Knitted fabric and attachment using said knitted fabric

Abstract

Provided is a knitted fabric having an end portion on a finishing side of knitting which is unlikely to fray and producing a reduced foreign body sensation when touched. The knitted fabric (100) includes: a knitted fabric body (101) having an opening end portion (102) at one end thereof on a finishing side of knitting; and an edge processing portion (W) including a plurality of connection loops (Wc) knitted along a specific course that is one course of a plurality of courses located on an opening end portion (102) side, the edge processing portion (W) connecting adjacent loops in the specific course to each other with use of a corresponding one of the connection loops (Wc).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a knitted fabric and a wearable item made of the knitted fabric.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, techniques have been known that prevent end portions of knitted fabrics on a finishing side of knitting from fraying. With regard to the various techniques, for example, Patent Literature 1 discloses subjecting a tubular knitted fabric containing ultralow-temperature thermal adhesive elastic fibers to a heat treatment to fuse the elastic fibers, so as to prevent an end of the knitted fabric from being fraying.CITATION LISTPatent LiteratureJapanese Patent Application Publication Tokukai No. 2008-248465SUMMARY OF INVENTIONTechnical Problem

[0004] However, in the knitted fabric disclosed in Patent Literature 1, a problem arises in that the fused thermal adhesive elastic fibers cure to be difficult to stretch, resulting in a foreign body sensation during wearing and a ring-shaped mark likely to remain on a skin. Further, since the end portion thereof is prevented from fraying by being fused, the end portion may fray due to, for example, friction during wearing.

[0005] An aspect of the present invention has been made in light of the foregoing problem, and it is an object thereof to achieve a knitted fabric having an end portion on a finishing side of knitting which is unlikely to fray and producing a reduced foreign body sensation when touched.Solution to Problem

[0006] In order to solve the foregoing problem, a knitted fabric in accordance with an aspect of the present invention includes: a knitted fabric body having an opening end portion opened at one end thereof on a finishing side of knitting; and an edge processing portion including a plurality of connection loops knitted along a specific course that is one course of a plurality of courses of the knitted fabric body which are located on an opening end portion side, the edge processing portion connecting adjacent loops in the specific course to each other with use of a corresponding one of the plurality of connection loops.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0007] An aspect of the present invention makes it possible to achieve a knitted fabric having an end portion on a finishing side of knitting which is unlikely to fray and producing a reduced foreign body sensation.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a knitted fabric in accordance with Embodiment 1 of the present invention and a front view of an enlarged opening end portion on a finishing side of knitting.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a view for explaining a course and a wale.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a view for explaining one example of an edge processing portion of the knitted fabric.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a variation of the edge processing portion of the knitted fabric.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a view for explaining a specific example of the variation.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a view for explaining another variation of the edge processing portion of the knitted fabric.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a view for explaining still another variation of the edge processing portion of the knitted fabric.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating one example of a wearable item in accordance with Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating another example of the wearable item.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating one example of a step of typical linking in knitting of a sock.

[0018] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating one example of the step and continues from FIG. 10.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating one example of the step and continues from FIG. 11.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a view illustrating one example of the step and continues from FIG. 12.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a view illustrating one example of the step and continues from FIG. 13.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a view illustrating one example of the step and continues from FIG. 14.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTSEmbodiment 1

[0023] The following description will discuss an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note, however, that the following will describe one example of a knitted fabric in accordance with the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples illustrated in the drawings.(Configuration of Knitted Fabric)

[0024] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a knitted fabric 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The reference numeral 1001 of FIG. 1 indicates a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the knitted fabric 100, the reference numeral 1002 of FIG. 1 indicates a front view illustrating an enlarged opening end portion 102 in the part inside a dashed frame P illustrated by the reference numeral 1001 of FIG. 1. As illustrated by the reference numeral 1001 of FIG. 1, the knitted fabric 100 includes a knitted fabric body 101 and an edge processing portion W knitted (sewn) along a specific course that is one course of a plurality of courses of the knitted fabric body 101 which are located on an opening end portion 102 side on a finishing side of knitting, which is one end of the knitted fabric body 101, the edge processing portion W preventing the opening end portion 102 from fraying. The edge processing portion W is knitted by knitting a specific course into a loop shape while keeping the opening end portion 102 in an opened state.

[0025] In the present embodiment, the specific course is a final course A1 on the finishing side of knitting, and an example in which the edge processing portion W is knitted along the final course A1 will be described. The specific course is not limited to the final course A1, and may be one course of the plurality of courses located on the opening end portion 102 side. For example, the plurality of courses may be a plurality of inner courses located adjacent to the final course A1 and closer to an opening end portion 103 side from which the knitting starts than the final course A1.(Knitted Fabric Body)

[0026] The knitted fabric body 101 is a tubular knitted fabric opened at both end portions thereof in an axial direction and is knitted by a circular knitting machine. The knitted fabric body 101 has the opening end portion 103 on a starting side of knitting and has the opening end portion 102 on the finishing side of knitting. As illustrated by the reference numeral 1002 of FIG. 1, a plurality of final loops m are arranged in the final course A1 located along a periphery of the opening end portion 102.

