object in contact.

[0010] This allows for warming an object in contact, such as human skin, when the second surface side is positioned such that it faces the skin. Further, since the first surface side is flat knitted, it is possible to inhibit or reduce the entry of outside air, thereby maintaining high efficiency in warming human skin and the like.

[0011] Single knitted fabric according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the single knitted fabric according to the first aspect, in which the elastic yarn is knitted with flat knitting.

[0012] This allows for imparting moderate elasticity to the single knitted fabric.

[0013] Single knitted fabric according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is single knitted fabric with three or more multiple stitches, and is knitted with at least one elastic yarn and at least two front yarns. Note that the at least two front yarns have lower elasticity than the elastic yarn. The single knitted fabric includes a first region and a second region. In the first region, the elastic yarn is knitted with flat knitting, and at least one of the at least two front yarns is knitted with flat knitting, with its needle-side loops exposed on a side of a first surface, and at least one of the at least two front yarns is knitted with float knitting, with its sinker-side loops exposed in a floating state on a side of a second surface. Note that the second surface is a surface of the opposite side of the first surface. In a second region, the elastic yarn and the at least two front yarns are knitted with flat knitting.

[0014] In the single knitted fabric, the first region has the same effect as the single knitted fabric according to the first aspect, and the second region can produce an effect due to its knitting structure.

[0015] Note that the single knitted fabric according to the fifth aspect of the present invention may be knitted such that the first region and the second region are distributed in different courses in the same knitted fabric, may be knitted such that they are distributed in different wales in the same knitted fabric, or may be knitted such that they are distributed not only in different courses but also in different wales in the same course in the same knitted fabric.

[0016] Single knitted fabric according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is single knitted fabric with three or more multiple stitches, and is knitted with at least one elastic yarn and at least two front yarns. Note that the at least two front yarns have lower elasticity than the elastic yarn. The single knitted fabric includes a first region and a third region. In the first region, the elastic yarn is knitted with flat knitting, and at least one of the at least two front yarns is knitted with flat knitting, with its needle-side loops exposed on a side of a first surface, and at least one of the at least two front yarns is knitted with float knitting, with its sinker-side loops exposed in a floating state on a side of a second surface. In the third region, the elastic yarn is knitted with flat knitting and the at least two front yarns are knitted with float knitting.

[0017] In the single knitted fabric, the first region has the same effect as the single knitted fabric according to the first aspect, and also it is possible to enhance the breathability of the third region.

[0018] Note that the single knitted fabric according to the sixth aspect of the present invention may be knitted such that the first region and the third region are distributed in different courses in the same knitted fabric, may be knitted such that they are distributed in different wales in the same knitted fabric, or may be knitted such that they are distributed not only in different courses but also in different wales in the same course in the same knitted fabric.

[0019] Single knitted fabric according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is single knitted fabric with three or more multiple stitches, and is knitted with at least one elastic yarn and at least two front yarns. Note that the at least two front yarns have lower elasticity than the elastic yarn. The single knitted fabric includes a first region, a second region, and a third region. In the first region, the elastic yarn is knitted with flat knitting, and at least one of the at least two front yarns is knitted with flat knitting, with its needle-side loops exposed on a side of a first surface, and at least one of the at least two front yarns is knitted with float knitting, with its sinker-side loops exposed in a floating state on a side of a second surface. In a second region, the elastic yarn and the at least two front yarns are knitted with flat knitting. In the third region, the elastic yarn is knitted with flat knitting and the at least two front yarns are knitted with float knitting.

[0020] In the single knitted fabric, the first region has the same effect as the single knitted fabric according to the first aspect, and the second region and the third region can produce an effect due to its knitting structure.

