Chenille yarn, fabric, and clothing product

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a molle yarn including a core yarn and an effect yarn group held by the core yarn, wherein: the core yarn includes a plurality of first filaments, and each of the first filaments has a single-filament fineness of 0.3 dtex or more and 5.0 dtex or less; each of the effect yarns includes a plurality of second filaments and has a fixing portion formed by being held by the core yarn, and each of the second filaments has a single-filament fineness of 0.3 dtex or more and 8.0 dtex or less; and when the direct distance between the core yarn and the distal end of each of the second filaments in a state where the length direction of the molle yarn and the longitudinal direction of each of the effect yarns are horizontally oriented is defined as a height T1 of each of the second filaments, and the direct distance between the core yarn and the distal end of each of the second filaments in a state where each of the second filaments is stretched to be straight along the direction orthogonal to the length direction of the molle yarn is defined as a height T2 of each of the second filaments, a ratio of the height T1 to the height T2 (height T1 / height T2) is 0.88 or more.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-118500, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a molle yarn, a fabric including the molle yarn, and a clothing product including the fabric.BACKGROUND

[0003] A molle yarn is a fibrous material including a core yarn and an effect yarn group held by the core yarn. A molle yarn has a fluffy and bulky effect yarn group covering a core yarn and is therefore thicker and has a fluffier appearance than a yarn consisting of only a core yarn. Based on such a characteristic appearance, a molle yarn is also called a chenille yarn. In general, a molle yarn is often used as a fancy yarn for collars and the like of clothes for fashion or sold as an embroidery yarn or a hand-knitting yarn in craft stores.

[0004] Patent Literature 1 discloses a molle yarn using a twisted yarn formed of a core yarn and a pressing yarn. In this molle yarn, an effect yarn is fused and fixed between the core yarn and the pressing yarn, and the effect yarn has a crimp having a radius of curvature of 0.5 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less. Patent Literature 1 states that such a crimp allows the molle yarn to have improved bulkiness, and therefore the molle yarn can be suitably used as a stuffing material.CITATION LISTPatent Literature

[0005] Patent Literature 1: JP 2022-13788 A Patent Literature 2: JP 4-352840 A SUMMARYTechnical Problem

[0006] On the other hand, a molle yarn generally has such a problem that each of the effect yarns included in the effect yarn group is likely to fall out of the core yarn due to washing. In portions where effect yarns have fallen out, the core yarn becomes exposed so that a bulky and fluffy appearance resulting from the effect yarn group is impaired. Therefore, the use of a molle yarn is conventionally not very preferred, for example, when clothes to be repeatedly washed on a daily basis are produced or when fabrics are produced as materials for such clothes. Further, marine contamination by microplastics has become a problem in recent years. In consideration of these things, when a synthetic resin fiber is used for effect yarns of a molle yarn, it is desirable that the effect yarns are less likely to fall out of a core yarn even when fabrics or clothes including the molle yarn are washed. Further, when clothes are bulkier, there is generally an advantage that warmth-retaining properties are higher, but problems such as weight increase and unpleasant stuffiness are likely to occur. Therefore, it is desirable that clothes that are comfortable as much as possible can be produced while these problems are solved.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a molle yarn that can easily produce a fabric that is light-weight, has warmth-retaining properties and air permeability, and is likely to prevent effect yarns from falling out, such a fabric, and a clothing product.Solution to Problem

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, an embodiment of the present invention provides a molle yarn including a core yarn and an effect yarn group held by the core yarn, wherein the core yarn includes a plurality of first filaments, and each of the first filaments has a single-filament fineness of 0.3 dtex or more and 5.0 dtex or less, each of the effect yarns includes a plurality of second filaments and has a fixing portion formed by being held by the core yarn, and each of the second filaments has a single-filament fineness of 0.3 dtex or more and 8.0 dtex or less, and when the direct distance between the core yarn and the distal end of each of the second filaments in a state where the length direction of the molle yarn and the longitudinal direction of each of the effect yarns are horizontally oriented is defined as a height T1 of each of the second filaments and the direct distance between the core yarn and the distal end of each of the second filaments in a state where each of the second filaments is stretched to be straight along the direction orthogonal to the length direction of the molle yarn is defined as a height T2 of each of the second filaments, a ratio of the height T1 to the height T2 (the height T1 / the height T2) is 0.88 or more. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Fig. 1 is an enlarged microscope photograph of a molle yarn according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 2A is an electron microscope photograph showing the cross-section of a filament as an example of a hollow filament. Fig. 2B is an electron microscope photograph showing the cross-section of a filament as an example of a flat filament. Fig. 2C is an electron microscope photograph showing the cross-sections of a filament as an example of a false-twist crimped filament. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram for illustrating a method for measuring a radius of curvature of a sampled filament (e.g., a sampled second filament). Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram for illustrating a method for measuring a height T1 and a height T2 of each second filament in the molle yarn according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram for illustrating an example of a method for producing the molle yarn according to Embodiment 1 (in which the number of wales is 3 (n = 3)), wherein step S1, step S2, and step S3 in the production method are shown. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram for illustrating an example of a method for producing the molle yarn according to Embodiment 1 (in which the number of wales is 3 (n = 3)), wherein step S5 of the production method and an example of a produced molle yarn are shown. Fig. 7A is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the molle yarn according to Embodiment 1 including a core yarn and an effect yarn group. Fig. 7B is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of each of the effect yarns when the core yarn is excluded from the configuration of the molle yarn shown in Fig. 7A. Fig. 8A is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a molle yarn according to Embodiment 2 including a core yarn and an effect yarn group. Fig. 8B is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of each of the effect yarns when the core yarn is excluded from the configuration of the molle yarn according to Embodiment 2 shown in Fig. 8A. Fig. 9A is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a molle yarn according to Embodiment 3 including a core yarn and an effect yarn group. Fig. 9B is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of each of the effect yarns when the core yarn is excluded from the configuration of the molle yarn according to Embodiment 3 shown in Fig. 9A. Fig. 10A is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a molle yarn according to Embodiment 4 including a core yarn and an effect yarn group. Fig. 10B is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of each of the effect yarns when the core yarn is excluded from the configuration of the molle yarn according to Embodiment 4 shown in Fig. 10A. Fig. 11A is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a molle yarn according to Embodiment 5 including a core yarn and an effect yarn group. Fig. 11B is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of each of the effect yarns when the core yarn is excluded from the configuration of the molle yarn according to Embodiment 5 shown in Fig. 11A. Fig. 12A is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a molle yarn according to Embodiment 6 including a core yarn and an effect yarn group. Fig. 12B is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of each of the effect yarns when the core yarn is excluded from the configuration of the molle yarn according to Embodiment 6 shown in Fig. 12A. Fig. 13A is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a molle yarn according to Embodiment 7 including a core yarn and an effect yarn group. Fig. 13B is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of each of the effect yarns when the core yarn is excluded from the configuration of the molle yarn according to Embodiment 7 shown in Fig. 13A. Fig. 14A is a microscope photograph of a molle yarn experimentally produced in Example 4. Fig. 14B is a microscope photograph of a molle yarn experimentally produced in Example 5. Fig. 14C is a microscope photograph of a molle yarn experimentally produced in Example 6. Fig. 14D is a microscope photograph of a molle yarn experimentally produced in Example 7. Fig. 14E is a microscope photograph of a molle yarn experimentally produced in Example 8. Fig. 14F is a microscope photograph of a molle yarn experimentally produced in Example 9. Fig. 14G is a microscope photograph of a molle yarn experimentally produced in Comparative Example 10. Fig. 14H is a microscope photograph of a molle yarn experimentally produced in Comparative Example 11. Fig. 15A shows a knitting pattern of a mesh knit (fabric) formed using only a molle yarn experimentally produced in any of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 10 and 11 as a material. Fig. 15B is a photograph of the surface of the mesh knit (fabric) formed based on the knitting pattern shown in Fig. 15A. Fig. 15C is a photograph of a whole-garment shirt experimentally produced using only a molle yarn experimentally produced in any of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 10 and 11. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0010] A molle yarn according to the present invention is a fibrous material including at least one core yarn and an effect yarn group held by the at least one core yarn. The effect yarn group included in the molle yarn may be a relatively short effect yarn group (a plurality of fragmented effect yarns) formed by cutting one or more relatively long effect yarns during the production of the molle yarn.

[0011] Although not shown, the molle yarn according to the present invention may include two or more core yarns. For example, when the molle yarn according to the present invention includes two core yarns, the two core yarns may be twisted in such a manner that part of each of the effect yarns is sandwiched between the two core yarns to form a two-ply yarn. For example, when the molle yarn according to the present invention includes three core yarns, the three core yarns may be twisted in such a manner that part of each of the effect yarns is sandwiched between the three core yarns to form a three-ply yarn. If necessary, two or more core yarns formed of the same resin may be used or two or more types of core yarns formed of different resins may be used. When two or more core yarns are used, at least one of them may be referred to as a core yarn and the remaining at least one core yarn may be referred to as a pressing yarn. The effect yarns may be referred to as decorative yarns.<Embodiment 1>

[0012] Hereinbelow, examples of an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference signs. Herein, a molle yarn 10a according to Embodiment 1 shown in Fig. 1 will be mainly described, but the present invention is not limited to one embodiment of the molle yarn 10a.

[0013] The molle yarn 10a includes one chainstitched core yarn 20 and an effect yarn group 30a held by the one core yarn 20. Each of the effect yarns 33 included in the effect yarn group 30a is held by the core yarn 20 so as to be fixedly entwined with the core yarn 20.

[0014] The core yarn 20 is a multifilament yarn including a plurality of first filaments. Each of the first filaments included in the core yarn 20 is made of a synthetic resin, and is therefore stretchier and dries more quickly than a staple fiber such as wool. For the same reason, the core yarn 20 is excellent in tensile strength and handleability and is less likely to break as compared to a spun yarn formed by spinning staple fibers.

[0015] From the viewpoint of being less likely to be worn out even by heating during cleaning or the like, each of the first filaments included in the core yarn 20 may be formed of a thermoplastic polymer generated by condensation polymerization such as a polyamide or a polyester because it has crystallinity and a relatively high melting point. From the viewpoint of excellent flexibility, the first filaments may be, for example, a polyamide-based filament. Examples of a polyamide that can constitute the polyamide-based filament include nylon 6, nylon 66, para-type aramid (e.g., a polycondensate of p-phenylenediamine and terephthaloyl chloride), and meta-type aramid (e.g., a polycondensate of m-phenylenediamine and isophthaloyl chloride).

[0016] From the viewpoints of being less likely to be shrunk even by washing, of quick-drying properties, and of ease of imparting crimps, each of the first filaments included in the core yarn 20 is preferably a polyester-based filament. A polyester constituting the polyester-based filament is a polycondensate of a polyvalent carboxylic acid and a polyol. Examples of such a polyester include polyethylene terephthalate (hereinafter also referred to as "PET"), polytrimethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, and polybutylene naphthalate. The first filaments may be a filament formed of one of the polymers mentioned above as some examples of the constituent resin of the polyamide-based filament or the polyester-based filament or may be a conjugate filament formed of two or more of such polymers from the viewpoint of ease of imparting crimps.

[0017] From the viewpoint that the first filaments renders alkaline sweat slightly acidic upon contact with the sweat and therefore the growth of bacteria is inhibited, ammonia odor in the sweat is reduced, and dirt is easily removed from the surface of the filament during washing, each of the first filaments included in the core yarn 20 is preferably a polyester-based filament copolymerized with an ester-forming metal sulfonate compound represented by the following formula (i) and / or an ester-forming phosphonium sulfonate compound represented by the following formula (ii).

[0018] In the above formula (i), A 1 represents an aromatic group or an aliphatic group and is preferably an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 or more and 15 or less carbon atoms or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 10 or less carbon atoms, more preferably an aromatic hydrocarbon group (e.g., a benzene ring) having 6 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms, and X 1 represents an ester-forming functional group and is, for example, a functional group represented by the following formula (iii). wherein R' represents a lower alkyl group or a phenyl group, a and d are each an integer of 1 or more, and b is an integer of 2 or more.

[0019] In the above formula (i), X 2 represents an ester-forming functional group that is the same as or different from X 1 or a hydrogen atom and is preferably an ester-forming functional group. In the above formula (i), M is an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal and m is a positive integer, and preferably, M is an alkali metal (e.g., lithium, sodium, or potassium) and m is 1.

[0020] Examples of the ester-forming metal sulfonate compound represented by the above formula (i) include one compound or two or more compounds selected from the group consisting of sodium 3,5-dicarbomethoxybenzenesulfonate, potassium 3,5-dicarbomethoxybenzenesulfonate, lithium 3,5-dicarbomethoxybenzenesulfonate, sodium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, potassium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, lithium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, sodium 3,5-di(β-hydroxyethoxycarbonyl)benzenesulfonate, potassium 3,5-di(β-hydroxyethoxycarbonyl)benzenesulfonate, lithium 3,5-di(β-hydroxyethoxycarbonyl)benzenesulfonate, sodium 2,6-dicarbomethoxynaphthalene-4-sulfonate, potassium 2,6-dicarbomethoxynaphthalene-4-sulfonate, lithium 2,6-dicarbomethoxynaphthalene-4-sulfonate, sodium 2,6-dicarboxynaphthalene-4-sulfonate, sodium 2,6-dicarbomethoxynaphthalene-1-sulfonate, sodium 2,6-dicarbomethoxynaphthalene-3-sulfonate, sodium 2,6-dicarbomethoxynaphthalene-4,8-disulfonate, sodium 2,6-dicarboxynaphthalene-4,8-disulfonate, sodium 2,5-bis(hydroethoxy)benzenesulfonate, and α-sodium sulfosuccinate.

[0021] In the above formula (ii), A 2 represents an aromatic group or an aliphatic group, and the definition thereof is the same as the definition of A 1 described above. X 3 represents an ester-forming functional group, and the definition thereof is the same as the definition of X 1 described above. X 4 represents an ester-forming functional group that is the same as or different from X 3 or a hydrogen atom, and the definition thereof is the same as the definition of X 2 described above. R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , and R 4 each represent a group selected from an alkyl group or an aryl group and may be the same or different from each other. n is a positive integer, preferably 1.

[0022] Examples of the ester-forming phosphonium sulfonate compound represented by the above formula (ii) include one compound or two or more compounds selected from the group consisting of tetrabutylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, ethyltributylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, benzyltributylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, phenyltributylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, tetraphenylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, butyltriphenylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, benzyltriphenylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, tetrabutylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, ethyltributylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, benzyltributylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, phenyltributylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, tetraphenylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, ethyltriphenylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, butyltriphenylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, benzyltriphenylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, tetrabutylphosphonium 3-carboxybenzenesulfonate, tetraphenylphosphonium 3-carboxybenzenesulfonate, tetrabutylphosphonium 3-carbomethoxybenzenesulfoante, tetraphenylphosphonium 3-carbomethoxybenzenesulfonate, tetrabutylphosphonium 3,5-di(β-hydroxyethoxycarbonyl)benzenesulfonate, tetraphenylphosphonium 3,5-di(β-hydroxyethoxycarbonyl)benzenesulfonate, tetrabutylphosphonium 3-(β-hydroxyethoxycarbonyl)benzenesulfonate, tetraphenylphosphonium 3-(β-hydroxyethoxycarbonyl)benzenesulfonate, tetrabutylphosphonium 4-hydroxyethoxybenzenesulfonate, tetrabutylphosphonium 2,6-dicarboxynaphthalene-4-sulfonate, and α-tetrabutylphosphonium sulfosuccinate.

[0023] From the viewpoint of reducing environmental load to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society as stated in the SDGs, each of the first filaments included in the core yarn 20 is preferably a polyester-based filament produced by chemical recycling or material recycling.

[0024] The core yarn 20 may be a multifilament yarn including a plurality of first filaments composed of one of the polymers mentioned above as some examples of the constituent resin of the polyamide-based filament or the polyester-based filament, or a multifilament yarn including a plurality of first filaments of two or more types different from each other in constituent polymer.

[0025] From the viewpoint that the core yarn 20 is less likely to be worn out and therefore the effect yarns 33 are likely to remain held, the single-filament fineness of each of the first filaments included in the core yarn 20 is 0.3 dtex or more, preferably 0.4 dtex or more, more preferably 0.5 dtex or more. If the single-filament fineness of each of the first filaments is less than 0.3 dtex, the first filaments are too thin and easily break, and therefore the core yarn is likely to be worn out and cannot be practically used. From the viewpoint that the effect yarns 33 are less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20, the single-filament fineness of each of the first filaments is 5.0 dtex or less, preferably 3.0 dtex or less, more preferably 2.0 dtex or less. If the single-filament fineness of each of the first filaments exceeds 5.0 dtex, such a problem that the effect yarns fall out due to washing is likely to occur. The mechanism thereof is not clear, but it is assumed that when the single-filament fineness of each of the first filaments is 5.0 dtex or less, the thickness of each of the first filaments is appropriate for entanglement between the first filaments included in the core yarn 20 and second filaments included in the effect yarns 33, and therefore the first filaments and the second filaments are entangled with each other so that the effect yarns 33 are less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20.

[0026] The fineness is herein an average determined in the following manner. The mass of 100 m of a yarn or a filament is measured and then multiplied by 100 to calculate the value of fineness, and this calculation is repeated 10 times to determine the average of the values of fineness.

[0027] From the viewpoint that the core yarn 20 is less likely to be worn out, the total fineness of the core yarn 20 may be 30 dtex or more or 40 dtex or more, and is preferably 50 dtex or more, more preferably 60 dtex or more. From the viewpoint that the effect yarns 33 are less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20 and the viewpoint that a light-weight fabric having high air permeability is easily produced, the total fineness of the core yarn 20 may be, for example, 100 dtex or less, and is preferably 90 dtex or less, more preferably 80 dtex or less.

[0028] From the viewpoint that the effect yarns 33 are held so as to be less likely to fall out, the core yarn 20 is preferably a multifilament yarn having crimps imparted by false twisting. When crimps are imparted, from the viewpoint that the effect yarns 33 are more likely to be held so as not to fall out and the viewpoint that a fabric with a soft texture is easily produced, the percentage of crimp of the core yarn 20 may be, for example, 3% or more, and is preferably 5% or more, more preferably 10% or more. When crimps are imparted, from the viewpoint of preventing the repulsion of the core yarn 20 from becoming too strong so as to easily produce a fabric having a relatively uniform texture with little unevenness, the percentage of crimp of the core yarn 20 may be, for example, 40% or less, and is preferably 30% or less, more preferably 20% or less.

[0029] The percentage of crimp is herein a value measured by a method based on "8. 12. 2 Percentage of Crimp and Residual Percentage of Crimp" in JIS L 1015-2010.

[0030] When having crimps imparted by false twisting, the core yarn 20 is preferably a false-twist crimped yarn. The false-twist crimped yarn has S-direction torque or Z-direction torque depending on the direction of twisting. The false-twist crimped yarn may be a so-called one-heater false-twist crimped yarn obtained by setting false twisting in a first heater zone or a so-called second-heater false-twist crimped yarn obtained by further introducing the one-heater false-twist crimped yarn into a second heater zone for relaxation heat treatment to reduce the torque.

[0031] Each of the effect yarns 33 is a filament group including a plurality of second filaments made of a synthetic resin. From the viewpoint of being less likely to be worn out even by heating during cleaning or the like, each of the second filaments included in the effect yarns 33 may be a polyamide-based filament or a polyester-based filament. From the viewpoints of being less likely to be shrunk even by washing, of quick-drying properties, and of easily imparting crimps, each of the second filaments is preferably a polyester-based filament. The effect yarns 33 may be a filament group composed of one type of second filaments formed of the same polymer or a filament group composed of two or more types of second filaments formed of different polymer. Each of the second filaments may be a filament formed of one of the polymers described above with reference to the first filaments included in the core yarn 20, and is preferably a conjugate filament formed of two or more of such polymers from the viewpoint that the effect yarn 33 is likely to have a bulky appearance. The conjugate filament easily has crimps, and therefore when each of the effect yarns 33 is formed of a group of conjugate filaments, the effect yarn 33 is likely to have a bulky appearance by allowing each of the conjugate filaments to have crimps.

