Article of clothing comprising a main tubular part, and a tubular support member of at least one area of ​​the foot

Abstract

The present invention relates to a garment (10) comprising a knitted tubular main part (20), and a knitted tubular support member (30) of at least at least one area of ​​the foot, wherein advantageously: - the knitted tubular main part (20) and the knitted tubular support member are connected by a knitted link (30), and - the knitted tubular support member (30) comprises a first knitted heel portion (40) including rows of stitches knitted in a forward and reverse direction, and wherein the knitted tubular support member (30) is configured to be folded from a first position to a second position in which the first knitted heel portion (40) is able to receive at least part of the heel of the wearer's foot. Figure 1 for the abstract.

Description

Title of the invention: Clothing article comprising a main tubular part, and a tubular member for supporting at least one area of ​​the foot Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of clothing articles comprising a knitted main tubular part and a tubular member for supporting at least one area of ​​the foot.

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of methods for manufacturing clothing articles comprising a knitted main tubular part and a knitted tubular support member for at least one area of ​​the foot. Prior art

[0003] It is known to use adhesive elastic bands, called kinesiology bands, to support a muscle dynamically and accompany the movement without limiting the mobility of the joints.

[0004] Such elastic bands can be used for the practice of a sporting activity and / or by a subject suffering from an injury or illness leading to reduced mobility and / or functional motor problems and / or during rehabilitation following an injury, possibly in addition to an orthosis for example. A kinesiology band mobilizes the blood vessels in order to aid blood circulation which makes it possible to increase oxygenation and reduce inflammation and swelling of the targeted area(s).

[0005] The use of kinesiology tape involves the arrangement of tapes on a specific area(s) of the body and in a specific direction(s) to help support specific joints and / or muscles, such as those of the knee, ankle, or wrist.

[0006] The correct use of a kinesiology tape therefore depends on its correct placement, in the right direction and with an appropriate application tension, this therefore requires a minimum of technical knowledge by its user.

[0007] Adhesive kinesiology tapes also have the disadvantage of being disposable. To solve this problem, it has been proposed to use reusable, and therefore washable, textile kinesiology tapes. However, there remains the problem of correctly positioning the textile tape on the limb to be supported.

[0008] To solve this problem, it has been proposed to coat an elastomer on an item of clothing intended to be worn on the area of ​​the body to be supported. However, this requires a coating operation subsequent to the making of said article. In addition, when it comes to supporting at least one area of ​​the foot, the coated areas are as many extra thicknesses which can be harmful to the foot. These coated areas can also hinder the evacuation of heat and / or perspiration. The foot is in fact subject to a great deal of frictional stress, particularly when practicing an active sport. It is therefore complex to support the foot while preserving comfort (avoiding friction / heating which can cause injuries such as blisters) and to support mobility.

[0009] The present invention thus seeks to propose a kinesiology device, i.e. generally providing support to at least one joint and / or muscle of the foot, and / or improving proprioception, which is reusable, ergonomic, allowing the support to be placed in a targeted and correct manner while preserving the mobility of the foot, and allowing the evacuation of heat and / or perspiration. Statement of the invention

[0010] The present invention relates, according to a first aspect, to an article of clothing comprising a knitted tubular main part, and a knitted tubular support member for at least one area of ​​the foot.

[0011] Advantageously: - the knitted tubular main part and the knitted tubular support member are in knitted connection, and - the knitted tubular support member comprises a first knitted heel portion comprising rows of stitches knitted in a forward and reverse direction, and the knitted tubular support member is configured to be folded down from a first position to a second position in which the first knitted heel portion is adapted to receive at least in part the heel of the foot of the wearer of said article of clothing.

[0012] Advantageously, the knitted tubular support member is of unitary knitted construction with the knitted tubular main portion.

[0013] Advantageously, the knitted tubular support member and the knitted tubular main part form a single knitted piece in one piece.

[0014] This arrangement facilitates the manufacture of the article which is in a single knitted piece and avoids additional manufacturing operations. The clothing article not comprising seams is advantageously more comfortable and ergonomic. Indeed, the seams can be abrasive areas and / or with excess thickness and / or block the elasticity and thus stiffen the textile.

[0015] The clothing item thus has a “second skin” which further improves proprioception and the desired support / holding effects without harming mobility.

[0016] In addition, the knitted tubular support member is advantageously properly placed on the area to be supported because its positioning is guided by the placement of the main tubular part when it is threaded. In addition, since its elastic properties and arrangement are determined beforehand, the magnitude of the clamping forces and their directions are correctly applied. Knitted tubular main part

[0017] Preferably, the knitted tubular main part comprises one or more knitted yarn(s), more preferably a main yarn and a braiding yarn.

[0018] Preferably, the main yarn and / or the vanishing yarn is / are each a multifilament yarn or fiber spun yarn, in particular made of polyamide (PA6, PA66, etc.) or polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate.

[0019] Preferably, the main yarn and / or the vanishing yarn each have a linear mass ranging from 30 dtex to 350 dtex, more preferably still ranging from 30 dtex to 250 dtex, preferentially ranging from 30 dtex to 200 dtex, even more preferentially ranging from 30 dtex to 150 dtex, more preferentially ranging from 30 dtex to 100 dtex, in particular ranging from 50 dtex to 100 dtex.