[0021] Note that the single knitted fabric according to the seventh aspect of the present invention may be knitted such that the first region, the second region, and the second region are distributed in different courses in the same knitted fabric, may be knitted such that they are distributed in different wales in the same knitted fabric, or may be knitted such that they are distributed not only in different courses but also in different wales in the same course in the same knitted fabric.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 is a partial plan view of a circular knitting machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the relative positions of each yarn guide and the knitting points. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the height relationship between each yarn guide in the circular knitting machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the height position of a needle and the relationship between the yarns hung on the needle in the circular knitting machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the dashed arrow lines shown in this figure indicate the time-series state transitions of the needle, not its movement. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the height relationship between front yarn for flat knitting that passes through a first yarn guide, elastic yarn that passes through a second yarn guide, and front yarn for float knitting that passes through a third yarn guide for the needle of the circular knitting machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of legwear according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing regions set as a first region and a second region in an example of legwear according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing regions set as the first region and a third region in an example of legwear according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing regions set as the first region, the second region, and a third region in an example of legwear according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing regions set as the first region and the second region in an example of legwear according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing regions set as the first region and the third region in an example of legwear according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing regions set as the first region, the second region, and the third region in an example of legwear according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing regions set as the first region and the second region in an example of legwear according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing regions set as the first region and the third region in an example of legwear according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a region set as the first region in an example of legwear according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a photograph showing an example of the legwear shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a 50-times enlarged photograph of the outer (front) side of the first region of the legwear shown in FIG. 15. In this figure, the black yarn is the front yarn for flat knitting, and the white yarn is the front yarn for float knitting. Note that in the figure, the reference Y2 indicates the front yarn for float knitting, and the reference Y3 indicates the front yarn for flat knitting. FIG. 17 is a 50-times enlarged photograph of the inner side (skin side) of the first region of the legwear shown in FIG. 15. In this figure, the white yarn with loops float knitted is front yarn for float knitting, and the white yarn, for which loops are not float knitted and are flat knitted, is elastic yarn. Note that in the figure, the reference Y1 indicates elastic yarn, and the reference Y2 indicates yarn for float knitting. REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0023] E1 Exit of a first yarn guide E2 Exit of a second yarn guide E3 Exit of a third yarn guide ND Needle NP Knitting point P1 First yarn guide P2 Second yarn guide P3 Third yarn guide RN Circular knitting machine Y1 Elastic yarn Y2 Yarn for float knitting Y3 Yarn for flat knitting DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS< Configuration of single knitted fabric according to an embodiment of the present invention >

[0024] Single knitted fabric according to an embodiment of the present invention is single knitted fabric with three or more multiple stitches. This single knitted fabric is knitted from at least one elastic yarn and at least two front yarns. Note that the at least two front yarns have lower elasticity than the elastic yarn. At least one front yarn of the at least two front yarns is knitted with flat knitting. The needle-side loops of the front yarn knitted with flat knitting (hereinafter this may be referred to as the "front yarn for flat knitting") are exposed on a first surface side. Furthermore, at least one front yarn of the at least two front yarns is knitted with float knitting. Note that the float knitting may also be referred to as a welt knitting, miss-knitting, or float stitch (floating knitting). The sinker-side loops of the front yarn knitted with float knitting (hereinafter this may be referred to as the "front yarn for float knitting") are exposed on a second surface in a floating state. Note that the second surface refers to the surface opposite to the first surface. Further, the elastic yarn is positioned between the front yarn for flat knitting and the front yarn for float knitting. Incidentally, such single knitted fabric has a feature of not being thinner than single knitted fabric made by using only one front yarn and one back yarn with float knitting.< Method of knitting single knitted fabric according to an embodiment of the present invention >

[0025] The single knitted fabric according to an embodiment of the present invention can be knitted into flat fabric using a flat knitting machine, or into tubular fabric (circular knitting) using a circular knitting machine. Note that when the single knitted fabric is knitted into a tubular shape, it is preferable that the single knitted fabric is knitted such that the yarn for float knitting is positioned on the inner side. The following describes a method for knitting the single knitted fabric according to an embodiment of the present invention into a tubular shape using a circular knitting machine such that the front yarn for float knitting is positioned on the inner side.

[0026] First, a circular knitting machine used in the method of knitting single knitted fabric according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. In the circular knitting machine, a yarn guide of the elastic yarn is referred to as the "first yarn guide," a yarn guide of the front yarn for float knitting is referred to as the "second yarn guide," and a yarn guide of the front yarn for flat knitting is referred to as the "third yarn guide."

