Limb cover

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a limb cover that prevents a limb from getting cold even when moving from a warm location to a cold location in the cold season, for example. Limb covers 100, 100m, 100p according to the present invention cover part or all of a limb, and include groove forming parts 131, 131p and closing parts 132, 132m, 133m, P1p. At least one first groove G1 or G1p is formed on the inner side of the groove forming part so as to extend toward an insertion side. The closing part is formed on the insertion side of the groove forming part. The closing part closes insertion-side ends of part or all of a plurality of grooves.

Description

limb brace

[0001] The present invention relates to a limb attachment that covers part or all of a leg or arm.

[0002] In the past, it has been proposed that "in the manufacture of thick socks with excellent heat retention, the opening and the shin covering portion connected to the opening are knitted with a pile sinker knitting method, taking into consideration the comfort of the socks" (see, for example, JP 2016-160537 A, JP 2012-122163 A, Registered Utility Model Nos. 3166103 A, and JP 2002-038304 A). An example of such a knitting method is a method in which the face yarn is knitted with a pile sinker knitting method, and an elastic yarn (rubber yarn or covering yarn) as the back yarn is knitted in while skipping one to three stitches in the course direction.

[0003] JP 2016-160537 A JP 2012-122163 A Registered Utility Model No. 3166103 JP 2002-038304 A

[0004] The sock opening and shin-covering sections knitted as described above have multiple ridges and multiple grooves formed parallel to the axial direction. Therefore, in cold weather, for example, when moving from a warm place to a cold place, convection heat transfer occurs, with low-density warm air rising and high-density cold air descending. This causes the warm air contained in the grooves to escape from the top of the grooves in a relatively short time, while the cold air from outside penetrates along the grooves into the bottom of the sock, potentially cooling the shins. This same phenomenon can also occur with arm warmers and other armwear.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a limb attachment that prevents limbs from getting cold even when, for example, moving from a warm place to a cold place during cold season.

[0006] A limb attachment according to a first aspect of the present invention is an attachment that covers part or all of a limb and includes a groove-forming portion and a closing portion. The term "limb" here refers to an arm or a leg. The term "leg" here refers to the region from the base of the thigh to the toes of the lower foot. The term "limb attachment" refers to an attachment worn on at least one of the leg and the arm. This "limb attachment" can include leg attachments that cover part or all of the leg, and arm attachments that cover part or all of the arm. When the limb attachment is a leg attachment, it can also include those with panty parts. Examples of leg attachments include socks (socks, knee-high socks, etc.), leg warmers, stockings, and tights. Examples of arm attachments include arm covers and arm warmers. At least one first groove extending toward the insertion opening is formed inside the groove-forming portion. The insertion opening refers to the edge, not the region. When the limb attachment is a leg attachment, the insertion opening is the opening. Furthermore, as a result of the formation of the groove, a ridge portion is formed adjacent to the groove. In other words, the groove and ridge portion are formed as a set. This can also be expressed as having striped projections and depressions extending in one direction in the groove-forming portion. As described above, the groove is defined as extending toward the insertion opening, but this does not limit the groove-forming direction to being parallel to the cylindrical axis of the limb attachment. In other words, the groove-forming direction does not have to be parallel to the cylindrical axis of the limb attachment, as long as it does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. The blocking portion is formed on the insertion opening side of the groove-forming portion. This blocking portion closes the insertion opening side ends of some or all of the grooves. When the insertion opening side ends of all the grooves are blocked by the blocking portion, the heat retention of the limb attachment can be improved. On the other hand, when the insertion opening side ends of some of the grooves are blocked by the blocking portion, not only the heat retention can be improved but also stuffiness can be reduced.

[0007] In the limb attachment described above, a closed section is formed on the insertion opening side of the groove-forming section. Therefore, with this limb attachment, even when moving from a warm place to a cold place in cold weather, the warm air contained in the groove is less likely to escape, and cold air is less likely to enter the sock along the groove from the outside. Therefore, this limb attachment does not cool the limb even in such situations.

[0008] A limb wearing device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the limb wearing device according to the first aspect, wherein at least one second ridge extending toward the insertion opening is formed on the inside of the closing portion, and some or all of the second ridges of the closing portion close the insertion opening side ends of some or all of the first grooves of the groove forming portion.

[0009] The limb orthosis having the above-described structure can be knitted using a conventional knitting machine, and therefore can be manufactured without incurring equipment installation costs.

[0010] A limb wearing device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the limb wearing device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the groove forming portion is knitted to form a first groove and a first ridge portion adjacent to the first groove, and the closing portion is knitted to form a second ridge portion and a second groove adjacent to the second ridge portion at a formation pitch different from the formation pitch of the first groove and the first ridge portion.

[0011] When the above-mentioned knitting method is used, it is possible to knit a limb attachment in which the ends of some of the grooves on the opening side are closed by closing sections. This makes it possible to provide a limb attachment that not only exhibits relatively high heat retention but also reduces stuffiness. Note that this knitting method can also be used to knit a limb attachment in which the ends of all of the grooves on the opening side are closed by closing sections.

[0012] A limb wearing device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the limb wearing device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the groove forming portion is knitted to form a first groove and a first ridge portion adjacent to the first groove, and the closing portion is knitted to form a second groove at a position shifted from the position where the first groove is formed, and a second ridge portion adjacent to the second groove at a position shifted from the position where the first ridge is formed.

[0013] When the above-mentioned knitting method is used, it is possible to knit a limb attachment in which the ends of all grooves on the opening side are closed with closing portions, thereby providing a limb attachment that exhibits high heat retention.

[0014] A limb wearing device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the limb wearing device according to the third or fourth aspect, wherein the groove forming portion and the closing portion are knitted by pile sinker knitting.

[0015] Therefore, the limb orthosis can be manufactured using a conventional knitting machine, and therefore, the limb orthosis can be manufactured without incurring equipment installation costs.

[0016] A limb wearing device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the limb wearing device according to the third or fourth aspect, wherein the groove forming portion and the closing portion are formed by inserting the elastic yarn into the knitted fabric in a skipped stitch manner using pile sinker knitting.

[0017] Therefore, the limb orthosis can be manufactured using a conventional knitting machine, and therefore, the limb orthosis can be manufactured without incurring equipment installation costs.

[0018] A limb wearing device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the limb wearing device according to the first aspect, and has an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer is the layer that comes into contact with the skin, i.e., the innermost layer. The outer layer is disposed outside the inner layer. Any number of outer layers may be provided. The inner layer is provided with a groove-forming portion and a blocking portion.

[0019] In this limb orthosis, an air layer can be formed between the inner and outer layers, which further improves the heat retention of the limb orthosis. When multiple outer layers are provided, an air layer can also be formed between the outer layers, which further improves the heat retention.

[0020] The limb attachment according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is a limb attachment that covers part or all of a limb and includes an inner knitted fabric layer and an outer knitted fabric layer. The term "limb" here refers to the arm and leg. The term "leg" here refers to the region from the base of the thigh to the toes of the lower foot. The term "arm" here refers to the region from the base of the shoulder to the fingertips of the hand. The term "limb attachment" refers to an attachment worn on at least one of the leg and the arm. This "limb attachment" may include leg attachments that cover part or all of the leg, and arm attachments that cover part or all of the arm. When the limb attachment is a leg attachment, the leg attachment may also include those with panty parts. Examples of leg attachments include socks (socks, knee-high socks, etc.), leg warmers, stockings, and tights. Examples of arm attachments include arm covers, arm warmers, and long gloves. At least one first groove and one first rib are formed in the inner knitted fabric layer. This can also be expressed as the inner knitted fabric layer having striped concaves and convexes extending in one direction. The first groove extends toward the insertion opening on the outer side. Although the first groove is defined as "extending toward the insertion opening," this does not limit the formation direction of the first groove to being parallel to the tubular axis of the limb wearing device. In other words, the formation direction of the first groove does not have to be parallel to the tubular axis of the limb wearing device, as long as it does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. The insertion opening does not refer to a portion but to an edge. When the limb wearing device is a leg wearing device, the insertion opening is the opening. The first rib portion is provided adjacent to the first groove. At least one second groove and a second rib portion are formed in the outer knitted fabric layer. This can also be expressed as the outer knitted fabric layer having striped concaves and convexes extending in one direction. The second groove extends toward the insertion opening on the inner side. Although the second groove is defined as "extending toward the insertion opening," this does not mean that the direction in which the second groove is formed must be parallel to the cylindrical axis of the limb attachment. In other words, the direction in which the second groove is formed does not have to be parallel to the cylindrical axis of the limb attachment, as long as it does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. Note that the insertion opening does not refer to a part but to an edge. When the limb attachment is a leg attachment, the insertion opening is the opening.The second rib portion is provided adjacent to the second groove. The outer knitted fabric layer is disposed outside the inner knitted fabric layer. Here, the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer are knitted continuously in a tubular shape. The inner knitted fabric layer is folded back inside the outer knitted fabric layer so that its inner surface faces the inner surface of the outer knitted fabric layer. Here, the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer differ in at least part of their configuration.

