Knitted fabric and legwear

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a knitted fabric configured so that after absorbing moisture, the knitted fabric can cause the absorbed moisture to evaporate as quickly as possible. This knitted fabric comprises a high-absorption region AA and a low-absorption region BA. The low-absorption region is adjacent to the high-absorption region and has lower absorption properties than those of the high-absorption region. It is preferable that the high-absorption region is knit from a first yarn AT having high absorption properties, and it is preferable that the low-absorption region is knit from a second yarn BT having lower absorption properties than the first yarn.

Description

Knitted fabrics and legwear

[0001] The present invention relates to a knitted fabric and also to legwear formed from the knitted fabric.

[0002] In the past, the saturated water absorption capacity was 2.5 cm ３ / 100cm ２ A "fabric with improved stickiness when wet" has been proposed, characterized in that the wet air resistance of the fabric when saturated with water is 100 kPa·s / m or less and the surface roughness of at least one side is 5.0 or more (see, for example, JP 2001-303408 A).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-303408

[0004] Incidentally, when the above-described fabric is used for, for example, clothing (for example, clothes, hats, legwear, etc.), it absorbs moisture such as sweat and insensible perspiration. However, the above-described fabric may not be able to quickly evaporate the absorbed moisture.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a knitted fabric that can evaporate absorbed moisture as quickly as possible after absorbing the moisture.

[0006] A knitted fabric according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a high absorbency region and a low absorbency region. The low absorbency region is adjacent to the high absorbency region and has lower absorbency than the high absorbency region.

[0007] According to the above configuration, a boundary between the high water absorption region and the low water absorption region can be formed, and after absorbing water, the absorbed water can be evaporated as quickly as possible.

[0008] A knitted fabric according to a second aspect of the present invention is the knitted fabric according to the first aspect, wherein the high absorbency region is knitted with a yarn including a first yarn. The low absorbency region is knitted with a yarn including a second yarn having lower absorbency than the first yarn. Note that the yarn including the first yarn also includes a yarn including only the first yarn, i.e., the first yarn itself. Furthermore, the yarn including the second yarn also includes a yarn including only the second yarn, i.e., the second yarn itself.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the high absorbency region and the low absorbency region can be knitted as efficiently as possible.

[0010] A knitted fabric according to a third aspect of the present invention is the knitted fabric according to the second aspect, wherein the first yarn is a first front yarn. The second yarn is a second front yarn having lower water absorbency than the first front yarn. There are a first back yarn corresponding to the first front yarn and a second back yarn corresponding to the second front yarn. The first back yarn and the second back yarn each knit a region separate from the high water absorbency region and the low water absorbency region.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the stretchability, durability, etc. of the knitted fabric can be improved as much as possible depending on the material of the back yarn. The first front yarn and the first back yarn are, for example, supplied to knitting needles simultaneously to knit the knitted fabric by plating knitting. The first front yarn is located on the front side of the knitted fabric and forms a highly absorbent region. The first back yarn is located on the back side of the knitted fabric (opposite the highly absorbent region) and forms a region separate from the highly absorbent region. The second front yarn and the second back yarn are, for example, supplied to knitting needles simultaneously to knit the knitted fabric by plating knitting. The second front yarn is located on the front side of the knitted fabric in the front stitches and forms a low absorbent region. The second back yarn is located on the back side of the knitted fabric (opposite the low absorbent region) and forms a region separate from the low absorbent region.

[0012] A knitted fabric according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the knitted fabric according to the third aspect, wherein the first back yarn and the second back yarn are 100 cm apart from each other. ２ The mass ratio per unit mass is in the range of 0.25 to 4.

[0013] 100 cm of the first and second back yarns for the yarns including the first and second yarns ２ By setting the mass ratio per unit area within the above range, it is possible to minimize the loss of water absorption, and to evaporate the water absorbed by the structure of the yarn containing the first yarn and the yarn containing the second yarn as quickly as possible. Furthermore, it is possible to maximize the stretchability and durability of the knitted fabric.

[0014] A knitted fabric according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the knitted fabric according to the third or fourth aspect, wherein the high absorbency region and the low absorbency region are provided on a first side. At least one of the first and second rear yarns has hydrophobic properties. The hydrophobic rear yarn knits a hydrophobic region as a separate region. The hydrophobic region is provided on a second side opposite the first side.

[0015] According to the above configuration, when the second side of the knitted fabric is in contact with human skin while the knitted fabric is capable of absorbing moisture such as sweat and insensible perspiration, it is possible to more effectively prevent the absorbed moisture such as sweat and insensible perspiration from returning to the human skin side.

[0016] A knitted fabric according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the knitted fabric according to the fifth aspect, wherein at least one of the first rear yarn and the second rear yarn has water repellency.

[0017] Water repellency is a sub-concept of hydrophobicity, and has a property of repelling moisture more effectively than hydrophobicity, and the water absorbency of a water-repellent backing yarn is lower than that of a hydrophobic backing yarn. According to the above configuration, when the second side of the knitted fabric is in contact with a person's skin in a state in which the knitted fabric is capable of absorbing moisture such as sweat and insensible perspiration, the absorbed moisture can be more effectively prevented from returning to the person's skin after absorbing moisture such as sweat and insensible perspiration.

[0018] A knitted fabric according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the knitted fabric according to any one of the third to sixth aspects, wherein the absorbency of at least one of the first and second back yarns is lower than the absorbency of the yarn including the first yarn and the yarn including the second yarn. The back yarn, which has a lower absorbency than the yarn including the first yarn and the yarn including the second yarn, has an absorption speed of more than 30 seconds. There is no particular upper limit to this absorption speed, but if an upper limit were to be specified, it would be, for example, 300 seconds.

[0019] According to the above configuration, when the second side of the knitted fabric is brought into contact with human skin in a state in which the knitted fabric is capable of absorbing moisture such as sweat and insensible perspiration, it is possible to promote as much as possible the movement of the absorbed moisture from the side facing the skin to the opposite side of the skin after absorbing moisture such as sweat and insensible perspiration. Details of the water absorption test for determining the water absorption rate of the back yarn will be described later.

[0020] A knitted fabric according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is a knitted fabric according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, ２ The length of the boundary line between the high water absorption region and the low water absorption region is in the range of 0.67 cm to 16 cm.

[0021] According to the above configuration, after absorbing moisture, the absorbed moisture can be evaporated more quickly.

[0022] A knitted fabric according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the knitted fabric according to the first or eighth aspect, wherein the number of courses in the high absorbency region is 1 or more, the number of courses in the low absorbency region is 1 or more, and the ratio of the number of courses in the low absorbency region to the number of courses in the high absorbency region is within a range of 0.2 to 5.

[0023] When the ratio of the number of courses in the low absorbency region to the number of courses in the high absorbency region is within the above-mentioned range, moisture such as insensible perspiration and sweat can be sufficiently absorbed, and the absorbed moisture can be quickly evaporated, improving the knitted fabric's ability to separate from the skin and eliminating stickiness as much as possible. There is no particular upper limit to the number of courses in the high absorbency region, but if an upper limit were to be specified, it would be 30 courses. There is also no particular upper limit to the number of courses in the low absorbency region, but if an upper limit were to be specified, it would be 30 courses.

[0024] A knitted fabric according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the knitted fabric according to any one of the second to seventh aspects, wherein the number of courses in the high absorbency region is 1 or more, the number of courses in the low absorbency region is 1 or more, and the ratio of the number of courses in the low absorbency region to the number of courses in the high absorbency region is within a range of 0.2 to 5.

[0025] When the ratio of the number of courses in the low absorbency region to the number of courses in the high absorbency region is within the above-mentioned range, moisture such as insensible perspiration and sweat can be sufficiently absorbed, and the absorbed moisture can be quickly evaporated, improving the knitted fabric's ability to separate from the skin and eliminating stickiness as much as possible. There is no particular upper limit to the number of courses in the high absorbency region, but if an upper limit were to be specified, it would be 30 courses. There is also no particular upper limit to the number of courses in the low absorbency region, but if an upper limit were to be specified, it would be 30 courses.

[0026] A knitted fabric according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the knitted fabric according to any one of the second to seventh aspects or the tenth aspect, in which the first yarn and the second yarn are switched every other course.

[0027] According to the above configuration, when the knitted fabric is in contact with human skin in a state in which it is capable of absorbing moisture such as sweat and insensible perspiration, after absorbing the moisture such as sweat and insensible perspiration, the absorbed moisture can be diffused and evaporated more quickly.

[0028] A knitted fabric according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the knitted fabric according to the first, eighth or ninth aspect, in which a border pattern, a stripe pattern, a cut boss pattern, a polka dot pattern, an intarsia pattern, a jacquard pattern or a split foot pattern is formed by the high absorbency region and the low absorbency region.