[0020] Preferably, the vanishing yarn and the main yarn form a composite yarn having a linear mass ranging from 50 dtex to 350 dtex, preferably ranging from 50 dtex to 250 dtex, more preferably ranging from 50 dtex to 250 dtex, preferentially ranging from 100 dtex to 200 dtex.

[0021] Preferably, the knitted tubular main part comprises a woven elastic yarn, in particular an elastane yarn. Preferably, the woven elastic yarn has a linear mass ranging from 30 dtex to 350 dtex, more preferably from 60 dtex to 250 dtex, preferably from 60 dtex to 200 dtex, more preferably from 60 dtex to 150 dtex, even more preferably from 80 dtex to 150 dtex.

[0022] Preferably, the knitted tubular main part comprises gathered stitches.

[0023] Preferably, the knitted tubular main part comprises outer faces and internally substantially opposite, the internal face being oriented opposite the internal receiving volume of the main tubular part.

[0024] In one embodiment, the tubular main portion comprises (or is) a tubular main leg portion for covering at least the ankle, and optionally at least partially the leg.

[0025] In particular, the height of the tubular main part can vary up to below the knee, mid-knee or even above the knee. For example, the tubular main part is a leg warmer.

[0026] In one embodiment, the tubular main part comprises (or is) a sock, in particular with an open or closed toe.

[0027] In this case, the article of clothing may comprise a knitted tubular auxiliary leg part intended to cover at least the ankle, and possibly at least partially the leg.

[0028] In particular, the height of the tubular auxiliary part can vary up to below the knee, mid-knee or even above the knee. For example, the tubular auxiliary part is a leg warmer.

[0029] Advantageously, the tubular auxiliary leg part is in knitted connection with the tubular main part.

[0030] Preferably, the article of clothing is suitable for practicing a sport, in a non-limiting example for running. Generally, the length of the main tubular part and / or the length of the auxiliary tubular part is / are adjusted according to the area(s) of the leg and / or the foot that one seeks to cover, in particular by adjusting the number of rows of circular knitted stitches.

[0031] Knitted tubular support member for at least one area of ​​the foot

[0032] Preferably, the knitted tubular support member comprises gathered stitches.

[0033] Advantageously, the tubular support member is a kinesiology device making it possible to support at least one joint and / or at least one muscle of the foot.

[0034] Preferably, the tubular support member comprises one or more knitted yarn(s), more preferably a main yarn and a braiding yarn.

[0035] Preferably, the number of stitches in a row of stitches knitted back and forth of the first heel portion is less than or equal to half the number of stitches in a row of circular knitted stitches of the first or second or third circular knitted region of the support member.

[0036] Preferably, the vanishing yarn is a multifilament yarn or fiber spun yarn, in particular made of polyamide (PA6, PA66, etc.) or polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate.

[0037] Preferably, the vanishing yarn has a linear mass ranging from 30 dtex to 350 dtex, more preferably ranging from 30 dtex to 250 dtex, more preferably ranging from 30 dtex to 200 dtex, preferentially ranging from 30 dtex to 150 dtex, more preferentially ranging from 30 dtex to 100 dtex, in particular ranging from 50 dtex to 100 dtex.

[0038] Preferably, the main yarn is an elastic yarn, in particular an elastane yarn. Preferably, the elastic yarn has a linear mass ranging from 50 dtex to 350 dtex, more preferably from 80 dtex to 300 dtex, preferably from 100 dtex to 300 dtex, more preferably from 150 dtex to 300 dtex, even more preferably from 150 dtex to 250 dtex.

[0039] Preferably, the vanishing yarn and the main yarn form a composite yarn having a linear mass ranging from 50 dtex to 350 dtex, preferably ranging from 100 dtex to 300 dtex, more preferably ranging from 100 dtex to 250 dtex, preferentially ranging from 150 dtex to 250 dtex.

[0040] Advantageously, the tubular support member envelops the midfoot region, in particular passes under the arch of the foot, and around the ankle, in particular freeing the heel region.

[0041] Preferably, the tubular support member comprises two superimposed knitted layers.

[0042] Preferably, the tubular support member comprises (in particular consists essentially of):

[0043] - a first knitted circular edge,

[0044] - a first knitted circular portion,

[0045] - a first heel portion, preferably arranged to receive the heel of the foot of the wearer of the article of clothing, more preferably comprising a through opening arranged to allow the passage of the heel of the foot of the wearer of the article of clothing,

[0046] - a second knitted circular portion,

[0047] - a second heel portion, preferably arranged to receive the heel of the foot of the wearer of the article of clothing, more preferably comprising a through opening arranged to allow the passage of the heel of the foot of the wearer of the article of clothing,

[0048] - a third knitted circular portion,

[0049] - a second knitted circular edge, preferably folded back and in knitted connection with the first knitted circular edge.

[0050] Advantageously, the tubular support member comprises at least a first knitted circular edge in knitted connection with the knitted tubular main part, in particular comprises first and second knitted circular edges superimposed and in knitted connection with the knitted tubular main part.