[0032] Each of the second filaments included in each of the effect yarns 33 may be a general filament having a circular cross-sectional shape, and is preferably a filament having a modified cross-sectional shape (a filament whose cross-sectional shape is not circular). For example, the above-described conjugate filament or a filament having any of various modified cross-sectional shapes, such as a cross shape, a Y shape, or a W shape, may be used as each of the second filaments. When the molle yarn 10a uses, as each of the second filaments, a filament having a modified cross-sectional shape, a plurality of the filaments are less likely to crowd together when bundled together due to the shape of surface irregularities, grooves, or the like formed in each of the filaments so that relatively large spaces are created between the filaments, which is preferred from the viewpoint that a fabric produced using the molle yarn 10a is likely to have warmth-retaining properties, sweat absorbency, quick-drying properties, and dry-touch texture (smooth texture and cool touch) due to such spaces created between the filaments. Further, the filament having a modified cross-sectional shape is preferred as compared to the filament having a circular cross-sectional shape also from the viewpoint that the filament is easily caught on and entangled with each of the first filaments included in the core yarn 20 due to surface irregularities, grooves, or the like formed therein so that the effect yarns 33 are less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20. From the same viewpoint, each of the second filaments is more preferably at least one filament having a modified cross-section, selected from among a hollow filament whose cross-section has a hollow portion, a flat filament having an almost flat cross-section, and a false-twist crimped filament whose cross-section has a groove and changes in shape along the filament axis direction due to false-twist crimping.

[0033] A preferred example of the hollow filament may be a polyester-based filament shown in Fig. 2A in which a hollow portion is formed in the center of the cross-section thereof and a plurality of projections is radially arranged around the hollow portion. The hollow filament (Fig. 2A) is preferred from the viewpoint that when the hollow filaments are bundled together, relatively large spaces are easily created between the hollow filaments due to the eight projections of each of the hollow filaments, and therefore warmth-retaining properties, sweat absorbency, and quick-drying properties are excellent, and the viewpoint that the hollow filament is much lighter than a filament having the same filament diameter and a circular cross-section due to its eight projections and hollow portion. A preferred example of the flat filament may be a polyester-based filament shown in Fig. 2B which has an almost flat cross-section of a filament and three grooves formed by four projections respectively on one lateral side of a filament and the other lateral side thereof. The flat filament (Fig. 2B) is preferred as compared to the filament having a circular cross-section from the viewpoint that when the flat filaments are bundled together, relatively large spaces are created between the flat filaments due to the projections of each of the flat filaments, and therefore the flat filament is excellent in sweat absorbency (moisture absorbency), excellent in quick-drying properties because absorbed sweat (moisture) is easily diffused by the grooves, excellent in anti-transparency properties due to its almost flat shape, easily folded, and is likely to exhibit distinct flexibility and draping properties. A preferred example of the false-twist crimped filament may be a false-twist crimped filament shown in Fig. 2C obtained by subjecting a polyester-based filament having grooves formed on lateral sides thereof to false-twist crimping in such a manner that the cross-sectional shape of the filament having grooves irregularly changes along the filament axis direction. The false-twist crimped filament (Fig. 2C) is preferred as compared to the filament having a circular cross-section from the viewpoint that when the false-twist crimped filaments are bundled together, large spaces are created between the false-twist crimped filaments due to their irregular cross-sections of a filament, and therefore the false-twist crimped yarn is excellent in lightweight properties, sweat absorbency, quick-drying properties, and dry touch texture, and also that the false-twist crimped filament is excellent in washing resistance because the false-twist crimped filament is easily entangled with each of the first filaments due to surface irregularities or grooves in its irregular cross-section of a filament and is therefore less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20.

[0034] Each of the second filaments included in the effect yarns 33 is preferably a polyester-based filament copolymerized with an ester-forming metal sulfonate compound represented by the above formula (i) and / or an ester-forming phosphonium sulfonate compound represented by the above formula (ii) from the viewpoint that the growth of bacteria is inhibited, ammonia odor in sweat is reduced, and dirt is easily removed from the surface of the filament during washing. Each of the second filaments included in the effect yarns 33 is preferably a polyester-based filament produced by chemical recycling or material recycling from the viewpoint of reducing environmental load to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society as stated in the SDGs.

[0035] From the viewpoint of allowing the appearance of the effect yarns 33 to be fluffy and bulky to some extent to enhance warmth-retaining properties, the single-filament fineness of each of the second filaments included in each of the effect yarns 33 is 0.3 dtex or more, preferably 0.4 dtex or more, more preferably 0.5 dtex or more. If the single-filament fineness of the second filaments is less than 0.3 dtex, each of the second filaments is too thin and is therefore likely to collapse so that a plurality of the second filaments are likely to lie down along the longitudinal axis direction of the chainstitched core yarn 20, which makes it difficult to allow the effect yarn to be fluffy. From the viewpoint that the effect yarns 33 are less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20, the single-filament fineness of each of the second filaments included in the effect yarns 33 is 8.0 dtex or less and may be 6.5 dtex or less or 5.0 dtex or less, and is preferably 3.0 dtex or less, more preferably 2.0 dtex or less. If the single-filament fineness of each of the second filaments exceeds 8.0 dtex, the effect yarns are likely to fall out due to washing. It is considered that when the single-filament fineness of each of the second filaments included in the effect yarns 33 is 8.0 dtex or less, the thickness of each of the second filaments is appropriate for entanglement with each of the first filaments included in the core yarn 20, and therefore the effect yarns 33 are less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20 due to entanglement between them.

[0036] The second filaments included in each of the effect yarns 33 may be in a state where they are slightly spaced from each other as shown in Fig. 1. From the viewpoint of allowing the appearance of the effect yarns 33 to be fluffy and bulky to some extent, the single-yarn fineness of each of the effect yarns 33, which can be calculated as a total value of single-filament fineness of the each of the second filaments, may be 30 dtex or more or 50 dtex or more, and is preferably 60 dtex or more, more preferably 70 dtex or more. From the viewpoint that the effect yarns 33 are less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20 and the viewpoint that a light-weight fabric having high air permeability is easily produced, the single-yarn fineness of each of the effect yarns 33 may be, for example, 200 dtex or less or 150 dtex or less, and is preferably 100 dtex or less or 90 dtex or less, more preferably 80 dtex or less.

[0037] From the viewpoint of allowing the appearance of the effect yarns 33 to be fluffy and bulky to enhance warmth-retaining properties, each of the second filaments included in the effect yarns 33 may be a filament having crimps. From the same viewpoint, a radius of curvature indicating the size of a crimp in the second filaments may be, for example, 2.0 mm or less, 1.0 mm or less, or 0.50 mm or less, and is preferably 0.40 mm or less, more preferably 0.35 mm or less, even more preferably 0.30 mm or less. On the other hand, if each of the second filaments has excessive crimps, there may be a case where the second filaments are entangled with each other more than necessary, and therefore a fabric produced using a resulting molle yarn is likely to have clumps or to be non-uniform so that warmth-retaining properties are slightly impaired. From the viewpoint of imparting crimps in such a manner that warmth-retaining properties are likely to be achieved, a radius of curvature indicating the size of a crimp in each of the second filaments included in the effect yarns 33 may be, for example, 0.10 mm or more, and is preferably 0.15 mm or more. From the viewpoint of easily satisfying the condition of the radius of curvature described here, the false-twist crimped yarn described above with reference to the core yarn 20 may be used also as each of the effect yarns 33. When the false-twist crimped yarn is used as each of the effect yarns 33, a plurality of filaments with crimps included in the false-twist crimped yarn can be regarded as second filaments.

[0038] The radius of curvature is herein a measured value determined by measuring the radius of a curved shape formed by a sampled filament 34 using an image two-dimensionally observed with a microscope as shown in Fig. 3. The radius of curvature is measured in the following manner. At each of 10 positions randomly selected at regular intervals in the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn 10a, one second filament is sampled by cutting or pulling, and each sampled filament 34 is observed with a microscope at such a magnification as to be able to find a crimp shape. Using the observation image, the radius of a curved shape formed by the filament having crimps is measured 10 times or more, and the average of measured values is defined as a radius of curvature of the filament.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 4, and Fig. 7A, in the molle yarn 10a, each of the effect yarns 33 has a fixing portion 37 formed by inserting and fixing a part of each of the effect yarns 33 (second filaments) in a tightened loop 25 formed by chainstitching one core yarn 20. That is, the fixing portion 37 is in a state where a part of each of the effect yarns 33 (second filaments) is fixedly entwined with the core yarns 20 by being wrapped and compressed by the core yarn 20. Fig. 7B shows the effect yarn group 30a when the core yarn 20 is excluded from the molle yarn 10a shown in Fig. 7A to illustrate the positional relationship of each of the effect yarns 33 in the molle yarn 10a. A residual portion of each of the effect yarns 33 (second filaments) where the fixing portion 37 is not formed is in a state where the second filaments extend from the fixing portion 37 and slightly spread in the circumferential direction of the core yarn 20 like a flower to form an effect yarn portion or in a state where the second filaments are pulled between the two fixing portions 37 and are bundled together with the core yarn 20 to form a composite portion 40 (Fig. 7A).

[0040] From the viewpoint of allowing the appearance of each of the effect yarns 33 to be bulky to some extent to easily produce a fabric excellent in warmth-retaining properties, a height T1 of each of the second filaments may be, for example, 1.5 mm or more, 3.0 mm or more, or 5.0 mm or more, and is preferably 6.0 mm or more, more preferably 7.0 mm or more. From the viewpoint of easily producing a light-weight fabric having high air permeability, the height T1 of each of the second filaments may be, for example, 15 mm or less, 12 mm or less, or 10 mm or less, and is preferably 9.0 mm or less, more preferably 8.0 mm or less. As shown in Fig. 4, the height T1 of each of the second filaments is herein the shortest direct distance between the core yarn 20 and the distal end (35a or 35b) of each of the second filaments when the length direction of the molle yarn 10a and the longitudinal direction of each of the effect yarns 33 (each of the second filaments) are each oriented in the direction that is along the horizontal direction (when the molle yarn 10a and each of the effect yarns 33 are present in an XY plane in Fig. 4). At this time, the length direction of the molle yarn 10a is oriented in the direction X that is along any direction in the XY plane that is along the horizontal direction. In other words, the height T1 can be said to be a height from the core yarn 20 to the distal end (35a or 35b) of each of the second filaments in a state where each of the second filaments lies down in the XY plane that is along the horizontal direction without being subjected to an external force (e.g., a traction force).

[0041] From the viewpoint of easily producing a light-weight fabric excellent in air permeability, a height T2 of each of the second filaments may be, for example, 15 mm or less, 12 mm or less, or 10 mm or less, and is preferably 9.5 mm or less, more preferably 8.5 mm or less. The height T2 of each of the second filaments is herein the shortest direct distance between the core yarn 20 and the distal end (35a or 35b) of each of the second filaments when the length direction of the molle yarn 10a and the longitudinal direction of each of the effect yarns 33 (each of the second filaments) are each oriented in the direction that is along the horizontal direction (when the molle yarn 10a and each of the effect yarns are present in the XY plane in Fig. 4) and each of the second filaments is linearly stretched along the direction Y orthogonal to the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn 10a. In other words, the height T2 can be said to be a height from the core yarn 20 to the distal end (35a or 35b) of each of the second filaments in a state where an external force (e.g., a traction force) is applied to each of the second filaments in such a manner that each of the second filaments is linearly stretched in the direction Y orthogonal to the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn in the XY plane that is along the horizontal direction.

[0042] From the viewpoint of easily producing a fabric excellent in air permeability, a ratio between the two types of heights (height T1 / height T2) of each of the second filaments is 0.880 or more and may be, for example, 0.89 or more, and is preferably 0.90 or more, more preferably 0.91 or more. When the height ratio (height T1 / height T2) of each of the second filaments is 0.88 or more, the molle yarn 10a has an appearance such that the second filaments included in the effect yarns 33 stand up from the core yarn 20 when observed with a microscope. Due to both such an appearance and the fact that each of the second filaments is thin, air easily passes through the molle yarn 10a along the orthogonal direction Y. If the height ratio (height T1 / height T2) is less than 0.88, the air permeability of a fabric including the molle yarn becomes impaired as the ratio decreases because each of the second filaments lies down in the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn so that the flow of air passing through the molle yarn along the orthogonal direction Y is interrupted by the effect yarns (second filaments).

[0043] The height T1 of each of the second filaments is herein a value determined by the following method. A sample is prepared by placing a sheet of black paper on a flat table surface extending in the horizontal direction, placing a molle yarn on the sheet of black paper, and adhering a core yarn to the sheet of black paper in such a manner that the molle yarn linearly extends as a whole along its length direction. When the core yarn is adhered, care should be taken not to adhere the second filaments to the sheet of black paper. When there is an effect yarn entangled with the core yarn, the effect yarn is disentangled from the core yarn before the core yarn is adhered to the sheet of black paper to prepare a sample. This sample is imaged at 10 positions using a microscope at a magnification of 50 times. Using the obtained images taken at 10 positions, as shown in Fig. 4, the direct distance between the core yarn 20 and the distal end (35a or 35b) of each of the second filaments is measured. The direct distance is measured for 50 second filaments to determine the average value as a height T1 of each of the second filaments.

[0044] The height T2 of each of the second filaments is herein a value determined by the following method. In the sample after calculation of the value of the height T1 mentioned above, the distal end (35a or 35b) portion of each of the 50 second filaments used to measure the direct distance mentioned above for calculation of the height T1 is adhered to the sheet of black paper in a state where each of the second filaments is linearly stretched by pinching and pulling the distal end (35a or 35b) portion thereof in the direction Y orthogonal to the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn. The sample is in a state where the linearly-stretched second filaments are held on the sheet of black paper. This sample is observed with a microscope at a magnification of 50 times to measure the direct distance between the core yarn 20 and the distal end (35a or 35b) of each of the adhered 50 second filaments. The direct distance is measured for the attached 50 second filaments to determine the average value as a height T2 of each of the second filaments.

[0045] The present inventors have found that when a certain number of the effect yarns 33 are held by the core yarn 20 having a certain length, the effect yarns 33 are much less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20. It is assumed that when the thickness of the fixing portion 37 of the effect yarns 33 entwined with the core yarn 20 reaches a certain level or higher, the core yarn 20 is compressed by the thick fixing portion 37 so that the fixing portion 37 is likely to be stably held by the core yarn 20. From such a viewpoint, the distance between the fixing portions 37, in which the effect yarns 33 are held by the core yarn 20, in the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn 10a may be, for example, 6.0 mm or less or 4.0 mm or less, and is preferably 2.0 mm or less or 1.5 mm or less, more preferably 1.2 mm or less. In other words, it can be said that the number of the fixing portions 37, in which the effect yarns 33 are held, in the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn 10a may be, for example, 4.2 portions / inch or more or 6.4 portions / inch or more, and can be preferably 12.7 portions / inch or more or 16.9 portions / inch or more, more preferably 21.2 portions / inch or more.

[0046] On the other hand, when too many effect yarns 33 are held by the core yarn 20 having a certain length, it is considered that the core yarn 20 is excessively compressed by an excessive number of the fixing portions 37 so that some of the effect yarns 33 are likely to be pushed out from the core yarn 20. That is, it is assumed that the core yarn 20 latently has an upper limit of the amount of the effect yarns 33 that the core yarn 20 can stably hold, and when the core yarn 20 holds the effect yarns 33 in an amount exceeding the upper limit, some of the effect yarns 33 are likely to fall out of the core yarn 20 according to an excess amount. In order to allow a fabric produced using the molle yarn 10a to have a soft texture, it is desirable that the core yarn 20 be not excessively compressed and have flexibility to some extent. From these viewpoints, the distance between the fixing portions 37 in the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn 10a may be, for example, 0.5 mm or more, and is preferably 0.7 mm or more, more preferably 0.9 mm or more. In other words, it can be said that the number of the fixing portions 37 in the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn 10a may be, for example, 50 portions / inch or less, and can be preferably 36 portions / inch or less, more preferably 28 portions / inch or less.

[0047] The distance between the fixing portions 37 mentioned above is determined in the following manner. A sample is prepared by adhering the molle yarn 10a to a sheet of black paper in a state where the molle yarn 10a linearly extends as a whole in such a manner that the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn 10a is oriented in the horizontal direction and the effect yarns 33 entangled with the core yarn 20 are disentangled to orient each of the effect yarns 33 in the direction Y orthogonal to the direction X. This sample is imaged at 10 positions using a microscope at a magnification of 50 times. Using the obtained images taken at 10 positions, the average values of the distance measured between the adjacent fixing portions 37 is determined.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 4, Fig. 7A, and Fig. 7B, in the molle yarn 10a, each of the effect yarns 33 is held by the core yarn 20 in such a manner that two fixing portions 37 are formed in each of the effect yarns 33. That is, a plurality of tightened loops 25 are formed by the core yarn 20, and each of the effect yarns 33 (second filaments) is passed through two of the loops formed by the core yarn in the middle of the longitudinal direction thereof and is fixed in each of the tightened loops 25. As described above, each of the effect yarns 33 in the molle yarn 10a has two fixing portions and is therefore more strongly held by the core yarn 20 and less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20 as compared to a case where only one fixing portion is formed in an effect yarn. Further, as described above, a portion between two fixing portions 37 in each of the effect yarns 33 is bundled together with the core yarn 20 to form a composite portion 40. In the composite portion 40, the first filaments included in the core yarn 20 and the second filaments included in each of the effect yarns 33 are likely to be entangled with each other to some extent, which is also considered to be the reason why each of the effect yarns 33 is less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20 in the molle yarn 10a.

[0049] From the viewpoint of easily producing a fabric having a bulky appearance and warmth-retaining properties using the molle yarn 10a, the total fineness of the molle yarn 10a may be, for example, 550 dtex or more, and is preferably 600 dtex or more, more preferably 650 dtex or more. From the viewpoint of easily producing a fabric having a relatively light weight and high air permeability using the molle yarn 10a, the total fineness of the molle yarn 10a may be, for example, 1,300 dtex or less or 1,000 dtex or less and is preferably 900 dtex or less, more preferably 800 dtex or less.

[0050] Each of the effect yarns 33 may be fixed by fusion to the core yarn 20 in at least one portion selected from among the fixing portion 37 and the composite portion 40. In this case, the first filaments included in the core yarn 20 may include a polyester-based filament having a low melting point in an amount of 10% by mass or less of the core yarn 20. Alternatively, in this case, the second filaments included in the effect yarns 33 may include a polyester-based filament having a low melting point in an amount of 10% by mass or less of each of the effect yarns 33. The low melting point herein may be, for example, higher than 130°C and lower than 150°C. Examples of such a polyester-based filament having a low melting point include block copolymers containing a polyester as a hard segment and a polyether or a polyester as a soft segment.

[0051] However, when a fabric is produced using the molle yarn 10a in which the effect yarns 33 are fixed to the core yarn 20 by fusion, the obtained fabric has a slightly hard texture. From the viewpoint of easily producing a fabric having a soft texture, it is preferred that each of the effect yarns 33 and the core yarn 20 in the molle yarn 10a be not substantially fixed to each other by fusion. In order to achieve this, for example, the first filaments included in the core yarn 20 and the second filaments included in the effect yarns 33 are preferably polyester-based filaments having a melting point of 150°C or higher.

[0052] A method for producing the molle yarn 10a is not limited, and the molle yarn 10a can be produced by an ordinary method (see, for example, Patent Literature 2) by those skilled in the art on the basis of the description herein. For example, the molle yarn 10a can be produced by a method which will be described below. First, n core yarns that have not yet been chainstitched and (n-1) long effect yarns that have not yet been cut are prepared. n is a natural number of 3 or more. The n core yarns are arranged in parallel and chainstitched, and at this time, the long effect yarns and the core yarns are knitted by overlapping each of the long effect yarns with the core yarns while alternately swinging it between the adjacent right-hand core yarn and the adjacent left-hand core yarn, whereby the molle yarn 10a can be produced.

[0053] Referring to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the above-described production method will be described on the basis of a case where n is 3. As shown in Fig. 5, a first wale 50a, a second wale 50b, and a third wale 50c are arranged in parallel from the left-hand side to the right-hand side, and the molle yarn 10a is produced through steps S1 to S5 that will be described below.

