Legwear, knitted fabric, and double pile knitted fabric structure

Abstract

Legwear 100 according to the present invention includes a foot covering portion 110. The foot covering portion is knitted from yarns including front yarns Tf1, Tf2 and at least one back yarn Tr that constitute the same stitch. A first region Am and a second region Ai are formed in at least a part of the foot covering portion. In the first region, at least two front yarns of the front yarns form front yarn sinker loop portions Rh and Rl. The front yarn sinker loop portions Rh and Rl are higher than the back yarn sinker loop portion of at least one back yarn. Further, the front yarn sinker loop portions Rh and Rl have different heights. Further, in the second region, the yarns are knitted using at least one knitting method selected from a group consisting of plain knitting, tuck knitting, and mis-knitting.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to legwear. The invention also relates to knitted fabrics. The present invention also relates to an overlapped pile knitted fabric structure.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In the past, with the aim of “providing a textile product which is thick enough to provide sufficient heat retention for cold weather protection while also having practical durability, is flexible, comfortable to wear, and has a beautiful appearance,”“a textile product that at least partially includes a thick portion including a knitted fabric layer and a pile layer, which are made of main yarn, the pile layer including a first pile made of first pile yarn and a second pile made of second pile yarn, the second pile being arranged inside the first pile” has been proposed.PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-106146DISCLOSURE OF INVENTIONTechnical Problem

[0004] By the way, when textile products such as the above-described textile product are applied to legwear, their heat retention properties may cause the legs and / or feet to steam easily, which may cause discomfort to the wearer.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to make the feeling of stuffiness in the legs and / or feet unlikely when legwear with good heat retention properties is worn.DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0006] Legwear according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a foot covering portion. The foot covering portion is knitted from a plurality of yarns including a plurality of front yarns and at least one back yarn that constitute the same stitch. A first region and a second region are formed in at least a part of the foot covering portion. In the first region, at least two of the plurality of front yarns form front yarn sinker loop portions that have higher heights than a back yarn sinker loop portion of the at least one back yarn and have different heights from each other. Furthermore, in the second region, the plurality of yarns are knitted using at least one knitting method selected from a group consisting of plain knitting, tuck knitting, and mis-knitting.

[0007] In the legwear, front yarn sinker loop portions having different heights are formed in the first region, and the density of the front yarn is higher than that of ordinary pile knitted fabrics, providing excellent heat retention, durability, deodorizing performance per unit volume, cushioning properties, or the like. Conversely, in the second region, the above-described knitted structure is formed, thus allowing sweat vapor generated from the feet to easily pass outward. Thus, the legwear can provide good heat retention, durability, deodorizing properties per unit volume, and cushioning properties or the like, while making the feet feel less stuffy.

[0008] Legwear according to a second aspect of the present invention is the legwear according to the first aspect in which the first region and the second region form a sea-island pattern. Here, the first region includes island areas, and the second region includes a sea area. Note that the sea area is one continuous region, and the island areas are a plurality of areas separated by the sea area.

[0009] In the legwear, the first region that ensures heat retention is surrounded by the second region that serves to expel foot sweat to the outside. This allows the legwear to more efficiently expel sweat vapor generated from the feet, thus preventing the feet from getting stuffy.

[0010] Note that in a case in which a sea-island pattern is formed in the sole covering portion of the foot covering portion, when a wearer of the legwear walks or the like and the first region (island area) comes into contact with the floor or the sole of the shoe, the weight is applied to the first region and the first region is compressed, and then air flows in the space between the second region and the sole of the foot (when the front yarn sinker loop portion is on the sole of the foot) or the space between the second region and the floor, sole, or the like (when the front yarn sinker loop portion is on the outside). Thus, in such a case, sweat vapor generated from the soles of the feet can be easily expelled.

[0011] Legwear according to a third aspect of the present invention is legwear according to the first aspect in which the first region and the second region form a sea-island pattern. Here, the first region includes a sea area, and the second region includes island areas. Note that the sea area is one continuous region, and the island areas are a plurality of areas separated by the sea area.

[0012] In the legwear, the second region that ensures heat retention surrounds the first region that serves to expel foot sweat to the outside. This allows the legwear to gradually expel sweat vapor generated from the feet while maintaining sufficient heat retention or the like.

[0013] Legwear according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the legwear according to the first aspect in which the first region is a region corresponding to a base of a toe, and the second region is a region corresponding to the toe.

[0014] This allows the legwear to fit the bulky first region into the portion of the base of the toe which is recessed. Thus, the front yarn sinker loop portion in the first region can efficiently absorb sweat coming from the portion of the base of the toe, thus ensuring the comfort of the wearer.

[0015] Legwear according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the legwear according to any one of the first to fourth aspects in which the front yarn sinker loop portion is formed to face outward.

[0016] This allows the legwear to minimize the contact surface with footwear, the floor, or the like and provide an air layer between the legwear and the footwear, floor, or the like, thus allowing for efficiently expelling foot sweat to the outside of the footwear.

[0017] Legwear according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the legwear according to any one of the first to fourth aspects in which the front yarn sinker loop portion is formed to face inward.

[0018] This allows the legwear to make the front yarn sinker loop portion contact with the wearer's skin, thus allowing for efficiently absorbing foot sweat.

[0019] A knitted fabric according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is knitted from a plurality of yarns including a plurality of front yarns and at least one back yarn that constitute the same stitch. At least two of the plurality of front yarns form first front yarn sinker loop portions in the first region, and form second front yarn sinker loop portions in the second region. Here, the second region is a different region from the first region. Further, the first front yarn sinker loop portions are higher than the back yarn sinker loop portion of at least one back yarn. Further, as described above, there are at least two first front yarn sinker loop portions, and at least one of the first front yarn sinker loop portions has a different height from the other first front yarn sinker loop portion(s). Further, the second front yarn sinker loop portions are higher than the back yarn sinker loop portion of at least one back yarn. Further, as described above, there are at least two second front yarn sinker loop portions, and they have substantially the same height. Note that in the first front yarn sinker loop portions, the front yarn forming the high front yarn sinker loop portion preferably has substantially the same contractility or extensibility as the front yarn forming the low front yarn sinker loop portion, or has a higher contractility or extensibility than the front yarn forming the low front yarn sinker loop portion.

[0020] The above-described configuration allows the knitted fabric to have both the function of the first sinker loop portion and the function of the second sinker loop portion. This makes it possible to knit a knitted fabric in which, for example, properties such as cushioning properties, shock absorption properties or the like are partially changed. Further, the above-described configuration allows the knitted fabric to have both the texture created by the first sinker loop portion and the texture created by the second sinker loop portion. This allows for knitting a knitted fabric having an ingenious pattern or design, for example. Further, when the first sinker loop portion and the second sinker loop portion are formed so as to face inward, in the first sinker loop portion, the front yarn forming the high sinker loop portion comes into contact with the skin and thus have a great effect on the skin, whereas the front yarn forming the low sinker loop portion does not easily touch the skin and thus does not have much effect on the skin. Conversely, in the second sinker loop portion, the plurality of front yarns are at substantially the same height, both of them touch the skin, and thus the plurality of front yarns can have substantially the same effect on the skin. Thus, appropriately selecting the region where the first sinker loop portion is formed and the region where the second sinker loop portion is formed allows for changing the effect given to the skin in each region.