[0051] In particular, the tubular main part, or the tubular auxiliary part, comprises a proximal end and a distal end, and the tubular support member, more particularly the first knitted circular edge, is in knitted connection with said proximal or distal end, or with an annular portion of said tubular main or auxiliary part disposed between said proximal end and said distal end.

[0052] Advantageously, the tubular support member comprises a distal annular edge and a proximal annular edge. The height, or length, of the tubular support member is the distance separating said distal and proximal annular edges. Said height, or length, may vary depending on the desired applications and / or the area(s) of the foot and / or leg that it is desired to cover.

[0053] Thus the tubular support member may surround a portion of the midfoot, or surround the midfoot and extend to the toe region.

[0054] The support member may also at least partially cover the ankle, in particular by at least partially covering the malleolus or passing under the malleolus, and possibly by at least partially covering the leg.

[0055] Advantageously, the tubular support member pivots around at least the first knitted circular edge and / or the second knitted circular, or said proximal annular edge, so as to pass from a first position, in particular in which it is in contact with a first region of the leg and / or is superimposed with the tubular main part (for example when the tubular main part is a leg warmer or at least partly covers the leg), to a second position in which it is arranged around the wearer's foot, and possibly is superimposed with the tubular main part (for example when the tubular main part is a sock) or with the tubular auxiliary part (advantageously in this case, the tubular support member is superimposed with the tubular main part in the first position). First knitted heel portion

[0056] Advantageously, the first knitted heel portion is knitted with rows of stitches knitted back and forth.

[0057] Advantageously, the first knitted heel portion is knitted with rows of stitches knitted back and forth, unlike the circular knitted portion(s) knitted with one or more row(s) of circularly knitted stitches.

[0058] In one embodiment, the first knitted heel portion is a closed pocket arranged to receive the heel of the foot of the wearer of the article of clothing.

[0059] This arrangement makes it possible to apply a clamping force to the entire rear part of the foot.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the first knitted heel portion comprises a through opening, in particular knitted, arranged to allow the heel of the foot of the wearer of the clothing item to pass through said through opening. This arrangement advantageously releases the support of the heel spur, provides mobility to the foot, and improves proprioception.

[0061] Preferably, the first knitted heel portion comprises a first knitted auxiliary heel portion and a second knitted auxiliary heel portion, and in particular a through opening disposed between said first and second knitted auxiliary portions.

[0062] Preferably, the knitted tubular support member comprises a longitudinal central axis of revolution Lm, and a transverse radial axis Tm, preferably the axis Lm is perpendicular to the radial plane comprising the transverse axis Tm.

[0063] Preferably, the first and second knitted auxiliary portions are arranged on either side of a longitudinal axis 11, in particular said longitudinal axis 11 extends between the distal and proximal edges of the knitted tubular member and / or is substantially parallel to the Lm axis.

[0064] Preferably, the first auxiliary heel portion comprising rows of stitches knitted back and forth has a substantially triangular shape.

[0065] Preferably, the second auxiliary heel portion comprising rows of stitches knitted back and forth has a substantially triangular shape.

[0066] Preferably, the first, or the second, auxiliary heel portion comprises a proximal end and a distal end, in particular passing substantially through a longitudinal axis Llpat, or L2pat, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 11 or Lm. In particular, the proximal end is the end closest to the first knitted circular edge of the tubular support member.

[0067] Preferably, the first, or second, auxiliary heel portion comprises, extending from its proximal end towards its distal end: a region of increase in the number of stitches per row of knitted stitches, in particular the number of stitches increases substantially every two rows of stitches, then a region of decrease in the number of stitches per row of knitted stitches, in particular the number of stitches decreases substantially every two rows of stitches.

[0068] Preferably, the first, or second, auxiliary heel portion has a substantially triangular shape comprising a side substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis Lm or 11.

[0069] Preferably, the first auxiliary heel portion has a substantially triangular shape comprising a first side, and the second auxiliary heel portion has a substantially triangular shape comprising a second side, in particular the first side and the second side are opposite each other, more particularly are substantially parallel.

[0070] Preferably, the tubular support member comprises a through opening delimited at least in part by the first and second sides.

[0071] In one variant, the knitted tubular main part is a sock, in particular comprising an open or closed toe.

[0072] Advantageously, the article of clothing may comprise a knitted tubular auxiliary part, in particular with the yarn(s) of the main tubular part, i.e. the main yarn and the braiding yarn.

[0073] Advantageously, the knitted tubular auxiliary part is arranged to cover at least part of the leg. The height, or length, of the knitted auxiliary part is determined according to the area(s) of the leg that it is desired to cover, and in particular so as to extend to mid-leg, below the knee or above the knee.

[0074] Advantageously, the knitted tubular auxiliary part is in knitted connection with the knitted tubular main part.

[0075] In one variant, the knitted tubular main portion is a leg warmer.

[0076] The height, or length, of the knitted tubular main part is determined according to the region(s) of the leg that one wishes to cover, for example it extends from the ankle to mid-leg, or below or above the knee for example.

[0077] In one variant, the first knitted heel portion comprises a knitted through opening allowing the heel to pass through.

[0078] This arrangement improves the mobility of the foot. Advantageously, this opening is knitted, that is to say that the edges delimiting it are formed by knitting so that its formation does not require a subsequent manufacturing operation to the knitting. In addition, no seam creates extra thickness which improves comfort.