[0027] In the circular knitting machine RN, the exits of the above three yarn guides are arranged in the positions described in the following (a) to (f) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. (a) The exit E1 of the first yarn guide P1 is located at a position closest to the knitting point (also called the knitting point) NP in the circumferential direction as viewed in plan view (see FIG. 1). (b) The exit E3 of the third yarn guide P3 is located at a position in the circumferential direction that is farthest from the knitting point NP as viewed in plan view (see FIG. 1). (c) The exit E2 of the second yarn guide P2 is located between the exit E1 of the first yarn guide P1 and the exit E3 of the third yarn guide P3 in the circumferential direction as viewed in plan view (see FIG. 1). In other words, the circumferential distance from the exit E2 of the second yarn guide P2 to the knitting point NP is longer than the circumferential distance from the exit E1 of the first yarn guide P1 to the knitting point NP and is shorter than the circumferential distance from the exit E3 of the third yarn guide P3 to the knitting point NP. (d) The exit E1 of the first yarn guide P1 is located below the exit E2 of the second yarn guide P2 and the exit E3 of the third yarn guide P3 (i.e., the exit E1 of the first yarn guide P1 is located at the lowest point of the three yarn guides P1 to P3) (see FIG. 2). (e) The exit E2 of the second yarn guide P2 is located above the exit E1 of the first yarn guide P1 and the exit E3 of the third yarn guide P3 (i.e., the exit E2 of the second yarn guide P2 is located at the highest point of the three yarn guides P1 to P3) (see FIG. 2). (f) The exit E3 of the third yarn guide P3 is located at a height higher than the exit E1 of the first yarn guide P1 and lower than the exit E2 of the second yarn guide P2 (i.e., the exit E3 of the third yarn guide P3 is located between the exit E1 of the first yarn guide P1 and the exit E2 of the second yarn guide P2) (see FIG. 2).

[0028] Next, a method of knitting single circular knitted fabric according to an embodiment of the present invention using the circular knitting machine RN will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 3, the single circular knitting machine RN adjusts the height at which the needle ND is raised, thereby determining whether the yarn Y2 for float knitting is knitted in or not (note that the part indicated by the reference Nm in FIG. 3 is a "hook," and the part indicated by the reference Nb is a "clasp." Additionally, the hook Nm is open toward the inner side of the circular knitting machine RN.). In other words, as shown on the left side of FIG. 3, when the needle ND does not reach the height through which the front yarn Y2 for float knitting passes, the front yarn Y2 for float knitting is not knitted and its sinker-side loop portion remains in a floating state. Note that in such a case, as shown on the left side of FIG. 3, the needle ND reaches the height at which the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting passes, so that the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting and the elastic yarn Y1 passing below it are hooked onto the needle ND, and the elastic yarn Y1 and the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting are knitted into a flat knit. Note that the height adjustment of the needle ND may be performed mechanically or programmatically. Further, in such a case, as shown in FIG. 4, for the needle ND, the elastic yarn Y1 is positioned inside the knitting machine RN relative to the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting (the yarns are hooked onto the needle ND in order from the yarn farthest from the knitting point NP, so that the yarns farther from the knitting point NP are positioned further outward from the knitting machine RN, and the yarns closer to the knitting point NP are positioned further inward from the knitting machine RN), so that the needle-side loops of the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting are exposed on the surface side, and the elastic yarn Y1 is exposed on the inner side (i.e., the skin side). Additionally, the front yarn Y2 for float knitting, which is not attached to the needle, is not knitted, and the sinker-side loops of the front yarn Y2 for float knitting float inward; as a result, the needle-side loops of the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting appear on the surface side, the sinker-side loops of the front yarn Y2 for float knitting appear on the inner side (i.e., the skin side), and the elastic yarn Y1 is positioned between them. Additionally, in such a case, the needle-side loops of the front yarn Y2 for float knitting also appear on the surface side.

[0029] Conversely, as shown on the right side of FIG. 3, when the needle ND reaches the height through which the front yarn Y2 for float knitting passes, the front yarn Y2 for float knitting, as well as the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting and the elastic yarn Y1 that pass beneath the front yarn Y2, are hooked onto the needle ND, and thus the front yarn Y2 for float knitting, the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting and the elastic yarn Y1 are knitted into a flat knit. Additionally, in this case, as shown in FIG. 4, for the needle ND, the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting is positioned outside the front yarn Y2 for float knitting, and the front yarn Y2 for float knitting is positioned outside the elastic yarn Y1; as a result, the needle-side loops of the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting are exposed on the surface side, the elastic yarn Y1 is exposed on the inner side (i.e., the skin side), and the front yarn Y2 for float knitting is positioned between them.