[0021] A knitted fabric according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the knitted fabric according to the seventh aspect in which the second front yarn sinker loop portion has substantially the same height as the high front yarn sinker loop portion in the first front yarn sinker loop portion.

[0022] This enhances the function and texture of the high front yarn sinker loop portion in the first front yarn sinker loop portion with the second front yarn sinker loop portion.

[0023] A knitted fabric according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the knitted fabric according to the seventh aspect in which the second front yarn sinker loop portion has substantially the same height as the low front yarn sinker loop portion in the first front yarn sinker loop portion.

[0024] This enhances the function and texture of the low front yarn sinker loop portion in the first front yarn sinker loop portion with the second front yarn sinker loop portion.

[0025] A knitted fabric according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the knitted fabric according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects in which the first front yarn sinker loop portion and the second front yarn sinker loop portion are on the same course.

[0026] This allows for forming different functional parts in the same course direction and further arranging different texture parts in the same course direction.

[0027] A knitted fabric according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the knitted fabric according to the tenth aspect in which the first front yarn sinker loop portion and the second front yarn sinker loop portion are on the same course in a reciprocating rotational knitting region.

[0028] Thus, in the knitted fabric, the effect of the knitted fabric according to the seventh aspect can be enjoyed in the reciprocating rotational knitting region.

[0029] A knitted fabric according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the knitted fabric according to any one of the seventh to tenth aspects in which the first front yarn sinker loop portion and the second front yarn sinker loop portion are on different courses.

[0030] This allows different functional parts to be formed in the wale direction, and also allows different texture parts to be arranged in the wale direction.

[0031] A knitted fabric according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the knitted fabric according to the twelfth aspect in which the first front yarn sinker loop portion and the second front yarn sinker loop portion are on different courses in a reciprocating rotational knitting region.

[0032] Thus, in the knitted fabric, the effect of the knitted fabric according to the twelfth aspect can be enjoyed in the reciprocating rotational knitting region.

[0033] A knitted fabric according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the knitted fabric according to any one of the seventh to thirteenth aspects in which in the first region, a high front yarn sinker loop portion in the first front yarn sinker loop portions has higher elasticity than a low front yarn sinker loop portion in the first front yarn sinker loop portions. The high front yarn sinker loop portion in the first front yarn sinker loop portions is exposed on the uppermost surface. Further, in the second region, a front yarn sinker loop portion in a second sinker loop portion that is connected to a low front yarn sinker loop portion in the first front yarn sinker loop portions is exposed on the uppermost surface. Note that in the second region, the front yarn sinker loop portion in the second sinker loop portion that is connected to the high front yarn sinker loop portion in the first front yarn sinker loop portions has a high contractility. Thus, the knitted fabric that has been stretched during knitting shrinks, and its front yarn sinker loop portion is hidden below (i.e., when this knitted fabric is knitted, the yarn corresponding to the above-described front yarn sinker loop portion is knitted in a stretched state).

[0034] Thus, for example, making the colors of at least two front yarns different in this knitted fabric allows for creating a knitted fabric having good design with the color of the first region and the color of the second region different, or allows for creating a knitted fabric that can exhibit different functions, depending on the region, with the function of the first region and the function of the second region different.

[0035] A knitted fabric according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the knitted fabric according to the seventh aspect in which the plurality of yarns are knitted, using at least one knitting method selected from a group consisting of plain knitting, tuck knitting, and mis-knitting, in a third region. Note that the third region is a different region from the first region and the second region.

[0036] This allows the knitted fabric to have the functions of the first sinker loop portion, the functions of the second sinker loop portion, and the functions of at least one type of knitted fabric selected from a group consisting of plain knitting, tuck knitting, and mis-knitting. This allows for knitting a knitted fabric in which properties such as cushioning properties, shock absorption properties or the like are partially changed, for example. Furthermore, the above-described configuration allows the knitted fabric to coexist with the texture created by the first sinker loop portion, the texture created by the second sinker loop portion, and the texture created by at least one type of knitted fabric selected from a group consisting of plain knitting, tuck knitting, and mis-knitting. Thus, for example, it is possible to knit a knitted fabric having a more ingenious pattern or design.

[0037] A knitted fabric according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the knitted fabric according to the fifteenth aspect in which the first front yarn sinker loop portion, the second front yarn sinker loop portion, and a knitting part in the third region are on the same course.

[0038] This allows for further forming different functional parts in the same course direction, and further arranging different texture parts in the same course direction.

[0039] A knitted fabric according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention is the knitted fabric according to the sixteenth aspect in which the first front yarn sinker loop portion, the second front yarn sinker loop portion, and a knitting part in the third region are on the same course in a reciprocating rotational knitting region.

[0040] Thus, in the knitted fabric, the effect of the knitted fabric according to the sixteenth aspect can be enjoyed in the reciprocating rotational knitting region.

[0041] A knitted fabric according to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention is the knitted fabric according to the fifteenth aspect in which the first front yarn sinker loop portion, the second front yarn sinker loop portion, and a knitting part in the third region are on different courses.

[0042] This allows for further forming different functional parts in the wale direction, and further arranging different texture parts in the wale direction.

[0043] A knitted fabric according to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention is the knitted fabric according to the eighteenth aspect in which the first front yarn sinker loop portion, the second front yarn sinker loop portion, and a knitting part in the third region are on different courses in a reciprocating rotational knitting region.

[0044] Thus, in the knitted fabric, the effect of the knitted fabric according to the eighteenth aspect can be enjoyed in the reciprocating rotational knitting region.

[0045] An overlapped pile knitted fabric structure according to a twentieth aspect of the present invention is knitted from a plurality of yarns including a plurality of front yarns and at least one back yarn that constitute the same stitch. Note that the “overlapped pile” referred to here is not “double pile” in English, but “pile up pile”. At least two of the plurality of front yarns form front yarn sinker loop portions. The front yarn sinker loop portion is higher than the back yarn sinker loop portion of at least one back yarn. Further, the front yarn sinker loop portions have different heights. Front yarn forming a high front yarn sinker loop portion has substantially the same contractility or extensibility as the contractility or extensibility of front yarn forming a low front yarn sinker loop, or has a higher contractility or lower extensibility than the front yarn forming the low front yarn sinker loop. Note that extensibility here is due to, for example, elasticity. For example, the contractility may be due to elasticity, or may be due to heat treatment (hot water treatment) or liquid treatment (alkali treatment, or the like). By the way, the “front yarn forming a high front yarn sinker loop portion” and the “front yarn forming a low front yarn sinker loop portion” may be yarns made of the same material. Furthermore, both the “front yarn forming a high front yarn sinker loop portion” and the “front yarn forming a low front yarn sinker loop portion” may be yarns that do not have contractility or extensibility. Furthermore, the “front yarn forming a high front yarn sinker loop portion” and the “front yarn forming a low front yarn sinker loop portion” may have the same or different thicknesses. Further, the overlapped pile knitted fabric structure may exist within the reciprocating rotational knitting region.