[0079] In a variant, the knitted textile tubular member is in knitted connection with the knitted tubular main part, by means of at least one row of circular knitted stitches of the tubular main part, in particular said row of circular knitted stitches is arranged to surround at least one region of the ankle, or possibly of the leg.

[0080] This arrangement is valid whether the tubular main part is a sock or a leg warmer.

[0081] In one variant, the knitted tubular support member comprises a first circular knitted edge, and a second circular knitted edge folded over said first circular knitted edge so as to form a fold.

[0082] Advantageously, the tubular support member is knitted like a hem (ie welt in English) and therefore comprises two superimposed knitted layers.

[0083] Advantageously, the second circular knitted edge is arranged inside or outside (i.e. around) the first circular knitted edge, in particular by forming two tubular textile layers arranged concentrically.

[0084] This arrangement makes it possible to increase the clamping force exerted by the tubular support member. In particular, the clamping force applied by a knitted layer is multiplied by two.

[0085] In one variant, the knitted textile tubular member comprises first and second superimposed knitted textile layers.

[0086] Advantageously, the presence of two superimposed knitted layers makes it possible to preserve a certain flexibility facilitating the threading and folding from the first position to the second position in comparison with a tubular member which would only comprise a single knitted layer with threads having a total linear mass equivalent to the total linear mass of the threads of the first and second knitted layers.

[0087] In one variant, the knitted textile tubular member comprises a second portion knitted heel portion comprising rows of stitches knitted back and forth.

[0088] Advantageously, the second knitted heel portion is knitted with rows of stitches knitted back and forth, unlike the circular knitted portion(s) knitted with one or more row(s) of circularly knitted stitches.

[0089] In one embodiment, the second knitted heel portion is a closed pocket arranged to receive the heel of the foot of the wearer of the article of clothing.

[0090] This arrangement makes it possible to apply a clamping force to the entire rear part of the foot.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment, the second knitted heel portion comprises a through opening, in particular knitted, arranged to allow the heel of the foot of the wearer of the article of clothing to pass through said through opening. This arrangement advantageously releases the support of the heel spur, provides mobility to the foot, and improves proprioception.

[0092] Preferably, the second knitted heel portion comprises a third knitted auxiliary heel portion and a fourth knitted auxiliary heel portion, and in particular a through opening disposed between said third and fourth knitted auxiliary portions.

[0093] Preferably, the third and fourth knitted auxiliary portions are arranged on either side of a longitudinal axis 12, in particular substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis Lm.

[0094] Preferably, the third auxiliary heel portion comprising rows of stitches knitted back and forth has a substantially triangular shape.

[0095] Preferably, the fourth auxiliary heel portion comprising rows of stitches knitted back and forth has a substantially triangular shape.

[0096] Preferably, the third, or fourth, auxiliary heel portion comprises a proximal end and a distal end, in particular passing substantially through a longitudinal axis L3pat, or L4pat, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis Lm or L2. In particular, the proximal end being closest to the first, or second, knitted circular edge of the tubular support member.

[0097] Preferably, the third, or fourth, auxiliary heel portion comprises extending from its distal end towards its proximal end: a region of increase in the number of stitches per row of knitted stitches, in particular the number of stitches increases substantially every two rows of stitches, then a region of decrease in the number of stitches per row of knitted stitches, in particular the number of stitches decreases substantially every two rows of stitches.

[0098] Preferably, the third, or fourth, auxiliary heel portion has a substantially triangular shape comprising a side substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis Lm or L2.

[0099] Preferably, the third auxiliary heel portion has a substantially triangular shape comprising a first side, and the fourth auxiliary heel portion has a substantially triangular shape comprising a second side, in particular the first side and the second side are opposite each other, more particularly are substantially parallel.

[0100] Preferably, the tubular support member comprises a knitted through opening delimited at least in part by the first and second sides.

[0101] In one variant, the knitted textile support tubular member comprises a circular knitted portion comprising rows of circular knitted stitches disposed between the first knitted heel portion and the second knitted heel portion.

[0102] Advantageously, this is the second circular knitted portion of the tubular member.

[0103] Advantageously, the tubular support member comprises a first circular knitted portion disposed between the first circular knitted edge and the first knitted heel portion.

[0104] Advantageously, the tubular support member comprises a third circular knitted portion disposed between the second knitted heel portion and the second circular knitted edge.

[0105] In one variant, the first knitted heel portion and the second knitted heel portion are substantially superimposed.

[0106] Each knitted heel portion is advantageously arranged in a layer of the tubular support member.

[0107] In a variant, the first knitted heel portion comprises a first auxiliary portion knitted with rows of stitches knitted back and forth, in particular of substantially triangular shape, and a second auxiliary portion knitted with rows of stitches knitted back and forth, in particular of substantially triangular shape.

[0108] In a variant, said knitted through opening of the first knitted heel portion is arranged between the first knitted auxiliary portion and the second knitted auxiliary portion.

[0109] In a variant, the tubular support member comprises one or more knitted yarn(s) whose total linear mass (dtex) is greater than the total linear mass of the knitted yarn(s) of the knitted tubular main part.

[0110] Advantageously, the tubular support member exerts a greater clamping force than that exerted by the tubular main part.