[0054] In step S1, in each of the wales (50a, 50b, and 50c), one core yarn (20a, 20b, or 20c) is placed. In the leftmost first wale 50a, the core yarn 20a that has not yet been chainstitched and a first long effect yarn 31 that has not yet been cut are overlapped to knit a loop 25a1 in which the core yarn 20a and the first long effect yarn 31 are overlapped. Also in the second wale 50b adjacent to the right of the first wale 50a, a loop 25b1, in which the core yarn 20b and a second long effect yarn 32 that has not yet been cut are overlapped, is knitted in the same manner. On the other hand, in the (rightmost) third wale 50c adjacent to the right of the second wale 50b, a loop 25c1 of only the core yarn 20c is knitted.

[0055] In next step S2, in the leftmost first wale 50a, only the first long effect yarn 31 is pulled from the loop (25a1 or 25a3 described later), in which the core yarn 20a and the first long effect yarn 31 are overlapped, formed in the "previous step" to the adjacent right-hand second wale 50b, and only the core yarn 20a is passed through the loop (25a1 or 25a3 described later) to knit a new loop 25a2 of only the core yarn 20a. In the second wale 50b, only the second long effect yarn 32 is pulled from the loop (25b1 or 25b3 described later), in which the core yarn 20b and the second long effect yarn 32 are overlapped, formed in the "previous step" to the adjacent right-hand third wale 50c, and the core yarn 20b is overlapped with the first long effect yarn 31 pulled from the adjacent left-hand first wale 50a and passed through the loop (25b1 or 25b3 described later) formed in the "previous step" to knit a new loop 25b2 in which the core yarn 20b and the first long effect yarn 31 are overlapped. In the third wale 50c, the core yarn 20c is pulled from the loop (25c1 or 25c3 described later) of only the core yarn 20c formed in the "previous step", overlapped with the second long effect yarn 32 pulled from the adjacent left-hand second wale 50b, and passed through the loop (25c1 or 25c3 described later) formed in the "previous step" to knit a new loop 25c2 in which the core yarn 20c and the second long effect yarn 32 are overlapped. It should be noted that when step S2 is performed for the first time, the "previous step" in step S2 refers to step S1 described above.

[0056] In next step S3, in the rightmost third wale 50c, only the second long effect yarn 32 is pulled from the loop 25c2, in which the core yarn 20c and the second long effect yarn 32 are overlapped, formed in previous step S2 to the adjacent left-hand second wale 50b, and only the core yarn 20c is passed through the loop 25c2 to knit a new loop 25c3 of only the core yarn 20c. In the second wale 50b, only the first long effect yarn 31 is pulled from the loop 25b2, in which the core yarn 20b and the first long effect yarn 31 are overlapped, formed in previous step S2 to the adjacent left-hand first wale 50a, and the core yarn 20b is overlapped with the second long effect yarn 32 pulled from the adjacent right-hand third wale 50c and passed through the loop 25b2 formed in previous step S2 to knit a new loop 25b3 in which the core yarn 20b and the second long effect yarn 32 are overlapped. In the leftmost first wale 50a, the core yarn 20a is pulled from the loop 25a2 of only the core yarn 20a formed in previous step S2, overlapped with the first long effect yarn 31 pulled from the adjacent right-hand second wale 50b, and passed through the loop 25a2 formed in previous step S2 to knit a new loop 25a3 in which the core yarn 20a and the first long effect yarn 31 are overlapped.

[0057] Although not shown, in next step S4, step S2 and step S3 described above are alternately repeated more than once. In this way, one core yarn (20a, 20b, or 20c) is chainstitched in each of the wales (50a, 50b, and 50c) while the first long effect yarn 31 acts as a bridge between the adjacent left-hand core yarn 20a and the adjacent right-hand core yarn 20b so as to be alternately entangled with them and, similarly, the second long effect yarn 32 acts as a bridge between the adjacent left-hand core yarn 20b and the adjacent right-hand core yarn 20c so as to be alternately entangled with them. It should be noted that when step S2 is performed for the second or subsequent time in step S4, the "previous step" in step S2 refers to step S3 previously performed.

[0058] After the core yarns (20a, 20b, and 20c), the first long effect yarn 31, and the second long effect yarn 32 are knitted through step S1 to S4 described above, step S5 shown in Fig. 6 is performed. In step S5, part of the first long effect yarn 31 that acts as a bridge between the core yarn 20a and the core yarn 20b is cut at an intermediate position 55a between the first wale 50a and the second wale 50b. By cutting the first long effect yarn 31, a relatively short effect yarn group 30a (effect yarns as fragments) is formed. Similarly, part of the second long effect yarn 32 that acts as a bridge between the core yarn 20b and the core yarn 20c is cut at an intermediate position 55b between the second wale 50b and the third wale 50c to form a relatively short effect yarn group 30a (effect yarns as fragments) from one second long effect yarn 32. When the core yarn 20b is pulled at both ends thereof, the loops (25b1, 25b2, and 25b3) are tightened (contracted) so that part of each of the effect yarns 33 inserted in each of the tightened loops 25 is fixed and held in the loop 25 and the molle yarn 10a is formed.

[0059] Step S5 has been described above by taking, for example, a case shown in Fig. 6 where the molle yarn 10a is formed by cutting the first long effect yarn 31 and the second long effect yarn 32 and then tightening each of the loops (25b1, 25b2, and 25b3). However, from the viewpoint of more easily producing the molle yarn 10a, the molle yarn 10a is preferably formed by tightening each of the loops (25b1, 25b2, and 25b3) in step S4 or S5 descried above to allow the core yarn 20b to hold the first long effect yarn 31 and the second long effect yarn 32 and then cutting the first long effect yarn 31 and the second long effect yarn 32. Although the method for producing the molle yarn 10a has been described above with reference to a case where n is 3 as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, n is preferably larger because a larger number of molle yarns 10a can be produced at the same time. When n is 4 or more, one molle yarn 10a can be produced per wale except a leftmost first wale and a rightmost n th< wale. That is, (n-2) molle yarns 10a can be produced at the same time. It should be noted that the length of a distance between the intermediate position 55a and the intermediate position 55b (i.e., the length of a cut width L between the cut point of the first long effect yarn 31 and the cut point of the second long effect yarn 32) is likely to be relatively close to twice the height T1 of each of the second filaments. The lower part of Fig. 6 shows a microscope photograph of the molle yarn 10a experimentally produced in such a manner that six fixing portions 37 are formed per 0.25 inches (24 portions / inch) in the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn 10a. That is, the distance D between the fixing portions 37 in this case is 1 / 24 inches.

[0060] In the molle yarn 10a formed in, for example, the second wale 50b by the production method shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, as shown in Fig. 7A, composite portions 40 in which each of the effect yarns 33 is bundled together with the core yarn 20 are continuously provided in the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn 10a. It should be noted that in Fig. 7A, each of the effect yarns 33 whose distal ends (35a and 35b) face toward the upper side (one side) of the plane of paper relative to the core yarn 20 is derived from the first long effect yarn 31. In Fig. 7A, each of the effect yarns 33 whose distal ends (35a and 35b) face toward the lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper relative to the core yarn 20 is derived from the second long effect yarn 32. As is clear also from Fig. 7B, in the molle yarn 10a, the effect yarns 33 derived from the first long effect yarn 31 having distal ends facing toward the upper side (one side) of the plane of paper and the effect yarns 33 derived from the second long effect yarn 32 having distal ends facing toward the lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper are alternately and continuously provided in the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn 10a. Therefore, for example, when the first long effect yarn 31 and the second long effect yarn 32 used to produce the molle yarn 10a are somewhat different from each other in physical properties, it is also possible to produce the molle yarn 10a whose upper side (one side) and lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper are greatly different in characteristics such as softness or texture.

[0061] Although not shown, a fabric according to an embodiment is a fabric including the molle yarn 10a. For example, the fabric may be a woven fabric or knitted fabric including the molle yarn 10a as a component. The fabric may be, for example, a mixed-weave fabric including the molle yarn 10a and a polyester-based filament as a component or an interknitted fabric including the molle yarn 10a and a polyester-based filament as a component. From the viewpoint of allowing the fabric to include a certain amount of the molle yarn 10a to easily exhibit warmth-retaining properties, light-weight properties, and air permeability, the content of the molle yarn 10a in the fabric may be, for example, more than 50% by mass, 60% by mass or more, 70% by mass or more, 80% by mass or more, or 90% by mass or more, and is preferably 95% by mass or more or 98% by mass or more, more preferably 99% by mass or more or 100%. That is, the fabric is more preferably a woven fabric or a knitted fabric substantially composed of the molle yarn 10a. From the viewpoint of being easier to produce than a woven fabric, the fabric is even more preferably a knitted fabric including the molle yarn 10a.

[0062] From the viewpoint of allowing the fabric to easily exhibit warmth-retaining properties due to the molle yarn 10a, a certain amount of the molle yarn 10a is used, and therefore the basis weight of the fabric including the molle yarn 10a may be, for example, 200 g / m 2< or more, and is preferably 250 g / m 2< or more. From the viewpoint of allowing the fabric to have a relatively light weight and high air permeability, the basis weight of the fabric including the molle yarn 10a may be, for example, 350 g / m 2< or less, and is preferably 300 g / m 2< or less. The basis weight is herein a value measured by a measurement method based on JIS L 1096-2010 8.3.

[0063] From the viewpoint of ease of use of the fabric for producing a fibrous product (e.g., a clothing product) that can be repeatedly washed on a daily basis, the fiber shedding rate of the fabric including the molle yarn 10a may be, for example, 0.80% or less or 0.50% or less, and is preferably 0.30% or less, more preferably 0.20% or less.

[0064] The fiber shedding rate is herein a value determined by the following method.(Method for Measuring Fiber Shedding Rate)

[0065] Step 1: Three test specimens including a synthetic fiber and having a size of 300 mm × 300 mm are sampled from a fibrous product such as a fabric. At this time, the fabric is cut into pieces having a size of 300 mm × 300 mm using a flat nichrome heater-type soldering iron (ISHIZAKI ELECTRIC MFG. CO., LTD., model number: SB-100), and these pieces are used as test specimens.

[0066] Step 2: The mass of each of the obtained test specimens is measured down to 0.1 µg using an electronic balance. After the mass measurement, the test specimens are washed one by one in a drum-type washing machine without using detergent in accordance with JIS L 1930 Method C4M. The washed test specimens are dried by tumble drying in the same drum-type washing machine.

[0067] Step 3: The mass of each of the dried test specimens is measured down to 0.1 µg using an electronic balance. The measured mass of the test specimen before washing is defined as L0 and the measured mass of the test specimen after washing and drying is defined as L1 to calculate the fiber (microplastic) shedding rate (%) of the test specimen by the following formula. Shedding rate % = L 0 − L 1 / L 0 × 100

[0068] From the viewpoint of easily producing a fibrous product (e.g., a clothing product) that quickly dries and is less likely to get stuffy, the time until the diffusible residual moisture content of the fabric including the molle yarn 10a reaches 10% or less is preferably 80 minutes or shorter. The time is preferably shorter because the fabric dries in a shorter time. The diffusible residual moisture content is herein a value determined by dropping about 0.6 g of water onto a sample (fabric) in an atmosphere of 20°C × 65% RH, measuring the mass of the sample at each time point, and calculating a residual moisture content by the following formula.

[0069] . From the viewpoint of easily producing a fibrous product (e.g., a clothing product) that has high air permeability and is less likely to get stuffy, the air permeability of the fabric including the molle yarn 10a is preferably 100 cc / (cm 2< ·sec) or more, more preferably 150 cc / (cm 2< ·sec) or more. The air permeability is herein a value measured in accordance with JIS L 1096-2010 8.26.1 Method A (Frazier method).

[0070] From the viewpoint of easily producing a fibrous product (e.g., a clothing product) excellent in warmth-retaining properties, the warmth retention rate of the fabric including the molle yarn 10a is preferably 60% or more, more preferably 65% or more. The warmth retention rate is herein a value determined by a measurement method based on JIS L 1096 8.27.

[0071] Although not shown, a clothing product according to an embodiment is a product including the fabric including the molle yarn 10a. Examples of such a product include tops, pants, skirts, outer wears, underclothes, pajamas, hats, gloves, and socks. From the viewpoint of taking advantage of the characteristics of the molle yarn 10a such that the effect yarns 33 are less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20, the clothing product including the fabric including the molle yarn 10a is preferably a general clothing item that is repeatedly washed on a daily basis. Further, from the viewpoint of taking advantage of warmth-retaining properties, light-weight properties, and air permeability due to the molle yarn 10a, the clothing product including the fabric including the molle yarn 10a is more preferably a clothing product as an alternative to a clothing item made of a conventional fleece material. When the clothing product is an alternative to a clothing item made of a fleece material, the mass of the clothing product is preferably 200 g or more and 450 g or less.<Other Embodiments 2 to 8>

[0072] Hereinbelow, molle yarns (10b to 10g) according to other embodiments will be described with reference to Fig. 8A to Fig. 13B. Each of these molle yarns (10b to 10g) has almost the same configuration, functions, and effects as the molle yarn 10a (Fig. 7A) described above. Therefore, the following description will be made by mainly focusing on different points from the molle yarn 10a without basically repeating the description of points in common with the molle yarn 10a.

[0073] A molle yarn 10b according to Embodiment 2 shown in Fig. 8A includes one chainstitched core yarn 20 and an effect yarn group 30b held by the core yarn 20. Each of the effect yarns 33 included in the effect yarn group 30b has two fixing portions 37 each formed by being entwined with the core yarn 20 in a tightened loop 25 formed by the core yarn 20. The molle yarn 10b can be produced in, for example, the third wale (n th< wale) in the production method (in which n = 3) described above with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. That is, each of the effect yarns 33 in the molle yarn 10b may be derived from the second long effect yarn 32, and its first distal end 35a and second distal end 35b both face toward the upper side (one side) of the plane of paper of Fig. 8A. On the other hand, the molle yarn 10b includes no effect yarn whose distal ends face toward the lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper of Fig. 8A. Fig. 8B shows the effect yarn group 30b when the core yarn 20 is excluded from the molle yarn 10b shown in Fig. 8A to illustrate the positional relationship of each of the effect yarns 33 in the molle yarn 10b (it should be noted that a relationship between Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B, a relationship between Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B, a relationship between Fig. 11A and Fig. 11B, a relationship between Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B, and a relationship between Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B, which will be described later, are each the same as such a relationship between Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B as described here). As is clear from Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B, composite portions 40, in which the core yarn 20 and each of the effect yarns 33 are bundled together, and portions consisting of only the core yarn 20 are continuously provided so as to be alternately repeated in the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn 10b. The molle yarn 10b has a bulky appearance on the side facing toward the upper side (one side) of the plane of paper due to the effect yarns 33, but is lighter in weight than the molle yarn 10a (Fig. 7A) because there is no effect yarn on the side facing toward the lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper.

[0074] A molle yarn 10c according to Embodiment 3 shown in Fig. 9A includes one chainstitched core yarn 20 and an effect yarn group 30c held by the core yarn 20. Each of the effect yarns 33 included in the effect yarn group 30c has two fixing portions 37 each formed by being entwined with the core yarn 20 in a tightened loop 25 formed by the core yarn 20. As compared to the molle yarn 10b (Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B), the molle yarn 10c (Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B) is configured in almost the same way, but is different in that its first distal end 35a faces toward the upper side (one side) of the plane of paper and its second distal end 35b faces toward the lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper. The molle yarn 10c has a bulky appearance on both of the upper side (one side) and lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper due to the effect yarns 33 and is lighter in weight than the molle yarn 10a (Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B) because the amount of the effect yarns 33 is smaller than the molle yarn 10a.

[0075] A molle yarn 10d according to Embodiment 4 shown in Fig. 10A includes one chainstitched core yarn 20 and an effect yarn group 30d held by the core yarn 20. Each of the effect yarns 33 included in the effect yarn group 30d has two fixing portions 37 each formed by being entwined with the core yarn 20 in a tightened loop 25 formed by the core yarn 20. In the molle yarn 10d, as shown in Fig. 10B, a first distal end 35a of each of the effect yarns 33 faces toward the upper side (one side) of the plane of paper and a second distal end 35b of each of the effect yarns 33 faces toward the lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper. As compared to the molle yarn 10a (Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B), the molle yarn 10d is likely to have almost uniform characteristics such as softness or texture between its upper side (one side) and lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper even when, for example, the first long effect yarn and the second long effect yarn used in a production process are different from each other in physical properties.

[0076] A molle yarn 10e according to Embodiment 5 shown in Fig. 11A includes one chainstitched core yarn 20 and an effect yarn group 30e held by the core yarn 20. Each of the effect yarns 33 included in the effect yarn group 30e has three fixing portions 37 (Fig. 11B) formed by allowing it to pass through three of a plurality of tightened loops formed by the core yarn, and its first distal end 35a and second distal end 35b both face toward the upper side (one side) of the plane of paper. In the direction X that is along the length direction of the mole yarn 10e, composite portions 40, in which each of the effect yarns 33 and the core yarn 20 are bundled together, and portions consisting of only the core yarn 20 are continuously provided so as to be alternately repeated. In the molle yarn 10e, each of the effect yarns 33 has three fixing portions 37, which is preferred from the viewpoint that the effect yarns 33 are much less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20 as compared to a case where each of the effect yarns 33 has two fixing portions as described above with reference to the molle yarn 10b (Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B).

[0077] A molle yarn 10f according to Embodiment 6 shown in Fig. 12A includes one chainstitched core yarn 20 and an effect yarn group 30f held by the core yarn 20. Each of the effect yarns 33 included in the effect yarn group 30f has three fixing portions 37 (Fig. 12B). The molle yarn 10f is configured in the same manner as the molle yarn 10e (Fig. 11A) except that a first distal end 35a of each of the effect yarns 33 faces toward the upper side (one side) of the plane of paper and a second distal end 35b of each of the effect yarns 33 faces toward the lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper.

[0078] A molle yarn 10g according to Embodiment 7 shown in Fig. 13A includes one chainstitched core yarn 20 and an effect yarn group 30g held by the core yarn 20. Each of the effect yarns 33 included in the effect yarn group 30g has three fixing portions 37 (Fig. 13B). The molle yarn 10g is configured in the same manner as the molle yarn 10e (Fig. 11A) except that in the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn 10g, composite portions 40, in which each of the effect yarns 33 and the core yarn 20 are bundled together, are continuously provided.

[0079] From the viewpoint that the effect yarns are less likely to fall out of the core yarn, it is desirable that in the molle yarn according to the present invention, each of the effect yarns preferably has two or more fixing portions and more preferably has three or more fixing portions. Form the viewpoint of preventing a production process from becoming complicated, in the molle yarn according to the present invention, each of the effect yarns may have five or less or four or less fixing portions.