[0021] Incidentally, in the past, there was a case where "a warm sock consisting of a main body and an opening portion was knitted on a B-type or K-type sock knitting machine with a cylinder diameter of 5 inches or more, and the opening portion was knitted with 3 to 8 strands of wool-acrylic blended yarn or cotton yarn of 1 / 16 to 1 / 36 count and rubber yarn with a sinker knitting of 2 to 4 stitches for every 1 or 2 terry stitches, and was constructed as a double structure, and the outer layer of the double structure was curved so that the sinker knitting part was pulled by the rubber yarn and bulged outward, and the above two The sinker knitted portion of the inner layer of the double-layered structure is pulled by the rubber thread and curved so as to bulge inward, thereby making the opening thicker, and the terry knitted portions of the outer and inner layers of the double-layered structure are brought into contact with each other, so that the sinker knitted portions of the outer and inner layers form a substantially closed thermal space repeatedly in the circumferential direction (see, for example, Utility Model Registration No. 3166103 and JP 2012-122163 A).

[0022] However, while the above-described double-layered thermal legwear is useful in cold seasons such as winter, recently, such thermal legwear is required to have other properties in addition to heat retention, such as comfort. The same is true for arm attachments such as arm warmers. The object of the present invention is to provide a leg attachment that can impart properties other than heat retention without significantly impairing heat retention.

[0023] As described above, the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer of the limb wearing device are knitted continuously in a tubular shape. The inner knitted fabric layer is folded inside the outer knitted fabric layer so that its inner surface faces the inner surface of the outer knitted fabric layer. Therefore, this limb wearing device can be knitted continuously on a knitting machine. Furthermore, in this limb wearing device, the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer have at least partial configurations that differ. Therefore, for example, (i) the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer are knitted so that all of the second grooves face all of the first grooves, and at least one of the thickness, number, composition, and stretchability of the yarns constituting the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer is different, or (ii) the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer are knitted so that at least some of the second grooves do not face the first grooves, thereby imparting properties other than heat retention (e.g., comfort, flexibility, stretchability, aesthetics, etc.) to the limb wearing device without significantly impairing the heat retention of the limb wearing device.

[0024] A limb wearing device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the limb wearing device according to the eighth aspect, wherein the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer are knitted so that all of the second grooves face all of the first grooves, and the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer differ in at least one of the thickness, number, composition, and stretchability of the constituent yarns.

[0025] Therefore, by adjusting the thickness, number, composition and elasticity of the yarns that make up the inner and outer knitted fabric layers, this limb attachment can be given properties other than heat retention without significantly impairing the heat retention properties of the limb attachment.

[0026] A limb wearing device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the limb wearing device according to the eighth aspect, wherein the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer are knitted so that at least some of the second grooves do not face the first grooves.

[0027] Therefore, this limb attachment can be stretched and contracted in a width direction differently from a limb attachment in which all of the second grooves face all of the first grooves, and therefore, for example, when attached to a limb, it is expected that the limb attachment can provide a different feeling of stretch and fit than a limb attachment in which all of the second grooves face all of the first grooves.

[0028] An eleventh aspect of the present invention is a limb wearing device according to the tenth aspect, wherein the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer are knitted so that the second grooves and the second ribs are formed at a formation pitch different from the formation pitch of the first grooves and the first ribs.

[0029] When the above-mentioned knitting method is used, it is possible to knit a limb attachment in which some of the second grooves do not face the first grooves. Note that this knitting method also makes it possible to knit a limb attachment in which none of the second grooves face the first grooves.

[0030] A limb wearing device according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the limb wearing device according to the tenth aspect, wherein the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer are knitted so that the second groove is formed at a position shifted from the position where the first groove is formed, and the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer are knitted so that the second rib portion is formed at a position shifted from the position where the first rib portion is formed.

[0031] When the above-described knitting method is used, it is possible to knit a limb attachment in which none of the second grooves faces any of the first grooves.

[0032] A limb wearing device according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the limb wearing device according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects, further comprising a closing portion. The closing portion is formed on the insertion opening side of the inner knitted fabric layer. The closing portion closes the insertion side ends of some or all of the first grooves. When the insertion opening side ends of all grooves are closed by the closing portion, the heat retention of the limb wearing device can be improved. On the other hand, when the insertion opening side ends of some grooves are closed by the closing portion, not only the heat retention can be improved but also stuffiness can be reduced.

[0033] Therefore, with this limb attachment, even when moving from a warm place to a cold place during cold season, the warm air contained in the grooves is less likely to escape, and cold air is less likely to enter the sock along the grooves from the outside. Therefore, this limb attachment does not cool the limb even in such situations.

[0034] A limb wearing device according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the limb wearing device according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein at least one third ridge extending toward the insertion opening is formed on the inside of the closing portion, and some or all of the third ridges of the closing portion close the insertion opening side ends of some or all of the first grooves.

[0035] The limb orthosis having the above-described structure can be knitted using a conventional knitting machine, and therefore can be manufactured without incurring equipment installation costs.

[0036] A limb wearing device according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the limb wearing device according to any one of the eighth to fourteenth aspects, wherein the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer are knitted using pile sinker lay knitting.

[0037] Therefore, the limb orthosis can be manufactured using a conventional knitting machine, and therefore, the limb orthosis can be manufactured without incurring equipment installation costs.

[0038] A limb wearing device according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the limb wearing device according to the fifteenth aspect, wherein in the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer, the elastic yarn is inserted into the knitted fabric by skipping stitches in pile sinker lay knitting.

[0039] Therefore, the limb orthosis can be manufactured using a conventional knitting machine, and therefore, the limb orthosis can be manufactured without incurring equipment installation costs.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a side view of knee-high socks according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of knee-high socks according to a first embodiment of the present invention when laid flat. FIG. 3 is a conceptual cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 taken along line II. FIG. 4 is a diagram in which a developed view of the conceptual cross-section of the I-I partial section of FIG. 1 and a developed view of the II-II partial section are arranged vertically. FIG. 5 is a diagram in which a developed view of a conceptual partial cross-section of the main body of the partial leg-covering portion of a knee-high sock according to a modified example (B) of the first embodiment of the present invention and a developed view of a conceptual partial cross-section of the opening are arranged vertically. FIG. 6 is a diagram in which a developed view of a conceptual partial cross-section of the main body of the partial leg-covering portion of a knee-high sock according to a modified example (C) of the first embodiment of the present invention and a developed view of a conceptual partial cross-section of the opening are arranged vertically. FIG. 7 is a side view of knee-high socks according to a modified example (D) of the first embodiment of the present invention. 13 is a diagram showing a conceptual partial cross-sectional development of a main body portion, a developed partial cross-sectional development of a closure portion, and a developed partial cross-sectional development of a cuff portion, all arranged vertically, in a partial leg-covering portion of a knee-high sock according to modified example (D) of the first embodiment of the present invention. 14 is a diagram showing a conceptual partial cross-sectional development of a main body portion, a developed partial cross-sectional development of a closure portion, and a developed partial cross-sectional development of a cuff portion, all arranged vertically, in a partial leg-covering portion of a knee-high sock according to modified example (D) of the first embodiment of the present invention. 15 is a diagram showing a conceptual partial cross-sectional development of a main body portion, a developed partial cross-sectional development of a closure portion, and a developed partial cross-sectional development of a cuff portion, all arranged vertically, in a partial leg-covering portion of a knee-high sock according to modified example (D) of the first embodiment of the present invention. 16 is a side view of a knee-high sock according to modified example (E). 17 is a side view of a knee-high sock according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 18 is a plan view of a knee-high sock according to the second embodiment of the present invention when laid flat. 19 is a side view of the inner knitted fabric layer of a partial leg-covering portion of a knee-high sock according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 19 is a conceptual cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 17 is a side view of the inner knitted fabric layer of the partial leg-covering portion of the knee-high socks according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the structure of the vicinity of the boundary between the main body portion and the opening portion of the partial leg-covering portion of the knee-high socks according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the structure of the vicinity of the boundary between the main body portion and the opening portion of the partial leg-covering portion of the knee-high socks according to the third embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 1 is a developed cross-sectional view of the main body portion of the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer of a partial leg-covering portion of a knee-high sock according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a conceptual partial cross-sectional development of the main body portion of the inner knitted fabric layer in a partial leg-covering portion of a knee-high sock according to a modified example (C) of the third embodiment of the present invention, and a developed cross-sectional view of a conceptual partial cross-sectional development of the opening portion of the inner knitted fabric layer, arranged one above the other. FIG. 3 is a developed cross-sectional view of the main body portion of the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer of a partial leg-covering portion of a knee-high sock according to a modified example (D) of the third embodiment of the present invention, and a developed cross-sectional view of a conceptual partial cross-sectional development of the opening portion of the inner knitted fabric layer, arranged one above the other. FIG. 4 is a developed cross-sectional view of the main body portion of the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer of a partial leg-covering portion of a knee-high sock according to a modified example (D) of the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a side view of the inner knitted fabric layer of a partial leg-covering portion of a knee-high sock according to a modified example (E) of the third embodiment of the present invention. 25 is a diagram in which a conceptual partial cross-section taken along line IV-IV, a conceptual partial cross-section taken along line V-V, and a conceptual partial cross-section taken along line VI-Vi of FIG. 26 is a diagram in which a conceptual partial cross-section of the main body and closing section of the inner knitted fabric layer and a conceptual partial cross-section of the outer knitted fabric layer of a partial leg-covering portion of a knee-high sock according to a modified example (E) of the third embodiment of the present invention is arranged vertically. 26 is a diagram in which a conceptual partial cross-section of the main body, a conceptual partial cross-section of the closing section, and a conceptual partial cross-section of the opening of a partial leg-covering portion of a knee-high sock according to a modified example (E) of the third embodiment of the present invention are arranged vertically. 27 is a diagram in which a conceptual partial cross-section of the main body, a conceptual partial cross-section of the closing section, and a conceptual partial cross-section of the opening of a partial leg-covering portion of a knee-high sock according to a modified example (E) of the third embodiment of the present invention are arranged vertically.