[0029] This configuration maximizes design and allows for the easiest formation of boundaries between high-absorbency and low-absorbency regions. Furthermore, in border and stripe patterns, high-absorbency and low-absorbency regions can be continuously switched in a narrow strip, presumably allowing moisture absorbed in the high-absorbency regions to evaporate from the boundaries (boundaries) of adjacent low-absorbency regions. The direction of the switch between high-absorbency and low-absorbency regions is horizontal in border patterns and vertical in stripe patterns. A border pattern can be formed by switching between high-absorbency and low-absorbency regions on a course-by-course basis, while a stripe pattern can be formed by switching between high-absorbency and low-absorbency regions on a wale-by-wale basis. Furthermore, checkerboard and plaid patterns, which consist of a series of squares or rectangles, are presumably capable of diffusing moisture in various directions, such as the course direction (horizontal) and wale direction (vertical), and of accelerating the moisture diffusion rate. Furthermore, intarsia patterns, jacquard patterns, and other geometric patterns that combine triangles, polygons, and the like in addition to squares and rectangles can increase the number of boundaries between high-absorbency and low-absorbency regions, presumably allowing for more efficient evaporation of moisture. Furthermore, by switching between high-absorbency and low-absorbency regions in the course direction (horizontal direction) and wale direction (vertical direction), it is presumed that the knitted fabric can be positioned precisely in areas of the sole where there are many sweat glands or where sweating is likely to occur. Furthermore, for example, in a dot pattern in which approximately circular high-absorbency regions are dispersed within low-absorbency regions, moisture is absorbed and diffused in the approximately circular high-absorbency regions, and moisture evaporates at the boundaries (boundaries) between the approximately circular high-absorbency and low-absorbency regions, allowing for quick drying, presumably improving the knitted fabric's ability to stay away from the skin. Furthermore, for example, in a dot pattern in which approximately circular low-absorbency regions are dispersed within highly absorbent regions, moisture is absorbed and diffused in the highly absorbent regions, and moisture is evaporated at the boundary (boundary line) between the highly absorbent regions and the approximately circular low-absorbency regions, allowing the knitted fabric to dry quickly, which is thought to improve the knitted fabric's ability to stick to the skin.It is presumed that by making the highly absorbent region as wide as possible, it is possible to absorb more moisture and reduce the sticky feeling, and by making the low absorbent region as wide as possible, it is possible to improve quick-drying properties and skin-release properties.

[0030] A knitted fabric according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a knitted fabric according to any one of the second to seventh aspects, the tenth aspect, or the eleventh aspect, in which a border pattern, a stripe pattern, a cut boss pattern, a polka dot pattern, an intarsia pattern, a jacquard pattern, or a split foot pattern is formed by the high absorbency region and the low absorbency region.

[0031] This configuration maximizes design and allows for the easiest formation of boundaries between high-absorbency and low-absorbency regions. Furthermore, in border and stripe patterns, high-absorbency and low-absorbency regions can be continuously switched in a narrow strip, presumably allowing moisture absorbed in the high-absorbency regions to evaporate from the boundaries (boundaries) of adjacent low-absorbency regions. The direction of the switch between high-absorbency and low-absorbency regions is horizontal in border patterns and vertical in stripe patterns. A border pattern can be formed by switching between high-absorbency and low-absorbency regions on a course-by-course basis, while a stripe pattern can be formed by switching between high-absorbency and low-absorbency regions on a wale-by-wale basis. Furthermore, checkerboard and plaid patterns, which consist of a series of squares or rectangles, are presumably capable of diffusing moisture in various directions, such as the course direction (horizontal) and wale direction (vertical), and of accelerating the moisture diffusion rate. Furthermore, intarsia patterns, jacquard patterns, and other geometric patterns that combine triangles, polygons, and the like in addition to squares and rectangles can increase the number of boundaries between high-absorbency and low-absorbency regions, presumably allowing for more efficient evaporation of moisture. Furthermore, by switching between high-absorbency and low-absorbency regions in the course direction (horizontal direction) and wale direction (vertical direction), it is presumed that the knitted fabric can be positioned precisely in areas of the sole where there are many sweat glands or where sweating is likely to occur. Furthermore, for example, in a dot pattern in which approximately circular high-absorbency regions are dispersed within low-absorbency regions, moisture is absorbed and diffused in the approximately circular high-absorbency regions, and moisture evaporates at the boundaries (boundaries) between the approximately circular high-absorbency and low-absorbency regions, allowing for quick drying, presumably improving the knitted fabric's ability to stay away from the skin. Furthermore, for example, in a dot pattern in which approximately circular low-absorbency regions are dispersed within highly absorbent regions, moisture is absorbed and diffused in the highly absorbent regions, and moisture is evaporated at the boundary (boundary line) between the highly absorbent regions and the approximately circular low-absorbency regions, allowing the knitted fabric to dry quickly, which is thought to improve the knitted fabric's ability to stick to the skin.It is presumed that by making the highly absorbent region as wide as possible, it is possible to absorb more moisture and reduce the sticky feeling, and by making the low absorbent region as wide as possible, it is possible to improve quick-drying properties and skin-release properties.

[0032] A knitted fabric according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the knitted fabric according to any one of the second to seventh aspects, the tenth aspect, the eleventh aspect, or the thirteenth aspect, wherein the water absorption of the first yarn knitting the high water absorption region is (a) a water absorption speed of more than 30 seconds and a water absorption rate of 10% or more, (b) a water absorption speed of 30 seconds or less and a water absorption rate of less than 10%, or (c) a water absorption speed of 30 seconds or less and a water absorption rate of 10% or more. The water absorption speed of the second yarn knitting the low water absorption region is more than 30 seconds and a water absorption rate of less than 10%.

[0033] According to the above configuration, the absorbency of the first yarn forming the high absorbency region and the absorbency of the second yarn forming the low absorbency region can be defined from two perspectives: absorbency rate and absorbency rate. In the case of (a) above, there are no particular upper limits to the absorbency rate and absorbency rate of the first yarn, but if upper limits were to be specified, they would be, for example, 300 seconds and 100%, respectively. In the case of (b) above, the lower limits to the absorbency rate and absorbency rate of the first yarn are, for example, 1 second and 3%, respectively. In the case of (c) above, the lower limit to the absorbency rate of the first yarn is, for example, 1 second, and there is no particular upper limit to the absorbency rate, but if upper limits were to be specified, they would be, for example, 100%. In the case of the second yarn, there is no particular upper limit to the absorbency rate, but if upper limits were to be specified, they would be, for example, 300 seconds, and the lower limit to the absorbency rate would be, for example, 3%. The details of the water absorption test for determining the water absorption rate and water absorption rate of the first yarn and the second yarn will be described later.

[0034] A knitted fabric according to a 15th aspect of the present invention is the knitted fabric according to any one of the 2nd to 7th aspects, the 10th, 11th, 13th, or 14th aspects, wherein the number of courses in the high absorbency region is 1 or more. The number of courses in the low absorbency region is 1 or more. The fineness of at least one of the first yarn in one course of the high absorbency region and the second yarn in one course of the low absorbency region is 150 denier or more.

[0035] This configuration allows the boundary between the high absorbency region and the low absorbency region to be as clear as possible, allowing the absorbed moisture, such as sweat and insensible perspiration, to evaporate more quickly after absorbing the moisture. When two or more threads are used in one course, the yarn fineness refers to the total fineness of the threads in that course (i.e., the sum of the finenesses of the individual threads in that course). There is no particular upper limit to the number of courses in the high absorbency region, but if an upper limit were to be specified, it would be 30 courses, for example. There is no particular upper limit to the number of courses in the low absorbency region, but if an upper limit were to be specified, it would be 30 courses, for example. There is no particular upper limit to the fineness of at least one of the first thread in one course of the high absorbency region and the second thread in one course of the low absorbency region, but if an upper limit were to be specified, it would be 500 denier, for example.

[0036] A legwear according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention includes a sole covering part that covers the sole of the foot. The sole covering part is formed from the knitted fabric according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects. The high absorbency region and the low absorbency region are located on opposite sides facing the skin.

[0037] When a person wears legwear, moisture such as sweat and insensible perspiration is easily excreted from the soles of the feet. With the above configuration, the moisture excreted from the soles of the feet can be absorbed and then evaporated as quickly as possible. Examples of legwear include socks, tabi socks, stockings, tights, etc.

[0038] A legwear according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention comprises a sole covering portion that covers the sole of the foot. The sole covering portion includes a toe covering portion that covers the toes of the sole, an arch covering portion that covers the arch of the sole, a thenar ball covering portion that covers the ball of the sole, and a little toe ball covering portion that covers the ball of the little toe of the sole. At least one portion of the toe covering portion, arch covering portion, thenar ball covering portion, and little toe ball covering portion is formed from the knitted fabric according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects. The high absorbency region and the low absorbency region are located on opposite sides facing the skin.

[0039] When a person wears legwear, moisture such as sweat and insensible perspiration is easily excreted from the sole of the foot, particularly from at least one of the toes, arch, ball of the big toe, and ball of the little toe. With the above-described configuration, the moisture excreted from at least one of the toes, arch, ball of the big toe, and ball of the little toe can be absorbed and then evaporated as quickly as possible. Examples of legwear include socks, tabi socks, stockings, tights, etc.