[0046] In other words, when translating this overlapped pile knitted fabric structure into Chinese as front yarn forming a low front yarn sinker loop, it may be better to write it in Chinese as “overlap” to prevent mistranslation. Please review this point. It can be knitted without using elastic yarns, heat shrinkable yarns, or chemically treated shrinkable yarns. Thus, this overlapped pile knitted fabric structure can have a wider variety of characteristics than the conventional overlapped pile knitted fabric structure. Note that such a overlapped pile knitted fabric structure can be provided by changing the height of the pile claw of the sinker on which the “front yarn forming a high front yarn sinker loop portion” is placed (overlaps) and the height of the pile claw of the sinker on which the “front yarn forming a low front yarn sinker loop portion” is placed (overlaps).BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0047] FIG. 1 is a partial bottom view of legwear according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a simplified knitting diagram of knitted fabric in an island area (overlapped pile knitting region) of the legwear according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a simplified knitting diagram of knitted fabric in a sea area (plain knitting region) of the legwear according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the shape of a sinker for knitting legwear according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a partial bottom view of legwear according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Note that the region inside the line shown in the figure indicates the overlapped pile knitting region.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a partial plan view of the inside of the legwear according to the second embodiment of the present invention when it is turned inside out.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a side view of legwear according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 8 is a simplified knitting diagram of knitted fabric in an aligned pile knitted fabric region of the legwear according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the sinker, needle, and yarn in knitting legwear according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Note that a diagram shown in (a) of this figure shows the relationship between the sinker, needle, and yarn during plain knitting, a diagram shown in (b) shows the relationship between the sinker, needle, and yarn during overlapped pile knitting, a diagram shown in (c) shows the relationship between the sinker, needle, and yarn in knitting an aligned pile having a low sinker loop portion, and a diagram shown in (d) shows the relationship between the sinker, needle, and yarn in knitting an aligned pile having a high sinker loop portion.

[0056] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the yarn in the diagram shown in FIG. 9(A).

[0057] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the yarn in the diagram shown in FIG. 9(b).

[0058] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the yarn in the diagram shown in FIG. 9(c).

[0059] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the yarn in the diagram shown in FIG. 9(d).

[0060] FIG. 14 is a plan view of the front side of a knitted fabric according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] FIG. 15 is a plan view of the back side of the knitted fabric according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a knitted fabric according to a modification (A) of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] FIG. 17 is a plan view of a knitted fabric according to the modification (A) of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.REFERENCE SIGNS LIST100,200,300 Sock (legwear)

[0065] 110,210 Sole covering portion (foot covering portion)

[0066] 111 First half part

[0067] 211 Toe part

[0068] 310 Shin covering portion

[0069] 400 Knitted fabric

[0070] Ab Inter-toe region

[0071] Ad Aligned pile knitted fabric region (second region)

[0072] Ag Toe corresponding region

[0073] Ai Island area

[0074] Am Sea area

[0075] Ap Plain knitting region (third region)

[0076] Aw Overlapped pile knitted fabric region (first region)

[0077] Pmi Sea island pattern

[0078] Rh, Rl Front yarn sinker loop portion

[0079] Rn Front yarn needle loop portion

[0080] Tf1, Tf2 Front yarn

[0081] Tr Back yarnDESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0082] Legwear according to an embodiment of the present invention is a wearable garment that covers at least a portion of the sole of a person's foot when worn on the foot of a person, such as socks (foot covers, socks, knee socks, or the like), stockings, tights, or the like. Legwear according to various embodiments will be described below.First EmbodimentConfiguration of Legwear According to the First Embodiment of the Present Invention

[0083] An example of legwear according to a first embodiment of the present invention is sock 100 shown in FIG. 1. The sock 100 is characterized by a sole covering portion 110, and thus the sole covering portion 110 will be described in detail below.

[0084] The sole covering portion 110 is knitted from two front yarns TF1 and Tf2 and one back yarn Tr, which constitute the same stitch. As shown in FIG. 1, the front half part 111 of the sole covering portion 110 is knitted to form a sea-island pattern Pmi consisting of a sea area Am and island areas Ai. Note that, as shown in FIG. 1, in this sea-island pattern Pmi, the island areas Ai are evenly arranged along the foot length direction and the foot width direction. Here, in the island area Ai, p <as shown in FIG. 2, two front yarns Tf1, Tf2 form front yarn sinker loop portions Rh, Rl having different heights such that the front yarn sinker loop portions Rh, Rl face outward, i.e., the opposite side of the skin side (hereinafter, such knitting may be referred to as overlapped pile knitting, or the like), and form a front yarn needle loop portion Rn having the same height on the opposite side. Note that the front yarn sinker loop portions Rh and Rl are higher than the back yarn sinker loop portion of the back yarn Tr. In the sea area Am, as shown in FIG. 3, the front yarns Tf1, Tf2 and the back yarns Tr are plain knitted. In other words, in the sole covering portion 110, the knitting method is changed in the course direction.

[0085] Note that as a method for knitting the island area Ai, for example, the knitting method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-106146, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-193857, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-115155, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. H5-247797, or the like can be used. Further, examples of methods for continuously knitting the island areas Ai and the sea area Am include a method of knitting while switching pile claws Pf0, Ph0, and P10 on which the yarns Tf1, Tf2, and Tr are placed in one sinker SK0 having the pile claws Pf0, Ph0, and P10 of different heights as shown in FIG. 4. Note that in that method, during plain knitting, all the yarns Tf1, Tf2, and Tr are placed on the low pile claw Pf0 of the sinker SKO, whereas during overlapped pile knitting, the back yarn Tr is located in the recess on the back side of the low pile claw Pf0, the front yarn Tf1 is placed on the middle pile claw Pl0, and the front yarn Tf2 is placed on the high pile claw Ph0. Note that switching between plain knitting and overlapped pile knitting, that is, switching the positions of the pile claws Pf0, Ph0, and PIO with respect to the yarns TF1, Tf2, and Tr, is performed by a back-and-forth reciprocating mechanism of the sinker SK0 (not shown). Further, in that method, the front yarn forming the high front yarn sinker loop portion Rh and the front yarn forming the low front yarn sinker loop portion Rl may be yarns made of the same material. Further, the front yarn forming the high front yarn sinker loop portion Rh and the front yarn forming the low front yarn sinker loop portion Rl may both be yarns that do not have contractility or extensibility; or both may be yarns that have substantially the same contractility or extensibility. Further, the front yarn forming the high front yarn sinker loop portion Rh may have higher contractility or lower extensibility than the contractility or extensibility of the front yarn forming the low front yarn sinker loop portion Rl.