[0027] The reference numeral 2001 of FIG. 2 indicates a view schematically illustrating a course of the knitted fabric body 101, and the reference numeral 2002 of FIG. 2 indicates a view schematically illustrating a wale of the knitted fabric body 101. The course refers to loops (stitches) arranged in a transverse direction, i.e., in a peripheral direction of the tubular knitted fabric body 101, and, as illustrated by the reference numeral 2001 of FIG. 2, one course includes the plurality of continuous loops arranged in a transverse direction which are illustrated in black in the drawing. The wale refers to loops arranged in a longitudinal direction, i.e., in an axial direction of the tubular knitted fabric body 101, and, as illustrated by the reference numeral 2002 of FIG. 2, one wale includes the plurality of loops arranged in a longitudinal direction which are illustrated in black in the drawing. Note that hereinafter, a course direction of the knitted fabric body 101 is referred to as “course direction CD”, and a wale direction of the knitted fabric body 101 is referred to as “wale direction WD”.(Edge Processing Portion)

[0028] The edge processing portion W is knitted along the final course A1 in order to prevent the opening end portion 102 from fraying. The edge processing portion W has a plurality of connection loops Wc knitted along the final course A1. The connection loops Wc each pass through adjacent final loops m in the final course A1 and each connect the final loops m to each other without sewing slippage. In other words, adjacent final loops m in the final course A1 are connected with use of a corresponding one of the connection loops Wc.

[0029] The reference numeral 1002 of FIG. 1 illustrates final loops m1 to m4 as examples of the final loops m arranged in the final course A1. For example, adjacent final loops m in the final course A1 refer to a final loop m1 and a final loop m2; a final loop m2 and a final loop m3; and a final loop m3 and a final loop m4.

[0030] The reference signs Wc1 to Wc3 in the reference numeral 1002 of FIG. 1 indicate, as examples, the connection loops Wc knitted along the final course A1. The connection loop Wc1 connects the final loop m1 and the final loop m2. Similarly, the connection loop Wc2 connects the final loop m2 and the final loop m3, and the connection loop Wc3 connects the final loop m3 and the final loop m4.

[0031] Thus, adjacent final loops m of the final loops m in the final course A1 are connected to each other by each connection loop Wc for each stitch, thereby making it unlikely for the opening end portion 102 of the knitted fabric 100 to fray. Thus, it is possible to prevent the opening end portion 102 of the knitted fabric 100 from fraying without the use of thermal adhesive elastic fibers, unlike the conventional art.

[0032] Further, in the opening end portion 102, adjacent final loops m are securely knitted by a single connection loop Wc, and thus it is possible to prevent the opening end portion 102 from being thick due to the edge processing portion W. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a foreign body sensation on touch of the opening end portion 102 of the knitted fabric 100.

[0033] The edge processing portion W is preferably knitted over the entire periphery of the final course A1. This allows the edge processing portion W to be knitted through all the final loops m in the final course A1, so that it is possible to reliably prevent the opening end portion 102 form fraying.

[0034] The edge processing portion W may be knitted over the entire periphery of the final course A1 and be knitted so as to overlap in part of the final course A1. This makes it possible to prevent the edge processing portion W from fraying from the end portion thereof. The edge processing portion W may not necessarily be knitted over the entire periphery and may be knitted in accordance with a desired length.(Details of Edge Processing Portion)

[0035] With reference to FIG. 3, the following description will discuss the details of the edge processing portion W. FIG. 3 is a view for explaining one example of the edge processing portion W of the knitted fabric 100. Here, the following will describe a configuration in which the specific course in which the edge processing portion W is knitted is the final course A1, that is, for example, a configuration in which the connection loops Wc each connect one final loop m in the final course A1 and the final loop m adjacent to the one final loop m.

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the edge processing portion W includes the plurality of connection loops Wc.

[0037] In the example illustrated in the drawing, each of the connection loops Wc is provided on a front side of the final loops m (an external side of the knitted fabric 100) so as to extend from one final loop m to a positive side in the wale direction WD (a side opposite to an inner side of the knitted fabric 100) of the final loop m adjacent to the one final loop m. End portions Wc_1 of the connection loops Wc on the positive side in the wale direction WD are located closer to the positive side in the wale direction WD than ends m_1 of the final loops m in the final course A1. In other words, the connection loops Wc are knitted so that the end portions Wc_1 are located closer to the positive side in the wale direction WD than the final course A1. End portions Wc_2 of the connection loops Wc on a negative side in the wale direction are located closer to the negative side in the wale direction WD than the end portions m_1.

[0038] The edge processing portion W is made up of a warp Wa and a weft Wo. The weft Wo is knitted on the front side of the final loops m so as to extend in the course direction CD of the knitted fabric 100 while alternately forming a substantially inverted U shape so as to protrude toward the positive side in the wale direction WD and the negative side in the wale direction WD. The substantially inverted U shape of the weft Wo protruding toward the positive side in the wale direction WD forms a loop shape of each connection loop Wc.