[0041] 100, 100m, 100p Knee socks (limb attachment) 130 Partial leg covering portion 130i, 230i, 530i Inner knitted fabric layer 130o, 230o, 330o, 430o, 530o Outer knitted fabric layer 131, 131p Main body portion (groove-forming portion) 131i Main body portion 132, 132m Opening portion (closing portion) 132i, 232i, 332i, 432i, 532i Opening portion 133m Closing portion 232i, 332i. 432i, 532i Opening portion (closed portion) 533i Closed portion F1, F1p Ridge portion (first rib portion) F2, F2m, F3m Ridge portion (second rib portion) Fi, Fi2, Fi3, Fi4, Fi5 Ridge portion (first rib portion) Fo, Fo2, Fo3, Fo4, Fo5 Ridge portion (second rib portion) G1, G1p Groove (first groove) G2, G2m, G3m Groove (second groove) Gi, Gi2, Gi3, Gi4, Gi5 Groove (first groove) Go, Go2, Go3, Go4, Go5 Groove (second groove) Li Inner knitted layer (inner layer) P1p Closed portion

[0042] - First embodiment - <Configuration of knee-high socks according to a first embodiment of the present invention> Knee-high socks 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention are knitted fabric in a roughly V-shaped tube with one end (the end closest to the opening) open. These knee-high socks 100 were invented with the aim of keeping the legs warm and preventing them from getting cold.

[0043] 1 and 2, the knee socks 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention are mainly composed of a foot-covering portion 110, a clamping portion 120, a connecting portion 140, and a partial leg-covering portion 130. These components will be described in detail below.

[0044] (1) Foot-Covering Section The foot-covering section 110 is a tubular section having a single-knit structure, and is a section for covering the wearer's foot. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, one end of the foot-covering section 110 is closed, and the other end is connected to the clamping section 120. From the viewpoint of gently clamping the foot-covering section 110 to avoid causing discomfort, it is preferable that the foot-covering section 110 be knitted without plating the backing yarn (FTY). From the same viewpoint, it is also preferable that rubber yarn be inserted into the knitted fabric to give the knitted fabric stretchability.

[0045] (2) Clamping Section The clamping section 120 is a tubular section with a single knit structure that covers the area slightly above the wearer's ankle and prevents the partial leg covering section 130 from shifting position (slipping down, etc.) when the knee socks 100 are worn. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, one end of the clamping section 120 is connected to the foot covering section 110, and the other end is connected to the partial leg covering section 130. Also, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a Sanyinjiao stimulating section 122 is formed on the side of the clamping section 120 at a position corresponding to the Sanyinjiao acupoint.

[0046] (3) Connection Portion The connection portion 140 is a tubular portion having a single knitted structure, and serves to connect the clamping portion 120 and the partial leg covering portion 130 .

[0047] (4) Partial Leg-Covering Section The partial leg-covering section 130 is a tubular section with a single knit structure, and when the knee-high socks 100 are worn, it covers the wearer's leg from above the ankle to slightly above the knee. The partial leg-covering section 130 is the layer that comes into contact with the skin when the knee-high socks 100 are worn, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, is mainly composed of a main body section 131 and an opening section 132. These components will be described in detail below. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, one end of the partial leg-covering section 130 is connected to the clamping section 120, and the other end is open and forms the opening of the knee-high socks 100.

[0048] (4-1) Main Body The main body 131 is a rib knit fabric knitted by inserting an elastic yarn into the knit fabric with skipped stitches using pile sinker knitting. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the main body 131 has multiple rib portions F1 and grooves G1 formed along the wale direction. That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the main body 131 has multiple rib portions F1 and multiple grooves G1 arranged alternately along the circumferential direction. It is preferable that the main body 131 be knitted using a sock knitting machine with a cylinder diameter of 3.5 inches or more, and more preferably, a sock knitting machine with a cylinder diameter of 5 inches or more. This is because a relatively large cylinder diameter of the knitting machine results in a larger diameter for the tubular knit fabric that constitutes the partial leg-covering portion 130, resulting in a comfortable fit even when the knee-high socks 100 are thick. It is preferable that the main body 131 be brushed to provide a comfortable feel against the skin.

[0049] It is preferable to use a yarn that is soft to the touch as the face yarn for knitting this main body portion 131. Examples of yarns that are soft to the touch include spun yarns of rayon or acrylic, blended yarns in which rayon or acrylic is blended with other materials such as wool, short-staple spun yarns such as extra-long staple cotton yarns, and long-staple yarns such as nylon yarns and polyester yarns. High-multifilament yarns are particularly preferable as long-staple yarns. Other examples of yarns that are soft to the touch include decorative twisted yarns such as mohair yarns and tam yarns.

[0050] Furthermore, the main body 131 is preferably knitted so as not to be too thick, in order to give it a soft and smooth texture.

[0051] Furthermore, to knit this main body portion 131 as a rib knit fabric using pile sinker lay knitting, an elastic yarn is used in addition to the face yarn. In one stitch, the elastic yarn is inserted in the course direction between the sinker loop of a stitch made by the face yarn and the needle loop of a stitch made by the face yarn adjacent to that sinker loop in the wale direction. In another stitch, the elastic yarn is inserted while skipping stitches in both the sinker loop of a stitch made by the face yarn and the needle loop of a stitch made by the face yarn adjacent to that sinker loop in the wale direction. The stitch with the elastic yarn inserted between the sinker loop and the needle loop becomes the stitch that forms the rib portion F1 of the rib knit fabric, and the stitch with the sinker loop and needle loop also skipped becomes the stitch that forms the groove G1 of the rib knit fabric. Here, the elastic yarn is preferably inserted into the knitted fabric while skipping stitches within a range of 1 to 20 in the course direction, more preferably while skipping stitches within a range of 1 to 15 in the course direction, even more preferably while skipping stitches within a range of 1 to 10 in the course direction, even more preferably while skipping stitches within a range of 1 to 6 in the course direction, and even more preferably while skipping stitches within a range of 1 to 3 in the course direction. By skipping stitches within a range of 1 to 6 in the course direction with the elastic yarn, the tubular diameter of the rib knitted fabric can be made to an appropriate thickness. Furthermore, by skipping stitches within a range of 1 to 3 in the course direction with the elastic yarn, the rib knitted fabric can be given appropriate stretchability, which in turn allows the main body portion 131 to have an appropriate fit.