[0040] 1 is a side view of a sock according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a sock according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that dashed lines in the figure indicate the positions of the arch covering portion, the thenar covering portion, and the little toe covering portion of the lower foot covering portion of the foot covering portion. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a high absorbency region and a low absorbency region of a sock according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a knitting structure of a border pattern in the foot covering portion or the ankle covering portion of a sock according to an embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the bottom. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a knitting structure of a cut boss pattern in the foot covering portion or the ankle covering portion of a sock according to modified example (F). Note that the hydrophobic backing yarn is omitted from this figure. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a knitting structure of a cut boss pattern in the foot covering portion or the ankle covering portion of a sock according to modified example (F). Note that the hydrophobic backing yarn is omitted from this figure. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a knitting structure of an intarsia pattern in the foot covering portion or the ankle covering portion of a sock according to modified example (F). Note that the hydrophobic backing yarn is omitted from this figure. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the results of verification example 1. 1 is a diagram showing the masses of the highly water-absorbent front yarn, the low water-absorbent front yarn, and the water-repellent back yarn used in Verification Example 2. ２ FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a mass ratio per unit area; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the results of verification example 2; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the results of verification example 3; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the results of verification example 4-1; FIG. 4-2 is a diagram showing the results of verification example 5; and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the results of verification example 6.

[0041] 1 Socks (legwear) 100 Toe covering portion 112a Arch covering portion 112b Ball of the big toe covering portion 112c Ball of the little toe covering portion AA Highly absorbent region AT Highly absorbent outer yarn (first yarn, first outer yarn) BA Lowly absorbent region BT Lowly absorbent outer yarn (second yarn, second outer yarn) BO Sole covering portion CT Hydrophobic inner yarn (first inner yarn, second inner yarn)

[0042] <Configuration of Legwear According to an Embodiment of the Present Invention> Legwear according to an embodiment of the present invention is, for example, socks, tabi socks, stockings, tights, etc. One example of legwear according to an embodiment of the present invention is a sock 1 shown in Fig. 1. This sock 1 will be described in detail below.

[0043] 1, a sock 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is mainly composed of a toe covering portion 100, a foot covering portion 110, a heel covering portion 120, an ankle covering portion 130, and an opening portion 140. These portions will be described in detail below.

[0044] For ease of explanation, the up-down direction and the front-rear direction are defined in Fig. 1, and the up-down direction and the left-right direction are defined in Fig. 2. Hereinafter, the sock 1 may be described using these directions.

[0045] (1) Toe Covering Section The toe covering section 100 is a bag-shaped section for covering the toes, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, is formed by an upper toe covering section 101 and a lower toe covering section 102. As shown in Figure 1, the upper toe covering section 101 is located above the lower toe covering section 102 and extends forward from the front end of the upper foot covering section 111 of the foot covering section 110. As shown in Figure 1, the lower toe covering section 102 is located below the upper toe covering section 101 and extends forward from the front end of the lower foot covering section 112 of the foot covering section 110. The toe covering section 100 can be knitted from yarns such as polyester, cotton, linen, silk, wool, rayon, cupra, acetate, acrylic, nylon, and polyester-cotton blends. The yarn used in the toe covering portion 100 may be either a highly water-absorbent surface yarn AT (described later) or a low water-absorbent surface yarn BT (described later).

[0046] (2) Foot Covering Section The foot covering section 110 is cylindrical and, as shown in FIG. 1 , is connected to the ankle covering section 130 via the heel covering section 120. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the foot covering section 110 is composed of an upper foot covering section 111 and a lower foot covering section 112. The upper foot covering section 111 is a section for covering the instep of the foot. As shown in FIG. 1 , it is located above the lower foot covering section 112 and extends rearward from the rear end of the upper toe covering section 101 of the toe covering section 100. The lower foot covering section 112 is located below the upper foot covering section 111 as shown in FIG. 1 and extends rearward from the rear end of the lower toe covering section 102 of the toe covering section 100 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower foot covering part 112, together with the lower toe covering part 102 of the toe covering part 100, forms a sole covering part BO for covering the sole of the foot.

[0047] 4, the foot cover 110 is knitted from a highly absorbent front yarn AT, a low absorbent front yarn BT, which has lower absorbency than the highly absorbent front yarn AT, and a hydrophobic back yarn CT. The method of knitting the foot cover 110 is not particularly limited. For example, the highly absorbent front yarn AT and the hydrophobic back yarn CT are simultaneously fed to knitting needles to knit the foot cover 110 by plating knitting, and the low absorbent front yarn BT and the hydrophobic back yarn CT are simultaneously fed to knitting needles to knit the foot cover 110 by plating knitting. The highly absorbent front yarn AT may be, for example, a hydrophilic yarn, a hydrophobic yarn that has been hydrophilically treated, a hydrophobic yarn with enhanced absorbency, or a highly absorbent and hygroscopic yarn. Examples of hydrophilic yarns include natural fiber yarns such as cotton, linen, Japanese paper, and silk; regenerated fiber yarns made from regenerated cellulose fibers such as rayon, polynosic, cupra, and lyocell, or protein fibers such as chitin, chitosan, and casein; semi-synthetic fiber yarns made from acetate fibers such as acetate and triacetate; and synthetic fiber yarns containing hydrophilic groups such as nylon. Examples of hydrophobic yarns that have been hydrophilically treated include synthetic fiber yarns that do not contain hydrophilic groups, such as polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, and acrylic, to which hydroxy groups or carboxy groups have been added. Examples of hydrophobic yarns with enhanced water absorbency include multifilament yarns and modified cross-section yarns. Examples of highly absorbent and hygroscopic yarns include cellulose-based fibers such as Japanese paper, rayon, and acetate, and silk yarns. The low water-absorbent face yarn BT is, for example, a hydrophobic yarn, a hydrophobic yarn that has been treated to be water-repellent, or a yarn that has low water absorbency but is hygroscopic. Hydrophobic yarns are, for example, synthetic fiber yarns that do not have hydrophilic groups, such as polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, and acrylic. Hydrophobic yarns that have been treated to be water-repellent are, for example, synthetic fiber yarns that do not have hydrophilic groups, such as polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, and acrylic, that have been made water-repellent with fluororesin, silicone, alkyl groups, wax, etc. Yarns that have low water absorbency but are hygroscopic are, for example, yarns made of wool or cellulosic fibers that have been treated to be water-repellent.The number of highly absorbent surface yarns AT per course in the highly absorbent region AA is preferably one or more, more preferably two or more, and even more preferably three or more. If the fineness (thickness) of each highly absorbent surface yarn AT is, for example, 75 denier, and there are, for example, two highly absorbent surface yarns AT per course in the highly absorbent region AA, the total fineness of the highly absorbent surface yarns AT in that course will be equivalent to 75 x 2 denier (150 denier). And, if there are, for example, three highly absorbent surface yarns AT per course in the highly absorbent region AA, the total fineness of the highly absorbent surface yarns AT in that course will be equivalent to 75 x 3 denier (225 denier). The number of low absorbent surface yarns BT per course in the low absorbent region BA is preferably one or more, more preferably two or more, and even more preferably three or more. By increasing the number of at least one of the highly absorbent surface yarns AT per course in the highly absorbent region AA and the low absorbent surface yarn BT per course in the low absorbent region BA, the boundary between the highly absorbent region AA and the low absorbent region BA can be made as clear as possible, and the absorbed moisture can be evaporated more quickly after absorbing moisture such as sweat and insensible perspiration. In addition to increasing the number of at least one of the highly absorbent surface yarns AT per course in the highly absorbent region AA and the low absorbent surface yarn BT per course in the low absorbent region BA, the fineness of at least one of the highly absorbent surface yarns AT and the low absorbent surface yarn BT may also be increased. Here, when the number of highly absorbent surface yarns AT in one course of the high absorbency region AA is two or more, the total fineness of the highly absorbent surface yarns AT in that course is preferably 150 denier or more, and when the number of low absorbent surface yarns BT in one course of the low absorbency region BA is two or more, the total fineness of the low absorbent surface yarns BT in that course is preferably 150 denier or more. Also, when the number of highly absorbent surface yarns AT in one course of the high absorbency region AA is one, the fineness of the highly absorbent surface yarn AT in that course is preferably 150 denier or more, and when the number of low absorbent surface yarns BT in one course of the low absorbency region BA is one, the fineness of the low absorbent surface yarn BT in that course is preferably 150 denier or more.The hydrophobic backing thread CT is, for example, a stretchable thread in which an elastic core thread is covered with a hydrophobic covering thread, or a stretchable thread such as a synthetic fiber without hydrophilic groups. Here, the elastic core thread is, for example, polyurethane. The hydrophobic covering thread is, for example, a long fiber thread made of polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, or the like. A method for covering the elastic core thread with the covering thread is, for example, a method in which the covering thread is spirally wound around the core thread. When the covering thread is spirally wound around the core thread, the covering thread is, for example, wound one or more times with an S twist (right twist) or a Z twist (left twist). A water-repellent finish may be applied to a thread in which the hydrophobic covering thread is covered around the elastic core thread. Examples of stretchable yarns such as synthetic fibers without hydrophilic groups include yarns (woolly polyester, woolly nylon, etc.) that have been crimped by false-twisting, heat-setting, and untwisting hydrophobic yarns, side-by-side conjugate yarns in which multiple fibers, at least one of which is hydrophobic and has different thermal shrinkage rates, are bonded together and heat-treated to be spirally crimped, and yarns (e.g., polytrimethylene terephthalate, etc.) that have elastic properties and flexibility due to a crystalline structure in which the molecules form a loose spiral. Note that the length of the hydrophobic back yarn CT relative to the highly absorbent face yarn AT and the low absorbent face yarn BT is 100 cm. ２ The mass ratio per 100 cm of the hydrophobic backing yarn CT (i.e., mass of the hydrophobic backing yarn CT / mass of the highly absorbent front yarn AT and the low absorbent front yarn BT) is preferably in the range of 0.25 to 4. ２ When the mass ratio per unit area is within this range, the highly absorbent surface yarn AT and the low absorbent surface yarn BT can be switched efficiently, and after absorbing moisture such as sweat and insensible perspiration, the absorbed moisture can be evaporated more quickly. ２ The knitted fabric is cut out, and the highly absorbent front yarn AT, the low absorbent front yarn BT, and the hydrophobic back yarn CT are unwound and their masses are measured. ２The mass ratio per unit area can be calculated. Furthermore, the hydrophobic back yarn CT corresponding to the highly absorbent front yarn AT and the hydrophobic back yarn CT corresponding to the low absorbent front yarn BT may be the same or different yarns. For example, the hydrophobic back yarn CT corresponding to the highly absorbent front yarn AT and the hydrophobic back yarn CT corresponding to the low absorbent front yarn BT may be yarns in which polyester is coated around polyurethane. Furthermore, for example, the hydrophobic back yarn CT corresponding to the highly absorbent front yarn AT may be yarns in which polyester is coated around polyurethane, and the hydrophobic back yarn CT corresponding to the low absorbent front yarn BT may be wooly polyester.