[0039] The warp Wa is knitted so as to extend in the course direction CD on the back side of the final loop m while winding the weft Wo toward the back side of the final loops m (an internal side of the knitted fabric 100) so that the weft Wo forms a loop shape of each connection loop Wc.

[0040] Specifically, for example, the warp Wa that has passed through the connection loop Wc1 from a front side to a back side thereof winds, toward the back side of the knitted fabric 100, the weft Wo forming a connection loop Wc2 located adjacent to the connection loop Wc1 and closer to the negative side in the course direction CD than the connection loop Wc1 in the final loop m1.

[0041] The warp Wa then passes through the connection loop Wc1 from the back side to the front side thereof and passes through the connection loop Wc2 from a front side to a back side thereof. Then, the warp Wa winds, toward the back side of the knitted fabric 100, the weft Wo forming the connection loop Wc3 located adjacent to the connection loop Wc2 and closer to the negative side in the course direction CD than the connection loop Wc2 in the final loop m2.

[0042] This enables each of the connection loops Wc to securely connect adjacent final loops in the final loops m in the final course A1 to each other without missing each stitch.

[0043] As such, the connection loops Wc each connect one final loop m and the final loop m adjacent to the one final loop m in the same course as the one final loop m, instead of, for example, connecting the final loops m and loops in the final course of another knitted fabric.

[0044] Note that in, for example, formation of the edge processing portion W, the front and back sides of the knitted fabric 100 may be reversed. The same applies to the variations and the embodiments below.(Details of Knitted Fabric Body)(Threads of Knitted Fabric)

[0045] General material can be used for the warp Wa and the weft Wo. Examples of the material include wooly nylon, filament twisted yarn (FTY), and double covered yarn (DCY). Using flexible threads as the warp Wa and the weft Wo enables adaptation to the stretch of the knitted fabric 100 and makes it possible to achieve a better fit.

[0046] The knitted fabric body 101 can be made of general material. For example, the knitted fabric body 101 may be configured so that threads used for knitting the knitted fabric body 101 become narrower toward the final course A1. In other words, the knitted fabric body 101 may be configured so that the threads forming the courses become narrower from the inner side of the knitted fabric body 101 toward the opening end portion 102. Thus, even if the connection loops Wc for preventing fraying are knitted in the final course A1, it is possible to reduce a difference in thickness between the knitted fabric 100 and the opening end portion 102, thereby making it possible to further reduce a foreign body sensation at the opening end portion 102.

[0047] The knitted fabric body 101 may be configured so that the number of the threads used for knitting the knitted fabric body 101 is reduced toward the final course A1.

[0048] Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3, in the knitted fabric 100, threads Y1 each made up of two front and back threads may be used on an inner side from the first inner course A2 of the knitted fabric body 101, and threads Y2 each made up of only a back thread may be used in the final course A1 of the opening end portion 102. This makes it possible to exert the same effect as the case where the threads forming the courses are made narrower from the inner side of the knitted fabric body 101 toward the opening end portion 102.

[0049] Note that the configuration of the threads is not limited to the above and can be set as appropriate. For example, in order to increase strength, the knitted fabric body 101 may be configured so that the threads used for knitting the knitted fabric body 101 become thicker toward the opening end portion 102.(Effects)

[0050] Conventional methods for preventing end portions on a finishing side of knitting of knitted fabrics from fraying include the following three methods. (1) Knitting an end portion on a finishing side of knitting with use of thermal fusion threads to fix loops. (2) Folding back an end portion on a finishing side of knitting and using a sewing machine to knit the end portion on the finishing side of knitting and the intermediate portion of the knitted fabric to join them together. (3) Using a sewing machine to knit an end portion on a finishing side of knitting.

[0051] However, as described above, the method (1) of knitting using thermal adhesive threads to fix loops causes the fused thermal adhesive elastic fibers to cure to be difficult to stretch, resulting in a foreign body sensation during wearing and a ring-shaped mark likely to remain on a skin. Further, since the end portion is prevented from fraying by being fused, the end portion is likely to fray due to, for example, friction during wearing.

[0052] In contrast, the knitted fabric 100 can prevent the end portion on the finishing side of knitting of the knitted fabric from being frayed without the use of thermal adhesive elastic fibers, so that no foreign body sensation is sensed during wearing and the ring-shaped mark is unlikely to remain on the skin. Further, since fusion is not used to prevent the end portion on the finishing side of knitting from fraying, it is possible to prevent the end portion from fraying due to, for example, friction during wearing.

[0053] The method (2) of folding back an end portion on a finishing side of knitting and using a sewing machine to knit the end portion on a finishing side of knitting and an intermediate portion of the knitted fabric involves folding back the end portion on the finishing side of knitting, resulting in a thicker knitted fabric and a foreign body sensation during wearing.