[0111] It is thus possible to modulate by knitting the clamping force exerted by the support member independently of that exerted by the main tubular part, without, for example, having to resort to a coating in an elastomeric material, for example, requiring a subsequent coating step.

[0112] In a variant, the knitted textile tubular member comprises at least one elastic yarn having a linear mass greater than or equal to 100 dtex, preferably greater than or equal to 150 dtex, more preferably less than or equal to 450 dtex or 350 dtex, for example between 130 dtex and 320 dtex.

[0113] Preferably, said elastic yarn is a main yarn and is combined with a vanishing yarn.

[0114] Preferably, the elastic yarn forms looped and / or loaded stitches, for example jersey stitches and / or ribbed stitches.

[0115] In a variant, the force measured in the direction of the columns of stitches, or the direction of the rows of stitches, of the knitted tubular textile support member, in particular of the first or second or third circular knitted portion, to obtain an elongation of 50% is greater than the force measured in the direction of the columns of stitches, or the direction of the rows of stitches, of the knitted tubular main part to obtain said elongation of 50%.

[0116] Said force at 50% elongation can be measured using the ISO 13934-1:2013 standard entitled “Tensile properties of fabrics, Part 1: Determination of maximum force and elongation at maximum force by the strip method”, or using a textile extensometer, for example chosen from those marketed by Instron or Ametek.

[0117] Advantageously, the clamping force exerted by the support member is greater than that exerted by the tubular main part which retains a classic clothing function while the support member behaves like a kinesiology device.

[0118] The subject of the present invention is a method for manufacturing an article of clothing, in particular according to any one of the variant embodiments with reference to the first aspect of the invention, said method advantageously comprises the following steps: -a step (i) of knitting on a circular knitting machine a knitted tubular main part, in particular a sock comprising a knitted heel area or a leg warmer or tubular part; - a step (ii) of knitting on said circular knitting machine a knitted tubular support member of at least one area of ​​the foot comprising: - a step (iia) of knitting back and forth a first heel portion, the knitted tubular support member is configured to be folded from a first position to a second position in which the first knitted heel portion is capable of receiving at least in part the heel of the foot of the wearer of said article of clothing, and - and optionally a step (iib) of knitting back and forth a second portion of heel.

[0119] In one embodiment, the knitted tubular main portion is a leg warmer, and step (ii) is performed before or after step (i).

[0120] The leg warmer may measure less than 5 cm in height, or have a height greater than or equal to 5 cm, in particular up to 50 cm.

[0121] In one embodiment, the knitted tubular main portion is a sock, and the article of clothing further comprises a knitted auxiliary portion in knitted textile bond with the tubular main portion, said knitted auxiliary portion being a leg warmer, and the method comprises:

[0122] - a step of circular knitting of the knitted auxiliary part, then - carrying out step (ii) of knitting the knitted tubular support member, and - carrying out step (i) of knitting the sock, or conversely carrying out step (i) then step (ii).

[0123] In one embodiment, the knitted tubular main portion is a sock, in particular the article of clothing does not include a leg warmer, and the method comprises:

[0124] - carrying out step (i), then carrying out step (ii) of knitting the member knitted support tubular, or conversely, carrying out step (ii) then carrying out step (i).

[0125] In a variant, step (iia) comprises:

[0126] - the back and forth knitting of a first auxiliary heel portion, then the knitting back and forth of a second auxiliary heel portion knitted adjacent to the first auxiliary heel portion knitted so as to form a first through heel opening disposed between the first auxiliary heel portion and the second auxiliary heel portion.

[0127] Preferably, the knitting of the first, or second, auxiliary heel portion, in particular substantially triangular in shape, comprises knitting from a proximal end towards a distal end of said first, or second, auxiliary portion with a sub-step of increasing the number of stitches per row of stitches every two or more rows of stitches then a sub-step of decreasing the number of stitches per row of stitches, every two or more rows of stitches.

[0128] In a variant, said method comprises a step (iib) of knitting back and forth a second heel portion comprising: knitting back and forth a third auxiliary heel portion, then knitting back and forth a fourth auxiliary heel portion adjacent to the third knitted auxiliary heel portion so as to form a second opening heel crossing disposed between the third auxiliary heel portion and the fourth auxiliary heel portion, and the method comprises a step (iiic) of circular knitting of rows of stitches carried out between step (iia) and step (iib).

[0129] Advantageously, step (iia) and / or step (iib) consists of knitting a tubular strip folded back on itself so that its first and second circular edges corresponding to its upper / proximal and lower / distal edges are joined by knitting.

[0130] Preferably, the knitting of the third, or fourth, auxiliary heel portion, in particular substantially triangular in shape, comprises knitting from a distal end towards a proximal end of said third, or fourth, auxiliary portion with a sub-step of increasing the number of stitches per row of stitches every two or more rows of stitches then a sub-step of decreasing the number of stitches per row of stitches, every two or more rows of stitches.

[0131] Preferably, step (iiic) of circular knitting comprises knitting a second circular knitted portion.

[0132] Preferably, the method comprises a step (iiid) of circular knitting of a first circular knitted portion, carried out before step (iia), in particular between the knitting of the first circular knitted edge and the knitting of the first heel portion.