[0048] The foot cover 110 is knitted from the highly absorbent front yarn AT, the low absorbent front yarn BT, and the hydrophobic back yarn CT, resulting in a highly absorbent region AA knitted from the highly absorbent front yarn AT, a low absorbent region BA knitted from the low absorbent front yarn BT, and a hydrophobic region (not shown) knitted from the hydrophobic back yarn CT, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 . The absorbency of the highly absorbent region AA and the low absorbent region BA will be described later in the section “About Absorbency.” The highly absorbent region AA and the low absorbent region BA are knitted on the side opposite the skin side (i.e., the front side) of the foot cover 110, and the hydrophobic region is knitted on the skin side (i.e., the back side) of the foot cover 110. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 , the highly absorbent region AA and the low absorbent region BA form a border pattern (striped pattern). Furthermore, the number of courses in the high absorbency region AA (i.e., the number of stitches in the longitudinal direction of the boundary between the high absorbency region AA and the low absorbency region BA) is one or more, and the number of courses in the low absorbency region BA is one or more. Figure 4 shows an example in which the number of courses in the high absorbency region AA and the number of courses in the low absorbency region BA are each one course. When the number of courses in the high absorbency region AA is one course, the high absorbency region AA becomes the highly absorbent face yarn AT, and when the number of courses in the low absorbency region BA is one course, the low absorbency region BA becomes the low absorbency face yarn BT. The ratio of the number of courses in the low absorbency region BA to the number of courses in the high absorbency region AA (i.e., the number of courses in the low absorbency region BA / the number of courses in the high absorbency region AA) is preferably in the range of 0.2 to 5, and more preferably 1. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, it is preferable that the highly absorbent face yarn AT and the low absorbency face yarn BT are switched every other course. In this case, after absorbing moisture such as sweat and insensible perspiration, the absorbed moisture can be diffused and evaporated more quickly, and the wearer can be prevented from feeling stuffy as much as possible. ２ The length of the boundary line between the high absorbency region AA and the low absorbency region BA is preferably in the range of 0.67 cm to 16 cm. ２When the length of the boundary line between the high absorbency region AA and the low absorbency region BA per 1 cm is within this range, the absorbed moisture such as sweat and insensible perspiration can be evaporated more quickly after absorbing the moisture. ２ The length of the boundary between the high water absorption area AA and the low water absorption area BA is, for example, 3 cm x 3 cm = 9 cm ２ The knitted fabric was cut out, and the length of the boundary line between the high water absorption region AA and the low water absorption region BA in the cut-out knitted fabric was measured and ２ For example, referring to Figure 3, if the area of ​​a square SQ is 9 cm ２ When the length of one boundary line between the high water absorption region AA and the low water absorption region BA is 3 cm, ２ The length of the boundary line between the high absorbency region AA and the low absorbency region BA per unit area is 3 × 4 / 9 = 1.33.... As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the boundary line between the high absorbency region AA and the low absorbency region BA is a substantially straight line. However, when the boundary line between the high absorbency region AA and the low absorbency region BA is viewed at a larger magnification than that shown in Figure 3, the boundary line between the high absorbency region AA and the low absorbency region BA actually becomes a substantially broken line (a substantially zigzag line).

[0049] 1 and 2, the heel covering part 120 extends rearward from the rear end of the lower foot covering part 112 of the foot covering part 110, and can be knitted from yarns such as polyester, cotton, linen, silk, wool, rayon, cupra, acetate, acrylic, nylon, polyester-cotton blends, etc. The yarn used for the heel covering part 120 may be either the highly absorbent surface yarn AT or the low absorbent surface yarn BT.

[0050] (4) Ankle Covering Portion The ankle covering portion 130 is a cylindrical portion for covering the ankle. As shown in FIG. 1, it extends upward from the upper end of the heel covering portion 120 and is continuous with the foot covering portion 110 via the heel covering portion 120.

[0051] 4, the ankle covering part 130 is knitted from a highly absorbent front yarn AT, a low absorbent front yarn BT, and a hydrophobic back yarn CT. The highly absorbent front yarn AT, the low absorbent front yarn BT, and the hydrophobic back yarn CT are as described above.

[0052] By knitting the ankle covering part 130 from the highly absorbent front yarn AT, the low absorbent front yarn BT, and the hydrophobic back yarn CT, a highly absorbent region AA knitted from the highly absorbent front yarn AT, a low absorbent region BA knitted from the low absorbent front yarn BT, and a hydrophobic region (not shown) knitted from the hydrophobic back yarn CT are formed in the foot covering part 110, as shown in Figures 1 and 3. The highly absorbent region AA, the low absorbent region BA, and the hydrophobic region are as described above.

[0053] (5) Shoe Opening The shoe opening 140 is formed above the ankle covering part 130 as shown in Fig. 1, and can be knitted from yarns such as polyester, cotton, linen, silk, wool, rayon, cupra, acetate, acrylic, nylon, polyester-cotton blends, etc. The yarn used for the shoe opening 140 may be the same as either the highly absorbent surface yarn AT or the low absorbent surface yarn BT.

[0054] <Water Absorbency> The water absorbency of the high water absorbency region AA and the low water absorbency region BA (i.e., the water absorbency of the high water absorbency surface yarn AT and the low water absorbency surface yarn BT) in the embodiment of the present invention will be described below. First, the following four classifications A to D are prepared based on the water absorption rate (described later) and the water absorption rate (described later).

[0055] A. The water absorption speed is more than 30 seconds and the water absorption rate is less than 10%. B. The water absorption speed is more than 30 seconds and the water absorption rate is 10% or more. C. The water absorption speed is 30 seconds or less and the water absorption rate is less than 10%. D. The water absorption speed is 30 seconds or less and the water absorption rate is 10% or more.

[0056] The water absorption rate and water absorption rate of each region can be determined by conducting a water absorption test for the high water absorption region AA and a water absorption test for the low water absorption region BA by the following method with reference to the sedimentation method based on JIS L 1907. The water absorption test for the high water absorption region AA may be conducted first, or the water absorption test for the low water absorption region BA may be conducted first, or these water absorption tests may be conducted simultaneously.

[0057] (Water absorption test for the highly absorbent region AA) 1. Take a 100 cm length of highly absorbent surface yarn AT from the highly absorbent region AA. 2. Measure the weight of the sample. This measured weight will be the weight before water absorption WB. 3. Tie the sample into a lump. 4. Float the sample in water. 5. Measure the water absorption rate (seconds), which is the time it takes for the sample to start to sink. If the sample does not sink and remains floating in the water after 60 seconds, the water absorption rate is considered to be 60 seconds or more. 6. Immerse the sample in water for 10 minutes. If the sample floats, submerge it with tweezers or the like. 7. Remove the sample from the water and wait until droplets no longer fall naturally from the sample. 8. With the sample sandwiched between two pieces of filter paper, place a 400 g weight on the sample for 30 seconds. 9. Measure the weight of the sample. This measured weight will be the weight after water absorption WA. 10. The water absorption rate (%) is calculated from the formula [(weight after water absorption WA - weight before water absorption WB) / weight before water absorption WB x 100].