[0054] In contrast, in the knitted fabric 100, the end portion on a finishing side of knitting is not folded back, so that it is possible to prevent the end portion on the finishing side of knitting from fraying while preventing the knitted fabric from being thick.

[0055] In the method (3) of using a sewing machine to knit an end portion on a finishing side of knitting, it is difficult to connect adjacent final loops m to each other with use of a corresponding single loop without missing each stitch. Therefore, in order to reliably prevent the end portion on the finishing side of knitting from fraying, it is necessary to repeat the knitting using the sewing machine at the end portion on the finishing side of knitting. In a case where the number of times of the knitting using the sewing machine is increased, an end portion on a finishing side of knitting becomes thick, resulting in a foreign body sensation during wearing and impairing flexibility of an end portion on a finishing side of knitting. Further, this impairs design of its appearance.

[0056] In contrast, the knitted fabric 100 enables the edge processing portion W to be knitted by applying a linking technique and enables a single connection loop Wc knitted along the final course A1 to connect adjacent final loops m to each other. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the end portion on the finishing side of knitting from becoming thick, and thus it is possible to reduce a foreign body sensation during wearing. Further, adjacent final loops m can be securely connected by a single connection loop Wc, so that it is possible to ensure flexibility of the end portion on a finishing side of knitting. This also improves design of its appearance.[Variation 1]

[0057] With reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the following description will discuss a variation 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a variation of the edge processing portion W of the knitted fabric 100. FIG. 5 is a view for explaining a specific example of the variation of FIG. 4.

[0058] In the descriptions of the above-described embodiment, the specific course is the final course A1, and the edge processing portion W is knitted in the final course A1. However, these should not be construed as a limitation. The specific course may be one course of the plurality of courses located on the opening end portion 102 side, and the plurality of courses of the knitted fabric body 101 from which the specific course is selected are preferably located within five courses from the opening end portion 102.

[0059] Specifically, it is preferable that the specific course be the final course A1, or in a case where the specific course is an inner course, the specific course be one of the first inner course A2 to the fourth inner course A5.

[0060] The specific course is located within five courses from the opening end 102, so that the distance from the specific course to the opening end portion 102 is prevented from being too large, thereby making it possible to suitably knitting the edge processing portion W. In contrast, when the specific course is located not less than six courses away from the opening end portion 102, unevenness may occur on a periphery of the opening end portion 102 of the knitted fabric 100.

[0061] In a case where the specific course is an inner course located closer to an inner side than the final course A1 on the opening end portion 102 side, the edge processing portion W may be knitted from the inner course to the final course A1. Specifically, when the specific course is the second inner course A3, the edge processing portion W may be knitted over three courses in total from the final course A1 to the second inner course A3, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Thus, the edge processing portion W is knitted over a plurality of courses on the opening end portion 102 side, so that it is possible to more securely knit the edge processing portion W to the knitted fabric body 101.(Specific Course is First Inner Course)

[0062] With reference to FIG. 5, the following description will discuss a detailed configuration in which the specific course is an inner course arranged on an inner side of the final course A1 on a finishing side of knitting. Here, the following will describe a configuration in which the specific course in which the edge processing portion W is knitted is the first inner course A2, i.e., a configuration in which the connection loops Wc each connect one inner loop n in the first inner course A2 and the inner loop n adjacent to the one inner loop n.

[0063] In the example illustrated in the drawing, each connection loop Wc spans one inner loop n (e.g., inner loop n1) and a final loop m (e.g., final loop m2) in the same wale as the inner loop n adjacent to the one inner loop n, and the connection loops Wc are provided on the front sides of the inner loops n and the final loops m. The end portions Wc_1 of the connection loops Wc on the positive side in the wale direction WD are located closer to the positive side in the wale direction WD than the end portions m_1 of the final loops m in the final course A1.

[0064] The end portions Wc_2 of the connection loops Wc on the negative side in the wale direction are located closer to the negative side in the wale direction WD than end portions n_1 of the inner loops n on the positive side in the wale direction.

[0065] The weft Wo of the edge processing portion W is knitted so as to extend in the course direction CD of the knitted fabric 100 while alternately forming a substantially inverted U shape so as to protrude toward the positive side in the wale direction WD and the negative side in the wale direction WD on the front side of the inner loops n. The substantially inverted U shape of the weft Wo protruding toward the positive side in the wale direction WD forms a loop shape of each connection loop Wc.

[0066] The warp Wa of the edge processing portion W is knitted so as to extend in the course direction CD on the back sides of the final loops m and the inner loops n while winding the weft Wo toward the back sides of the final loops m and the inner loops n so that the weft Wo forms a loop shape of each connection loop Wc.

[0067] Specifically, for example, the warp Wa that has passed through the connection loop Wc1 from the front side to the back side thereof winds, toward the back side of the knitted fabric 100, the weft Wo forming a connection loop Wc2 located adjacent to the connection loop Wc1 and closer to the negative side in the course direction CD than the connection loop Wc1 in the inner loop n1.