[0080] The matters disclosed herein include the following. (1) A molle yarn including a core yarn and an effect yarn group held by the core yarn, wherein the core yarn includes a plurality of first filaments, and each of the first filaments has a single-filament fineness of 0.3 dtex or more and 5.0 dtex or less, each of the effect yarns includes a plurality of second filaments and has a fixing portion formed by being held by the core yarn, and each of the second filaments has a single-filament fineness of 0.3 dtex or more and 8.0 dtex or less, and when a direct distance between the core yarn and a distal end of each of the second filaments in a state where a length direction of the molle yarn and a longitudinal direction of each of the effect yarns are horizontally oriented is defined as a height T1 of each of the second filaments and a direct distance between the core yarn and a distal end of each of the second filaments in a state where each of the second filaments is stretched to be straight along a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the molle yarn is defined as a height T2 of each of the second filaments, a ratio of the height T1 to the height T2 (the height T1 / the height T2) is 0.88 or more. (2) The molle yarn according to (1) above, wherein the core yarn has been subjected to false-twist crimping so as to have a percentage of crimp of 3% or more and 40% or less. (3) The molle yarn according to (1) or (2) above, wherein each of the effect yarns is held by the core yarn in such a manner that a distance between the fixing portions is 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less. (4) The molle yarn according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein each of the effect yarns is held by the core yarn in such a manner that the number of the fixing portions formed in each of the effect yarns is two or more. (5) The molle yarn according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein each of the second filaments is at least one filament having a modified cross-section, selected from among a hollow filament whose cross-section has a hollow portion, a flat filament having an almost flat cross-section, and a false-twist crimped filament whose cross-section has a groove and changes in shape along a filament axis direction. (6) The molle yarn according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the height T1 is 1.5 mm or more and 15.0 mm or less. (7) The molle yarn according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein at least one of the first filaments or the second filaments include a polyester-based filament copolymerized with an ester-forming metal sulfonate compound and / or an ester-forming phosphonium sulfonate compound. (8) The molle yarn according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein at least one of the first filaments or the second filaments include a polyester-based filament obtained by chemical recycling or material recycling. (9) The molle yarn according to any one of (1) to (8) above, which has a total fineness of 550 dtex or more and 1,000 dtex or less. (10) The molle yarn according to any one of (1) to (9) above, which has a fiber shedding rate of 0.8% or less. (11) A fabric including the molle yarn according to any one of (1) to (10) above. (12) The fabric according to (11) above, which has a basis weight of 200 g / m 2< or more and 350 g / m 2< or less. (13) The fabric according to (11) or (12) above, whose diffusible residual moisture content reaches 10% or less in 80 minutes or shorter. (14) The fabric according to any one of (11) to (13) above, which has an air permeability of 100 cc / (cm 2< ·sec) or more. (15) A clothing product including the fabric according to any one of (11) to (14) above. (16) The molle yarn according to any one of (1) to (10) above, comprising the core yarn chainstitched to form a plurality of loops, and the effect yarn group in which each of the effect yarns is held by each of the loops in the plurality of loops.

[0081] The molle yarn according to (1) above is likely to have a bulky appearance and warmth-retaining properties due to the effect yarn group. Further, since each of the second filaments has such a single-filament fineness as described above and the ratio (the height T1 / the height T2) described above is 0.88 or more, the molle yarn has an appearance such that each of the relatively thin second filaments stands up from the core yarn when observed with a microscope, and therefore the effect yarn group is likely to have a light weight and to allow air to pass through therebetween. Further, since each of the first filaments included in the core yarn has such a single-filament fineness as described above, each of the effect yarns is less likely to fall out of the core yarn.

[0082] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements, modifications, and changes may be made on the basis of knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention may be implemented by replacing any of the specific matters with another technique as long as the same function or effect can be achieved.Examples

[0083] Hereinbelow, some examples will be described, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.Core Yarn: False-Twist Crimped Yarn A1

[0084] Polyethylene terephthalate (flatting agent content 0.3% by mass, Semi Dull (SD)) was melt-spun at 280°C by a conventional spinning apparatus, taken up at a speed of 2,800 m / min, and wound up without being drawn to obtain a semi-drawn multifilament yarn. The multifilament yarn included 36 PET filaments, and the cross-sectional shape of each of the filaments was circular. The multifilament yarn was subjected to drawing and false-twist crimping at the same time under conditions of a draw ratio of 1.6 times, a number of false twists of 2,500 T / m (S direction), a heater temperature of 180°C, and a yarn speed of 350 m / min to experimentally produce a false-twist crimped yarn A1 (PET SD84T36, percentage of crimp 20%) having a total fineness of 84 dtex / 36 filaments. The single-filament fineness of the PET filaments included in the yarn A1 was about 2.3 dtex.Core Yarn: False-Twist Crimped Yarn A2

[0085] Polyethylene terephthalate (flatting agent content 0.3% by mass) was melt-spun at 280°C by a conventional spinning apparatus, taken up at a speed of 2,800 m / min, and wound up without being drawn to obtain a semi-drawn multifilament yarn.

[0086] From the multifilament yarn, a false-twist crimped yarn having S-direction torque and a false-twist crimped yarn having Z-direction torque were produced. Specifically, two types of false-twist crimped yarns different in torque direction were obtained by performing drawing and false-twist crimping at the same time under conditions of a draw ratio of 1.6 times, a number of false twists of 2,500 T / m (S direction or Z direction), a heater temperature of 180°C, and a yarn speed of 350 m / min.

[0087] Then, the false-twist crimped yarn having S-direction torque and the false-twist crimped yarn having Z-direction torque were subjected to yarn doubling and then to air interlacing. The air interlacing was interlacing using an interlace nozzle, and 50 interlaces / m were imparted at an overfeed rate of 1.0% and a compressed air pressure of 0.3 MPa (3 kgf / cm 2< ) to experimentally produce a false-twist crimped yarn A2 (PET SD66T72, percentage of crimp 28%) as a composite yarn. The yarn A2 had a total fineness of 66 dtex / 72 filaments and a torque of 0 T / m, and the single-filament fineness of PET filaments included in the yarn A2 was about 0.92 dtex.Core Yarns for Comparison: Non-Crimped Yarns A3, A4

[0088] As a non-crimped yarn A3, a multifilament yarn (NY6, 56T / 17) made of nylon 6 and having a total fineness of 56 dtex / 17 filaments was prepared. As a non-crimped yarn A4, a multifilament yarn (NY6, 78T / 24) made of nylon 6 and having a total fineness of 78 dtex / 24 filaments was prepared. These yarns A3 and A4 had substantially no crimp, and the single-filament fineness of each NY6 filament included therein was about 3.3 dtex.Effect Yarn: False-Twist Crimped Yarn B1

[0089] A false-twist crimped yarn B1 (PET CD84T72, percentage of crimp 8%) having a total fineness of 66 dtex / 72 filaments was experimentally produced under the same experimental production conditions as the false-twist crimped yarn A1 except that a cationic dyeable copolymerized polyethylene terephthalate (copolymerized with sodium 5-sulfoisophthalate, flatting agent content 0.3% by mass, CD) was used instead of SD, the number of filaments was changed, and the draw ratio was changed. The single-filament fineness of PET filament included in the yarn B1 was about 1.2 dtex.Effect Yarn: False-Twist Crimped Yarn B2

[0090] Polyethylene terephthalate (flatting agent content 0.3% by mass, Full Dull (FD)) was melt-spun at 280°C by a conventional spinning apparatus, taken up at a speed of 2,800 m / min, and wound up without being drawn to obtain a semi-drawn multifilament yarn. The multifilament yarn included single filaments each having a cross cross-sectional shape. The multifilament yarn was subjected to drawing and false-twist crimping at the same time through a double-heater false-twist crimping process under conditions of a number of false twists of 2,633 T / m, a first heater temperature of 160°C, a second heater temperature of 170°C, and a yarn speed of 140 m / min to experimentally produce a false-twist crimped yarn B2 (PET FD84T72, percentage of crimp 9.4%) having a total fineness of 84 dtex / 72 filaments. Each of the PET filaments included in the yarn B2 had a single-filament fineness of 1.2 dtex and a cross-shaped cross section.Effect Yarn: False-Twist Crimped Yarn B3

[0091] Polyethylene terephthalate (flatting agent content 0.3% by mass, Full Dull (FD)) was melt-spun at 280°C by a conventional spinning apparatus, taken up at a speed of 2,800 m / min, and wound up without being drawn to obtain a semi-drawn multifilament yarn. The multifilament yarn included single filaments each having a flat cross-sectional shape. The multifilament yarn was subjected to drawing and false-twist crimping at the same time through a double-heater false-twist crimping process under conditions of a number of false twists of 2,633 T / m, a first heater temperature of 160°C, a second heater temperature of 170°C, and a yarn speed of 140 m / min to experimentally produce a false-twist crimped yarn B3 (PET FD84T30, percentage of crimp 2.5%) having a total fineness of 84 dtex / 30 filaments. Each of the PET filaments included in the yarn B3 had a single-filament fineness of 2.8 dtex and a flat cross-section.Effect Yarns for Comparison: Non-Crimped Yarns B4, B5

[0092] As a non-crimped yarn B4, a commercially-available multifilament yarn (rayon 84T / 50) made of rayon and having a total fineness of 84 dtex / 50 filaments was prepared. The single-filament fineness of each rayon filament included in the yarn B4 was about 1.7 dtex. As a non-crimped yarn B5, a commercially-available multifilament yarn (rayon 84T / 24) made of rayon and having a total fineness of 84 dtex / 24 filaments was prepared. The single-filament fineness of each rayon filament included in the yarn B5 was 3.5 dtex. The rayon filaments included in each of the yarn B4 and the yarn B5 had substantially no crimp.

[0093] As shown in Table 1 below, molle yarns produced in wales, except the rightmost wale and the leftmost wale, using any one of the core yarns A1 to A4 and any one of the effect yarns B1 to B5 in combination (in each of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 10 and 11) through steps S1 to S5 of the molle yarn production method described above in which n is 4 or more were used as molle yarns according to an example or a comparative example. That is, all the molle yarns experimentally produced are molle yarns each of which includes one chainstitched core yarn and an effect yarn group held by the core yarn. In the experimental production, the core yarn and the effect yarn were not thermally fused. Microscope photographs of the molle yarn of Example 4, the molle yarn of Example 5, the molle yarn of Example 6, the molle yarn of Example 7, the molle yarn of Example 8, the molle yarn of Example 9, the molle yarn of Comparative Example 10, and the molle yarn of Comparative Example 11 are respectively shown in Fig. 14A, Fig. 14B, Fig. 14C, Fig. 14D, Fig. 14E, Fig. 14F, Fig. 14G, and Fig. 14H. The single-filament fineness of each filament included in each of the core yarn and the effect yarn used and the ratio (height T1 / height T2) measured by the above-described method for each filament included in the effect yarn are shown for each of the experimentally-produced molle yarns in Table 1 below. [Table 1]Yarn Used as Core YarnYarn Used as Effect YarnSingle-Filament Fineness of Filament Included in Core YarnSingle-Filament Fineness of Filament Included in Effect YarnHeight Ratio of Filament Included in Effect Yarn (T1 / T2)Example 1False-Twist Crimped Yarn A1 (PET SD84T36)False-Twist Crimped Yarn B1 (PET CD84T72)2.3 dtex1.2 dtex0.932Example 2False-Twist Crimped Yarn A1 11 (PET SD84T36)False-Twist Crimped Yarn B1 (PET CD84T72)2.3 dtex1.2 dtex0.910Example 3False-Twist Crimped Yarn A1 (PET SD84T36)False-Twist Crimped Yarn B1 (PET CD84T72)2.3 dtex1.2 dtex0.921Example 4False-Twist Crimped Yarn A2 (PET SD66T72)False-Twist Crimped Yarn B1 (PET CD84T72)0.92 dtex1.2 dtex1.000Example 5False-Twist Crimped Yarn A2 (PET SD66T72)False-Twist Crimped Yarn B1 (PET CD84T72)0.92 dtex1.2 dtex0.963Example 6False-Twist Crimped Yarn A2 (PET SD66T72)False-Twist Crimped Yarn B2 (PET FD84T72)0.92 dtex1.2 dtex1.000Example 7False-Twist Crimped Yarn A2 (PET SD66T72)False-Twist Crimped Yarn B2 (PET FD84T72)0.92 dtex1.2 dtex0.973Example 8False-Twist Crimped Yarn A2 (PET SD66T72)False-Twist Crimped Yarn B2 (PET FD84T72)0.92 dtex1.2 dtex0.969Example 9False-Twist Crimped Yarn A2 (PET SD66T72)False-Twist Crimped Yarn B3 (PET FD84T30)0.92 dtex2.8 dtex1.000Comparative Example 10Non-Crimped Yarn A3 (NY6 56T / 17)Non-Crimped Yarn B4 (Rayon 84T / 50)3.3 dtex1.7 dtex0.862Comparative Example 11Non-Crimped Yarn A4 (NY6 78T / 24)Non-Crimped Yarn B5 (Rayon 84T / 24)3.3 dtex3.5 dtex0.875

[0094] For each of the experimentally-produced molle yarns of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 10 and 11, the height T1, the height T2, and the radius of curvature of each filament included in the effect yarn and the distance between the fixing portions of the effect yarn in the core yarn were measured and shown in Table 2 below. [Table 2]Percentage of Crimp of Filament Included in Core YarnMeasured Values of Filament Included in Effect YarnDistance between Fixing Portions of Effect Yarn in Core YarnPercentage of CrimpHeight T1Height T2Radius of CurvatureExample 120%8%6.9 mm7.4 mm0.21 mm0.87 mm (22 portions / inch)Example 220%8%7.1 mm7.8 mm0.20 mm0.94 mm (24 portions / inch)Example 320%8%7.0 mm7.6 mm0.26 mm1.04 mm (26.5 portions / inch)Example 428%8%7.6 mm7.6 mm0.29 mm0.94 mm (24 portions / inch)Example 528%8%10.4 mm10.8 mm0.21 mm0.94 mm (24 portions / inch)Example 628%9.4%3.7 mm3.7 mm0.17 mm0.94 mm (24 portions / inch)Example 728%9.4%7.1 mm7.3 mm0.21 mm0.94 mm (24 portions / inch)Example 828%9.4%9.4 mm9.7 mm0.21 mm0.94 mm (24 portions / inch)Example 928%2.5%9.5 mm9.5 mm1.00 mm0.94 mm (24 portions / inch)Comparative Example 100%0%7.5 mm8.7 mm0.71 mm1.02 mm (26 portions / inch)Comparative Example 110%0%3.5 mm4.0 mm0.41 mm0.94 mm (24 portions / inch)

[0095] Using only the molle yarn experimentally produced in each of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 10 and 11, a mesh knitted fabric having a pattern shown in Fig. 15A and Fig. 15A was experimentally produced by an ordinary method. For each of the knitted fabrics (fabrics consisting of only the molle yarn) experimentally produced, a basis weight, a fiber shedding rate, an air permeability, and a warmth retention rate were measured by the respective measurement methods described above and shown in Table 3 below. [Table 3]Core YarnEffect YarnFabric Consisting of Only Molle YarnBasis WeightFiber Shedding RateAir PermeabilityWarmth Retention RateExample 1Yarn A1Yarn B1278.5 g / cm 2< 0.12%188 cc68.9%Example 2Yarn A1Yarn B1274.6 g / cm 2< 0.14%213 cc70.4%Example 3Yarn A1Yarn B1258.3 g / cm 2< 0.15%213 cc70.0%Example 4Yarn A2Yarn B1227.8 g / cm 2< 0.17%242 cc69.7%Example 5Yarn A2Yarn B1258.2 g / cm 2< 0.17%191 cc72.9%Example 6Yarn A2Yarn B2206.4 g / cm 2< 0.20%243 cc59.4%Example 7Yarn A2Yarn B2213.7 g / cm 2< 0.06%204 cc72.4%Example 8Yarn A2Yarn B2250.4 g / cm 2< 0.20%162 cc74.9%Example 9Yarn A2Yarn B3234.0 g / cm 2< 0.19%238 cc73.7%Comparative Example 10Yarn A3Yarn B4337.0 g / cm 2< 0.95%136 cc57.5%Comparative Example 11Yarn A3Yarn B5219.7 g / cm 2< 0.84%331 cc55.7%

[0096] From Tables 1 to 3, it was suggested that the fabrics of Examples 1 to 9 had a higher warmth retention rate and a much lower fiber shedding rate than the fabrics of Comparative Examples 10 and 11. Further, it was suggested that the fabrics of Examples 1 to 9 had a relatively lower basis weight (relatively lighter weight) and a higher air permeability than the fabric of Comparative Example 10.

[0097] Using only the molle yarn experimentally produced in each of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 10 and 11 as a material, a seamless shirt (whole-garment) for an adult man, which was mainly composed of a mesh knitted fabric having a pattern shown in Fig. 15A and Fig. 15B, was experimentally produced by an ordinary method (see Fig. 15C). All these experimentally-produced shirts were light-weight shirts having a mass within a range of 200 g or more and 450 g or less. When the shirt experimentally produced using the molle yarn of Comparative Example 10 or 11 was tried on outside in winter, the same level of warmth was felt as when a commercially-available shirt using a conventional fleece material was tried on. On the other hand, when the shirt experimentally produced using the molle yarn of each of Examples 1 to 5 or the shirt experimentally produced using the molle yarn of each of Examples 7 to 9 was tried on outside in winter, more warmth was easily felt as compared to when a commercially-available shirt using a conventional fleece material was tried on.REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0098] 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g: Molle yarn 20, 20a, 20b, 20c: Core yarn 25, 25a1, 25a2, 25a3, 25b1, 25b2, 25b3, 25c1, 25c2, 25c3: Loop 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f, 30g: Effect yarn group 31 First long effect yarn 32: Second long effect yarn 33: Each of effect yarns 34: Sampled filament 35a, 35b: Distal end 37: Fixing portion 40: Composite portion 50a, 50b, 50c: Wale D: Distance between fixing portions L: Cut width of effect yarn T1, T2: Height of second filament X: Direction along length direction of molle yarn Y: Direction orthogonal to length direction of molle yarn

Examples

embodiment 1

[0012]Hereinbelow, examples of an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference signs. Herein, a molle yarn 10a shown in Fig. 1 will be mainly described, but the present invention is not limited to one embodiment of the molle yarn 10a.

[0013]The molle yarn 10a includes one chainstitched core yarn 20 and an effect yarn group 30a held by the one core yarn 20. Each of the effect yarns 33 included in the effect yarn group 30a is held by the core yarn 20 so as to be fixedly entwined with the core yarn 20.

[0014]The core yarn 20 is a multifilament yarn including a plurality of first filaments. Each of the first filaments included in the core yarn 20 is made of a synthetic resin, and is therefore stretchier and dries more quickly than a staple fiber such as wool. For the same reason, the core yarn 20 is excellent in tensile strength and handleability and is less likely to break as ...

embodiment 2

[0073]A molle yarn 10b shown in Fig. 8A includes one chainstitched core yarn 20 and an effect yarn group 30b held by the core yarn 20. Each of the effect yarns 33 included in the effect yarn group 30b has two fixing portions 37 each formed by being entwined with the core yarn 20 in a tightened loop 25 formed by the core yarn 20. The molle yarn 10b can be produced in, for example, the third wale (n thFig. 5 and Fig. 6. That is, each of the effect yarns 33 in the molle yarn 10b may be derived from the second long effect yarn 32, and its first distal end 35a and second distal end 35b both face toward the upper side (one side) of the plane of paper of Fig. 8A. On the other hand, the molle yarn 10b includes no effect yarn whose distal ends face toward the lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper of Fig. 8A. Fig. 8B shows the effect yarn group 30b when the core yarn 20 is excluded from the molle yarn 10b shown in Fig. 8A to illustrate the positional relationship of each of the e...

embodiment 3

[0074]A molle yarn 10c shown in Fig. 9A includes one chainstitched core yarn 20 and an effect yarn group 30c held by the core yarn 20. Each of the effect yarns 33 included in the effect yarn group 30c has two fixing portions 37 each formed by being entwined with the core yarn 20 in a tightened loop 25 formed by the core yarn 20. As compared to the molle yarn 10b (Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B), the molle yarn 10c (Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B) is configured in almost the same way, but is different in that its first distal end 35a faces toward the upper side (one side) of the plane of paper and its second distal end 35b faces toward the lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper. The molle yarn 10c has a bulky appearance on both of the upper side (one side) and lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper due to the effect yarns 33 and is lighter in weight than the molle yarn 10a (Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B) because the amount of the effect yarns 33 is smaller than the molle yarn 10a.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-118500, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a molle yarn, a fabric including the molle yarn, and a clothing product including the fabric.BACKGROUND

[0003] A molle yarn is a fibrous material including a core yarn and an effect yarn group held by the core yarn. A molle yarn has a fluffy and bulky effect yarn group covering a core yarn and is therefore thicker and has a fluffier appearance than a yarn consisting of only a core yarn. Based on such a characteristic appearance, a molle yarn is also called a chenille yarn. In general, a molle yarn is often used as a fancy yarn for collars and the like of clothes for fashion or sold as an embroidery yarn or a hand-knitting yarn in craft stores.