[0133] Preferably, the method comprises a step (iiie) of circular knitting of a third circular knitted portion, carried out after step (iib), in particular between the knitting of the second heel portion and the knitting of the second circular knitted edge.

[0134] Preferably, step (iic) and / or step (iid) and / or step (iie) comprises at least 5 rows of circular knitted stitches, more preferably at least 10 rows of circular knitted stitches, in particular at most 200 rows of circular knitted stitches, more particularly at most 100 rows of circular knitted stitches.

[0135] In a variant, step (ii) of knitting the knitted tubular support member comprises circular knitting of a first circular edge and then circular knitting of a second circular edge folded over the first edge so as to form a fold.

[0136] The features and variant embodiments with reference to the first aspect of the invention may be combined with each other independently of each other, and with any of the variant embodiments with reference to the second aspect of the invention. Description of the drawings

[0137] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of the embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0138] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a schematic perspective representation of a first example of an article of clothing according to the invention;

[0139] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective representation of a second example of an article of clothing according to the invention;

[0140] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic perspective representation of a third example of an article of clothing according to the invention;

[0141] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic perspective representation of an example of a knitted tubular support member according to the invention in the unfolded state.

[0142] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of the knitting process of the tubular support member shown in [Fig.4]. Description of the embodiments

[0143] The first example of an article of clothing 10 shown in [Fig. 1] comprises a knitted tubular main part 20 and a knitted tubular support member 30 in knitted connection with said tubular part 20. The knitted tubular support member 30 comprises a first knitted heel portion 40 comprising rows of stitches knitted back and forth. Said heel portion 40 comprises a first through opening 45 allowing the wearer's heel to pass through the latter. The knitted tubular support member 30 is configured to be folded down from a first position, in this specific example in which the tubular member 30 is superimposed on the tubular main part 20, to a second position corresponding to that of [Fig.l] in which the first knitted heel portion 40 receives at least in part the heel of the foot of the wearer of said article of clothing 10.Advantageously, the knitted tubular support member 30 comprises a second knitted heel portion 50 comprising rows of stitches knitted back and forth, and also a second knitted through opening 55 for the heel to pass through.

[0144] The second example of clothing item 100 shown in [Fig.2] comprises a knitted tubular main part 200, in particular a sock, a knitted tubular support member 300, and a knitted tubular auxiliary part 400, in particular a leg warmer, all of said parts 200 and 400 and said support member 300 are in knitted connection. In this specific example, the sock has a closed toe but it can have an open toe depending on the desired technical effect (providing greater mobility, heat dissipation, etc.).

[0145] The knitted tubular support member 300, like the support member 30, comprises a first knitted heel portion 340 comprising rows of stitches knitted back and forth. Said first heel portion 340 comprises a first through opening 345 allowing the wearer's heel to pass through across the latter. The knitted tubular support member 300 is also configured to be folded down from a first position, in this specific example in which the tubular member 300 is superimposed on the tubular auxiliary part 400, to a second position corresponding to that of [Fig.2] in which the first knitted heel portion 340 receives at least in part the heel of the foot of the wearer of said article of clothing 100 and the first heel portion 340 is folded down onto the main tubular part 200, namely the sock. Advantageously, the knitted tubular support member 300 comprises a second knitted heel portion 350 comprising rows of stitches knitted back and forth, and also a second knitted through opening 355 for the passage of the heel.

[0146] The third example of clothing article 500 shown in [Fig.3] comprises a knitted tubular main part 600, in particular surrounding the ankle for a few centimeters, and a knitted tubular support member 700 in knitted connection with said main part 600.

[0147] The knitted tubular support member 700, like the support member 30 or 300, comprises a first knitted heel portion 740 comprising rows of stitches knitted back and forth and a first through opening 745, and a second knitted heel portion 750 comprising rows of stitches knitted back and forth and a second through opening 755. The item 500 is similar to the item 10 with the difference being the height of the tubular main portion 600 compared to the tubular main portion 20.

[0148] [Fig.4] schematically represents the knitted tubular support member 30 in the unfolded state.

[0149] The support member 30 comprises, knitted in this order: a first knitted circular edge 31, then a first circular knitted portion 32 knitted in a step (iid), then the first knitted heel portion 40 knitted in a step (iia), a second circular knitted portion 33 knitted in a step (iic), the second knitted heel portion 50 knitted in a step (iib), a third circular knitted portion 34 knitted in a step (iic), and finally a second knitted circular edge 36.

[0150] In particular, the first, second and third knitted circular portions 32, 33 and 36 each comprise at least ten rows of circular knitted stitches.

[0151] The support member 30 comprises a longitudinal axis of revolution Lm and a transverse radial axis Tm, in particular the axis Lm is substantially perpendicular to the axis Tm.