[0058] (Water absorption test for low water absorption region BA) 1. Take a 100 cm piece of low water absorption surface yarn BT from the low water absorption region BA. 2. Measure the weight of the sample. This measured weight will be the weight before water absorption WB. 3. Tie the sample into a lump. 4. Float the sample in water. 5. Measure the water absorption rate (seconds), which is the time it takes for the sample to start to sink. If the sample does not sink and remains floating in the water after 60 seconds, the water absorption rate is considered to be 60 seconds or more. 6. Immerse the sample in water for 10 minutes. If the sample floats, submerge it with tweezers or the like. 7. Remove the sample from the water and wait until droplets no longer fall naturally from the sample. 8. Place the sample between two pieces of filter paper and place a 400 g weight on top of the sample for 30 seconds. 9. Measure the weight of the sample. This measured weight will be the weight after water absorption WA. 10. Calculate the water absorption rate (%) using the formula [(weight after water absorption WA - weight before water absorption WB) / weight before water absorption WB x 100].

[0059] In an embodiment of the present invention, when the water absorption rate and water absorption percentage in the high water absorption region AA and the low water absorption region BA are determined, the water absorption rate of the high water absorption region AA is classified into categories B to D, and the water absorption rate of the low water absorption region BA is classified into category A. Here, the water absorption test was conducted using untreated polyester as the low water absorption face yarn BT in the low water absorption region BA, and the measurement results of the water absorption rate are shown in Table 1 below, and the calculation results of the water absorption percentage are shown in Table 2 below. Furthermore, the water absorption test was conducted using (a) water-absorbently treated polyester (e.g., Sorbtek (registered trademark), etc.), (b) rayon filament, (c) rayon spun, and (d) combed cotton as the high water absorption face yarn AT in the high water absorption region AA, and the measurement results of the water absorption rate are shown in Table 1 below, and the calculation results of the water absorption percentage are shown in Table 2 below.

[0060]

[0061]

[0062] From the above, it can be seen that the low absorbency region BA has a slower water absorption rate and a lower water absorption rate. It can also be seen that the high absorbency region AA has a faster water absorption rate or a higher water absorption rate than the low absorbency region BA. When the water absorption rate in the high absorbency region AA is 30 seconds or less, the moisture absorbed in the high absorbency region AA can be dispersed as quickly as possible compared to when the water absorption rate exceeds 30 seconds. Therefore, in an embodiment of the present invention, the water absorption rate in the high absorbency region AA is preferably 30 seconds or less. Therefore, for example, it is preferable to combine a low absorbency region BA with a water absorption rate of more than 30 seconds and a water absorption rate of less than 10%, with a high absorbency region AA with a water absorption rate of 30 seconds or less and a water absorption rate of 10% or more. Furthermore, it is preferable to use a hygroscopic yarn as the highly absorbent face yarn AT used to knit the high absorbency region AA. This facilitates the retention of moisture such as sweat and insensible perspiration, thereby reducing the humidity difference between the outside and inside of the sock 1. Furthermore, in embodiments of the present invention, by providing water repellency to the low absorbency region BA using a fluororesin or the like, moisture can be substantially eliminated from the low absorbency region BA, thereby improving the wearer's ability to wear the sock without stickiness or stuffiness. Furthermore, the greater the difference between the absorbency rates of the high absorbency region AA and the low absorbency region BA, the faster the sock can absorb moisture such as sweat and insensible perspiration and evaporate the absorbed moisture. Therefore, in embodiments of the present invention, it is preferable to increase the difference between the absorbency rates of the high absorbency region AA and the low absorbency region BA. Furthermore, in embodiments of the present invention, it is preferable that the absorbency rate of the low absorbency region BA be 60 seconds or longer. For this reason, it is particularly preferable to combine a low absorbency region BA having an absorption rate of 60 seconds or more and an absorption rate of less than 10%, with a high absorbency region AA having an absorption rate of 30 seconds or less and an absorption rate of 50% or more.

[0063] <Features of Socks According to Embodiments of the Present Invention> (1) In the sock 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the foot covering portion 110 includes a highly absorbent region AA knitted from highly absorbent surface yarn AT and a low absorbent region BA knitted from low absorbent surface yarn BT. The highly absorbent region AA and the low absorbent region BA are formed on opposite sides of the foot covering portion 110 and the ankle covering portion 130 from the skin side. Therefore, the sock 1 can absorb moisture such as sweat and insensible perspiration excreted by the foot and then evaporate the absorbed moisture as quickly as possible.

[0064] (2) In the sock 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the foot covering portion 110 includes a hydrophobic region knitted from hydrophobic backing yarn CT. The hydrophobic region is formed on the skin side of the foot covering portion 110 and the ankle covering portion 130. Therefore, after absorbing moisture such as sweat and insensible perspiration excreted by the foot, the sock 1 can prevent the absorbed moisture from returning to the skin side as much as possible. Furthermore, in the sock 1, the hydrophobic backing yarn CT is not only hydrophobic but also stretchable. Therefore, the stretchability of the sock 1 can be maximized.

[0065] (3) In the sock 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the high absorbency region AA and the low absorbency region BA form a border pattern. This allows the sock 1 to maximize its design potential and also makes it possible to easily define the boundaries between the high absorbency region AA and the low absorbency region BA.

[0066] (4) In the sock 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of the hydrophobic back yarn CT to the highly absorbent front yarn AT and the low absorbent front yarn BT is 100 cm. ２ The mass ratio per cm is in the range of 0.25 to 4. The ratio of the number of courses in the low absorbent region BA to the number of courses in the high absorbent region AA is in the range of 0.2 to 5. ２ The length of the boundary line between the high absorbency region AA and the low absorbency region BA is within the range of 0.67 cm to 16 cm. Therefore, the sock 1 can absorb moisture such as sweat and insensible perspiration excreted by the foot and then evaporate the absorbed moisture more quickly.

[0067] <Modifications> (A) Although not mentioned in the sock 1 according to the previous embodiment, the lower toe covering portion 102 of the toe covering portion 100 may be knitted from highly absorbent surface yarn AT, low absorbent surface yarn BT, and hydrophobic backing yarn CT. The lower toe covering portion 102 of the toe covering portion 100 may then be formed with a highly absorbent region AA knitted from the highly absorbent surface yarn AT, a low absorbent region BA knitted from the low absorbent surface yarn BT, and a hydrophobic region knitted from the hydrophobic backing yarn CT. Alternatively, the lower toe covering portion 102 of the toe covering portion 100 may be knitted only from highly absorbent surface yarn AT and low absorbent surface yarn BT, and no hydrophobic region may be formed in the lower toe covering portion 102 of the toe covering portion 100. In addition, when the lower toe covering part 102 of the toe covering part 100 is knitted from the highly absorbent front yarn AT, the low absorbent front yarn BT, and the hydrophobic back yarn CT, the lower foot covering part 112 of the foot covering part 110 may be knitted from yarns other than the highly absorbent front yarn AT, the low absorbent front yarn BT, and the hydrophobic back yarn CT.

[0068] (B) Although not mentioned in the sock 1 according to the previous embodiment, the heel cover 120 may be knitted from highly absorbent front yarn AT, low absorbent front yarn BT, and hydrophobic back yarn CT. The heel cover 120 may then be formed with a highly absorbent region AA knitted from the highly absorbent front yarn AT, a low absorbent region BA knitted from the low absorbent front yarn BT, and a hydrophobic region knitted from the hydrophobic back yarn CT. Alternatively, the heel cover 120 may be knitted only from highly absorbent front yarn AT and low absorbent front yarn BT, and no hydrophobic region may be formed in the heel cover 120.

[0069] (C) In the sock 1 according to the previous embodiment, the upper foot covering portion 111 of the foot covering portion 110 was knitted from highly absorbent front yarn AT, low absorbent front yarn BT, and hydrophobic back yarn CT. However, the upper foot covering portion 111 of the foot covering portion 110 may be knitted from yarns other than highly absorbent front yarn AT, low absorbent front yarn BT, and hydrophobic back yarn CT.

[0070] (D) In ​​the sock 1 according to the previous embodiment, the entire lower foot covering portion 112 of the foot covering portion 110 was knitted from highly absorbent front yarn AT, low absorbent front yarn BT, and hydrophobic back yarn CT. However, at least one covering portion of the arch covering portion 112a (see FIG. 2), the ball of the big toe covering portion 112b (see FIG. 2), and the little toe ball covering portion 112c (see FIG. 2) of the lower foot covering portion 112 of the foot covering portion 110 may be knitted from highly absorbent front yarn AT, low absorbent front yarn BT, and hydrophobic back yarn CT.

[0071] (E) In the sock 1 according to the previous embodiment, the ankle covering portion 130 was knitted from highly absorbent front yarn AT, low absorbent front yarn BT, and hydrophobic back yarn CT. However, the ankle covering portion 130 may be knitted from yarns other than highly absorbent front yarn AT, low absorbent front yarn BT, and hydrophobic back yarn CT.

[0072] (F) In the sock 1 according to the previous embodiment, the foot cover 110 is knitted from highly absorbent surface yarn AT, low absorbent surface yarn BT, and hydrophobic back yarn CT, and a highly absorbent region AA, low absorbent surface yarn BT, and hydrophobic region are formed in the foot cover 110. However, the foot cover 110 may be knitted only from highly absorbent surface yarn AT and low absorbent surface yarn BT, and no hydrophobic region is formed in the foot cover 110. Also, in the sock 1 according to the previous embodiment, the ankle cover 130 is knitted from highly absorbent surface yarn AT, low absorbent surface yarn BT, and hydrophobic back yarn CT, and a highly absorbent region AA, low absorbent surface yarn BT, and hydrophobic region are formed in the ankle cover 130. However, the ankle cover 130 may be knitted only from highly absorbent surface yarn AT and low absorbent surface yarn BT, and no hydrophobic region is formed in the ankle cover 130.