[0004] Patent Literature 1 discloses a molle yarn using a twisted yarn formed of a core yarn and a pressing yarn. In this molle yarn, an effect yarn is fused and fixed between the core yarn and the pressing yarn, and the effect yarn has a crimp having a radius of curvature of 0.5 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less. Patent Literature 1 states that such a crimp allows the molle yarn to have improved bulkiness, and therefore the molle yarn can be suitably used as a stuffing material.CITATION LISTPatent Literature

[0005] Patent Literature 1: JP 2022-13788 A Patent Literature 2: JP 4-352840 A SUMMARYTechnical Problem

[0006] On the other hand, a molle yarn generally has such a problem that each of the effect yarns included in the effect yarn group is likely to fall out of the core yarn due to washing. In portions where effect yarns have fallen out, the core yarn becomes exposed so that a bulky and fluffy appearance resulting from the effect yarn group is impaired. Therefore, the use of a molle yarn is conventionally not very preferred, for example, when clothes to be repeatedly washed on a daily basis are produced or when fabrics are produced as materials for such clothes. Further, marine contamination by microplastics has become a problem in recent years. In consideration of these things, when a synthetic resin fiber is used for effect yarns of a molle yarn, it is desirable that the effect yarns are less likely to fall out of a core yarn even when fabrics or clothes including the molle yarn are washed. Further, when clothes are bulkier, there is generally an advantage that warmth-retaining properties are higher, but problems such as weight increase and unpleasant stuffiness are likely to occur. Therefore, it is desirable that clothes that are comfortable as much as possible can be produced while these problems are solved.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a molle yarn that can easily produce a fabric that is light-weight, has warmth-retaining properties and air permeability, and is likely to prevent effect yarns from falling out, such a fabric, and a clothing product.Solution to Problem

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, an embodiment of the present invention provides a molle yarn including a core yarn and an effect yarn group held by the core yarn, wherein the core yarn includes a plurality of first filaments, and each of the first filaments has a single-filament fineness of 0.3 dtex or more and 5.0 dtex or less, each of the effect yarns includes a plurality of second filaments and has a fixing portion formed by being held by the core yarn, and each of the second filaments has a single-filament fineness of 0.3 dtex or more and 8.0 dtex or less, and when the direct distance between the core yarn and the distal end of each of the second filaments in a state where the length direction of the molle yarn and the longitudinal direction of each of the effect yarns are horizontally oriented is defined as a height T1 of each of the second filaments and the direct distance between the core yarn and the distal end of each of the second filaments in a state where each of the second filaments is stretched to be straight along the direction orthogonal to the length direction of the molle yarn is defined as a height T2 of each of the second filaments, a ratio of the height T1 to the height T2 (the height T1 / the height T2) is 0.88 or more. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Fig. 1 is an enlarged microscope photograph of a molle yarn according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 2A is an electron microscope photograph showing the cross-section of a filament as an example of a hollow filament. Fig. 2B is an electron microscope photograph showing the cross-section of a filament as an example of a flat filament. Fig. 2C is an electron microscope photograph showing the cross-sections of a filament as an example of a false-twist crimped filament. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram for illustrating a method for measuring a radius of curvature of a sampled filament (e.g., a sampled second filament). Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram for illustrating a method for measuring a height T1 and a height T2 of each second filament in the molle yarn according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram for illustrating an example of a method for producing the molle yarn according to Embodiment 1 (in which the number of wales is 3 (n = 3)), wherein step S1, step S2, and step S3 in the production method are shown. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram for illustrating an example of a method for producing the molle yarn according to Embodiment 1 (in which the number of wales is 3 (n = 3)), wherein step S5 of the production method and an example of a produced molle yarn are shown. Fig. 7A is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the molle yarn according to Embodiment 1 including a core yarn and an effect yarn group. Fig. 7B is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of each of the effect yarns when the core yarn is excluded from the configuration of the molle yarn shown in Fig. 7A. Fig. 8A is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a molle yarn according to Embodiment 2 including a core yarn and an effect yarn group. Fig. 8B is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of each of the effect yarns when the core yarn is excluded from the configuration of the molle yarn according to Embodiment 2 shown in Fig. 8A. Fig. 9A is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a molle yarn according to Embodiment 3 including a core yarn and an effect yarn group. Fig. 9B is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of each of the effect yarns when the core yarn is excluded from the configuration of the molle yarn according to Embodiment 3 shown in Fig. 9A. Fig. 10A is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a molle yarn according to Embodiment 4 including a core yarn and an effect yarn group. Fig. 10B is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of each of the effect yarns when the core yarn is excluded from the configuration of the molle yarn according to Embodiment 4 shown in Fig. 10A. Fig. 11A is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a molle yarn according to Embodiment 5 including a core yarn and an effect yarn group. Fig. 11B is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of each of the effect yarns when the core yarn is excluded from the configuration of the molle yarn according to Embodiment 5 shown in Fig. 11A. Fig. 12A is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a molle yarn according to Embodiment 6 including a core yarn and an effect yarn group. Fig. 12B is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of each of the effect yarns when the core yarn is excluded from the configuration of the molle yarn according to Embodiment 6 shown in Fig. 12A. Fig. 13A is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a molle yarn according to Embodiment 7 including a core yarn and an effect yarn group. Fig. 13B is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of each of the effect yarns when the core yarn is excluded from the configuration of the molle yarn according to Embodiment 7 shown in Fig. 13A. Fig. 14A is a microscope photograph of a molle yarn experimentally produced in Example 4. Fig. 14B is a microscope photograph of a molle yarn experimentally produced in Example 5. Fig. 14C is a microscope photograph of a molle yarn experimentally produced in Example 6. Fig. 14D is a microscope photograph of a molle yarn experimentally produced in Example 7. Fig. 14E is a microscope photograph of a molle yarn experimentally produced in Example 8. Fig. 14F is a microscope photograph of a molle yarn experimentally produced in Example 9. Fig. 14G is a microscope photograph of a molle yarn experimentally produced in Comparative Example 10. Fig. 14H is a microscope photograph of a molle yarn experimentally produced in Comparative Example 11. Fig. 15A shows a knitting pattern of a mesh knit (fabric) formed using only a molle yarn experimentally produced in any of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 10 and 11 as a material. Fig. 15B is a photograph of the surface of the mesh knit (fabric) formed based on the knitting pattern shown in Fig. 15A. Fig. 15C is a photograph of a whole-garment shirt experimentally produced using only a molle yarn experimentally produced in any of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 10 and 11. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0010] A molle yarn according to the present invention is a fibrous material including at least one core yarn and an effect yarn group held by the at least one core yarn. The effect yarn group included in the molle yarn may be a relatively short effect yarn group (a plurality of fragmented effect yarns) formed by cutting one or more relatively long effect yarns during the production of the molle yarn.

[0011] Although not shown, the molle yarn according to the present invention may include two or more core yarns. For example, when the molle yarn according to the present invention includes two core yarns, the two core yarns may be twisted in such a manner that part of each of the effect yarns is sandwiched between the two core yarns to form a two-ply yarn. For example, when the molle yarn according to the present invention includes three core yarns, the three core yarns may be twisted in such a manner that part of each of the effect yarns is sandwiched between the three core yarns to form a three-ply yarn. If necessary, two or more core yarns formed of the same resin may be used or two or more types of core yarns formed of different resins may be used. When two or more core yarns are used, at least one of them may be referred to as a core yarn and the remaining at least one core yarn may be referred to as a pressing yarn. The effect yarns may be referred to as decorative yarns.<Embodiment 1>

[0012] Hereinbelow, examples of an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference signs. Herein, a molle yarn 10a according to Embodiment 1 shown in Fig. 1 will be mainly described, but the present invention is not limited to one embodiment of the molle yarn 10a.

[0013] The molle yarn 10a includes one chainstitched core yarn 20 and an effect yarn group 30a held by the one core yarn 20. Each of the effect yarns 33 included in the effect yarn group 30a is held by the core yarn 20 so as to be fixedly entwined with the core yarn 20.

[0014] The core yarn 20 is a multifilament yarn including a plurality of first filaments. Each of the first filaments included in the core yarn 20 is made of a synthetic resin, and is therefore stretchier and dries more quickly than a staple fiber such as wool. For the same reason, the core yarn 20 is excellent in tensile strength and handleability and is less likely to break as compared to a spun yarn formed by spinning staple fibers.

[0015] From the viewpoint of being less likely to be worn out even by heating during cleaning or the like, each of the first filaments included in the core yarn 20 may be formed of a thermoplastic polymer generated by condensation polymerization such as a polyamide or a polyester because it has crystallinity and a relatively high melting point. From the viewpoint of excellent flexibility, the first filaments may be, for example, a polyamide-based filament. Examples of a polyamide that can constitute the polyamide-based filament include nylon 6, nylon 66, para-type aramid (e.g., a polycondensate of p-phenylenediamine and terephthaloyl chloride), and meta-type aramid (e.g., a polycondensate of m-phenylenediamine and isophthaloyl chloride).

[0016] From the viewpoints of being less likely to be shrunk even by washing, of quick-drying properties, and of ease of imparting crimps, each of the first filaments included in the core yarn 20 is preferably a polyester-based filament. A polyester constituting the polyester-based filament is a polycondensate of a polyvalent carboxylic acid and a polyol. Examples of such a polyester include polyethylene terephthalate (hereinafter also referred to as "PET"), polytrimethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, and polybutylene naphthalate. The first filaments may be a filament formed of one of the polymers mentioned above as some examples of the constituent resin of the polyamide-based filament or the polyester-based filament or may be a conjugate filament formed of two or more of such polymers from the viewpoint of ease of imparting crimps.

[0017] From the viewpoint that the first filaments renders alkaline sweat slightly acidic upon contact with the sweat and therefore the growth of bacteria is inhibited, ammonia odor in the sweat is reduced, and dirt is easily removed from the surface of the filament during washing, each of the first filaments included in the core yarn 20 is preferably a polyester-based filament copolymerized with an ester-forming metal sulfonate compound represented by the following formula (i) and / or an ester-forming phosphonium sulfonate compound represented by the following formula (ii).

[0018] In the above formula (i), A 1 represents an aromatic group or an aliphatic group and is preferably an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 or more and 15 or less carbon atoms or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 10 or less carbon atoms, more preferably an aromatic hydrocarbon group (e.g., a benzene ring) having 6 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms, and X 1 represents an ester-forming functional group and is, for example, a functional group represented by the following formula (iii). wherein R' represents a lower alkyl group or a phenyl group, a and d are each an integer of 1 or more, and b is an integer of 2 or more.

[0019] In the above formula (i), X 2 represents an ester-forming functional group that is the same as or different from X 1 or a hydrogen atom and is preferably an ester-forming functional group. In the above formula (i), M is an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal and m is a positive integer, and preferably, M is an alkali metal (e.g., lithium, sodium, or potassium) and m is 1.

[0020] Examples of the ester-forming metal sulfonate compound represented by the above formula (i) include one compound or two or more compounds selected from the group consisting of sodium 3,5-dicarbomethoxybenzenesulfonate, potassium 3,5-dicarbomethoxybenzenesulfonate, lithium 3,5-dicarbomethoxybenzenesulfonate, sodium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, potassium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, lithium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, sodium 3,5-di(β-hydroxyethoxycarbonyl)benzenesulfonate, potassium 3,5-di(β-hydroxyethoxycarbonyl)benzenesulfonate, lithium 3,5-di(β-hydroxyethoxycarbonyl)benzenesulfonate, sodium 2,6-dicarbomethoxynaphthalene-4-sulfonate, potassium 2,6-dicarbomethoxynaphthalene-4-sulfonate, lithium 2,6-dicarbomethoxynaphthalene-4-sulfonate, sodium 2,6-dicarboxynaphthalene-4-sulfonate, sodium 2,6-dicarbomethoxynaphthalene-1-sulfonate, sodium 2,6-dicarbomethoxynaphthalene-3-sulfonate, sodium 2,6-dicarbomethoxynaphthalene-4,8-disulfonate, sodium 2,6-dicarboxynaphthalene-4,8-disulfonate, sodium 2,5-bis(hydroethoxy)benzenesulfonate, and α-sodium sulfosuccinate.

[0021] In the above formula (ii), A 2 represents an aromatic group or an aliphatic group, and the definition thereof is the same as the definition of A 1 described above. X 3 represents an ester-forming functional group, and the definition thereof is the same as the definition of X 1 described above. X 4 represents an ester-forming functional group that is the same as or different from X 3 or a hydrogen atom, and the definition thereof is the same as the definition of X 2 described above. R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , and R 4 each represent a group selected from an alkyl group or an aryl group and may be the same or different from each other. n is a positive integer, preferably 1.

[0022] Examples of the ester-forming phosphonium sulfonate compound represented by the above formula (ii) include one compound or two or more compounds selected from the group consisting of tetrabutylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, ethyltributylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, benzyltributylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, phenyltributylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, tetraphenylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, butyltriphenylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, benzyltriphenylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, tetrabutylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, ethyltributylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, benzyltributylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, phenyltributylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, tetraphenylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, ethyltriphenylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, butyltriphenylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, benzyltriphenylphosphonium 3,5-dicarboxybenzenesulfonate, tetrabutylphosphonium 3-carboxybenzenesulfonate, tetraphenylphosphonium 3-carboxybenzenesulfonate, tetrabutylphosphonium 3-carbomethoxybenzenesulfoante, tetraphenylphosphonium 3-carbomethoxybenzenesulfonate, tetrabutylphosphonium 3,5-di(β-hydroxyethoxycarbonyl)benzenesulfonate, tetraphenylphosphonium 3,5-di(β-hydroxyethoxycarbonyl)benzenesulfonate, tetrabutylphosphonium 3-(β-hydroxyethoxycarbonyl)benzenesulfonate, tetraphenylphosphonium 3-(β-hydroxyethoxycarbonyl)benzenesulfonate, tetrabutylphosphonium 4-hydroxyethoxybenzenesulfonate, tetrabutylphosphonium 2,6-dicarboxynaphthalene-4-sulfonate, and α-tetrabutylphosphonium sulfosuccinate.

[0023] From the viewpoint of reducing environmental load to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society as stated in the SDGs, each of the first filaments included in the core yarn 20 is preferably a polyester-based filament produced by chemical recycling or material recycling.

[0024] The core yarn 20 may be a multifilament yarn including a plurality of first filaments composed of one of the polymers mentioned above as some examples of the constituent resin of the polyamide-based filament or the polyester-based filament, or a multifilament yarn including a plurality of first filaments of two or more types different from each other in constituent polymer.

[0025] From the viewpoint that the core yarn 20 is less likely to be worn out and therefore the effect yarns 33 are likely to remain held, the single-filament fineness of each of the first filaments included in the core yarn 20 is 0.3 dtex or more, preferably 0.4 dtex or more, more preferably 0.5 dtex or more. If the single-filament fineness of each of the first filaments is less than 0.3 dtex, the first filaments are too thin and easily break, and therefore the core yarn is likely to be worn out and cannot be practically used. From the viewpoint that the effect yarns 33 are less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20, the single-filament fineness of each of the first filaments is 5.0 dtex or less, preferably 3.0 dtex or less, more preferably 2.0 dtex or less. If the single-filament fineness of each of the first filaments exceeds 5.0 dtex, such a problem that the effect yarns fall out due to washing is likely to occur. The mechanism thereof is not clear, but it is assumed that when the single-filament fineness of each of the first filaments is 5.0 dtex or less, the thickness of each of the first filaments is appropriate for entanglement between the first filaments included in the core yarn 20 and second filaments included in the effect yarns 33, and therefore the first filaments and the second filaments are entangled with each other so that the effect yarns 33 are less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20.

[0026] The fineness is herein an average determined in the following manner. The mass of 100 m of a yarn or a filament is measured and then multiplied by 100 to calculate the value of fineness, and this calculation is repeated 10 times to determine the average of the values of fineness.

[0027] From the viewpoint that the core yarn 20 is less likely to be worn out, the total fineness of the core yarn 20 may be 30 dtex or more or 40 dtex or more, and is preferably 50 dtex or more, more preferably 60 dtex or more. From the viewpoint that the effect yarns 33 are less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20 and the viewpoint that a light-weight fabric having high air permeability is easily produced, the total fineness of the core yarn 20 may be, for example, 100 dtex or less, and is preferably 90 dtex or less, more preferably 80 dtex or less.

[0028] From the viewpoint that the effect yarns 33 are held so as to be less likely to fall out, the core yarn 20 is preferably a multifilament yarn having crimps imparted by false twisting. When crimps are imparted, from the viewpoint that the effect yarns 33 are more likely to be held so as not to fall out and the viewpoint that a fabric with a soft texture is easily produced, the percentage of crimp of the core yarn 20 may be, for example, 3% or more, and is preferably 5% or more, more preferably 10% or more. When crimps are imparted, from the viewpoint of preventing the repulsion of the core yarn 20 from becoming too strong so as to easily produce a fabric having a relatively uniform texture with little unevenness, the percentage of crimp of the core yarn 20 may be, for example, 40% or less, and is preferably 30% or less, more preferably 20% or less.

[0029] The percentage of crimp is herein a value measured by a method based on "8. 12. 2 Percentage of Crimp and Residual Percentage of Crimp" in JIS L 1015-2010.

[0030] When having crimps imparted by false twisting, the core yarn 20 is preferably a false-twist crimped yarn. The false-twist crimped yarn has S-direction torque or Z-direction torque depending on the direction of twisting. The false-twist crimped yarn may be a so-called one-heater false-twist crimped yarn obtained by setting false twisting in a first heater zone or a so-called second-heater false-twist crimped yarn obtained by further introducing the one-heater false-twist crimped yarn into a second heater zone for relaxation heat treatment to reduce the torque.

[0031] Each of the effect yarns 33 is a filament group including a plurality of second filaments made of a synthetic resin. From the viewpoint of being less likely to be worn out even by heating during cleaning or the like, each of the second filaments included in the effect yarns 33 may be a polyamide-based filament or a polyester-based filament. From the viewpoints of being less likely to be shrunk even by washing, of quick-drying properties, and of easily imparting crimps, each of the second filaments is preferably a polyester-based filament. The effect yarns 33 may be a filament group composed of one type of second filaments formed of the same polymer or a filament group composed of two or more types of second filaments formed of different polymer. Each of the second filaments may be a filament formed of one of the polymers described above with reference to the first filaments included in the core yarn 20, and is preferably a conjugate filament formed of two or more of such polymers from the viewpoint that the effect yarn 33 is likely to have a bulky appearance. The conjugate filament easily has crimps, and therefore when each of the effect yarns 33 is formed of a group of conjugate filaments, the effect yarn 33 is likely to have a bulky appearance by allowing each of the conjugate filaments to have crimps.

[0032] Each of the second filaments included in each of the effect yarns 33 may be a general filament having a circular cross-sectional shape, and is preferably a filament having a modified cross-sectional shape (a filament whose cross-sectional shape is not circular). For example, the above-described conjugate filament or a filament having any of various modified cross-sectional shapes, such as a cross shape, a Y shape, or a W shape, may be used as each of the second filaments. When the molle yarn 10a uses, as each of the second filaments, a filament having a modified cross-sectional shape, a plurality of the filaments are less likely to crowd together when bundled together due to the shape of surface irregularities, grooves, or the like formed in each of the filaments so that relatively large spaces are created between the filaments, which is preferred from the viewpoint that a fabric produced using the molle yarn 10a is likely to have warmth-retaining properties, sweat absorbency, quick-drying properties, and dry-touch texture (smooth texture and cool touch) due to such spaces created between the filaments. Further, the filament having a modified cross-sectional shape is preferred as compared to the filament having a circular cross-sectional shape also from the viewpoint that the filament is easily caught on and entangled with each of the first filaments included in the core yarn 20 due to surface irregularities, grooves, or the like formed therein so that the effect yarns 33 are less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20. From the same viewpoint, each of the second filaments is more preferably at least one filament having a modified cross-section, selected from among a hollow filament whose cross-section has a hollow portion, a flat filament having an almost flat cross-section, and a false-twist crimped filament whose cross-section has a groove and changes in shape along the filament axis direction due to false-twist crimping.