[0152] The first knitted heel portion 40 comprises a first auxiliary heel portion 42 substantially in the shape of a triangle, and a second auxiliary heel portion 44 substantially in the shape of a triangle. In step (iia), the first portion auxiliary portion 42 is knitted from its proximal end 42a to its distal end 42b by increasing the number of stitches per row of stitches progressively, in particular every two rows of stitches, then by decreasing the number of stitches progressively, in particular also every two rows of stitches. The second auxiliary portion 44 is knitted in a similar manner to the portion 42 from its proximal end 44a to its distal end 44b. These portions 42 and 44 are knitted back and forth and one after the other so that a through opening 45 is arranged between them. Advantageously, the first heel portion 42 comprises a first side 42c, passing through an axis Llpt, and the second heel portion 44 comprises a first side 44c, passing through an axis L2pt, the axis L2pt is substantially parallel to the axis Llpt. Preferably, the Llpt and L2pt axes are substantially parallel to the Lm axis.Advantageously, the through opening 45 is delimited in part between the first sides 42c and 44c.

[0153] The second knitted heel portion 50 is knitted in a similar manner to the first knitted heel portion, and also comprises third 52 and fourth 54 knitted auxiliary heel portions. After step (iic), the second circular edge 36 is knitted in knitted connection with the first circular edge 31 by folding the second half of the support member 30 at the axis P inside or around the first half of the support member 30 so that the circular edges 31 and 32 are coaxial and superimposed. The support member therefore comprises two superimposed knitted layers, and the first and second heel portions 40 and 50 are also superimposed so that the through openings 45 and 55 are opposite each other.

[0154] The knitting of the support member 30 may be carried out before or after the knitting of the tubular main portion 20 depending on the construction of the article of footwear 10.

[0155] In this specific example, the tubular main part 20 is knitted with a main polyamide yarn of approximately 80 dtex to within + / - 10 dtex (e.g.: 70D48 / 2), a polyamide vanishing yarn of approximately 20 dtex to within + / - 5 dtex (e.g.: 22D 78 / 1), and a woven elastic yarn of approximately 130 dtex. The total linear mass of the yarns used in the tubular main part 20 is thus approximately 152 dtex.

[0156] In this specific example, the tubular support member 30 is knitted with an elastic main yarn of approximately 200 dtex to within + / - 10 dtex (e.g.: 70D48 / 2), a polyamide vanishing yarn of 20 dtex to within + / - 5 dtex (e.g.: 22D 78 / 1). The total linear mass of the yarns used in the tubular support member 30 is thus approximately 222 dtex, which is significantly higher than the total linear mass of the yarns used in the tubular main part 20. In addition, the tubular support member 30 comprises two superimposed knitted layers, which doubles the clamping force exerted.

[0157] The article of clothing according to the invention thus combines, via a knitting process carried out in one go on a circular knitting machine, at least one knitted tubular main part, and an ergonomic knitted tubular support member providing a support and / or maintenance function for at least one muscle and / or one joint of the foot.

[0158] [Fig.5] schematically represents the different stages of knitting the tubular support member 30. First, the first tubular portion 32 is knitted in step (iid), then the second knitted triangular auxiliary portion 44 is knitted with rows of stitches knitted back and forth, the latter is put on hold, and the first triangular auxiliary portion 42 is knitted with rows of stitches knitted back and forth in step (iia). The first and second knitted heel auxiliary portions 42, 44 are joined by delimiting between them a knitted through opening 45 and by continuing the tubular member 30 by circular knitting a second circular knitted portion (iic). Then, the fourth triangular heel portion 54 is knitted back and forth, and put on hold while the third triangular heel auxiliary portion 52 is knitted back and forth.The third and fourth knitted auxiliary portions 52,54 are joined by circular knitting of rows of stitches in step (iie) to form the knitted tubular portion 34 and the second circular knitted edge 36. The second circular knitted edge 36 is folded back and knitted with the first circular knitted edge 31 to form a fold, such as a hem, and thus two superimposed knitted textile layers each comprising a knitted through heel opening 45,55.

[0159] Preferably, with regard to the articles of clothing 10 and 500, the tubular support member 30,300 being knitted last, the second circular knitted edge is knitted with the first circular knitted edge 31 so as to form a knitted closing seam.

[0160] Preferably, with respect to the article of clothing 100, after knitting the tubular support member 300, the tubular main portion 200 is knitted, such that the first and second knitted edges are joined by knitting but the knitting continues with the knitting of the sock or tubular main portion 200.

[0161] The circular knitting steps (iid), (iic) and (iie) correspond to the knitting of tubular parts of a hem.

[0162] Advantageously, a tubular member 30 is obtained that is fully knitted and behaves like a kinesiology device.

[0163] The different knitting steps shown in Figures 4 and 5 for the tubular support member 30 also preferably apply to the tubular support members 300 and 700.

[0164] Preferably, the clothing article 10 is knitted in this order: the tubular part main 20 is knitted then the supporting tubular member 30 is knitted.

[0165] Preferably, the clothing article 100 is knitted in this order: the auxiliary tubular part 400 is knitted, then the tubular support member 300 is knitted, and finally the main tubular part 200, here the sock, is knitted.

[0166] Preferably, the clothing article 500 is knitted in this order: the main tubular portion 600 is knitted then the supporting tubular member 700 is knitted.

Claims

Claims

1. An article of clothing (10, 100, 500) comprising a knitted tubular main portion (20, 200, 600), and a knitted tubular support member (30, 300, 700) for at least one area of the foot, characterized in that: - the knitted tubular main portion (20, 200, 600) and the knitted tubular support member (30, 300, 700) are in knitted connection, in that - the knitted tubular support member (30, 300, 700) comprises a first knitted heel portion (40, 340, 740) comprising rows of stitches knitted back and forth, and in that the knitted tubular support member (30, 300, 700) is configured to be folded down from a first position to a second position in which the first knitted heel portion (40, 340, 740) is capable of receiving at least in part the heel of the foot of the wearer of said article of clothing (10, 100, 500).