[0073] (G) In the sock 1 according to the previous embodiment, the high absorbency regions AA and the low absorbency regions BA formed a border pattern. However, the pattern formed by the high absorbency regions AA and the low absorbency regions BA is not limited to a border pattern. For example, the high absorbency regions AA and the low absorbency regions BA may form a striped pattern, a cut boss pattern (see FIGS. 5 and 6), a polka dot pattern, an intarsia pattern (see FIG. 7), a jacquard pattern (e.g., a pattern that creates a three-dimensional effect in the knitted fabric), or a split foot pattern (e.g., a pattern in which the upper foot covering portion 111 and the lower foot covering portion 112 of the foot covering portion 110 are knitted with different types of yarn or different colored yarn).

[0074] (H) In the sock 1 according to the previous embodiment, the boundary between the high absorbency region AA and the low absorbency region BA is a substantially straight line when viewed at a smaller magnification than that shown in the enlarged view of Figure 3. However, the boundary between the high absorbency region AA and the low absorbency region BA in this case is not limited to a substantially straight line and may be, for example, a substantially broken line or a substantially wavy line.

[0075] (I) In the sock 1 according to the previous embodiment, the hydrophobic region was knitted from the hydrophobic back yarn CT. However, a water-repellent back yarn may be used instead of the hydrophobic back yarn CT, and the water-repellent region may be knitted from the water-repellent back yarn. Alternatively, the back yarn corresponding to one of the front yarns, i.e., the highly absorbent front yarn AT and the low absorbent front yarn BT, may be the hydrophobic back yarn CT, and the back yarn corresponding to the other of the front yarns, i.e., the highly absorbent front yarn AT and the low absorbent front yarn BT, may be either the hydrophobic back yarn CT or a water-repellent back yarn ... a back yarn other than the hydrophobic back yarn CT or the water-repellent back yarn. The water-repellent region has lower water absorption than the hydrophobic region. The water-repellent backing yarn is, for example, a stretchable yarn in which an elastic core yarn is covered with a water-repellent covering yarn, or a stretchable yarn such as a synthetic fiber without hydrophilic groups. Here, the elastic core yarn is, for example, polyurethane. The water-repellent covering yarn is, for example, a hydrophobic covering yarn (e.g., a long fiber yarn such as polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene) that has been treated with a water-repellent finish. Note that a hydrophilic long fiber yarn such as nylon that has been treated with a water-repellent finish may be used to cover the elastic core yarn. A method for covering the elastic core yarn with the covering yarn is, for example, to spirally wind the covering yarn around the core yarn. When spirally winding the covering yarn around the core yarn, the covering yarn is wound, for example, one or more times with an S twist (right twist) or a Z twist (left twist). Note that a yarn in which the elastic core yarn is covered with the water-repellent covering yarn may further be treated with a water-repellent finish. Examples of stretchable yarns such as synthetic fibers that do not have hydrophilic groups include yarns (woolly polyester, woolly nylon, etc.) that have been crimped by false-twisting hydrophobic yarns, heat-setting them, and untwisting them, and side-by-side conjugate yarns that are made by bonding together multiple fibers, at least one of which is water-repellent and has different thermal shrinkage rates, and then heat-treating them to create a spiral crimp.

[0076] (J) In the sock 1 according to the previous embodiment, it was considered preferable that the high absorbency region AA and the low absorbency region BA be switched every course. However, the high absorbency region AA and the low absorbency region BA may be switched every wale. In addition, in a checkered or plaid pattern, the high absorbency region AA and the low absorbency region BA may be adjacent and alternately repeated in the minimum unit of 2 courses x 2 wales. In addition, in a checkered or plaid pattern, the high absorbency region AA and the low absorbency region BA may be alternately repeated in the minimum unit of 1 cm. ２ A repeating pattern of 1 to 256 (16 patterns x 16 patterns when creating a grid of 1 course x 1 wale) per grid may be created.

[0077] (K) Although not mentioned in the sock 1 according to the previous embodiment, the highly absorbent surface yarn AT may be aligned with a surface yarn other than the low absorbent surface yarn BT. In such a case, the highly absorbent surface yarn AT alone may knit the highly absorbent region AA, or the highly absorbent surface yarn AT and the other surface yarn may knit the highly absorbent surface yarn AT together. Also, the low absorbent surface yarn BT may be aligned with a surface yarn other than the highly absorbent surface yarn AT. In such a case, the low absorbent region BA may be knit with the low absorbent surface yarn BT alone, or the low absorbent region BA may be knit with the low absorbent surface yarn BT and the other surface yarn together.

[0078] (L) In the previous embodiment, the present invention was applied to socks 1, but the present invention may also be applied to legwear other than socks 1 (e.g., tabi socks, stockings, tights, etc.), or to clothing other than legwear (e.g., clothes, hats, etc.).

[0079] The above-described modifications may be adopted individually or in appropriate combinations within a range that does not cause any contradictions.

[0080] <Test Examples> The present invention will be described in more detail below by showing test examples, but the present invention is not limited to the test examples shown below.

[0081] (Verification Example 1) A knitted fabric consisting entirely of a highly absorbent region AA and another knitted fabric in which the highly absorbent region AA and the low absorbent region BA alternated every other course were prepared. Each knitted fabric measured 5 cm x 5 cm. The highly absorbent face yarn AT was made of a water-absorbent polyester, and the low absorbent face yarn BT was made of an untreated polyester. 0.3 ml of water was then dripped onto each knitted fabric, and the diffusible residual moisture content (%) after 30 minutes was calculated. The diffusible residual moisture content (%) after 30 minutes was calculated using the formula: [(mass of knitted fabric after 30 minutes - mass of knitted fabric before dripping) / (mass of knitted fabric immediately after dripping - mass of knitted fabric before dripping) x 100]. The results shown in Figure 8 were obtained. As shown in Figure 8, the diffusible residual moisture content (%) after 30 minutes was 33.22 for the knitted fabric whose entire surface was made up of high absorbency regions AA, and 24.58 for the knitted fabric whose adjacent high absorbency regions AA and low absorbency regions BA were alternated every other course. This verification showed that the knitted fabric whose adjacent high absorbency regions AA and low absorbency regions BA were alternated every other course had higher moisture diffusibility and quick-drying properties than the knitted fabric whose entire surface was made up of high absorbency regions AA.

[0082] (Verification Example 2) The following seven types of knitted fabrics measuring 10 cm x 10 cm were prepared: (1) A knitted fabric having a water-repellent region in which a highly absorbent region AA, in which the number of highly absorbent face yarns AT (water-absorbent polyester) per course is three, is adjacent to a low-absorbent region BA, in which the number of low-absorbent face yarns BT (untreated polyester) per course is three, and in which water-repellent FTY30 / 150 is used as the water-repellent backing yarn; (2) A knitted fabric having a water-repellent region in which a highly absorbent region AA, in which the number of highly absorbent face yarns AT (water-absorbent polyester) per course is two, is adjacent to a low-absorbent region BA, in which the number of low-absorbent face yarns BT (untreated polyester) per course is two, and in which water-repellent FTY30 / 150 is used as the water-repellent backing yarn; (3) A knitted fabric identical to the knitted fabric (2) above, except that regular (R) FTY30 / 150 is used as the water-repellent backing yarn. (4) A knitted fabric that is the same as the knitted fabric in (2) above except that regular FTY30 / 75 is used as the water-repellent backing yarn. (5) A knitted fabric in which a highly water-absorbent region AA, in which the number of highly water-absorbent face yarn AT (water-absorbent polyester) per course is one, and a low water-absorbent region BA, in which the number of low water-absorbent face yarn BT (untreated polyester) per course is one, are adjacent, and which has a water-repellent region in which water-repellent FTY30 / 150 is used as the water-repellent backing yarn. (6) A knitted fabric that is the same as the knitted fabric in (5) above except that regular (R) FTY30 / 150 is used as the water-repellent backing yarn. (7) A knitted fabric that is the same as the knitted fabric in (5) above except that regular FTY30 / 75 is used as the water-repellent backing yarn.