[0033] A preferred example of the hollow filament may be a polyester-based filament shown in Fig. 2A in which a hollow portion is formed in the center of the cross-section thereof and a plurality of projections is radially arranged around the hollow portion. The hollow filament (Fig. 2A) is preferred from the viewpoint that when the hollow filaments are bundled together, relatively large spaces are easily created between the hollow filaments due to the eight projections of each of the hollow filaments, and therefore warmth-retaining properties, sweat absorbency, and quick-drying properties are excellent, and the viewpoint that the hollow filament is much lighter than a filament having the same filament diameter and a circular cross-section due to its eight projections and hollow portion. A preferred example of the flat filament may be a polyester-based filament shown in Fig. 2B which has an almost flat cross-section of a filament and three grooves formed by four projections respectively on one lateral side of a filament and the other lateral side thereof. The flat filament (Fig. 2B) is preferred as compared to the filament having a circular cross-section from the viewpoint that when the flat filaments are bundled together, relatively large spaces are created between the flat filaments due to the projections of each of the flat filaments, and therefore the flat filament is excellent in sweat absorbency (moisture absorbency), excellent in quick-drying properties because absorbed sweat (moisture) is easily diffused by the grooves, excellent in anti-transparency properties due to its almost flat shape, easily folded, and is likely to exhibit distinct flexibility and draping properties. A preferred example of the false-twist crimped filament may be a false-twist crimped filament shown in Fig. 2C obtained by subjecting a polyester-based filament having grooves formed on lateral sides thereof to false-twist crimping in such a manner that the cross-sectional shape of the filament having grooves irregularly changes along the filament axis direction. The false-twist crimped filament (Fig. 2C) is preferred as compared to the filament having a circular cross-section from the viewpoint that when the false-twist crimped filaments are bundled together, large spaces are created between the false-twist crimped filaments due to their irregular cross-sections of a filament, and therefore the false-twist crimped yarn is excellent in lightweight properties, sweat absorbency, quick-drying properties, and dry touch texture, and also that the false-twist crimped filament is excellent in washing resistance because the false-twist crimped filament is easily entangled with each of the first filaments due to surface irregularities or grooves in its irregular cross-section of a filament and is therefore less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20.

[0034] Each of the second filaments included in the effect yarns 33 is preferably a polyester-based filament copolymerized with an ester-forming metal sulfonate compound represented by the above formula (i) and / or an ester-forming phosphonium sulfonate compound represented by the above formula (ii) from the viewpoint that the growth of bacteria is inhibited, ammonia odor in sweat is reduced, and dirt is easily removed from the surface of the filament during washing. Each of the second filaments included in the effect yarns 33 is preferably a polyester-based filament produced by chemical recycling or material recycling from the viewpoint of reducing environmental load to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society as stated in the SDGs.

[0035] From the viewpoint of allowing the appearance of the effect yarns 33 to be fluffy and bulky to some extent to enhance warmth-retaining properties, the single-filament fineness of each of the second filaments included in each of the effect yarns 33 is 0.3 dtex or more, preferably 0.4 dtex or more, more preferably 0.5 dtex or more. If the single-filament fineness of the second filaments is less than 0.3 dtex, each of the second filaments is too thin and is therefore likely to collapse so that a plurality of the second filaments are likely to lie down along the longitudinal axis direction of the chainstitched core yarn 20, which makes it difficult to allow the effect yarn to be fluffy. From the viewpoint that the effect yarns 33 are less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20, the single-filament fineness of each of the second filaments included in the effect yarns 33 is 8.0 dtex or less and may be 6.5 dtex or less or 5.0 dtex or less, and is preferably 3.0 dtex or less, more preferably 2.0 dtex or less. If the single-filament fineness of each of the second filaments exceeds 8.0 dtex, the effect yarns are likely to fall out due to washing. It is considered that when the single-filament fineness of each of the second filaments included in the effect yarns 33 is 8.0 dtex or less, the thickness of each of the second filaments is appropriate for entanglement with each of the first filaments included in the core yarn 20, and therefore the effect yarns 33 are less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20 due to entanglement between them.

[0036] The second filaments included in each of the effect yarns 33 may be in a state where they are slightly spaced from each other as shown in Fig. 1. From the viewpoint of allowing the appearance of the effect yarns 33 to be fluffy and bulky to some extent, the single-yarn fineness of each of the effect yarns 33, which can be calculated as a total value of single-filament fineness of the each of the second filaments, may be 30 dtex or more or 50 dtex or more, and is preferably 60 dtex or more, more preferably 70 dtex or more. From the viewpoint that the effect yarns 33 are less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20 and the viewpoint that a light-weight fabric having high air permeability is easily produced, the single-yarn fineness of each of the effect yarns 33 may be, for example, 200 dtex or less or 150 dtex or less, and is preferably 100 dtex or less or 90 dtex or less, more preferably 80 dtex or less.

[0037] From the viewpoint of allowing the appearance of the effect yarns 33 to be fluffy and bulky to enhance warmth-retaining properties, each of the second filaments included in the effect yarns 33 may be a filament having crimps. From the same viewpoint, a radius of curvature indicating the size of a crimp in the second filaments may be, for example, 2.0 mm or less, 1.0 mm or less, or 0.50 mm or less, and is preferably 0.40 mm or less, more preferably 0.35 mm or less, even more preferably 0.30 mm or less. On the other hand, if each of the second filaments has excessive crimps, there may be a case where the second filaments are entangled with each other more than necessary, and therefore a fabric produced using a resulting molle yarn is likely to have clumps or to be non-uniform so that warmth-retaining properties are slightly impaired. From the viewpoint of imparting crimps in such a manner that warmth-retaining properties are likely to be achieved, a radius of curvature indicating the size of a crimp in each of the second filaments included in the effect yarns 33 may be, for example, 0.10 mm or more, and is preferably 0.15 mm or more. From the viewpoint of easily satisfying the condition of the radius of curvature described here, the false-twist crimped yarn described above with reference to the core yarn 20 may be used also as each of the effect yarns 33. When the false-twist crimped yarn is used as each of the effect yarns 33, a plurality of filaments with crimps included in the false-twist crimped yarn can be regarded as second filaments.

[0038] The radius of curvature is herein a measured value determined by measuring the radius of a curved shape formed by a sampled filament 34 using an image two-dimensionally observed with a microscope as shown in Fig. 3. The radius of curvature is measured in the following manner. At each of 10 positions randomly selected at regular intervals in the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn 10a, one second filament is sampled by cutting or pulling, and each sampled filament 34 is observed with a microscope at such a magnification as to be able to find a crimp shape. Using the observation image, the radius of a curved shape formed by the filament having crimps is measured 10 times or more, and the average of measured values is defined as a radius of curvature of the filament.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 4, and Fig. 7A, in the molle yarn 10a, each of the effect yarns 33 has a fixing portion 37 formed by inserting and fixing a part of each of the effect yarns 33 (second filaments) in a tightened loop 25 formed by chainstitching one core yarn 20. That is, the fixing portion 37 is in a state where a part of each of the effect yarns 33 (second filaments) is fixedly entwined with the core yarns 20 by being wrapped and compressed by the core yarn 20. Fig. 7B shows the effect yarn group 30a when the core yarn 20 is excluded from the molle yarn 10a shown in Fig. 7A to illustrate the positional relationship of each of the effect yarns 33 in the molle yarn 10a. A residual portion of each of the effect yarns 33 (second filaments) where the fixing portion 37 is not formed is in a state where the second filaments extend from the fixing portion 37 and slightly spread in the circumferential direction of the core yarn 20 like a flower to form an effect yarn portion or in a state where the second filaments are pulled between the two fixing portions 37 and are bundled together with the core yarn 20 to form a composite portion 40 (Fig. 7A).

[0040] From the viewpoint of allowing the appearance of each of the effect yarns 33 to be bulky to some extent to easily produce a fabric excellent in warmth-retaining properties, a height T1 of each of the second filaments may be, for example, 1.5 mm or more, 3.0 mm or more, or 5.0 mm or more, and is preferably 6.0 mm or more, more preferably 7.0 mm or more. From the viewpoint of easily producing a light-weight fabric having high air permeability, the height T1 of each of the second filaments may be, for example, 15 mm or less, 12 mm or less, or 10 mm or less, and is preferably 9.0 mm or less, more preferably 8.0 mm or less. As shown in Fig. 4, the height T1 of each of the second filaments is herein the shortest direct distance between the core yarn 20 and the distal end (35a or 35b) of each of the second filaments when the length direction of the molle yarn 10a and the longitudinal direction of each of the effect yarns 33 (each of the second filaments) are each oriented in the direction that is along the horizontal direction (when the molle yarn 10a and each of the effect yarns 33 are present in an XY plane in Fig. 4). At this time, the length direction of the molle yarn 10a is oriented in the direction X that is along any direction in the XY plane that is along the horizontal direction. In other words, the height T1 can be said to be a height from the core yarn 20 to the distal end (35a or 35b) of each of the second filaments in a state where each of the second filaments lies down in the XY plane that is along the horizontal direction without being subjected to an external force (e.g., a traction force).

[0041] From the viewpoint of easily producing a light-weight fabric excellent in air permeability, a height T2 of each of the second filaments may be, for example, 15 mm or less, 12 mm or less, or 10 mm or less, and is preferably 9.5 mm or less, more preferably 8.5 mm or less. The height T2 of each of the second filaments is herein the shortest direct distance between the core yarn 20 and the distal end (35a or 35b) of each of the second filaments when the length direction of the molle yarn 10a and the longitudinal direction of each of the effect yarns 33 (each of the second filaments) are each oriented in the direction that is along the horizontal direction (when the molle yarn 10a and each of the effect yarns are present in the XY plane in Fig. 4) and each of the second filaments is linearly stretched along the direction Y orthogonal to the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn 10a. In other words, the height T2 can be said to be a height from the core yarn 20 to the distal end (35a or 35b) of each of the second filaments in a state where an external force (e.g., a traction force) is applied to each of the second filaments in such a manner that each of the second filaments is linearly stretched in the direction Y orthogonal to the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn in the XY plane that is along the horizontal direction.

[0042] From the viewpoint of easily producing a fabric excellent in air permeability, a ratio between the two types of heights (height T1 / height T2) of each of the second filaments is 0.880 or more and may be, for example, 0.89 or more, and is preferably 0.90 or more, more preferably 0.91 or more. When the height ratio (height T1 / height T2) of each of the second filaments is 0.88 or more, the molle yarn 10a has an appearance such that the second filaments included in the effect yarns 33 stand up from the core yarn 20 when observed with a microscope. Due to both such an appearance and the fact that each of the second filaments is thin, air easily passes through the molle yarn 10a along the orthogonal direction Y. If the height ratio (height T1 / height T2) is less than 0.88, the air permeability of a fabric including the molle yarn becomes impaired as the ratio decreases because each of the second filaments lies down in the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn so that the flow of air passing through the molle yarn along the orthogonal direction Y is interrupted by the effect yarns (second filaments).

[0043] The height T1 of each of the second filaments is herein a value determined by the following method. A sample is prepared by placing a sheet of black paper on a flat table surface extending in the horizontal direction, placing a molle yarn on the sheet of black paper, and adhering a core yarn to the sheet of black paper in such a manner that the molle yarn linearly extends as a whole along its length direction. When the core yarn is adhered, care should be taken not to adhere the second filaments to the sheet of black paper. When there is an effect yarn entangled with the core yarn, the effect yarn is disentangled from the core yarn before the core yarn is adhered to the sheet of black paper to prepare a sample. This sample is imaged at 10 positions using a microscope at a magnification of 50 times. Using the obtained images taken at 10 positions, as shown in Fig. 4, the direct distance between the core yarn 20 and the distal end (35a or 35b) of each of the second filaments is measured. The direct distance is measured for 50 second filaments to determine the average value as a height T1 of each of the second filaments.

[0044] The height T2 of each of the second filaments is herein a value determined by the following method. In the sample after calculation of the value of the height T1 mentioned above, the distal end (35a or 35b) portion of each of the 50 second filaments used to measure the direct distance mentioned above for calculation of the height T1 is adhered to the sheet of black paper in a state where each of the second filaments is linearly stretched by pinching and pulling the distal end (35a or 35b) portion thereof in the direction Y orthogonal to the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn. The sample is in a state where the linearly-stretched second filaments are held on the sheet of black paper. This sample is observed with a microscope at a magnification of 50 times to measure the direct distance between the core yarn 20 and the distal end (35a or 35b) of each of the adhered 50 second filaments. The direct distance is measured for the attached 50 second filaments to determine the average value as a height T2 of each of the second filaments.

[0045] The present inventors have found that when a certain number of the effect yarns 33 are held by the core yarn 20 having a certain length, the effect yarns 33 are much less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20. It is assumed that when the thickness of the fixing portion 37 of the effect yarns 33 entwined with the core yarn 20 reaches a certain level or higher, the core yarn 20 is compressed by the thick fixing portion 37 so that the fixing portion 37 is likely to be stably held by the core yarn 20. From such a viewpoint, the distance between the fixing portions 37, in which the effect yarns 33 are held by the core yarn 20, in the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn 10a may be, for example, 6.0 mm or less or 4.0 mm or less, and is preferably 2.0 mm or less or 1.5 mm or less, more preferably 1.2 mm or less. In other words, it can be said that the number of the fixing portions 37, in which the effect yarns 33 are held, in the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn 10a may be, for example, 4.2 portions / inch or more or 6.4 portions / inch or more, and can be preferably 12.7 portions / inch or more or 16.9 portions / inch or more, more preferably 21.2 portions / inch or more.

[0046] On the other hand, when too many effect yarns 33 are held by the core yarn 20 having a certain length, it is considered that the core yarn 20 is excessively compressed by an excessive number of the fixing portions 37 so that some of the effect yarns 33 are likely to be pushed out from the core yarn 20. That is, it is assumed that the core yarn 20 latently has an upper limit of the amount of the effect yarns 33 that the core yarn 20 can stably hold, and when the core yarn 20 holds the effect yarns 33 in an amount exceeding the upper limit, some of the effect yarns 33 are likely to fall out of the core yarn 20 according to an excess amount. In order to allow a fabric produced using the molle yarn 10a to have a soft texture, it is desirable that the core yarn 20 be not excessively compressed and have flexibility to some extent. From these viewpoints, the distance between the fixing portions 37 in the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn 10a may be, for example, 0.5 mm or more, and is preferably 0.7 mm or more, more preferably 0.9 mm or more. In other words, it can be said that the number of the fixing portions 37 in the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn 10a may be, for example, 50 portions / inch or less, and can be preferably 36 portions / inch or less, more preferably 28 portions / inch or less.

[0047] The distance between the fixing portions 37 mentioned above is determined in the following manner. A sample is prepared by adhering the molle yarn 10a to a sheet of black paper in a state where the molle yarn 10a linearly extends as a whole in such a manner that the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn 10a is oriented in the horizontal direction and the effect yarns 33 entangled with the core yarn 20 are disentangled to orient each of the effect yarns 33 in the direction Y orthogonal to the direction X. This sample is imaged at 10 positions using a microscope at a magnification of 50 times. Using the obtained images taken at 10 positions, the average values of the distance measured between the adjacent fixing portions 37 is determined.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 4, Fig. 7A, and Fig. 7B, in the molle yarn 10a, each of the effect yarns 33 is held by the core yarn 20 in such a manner that two fixing portions 37 are formed in each of the effect yarns 33. That is, a plurality of tightened loops 25 are formed by the core yarn 20, and each of the effect yarns 33 (second filaments) is passed through two of the loops formed by the core yarn in the middle of the longitudinal direction thereof and is fixed in each of the tightened loops 25. As described above, each of the effect yarns 33 in the molle yarn 10a has two fixing portions and is therefore more strongly held by the core yarn 20 and less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20 as compared to a case where only one fixing portion is formed in an effect yarn. Further, as described above, a portion between two fixing portions 37 in each of the effect yarns 33 is bundled together with the core yarn 20 to form a composite portion 40. In the composite portion 40, the first filaments included in the core yarn 20 and the second filaments included in each of the effect yarns 33 are likely to be entangled with each other to some extent, which is also considered to be the reason why each of the effect yarns 33 is less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20 in the molle yarn 10a.

[0049] From the viewpoint of easily producing a fabric having a bulky appearance and warmth-retaining properties using the molle yarn 10a, the total fineness of the molle yarn 10a may be, for example, 550 dtex or more, and is preferably 600 dtex or more, more preferably 650 dtex or more. From the viewpoint of easily producing a fabric having a relatively light weight and high air permeability using the molle yarn 10a, the total fineness of the molle yarn 10a may be, for example, 1,300 dtex or less or 1,000 dtex or less and is preferably 900 dtex or less, more preferably 800 dtex or less.

[0050] Each of the effect yarns 33 may be fixed by fusion to the core yarn 20 in at least one portion selected from among the fixing portion 37 and the composite portion 40. In this case, the first filaments included in the core yarn 20 may include a polyester-based filament having a low melting point in an amount of 10% by mass or less of the core yarn 20. Alternatively, in this case, the second filaments included in the effect yarns 33 may include a polyester-based filament having a low melting point in an amount of 10% by mass or less of each of the effect yarns 33. The low melting point herein may be, for example, higher than 130°C and lower than 150°C. Examples of such a polyester-based filament having a low melting point include block copolymers containing a polyester as a hard segment and a polyether or a polyester as a soft segment.

[0051] However, when a fabric is produced using the molle yarn 10a in which the effect yarns 33 are fixed to the core yarn 20 by fusion, the obtained fabric has a slightly hard texture. From the viewpoint of easily producing a fabric having a soft texture, it is preferred that each of the effect yarns 33 and the core yarn 20 in the molle yarn 10a be not substantially fixed to each other by fusion. In order to achieve this, for example, the first filaments included in the core yarn 20 and the second filaments included in the effect yarns 33 are preferably polyester-based filaments having a melting point of 150°C or higher.

[0052] A method for producing the molle yarn 10a is not limited, and the molle yarn 10a can be produced by an ordinary method (see, for example, Patent Literature 2) by those skilled in the art on the basis of the description herein. For example, the molle yarn 10a can be produced by a method which will be described below. First, n core yarns that have not yet been chainstitched and (n-1) long effect yarns that have not yet been cut are prepared. n is a natural number of 3 or more. The n core yarns are arranged in parallel and chainstitched, and at this time, the long effect yarns and the core yarns are knitted by overlapping each of the long effect yarns with the core yarns while alternately swinging it between the adjacent right-hand core yarn and the adjacent left-hand core yarn, whereby the molle yarn 10a can be produced.

[0053] Referring to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the above-described production method will be described on the basis of a case where n is 3. As shown in Fig. 5, a first wale 50a, a second wale 50b, and a third wale 50c are arranged in parallel from the left-hand side to the right-hand side, and the molle yarn 10a is produced through steps S1 to S5 that will be described below.

[0054] In step S1, in each of the wales (50a, 50b, and 50c), one core yarn (20a, 20b, or 20c) is placed. In the leftmost first wale 50a, the core yarn 20a that has not yet been chainstitched and a first long effect yarn 31 that has not yet been cut are overlapped to knit a loop 25a1 in which the core yarn 20a and the first long effect yarn 31 are overlapped. Also in the second wale 50b adjacent to the right of the first wale 50a, a loop 25b1, in which the core yarn 20b and a second long effect yarn 32 that has not yet been cut are overlapped, is knitted in the same manner. On the other hand, in the (rightmost) third wale 50c adjacent to the right of the second wale 50b, a loop 25c1 of only the core yarn 20c is knitted.

[0055] In next step S2, in the leftmost first wale 50a, only the first long effect yarn 31 is pulled from the loop (25a1 or 25a3 described later), in which the core yarn 20a and the first long effect yarn 31 are overlapped, formed in the "previous step" to the adjacent right-hand second wale 50b, and only the core yarn 20a is passed through the loop (25a1 or 25a3 described later) to knit a new loop 25a2 of only the core yarn 20a. In the second wale 50b, only the second long effect yarn 32 is pulled from the loop (25b1 or 25b3 described later), in which the core yarn 20b and the second long effect yarn 32 are overlapped, formed in the "previous step" to the adjacent right-hand third wale 50c, and the core yarn 20b is overlapped with the first long effect yarn 31 pulled from the adjacent left-hand first wale 50a and passed through the loop (25b1 or 25b3 described later) formed in the "previous step" to knit a new loop 25b2 in which the core yarn 20b and the first long effect yarn 31 are overlapped. In the third wale 50c, the core yarn 20c is pulled from the loop (25c1 or 25c3 described later) of only the core yarn 20c formed in the "previous step", overlapped with the second long effect yarn 32 pulled from the adjacent left-hand second wale 50b, and passed through the loop (25c1 or 25c3 described later) formed in the "previous step" to knit a new loop 25c2 in which the core yarn 20c and the second long effect yarn 32 are overlapped. It should be noted that when step S2 is performed for the first time, the "previous step" in step S2 refers to step S1 described above.