[0086] Note that when heat generating properties are added to the sock 100, the front yarn forming the high front yarn sinker loop portion Rh is preferably a moisture-absorbing and heat-generating yarn such as wool, rayon, or the like, and the front yarn forming the low front yarn sinker loop portion Rl is preferably a water-absorbing and diffusive yarn exhibiting hydrophobicity, such as polyester or the like. In contrast, when vapor resistance is added to the sock 100, the front yarn forming the high front yarn sinker loop portion Rh is preferably a water-absorbing and diffusive yarn exhibiting hydrophobicity such as polyester or the like, and the front yarn forming the low front yarn sinker loop portion Rl is preferably a moisture-absorbing heat generating yarn such as wool, rayon or the like, or a water-absorbing yarn such as cotton or the like. Note that in both of the above cases, it is more effective to have the front yarn sinker loop portions Rh and Rl face inward, that is, toward the skin side (see Modification (F) below).

[0087] In addition, in a case of making the sock 100 deodorant and comfortable to wear, the front yarn forming the high front yarn sinker loop portion Rh is preferably a soft, smooth, and comfortable yarn such as silk or the like, and the front yarn forming the low front yarn sinker loop portion Rl is preferably a relatively hard yarn having a deodorizing effect, such as wool or the like. Even in such a case, it is more effective to have the front yarn sinker loop portions Rh and Rl face inward, that is, toward the skin side (see Modification (F) below).Features of Socks According to an Example of the First Embodiment of the Present Invention

[0088] When a person wearing sock 100 according to the present embodiment walks or the like and the island areas Ai come into contact with the floor, the sole of the shoe, or the like, the island areas Ai are loaded with weight, the island areas Ai are compressed, and then the air in the space outside the sea area Am flows. This makes it easier for the sock 100 to expel sweat vapor generated from the soles of the feet. In addition, as described above, the front yarn sinker loop portions Rh and Rl having different heights are formed in the island areas, and the density of the front yarn is higher than that of a normal pile knitted fabric, thus providing excellent characteristics in heat retention, durability, deodorization per unit volume, cushioning properties, or the like. This allows the sock 100 to have good heat retention, durability, deodorizing properties per unit volume, cushioning properties, or the like while making the soles of the feet less likely to feel stuffy.Modification(A)

[0090] In the sock 100 according to the first embodiment, the island areas Ai are arranged evenly along the foot length direction and the foot width direction, but this arrangement is only an example; for example, the island areas Ai may be arranged evenly along a direction inclined at 45 degrees with respect to the foot length direction and the foot width direction when viewed from the bottom (foot part side), the island areas Ai may be arranged in other patterns, or the island areas Ai may be arranged randomly when viewed from the bottom.

[0091] (B)

[0092] In the sock 100 according to the first embodiment, double-overlapped front yarn sinker loop portions Rh and Rl are formed from two front yarns TF1 and Tf2 in the island area Ai; alternatively, multiple-overlapped sinker loop portions may be formed from three or more front yarns. In such a case, front yarn sinker loop portions may be formed in which two or more of the front yarns have the same height, or a front yarn sinker loop portions may be formed in which three or more front yarns all have different heights.

[0093] (C)

[0094] In the sock 100 according to the first embodiment, the sea-island pattern Pmi is formed only in the front half part 111 of the sole covering part 110; alternatively the sea-island pattern Pmi may be formed over the entire surface of the sole covering portion 110.

[0095] (D) In the sock 100 according to the first embodiment, the sea-island pattern Pmi is formed in the front half part 111 of the sole covering portion 110; alternatively the sea-island pattern Pmi may be formed on the entire sock. In addition, the sea-island pattern Pmi may be formed in the part covering the instep of the foot (hereinafter referred to as the “instep covering part”) or be formed in the part covering the side of the foot (hereinafter referred to as the “side covering part”); or it may be formed only in the instep covering part, it may be formed only in the side covering part, or it may be formed only in the instep covering part and the side covering part. Note that when the sea-island pattern Pmi is formed on the instep covering part or the side covering part, the air permeability between the sock 100 and the footwear is improved when the footwear is worn with the sock 100 worn, thus making it less likely to feel stuffy in the instep and side of the foot. Further, when the sea-island pattern Pmi is formed in the instep covering part or the side covering part, the entire of the sole covering portion 110 may be knitted into a knitted fabric of the island area Ai, that is, an overlapped pile knitted fabric.

[0096] (E)

[0097] In the sock 100 according to the first embodiment, the island areas Ai are made of an overlapped pile knitted fabric and the sea area Am is made of a plain knitted fabric; alternatively the island areas Ai may be made of a plain knitted fabric and the sea area Am may be made of an overlapped pile knitted fabric. In such a case, the effect of reducing or inhibiting stuffiness will be lowered, but heat retention or the like is improved.

[0098] (F)

[0099] In the sock 100 according to the first embodiment, in the island areas Ai, the two front yarns Tf1 and Tf2 form the front yarn sinker loop portions Rh and Rl with different heights so that the front yarn sinker loop portions Rh and Rl face outward; alternatively the two front yarns TF1 and Tf2 may form front yarn sinker loop portions Rh and Rl with different heights so that the front yarn sinker loop portions Rh and Rl face inward. In this case, the front yarn sinker loop portions Rh and Rl can be brought into contact with the skin of the wearer, thus allowing for efficiently absorbing foot sweat. Further, in such a case, when the island areas come into contact with the sole of the foot while a person wearing the sock is walking or the like, weight is applied to the island areas, the island areas are compressed, and then air in the space between the sole of the foot and the sea area flows. This allows for easily expelling sweat vapor generated from the soles of the feet with this sock.

[0100] (G)

[0101] In the sock 100 according to the first embodiment, the sea area Am is knitted by plain knitting; alternatively the sea area Am may be knitted by tuck knitting or mis-knitting.

[0102] (H)

[0103] Although not specifically mentioned in the first embodiment, for example, the reciprocating rotational knitting region (stitch increasing region or stitch decreasing region, i.e., a region with fewer wales than the full circumference knitting region) such as the toe-covering part and heel-covering part of the sock 100 may be overlapped pile-knitted as described above.

[0104] (I)

[0105] Although the present invention has been applied to the sock 100 in the first embodiment, the present invention may also be applied to a foot cover. A preferable example in such a case includes a case in which a region covering the calcaneus ridge, the hallux metatarsophalangeal joint, and the infant metatarsophalangeal joint is set as the island area, and a portion covering the periphery of the calcaneus ridge, the hallux metatarsophalangeal joint, the infant toe metatarsophalangeal joint, or the like is set as the sea area. Another preferable example includes a case in which the front yarn forming the high front yarn sinker loop portion Rh is made of yarn with high friction to prevent the foot cover from coming off by bringing it into close contact with the skin, whereas the front yarn forming the low front yarn sinker loop portion Rl is made of hard yarn to make the front yarn sinker loop portions Rh and Rl difficult to fall down and maintain the shape of the foot cover, so that the foot cover is prevented from coming off by fitting to the unevenness of the foot.