[0083] The highly absorbent front yarn AT, the low absorbent front yarn BT, and the water-repellent back yarn were unwound from each knitted fabric, and their masses (g) were measured, and the results are shown in Figure 9. As shown in Figure 9, the masses (g) of each yarn were as follows: in knitted fabric (1), highly absorbent front yarn AT: 5.345, low absorbent front yarn BT: 1.76, water-repellent back yarn: 6.219; in knitted fabric (2), highly absorbent front yarn AT: 3.417, low absorbent front yarn BT: 1.165, water-repellent back yarn: 5.216; in knitted fabric (3), highly absorbent front yarn AT: 3.4, low absorbent front yarn BT: 1.156, water-repellent back yarn: 5.82; and in knitted fabric (4), highly absorbent front yarn AT: 3.4, low absorbent front yarn BT: 1.156, water-repellent back yarn: 5.82. In the knitted fabric of (5), the highly absorbent surface yarn AT is 1.673, the low absorbent surface yarn BT is 0.532, and the water-repellent back yarn is 5.066; in the knitted fabric of (6), the highly absorbent surface yarn AT is 1.688, the low absorbent surface yarn BT is 0.554, and the water-repellent back yarn is 5.669; and in the knitted fabric of (7), the highly absorbent surface yarn AT is 1.6, the low absorbent surface yarn BT is 0.503, and the water-repellent back yarn is 2.715. From these masses, the weight of 100 cm of the highly absorbent surface yarn AT, the low absorbent surface yarn BT, and the water-repellent back yarn is calculated. ２ The mass ratio (%) per 100 cm of each yarn was calculated and the results are shown in Figure 10. ２The mass ratio (%) per unit area was high water absorbency front yarn AT: low water absorbency front yarn BT: water repellent back yarn = 40.12:13.21:46.68 in the knitted fabric of (1), high water absorbency front yarn AT: low water absorbency front yarn BT: water repellent back yarn = 34.87:11.89:53.24 in the knitted fabric of (2), high water absorbency front yarn AT: low water absorbency front yarn BT: water repellent back yarn = 32.77:11.14:56.09 in the knitted fabric of (3), and high water absorbency front yarn AT: low water absorbency front yarn BT: water repellent back yarn = 32.77:11.14:56.09 in the knitted fabric of (4). The ratios of water-absorbent front yarn BT to water-repellent back yarn were 45.54:14.78:39.68, in the knitted fabric (5), the ratios of highly water-absorbent front yarn AT to low water-absorbent front yarn BT to water-repellent back yarn were 23.01:7.32:69.67, in the knitted fabric (6), the ratios of highly water-absorbent front yarn AT to low water-absorbent front yarn BT to water-repellent back yarn were 21.34:7.00:71.66, and in the knitted fabric (7), the ratios of highly water-absorbent front yarn AT to low water-absorbent front yarn BT to water-repellent back yarn were 33.21:10.44:56.35. 2 ml of water was dropped onto each knitted fabric, and the diffusible residual moisture content (%) after 60 minutes was determined. The diffusible residual moisture content (%) after 60 minutes was calculated by the formula [(mass of knitted fabric after 60 minutes - mass of knitted fabric before water dripping) / (mass of knitted fabric immediately after water dripping - mass of knitted fabric before water dripping) x 100]. As a result, the results shown in Figure 11 were obtained. As shown in Figure 11, the diffusible residual moisture content (%) after 60 minutes was 49.54 for knitted fabric (1), 50.99 for knitted fabric (2), 47.77 for knitted fabric (3), 54.11 for knitted fabric (4), 56.41 for knitted fabric (5), 57.52 for knitted fabric (6), and 58.62 for knitted fabric (7). For knitted fabrics that were the same as the knitted fabric (1) above except that Regular (R) FTY30 / 150 was used as the water-repellent backing yarn, the mass (g) of each yarn was not measured, and the mass of 100 cm of each yarn was measured. ２ Although the mass ratio (%) per 100 cm of each yarn was not calculated, the diffusible residual moisture content (%) after 60 minutes was 47.89. In addition, for the knitted fabric which is the same as the knitted fabric in (1) above except that regular FTY30 / 75 was used as the water-repellent backing yarn, the mass (g) of each yarn was not measured. ２Although the mass ratio (%) per unit area was not calculated, the diffusible residual moisture content (%) after 60 minutes was 43.22. This verification showed that the quick-drying property tends to deteriorate as the ratio of the water-repellent back yarn to the highly water-absorbent face yarn AT and the low water-absorbent face yarn BT increases.

[0084] (Verification Example 3) The following nine types of knitted fabrics measuring 10 cm x 10 cm were prepared: (1) A knitted fabric having a water-repellent region in which a highly water-absorbent region AA, in which the number of highly water-absorbent face yarns AT (water-absorbent-treated polyester) per course is three, is adjacent to a low water-absorbent region BA, in which the number of low water-absorbent face yarns BT (untreated polyester) per course is three, and in which water-repellent FTY30 / 150 is used as the water-repellent backing yarn; (2) A knitted fabric identical to the knitted fabric (1) above except that regular (R) FTY30 / 150 is used as the water-repellent backing yarn; (3) A knitted fabric identical to the knitted fabric (1) above except that regular FTY30 / 75 is used as the water-repellent backing yarn. (4) A knitted fabric having a water-repellent region in which a highly water-absorbent region AA, in which the number of highly water-absorbent surface yarns AT (water-absorbent polyester) per course is two, and a low water-absorbent region BA, in which the number of low water-absorbent surface yarns BT (untreated polyester) per course is two, are adjacent, and water-repellent FTY30 / 150 is used as the water-repellent backing yarn. (5) A knitted fabric that is the same as the knitted fabric in (4) above, except that regular (R) FTY30 / 150 is used as the water-repellent backing yarn. (6) A knitted fabric that is the same as the knitted fabric in (4) above, except that regular FTY30 / 75 is used as the water-repellent backing yarn. (7) A knitted fabric having a water-repellent region in which a highly water-absorbent region AA, in which the number of highly water-absorbent surface yarns AT (water-absorbent polyester) per course is one, and a low water-absorbent region BA, in which the number of low water-absorbent surface yarns BT (untreated polyester) per course is one, are adjacent, and in which water-repellent FTY30 / 150 is used as the water-repellent backing yarn. (8) A knitted fabric that is the same as the knitted fabric in (7) above, except that regular (R) FTY30 / 150 is used as the water-repellent backing yarn. (9) A knitted fabric that is the same as the knitted fabric in (7) above, except that regular FTY30 / 75 is used as the water-repellent backing yarn.

[0085] Steam was then applied to the skin side of each knitted fabric (i.e., the side where the water-repellent region was knitted) for 30 seconds. Next, the skin side of each knitted fabric was turned upward, and filter paper was placed on the skin side and outer side of each knitted fabric (i.e., the side where the high absorbency region AA and the low absorbency region BA were knitted), and a weight was placed on top of the filter paper on the skin side of each knitted fabric for 30 seconds. The weight gain (g) of each filter paper was then calculated. The results shown in Figure 12 were obtained. As shown in FIG. 12, the weight gain (g) of each filter paper was as follows: for knitted fabric (1), skin side filter paper: 0.0375, outer filter paper: 0.056; for knitted fabric (2), skin side filter paper: 0.025, outer filter paper: 0.186; for knitted fabric (3), skin side filter paper: 0.0245, outer filter paper: 0.12; for knitted fabric (4), skin side filter paper: 0.0235, outer filter paper: 0.086; and for knitted fabric (5), In knitted fabric (6), the skin side filter paper was 0.0255 and the outer filter paper was 0.1775, in knitted fabric (7), the skin side filter paper was 0.031 and the outer filter paper was 0.1035, in knitted fabric (8), the skin side filter paper was 0.0185 and the outer filter paper was 0.2655, and in knitted fabric (9), the skin side filter paper was 0.0205 and the outer filter paper was 0.18. This verification confirmed that by providing the high absorbency region AA and the low absorbency region BA on the outside (opposite the skin side) and knitting the water-repellent region on the skin side, moisture moves from the skin side to the outside of the knitted fabric, resulting in skin separation.

[0086] (Verification example 4-1) 1 cm ２Knitted fabrics were prepared in which the boundary line between the high absorbency region AA and the low absorbency region BA per unit area had a length (cm) of 1.33, a length of 8, and a length of 16. Each knitted fabric measured 5 cm x 5 cm. The highly absorbent face yarn AT was made of water-treated polyester, the low absorbency face yarn BT was made of untreated polyester, and the water-repellent back yarn was FTY30 / 150. 0.3 ml of water was then dropped onto each knitted fabric, and the diffusible residual moisture content (%) after 30 minutes was calculated. The diffusible residual moisture content (%) after 30 minutes was calculated using the formula: [(mass of knitted fabric after 30 minutes - mass of knitted fabric before water dropping) / (mass of knitted fabric immediately after water dropping - mass of knitted fabric before water dropping) x 100]. The results shown in Figure 13 were obtained. As shown in Figure 13, the diffusible residual moisture content (%) after 30 minutes was calculated using the formula: [(mass of knitted fabric after 30 minutes - mass of knitted fabric before water dropping) / (mass of knitted fabric immediately after water dropping - mass of knitted fabric before water dropping) x 100]. ２ In the knitted fabric where the length of the boundary line between the high water absorption area AA and the low water absorption area BA per 1 cm is 1.33 cm, the ratio is 56.0%, in the knitted fabric where the length is 8 cm, the ratio is 41.75%, and in the knitted fabric where the length is 16 cm, the ratio is 35.4%. ２ It was shown that the quick-drying property increases as the boundary line between the high water-absorbency region AA and the low water-absorbency region BA increases (i.e., the border width decreases).