[0056] In next step S3, in the rightmost third wale 50c, only the second long effect yarn 32 is pulled from the loop 25c2, in which the core yarn 20c and the second long effect yarn 32 are overlapped, formed in previous step S2 to the adjacent left-hand second wale 50b, and only the core yarn 20c is passed through the loop 25c2 to knit a new loop 25c3 of only the core yarn 20c. In the second wale 50b, only the first long effect yarn 31 is pulled from the loop 25b2, in which the core yarn 20b and the first long effect yarn 31 are overlapped, formed in previous step S2 to the adjacent left-hand first wale 50a, and the core yarn 20b is overlapped with the second long effect yarn 32 pulled from the adjacent right-hand third wale 50c and passed through the loop 25b2 formed in previous step S2 to knit a new loop 25b3 in which the core yarn 20b and the second long effect yarn 32 are overlapped. In the leftmost first wale 50a, the core yarn 20a is pulled from the loop 25a2 of only the core yarn 20a formed in previous step S2, overlapped with the first long effect yarn 31 pulled from the adjacent right-hand second wale 50b, and passed through the loop 25a2 formed in previous step S2 to knit a new loop 25a3 in which the core yarn 20a and the first long effect yarn 31 are overlapped.

[0057] Although not shown, in next step S4, step S2 and step S3 described above are alternately repeated more than once. In this way, one core yarn (20a, 20b, or 20c) is chainstitched in each of the wales (50a, 50b, and 50c) while the first long effect yarn 31 acts as a bridge between the adjacent left-hand core yarn 20a and the adjacent right-hand core yarn 20b so as to be alternately entangled with them and, similarly, the second long effect yarn 32 acts as a bridge between the adjacent left-hand core yarn 20b and the adjacent right-hand core yarn 20c so as to be alternately entangled with them. It should be noted that when step S2 is performed for the second or subsequent time in step S4, the "previous step" in step S2 refers to step S3 previously performed.

[0058] After the core yarns (20a, 20b, and 20c), the first long effect yarn 31, and the second long effect yarn 32 are knitted through step S1 to S4 described above, step S5 shown in Fig. 6 is performed. In step S5, part of the first long effect yarn 31 that acts as a bridge between the core yarn 20a and the core yarn 20b is cut at an intermediate position 55a between the first wale 50a and the second wale 50b. By cutting the first long effect yarn 31, a relatively short effect yarn group 30a (effect yarns as fragments) is formed. Similarly, part of the second long effect yarn 32 that acts as a bridge between the core yarn 20b and the core yarn 20c is cut at an intermediate position 55b between the second wale 50b and the third wale 50c to form a relatively short effect yarn group 30a (effect yarns as fragments) from one second long effect yarn 32. When the core yarn 20b is pulled at both ends thereof, the loops (25b1, 25b2, and 25b3) are tightened (contracted) so that part of each of the effect yarns 33 inserted in each of the tightened loops 25 is fixed and held in the loop 25 and the molle yarn 10a is formed.

[0059] Step S5 has been described above by taking, for example, a case shown in Fig. 6 where the molle yarn 10a is formed by cutting the first long effect yarn 31 and the second long effect yarn 32 and then tightening each of the loops (25b1, 25b2, and 25b3). However, from the viewpoint of more easily producing the molle yarn 10a, the molle yarn 10a is preferably formed by tightening each of the loops (25b1, 25b2, and 25b3) in step S4 or S5 descried above to allow the core yarn 20b to hold the first long effect yarn 31 and the second long effect yarn 32 and then cutting the first long effect yarn 31 and the second long effect yarn 32. Although the method for producing the molle yarn 10a has been described above with reference to a case where n is 3 as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, n is preferably larger because a larger number of molle yarns 10a can be produced at the same time. When n is 4 or more, one molle yarn 10a can be produced per wale except a leftmost first wale and a rightmost n th< wale. That is, (n-2) molle yarns 10a can be produced at the same time. It should be noted that the length of a distance between the intermediate position 55a and the intermediate position 55b (i.e., the length of a cut width L between the cut point of the first long effect yarn 31 and the cut point of the second long effect yarn 32) is likely to be relatively close to twice the height T1 of each of the second filaments. The lower part of Fig. 6 shows a microscope photograph of the molle yarn 10a experimentally produced in such a manner that six fixing portions 37 are formed per 0.25 inches (24 portions / inch) in the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn 10a. That is, the distance D between the fixing portions 37 in this case is 1 / 24 inches.

[0060] In the molle yarn 10a formed in, for example, the second wale 50b by the production method shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, as shown in Fig. 7A, composite portions 40 in which each of the effect yarns 33 is bundled together with the core yarn 20 are continuously provided in the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn 10a. It should be noted that in Fig. 7A, each of the effect yarns 33 whose distal ends (35a and 35b) face toward the upper side (one side) of the plane of paper relative to the core yarn 20 is derived from the first long effect yarn 31. In Fig. 7A, each of the effect yarns 33 whose distal ends (35a and 35b) face toward the lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper relative to the core yarn 20 is derived from the second long effect yarn 32. As is clear also from Fig. 7B, in the molle yarn 10a, the effect yarns 33 derived from the first long effect yarn 31 having distal ends facing toward the upper side (one side) of the plane of paper and the effect yarns 33 derived from the second long effect yarn 32 having distal ends facing toward the lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper are alternately and continuously provided in the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn 10a. Therefore, for example, when the first long effect yarn 31 and the second long effect yarn 32 used to produce the molle yarn 10a are somewhat different from each other in physical properties, it is also possible to produce the molle yarn 10a whose upper side (one side) and lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper are greatly different in characteristics such as softness or texture.

[0061] Although not shown, a fabric according to an embodiment is a fabric including the molle yarn 10a. For example, the fabric may be a woven fabric or knitted fabric including the molle yarn 10a as a component. The fabric may be, for example, a mixed-weave fabric including the molle yarn 10a and a polyester-based filament as a component or an interknitted fabric including the molle yarn 10a and a polyester-based filament as a component. From the viewpoint of allowing the fabric to include a certain amount of the molle yarn 10a to easily exhibit warmth-retaining properties, light-weight properties, and air permeability, the content of the molle yarn 10a in the fabric may be, for example, more than 50% by mass, 60% by mass or more, 70% by mass or more, 80% by mass or more, or 90% by mass or more, and is preferably 95% by mass or more or 98% by mass or more, more preferably 99% by mass or more or 100%. That is, the fabric is more preferably a woven fabric or a knitted fabric substantially composed of the molle yarn 10a. From the viewpoint of being easier to produce than a woven fabric, the fabric is even more preferably a knitted fabric including the molle yarn 10a.

[0062] From the viewpoint of allowing the fabric to easily exhibit warmth-retaining properties due to the molle yarn 10a, a certain amount of the molle yarn 10a is used, and therefore the basis weight of the fabric including the molle yarn 10a may be, for example, 200 g / m 2< or more, and is preferably 250 g / m 2< or more. From the viewpoint of allowing the fabric to have a relatively light weight and high air permeability, the basis weight of the fabric including the molle yarn 10a may be, for example, 350 g / m 2< or less, and is preferably 300 g / m 2< or less. The basis weight is herein a value measured by a measurement method based on JIS L 1096-2010 8.3.

[0063] From the viewpoint of ease of use of the fabric for producing a fibrous product (e.g., a clothing product) that can be repeatedly washed on a daily basis, the fiber shedding rate of the fabric including the molle yarn 10a may be, for example, 0.80% or less or 0.50% or less, and is preferably 0.30% or less, more preferably 0.20% or less.

[0064] The fiber shedding rate is herein a value determined by the following method.(Method for Measuring Fiber Shedding Rate)

[0065] Step 1: Three test specimens including a synthetic fiber and having a size of 300 mm × 300 mm are sampled from a fibrous product such as a fabric. At this time, the fabric is cut into pieces having a size of 300 mm × 300 mm using a flat nichrome heater-type soldering iron (ISHIZAKI ELECTRIC MFG. CO., LTD., model number: SB-100), and these pieces are used as test specimens.

[0066] Step 2: The mass of each of the obtained test specimens is measured down to 0.1 µg using an electronic balance. After the mass measurement, the test specimens are washed one by one in a drum-type washing machine without using detergent in accordance with JIS L 1930 Method C4M. The washed test specimens are dried by tumble drying in the same drum-type washing machine.

[0067] Step 3: The mass of each of the dried test specimens is measured down to 0.1 µg using an electronic balance. The measured mass of the test specimen before washing is defined as L0 and the measured mass of the test specimen after washing and drying is defined as L1 to calculate the fiber (microplastic) shedding rate (%) of the test specimen by the following formula. Shedding rate % = L 0 − L 1 / L 0 × 100

[0068] From the viewpoint of easily producing a fibrous product (e.g., a clothing product) that quickly dries and is less likely to get stuffy, the time until the diffusible residual moisture content of the fabric including the molle yarn 10a reaches 10% or less is preferably 80 minutes or shorter. The time is preferably shorter because the fabric dries in a shorter time. The diffusible residual moisture content is herein a value determined by dropping about 0.6 g of water onto a sample (fabric) in an atmosphere of 20°C × 65% RH, measuring the mass of the sample at each time point, and calculating a residual moisture content by the following formula.

[0069] . From the viewpoint of easily producing a fibrous product (e.g., a clothing product) that has high air permeability and is less likely to get stuffy, the air permeability of the fabric including the molle yarn 10a is preferably 100 cc / (cm 2< ·sec) or more, more preferably 150 cc / (cm 2< ·sec) or more. The air permeability is herein a value measured in accordance with JIS L 1096-2010 8.26.1 Method A (Frazier method).

[0070] From the viewpoint of easily producing a fibrous product (e.g., a clothing product) excellent in warmth-retaining properties, the warmth retention rate of the fabric including the molle yarn 10a is preferably 60% or more, more preferably 65% or more. The warmth retention rate is herein a value determined by a measurement method based on JIS L 1096 8.27.

[0071] Although not shown, a clothing product according to an embodiment is a product including the fabric including the molle yarn 10a. Examples of such a product include tops, pants, skirts, outer wears, underclothes, pajamas, hats, gloves, and socks. From the viewpoint of taking advantage of the characteristics of the molle yarn 10a such that the effect yarns 33 are less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20, the clothing product including the fabric including the molle yarn 10a is preferably a general clothing item that is repeatedly washed on a daily basis. Further, from the viewpoint of taking advantage of warmth-retaining properties, light-weight properties, and air permeability due to the molle yarn 10a, the clothing product including the fabric including the molle yarn 10a is more preferably a clothing product as an alternative to a clothing item made of a conventional fleece material. When the clothing product is an alternative to a clothing item made of a fleece material, the mass of the clothing product is preferably 200 g or more and 450 g or less.<Other Embodiments 2 to 8>

[0072] Hereinbelow, molle yarns (10b to 10g) according to other embodiments will be described with reference to Fig. 8A to Fig. 13B. Each of these molle yarns (10b to 10g) has almost the same configuration, functions, and effects as the molle yarn 10a (Fig. 7A) described above. Therefore, the following description will be made by mainly focusing on different points from the molle yarn 10a without basically repeating the description of points in common with the molle yarn 10a.

[0073] A molle yarn 10b according to Embodiment 2 shown in Fig. 8A includes one chainstitched core yarn 20 and an effect yarn group 30b held by the core yarn 20. Each of the effect yarns 33 included in the effect yarn group 30b has two fixing portions 37 each formed by being entwined with the core yarn 20 in a tightened loop 25 formed by the core yarn 20. The molle yarn 10b can be produced in, for example, the third wale (n th< wale) in the production method (in which n = 3) described above with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. That is, each of the effect yarns 33 in the molle yarn 10b may be derived from the second long effect yarn 32, and its first distal end 35a and second distal end 35b both face toward the upper side (one side) of the plane of paper of Fig. 8A. On the other hand, the molle yarn 10b includes no effect yarn whose distal ends face toward the lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper of Fig. 8A. Fig. 8B shows the effect yarn group 30b when the core yarn 20 is excluded from the molle yarn 10b shown in Fig. 8A to illustrate the positional relationship of each of the effect yarns 33 in the molle yarn 10b (it should be noted that a relationship between Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B, a relationship between Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B, a relationship between Fig. 11A and Fig. 11B, a relationship between Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B, and a relationship between Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B, which will be described later, are each the same as such a relationship between Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B as described here). As is clear from Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B, composite portions 40, in which the core yarn 20 and each of the effect yarns 33 are bundled together, and portions consisting of only the core yarn 20 are continuously provided so as to be alternately repeated in the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn 10b. The molle yarn 10b has a bulky appearance on the side facing toward the upper side (one side) of the plane of paper due to the effect yarns 33, but is lighter in weight than the molle yarn 10a (Fig. 7A) because there is no effect yarn on the side facing toward the lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper.

[0074] A molle yarn 10c according to Embodiment 3 shown in Fig. 9A includes one chainstitched core yarn 20 and an effect yarn group 30c held by the core yarn 20. Each of the effect yarns 33 included in the effect yarn group 30c has two fixing portions 37 each formed by being entwined with the core yarn 20 in a tightened loop 25 formed by the core yarn 20. As compared to the molle yarn 10b (Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B), the molle yarn 10c (Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B) is configured in almost the same way, but is different in that its first distal end 35a faces toward the upper side (one side) of the plane of paper and its second distal end 35b faces toward the lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper. The molle yarn 10c has a bulky appearance on both of the upper side (one side) and lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper due to the effect yarns 33 and is lighter in weight than the molle yarn 10a (Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B) because the amount of the effect yarns 33 is smaller than the molle yarn 10a.

[0075] A molle yarn 10d according to Embodiment 4 shown in Fig. 10A includes one chainstitched core yarn 20 and an effect yarn group 30d held by the core yarn 20. Each of the effect yarns 33 included in the effect yarn group 30d has two fixing portions 37 each formed by being entwined with the core yarn 20 in a tightened loop 25 formed by the core yarn 20. In the molle yarn 10d, as shown in Fig. 10B, a first distal end 35a of each of the effect yarns 33 faces toward the upper side (one side) of the plane of paper and a second distal end 35b of each of the effect yarns 33 faces toward the lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper. As compared to the molle yarn 10a (Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B), the molle yarn 10d is likely to have almost uniform characteristics such as softness or texture between its upper side (one side) and lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper even when, for example, the first long effect yarn and the second long effect yarn used in a production process are different from each other in physical properties.

[0076] A molle yarn 10e according to Embodiment 5 shown in Fig. 11A includes one chainstitched core yarn 20 and an effect yarn group 30e held by the core yarn 20. Each of the effect yarns 33 included in the effect yarn group 30e has three fixing portions 37 (Fig. 11B) formed by allowing it to pass through three of a plurality of tightened loops formed by the core yarn, and its first distal end 35a and second distal end 35b both face toward the upper side (one side) of the plane of paper. In the direction X that is along the length direction of the mole yarn 10e, composite portions 40, in which each of the effect yarns 33 and the core yarn 20 are bundled together, and portions consisting of only the core yarn 20 are continuously provided so as to be alternately repeated. In the molle yarn 10e, each of the effect yarns 33 has three fixing portions 37, which is preferred from the viewpoint that the effect yarns 33 are much less likely to fall out of the core yarn 20 as compared to a case where each of the effect yarns 33 has two fixing portions as described above with reference to the molle yarn 10b (Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B).

[0077] A molle yarn 10f according to Embodiment 6 shown in Fig. 12A includes one chainstitched core yarn 20 and an effect yarn group 30f held by the core yarn 20. Each of the effect yarns 33 included in the effect yarn group 30f has three fixing portions 37 (Fig. 12B). The molle yarn 10f is configured in the same manner as the molle yarn 10e (Fig. 11A) except that a first distal end 35a of each of the effect yarns 33 faces toward the upper side (one side) of the plane of paper and a second distal end 35b of each of the effect yarns 33 faces toward the lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper.

[0078] A molle yarn 10g according to Embodiment 7 shown in Fig. 13A includes one chainstitched core yarn 20 and an effect yarn group 30g held by the core yarn 20. Each of the effect yarns 33 included in the effect yarn group 30g has three fixing portions 37 (Fig. 13B). The molle yarn 10g is configured in the same manner as the molle yarn 10e (Fig. 11A) except that in the direction X that is along the length direction of the molle yarn 10g, composite portions 40, in which each of the effect yarns 33 and the core yarn 20 are bundled together, are continuously provided.

[0079] From the viewpoint that the effect yarns are less likely to fall out of the core yarn, it is desirable that in the molle yarn according to the present invention, each of the effect yarns preferably has two or more fixing portions and more preferably has three or more fixing portions. Form the viewpoint of preventing a production process from becoming complicated, in the molle yarn according to the present invention, each of the effect yarns may have five or less or four or less fixing portions.

[0080] The matters disclosed herein include the following. (1) A molle yarn including a core yarn and an effect yarn group held by the core yarn, wherein the core yarn includes a plurality of first filaments, and each of the first filaments has a single-filament fineness of 0.3 dtex or more and 5.0 dtex or less, each of the effect yarns includes a plurality of second filaments and has a fixing portion formed by being held by the core yarn, and each of the second filaments has a single-filament fineness of 0.3 dtex or more and 8.0 dtex or less, and when a direct distance between the core yarn and a distal end of each of the second filaments in a state where a length direction of the molle yarn and a longitudinal direction of each of the effect yarns are horizontally oriented is defined as a height T1 of each of the second filaments and a direct distance between the core yarn and a distal end of each of the second filaments in a state where each of the second filaments is stretched to be straight along a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the molle yarn is defined as a height T2 of each of the second filaments, a ratio of the height T1 to the height T2 (the height T1 / the height T2) is 0.88 or more. (2) The molle yarn according to (1) above, wherein the core yarn has been subjected to false-twist crimping so as to have a percentage of crimp of 3% or more and 40% or less. (3) The molle yarn according to (1) or (2) above, wherein each of the effect yarns is held by the core yarn in such a manner that a distance between the fixing portions is 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less. (4) The molle yarn according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein each of the effect yarns is held by the core yarn in such a manner that the number of the fixing portions formed in each of the effect yarns is two or more. (5) The molle yarn according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein each of the second filaments is at least one filament having a modified cross-section, selected from among a hollow filament whose cross-section has a hollow portion, a flat filament having an almost flat cross-section, and a false-twist crimped filament whose cross-section has a groove and changes in shape along a filament axis direction. (6) The molle yarn according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the height T1 is 1.5 mm or more and 15.0 mm or less. (7) The molle yarn according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein at least one of the first filaments or the second filaments include a polyester-based filament copolymerized with an ester-forming metal sulfonate compound and / or an ester-forming phosphonium sulfonate compound. (8) The molle yarn according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein at least one of the first filaments or the second filaments include a polyester-based filament obtained by chemical recycling or material recycling. (9) The molle yarn according to any one of (1) to (8) above, which has a total fineness of 550 dtex or more and 1,000 dtex or less. (10) The molle yarn according to any one of (1) to (9) above, which has a fiber shedding rate of 0.8% or less. (11) A fabric including the molle yarn according to any one of (1) to (10) above. (12) The fabric according to (11) above, which has a basis weight of 200 g / m 2< or more and 350 g / m 2< or less. (13) The fabric according to (11) or (12) above, whose diffusible residual moisture content reaches 10% or less in 80 minutes or shorter. (14) The fabric according to any one of (11) to (13) above, which has an air permeability of 100 cc / (cm 2< ·sec) or more. (15) A clothing product including the fabric according to any one of (11) to (14) above. (16) The molle yarn according to any one of (1) to (10) above, comprising the core yarn chainstitched to form a plurality of loops, and the effect yarn group in which each of the effect yarns is held by each of the loops in the plurality of loops.