[0030] Note that, although not shown in a figure, the circular knitting machine RN adjusts the maximum reach position of the needle ND so that the needle ND does not reach the height at which the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting passes through, then knits only the elastic yarn Y1 with flat knitting using the needle ND, and knits neither the front yarn Y2 for float knitting nor the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting, thus allowing the sinker-side loop portions of the front yarn Y2 for float knitting and the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting to be in a floating state.

[0031] As described above, the circular knitting machine RN adjusts the maximum reach position of the needle ND, thereby allowing for mixing, in the same single knitted fabric, (i) a region where all of the elastic yarn Y1, the front yarn Y2 for float knitting, and the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting are flat knitted, (ii) a region where the elastic yarn Y1 and the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting are flat knitted, and the front yarn Y2 for float knitting is float knitted, and (iii) a region where the elastic yarn Y1 is flat knitted, and the front yarn Y2 for float knitting and the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting are float knitted. Note that it is preferable that the region where the front yarn Y2 for float knitting and the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting should be kept as far as possible from the skin is set as the region of (i), the region where only the front yarn Y2 for float knitting should come into contact with the skin is set as the region of (ii), and the region where both the front yarn Y2 for float knitting and the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting should come into contact with the skin is set as the region of (iii).< Application of the single knitted fabric according to an embodiment of the present invention >

[0032] The single knitted fabric according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied, for example, to garments such as knit caps, clothing, legwear, armwear, or the like. When the single knitted fabric according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to garments, it is preferable that the sinker-side loops of the front yarn for float knitting are exposed on the skin side, and the needle-side loops of the front yarn for flat knitting are exposed on the surface side. This is because, in such a case, using functional yarns having functions to be imparted to the skin as the front yarn for float knitting allows for imparting the functions of the functional yarns to the skin; furthermore, using yarns with excellent appearance or softness as the front yarn for flat knitting allows for knitting the knitted fabric with excellent appearance and skin feel superior to those of conventional knitted fabric. As described above, the elastic yarn should have higher elasticity than the at least two front yarns (including the front yarn for flat knitting and the front yarn for float knitting). Note that examples of the elastic yarn include FTY (filament twisted yarn), SCY (single covered yarn), DCY (double covered yarn), woolly nylon, and the like. Furthermore, it is preferable to use functional yarns that possess both functions to be imparted to the skin and elasticity. Examples of applications of the single knitted fabric will be introduced below.

[0033] Further, when the single knitted fabric of an embodiment of the present invention is applied to legwear such as a sock that has a toe covering portion and a heel covering portion, it is preferable to form a first region, which is flat knitted with the elastic yarn Y1 and the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting and is float knitted with the front yarn Y2 for float knitting, in a tubular portion that covers the base of the foot (foot root), the sole, the instep, the ankle, and the leg. Such legwear is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In FIG. 5, the reference numeral 100 denotes the legwear, the reference numeral 105 denotes a leg covering portion, the reference numeral 110 denotes an ankle covering portion, the reference numeral 120 denotes a heel covering portion, the reference numeral 130 denotes an instep covering portion, the reference numeral 140 denotes a sole covering portion, the reference numeral 150 denotes a foot root covering portion, the reference numeral 160 denotes a toe covering portion, and the reference numeral 180 denotes a tubular portion. Additionally, in FIG. 6, the reference R1 indicates the first region described above, and the reference R2 indicates a second region described below. Note that the tubular portion 180 is composed of the leg covering portion 105, the ankle covering portion 110, the heel covering portion 120, the instep covering portion 130, the sole covering portion 140, and the foot root covering portion 150. Further, in such legwear 100, it is preferable to form a second region R2, which is flat knitted with all of the elastic yarn Y1, the front yarn Y2 for float knitting, and the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting, in the toe covering portion 160 that covers the toes and the heel covering portion 120 that covers the heel (see FIG. 6). This is because, in such a case, the functional yarn can impart its function to the skin in the tubular portion, and furthermore it is possible to enhance the durability of the toe covering portion 160 and heel covering portion 120.

[0034] In such a case, it is preferable that the toe covering portion 160 and the heel covering portion 120 include narrowing stitches in which the number of wales gradually decreases and widening stitches in which the number of wales gradually increases. This is because the toe covering portion 160 and the heel covering portion 120 can be shaped to fit the shape of the human body, thus enhancing the comfort of wearing the legwear 100. Note that, typically, the yarn used to knit the toe covering portion 160 and the heel covering portion 120 is different from the yarn used to knit the tubular portion 180, whether it is elastic yarn or front yarn.