[0106] Note that the above-described modifications (A) to (I) may be combined as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.Second EmbodimentConfiguration of Legwear According to the Second Embodiment of the Present Invention

[0107] An example of legwear according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes sock 200 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The sock 200 is characterized by the sole covering portion 210, and thus the sole covering portion 210 will be described in detail below.

[0108] The sole covering portion 210 is knitted from two front yarns TF1 and Tf2 and one back yarn Tr, which constitute the same stitch. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the sole covering portion 210, the toe part 211 thereof is knitted so that it is made up of a toe corresponding region Ag and an inter-toe region Ab. Note that the toe corresponding region Ag is a region where the wearer's toe is located when the sock 200 is worn. Conversely, the inter-toe region Ab is a combined region of a region where the wearer's toes are not located when the sock 200 is worn, that is, a region corresponding to the space between the toes, and a region corresponding to the base of the foot. Here, in the inter-toe region Ab, as shown in FIG. 2 (where reference symbol Ai in the figure is replaced with Ab), two front yarns TF1, Tf2 form front yarn sinker loop portions Rh, Rl having different heights such that the front yarn sinker loop portions Rh, Rl face inward, i.e., toward the side that comes into contact with the skin (hereinafter, such knitting may be referred to as overlapped pile knitting, or the like), and form a front yarn needle loop portion Rn having the same height on the opposite side. Note that the front yarn sinker loop portions Rh and Rl are higher than the back yarn sinker loop portion of the back yarn Tr. In addition, in the toe corresponding region Ag, as shown in FIG. 3 (replaced the reference numeral Ai with Ag in the figure), the front yarns Tf1 and Tf2 and the back yarn Tr are plain knitted. In other words, in this sole covering portion 210, the knitting method is changed in the course direction.

[0109] Note that when heat generating properties are added to the toe part 211 of the sock 200, the front yarn forming the high front yarn sinker loop portion Rh is preferably a moisture-absorbing and heat-generating yarn such as wool, rayon or the like, and the front yarn forming the low front yarn sinker loop portion Rl is preferably a water-absorbing and diffusive yarn exhibiting hydrophobicity, such as polyester or the like. Conversely, when vapor resistance is added to the toe part 211 of the sock 200, the front yarn forming the high front yarn sinker loop portion Rh is preferably a water-absorbing and diffusive yarn exhibiting hydrophobicity, such as polyester or the like, and the front yarn forming the low front yarn sinker loop portion Rl is preferably a moisture-absorbing and heat-generating yarn such as wool, rayon or the like, or a water-absorbing yarn such as cotton or the like.

[0110] In addition, in a case of making the sock 200 deodorant and comfortable to wear, the front yarn forming the high front yarn sinker loop portion Rh is preferably a soft, smooth, and comfortable yarn such as silk or the like, and the front yarn forming the low front yarn sinker loop portion Rl is preferably a relatively hard yarn having a deodorizing effect, such as wool or the like.

[0111] Note that as a method for knitting the inter-toe region Ab, for example, the knitting method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-106146, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-193857, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-115155, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. H5-247797, or the like can be used. Further, examples of methods for continuously knitting the toe corresponding region Ag and the inter-toe region Ab include a method of knitting while switching pile claws Pf0, Ph0, and P10 on which the yarns Tf1, Tf2, and Tr are placed in one sinker SKO having the pile claws Pf0, Ph0, and P10 of different heights as shown in FIG. 4. Note that in that method, during plain knitting, all the yarns TF1, Tf2, and Tr are placed on the low pile claw Pf0 of the sinker SKO, whereas during overlapped pile knitting, the back yarn Tr is located in the recess on the back side of the low pile claw Pf0, the front yarn TF1 is placed on the middle pile claw P10, and the front yarn Tf2 is placed on the high pile claw Ph0. Note that switching between plain knitting and overlapped pile knitting, that is, switching the positions of the pile claws Pf0, Ph0, and PIO with respect to the yarns TF1, Tf2, and Tr, is performed by a back-and-forth reciprocating mechanism of the sinker SKO (not shown). Further, in that method, the front yarn forming the high front yarn sinker loop portion Rh and the front yarn forming the low front yarn sinker loop portion Rl may be yarns made of the same material. Further, the front yarn forming the high front yarn sinker loop portion Rh and the front yarn forming the low front yarn sinker loop portion Rl may both be yarns that do not have contractility or extensibility; or both may be yarns that have substantially the same contractility or extensibility. Further, the front yarn forming the high front yarn sinker loop portion Rh may have higher contractility or lower extensibility than the contractility or extensibility of the front yarn forming the low front yarn sinker loop portion Rl.Features of Socks According to an Example of the Second Embodiment of the Present Invention>

[0112] When the sock 200 according to the present embodiment is worn, the front yarn sinker loop portions Rh and Rl having different heights are located between the wearer's toes (more precisely, part or all of the height direction between the toes). This causes part or all of the sweat generated from the side surfaces of the wearer's toes to be efficiently absorbed by the front yarn sinker loop portions Rh and Rl, making it less likely for the wearer to feel stuffiness in the toe part 211 of the foot.Modification(A)

[0114] In the sock 200 according to the second embodiment, the inter-toe region Ab is the combined region of the region where the wearer's toes are not located when the sock 200 is worn and the region corresponding to the base of the foot; alternatively, the inter-toe region may be only the region where the wearer's toes are not located.

[0115] (B)

[0116] In the sock 200 according to the second embodiment, the toe part 211 is knitted to consist of the toe corresponding region Ag and the inter-toe region Ab; alternatively, the toe part 211 may be knitted to consist of the toe corresponding region and the toe base corresponding region. In such a case, the toe corresponding region is knitted to be the knitted fabric of the toe corresponding region Ag, that is, plain knitting, and the toe base corresponding region is knitted to be the knitted fabric of the inter-toe region Ab, that is, a pile knitted fabric. Configuring the toe part 211 in this manner allows for fitting the overlapped pile to the recessed base of the toe. Thus, the overlapped pile can efficiently absorb sweat coming from the base of the toe, thereby ensuring comfort for the wearer.

[0117] (C)

[0118] In the sock 200 according to the second embodiment, double-overlapped front yarn sinker loop portions Rh and Rl are formed from two front yarns TF1 and Tf2 in the inter-toe region Ab; alternatively, multiple-overlapped sinker loop portions may be formed from three or more front yarns. In such a case, front yarn sinker loop portions may be formed in which two or more of the front yarns have the same height, or front yarn sinker loop portions may be formed in which three or more front yarns all have different heights.

[0119] (D)

[0120] In the sock 200 according to the second embodiment, in the inter-toe region Ab, the two front yarns TF1 and Tf2 form front yarn sinker loop portions Rh, Rl having different heights so that the front yarn sinker loop portions Rh, Rl face inward; alternatively, the two front yarns TF1 and Tf2 may form front yarn sinker loop portions Rh and Rl having different heights so that the front yarn sinker loop portions Rh and Rl face outward.