[0081] The molle yarn according to (1) above is likely to have a bulky appearance and warmth-retaining properties due to the effect yarn group. Further, since each of the second filaments has such a single-filament fineness as described above and the ratio (the height T1 / the height T2) described above is 0.88 or more, the molle yarn has an appearance such that each of the relatively thin second filaments stands up from the core yarn when observed with a microscope, and therefore the effect yarn group is likely to have a light weight and to allow air to pass through therebetween. Further, since each of the first filaments included in the core yarn has such a single-filament fineness as described above, each of the effect yarns is less likely to fall out of the core yarn.

[0082] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements, modifications, and changes may be made on the basis of knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention may be implemented by replacing any of the specific matters with another technique as long as the same function or effect can be achieved.Examples

[0083] Hereinbelow, some examples will be described, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.Core Yarn: False-Twist Crimped Yarn A1

[0084] Polyethylene terephthalate (flatting agent content 0.3% by mass, Semi Dull (SD)) was melt-spun at 280°C by a conventional spinning apparatus, taken up at a speed of 2,800 m / min, and wound up without being drawn to obtain a semi-drawn multifilament yarn. The multifilament yarn included 36 PET filaments, and the cross-sectional shape of each of the filaments was circular. The multifilament yarn was subjected to drawing and false-twist crimping at the same time under conditions of a draw ratio of 1.6 times, a number of false twists of 2,500 T / m (S direction), a heater temperature of 180°C, and a yarn speed of 350 m / min to experimentally produce a false-twist crimped yarn A1 (PET SD84T36, percentage of crimp 20%) having a total fineness of 84 dtex / 36 filaments. The single-filament fineness of the PET filaments included in the yarn A1 was about 2.3 dtex.Core Yarn: False-Twist Crimped Yarn A2

[0085] Polyethylene terephthalate (flatting agent content 0.3% by mass) was melt-spun at 280°C by a conventional spinning apparatus, taken up at a speed of 2,800 m / min, and wound up without being drawn to obtain a semi-drawn multifilament yarn.

[0086] From the multifilament yarn, a false-twist crimped yarn having S-direction torque and a false-twist crimped yarn having Z-direction torque were produced. Specifically, two types of false-twist crimped yarns different in torque direction were obtained by performing drawing and false-twist crimping at the same time under conditions of a draw ratio of 1.6 times, a number of false twists of 2,500 T / m (S direction or Z direction), a heater temperature of 180°C, and a yarn speed of 350 m / min.

[0087] Then, the false-twist crimped yarn having S-direction torque and the false-twist crimped yarn having Z-direction torque were subjected to yarn doubling and then to air interlacing. The air interlacing was interlacing using an interlace nozzle, and 50 interlaces / m were imparted at an overfeed rate of 1.0% and a compressed air pressure of 0.3 MPa (3 kgf / cm 2< ) to experimentally produce a false-twist crimped yarn A2 (PET SD66T72, percentage of crimp 28%) as a composite yarn. The yarn A2 had a total fineness of 66 dtex / 72 filaments and a torque of 0 T / m, and the single-filament fineness of PET filaments included in the yarn A2 was about 0.92 dtex.Core Yarns for Comparison: Non-Crimped Yarns A3, A4

[0088] As a non-crimped yarn A3, a multifilament yarn (NY6, 56T / 17) made of nylon 6 and having a total fineness of 56 dtex / 17 filaments was prepared. As a non-crimped yarn A4, a multifilament yarn (NY6, 78T / 24) made of nylon 6 and having a total fineness of 78 dtex / 24 filaments was prepared. These yarns A3 and A4 had substantially no crimp, and the single-filament fineness of each NY6 filament included therein was about 3.3 dtex.Effect Yarn: False-Twist Crimped Yarn B1

[0089] A false-twist crimped yarn B1 (PET CD84T72, percentage of crimp 8%) having a total fineness of 66 dtex / 72 filaments was experimentally produced under the same experimental production conditions as the false-twist crimped yarn A1 except that a cationic dyeable copolymerized polyethylene terephthalate (copolymerized with sodium 5-sulfoisophthalate, flatting agent content 0.3% by mass, CD) was used instead of SD, the number of filaments was changed, and the draw ratio was changed. The single-filament fineness of PET filament included in the yarn B1 was about 1.2 dtex.Effect Yarn: False-Twist Crimped Yarn B2

[0090] Polyethylene terephthalate (flatting agent content 0.3% by mass, Full Dull (FD)) was melt-spun at 280°C by a conventional spinning apparatus, taken up at a speed of 2,800 m / min, and wound up without being drawn to obtain a semi-drawn multifilament yarn. The multifilament yarn included single filaments each having a cross cross-sectional shape. The multifilament yarn was subjected to drawing and false-twist crimping at the same time through a double-heater false-twist crimping process under conditions of a number of false twists of 2,633 T / m, a first heater temperature of 160°C, a second heater temperature of 170°C, and a yarn speed of 140 m / min to experimentally produce a false-twist crimped yarn B2 (PET FD84T72, percentage of crimp 9.4%) having a total fineness of 84 dtex / 72 filaments. Each of the PET filaments included in the yarn B2 had a single-filament fineness of 1.2 dtex and a cross-shaped cross section.Effect Yarn: False-Twist Crimped Yarn B3

[0091] Polyethylene terephthalate (flatting agent content 0.3% by mass, Full Dull (FD)) was melt-spun at 280°C by a conventional spinning apparatus, taken up at a speed of 2,800 m / min, and wound up without being drawn to obtain a semi-drawn multifilament yarn. The multifilament yarn included single filaments each having a flat cross-sectional shape. The multifilament yarn was subjected to drawing and false-twist crimping at the same time through a double-heater false-twist crimping process under conditions of a number of false twists of 2,633 T / m, a first heater temperature of 160°C, a second heater temperature of 170°C, and a yarn speed of 140 m / min to experimentally produce a false-twist crimped yarn B3 (PET FD84T30, percentage of crimp 2.5%) having a total fineness of 84 dtex / 30 filaments. Each of the PET filaments included in the yarn B3 had a single-filament fineness of 2.8 dtex and a flat cross-section.Effect Yarns for Comparison: Non-Crimped Yarns B4, B5

[0092] As a non-crimped yarn B4, a commercially-available multifilament yarn (rayon 84T / 50) made of rayon and having a total fineness of 84 dtex / 50 filaments was prepared. The single-filament fineness of each rayon filament included in the yarn B4 was about 1.7 dtex. As a non-crimped yarn B5, a commercially-available multifilament yarn (rayon 84T / 24) made of rayon and having a total fineness of 84 dtex / 24 filaments was prepared. The single-filament fineness of each rayon filament included in the yarn B5 was 3.5 dtex. The rayon filaments included in each of the yarn B4 and the yarn B5 had substantially no crimp.

[0093] As shown in Table 1 below, molle yarns produced in wales, except the rightmost wale and the leftmost wale, using any one of the core yarns A1 to A4 and any one of the effect yarns B1 to B5 in combination (in each of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 10 and 11) through steps S1 to S5 of the molle yarn production method described above in which n is 4 or more were used as molle yarns according to an example or a comparative example. That is, all the molle yarns experimentally produced are molle yarns each of which includes one chainstitched core yarn and an effect yarn group held by the core yarn. In the experimental production, the core yarn and the effect yarn were not thermally fused. Microscope photographs of the molle yarn of Example 4, the molle yarn of Example 5, the molle yarn of Example 6, the molle yarn of Example 7, the molle yarn of Example 8, the molle yarn of Example 9, the molle yarn of Comparative Example 10, and the molle yarn of Comparative Example 11 are respectively shown in Fig. 14A, Fig. 14B, Fig. 14C, Fig. 14D, Fig. 14E, Fig. 14F, Fig. 14G, and Fig. 14H. The single-filament fineness of each filament included in each of the core yarn and the effect yarn used and the ratio (height T1 / height T2) measured by the above-described method for each filament included in the effect yarn are shown for each of the experimentally-produced molle yarns in Table 1 below. [Table 1]Yarn Used as Core YarnYarn Used as Effect YarnSingle-Filament Fineness of Filament Included in Core YarnSingle-Filament Fineness of Filament Included in Effect YarnHeight Ratio of Filament Included in Effect Yarn (T1 / T2)Example 1False-Twist Crimped Yarn A1 (PET SD84T36)False-Twist Crimped Yarn B1 (PET CD84T72)2.3 dtex1.2 dtex0.932Example 2False-Twist Crimped Yarn A1 11 (PET SD84T36)False-Twist Crimped Yarn B1 (PET CD84T72)2.3 dtex1.2 dtex0.910Example 3False-Twist Crimped Yarn A1 (PET SD84T36)False-Twist Crimped Yarn B1 (PET CD84T72)2.3 dtex1.2 dtex0.921Example 4False-Twist Crimped Yarn A2 (PET SD66T72)False-Twist Crimped Yarn B1 (PET CD84T72)0.92 dtex1.2 dtex1.000Example 5False-Twist Crimped Yarn A2 (PET SD66T72)False-Twist Crimped Yarn B1 (PET CD84T72)0.92 dtex1.2 dtex0.963Example 6False-Twist Crimped Yarn A2 (PET SD66T72)False-Twist Crimped Yarn B2 (PET FD84T72)0.92 dtex1.2 dtex1.000Example 7False-Twist Crimped Yarn A2 (PET SD66T72)False-Twist Crimped Yarn B2 (PET FD84T72)0.92 dtex1.2 dtex0.973Example 8False-Twist Crimped Yarn A2 (PET SD66T72)False-Twist Crimped Yarn B2 (PET FD84T72)0.92 dtex1.2 dtex0.969Example 9False-Twist Crimped Yarn A2 (PET SD66T72)False-Twist Crimped Yarn B3 (PET FD84T30)0.92 dtex2.8 dtex1.000Comparative Example 10Non-Crimped Yarn A3 (NY6 56T / 17)Non-Crimped Yarn B4 (Rayon 84T / 50)3.3 dtex1.7 dtex0.862Comparative Example 11Non-Crimped Yarn A4 (NY6 78T / 24)Non-Crimped Yarn B5 (Rayon 84T / 24)3.3 dtex3.5 dtex0.875

[0094] For each of the experimentally-produced molle yarns of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 10 and 11, the height T1, the height T2, and the radius of curvature of each filament included in the effect yarn and the distance between the fixing portions of the effect yarn in the core yarn were measured and shown in Table 2 below. [Table 2]Percentage of Crimp of Filament Included in Core YarnMeasured Values of Filament Included in Effect YarnDistance between Fixing Portions of Effect Yarn in Core YarnPercentage of CrimpHeight T1Height T2Radius of CurvatureExample 120%8%6.9 mm7.4 mm0.21 mm0.87 mm (22 portions / inch)Example 220%8%7.1 mm7.8 mm0.20 mm0.94 mm (24 portions / inch)Example 320%8%7.0 mm7.6 mm0.26 mm1.04 mm (26.5 portions / inch)Example 428%8%7.6 mm7.6 mm0.29 mm0.94 mm (24 portions / inch)Example 528%8%10.4 mm10.8 mm0.21 mm0.94 mm (24 portions / inch)Example 628%9.4%3.7 mm3.7 mm0.17 mm0.94 mm (24 portions / inch)Example 728%9.4%7.1 mm7.3 mm0.21 mm0.94 mm (24 portions / inch)Example 828%9.4%9.4 mm9.7 mm0.21 mm0.94 mm (24 portions / inch)Example 928%2.5%9.5 mm9.5 mm1.00 mm0.94 mm (24 portions / inch)Comparative Example 100%0%7.5 mm8.7 mm0.71 mm1.02 mm (26 portions / inch)Comparative Example 110%0%3.5 mm4.0 mm0.41 mm0.94 mm (24 portions / inch)

[0095] Using only the molle yarn experimentally produced in each of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 10 and 11, a mesh knitted fabric having a pattern shown in Fig. 15A and Fig. 15A was experimentally produced by an ordinary method. For each of the knitted fabrics (fabrics consisting of only the molle yarn) experimentally produced, a basis weight, a fiber shedding rate, an air permeability, and a warmth retention rate were measured by the respective measurement methods described above and shown in Table 3 below. [Table 3]Core YarnEffect YarnFabric Consisting of Only Molle YarnBasis WeightFiber Shedding RateAir PermeabilityWarmth Retention RateExample 1Yarn A1Yarn B1278.5 g / cm 2< 0.12%188 cc68.9%Example 2Yarn A1Yarn B1274.6 g / cm 2< 0.14%213 cc70.4%Example 3Yarn A1Yarn B1258.3 g / cm 2< 0.15%213 cc70.0%Example 4Yarn A2Yarn B1227.8 g / cm 2< 0.17%242 cc69.7%Example 5Yarn A2Yarn B1258.2 g / cm 2< 0.17%191 cc72.9%Example 6Yarn A2Yarn B2206.4 g / cm 2< 0.20%243 cc59.4%Example 7Yarn A2Yarn B2213.7 g / cm 2< 0.06%204 cc72.4%Example 8Yarn A2Yarn B2250.4 g / cm 2< 0.20%162 cc74.9%Example 9Yarn A2Yarn B3234.0 g / cm 2< 0.19%238 cc73.7%Comparative Example 10Yarn A3Yarn B4337.0 g / cm 2< 0.95%136 cc57.5%Comparative Example 11Yarn A3Yarn B5219.7 g / cm 2< 0.84%331 cc55.7%

[0096] From Tables 1 to 3, it was suggested that the fabrics of Examples 1 to 9 had a higher warmth retention rate and a much lower fiber shedding rate than the fabrics of Comparative Examples 10 and 11. Further, it was suggested that the fabrics of Examples 1 to 9 had a relatively lower basis weight (relatively lighter weight) and a higher air permeability than the fabric of Comparative Example 10.

[0097] Using only the molle yarn experimentally produced in each of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 10 and 11 as a material, a seamless shirt (whole-garment) for an adult man, which was mainly composed of a mesh knitted fabric having a pattern shown in Fig. 15A and Fig. 15B, was experimentally produced by an ordinary method (see Fig. 15C). All these experimentally-produced shirts were light-weight shirts having a mass within a range of 200 g or more and 450 g or less. When the shirt experimentally produced using the molle yarn of Comparative Example 10 or 11 was tried on outside in winter, the same level of warmth was felt as when a commercially-available shirt using a conventional fleece material was tried on. On the other hand, when the shirt experimentally produced using the molle yarn of each of Examples 1 to 5 or the shirt experimentally produced using the molle yarn of each of Examples 7 to 9 was tried on outside in winter, more warmth was easily felt as compared to when a commercially-available shirt using a conventional fleece material was tried on.REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0098] 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g: Molle yarn 20, 20a, 20b, 20c: Core yarn 25, 25a1, 25a2, 25a3, 25b1, 25b2, 25b3, 25c1, 25c2, 25c3: Loop 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f, 30g: Effect yarn group 31 First long effect yarn 32: Second long effect yarn 33: Each of effect yarns 34: Sampled filament 35a, 35b: Distal end 37: Fixing portion 40: Composite portion 50a, 50b, 50c: Wale D: Distance between fixing portions L: Cut width of effect yarn T1, T2: Height of second filament X: Direction along length direction of molle yarn Y: Direction orthogonal to length direction of molle yarn

Examples

embodiment 1

[0012]Hereinbelow, examples of an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference signs. Herein, a molle yarn 10a shown in Fig. 1 will be mainly described, but the present invention is not limited to one embodiment of the molle yarn 10a.

[0013]The molle yarn 10a includes one chainstitched core yarn 20 and an effect yarn group 30a held by the one core yarn 20. Each of the effect yarns 33 included in the effect yarn group 30a is held by the core yarn 20 so as to be fixedly entwined with the core yarn 20.

[0014]The core yarn 20 is a multifilament yarn including a plurality of first filaments. Each of the first filaments included in the core yarn 20 is made of a synthetic resin, and is therefore stretchier and dries more quickly than a staple fiber such as wool. For the same reason, the core yarn 20 is excellent in tensile strength and handleability and is less likely to break as ...

embodiment 2

[0073]A molle yarn 10b shown in Fig. 8A includes one chainstitched core yarn 20 and an effect yarn group 30b held by the core yarn 20. Each of the effect yarns 33 included in the effect yarn group 30b has two fixing portions 37 each formed by being entwined with the core yarn 20 in a tightened loop 25 formed by the core yarn 20. The molle yarn 10b can be produced in, for example, the third wale (n thFig. 5 and Fig. 6. That is, each of the effect yarns 33 in the molle yarn 10b may be derived from the second long effect yarn 32, and its first distal end 35a and second distal end 35b both face toward the upper side (one side) of the plane of paper of Fig. 8A. On the other hand, the molle yarn 10b includes no effect yarn whose distal ends face toward the lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper of Fig. 8A. Fig. 8B shows the effect yarn group 30b when the core yarn 20 is excluded from the molle yarn 10b shown in Fig. 8A to illustrate the positional relationship of each of the e...

embodiment 3

[0074]A molle yarn 10c shown in Fig. 9A includes one chainstitched core yarn 20 and an effect yarn group 30c held by the core yarn 20. Each of the effect yarns 33 included in the effect yarn group 30c has two fixing portions 37 each formed by being entwined with the core yarn 20 in a tightened loop 25 formed by the core yarn 20. As compared to the molle yarn 10b (Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B), the molle yarn 10c (Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B) is configured in almost the same way, but is different in that its first distal end 35a faces toward the upper side (one side) of the plane of paper and its second distal end 35b faces toward the lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper. The molle yarn 10c has a bulky appearance on both of the upper side (one side) and lower side (the other side) of the plane of paper due to the effect yarns 33 and is lighter in weight than the molle yarn 10a (Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B) because the amount of the effect yarns 33 is smaller than the molle yarn 10a.

Claims

1. A molle yarn comprising a core yarn and an effect yarn group held by the core yarn, wherein the core yarn includes a plurality of first filaments, and each of the first filaments has a single-filament fineness of 0.3 dtex or more and 5.0 dtex or less, each of the effect yarns includes a plurality of second filaments and has a fixing portion formed by being held by the core yarn, and each of the second filaments has a single-filament fineness of 0.3 dtex or more and 8.0 dtex or less, and when a direct distance between the core yarn and a distal end of each of the second filaments in a state where a length direction of the molle yarn and a longitudinal direction of each of the effect yarns are horizontally oriented is defined as a height T1 of each of the second filaments and a direct distance between the core yarn and a distal end of each of the second filaments in a state where each of the second filaments is stretched to be straight along a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the molle yarn is defined as a height T2 of each of the second filaments, a ratio of the height T1 to the height T2 (the height T1 / the height T2) is 0.88 or more.

2. The molle yarn according to claim 1, wherein the core yarn has been subjected to false-twist crimping so as to have a percentage of crimp of 3% or more and 40% or less.

3. The molle yarn according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the effect yarns is held by the core yarn in such a manner that a distance between the fixing portions is 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less.

4. The molle yarn according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the effect yarns is held by the core yarn in such a manner that the number of the fixing portions formed in each of the effect yarns is two or more.

5. The molle yarn according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the second filaments is at least one filament having a modified cross-section, selected from among a hollow filament whose cross-section has a hollow portion, a flat filament having an almost flat cross-section, and a false-twist crimped filament whose cross-section has a groove and changes in shape along a filament axis direction.

6. The molle yarn according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the height T1 is 1.5 mm or more and 15.0 mm or less.

7. The molle yarn according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the first filaments or the second filaments include a polyester-based filament copolymerized with an ester-forming metal sulfonate compound and / or an ester-forming phosphonium sulfonate compound.

8. The molle yarn according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the first filaments or the second filaments include a polyester-based filament obtained by chemical recycling or material recycling.

9. The molle yarn according to claim 1 or 2, which has a total fineness of 550 dtex or more and 1,000 dtex or less.

10. The molle yarn according to claim 1 or 2, which has a fiber shedding rate of 0.8% or less.

11. A fabric comprising the molle yarn according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The fabric according to claim 11, which has a basis weight of 200 g / m2 or more and 350 g / m2 or less.

13. The fabric according to claim 11, whose diffusible residual moisture content reaches 10% or less in 80 minutes or shorter.

14. The fabric according to claim 11, which has an air permeability of 100 cc / (cm2·sec) or more.

15. A clothing product comprising the fabric according to claim 11.

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