[0035] Additionally, the toe covering portion 160 and the heel covering portion 120 may be flat knitted using the elastic yarn Y1 and any one of the above-mentioned front yarns. Note that the toe covering portion 160 and the heel covering portion 120 may be knitted using any method other than the method described above, which includes flat knitting with the elastic yarn Y1 and the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting and float knitting with the front yarn Y2 for float knitting.

[0036] Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, in addition to the tubular portion 180, the toe covering portion 160 and the heel covering portion 120 may also form the first region where the elastic yarn Y1 and the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting are flat knitted, and the front yarn Y2 for float knitting is float knitted. Note that FIG. 16 shows a 50-times enlarged photograph of the outer side (the surface side) of the first region of the legwear shown in FIG. 15; FIG. 17 shows a 50-times enlarged photograph of the inner side (the skin surface) of the first region of the same legwear. In such a case, it is preferable to make the number of wales in the heel covering portion 120 the same as the number of wales in the tubular portion 180, and to include neither narrowing stitches in which the number of wales gradually decreases nor widening stitches in which the number of wales gradually increases in the heel covering portion 120. This is because, in such a case, in the heel covering portion 120, as in the tubular portion 180, the function of the functional yarn can be imparted to the skin, and an aesthetically pleasing sock can be provided in which the appearance of the stitches in the heel covering portion 120 and the tubular portion 180 is the same. Further, it is preferable to provide an edge-sewn portion at the center of the tip of the toe covering portion 160, the edge-sewn portion being formed by either sewing the edge while cutting the tip of the tubular portion 180 or sewing after cutting. This is because, in such a case, in the toe covering portion 160, as in the tubular portion 180, the function of the functional yarn can be imparted to the skin, and furthermore an aesthetically pleasing sock can be provided in which the stitches of the toe covering portion 160 and the tubular portion 180 have the same appearance, and the seams of the toe covering portion 160 are not noticeable.

[0037] Additionally, the toe covering portion 160 and the heel covering portion 120 may include the first region R1 that is flat knitted with the elastic yarn Y1 and the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting and is float knitted with the front yarn Y2 for float knitting, the first region R1 including narrowing stitches in which the number of wales gradually decreases and widening stitches in which the number of wales gradually increases. This is because, in such a case, the function of the functional yarn can be imparted to the skin, and furthermore the toe covering portion 160 and the heel covering portion 120 can be shaped to fit the shape of the human body, thus enhancing the comfort of wearing the legwear.

[0038] Additionally, as examples other than the above-mentioned examples, examples shown in FIGS 7 to 13 are provided. FIG. 7 shows an example where the leg covering portion 105, the ankle covering portion 110, the heel covering portion 120, the instep covering portion 130, and the sole covering portion 140 are set as the first region R1, and the foot root covering portion 150 is set as the third region R3. Note that the third region R3 is a region where the elastic yarn Y1 is knitted with flat knitting, and the front yarns Y3 for flat knitting and the front yarn Y2 for float knitting are knitted with float knitting. Additionally, FIG. 8 shows an example where the leg covering portion 105, the ankle covering portion 110, the instep covering portion 130, and the sole covering portion 140 are set as the first region R1, the toe covering portion 160 and the heel covering portion 120 are set as the second region R2, and the foot root covering portion 150 is set as the third region R3. Further, FIG. 9 shows an example where the instep covering portion 130 is set as the second region R2 and the sole covering portion 140 is set as the first region R1. Additionally, FIG. 10 shows an example where the instep covering portion 130 is set as the third region R3 and the sole covering portion 140 is set as the first region R1. Further, FIG. 11 shows an example where the upper part of the instep covering portion 130 is set as the third region R3, the part where the lower part of the instep covering portion 130 and the upper part of the sole covering portion 140 are joined together is set as the second region R2, and the lower part of the sole covering portion 140 is set as the first region R1. Further, FIG. 12 shows an example where the sole covering portion 140 is set as the first region R1, and the instep covering portion 130, the toe covering portion 160, and the heel covering portion 120 are set as the second region R2. Further, FIG. 13 shows an example where the leg covering portion 105, the ankle covering portion 110, and the instep covering portion 130 are set as the third region R3, and the sole covering portion 140 is set as the first region R1.(1) First application example