[0052] (4-2) Shoe Opening The shoe opening 132 is disposed on top of the main body 131. The configuration of this shoe opening 132 is similar to that of the main body 131, but as shown in Figure 4, a ridge F2 of the shoe opening 132 is formed in the position corresponding to the groove G1 of the main body 131 in the course direction during knitting, and a groove G2 of the shoe opening 132 is formed in the position corresponding to the ridge F1 of the main body 131. Note that such knitting can be performed seamlessly following the knitting of the main body 131 by a person skilled in the art simply by setting the parameters of the sock knitting machine, but it can also be performed by switching yarns. When switching yarns during knitting of the opening 132, a tightly knitted fabric can be knitted for the opening 132 using yarn with different stretch properties from that of the main body 131, thereby increasing the fit of the opening 132 to the skin of the leg and further blocking airflow to and from the groove G1 of the main body 131. A knitted fabric knitted in this manner will have a shape as shown in Figure 5. In Figure 5, the symbol Dw indicates the wale direction, and the symbol Dc indicates the course direction. That is, the ridge F2 of the opening 132 functions as a blocking portion that closes the end of the groove G1 of the main body 131 on the opening side. This blocking portion can also be called an airflow blocking portion. The presence of this blocking portion prevents cold air from flowing into the groove G1 of the main body portion 131 from the outside, and also prevents warm air (air warmed by a person's legs) inside the groove G1 of the main body portion 131 from escaping to the outside.

[0053] <Specific Method of Knitting the Knee-High Socks According to the First Embodiment of the Present Invention> Examples of methods for forming the knee-high socks 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention include a method of knitting the opening portion 132 from the end of the opening portion 132 on the opening side to the end of the main body portion of the opening portion 132 to form the opening portion 132, then shifting the knitting position and knitting the main body portion 131 from the end of the main body portion on the opening side to the end of the main body portion 131 on the connection side to form the main body portion 131, knitting the clamping portion 120 by knitting from the end of the main body portion on the main body side to the end of the clamping portion on the foot covering portion side of the clamping portion 120, and finally knitting from the end of the foot covering portion 110 on the clamping portion side to the end of the foot covering portion 110 on the toe side.

[0054] Methods for knitting the rib portions F1 and F2 include skipping stitches in pile sinker knitting to insert the elastic yarn into the knitted fabric, as well as rib knitting, links knitting, rib knitting, rib knitting, and rib knitting. The rib portions F1 and F2 knitted in this manner are composed of knit stitches that are continuous in the wale direction and purl stitches that are continuous in the wale direction. This type of knitting can be performed on a double-cylinder knitting machine, such as a rib knitting machine or links knitting machine. Another method for knitting the rib portions F1 and F2 is insertion knitting. In insertion knitting, a separate yarn is inserted between the knit stitches in the course direction. In a single-cylinder knitting machine, an elastic yarn is inserted before and after the knit stitches, while in a double-cylinder knitting machine, an elastic yarn is inserted between the knit stitches and purl stitches. In a single-cylinder knitting machine, a fabric containing an elastic yarn is called an elastic rib.

[0055] <Features of the Knee-High Socks According to the First Embodiment of the Present Invention> (1) In the knee-high socks 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the main body 131 and the opening 132 of the partial leg-covering portion 130 are knitted by inserting elastic yarn into the knitted fabric with skipped stitches using pile sinker knitting, resulting in a ribbed knit fabric. As a result, the partial leg-covering portions 130 of these knee-high socks 100 have excellent radial stretchability.

[0056] (2) In the knee-high socks 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when knitting the opening 132 of the partial leg covering portion 130, the ridge F2 of the opening 132 is formed in the course direction at a position corresponding to the groove G1 of the main body portion 131, and the groove G2 of the opening 132 is formed at a position corresponding to the ridge F1 of the main body portion 131. As a result, these knee-high socks 100 can prevent cold air from flowing into the groove G1 of the main body portion 131 from the outside, and can also prevent warm air from escaping from the groove G1 of the main body portion 131 to the outside. As a result, these knee-high socks 100 have excellent thermal insulation and heat retention properties.

[0057] <Modifications> (A) In the first embodiment, the present invention is applied to knee-high socks, but the present invention may also be applied to over-the-knee socks, leg warmers, stockings, tights, etc., and the present invention may also be applied to arm covers, arm warmers, etc.

[0058] (B) In the knee socks 100 according to the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 4, the opening portion 132 is knitted one stitch away from the stitches of the main body portion 131 in the course direction, thereby forming a ridge portion F2 of the opening portion 132 at a position corresponding to the groove G1 of the main body portion 131, and a groove G2 of the opening portion 132 at a position corresponding to the ridge portion F1 of the main body portion 131. However, as shown in FIG. 6, the opening portion 132 may be knitted two stitches away from the main body portion 131 in the course direction, thereby forming a ridge portion F2 of the opening portion 132 at a position corresponding to the groove G1 of the main body portion 131, and a groove G2 of the opening portion 132 at a position corresponding to the ridge portion F1 of the main body portion 131. Here, as long as the ridge portion F2 of the opening portion 132 is formed at a position corresponding to the groove G1 of the main body portion 131, and the groove G2 of the opening portion 132 is formed at a position corresponding to the ridge portion F1 of the main body portion 131, the number of offset stitches is not particularly limited and can be set freely.

[0059] (C) In the knee-high socks 100 according to the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the stitches of the opening portion 132 are knitted offset relative to the stitches of the main body portion 131 in the course direction, thereby forming ridge portions F2 of the opening portion 132 in positions corresponding to the grooves G1 of the main body portion 131, and grooves G2 of the opening portion 132 in positions corresponding to the ridge portions F1 of the main body portion 131. However, as shown in Fig. 7, the opening portion 132 may be knitted at a knitting pitch different from that of the main body portion 131, thereby forming ridge portions F2 of the opening portion 132 in positions corresponding to the grooves G1 of the main body portion 131, and forming grooves G2 of the opening portion 132 in positions corresponding to the ridge portions F1 of the main body portion 131. However, in such a case, as shown in Fig. 7, the positions of some of the grooves G2 of the opening portion 132 will coincide with the positions of some of the grooves G1 of the main body portion 131. As a result, these knee-high socks can ensure breathability without significantly compromising their insulating and heat-retaining properties, which means that the wearer's legs are less likely to become sweaty.

[0060] (D) While the knee-high socks 100 shown in Fig. 1 were given as an example in the first embodiment above, knee-high socks 100m shown in Fig. 8 may also be given as an example of an embodiment of the present invention. These knee-high socks 100m are identical to the knee-high socks 100 according to the previous embodiment, except that the opening portion 132 in the partial leg-covering portion 130 is replaced with a closing portion 133m and an opening portion 132m. For this reason, only the closing portion 133m and the opening portion 132m of the partial leg-covering portion 130m will be described in detail here.

[0061] When knitting the closing portion 133m, as when knitting the opening portion 132 of the knee-high socks 100 of the first embodiment, a rib F3m of the closing portion 133m is formed in a position in the course direction that corresponds to the groove G1 of the main body portion 131, and a groove G3m of the closing portion 133m is formed in a position that corresponds to the rib F1 of the main body portion 131. Furthermore, when knitting the opening portion 132m, a rib F2m of the opening portion 132m is formed in a position in the course direction that corresponds to the groove G3m of the closing portion 133m, and a groove G2m of the opening portion 132m is formed in a position that corresponds to the rib F3m of the closing portion 133m. That is, in these knee-high socks 100m, the groove G1 of the main body portion 131 is blocked by the rib F3m of the closing portion 133m, and the groove G3m of the closing portion 133m is blocked by the rib F2m of the opening portion 132m. Therefore, in these knee socks 100m, the airtightness of the internal space of the groove G1 of the main body portion 131 can be further improved.