[0121] (E)

[0122] In the sock 200 according to the second embodiment, the toe corresponding region Ag is knitted by plain knitting; alternatively, the toe corresponding region Ag may be knitted by tuck knitting or mis-knitting.

[0123] (F)

[0124] Although not specifically mentioned in the second embodiment, for example, the reciprocating rotational knitting region (stitch increasing region or stitch decreasing region, i.e., a region with fewer wales than the full circumference knitting region) such as the heel covering region of the sock 200 or the like may be overlapped pile-knitted as described above.

[0125] Note that the above-described modifications (A) to (F) may be combined as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.Third EmbodimentConfiguration of Legwear According to the Third Embodiment of the Present Invention

[0126] An example of legwear according to a third embodiment of the present invention is a sock 300 shown in FIG. 7. The sock 300 is characterized by its shin covering portion 310, and thus the shin covering portion 310 will be described in detail below.

[0127] The shin covering portion 310 is knitted from two front yarns TF1 and Tf2 and one back yarn Tr, which constitute the same stitch. As shown in FIG. 7, in the shin covering portion 310, an annular overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw, an annular aligned pile knitted fabric region Ad, and an annular plain knitted region Ap are repeatedly formed in the above-described order along the up-down direction.

[0128] Here, in the overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw, as shown in FIG. 2 (replace the reference numeral Ai in the figure with Aw), the two front yarns TF1 and Tf2 form front yarn sinker loop portions Rh and Rl having different heights, with the front yarn sinker loop portions Rh and Rl facing outside, that is, the side opposite to the side that touches the skin, and form a front yarn needle loop portion Rn having the same height on the opposite side. In the aligned pile knitted fabric region Ad, as shown in FIG. 8, the two front yarns Tf1 and Tf2 form front yarn sinker loop portions having the same height, with the front yarn sinker loop portions facing outside, that is, the side opposite to the side that touches the skin (hereinafter, such knitting may be referred to as overlapped pile knitting, or the like), and form a needle loop portion having the same height on the opposite side. Note that the height of the front yarn sinker loop portion in the aligned pile knitted fabric region Ad is the height of the lower front yarn sinker loop portion Rl in the overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw. Further, in the plain knitting region Ap, as shown in FIG. 3 (replaced reference numeral Ai with Ap in the figure), the front yarns Tf1 and Tf2 and the back yarn Tr are plain knitted. In other words, in the shin covering portion 310, the knitting method is not changed in the course direction, whereas the knitting method is changed in the wale direction.

[0129] Note that as a method for knitting the overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw, for example, the knitting method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-106146, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-193857, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-115155, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. H5-247797, or the like can be used. Further, examples of methods for continuously knitting the overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw, the aligned pile knitted fabric region Ad, and the plain knitted region Ap include a method of knitting while switching pile claws Pf0, Ph0, and P10 on which the yarns TF1, Tf2, and Tr are placed in one sinker SKO having the pile claws Pf0, Ph0, and PIO of different heights as shown in FIG. 4. Note that in that method, during plain knitting, all the yarns TF1, Tf2, and Tr are placed on the low pile claw Pf0 of the sinker SKO with the sinker SKO retracted (see FIGS. 9 and 10), whereas during overlapped pile knitting, the back yarn Tr is located in the recess on the back side of the low pile claw Pf0, the front yarn TF1 is placed on the middle pile claw P10 with the sinker SKO advanced, and the front yarn Tf2 is placed on the high pile claw Ph0 (see FIGS. 9 and 11). In a case of knitting a low-aligned pile, the back yarn Tr is located in the recess on the back side of the low pile claw Pf0 with the sinker SKO advanced, and both the front yarn TF1 and the front yarn Tf2 are on the middle pile claw P10 (see FIGS. 9 and 12). In a case of knitting a high-aligned pile, the back yarn Tr is located in the recess on the back side of the low pile claw Pf0 with the sinker SKO advanced, and both the front yarn TF1 and the front yarn Tf2 are on the high pile claw Ph0 (see FIGS. 9 and 13). Note that switching between plain knitting, overlapped pile knitting, high-aligned pile knitting, and low-aligned pile knitting, that is, switching the positions of the pile claws Pf0, Ph0, and PIO with respect to the yarns TF1, Tf2, and Tr, is performed by a back-and-forth reciprocating mechanism of the sinker SKO (not shown). Further, in that method, the front yarn forming the high front yarn sinker loop portion Rh and the front yarn forming the low front yarn sinker loop portion Rl may be yarns made of the same material. Further, the front yarn forming the high front yarn sinker loop portion Rh and the front yarn forming the low front yarn sinker loop portion Rl may both be yarns that do not have contractility or extensibility; or both may be yarns that have substantially the same contractility or extensibility. Further, the front yarn forming the high front yarn sinker loop portion Rh may have higher contractility or lower extensibility than the contractility or extensibility of the front yarn forming the low front yarn sinker loop portion Rl.Features of Socks According to an Example of the Third Embodiment of the Present Invention

[0130] In the sock 300 according to the present embodiment, the annular overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw, the annular aligned pile knitted fabric region Ad, and an annular plain knitted region Ap are repeatedly formed in the above-described order along the up-down direction. This causes the sock 300 to have a three-dimensional and novel design without producing cut ends despite utilizing the same plurality of yarns TF1, Tf, and Tr.Modification(A)

[0132] The sock 300 according to the third embodiment is knitted from the same plurality of yarns TF1, Tf, and Tr; alternatively, a sock having a three-dimensional and more novel design may be knitted by switching various yarns with a conventional method.

[0133] (B)

[0134] In the sock 300 according to the third embodiment, the knitting method is not changed in the course direction and the knitting method is changed in the wale direction; alternatively, the knitting method may be changed only in the course direction, or the knitting method may be changed in both the course direction and the wale direction. In such a case, a three-dimensional and novel pattern or design can be formed by appropriately devising the arrangement of the overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw, the aligned pile knitted fabric region Ad, and the plain knitted region Ap in the sock.

[0135] (C)

[0136] In the third embodiment, the present invention has been applied to sock 300; the invention may be applied to knitted fabrics other than socks.

[0137] (D)

[0138] In the sock 300 according to the third embodiment, double-overlapped front yarn sinker loop portions Rh and Rl are formed from two front yarns TF1 and Tf2 in the overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw; alternatively, the overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw may be a multiple-overlapped pile knitted fabric region, and multiple-overlapped front yarn sinker loop portions may be formed from three or more front yarns in the multiple-overlapped pile knitted fabric region. In such a case, front yarn sinker loop portions may be formed in which two or more of the front yarns have the same height, or the front yarn sinker loop portions may be formed in which three or more front yarns all have different heights.

[0139] (E)

[0140] In the sock 300 according to the third embodiment, the height of the front yarn sinker loop portion in the aligned pile knitted fabric region Ad is the height of the lower front yarn sinker loop portion Rl in the overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw; alternatively, the height thereof may be the height of the higher front yarn sinker loop portion Rh in the overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw.