[0039] As a first application example, a garment that is comfortable to wear in the summer season will be introduced below. During the summer season, people tend to sweat easily and experience skin discomfort, so that there is a demand for garments that reduce this discomfort. Examples of cases for producing such garments include a case in which hydrophobic or water-repellent yarn can be used as front yarn for float knitting, while hydrophilic or absorbent yarn can be used as front yarn for flat knitting. In such a case, a knitting structure on the skin side is knitted with float knitting using hydrophobic yarn or water-repellent yarn, and the stitches are densely knitted with flat knitting using hydrophilic yarn or water-absorbent yarn, thereby forming the knitting structure with finer stitches than the skin side. Knitting the single knitted fabric according to an embodiment of the embodiment of the present invention in this manner causes a sparse-dense structure, in which the knitting structure on the skin side is sparse and the knitting structure on the surface side is dense in the single knitted fabric, to be formed; due to the water absorption effect of the sparse-dense structure, moisture such as sweat moves from the skin side to the surface side, and thus the hydrophobicity or water-repellent properties of the front yarn for float knitting prevent moisture from easily returning from the surface side to the skin side. Additionally, the loops on the sinker side of the front yarn reduce the area of the single knitted fabric in contact with the skin, making the skin less likely to feel moisture.

[0040] Incidentally, when the above-mentioned garment is legwear, such as a sock, that has a heel covering portion, it is preferable to form a region, where the elastic yarn Y1 and the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting are flat knitted, and the front yarn Y2 for float knitting is float knitted, in the tubular portion that covers the sole, the instep, the ankle, and the leg. In particular, it is preferable to form a region, where the elastic yarn Y1 and the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting are flat knitted, and the front yarn Y2 for float knitting is float knitted, in the portion that covers at least one of the toe base and the sole, which are prone to sweating. Further, it is preferable to form a region, where the elastic yarn Y1 is flat knitted and the front yarn Y2 for float knitting and the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting are float knitted, in the portion that covers at least one of the toe base and the instep. This is because, in such a case, this arrangement causes moisture such as sweat from at least one of the toe base and the sole to move from the skin side to the surface side, thereby minimizing the sensation of dampness and also maximizing breathability of at least one of the toe base and the instep.(2) Second Application Example

[0041] As a second application example, a garment that is comfortable to wear in the winter season will be introduced below. During the winter season, the human body (especially the legs, feet, and hands) tends to get cold, so that there is a demand for garments that keep the body warm. Examples of cases for producing such garments include a case in which yarn with functions to warm the human body (such as contact-sensitive warming yarn, heat-sensing yarn that stimulates TRPV1, or moisture-absorbing heating yarn that generates heat when exposed to sweat or moisture) is used as the front yarn for float knitting, while yarn with insulating properties is used as the front yarn for flat knitting. In such a case, a knitting structure on the skin side is knitted with float knitting using the yarn with functions to warm the human body, and the stitches are densely knitted with flat knitting using the yarn with thermal insulating properties, thereby forming the knitting structure with finer stitches than the skin side. Knitting the single knitted fabric according to an embodiment of the present invention in this manner causes the knitting structure on the skin side to be sparse, thus making it easier for an air layer to form in the knitting structure on the skin side; furthermore, it causes the knitting structure on the surface side to be dense, thus blocking external air by the knitting structure on the surface side and causing the air warmed by body temperature in the knitting structure on the skin side to become less likely to escape outward. Note that, in such a case, the effect can be enhanced by shaping the floating portion (float portion) of the front yarn for float knitting into a honeycomb shape or a grid shape; in some cases, it is anticipated that single knitted fabric that achieves warmth comparable to pile knitting despite being thinner than pile knitting can be provided. Additionally, it is expected that raising the part on the skin side including the floating portion (float portion) will result in a softer texture and the ability to hold more air.