[0062] In addition, in these knee socks 100m, (a) as shown in Figure 9, the closed portion 133m may be knitted two stitches apart from the stitches of the main body portion 131 in the course direction, and the opening portion 132m may be knitted two stitches apart from the stitches of the closed portion 133m, or (b) as shown in Figure 10, the closed portion 133m may be knitted one stitch apart from the stitches of the main body portion 131 in the course direction, and the knitting pitch of the opening portion 132m may be changed to be different from the knitting pitch of the closed portion 133m to knit the opening portion 132, or (c) as shown in Figure 11, the knitting pitch of the closed portion 133m may be changed to be different from the knitting pitch of the main body portion 131 to knit the closed portion 133m, and the knitting pitch of the opening portion 132m may be changed to be different from the knitting pitch of the closed portion 133m to knit the closed portion 133m. Here, as long as a ridge portion F3m of the blocking portion 133m is formed at a position corresponding to the groove G1 of the main body portion 131, a groove G3m of the blocking portion 133m is formed at a position corresponding to the ridge portion F1 of the main body portion 131, a ridge portion F2m of the opening portion 132m is formed at a position corresponding to the groove G3m of the blocking portion 133m, and a groove G2m of the opening portion 132m is formed at a position corresponding to the ridge portion F3m of the blocking portion 133m, the number of shifted stitches and the knitting pitch are not particularly limited and can be set freely.

[0063] (E) While the knee-high socks 100 shown in Fig. 1 were given as an example in the first embodiment above, knee-high socks 100p shown in Fig. 12 may also be given as an example of a first embodiment of the present invention. These knee-high socks 100p are identical to the knee-high socks 100 according to the first embodiment above, except that the main body 131 of the partial leg-covering portion 130 is replaced with a main body 131p. For this reason, only the main body 131p of the partial leg-covering portion 130p will be described in detail here.

[0064] The main body portion 131p of these knee-high socks 100 has checkered closing portions P1p as shown in Fig. 12. As a result, the main body portion 131p has areas where grooves G1p and ridge portions F1p coexist in a checkered pattern. Each closing portion P1p closes the lower side of the groove G1p located above the closing portion P1p, and also closes the upper side of the groove G1p located below the closing portion P1p. These closing portions P1p may be knitted using the same knitting method as the ridge portions F1, F2 of the knee-high socks 100, or may be knitted using a different knitting method.

[0065] (F) In the knee socks 100 according to the first embodiment, the clamping portion 120 has a single-ply knit structure, but the clamping portion 120 may also have a double or more multi-ply knit structure. This allows an air layer to be formed between the layers, providing the clamping portion 120 with heat-retaining properties.

[0066] (G) The knee-high socks 100 according to the first embodiment were primarily comprised of the foot-covering portion 110, the clamping portion 120, the connecting portion 140, and the partial leg-covering portion 130, but as long as the spirit of the invention is not impaired, the knee-high socks 100 may include other components. Also, while the partial leg-covering portion 130 was primarily comprised of the main body portion 131 and the opening portion 132, as long as the spirit of the invention is not impaired, the partial leg-covering portion 130 may include other components.

[0067] (H) In the knee socks 100 according to the first embodiment, the foot covering portion 110 has a single knit structure, but the foot covering portion 110 may have a double or more multiple knit structure. In such a case, the foot covering part 110, the pressing part 120 and the connecting part 140 may be formed, for example, as follows: (i) knitting the connecting part 140 from the end of the connecting part 140 on the partial leg covering part side to the end of the connecting part 140 on the pressing part side, then switching the yarn and knitting from the end of the pressing part 120 on the connecting part side to the end of the pressing part 120 on the foot covering part side to knit the pressing part 120, then switching the yarn and knitting from the end of the foot covering part 110 on the pressing part side to the end of the foot covering part 110 on the toe side to knit the outer knitted fabric layer of the foot covering part 110, knitting from the end of the foot covering part 110 on the toe side to the end of the foot covering part 110 on the pressing part side to knit the inner knitted fabric layer of the foot covering part 110, and pushing the inner knitted fabric layer of the foot covering part 110 into the outer knitted fabric layer of the foot covering part 110 and knitting the inner knitted fabric layer at the end on the pressing part side. Examples of such methods include (i) knitting the base layer and the outer knitted fabric layer from the end of the foot covering portion 110 on the pressing portion side to the end of the toe side of the foot covering portion 110 to form the inner knitted fabric layer of the foot covering portion 110, knitting the same from the end of the foot covering portion 110 on the toe side to the end of the foot covering portion 110 on the pressing portion side to form the outer knitted fabric layer of the foot covering portion 110, then switching yarn and knitting from the end of the foot covering portion 120 on the foot covering portion side to the end of the connecting portion side of the pressing portion 120 to form the pressing portion 120, and then switching yarn and knitting from the end of the connecting portion 140 on the pressing portion side to the end of the connecting portion 140 on the partial leg covering portion side to form the connecting portion 140, and then pushing the inner knitted fabric layer of the foot covering portion 110 into the outer knitted fabric layer of the foot covering portion 110 and connecting the inner knitted fabric layer to the outer knitted fabric layer at the end on the pressing portion side. By providing the foot covering part 110 with such a double structure, an air layer can be formed between the layers, thereby providing the foot covering part 110 with a heat-retaining function.

[0068] (I) In the knee socks 100 according to the first embodiment, the partial leg-covering portions 130 have a single-ply knitted structure, but the partial leg-covering portions 130 may be an inner knitted fabric layer, with an outer knitted fabric layer provided on the outside of the inner knitted fabric layer, creating a double-ply knitted fabric structure. In such a case, the air layer between the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer can provide heat retention. Note that the outer knitted fabric layer may be further increased to create a triple or more-ply knitted fabric structure.

[0069] (J) In the high socks 100 according to the first embodiment, a Sanyinjiao stimulating portion 122 was formed at a position corresponding to the Sanyinjiao acupoint on the side of the clamping portion 120, but this Sanyinjiao stimulating portion 122 does not have to be formed.

[0070] The above-described modifications may be adopted individually or in appropriate combinations within a range that does not cause any contradictions.

[0071] (a) A double knitted fabric having an outer knitted fabric layer on the partial leg covering portion 130 having the structure shown in Fig. 1, (b) a double knitted fabric having an outer knitted fabric layer on the partial leg covering portion 130m having the structure shown in Fig. 8, and (c) a double knitted fabric having an outer knitted fabric layer on the partial leg covering portion 130 having the structure shown in Fig. 1 but without the opening portion 132 (i.e., only the main portion 131). Each double knitted fabric was attached to a hot plate, which was placed vertically, and the heat retention of these double knitted fabrics was measured using a KES-F7 Thermo Lab II testing machine manufactured by Kato Tech Co., Ltd. Note that in the partial leg covering portion 130 of (a), the rib portion F1 of the main portion 131 had 5 stitches and the groove G1 had 1 stitch, and the rib portion F2 of the opening portion 132 had 3 stitches and the groove G2 had 1 stitch. In the partial leg covering portion 130m (b), the rib F1 of the main body portion 131 is three stitches and the groove G1 is one stitch, the rib F3m of the closing portion 133m is five stitches and the groove G3m is one stitch, and the rib F2m of the opening portion 132m is three stitches and the groove G2 is one stitch. In the partial leg covering portion 130 (c), the rib F1 of the main body portion 131 is three stitches and the groove G1 is one stitch. In addition, the outer knitted fabric layers of the double knitted fabrics (a) to (c) above were all the same. The environmental temperature during measurement was 20°C and the relative humidity was 65%. In addition, during measurement, the blank heat consumption was 9.5 W / m ２ ・℃.

[0072] As a result of the above measurements, the heat retention rate of the double knitted fabric (a) was 72.8%, the heat retention rate of the double knitted fabric (b) was 74.5%, and the heat retention rate of the double knitted fabric (c) was 71.5%. In other words, it was proven that the double knitted fabrics of the invention (a) and (b) exhibit a higher heat retention rate than the double knitted fabric of the conventional product (c).

[0073] Second Embodiment - Configuration of Knee-high socks according to a second embodiment of the present invention Knee-high socks 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention are knitted fabrics in a roughly V-shaped tube with one end (the end closest to the opening) open. These knee-high socks 100 were invented with the aim of keeping the legs warm and preventing them from getting cold.

[0074] 13 and 14, the knee socks 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention are mainly composed of a foot-covering portion 110, a clamping portion 120, a connecting portion (not shown), and a partial leg-covering portion 130. These components will be described in detail below.

[0075] (1) Foot-Covering Section The foot-covering section 110 is a tubular section having a single-knit structure and is used to cover the wearer's foot. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, one end of the foot-covering section 110 is closed, and the other end is connected to the clamping section 120. From the viewpoint of gently tightening the foot-covering section 110 to avoid discomfort, it is preferable to knit the foot-covering section 110 without plating the backing yarn (FTY). From the same viewpoint, it is also preferable to insert rubber yarn into the knitted fabric to give it stretchability.