[0087] (Verification example 4-2) 1 cm ２ A knitted fabric was prepared in which the boundary line between the high absorbency region AA and the low absorbency region BA per unit area was 0.67 cm, and another knitted fabric in which the boundary line was 14 cm long was prepared. Each knitted fabric measured 5 cm x 5 cm, and cotton was used as the high absorbency face yarn AT, polypropylene was used as the low absorbency face yarn BT, and FTY30 / 75 was used as the water-repellent back yarn. 0.3 ml of water was then dropped onto each knitted fabric, and the diffusible residual moisture content (%) after 30 minutes was calculated. The diffusible residual moisture content (%) after 30 minutes was calculated using the formula: [(mass of knitted fabric after 30 minutes - mass of knitted fabric before water dropping) / (mass of knitted fabric immediately after water dropping - mass of knitted fabric before water dropping) x 100]. The results shown in Figure 14 were obtained. As shown in Figure 14, the diffusible residual moisture content (%) after 30 minutes was calculated using the formula: [(mass of knitted fabric after 30 minutes - mass of knitted fabric before water dropping) / (mass of knitted fabric immediately after water dropping - mass of knitted fabric before water dropping) x 100]. ２In the knitted fabric in which the length of the boundary line between the high water absorption region AA and the low water absorption region BA per 1 cm is 0.67, the percentage was 55.5%, and in the knitted fabric in which the length was 14, the percentage was 23.7%. ２ It was shown that the quick-drying property increases as the boundary line between the high water-absorbency region AA and the low water-absorbency region BA increases (i.e., the border width decreases).

[0088] (Verification Example 5) A knitted fabric with one course in the high absorbency region AA and one course in the low absorbency region BA was prepared. Another knitted fabric with one course in the high absorbency region AA and five courses in the low absorbency region BA was prepared. The size of each knitted fabric was 10 cm x 10 cm. The highly absorbent face yarn AT was made of water-absorbent polyester, and the low absorbency face yarn BT was made of untreated polyester. Two ml of water was dropped onto each knitted fabric, and the diffusible residual moisture content (%) was measured after 60 and 90 minutes. The diffusible residual moisture content (%) after 60 minutes was calculated by the formula [(mass of knitted fabric after 60 minutes - mass of knitted fabric before water was added) / (mass of knitted fabric immediately after water was added - mass of knitted fabric before water was added) x 100], and the diffusible residual moisture content (%) after 90 minutes was calculated by the formula [(mass of knitted fabric after 90 minutes - mass of knitted fabric before water was added) / (mass of knitted fabric immediately after water was added - mass of knitted fabric before water was added) x 100]. As a result, the results shown in Figure 15 were obtained. As shown in Figure 15, the diffusible residual moisture content (%) after 60 minutes was 50.98548 for the knitted fabric with one course in the high absorbency region AA and one course in the low absorbency region BA, 53.91217 for the knitted fabric with one course in the high absorbency region AA and five courses in the low absorbency region BA, and 56.8029 for the knitted fabric with five courses in the high absorbency region AA and one course in the low absorbency region BA. 15, the diffusible residual moisture content (%) after 90 minutes was 26.40041 for a knitted fabric with one course in the high absorbency region AA and one course in the low absorbency region BA, 31.6002 for a knitted fabric with one course in the high absorbency region AA and five courses in the low absorbency region BA, and 35.85101 for a knitted fabric with five courses in the high absorbency region AA and one course in the low absorbency region BA. This verification showed that quick-drying was greatest when the number of courses in the high absorbency region AA and the number of courses in the low absorbency region BA were each one course.

[0089] (Verification Example 6) A knitted fabric with one course in the high absorbency region AA and one course in the low absorbency region BA was prepared. Another knitted fabric with one course in the high absorbency region AA and five courses in the low absorbency region BA was prepared. Finally, a knitted fabric with five courses in the high absorbency region AA and one course in the low absorbency region BA was prepared. Each knitted fabric measured 10 cm x 10 cm. The highly absorbent face yarn AT was made of water-absorbent polyester, and the low absorbency face yarn BT was made of untreated polyester. Steam was then applied to the skin side of each knitted fabric (i.e., the side where the water-repellent region is knitted) for 30 seconds. Next, the skin side of each knitted fabric was turned upward, and filter paper was placed on the skin side and outer side (i.e., the side where the highly absorbent region AA and low absorbency region BA are knitted) of each knitted fabric. A weight was then placed on the filter paper on the skin side of each knitted fabric for 30 seconds. The weight gain (g) of each filter paper was then calculated, and the results shown in Figure 16 were obtained. As shown in Figure 16, the weight gain (g) of each filter paper was 0.0235 g for the skin-side filter paper and 0.0860 g for the outer filter paper in a knitted fabric with one course in the high absorbency region AA and one course in the low absorbency region BA; 0.0353 g for the skin-side filter paper and 0.0880 g for the outer filter paper in a knitted fabric with one course in the high absorbency region AA and five courses in the low absorbency region BA; and 0.0210 g for the skin-side filter paper and 0.0867 g for the outer filter paper in a knitted fabric with five courses in the high absorbency region AA and one course in the low absorbency region BA. This verification showed that when the ratio of the number of courses in the low absorbency region BA to the number of courses in the high absorbency region AA is within the range of 0.2 or more and 5 or less, the absorbed moisture moves from the skin side of the knitted fabric to the outside, resulting in a comfortable fit against the skin.

Claims

1. A knitted fabric comprising a highly absorbent region and a low absorbent region adjacent to the highly absorbent region and having a lower absorbency than the highly absorbent region.

2. The knitted fabric according to claim 1, wherein the highly absorbent region is knitted with a yarn including a first yarn, and the low absorbent region is knitted with a yarn including a second yarn having a lower absorbency than the first yarn.

3. The knitted fabric according to claim 2, wherein the first yarn is a first surface yarn, the second yarn is a second surface yarn having a lower water absorbency than the first surface yarn, there is a first back yarn corresponding to a yarn including the first yarn, and a second back yarn corresponding to a yarn including the second yarn, and the first back yarn and the second back yarn each knit an area separate from the high water absorbency area and the low water absorbency area.

4. 100 cm of the first back yarn and the second back yarn for the yarn containing the first yarn and the yarn containing the second yarn ２ The knitted fabric according to claim 3 , wherein the mass ratio per unit area is within a range of 0.25 to 4.

5. The knitted fabric according to claim 3, wherein the high absorbency region and the low absorbency region are provided on a first side, at least one of the first rear yarn and the second rear yarn has hydrophobic properties, the hydrophobic rear yarn knits a hydrophobic region as the separate region, and the hydrophobic region is provided on a second side opposite the first side.

6. The knitted fabric according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the first rear yarn and the second rear yarn has water repellency.

7. The knitted fabric described in claim 5 or 6, wherein the water absorbency of at least one of the first rear yarn and the second rear yarn is lower than the water absorbency of the yarn including the first yarn and the yarn including the second yarn, and the water absorption speed of the rear yarn having a water absorbency lower than the water absorbency of the yarn including the first yarn and the yarn including the second yarn is more than 30 seconds.

8. 1 cm ２ The knitted fabric according to claim 1 , wherein a length of a boundary line between the high absorbency region and the low absorbency region per unit area is within a range of 0.67 cm to 16 cm.

9. The knitted fabric according to claim 2, wherein the number of courses in the highly absorbent region is one or more, the number of courses in the low absorbent region is one or more, and the ratio of the number of courses in the low absorbent region to the number of courses in the highly absorbent region is within the range of 0.2 or more and 5 or less.

10. The knitted fabric according to claim 9, wherein the first yarn and the second yarn are switched every other course.

11. The knitted fabric according to claim 1, wherein the high water absorbency regions and the low water absorbency regions form a border pattern, a stripe pattern, a cut boss pattern, a polka dot pattern, an intarsia pattern, a jacquard pattern or a split foot pattern.

12. The knitted fabric described in claim 2, wherein the absorbency of the first yarn knitting the highly absorbent region is (a) an absorption speed of more than 30 seconds and a water absorption rate of 10% or more, (b) an absorption speed of 30 seconds or less and a water absorption rate of less than 10%, or (c) an absorption speed of 30 seconds or less and a water absorption rate of 10% or more, and the absorbency of the second yarn knitting the low absorbent region is (a) an absorption speed of more than 30 seconds and a water absorption rate of less than 10%.

13. The knitted fabric as described in claim 2, wherein the number of courses in the highly absorbent region is one or more, the number of courses in the low absorbent region is one or more, and the fineness of at least one of the first yarn in one course of the highly absorbent region and the second yarn in one course of the low absorbent region is 150 denier or more.

14. Legwear comprising a sole covering portion for covering the sole of the foot, the sole covering portion being formed from the knitted fabric according to claim 1, and the highly absorbent region and the low absorbent region being located on opposite sides facing the skin.

15. Legwear comprising a sole covering portion covering the sole of the foot, the sole covering portion including a toe covering portion covering the toes of the sole, an arch covering portion covering the arch of the sole, a ball of the foot covering portion covering the ball of the sole, and a ball of the little toe covering portion covering the ball of the little toe of the sole, at least one portion of the toe covering portion, the arch covering portion, the ball of the foot covering portion and the ball of the little toe covering portion are formed from the knitted fabric described in claim 1, and the highly absorbent region and the low absorbent region are located on opposite sides facing the skin.

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