[0068] The warp Wa then passes through the connection loop Wc1 from the back side to the front side thereof and passes through the connection loop Wc2 from the front side to the back side thereof. Then, the warp Wa winds, toward the back side of the knitted fabric 100, the weft Wo forming the connection loop Wc3 located adjacent to the connection loop Wc2 and closer to the negative side in the course direction CD than the connection loop Wc2 in the inner loop n2.

[0069] This enables each of the connection loops Wc to securely connect adjacent inner loops n in the inner loops n in the first inner course A2 to each other without missing each stitch. The connection loops Wc encompass part from the final course A1 to the first inner course A2. In other words, the edge processing portion W is knitted over the final course A1 and the first inner course A2. This makes it possible to more securely knit the edge processing portion W to the knitted fabric body 101.

[0070] Note that although adjacent inner loops n in the first inner course A2 are connected to each other and the inner loops n and the respective final loops m in the same wales as the inner loops n are connected, adjacent final loops m are not connected to each other.[Variation 2]

[0071] With reference to FIG. 6, the following description will discuss a variation 2 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a view for explaining another variation of the edge processing portion W of the knitted fabric 100.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the edge processing portion W is made up of the warp Wa and the weft Wo. However, this should not be construed as a limitation. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the edge processing portion W may be knitted with use of only the warp Wa. The following will describe a configuration in which the connection loops Wc made up of only the warp Wa each connect one final loop m of the final course A1 and the final loop m adjacent to the one final loop m in FIG. 6.

[0073] In the example illustrated in the drawing, the warp Wa extends in the course direction CD of the knitted fabric 100 while alternately forming a substantially inverted U shape protruding toward the positive side in the wale direction WD and an engagement portion Wa_3 protruding toward the negative side in the course direction CD.

[0074] The substantially inverted U shape of the warp Wa protruding toward the positive side in the wale direction WD forms a loop shape of each connection loop Wc. Each connection loop Wc spans one final loop m and the final loop m adjacent to the one final loop m and is formed on the back side of the final loops m. Each engagement portion Wa_3 spans one final loop m and the final loop m adjacent to the one final loop m and is formed on the front side of the final loops m.

[0075] Specifically, for example, the warp Wa forms the connection loop Wel continuously with an engagement portion Wa_31. The connection loop Wc1 passes through an area Q1 formed in the final loop m1 by the engagement portion Wa_31, from the front side to the back side of the engagement portion Wa_31 and forms an engagement portion Wa_32. The connection loop Wc1 then passes through the area Q1 from the back side to the front side of the engagement portion Wa_31.

[0076] The warp Wa forms the connection loop Wc2 continuously with the Wa_32, and passes through an area Q2 formed in the final loop m2 by the engagement portion Wa_32, from the front side to the back side of the engagement portion Wa_32.

[0077] This enables each of the connection loops Wc to securely connect adjacent final loops in the final loops m in the final course A1 to each other without missing each stitch.[Variation 3]

[0078] With reference to FIG. 7, the following description will discuss a variation 3 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a view for explaining still another variation of the edge processing portion W of the knitted fabric 100. In the present variation, the following will describe a configuration in which the connection loops Wc knitted with use of only the warp Wa each connect one inner loop n in the first inner course A2 and the inner loop n adjacent to the one inner loop n.

[0079] The warp Wa extends in the course direction CD of the knitted fabric 100 while alternately forming a substantially inverted U shape protruding toward the positive side in the wale direction WD and an engagement portion Wa_3 protruding toward the negative side in the course direction CD.

[0080] The substantially inverted U shape of the warp Wa protruding toward the positive side in the wale direction WD forms a loop shape of each connection loop Wc. The connection loops Wc each span one inner loop n in the first inner course A2 and the inner loop n adjacent to the one inner loop n, and are formed on the back sides of the final loops m and the inner loops n.

[0081] The engagement portions Wa_3 each span one inner loop n in the first inner course A2 and the inner loop n adjacent to the one inner loop n, and are formed on the front side of the inner loops n.

[0082] Specifically, for example, the warp Wa forms the connection loop Wc1 continuously with the engagement portion Wa_31. The connection loop Wc1 passes through an area Q1 formed in the inner loop n1 by the engagement portion Wa_31, from the front side to the back side of the engagement portion Wa_31 and forms an engagement portion Wa_32. The connection loop Wc1 then passes through the area Q1 from the back side to the front side of the engagement portion Wa_31.

[0083] The warp Wa forms the connection loop Wc2 continuously with the engagement portion Wa_32, and passes through an area Q2 formed in the inner loop n2 by the engagement portion Wa_32, from the front side to the back side of the engagement portion Wa_32.