[0076] (2) Clamping Section The clamping section 120 is a tubular section with a single knit structure that covers the area slightly above the wearer's ankle and prevents the partial leg covering section 130 from shifting position (slipping down, etc.) when the knee-high socks 100 are worn. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, one end of the clamping section 120 is connected to the foot covering section 110, and the other end is connected to the partial leg covering section 130. Also, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, a Sanyinjiao stimulating section 122 is formed on the side of the clamping section 120 at a position corresponding to the Sanyinjiao acupoint.

[0077] (3) Connection Portion The connection portion is a tubular portion having a single knitted structure, and serves to connect the clamping portion 120 and the inner knitted layer 130i of the partial leg covering portion 130.

[0078] (4) Partial Leg-Covering Portion The partial leg-covering portion 130 is a tubular portion having a double knitted structure, and covers the wearer's leg from above the ankle to slightly above the knee when the knee-high socks 100 are worn. That is, as shown in Figures 13, 15, and 16, this partial leg-covering portion 130 is made up of an inner knitted fabric layer 130i and an outer knitted fabric layer 130o. Below, the inner knitted fabric layer 130i and the outer knitted fabric layer 130o will each be described in detail.

[0079] (4-1) Inner Knitted Fabric Layer The inner knitted fabric layer 130i is the layer that comes into contact with the skin when the knee-high socks 100 are worn, and as shown in Fig. 15, is mainly formed of a main body portion 131i and an opening portion 132i. One end of this inner knitted fabric layer 130i is connected to the clamping portion 120, and the other end is open and forms the opening of the knee-high socks 100. This inner knitted fabric layer 130i is knitted by inserting the elastic yarn Tr (see Fig. 16, etc.) into the knitted fabric with skipped stitches using pile sinker knitting.

[0080] (4-1-1) Main Body The main body 131i is a rib knit fabric knitted by inserting the elastic yarn Tr into the knit fabric with skipped stitches using pile sinker knitting. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the main body 131i has multiple rib portions Fi and grooves Gi formed along the wale direction. That is, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the main body 131i has multiple rib portions Fi and multiple grooves Gi arranged alternately along the circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 16, the rib portions Fi are located on the inside and the grooves Gi are located on the outside. The main body 131i is preferably knitted using a sock knitting machine with a cylinder diameter of 3.5 inches or more, and more preferably with a sock knitting machine with a cylinder diameter of 5 inches or more. When the cylinder diameter of the knitting machine is relatively large, the diameter of the tubular knit fabric constituting the partial leg covering portion 130 also becomes larger, resulting in a loose fit even when the knee-high socks 100 are thick. It is preferable that the main body portion 131i is brushed to improve the feel against the skin, because the brushed fibers make the main body portion 131i fluffy, allowing it to retain more air and have high heat retention, while also being soft and comfortable against the skin.

[0081] It is preferable that a yarn that feels good against the skin be used as the face yarn for knitting this main body portion 131i. Examples of yarns that feel good against the skin include spun yarns of rayon or acrylic, blended yarns made by blending rayon or acrylic with other materials such as wool, short-staple spun yarns such as extra-long staple cotton yarns, and long-staple yarns such as nylon yarns and polyester yarns. High multifilament yarns are particularly preferable as long-staple yarns. Other examples of yarns that feel good against the skin include decorative twisted yarns such as mohair yarns and tam yarns. It is preferable that the total denier of this face yarn be in the range of 900 denier to 3000 denier.

[0082] Moreover, it is preferable that the main body portion 131i is knitted not to be too thick so as to have a soft and smooth texture.

[0083] Furthermore, in order to knit this main body portion 131i as a rib knit fabric using pile sinker lay knitting, an elastic yarn Tr is used in addition to the face yarn. In one stitch, the elastic yarn Tr is inserted in the course direction between the sinker loop of a stitch made by the face yarn and the needle loop of a stitch made by the face yarn adjacent to that sinker loop in the wale direction. In another stitch, the elastic yarn Tr is inserted while skipping stitches in both the sinker loop of a stitch made by the face yarn and the needle loop of a stitch made by the face yarn adjacent to that sinker loop in the wale direction. A stitch in which the elastic yarn Tr is inserted between the sinker loop and the needle loop becomes a stitch that forms the groove Gi of the rib knit fabric, and a stitch in which the sinker loop and the needle loop are also skipped becomes a stitch that forms the rib portion Fi of the rib knit fabric. Here, the elastic yarn Tr is preferably inserted into the knitted fabric while skipping stitches within a range of 1 to 20 in the course direction, more preferably while skipping stitches within a range of 1 to 15 in the course direction, even more preferably while skipping stitches within a range of 1 to 10 in the course direction, even more preferably while skipping stitches within a range of 1 to 6 in the course direction, and even more preferably while skipping stitches within a range of 1 to 3 in the course direction. By skipping stitches within a range of 1 to 6 in the course direction with the elastic yarn Tr, the tubular diameter of the rib knitted fabric can be made to an appropriate thickness. Furthermore, by skipping stitches within a range of 1 to 3 in the course direction with the elastic yarn Tr, the rib knitted fabric can be given appropriate stretchability, which in turn allows the main body portion 131i to have an appropriate fit.

[0084] (4-1-2) Opening The opening 132i is disposed above the main body 131i. Like the main body 131i, this opening 132i is a rib knitted fabric knitted by inserting the elastic yarn Tr into the fabric with skipped stitches using pile sinker knitting (see Figure 15). Like the main body 131i, this opening 132i has multiple ribs Fi and grooves Gi formed along the wale direction. Note that the positions and number of wales where the elastic yarn Tr is skipped in this opening 132i are the same as the positions and number of wales where the elastic yarn Tr is skipped in the main body 131i. 15, the ribs Fi of the opening 132i are continuous with the ribs Fi of the main body 131i, and the grooves Gi of the opening 132i are continuous with the grooves Gi of the main body 131i. The denier and number of strands of the face yarn used to knit the opening 132i are different from the denier and number of strands of the face yarn used to knit the main body 131i.

[0085] (4-2) Outer knitted fabric layer The outer knitted fabric layer 130o is disposed on the outside of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i, as shown in Fig. 16. One end of this outer knitted fabric layer 130o is directly connected to the clamping portion 120, and the other end is connected to the upper end of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i. Like the inner knitted fabric layer 130i, this outer knitted fabric layer 130o is knitted by inserting the elastic yarn Tr into the knitted fabric with skipped stitches in pile sinker knitting.

[0086] Similar to the inner knitted layer 130i, the outer knitted layer 130o has a plurality of rib portions Fo and grooves Go formed along the wale direction. As shown in Fig. 16, the positions and number of wales where the elastic yarn Tr is skipped in the outer knitted layer 130o are the same as the positions and number of wales where the elastic yarn Tr is skipped in the inner knitted layer 130i. Also, as shown in Fig. 16, the positions of the rib portions Fo of the outer knitted layer 130o coincide with the positions of the rib portions Fi of the inner knitted layer 130i, and the positions of the grooves Go of the outer knitted layer 130o coincide with the positions of the grooves Gi of the inner knitted layer 130i. That is, the rib portions Fo of the outer knitted layer 130o are continuous with the rib portions Fi of the inner knitted layer 130i, and the grooves Go of the outer knitted layer 130o are continuous with the grooves Gi of the inner knitted layer 130i. As will be described later, this is due to the fact that the inner knitted fabric layer 130i is folded back to the inside of the outer knitted fabric layer 130o when knitting the knee-high socks 100. Furthermore, the denier and number of strands of the face yarn knitting this outer knitted fabric layer 130o are the same as the denier and number of strands of the face yarn knitting the opening portion 132i of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i, but are different from the denier and number of strands of the face yarn knitting the main body portion 131i of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i.

[0087] For example, (i) the "total denier of the face yarns knitting the outer knitted fabric layer 130o" is made larger than the "denier of the face yarns knitting the main body part 131i of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i", (ii) the "number of face yarns knitting the outer knitted fabric layer 130o" is made the same as the "number of face yarns knitting the main body part 131i of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i", and the "denier per face yarn knitting the outer knitted fabric layer 130o" is made the same as the "number of face yarns knitting the main body part 131i of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i". (iii) the "denier per surface yarn knitting the outer knitted fabric layer 130o" is made larger than the "denier per surface yarn knitting the main body portion 131i of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i", and the "number of surface yarns knitting the outer knitted fabric layer 130o" is made larger than the "number of surface yarns knitting the main body portion 131i of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i". In this way, the height of the rib portion Fi in the inner knitted fabric layer 130i is lower than the height of the outer knitted fabric layer 130o. This makes it possible to make the inner knitted fabric layer 130i softer than the outer knitted fabric layer 130o. Furthermore, by sacrificing the softness of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i, the heat retention of the outer knitted fabric layer 130o can be improved.