[0141] (F)

[0142] Although not specifically mentioned in the third embodiment, in order to give the sock 300 a glossy appearance, one of the two front yarns TF1 and Tf2 may be lame yarn, or both may be lame yarn. Furthermore, the two front yarns TF1 and Tf2 may have different colors. In such a case, the colors of the overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw and the overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw can be changed.

[0143] (G)

[0144] Although not specifically mentioned in the third embodiment, the two front yarns TF1 and Tf2 may have the same thickness or may have different thicknesses.

[0145] (H)

[0146] Although not specifically mentioned in the third embodiment, the front yarn forming the high front yarn sinker loop portion Rh may be switched on a course-by-course basis during knitting.

[0147] (I)

[0148] Although not specifically mentioned in the third embodiment, the wearing pressure at a desired location may be adjusted using the overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw, the aligned pile knitted fabric region Ad, and the plain knitted region Ap.

[0149] (J)

[0150] In the sock 300 according to the third embodiment, the plain knitting region Ap is selected as one of the regions constituting the shin covering portion 310; alternatively, a tuck knitting region or a mis-knitting region may be selected instead of the plain knitting region Ap or in addition to the plain knitting region Ap. Note that in the tuck knitting region, the front yarns TF1 and Tf2 and the back yarn Tr are tuck-knitted. Furthermore, in the mis-knitted region, the front yarns Tf1, Tf2 and the back yarn Tr are mis-knitted.

[0151] (K)

[0152] Although not specifically mentioned in the third embodiment, for example, the reciprocating rotational knitting region (stitch increasing region or stitch decreasing region, i.e., a region with fewer wales than the full circumference knitting region) such as the heel covering region of the sock 300 may be knitted using multiple types of knitting methods, such as overlapped pile knitting, aligned pile knitting, and / or plain knitting, as described above. In such a case, the knitting may be changed only in the course direction, the knitting may be changed only in the wale direction, or the knitting may be changed in both the course direction and the wale direction. In such a case, a three-dimensional and novel pattern or design can be formed by appropriately devising the arrangement of the overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw, the aligned pile knitted fabric region Ad, and the plain knitted region Ap in the heel covering part of the sock 300.

[0153] Note that the above-described modifications (A) to (K) may be combined as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.Fourth EmbodimentConfiguration of Knitted Fabric According to the Fourth Embodiment of the Present Invention

[0154] An example of the knitted fabric according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is a knitted fabric 400 shown in FIG. 14. The knitted fabric 400 will be described in detail below.

[0155] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the knitted fabric 400 has a checkered pattern, and is knitted from two front yarns TF1 and Tf2 and one back yarn Tr, which constitute the same stitch. Note that one of the two front yarns TF1 and Tf2 is a high elastic yarn, and the other one is a low elastic yarn or an inelastic yarn. Moreover, the colors of the two front yarns TF1 and Tf2 are different. In this knitted fabric 400, an overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw and an aligned pile knitted fabric region Ad are formed.

[0156] In the overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw, as shown in FIG. 2 (replace the reference numeral Ai with Aw in the figure), the two front yarns TF1 and Tf2 form front yarn sinker loop portions Rh and Rl having different heights, and form a front yarn needle loop portion Rn having the same height on the opposite side. Note that the high elasticity yarn forms a high front yarn sinker loop portion, and the low elastic yarn or inelastic yarn forms a low front yarn sinker loop portion. In the aligned pile knitted fabric region Ad, as shown in FIG. 8, the two front yarns TF1 and Tf2 form front yarn sinker loop portions having the same height (hereinafter, such knitting may be referred to as overlapped pile knitting, or the like), and form a needle loop portion having the same height on the opposite side. Note that the high elasticity yarn is slightly compressed due to its elasticity, and is slightly lower than the front yarn sinker loop of the low elasticity yarn or inelastic yarn. Further, the height of the front yarn sinker loop portion of the low elastic yarn or inelastic yarn in the aligned pile knitted fabric region Ad is set to the height of the lower front yarn sinker loop portion Rl in the overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw. Further, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the knitting method is changed in both the course direction and the wale direction in this knitted fabric 400.

[0157] Note that as a method for knitting the overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw, for example, the knitting method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-106146, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-193857, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-115155, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. H5-247797, or the like can be used. Further, examples of methods for continuously knitting the overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw and the aligned pile knitted fabric region Ad include a method of knitting while switching pile claws Pf0, Ph0, and P10 on which the yarns TF1, Tf2, and Tr are placed in one sinker SKO having the pile claws Pf0, Ph0, and P10 of different heights as shown in FIG. 4. Note that in that method, during plain knitting, all the yarns TF1, Tf2, and Tr are placed on the low pile claw Pf0 of the sinker SK0 with the sinker SK0 retracted (see FIGS. 9 and 10), whereas during overlapped pile knitting, the back yarn Tr is located in the recess on the back side of the low pile claw Pf0, the front yarn TF1 is placed on the middle pile claw P10 with the sinker SKO advanced, and the front yarn Tf2 is placed on the high pile claw Ph0 (see FIGS. 9 and 11). In a case of knitting a low-aligned pile, the back yarn Tr is located in the recess on the back side of the low pile claw Pf0 with the sinker SKO advanced, and both the front yarn TF1 and the front yarn Tf2 are on the middle pile claw P10 (see FIGS. 9 and 12). In a case of knitting a high-aligned pile, the back yarn Tr is located in the recess on the back side of the low pile claw Pf0 with the sinker SKO advanced, and both the front yarn TF1 and the front yarn Tf2 are on the high pile claw Ph0 (see FIGS. 9 and 13). Note that switching between plain knitting, overlapped pile knitting, high-aligned pile knitting, and low-aligned pile knitting, that is, switching the positions of the pile claws Pf0, Ph0, and P10 with respect to the yarns TF1, Tf2, and Tr, is performed by a back-and-forth reciprocating mechanism of the sinker SK0 (not shown).Features of the Knitted Fabric According to an Example of the Fourth Embodiment of the Present Invention

[0158] In the knitted fabric 400 according to the present embodiment, a checkered pattern is formed by the overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw and the aligned pile knitted fabric region Ad. Thus, the knitted fabric 400 does not require boss yarn unlike knitted fabrics with patterns using cut bosses. Thus, the knitted fabric 400 has better elasticity than a knitted fabric with a pattern using cut bosses, and does not cause the yarn loss of the boss yarn. Furthermore, the knitted fabric 400 has no boss yarn crossing over or cut ends protruding, and thus it can be used reversibly.Modification(A)

[0160] In the fourth embodiment, a checkered knitted fabric 400 is knitted; alternatively, a knitted fabric with the patterns shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 may be knitted using the method described in the present embodiment. Note that in this knitted fabric as well, the knitting method is changed in both the course direction and the wale direction.

[0161] (B)

[0162] In the knitted fabric 400 according to the fourth embodiment, double-overlapped front yarn sinker loop portions Rh and Rl are formed from the two front yarns TF1 and Tf2 in the overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw; alternatively, the overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw may be a multiple-overlapped pile knitted fabric region, and multiple front yarn sinker loop portions may be formed from three or more front yarns in the multiple-overlapped pile knitted fabric region. In such a case, front yarn sinker loop portions may be formed in which two or more of the front yarns have the same height, or front yarn sinker loop portions may be formed in which three or more front yarns all have different heights.