[0084] This makes it possible to securely connect adjacent inner loops in the inner loops n in the first inner course A2 to each other without missing each stitch.Embodiment 2

[0085] The following description will discuss another embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of description, members having the same functions as those of the members described in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0086] In the present embodiment, the following will describe an example of a wearable item made of the knitted fabric 100 in accordance with Embodiment 1 above. The knitted fabric 100 in accordance with the present invention is applicable to wearable items that a user can wear. The knitted fabric 100 is suitably applicable to wearable items, e.g., arm covers, legwear, support braces, socks, and the like.

[0087] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating an example of a sock made of the knitted fabric 100. The reference numeral 8001 in FIG. 8 illustrates a sock 200, the reference numeral 8002 in FIG. 8 illustrates a sock 200a, the reference numeral 8003 of FIG. 8 illustrates a sock 200b, the reference numeral 8004 of FIG. 8 illustrates a sock 200c, and the reference numeral 8005 of FIG. 8 illustrates a sock 200d.

[0088] The sock 200 is a sock produced by closing, as a toe portion, an opening end portion from which the knitting starts in the knitted fabric 100. In the sock 200, the edge processing portion W is formed at an opening end portion of a foot insertion opening 201. This makes it possible to achieve the sock 200 having the foot insertion opening 201 unlikely to fray and producing a reduced foreign body sensation.

[0089] The sock 200a is a sock employing different knitted fabrics in upper and lower parts thereof and employs the knitted fabric 100 in a part corresponding to a toe. In the sock 200a, an opening end portion on a finishing side of knitting of the knitted fabric 100 is located in a switching portion 201a other than a foot insertion opening 202 of the sock 200a, and the edge processing portion W is formed there. This makes it possible to achieve the sock 200a producing a reduced foreign body sensation at the switching portion 201a, even if it is a sock employing different knitted fabrics in upper and lower parts thereof.

[0090] The sock 200b is a sock for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and includes an opening 201b provided in a part corresponding to an instep. The sock 200b starts being knitted from a foot insertion opening 203 thereof and includes the edge processing portion W formed at the opening 201b on a finishing side of the knitting. This makes it possible to achieve the sock 200b having the opening 201b unlikely to fray and producing a reduced foreign body sensation at the opening 201b and the foot insertion opening 203, even if it is a sock having the opening 201b in a part from the toe part thereof to the foot insertion opening 203.

[0091] The sock 200c is a sock having a single-layered part upper than a connection portion 201c (on a foot insertion opening side) and a double-layered part lower than the connection portion 201c (on a toe side). The sock 200c has a knitted fabric body 204. The knitted fabric body 204 starts being knitted into a tubular shape from the foot insertion opening 202 and is knitted up to a toe part thereof. A folded portion 205 is knitted up to the connection portion 201c continuously with the knitted fabric body 204 so that the knitted fabric body 204 is folded back inward while the tip portion is in an opened state. An end portion 205c of the folded portion 205 is connected to the knitted fabric body 204 at the connection portion 201c. In this case, the end portion 205c may be connected to the knitted fabric body 204 over the entire periphery thereof. Further, the edge processing portion W is formed at the end portion 205c. The toe portion is closed with use of, for example, a sewing machine.

[0092] The end portion 205c may not be connected to the knitted fabric body 204 over the entire periphery of the folded portion 205. For example, the end portion 205c may be connected to the knitted fabric body 204 at approximately five sixths of the entire periphery thereof and the rest may not be connected to the knitted fabric body 204. Thus, a portion which is not connected to the knitted fabric body 204 serves as an opening, and can be utilized, for example, as a pocket into which a body warmer and the like are to be put. In this case, the edge processing portion W may be formed only at the opening. This makes it possible to achieve a sock that has a double-layered part on a toe side and that is unlikely to fray.

[0093] The sock 200d has a double-layered part upper than a connection portion 201d thereof and a single-layered part lower than the connection portion 201d. The sock 200d has a knitted fabric body 206. The knitted fabric body 206 starts being knitted from a toe side and is knitted up to a foot insertion opening 207 thereof. A folded portion 208 is knitted up to the connection portion 201d continuously with the knitted fabric body 206 so that the knitted fabric body 206 is folded back inward at the foot insertion opening 207. An end portion 208d of the folded portion 208 is connected to the knitted fabric body 206 at the connection portion 201d. In this case, the end portion 208d may be connected to the knitted fabric body 206 over the entire periphery thereof. Further, the edge processing portion W is formed at the end portion 208d. This makes it possible to achieve a sock that has a double-layered part on a foot-insertion-opening tip side and that is unlikely to fray.

[0094] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating an example of a support brace made of the knitted fabric 100. The reference numeral 9001 in FIG. 9 illustrates a support brace 300, the reference numeral 9002 in FIG. 9 illustrates a support brace 300a, the reference numeral 9003 of FIG. 9 illustrates a support brace 300b, and the reference numeral 9004 of FIG. 9 illustrates a support brace 300c.