[0088] Further, for example, (i) the "number of wales for skipping stitches of the elastic yarn Tr knitting the outer knitted layer 130o" is made larger than the "number of wales for skipping stitches of the elastic yarn Tr knitting the inner knitted layer 130i", (ii) the "contraction force of the elastic yarn Tr knitting the outer knitted layer 130o" is made larger than the "contraction force of the elastic yarn Tr knitting the inner knitted layer 130i", and (iii) the "feed amount of the elastic yarn Tr knitting the outer knitted layer 130o" is made smaller than the "feed amount of the elastic yarn Tr knitting the inner knitted layer 130i". In this way, the contraction force of the inner knitted layer 130i can be made weaker than the contraction force of the outer knitted layer 130o. As a result, the diameter of the outer knitted fabric layer 130o is smaller than the diameter of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i, making it less likely that the outer knitted fabric layer 130o and the inner knitted fabric layer 130i will become misaligned (slip down, etc.), thereby improving the fit of the partial leg covering portion 130.

[0089] Further, for example, (i) the "number of wales for skipping stitches of the elastic yarn Tr knitting the outer knitted layer 130o" is made smaller than the "number of wales for skipping stitches of the elastic yarn Tr knitting the inner knitted layer 130i", (ii) the "contraction force of the elastic yarn Tr knitting the outer knitted layer 130o" is made smaller than the "contraction force of the elastic yarn Tr knitting the inner knitted layer 130i", and (iii) the "feed amount of the elastic yarn Tr knitting the outer knitted layer 130o" is made larger than the "feed amount of the elastic yarn Tr knitting the inner knitted layer 130i". In this way, the contraction force of the inner knitted layer 130i can be made stronger than the contraction force of the outer knitted layer 130o. As a result, the diameter of the outer knitted fabric layer 130o is larger than the diameter of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i, so that the amount of air between the outer knitted fabric layer 130o and the inner knitted fabric layer 130i increases, thereby improving the heat retention of the partial leg covering portion 130.

[0090] The total denier of the surface yarn and elastic yarn Tr used to knit the outer knitted fabric layer 130o is preferably in the range of 900 denier to 3000 denier. Examples of materials for the surface yarn include cotton, acrylic, nylon, polyester, animal hair (such as wool), ester, silk, acrylate polypropylene, and rayon. These surface yarns may be subjected to long fiber processing such as hollow processing, conjugate processing, and false twist processing. These surface yarns may be spun by a spinning method such as cotton spinning, worsted spinning, or woolen spinning. These surface yarns may also be subjected to design processing such as tam processing, bulky processing, ring processing, boucle processing, and mohair processing.

[0091] <Specific Method of Knitting Knee-High Socks According to the Second Embodiment of the Present Invention> As a method of knitting the knee-high socks 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, for example, the connecting portion 140 is knitted by knitting from the end of the connecting portion 140 on the pressing portion side to the end of the connecting portion 140 on the inner knitted fabric layer 130i side of the partial leg-covering portion 130, and then the main portion 131i is knitted by knitting from one end of the main portion 131i of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i of the partial leg-covering portion 130 to the end of the opening portion side of the main portion 131i, and then the denier and number of the face yarn are changed and the main portion 131i is knitted from the end of the opening portion 132i of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i of the partial leg-covering portion 130 on the main portion side. Examples of methods include knitting the opening portion 132i to the end of the outer knitted fabric layer side of the opening portion 132i, knitting the outer knitted fabric layer 130o from the opening end of the outer knitted fabric layer 130o to the end of the connection portion side of the outer knitted fabric layer 130o to knit the outer knitted fabric layer 130o, knitting the pressing portion 120 from the end of the partial leg covering portion side of the pressing portion 120 to the end of the foot covering portion side of the pressing portion 120 to knit the pressing portion 120, knitting from the end of the foot covering portion side of the pressing portion to the end of the foot covering portion 110 on the toe side, and finally folding the inner knitted fabric layer 130i inside the outer knitted fabric layer 130o.

[0092] In the knitting method for these knee-high socks 100, the inner knitted fabric layer 130i is preferably knitted so that the knit stitches on the needle loop side face inward, i.e., toward the skin, and the purl stitches on the sinker loop side face outward. Also, the outer knitted fabric layer 130o is preferably knitted so that the knit stitches on the needle loop side face outward and the purl stitches on the sinker loop side face inward. In other words, the knee-high socks 100 are preferably knitted so that when the inner knitted fabric layer 130i is folded back inward of the outer knitted fabric layer 130o, the purl stitches of the outer knitted fabric layer 130o face the purl stitches of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i.

[0093] In addition to the method of inserting the elastic yarn Tr into the knitted fabric by skipping stitches in pile sinker knitting, methods for knitting the rib portions Fi and Fo include, for example, rib knitting, links knitting, rib knitting, rib knitting, and rib knitting. The rib portions Fi and Fo knitted in this manner are composed of knit stitches that are continuous in the wale direction and purl stitches that are continuous in the wale direction. This type of knitting can be performed on a double-cylinder knitting machine, such as a rib knitting machine or a links knitting machine. Another method for knitting the rib portions Fi and Fo includes, for example, insertion knitting. In insertion knitting, a different yarn is inserted between knit stitches in the course direction. In a single-cylinder knitting machine, the elastic yarn Tr is inserted before and after the knit stitches, while in a double-cylinder knitting machine, the elastic yarn Tr is inserted between the knit stitches and the purl stitches. In a single-cylinder knitting machine, a fabric with the elastic yarn Tr inserted is called an elastic rib.

[0094] <Features of the Knee-High Socks According to the Second Embodiment of the Present Invention> In the knee-high socks 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the outer knitted fabric layer 130o has a plurality of ribs Fo and grooves Go formed along the wale direction, just like the inner knitted fabric layer 130i, and the denier and number of strands of the face yarn used to knit the outer knitted fabric layer 130o are the same as the denier and number of strands of the face yarn used to knit the opening portion 132i of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i, but are different from the denier and number of strands of the face yarn used to knit the main body portion 131i of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i. For this reason, (i) the "total denier of the face yarns knitting the outer knitted fabric layer 130o" is made larger than the "denier of the face yarns knitting the main body portion 131i of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i", (ii) the "number of face yarns knitting the outer knitted fabric layer 130o" is made the same as the "number of face yarns knitting the main body portion 131i of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i", and the "denier per face yarn knitting the outer knitted fabric layer 130o" is made larger than the "denier per face yarn knitting the main body portion 131i of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i", (iii) the "outer By making the "denier per surface yarn knitting the knitted fabric layer 130o" the same as the "denier per surface yarn knitting the main body portion 131i of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i," and by making the "number of surface yarns knitting the outer knitted fabric layer 130o" greater than the "number of surface yarns knitting the main body portion 131i of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i," it is possible to impart properties other than heat retention (e.g., comfort, flexibility, stretchability, aesthetics, etc.) to the legwear without significantly impairing the heat retention of legwear such as knee-high socks. For example, by making the diameter of the outer knitted fabric layer 130o smaller than the diameter of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i, the outer knitted fabric layer 130o and the inner knitted fabric layer 130i are less likely to shift position (slip down, etc.), and the fit of the partial leg covering part 130 can be improved.

[0095] <Modifications> (A) In the previous second embodiment, the present invention was applied to knee-high socks, but the present invention may also be applied to over-the-knee socks, leg warmers, stockings, tights, etc. The present invention may also be applied to arm covers, arm warmers, etc. (B) In the knee-high socks 100 according to the previous second embodiment, the pressing portion 120 had a single-knit structure, but the pressing portion 120 may also have a double or more multi-knit structure. This allows an air layer to be formed between the layers, providing the pressing portion 120 with heat-retaining properties.

[0096] (C) The knee-high socks 100 according to the second embodiment were primarily comprised of the foot-covering portion 110, the clamping portion 120, the connecting portion, and the partial leg-covering portion 130, but as long as the spirit of the invention is not impaired, the knee-high socks 100 may include other components. Also, the inner knitted fabric layer 130i of the partial leg-covering portion 130 was primarily comprised of the main body portion 131i and the opening portion 132i, but as long as the spirit of the invention is not impaired, the inner knitted fabric layer 130i may include other components.