[0042] Incidentally, when the above-mentioned garment is legwear, such as a sock, that has a heel covering portion, it is preferable to form a region, where the elastic yarn Y1 and the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting are flat knitted, and the front yarn Y2 for float knitting is float knitted, in the tubular portion that covers the sole, the instep, the ankle, and the leg. Additionally, in a region that covers at least one part of the toe where blood circulation tends to be poor at the extremities of the human body, the sole of the foot, which is prone to cooling due to heat conduction when in contact with the ground or floor, and the ankle, where blood vessels (arteries) with high blood flow run close to the skin, it is preferable to form a region where the elastic yarn Y1 and the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting are flat knitted, and the front yarn Y2 for float knitting is float knitted. This is because the yarn, which is used as the front yarn for float knitting and has a function to warm the human body, comes into direct contact with the skin of cold-prone parts of the feet, make the cold-prone parts less likely to contact with the external air, and prevents the warm air in the knitting structure on the skin side from escaping outward, thereby more effectively warming the cold-prone parts.< Features of single round knitted fabric according to an embodiment of the present invention >

[0043] In single round knitted fabric according to an embodiment of the present invention, the sinker side loops of the front yarn for float knitting are exposed in a floating state on the skin side. This allows the front yarn for float knitting to easily bring into contact with the skin compared to knitted fabric in which both the surface and back sides are flat knitted. Thus, using the front yarn for float knitting as a functional yarn in the single round knitted fabric allows for more efficiently performing functions of the front yarn for float knitting for the skin. Additionally, in this single round knitted fabric, the surface side is flat knitted. This allows the surface side of the single round knitted fabric to be kept dense.Modifications

[0044] (A) In the circular knitting machine RN of the preceding embodiment, the elastic yarn Y1 is passed through the first yarn guide P1, but the elastic yarn Y1 may also be passed through the second yarn guide P2. In such a case, the front yarn Y2 for float knitting may be passed through the first yarn guide P1 or the third yarn guide P3, and the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting is passed through the yarn guide through which the front yarn for float knitting is not passed. In such a case, it is possible to knit the knitted fabric with a distinctive textured surface having unevenness. (B) In the circular knitting machine RN of the previous embodiment, the elastic yarn Y1 is passed through the first yarn guide P1, but the elastic yarn Y1 may also be passed through the third yarn guide P3. In such a case, the front yarn Y2 for float knitting may be passed through the first yarn guide P1 or the second yarn guide P2, and the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting is passed through the yarn guide through which the front yarn Y2 for float knitting is not passed. Note that, in such a case, it is conceivable to pass yarn, which should not come into contact with the skin (e.g., hard yarn such as metal yarn), through the first yarn guide P1 and pass yarn, which should come into contact with the skin, through the second yarn guide P2. This allows for inhibiting or reducing the release of body heat outward due to the thermal reflection effect of aluminum by using aluminum vapor-deposited yarn or aluminum slit yarn as metal yarn. Additionally, conductive fibers can be used as metal yarn to knit the substrate fabric of a wearable device. (C) Although not included in the previous embodiment, the circular knitting machine RN may be equipped with a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the third yarn guide P3 relative to the circular knitting machine RN. In such a case, the highest reach position of strokes of the needle ND may or may not be adjusted. This allows for mixing, in the same single knitted fabric, (i) a region where all of the elastic yarn Y1, the front yarn Y2 for float knitting, and the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting are flat knitted, (ii) a region where the elastic yarn Y1 and the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting are flat knitted, and the front yarn Y2 for float knitting is float knitted, and (iii) a region where the elastic yarn Y1 is flat knitted, and the front yarn Y2 for float knitting and the front yarn Y3 for flat knitting are float knitted.

[0045] Note that in knitting the above-mentioned region (i), any height of the third yarn guide P3 can be employed. Further, in knitting the above-mentioned region (ii), the third yarn guide P3 is moved to the height between the first yarn guide P1 and the second yarn guide P2. Further, in knitting the above-mentioned region (iii), the third yarn guide P3 is moved to a position higher than the second yarn guide P2.

[0046] Additionally, after the cylinder of the circular knitting machine RN has rotated at least once, adjusting the highest position reached by the stroke of the needle ND or moving the needle ND to the height where the third yarn guide P3 is positioned allows for knitting with combining the above-mentioned regions (i), (ii), and (iii) in different courses in the same knitted fabric. Further, while the cylinder of the circular knitting machine RN is rotating, adjusting the highest position reached by the stroke of the needle ND or moving the needle ND to the height the third yarn guide P3 is positioned allows for knitting with combining the above-mentioned regions (i), (ii), and (iii) in different wales in the same course of the same knitted fabric. This allows the above-mentioned regions (i), (ii), and (iii) to be knitted at any desired position.