[0095] The support brace 300 has a knitted fabric body 301 and includes an insertion opening 302 and a tip-side opening 303 that are provided at both ends of the knitted fabric body 301. The knitted fabric body 301 of the support brace 300 starts being knitted from the insertion opening 302, and the edge processing portion W is formed at the tip-side opening 303 at which the knitting is finished. That is, the insertion opening 302 and the tip-side opening 303 of the support brace 300 correspond to the opening end portion 103 and the opening end portion 102 of the knitted fabric 100, respectively. This makes it possible to achieve the support brace 300 having the tip-side opening 303 unlikely to fray and producing a reduced foreign body sensation.

[0096] The support brace 300a is a support brace in which the tip-side opening 303 is folded back in the support brace 300. The knitted fabric body 301 of the support brace 300a starts being knitted from the insertion opening 302 into a tubular shape and is knitted up to the tip-side opening 303. The folded portion 305 is knitted up to the connection portion 304 continuously with the knitted fabric body 301 so that the knitted fabric body 301 is folded back inward at the tip-side opening 303. An end portion 306 of the folded portion 305 may be connected to the knitted fabric body 301 at the connection portion 304 over the entire periphery thereof. Further, the edge processing portion W is formed at the end portion 306.

[0097] The support brace 300b is a support brace in which an insertion opening 302 side is folded back in the support brace 300a. Specifically, the knitted fabric body 301 of the support brace 300b starts being knitted from an opening end portion 308 into a tubular shape and is knitted up to an insertion opening 302 thereof. The knitted fabric body 301 is then folded back outward at the insertion opening 302 and is knitted up to the tip-side opening 303. The knitted fabric body 301 that has been folded back outward at the insertion opening 302 and been knitted up to a position of the opening end portion 308 may be connected to the entire periphery of the opening end portion 308 and then be knitted to up to the tip-side opening 303. The tip-side opening 303 has the same configuration as that of the support brace 300a.

[0098] The support brace 300c is a support brace having a double-layered knitted fabric body 301. In the support brace 300c, the connection portion 304 in the support brace 300a serves as the insertion opening 302.

[0099] The above descriptions should not be construed as a limitation. For example, it is also possible to knit leggings or the like by connecting two tubular knitted fabrics 100 at the opening end portions 102 thereof.

[0100] As described above, it is possible to achieve a wearable item having an end portion on a finishing side of knitting which is unlikely to fray and producing a reduced foreign body sensation when touched, by producing the wearable item with use of the knitted fabric 100 for the wearable item.Embodiment 3

[0101] As described in the above embodiments, the knitted fabric 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can be knitted by applying a linking technique to the edge processing portion. Conventionally, the linking technique has been used as a technique for connecting knitted fabrics in, for example, a step of closing an opening of a tubular knitted body to form a toe portion in the manufacture of socks. FIG. 10 to FIG. 15 are each a view illustrating one example of a step of typical linking in the knitting of a sock 500. In Embodiment 3, with reference to FIG. 10 to FIG. 15, the following description will discuss a case in which linking is carried out on a toe portion 502 illustrated in FIG. 10 in knitting of a sock 500.

[0102] In the knitting of the sock 500, the first step is to knit a knitted fabric body 500U in which a foot insertion opening 501 and the toe portion 502 are formed and on which the sock 500 is based, as illustrated in FIG. 10. The knitted fabric body 500U has an opening 510 formed at the toe portion 502. In the vicinity of the opening 510 of the toe portion 502, a linking course 503 is formed in which loops through which linking pins 601 (see FIG. 11) are to be stuck are knitted over the entire periphery in one and the same course.

[0103] Subsequently, the knitted fabric body 500U is turned back, and the linking pins 601 are stuck through the loops in the linking course 503 of the toe portion 502, as illustrated in FIG. 11. Specifically, first, the linking pins 601 are stuck through the loops of a linking course 503A on a sole side for each stitch. The linking pins 601 are stuck through the loops in a linking course 503B on an instep side so that the same linking pins 601 are stuck through the loops in the linking course 503A on the sole side and the loops in the linking course 503B on the instep side that correspond to those in the linking course 503A on the sole side.

[0104] Each of the loops in the linking course 503B on the instep side that correspond to the loops in the linking course 503A on the sole side refers to a loop at which the number of loops from a boundary 504 (see FIG. 10) is the same between the instep side and the sole side of the knitted fabric body 500U in the linking course 503. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 11, one linking pin 601 is stuck through an instep-side loop corresponding to a sole-side loop for each stitch.

[0105] Afterward, a sacrificial thread portion 505 located closer to an opening 510 side than the linking course 503 is manually wound off to be removed, thereby resulting in the state illustrated in FIG. 12. Linking is then carried out with use of a linking sewing machine 600, as illustrated in FIG. 13. Specifically, the loops in the linking course 503B on the instep side and the loops in the linking course 503A on the sole side that correspond to the loops, which are illustrated in FIG. 12, are fixed with use of a linking thread 506 (see FIG. 13).

[0106] When the linking is completed, the linking thread 506 is cut, and then the sock 500 is taken out of the linking pins 601 as illustrated in FIG. 14, followed by turning the knitted fabric body 500U to its outside, so that the sock 500 is completed (see FIG. 15).