2. Clothing article (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the knitted tubular main part (200) is a sock, in particular comprising an open or closed toe.

3. Clothing article (10, 100, 500) according to either of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the first knitted heel portion (40, 340) comprises a knitted through opening (40, 345, 740) allowing the heel to pass through.

4. Clothing article (10, 100, 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the knitted textile tubular member (30, 300, 700) is in knitted connection with the knitted tubular main part (20, 200, 600), by means of at least one circular knitted row of stitches of the tubular main part (20, 200, 600), in particular said circular knitted row of stitches is arranged to surround at least one region of the ankle.

5. An article of clothing according to (10, 100, 500) any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the knitted tubular support member (30, 300, 700) comprises a first circular knitted edge (31), and a second circular knitted edge (36) folded over said first circular knitted edge (31) so as to form a fold.

6. An article of clothing (10, 100, 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the knitted textile tubular member (30, 300, 700) comprises first and second superimposed knitted textile layers.

7. Clothing article (10, 100, 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the knitted textile tubular member (50, 350, 750) comprises a second knitted heel portion comprising rows of stitches knitted in a forward and reverse direction.

8. An article of clothing (10, 100, 500) according to claim 7, characterized in that the knitted textile tubular member (30, 300, 700) comprises a circular knitted portion (33) comprising rows of circular knitted stitches disposed between the first knitted heel portion (40, 340, 740) and the second knitted heel portion (50, 350, 750).

9. An article of clothing (10, 100, 500) according to either of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the first knitted heel portion (40, 340, 740) and the second knitted heel portion (50, 350, 750) are substantially superimposed.

10. Clothing article (10, 100, 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first knitted heel portion (40, 340, 740) comprises a first knitted auxiliary portion (42) with rows of stitches knitted back and forth, in particular of substantially triangular shape, and a second knitted auxiliary portion (44) with rows of stitches knitted back and forth, in particular of substantially triangular shape.

11. Clothing article (10, 100, 500) according to claims 3 and 10, characterized in that said knitted through opening (45, 345, 745) of the first knitted heel portion (40, 344, 740) is arranged between the first knitted auxiliary portion (42) and the second knitted auxiliary portion (44).

12. Clothing article (10, 100, 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the knitted textile tubular member (30, 340, 740) comprises one or more knitted yarn(s) whose total linear mass (dtex) is greater than the total linear mass of the knitted yarn(s) of the knitted tubular main part (20, 200, 600).

13. Clothing article (10, 100, 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the knitted textile tubular member (30, 340, 740) comprises at least one elastic yarn having a linear mass greater than or equal to 100 dtex, preferably greater than or equal to 150 dtex.

14. An article of clothing (10, 100, 500) according to any one of the claims- dications 1 to 13, characterized in that the force measured in the direction of the columns of stitches, or the direction of the rows of stitches, of the knitted tubular textile support member (30, 300, 700), in particular of a third knitted portion (34), to obtain an elongation of 50% is greater than the force measured in the direction of the columns of stitches, or the direction of the rows of stitches, of the knitted tubular main part (20, 200, 600) to obtain said elongation of 50%.

15. Method of manufacturing an article of clothing (10, 100, 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises the following steps carried out on a circular knitting machine: - a step (i) of knitting a knitted tubular main part (20, 200, 600), in particular a sock comprising a knitted heel area; - a step (ii) of knitting a knitted tubular support member (30, 300, 700) of at least one area of the foot comprising: - a step (iia) of knitting back and forth a first heel portion (40, 340, 740), the knitted tubular support member (30, 300, 700) is configured to be folded from a first position to a second position in which the first knitted heel portion (40, 340, 740) is capable of receiving at least in part the heel of the foot of the wearer of said clothing item (10, 100, 500).

16. Manufacturing method according to claim 15, characterized in that step (iia) comprises: - knitting back and forth of a first auxiliary heel portion (42), then knitting back and forth of a second knitted auxiliary heel portion (44) adjacent to the first knitted auxiliary heel portion (42) so as to form a first heel through opening (45) arranged between the first auxiliary heel portion (42) and the second auxiliary heel portion (44).

17. Manufacturing method according to either of claims 15 and 16, characterized in that it comprises a step (iib) of knitting back and forth a second heel portion (50) comprising: knitting back and forth a third auxiliary heel portion (52), then knitting back and forth a fourth auxiliary heel portion (54) adjacent to the knitted third auxiliary heel portion (52) so as to form a second heel through opening (55) arranged between the third portion auxiliary heel portion (52) and the fourth auxiliary heel portion (54), and in that the method comprises a step (iiic) of circular knitting of rows of stitches carried out between step (iia) and step (iib).

18. Manufacturing method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that step (ii) of knitting the knitted tubular support member (30, 300, 700) comprises circular knitting of a first circular edge (31) then circular knitting of a second circular edge (32) folded over the first edge (31) so as to form a fold.