[0163] (C) In the knitted fabric 400 according to the fourth embodiment, the height of the front yarn sinker loop portion in the aligned pile knitted fabric region Ad is the height of the lower front yarn sinker loop portion Rl in the overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw; alternatively, the height thereof may be the height of the higher front yarn sinker loop portion Rh in the overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw.

[0164] (D)

[0165] In the knitted fabric 400 according to the fourth embodiment, the two front yarns TF1 and Tf2 have different colors; they may differ not only in color but also in thickness, gloss, texture, or the like. Furthermore, when the two front yarns TF1 and Tf2 are different in thickness, luster, texture, or the like, the two front yarns TF1 and Tf2 may have the same color or similar color.

[0166] (E)

[0167] In the knitted fabric 400 according to the fourth embodiment, the pattern is formed by knitting the overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw and the aligned pile knitted fabric region Ad using two front yarns TF1 and Tf2 of different colors; the function of each of the knitted fabric region Aw and the aligned pile knitted fabric region Ad may be made different by knitting the overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw and the aligned pile knitted fabric region Ad with the functionality of the two front yarns TF1 and Tf2 changed. Such examples include a knitted fabric in which by using yarn with deodorizing properties as the front yarn TF1 and yarn with a moisture absorption heat generating effect as the front yarn Tf2, the overlapped pile knitted fabric region Aw is set to a region where odors are hard to be felt, and the aligned pile knitted fabric region Ad is set to a region with a heat generating effect. Note that the functionality of the front yarns TF1 and Tf2 can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose.

[0168] (F)

[0169] In the knitted fabric 400 according to the fourth embodiment, the knitting method is changed in both the course direction and the wale direction; alternatively, the knitting method may be changed only in the course direction, or the knitting method may be changed only in the wale direction.

[0170] (G)

[0171] In the knitted fabric 400 according to the fourth embodiment, the pattern is formed by knitting the pile knitted fabric region Aw and the aligned pile knitted fabric region Ad; a complex pattern or the like may be formed by further knitting a plain knitted region, a tuck-knitted region, or a mis-knitted region. In such a case, the knitting method may be changed in both the course direction and the wale direction, the knitting method may be changed only in the course direction, or the knitting method may be changed only in the wale direction.

[0172] Note that the above-described modifications (A) to (G) may be combined as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. Legwear comprising:a foot covering portion knitted from a plurality of yarns including a plurality of front yarns and at least one back yarn that constitute the same stitch,wherein a first region and a second region are formed in at least a part of the foot covering portion,in the first region, at least two of the plurality of front yarns form front yarn sinker loop portions that have higher heights than a back yarn sinker loop portion of the at least one back yarn and have different heights from each other, andin the second region, the plurality of yarns are knitted using at least one knitting method selected from a group consisting of plain knitting, tuck knitting, and mis-knitting.

2. The legwear according to claim 1, whereinthe first region and the second region form a sea-island pattern,the first region includes island areas, andthe second region includes a sea area.

3. The legwear according to claim 1, whereinthe first region and the second region form a sea-island pattern,the first region includes a sea area, andthe second region includes island areas.

4. The legwear according to claim 1, whereinthe first region is a region corresponding to a base of a toe,the second region is a region corresponding to the toe.

5. The legwear according to claim 1, whereinthe front yarn sinker loop portion is formed to face outward.

6. The legwear according to claim 1, whereinthe front yarn sinker loop portion is formed to face inward.

7. A knitted fabric knitted from a plurality of yarns including a plurality of front yarns and at least one back yarn that constitute the same stitch, whereinat least two of the plurality of front yarns form first front yarn sinker loop portions that have heights higher than a back yarn sinker loop portion of the at least one back yarn and have different heights from each other in a first region, and form second front yarn sinker loop portions that have heights higher than the back yarn sinker loop portion of the at least one back yarn and have substantially the same height as each other in a second region different from the first region.

8. The knitted fabric according to claim 7, whereinthe second front yarn sinker loop portion has substantially the same height as the high front yarn sinker loop portion in the first front yarn sinker loop portions.

9. The knitted fabric according to claim 7, whereinthe second front yarn sinker loop portion has substantially the same height as the low front yarn sinker loop portion in the first front yarn sinker loop portions.

10. The knitted fabric according to claim 7, whereinthe first front yarn sinker loop portion and the second front yarn sinker loop portion are on the same course.

11. The knitted fabric according to claim 10, whereinthe first front yarn sinker loop portion and the second front yarn sinker loop portion are on the same course in a reciprocating rotational knitting region.

12. The knitted fabric according to claim 7, whereinthe first front yarn sinker loop portion and the second front yarn sinker loop portion are on different courses.

13. The knitted fabric according to claim 12, whereinthe first front yarn sinker loop portion and the second front yarn sinker loop portion are on different courses in a reciprocating rotational knitting region.

14. The knitted fabric according to claim 7, whereinin the first region, a high front yarn sinker loop portion in the first front yarn sinker loop portions has higher elasticity than a low front yarn sinker loop portion in the first front yarn sinker loop portions, and is exposed on the uppermost surface, andin the second region, a front yarn sinker loop portion in a second sinker loop portion that is connected to a low front yarn sinker loop portion in the first front yarn sinker loop portions is exposed on the uppermost surface.

15. The knitted fabric according to claim 7, whereinthe plurality of yarns are knitted, using at least one knitting method selected from a group consisting of plain knitting, tuck knitting, and mis-knitting, in a third region that is a different region from the first region and the second region.

16. The knitted fabric according to claim 15, whereinthe first front yarn sinker loop portion, the second front yarn sinker loop portion, and a knitting part in the third region are on the same course.

17. The knitted fabric according to claim 16, whereinthe first front yarn sinker loop portion, the second front yarn sinker loop portion, and a knitting part in the third region are on the same course in a reciprocating rotational knitting region.

18. The knitted fabric according to claim 15, whereinthe first front yarn sinker loop portion, the second front yarn sinker loop portion, and a knitting part in the third region are on different courses.

19. The knitted fabric according to claim 18, whereinthe first front yarn sinker loop portion, the second front yarn sinker loop portion, and a knitting part in the third region are on different courses in a reciprocating rotational knitting region.

20. An overlapped pile knitted structure knitted from a plurality of yarns including a plurality of front yarns and at least one back yarn that constitute the same stitch, whereinat least two of the plurality of front yarns form front yarn sinker loop portions each having a higher height than a back yarn sinker loop portion of the at least one back yarn, the front yarn sinker loop portions having different heights andfront yarn forming a high front yarn sinker loop portion has substantially the same contractility or extensibility as the contractility or extensibility of front yarn forming a low front yarn sinker loop, or has a higher contractility or lower extensibility than the front yarn forming the low front yarn sinker loop.

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