[0107] Aspects of the present invention can also be expressed as follows:

[0108] A knitted fabric in accordance with Aspect 1 of the present invention includes: a knitted fabric body having an opening end portion opened at one end thereof on a finishing side of knitting; and an edge processing portion including a plurality of connection loops knitted along a specific course that is one course of a plurality of courses of the knitted fabric body which are located on an opening end portion side, the edge processing portion connecting adjacent loops in the specific course to each other with use of a corresponding one of the plurality of connection loops.

[0109] According to the above configuration, a corresponding one of the connection loops connects adjacent loops in the specific course so as to reinforce the opening end portion, thereby making it unlikely for the opening end portion to fray. This makes it possible to prevent the opening end portion from fraying without the use of thermal adhesive elastic fibers.

[0110] Further, since adjacent loops in the specific course are connected to each other by a corresponding single connection loop, it is possible to reduce the number of connection loops required to connect the loops, thereby making it possible to prevent the opening end portion from being thick. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a foreign body sensation on touch of the opening end portion.

[0111] As a result, it is possible to achieve a knitted fabric having an end portion on a finishing side of knitting which is unlikely to fray and producing no foreign body sensation when touched.

[0112] A knitted fabric in accordance with Aspect 2 of the present invention may be configured, in Aspect 1 above, such that the edge processing portion is knitted over an entire periphery of the specific course.

[0113] According to the above configuration, the edge processing portion is knitted over the entire periphery of the specific course, so that it is possible to reliably prevent the opening end portion from fraying.

[0114] A knitted fabric in accordance with Aspect 3 of the present invention may be configured, in Aspect 1 or 2 above, such that the specific course is an inner course located closer to an inner side than a final course on the opening end portion side, and the edge processing portion is knitted from the inner course to the final course.

[0115] According to the above configuration, the edge processing portion is knitted over a plurality of courses on an opening end portion side, so that it is possible to more securely knit the edge processing portion to the knitted fabric body.

[0116] A knitted fabric in accordance with Aspect 4 of the present invention may be configured, in Aspect 1 or 2 above, such that the plurality of courses are located within five courses from the opening end portion side.

[0117] The above configuration makes it possible to favorably fix adjacent loops in the specific course.

[0118] A knitted fabric in accordance with Aspect 5 of the present invention may be configured, in any one of Aspects 1 to 4 above, such that threads used for knitting the knitted fabric body become narrower toward the final course on the opening end portion side.

[0119] The above configuration makes it possible to reduce a thickness of the knitted fabric body on the opening end portion side. This makes it possible to, even in a case where the edge processing portion is knitted to the opening end portion, further reduce a foreign body sensation at the opening end portion.

[0120] A knitted fabric in accordance with Aspect 6 of the present invention may be configured, in any one of Aspects 1 to 5 above, such that the knitted fabric body is configured so that the number of threads used for knitting the knitted fabric body is reduced toward the final course on the opening end portion side.

[0121] The above configuration makes it possible to reduce a thickness of the knitted fabric body on the opening end portion side. This makes it possible to, even in a case where the edge processing portion is knitted to the opening end portion, further reduce a foreign body sensation at the opening end portion.

[0122] A wearable item may be achieved by being made of the knitted fabric in accordance with any one of Aspects 1 to 6. The above configuration makes it possible to achieve a wearable item producing, when being worn, no foreign body sensation at a part at which the knitting of the knitted fabric is finished.

[0123] The present invention is not limited to the description of the embodiments above, but may be altered by a skilled person within the scope of the claims. Any embodiment based on a proper combination of technical means disclosed in different embodiments is also encompassed in the technical scope of the present invention.REFERENCE SIGNS LIST100 Knitted fabric

[0125] 101 Knitted fabric body

[0126] 102 Opening end portion

[0127] 200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d Sock (wearable item)

[0128] 300, 300a, 300b, 300c Support brace (wearable item)

[0129] A1 Final course (specific course)

[0130] A2 First inner course (specific course, inner course)

[0131] m Final loop

[0132] W Edge processing portion

[0133] Wc Connection loop

Claims

1. A knitted fabric comprising:a knitted fabric body having an opening end portion opened at one end thereof on a finishing side of knitting; andan edge processing portion including a plurality of connection loops knitted along a specific course that is one course of a plurality of courses of the knitted fabric body which are located on an opening end portion side, the edge processing portion connecting adjacent loops in the specific course to each other with use of a corresponding one of the plurality of connection loops.

2. The knitted fabric according to claim 1, wherein the edge processing portion is knitted over an entire periphery of the specific course.

3. The knitted fabric according to claim 1, whereinthe specific course is an inner course located closer to an inner side than a final course on the opening end portion side, andthe edge processing portion is knitted from the inner course to the final course.

4. The knitted fabric according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of courses are located within five courses from the opening end portion side.

5. A wearable item made of the knitted fabric according to claim 1.

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