Claims

1. Single knitted fabric with three or more multiple stitches knitted with at least one elastic yarn and at least two front yarns having lower elasticity than the elastic yarn, wherein at least one of the at least two front yarns is knitted with flat knitting, with its needle-side loops exposed on a side of a first surface, and wherein at least one of the at least two front yarns is knitted with float knitting, with its sinker-side loops exposed in a floating state on a side of a second surface, which is a surface of the opposite side of the first surface.

2. The single knitted fabric with three or more multiple stitches according to claim 1, wherein the front yarns knitted with float knitting are more hydrophobic than the front yarns knitted with flat knitting.

3. The single knitted fabric with three or more multiple stitches according to claim 1, wherein the front yarns knitted with float knitting are yarns having a function of warming an object in contact.

4. The single knitted fabric with three or more multiple stitches according to claim 1, wherein the elastic yarn is knitted with flat knitting.

5. Single knitted fabric with three or more multiple stitches knitted with at least one elastic yarn and at least two front yarns having lower elasticity than the elastic yarn, the single knitted fabric including: a first region where the elastic yarn is knitted with flat knitting, and at least one of the at least two front yarns is knitted with flat knitting, with its needle-side loops exposed on a side of a first surface, and at least one of the at least two front yarns is knitted with float knitting, with its sinker-side loops exposed in a floating state on a side of a second surface, which is a surface of the opposite side of the first surface; and a second region where the elastic yarn and the at least two front yarns are knitted with flat knitting.

6. The single knitted fabric with three or more multiple stitches according to claim 5, wherein the first region and the second region are distributed in different courses in the same knitted fabric.

7. The single knitted fabric with three or more multiple stitches according to claim 5, wherein the first region and the second region are distributed in different wales in the same knitted fabric.

8. The single knitted fabric with three or more multiple stitches according to claim 5, wherein the first region and the second region are distributed not only in different courses but also in different wales in the same course in the same knitted fabric.

9. Single knitted fabric with three or more multiple stitches knitted with at least one elastic yarn and at least two front yarns having lower elasticity than the elastic yarn, the single knitted fabric including: a first region where the elastic yarn is knitted with flat knitting, and at least one of the at least two front yarns is knitted with flat knitting, with its needle-side loops exposed on a side of a first surface, and at least one of the at least two front yarns is knitted with float knitting, with its sinker-side loops exposed in a floating state on a side of a second surface, which is a surface of the opposite side of the first surface; and a third region where the elastic yarn is knitted with flat knitting and the at least two front yarns are knitted with float knitting.

10. The single knitted fabric with three or more multiple stitches according to claim 9, wherein the first region and the third region are distributed in different courses in the same knitted fabric.

11. The single knitted fabric with three or more multiple stitches according to claim 9, wherein the first region and the third region are distributed in different wales in the same knitted fabric.

12. The single knitted fabric with three or more multiple stitches according to claim 9, wherein the first region and the third region are distributed not only on different courses but also on different wales on the same course in the same knitted fabric.

13. Single knitted fabric with three or more multiple stitches knitted with at least one elastic yarn and at least two front yarns having lower elasticity than the elastic yarn, the single knitted fabric including: a first region where the elastic yarn is knitted with flat knitting, and at least one of the at least two front yarns is knitted with flat knitting, with its needle-side loops exposed on a side of a first surface, and at least one of the at least two front yarns is knitted with float knitting, with its sinker-side loops exposed in a floating state on a side of a second surface, which is a surface of the opposite side of the first surface; a second region where the elastic yarn and the at least two front yarns are knitted with flat knitting; and a third region where the elastic yarn is knitted with flat knitting and the at least two front yarns are knitted with float knitting.

14. The single knitted fabric with three or more multiple stitches according to claim 13, wherein the first region, the second region, and the third region are distributed in different courses in the same knitted fabric.

15. The single knitted fabric with three or more multiple stitches according to claim 13, wherein the first region, the second region, and the third region are distributed in different wales in the same knitted fabric.

16. The single knitted fabric with three or more multiple stitches according to claim 13, wherein the first region, the second region, and the third region are distributed not only in different courses but also in different wales in the same course in the same knitted fabric.

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