[0097] (D) In ​​the knee socks 100 according to the second embodiment, the foot covering portion 110 has a single knit structure, but the foot covering portion 110 may have a double or more multiple knit structure.

[0098] (E) In the knee socks 100 according to the second embodiment, the partial leg-covering portions 130 have a double knitted fabric structure, but the outer knitted fabric layer may be further increased to form a triple or more knitted fabric structure.

[0099] (F) Although the compression parts 120 were formed in the knee socks 100 according to the second embodiment, these compression parts 120 do not necessarily have to be formed.

[0100] (G) In the high socks 100 according to the second embodiment, a Sanyinjiao stimulating portion 122 was formed at a position corresponding to the Sanyinjiao acupoint on the side of the clamping portion 120, but this Sanyinjiao stimulating portion 122 does not have to be formed.

[0101] (H) When knitting the knee-high socks 100 according to the second embodiment, the inner knitted fabric layer 130i was folded inside the outer knitted fabric layer 130o, but a separately knitted outer knitted fabric layer may be sewn to the inner knitted fabric layer 130i. Even in such a case, it is desirable to sew the outer knitted fabric layer to the inner knitted fabric layer 130i so that the purl stitches of the outer knitted fabric layer face the purl stitches of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i. In such a case, more freedom can be given to shifting the stitches of the outer knitted fabric layer relative to the inner knitted fabric layer 130i.

[0102] (I) In the knee-high socks 100 according to the second embodiment, the partial leg-covering portions 130 cover the wearer's legs from above the ankles to slightly above the knees when the knee-high socks 100 are worn. However, the length and coverage area of ​​the partial leg-covering portions 130 are not particularly limited, and may cover the wearer's legs from above the ankles to just below the knees, for example.

[0103] (J) In the knee socks 100 according to the second embodiment, the inner knitted fabric layer 130i is provided with the main body portion 131i and the opening portion 132i, but instead of or in addition to this, the outer knitted fabric layer 130o may be provided with the main body portion and the opening portion. Furthermore, when the main body portion and the opening portion are provided in both the inner knitted fabric layer 130i and the outer knitted fabric layer 130o, the yarns used and the knitting method may be different for each main body portion and / or each opening portion.

[0104] The above-described modifications may be adopted individually or in appropriate combinations within a range that does not cause any contradictions.

[0105] -Third embodiment- <Configuration of knee-high socks according to a third embodiment of the present invention> The knee-high socks according to a third embodiment of the present invention are identical to the knee-high socks 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, with the exception of the partial leg-covering portions 130. For this reason, the same components as those in the knee-high socks 100 according to the second embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0106] Like the partial leg-covering portion 130 according to the second embodiment, the partial leg-covering portion is a tubular portion having a double knitted structure, and when the knee-high socks are worn, it covers the wearer's leg from above the ankle to slightly above the knee. That is, this partial leg-covering portion is composed of an inner knitted fabric layer 230i and an outer knitted fabric layer 230o (see FIG. 20). Below, the inner knitted fabric layer 230i and the outer knitted fabric layer 230o will each be described in detail.

[0107] (1) Inner knitted fabric layer Like the inner knitted fabric layer 130i according to the second embodiment, the inner knitted fabric layer 230i is a layer that comes into contact with the skin when the knee-high socks are worn, and is mainly formed of a main body portion 131i and an opening portion 232i, as shown in Fig. 17. Note that the main body portion 131i is the same as the main body portion 131i according to the second embodiment, and is therefore given the same reference numeral as the knee-high socks 100 according to the second embodiment. For this reason, hereinafter, description of the main body portion 131i will be omitted, and only the opening portion 232i will be described.

[0108] The opening 232i is disposed on top of the main body 131i. The configuration of this opening 232i is similar to that of the main body 131i, but as shown in Figure 18, when knitting the opening 232i, ribs Fi2 of the opening 232i are formed in positions in the course direction corresponding to the grooves Gi of the main body 131i, and grooves Gi2 of the opening 232i are formed in positions corresponding to the ribs Fi of the main body 131i. Note that a person skilled in the art could knit this type of knitting without interruption, following on from the knitting of the main body 131i, simply by setting the parameters of the sock knitting machine, but it could also be done by switching yarns. When switching yarns during knitting of the opening portion 232i, a tightly knitted fabric can be knitted for the opening portion 232i using yarn with different stretch characteristics from that of the yarn of the main portion 131i. This increases the fit of the opening portion 232i to the skin of the leg and further blocks the flow of air into and out of the grooves Gi of the main portion 131i. A knitted fabric knitted in this manner will have a shape as shown in FIG. 19. In FIG. 19, the symbol Dw indicates the wale direction, and the symbol Dc indicates the course direction. That is, the rib portion Fi2 of the opening portion 232i functions as a blocking portion that closes the opening-side end of the grooves Gi of the main portion 131i. This blocking portion can also be referred to as an airflow blocking portion. The presence of this blocking portion prevents cold air from flowing into the groove Gi of the main body portion 131i from the outside, and also prevents warm air (air warmed by a person's legs) in the groove Gi of the main body portion 131i from escaping to the outside.

[0109] (2) Outer knitted fabric layer The outer knitted fabric layer 230o is disposed on the outside of the inner knitted fabric layer 230i, similar to the outer knitted fabric layer 130o according to the second embodiment. One end of this outer knitted fabric layer 230o is connected to the clamping portion 120, and the other end is connected to the upper end of the inner knitted fabric layer 230i. Similar to the inner knitted fabric layer 230i, this outer knitted fabric layer 230o is knitted by inserting the elastic yarn Tr into the fabric with skipped stitches in pile sinker knitting.

[0110] As shown in Fig. 20, this outer knitted layer 230o has a plurality of rib portions Fo2 and grooves Go2 formed along the wale direction, similar to the main body portion 131i of the inner knitted layer 130i. As shown in Fig. 20, the positions and number of wales where the elastic yarn Tr is skipped in this outer knitted layer 230o are the same as the positions and number of wales where the elastic yarn Tr is skipped in the main body portion 131i of the inner knitted layer 130i, but the stitches of the outer knitted layer 230o are shifted by one stitch in the course direction relative to the stitches of the main body portion 131i of the inner knitted layer 130i. As a result, as shown in Fig. 20, the rib portion Fo2 of the outer knitted layer 230o is located at a position corresponding to the groove Gi of the main body portion 131i, and the rib portion Fi of the main body portion 131i is located at a position corresponding to the groove Go2 of the outer knitted layer 230o. This is because, as will be described later, the inner knitted fabric layer is folded back inside the outer knitted fabric layer 230o when knitting the knee-high socks.

[0111] In addition, the relationship between "the total denier number of the surface yarns knitting the inner knitted layer, the number of surface yarns, and the denier per surface yarn" and "the total denier number of the surface yarns knitting the outer knitted layer, the number of surface yarns, and the denier per surface yarn" described in the section "(4-2) Outer knitted layer" of the second embodiment, and the relationship between "the number of wales for skipping stitches of the elastic yarn Tr knitting the inner knitted layer, the contraction force of the elastic yarn Tr, and the feed amount of the elastic yarn Tr" and "the number of wales for skipping stitches of the elastic yarn Tr knitting the outer knitted layer, the contraction force of the elastic yarn Tr, and the feed amount of the elastic yarn Tr" may also be applied to this outer knitted layer 230o.

[0112] <Specific Method of Knitting Knee-High Socks According to the Third Embodiment of the Present Invention> A method of knitting knee-high socks according to the third embodiment of the present invention may involve, for example, knitting the connecting portion 140 by knitting from the end of the connecting portion 140 on the clamping portion side to the end of the connecting portion 140 on the inner knitted fabric layer 130i side of the partial leg-covering portion 130, knitting the main portion 131i by knitting from one end of the main portion 131i of the inner knitted fabric layer 230i of the partial leg-covering portion to the end of the opening portion side of the main portion 131i, and then shifting the knitting position of the stitches that skip the elastic yarn, and knitting the main portion 131i from the end of the opening portion 232i of the inner knitted fabric layer 230i of the partial leg-covering portion on the main portion side to the end of the opening portion Examples of methods include knitting the opening portion 232i to the end of the outer knitted fabric layer side of the outer knitted fabric layer 230o, knitting the outer knitted fabric layer 230o by continuing to knit from the opening portion end of the outer knitted fabric layer 230o to the end of the connection portion side of the outer knitted fabric layer 230o, knitting the clamping portion 120 by knitting from the end of the partial leg covering portion side of the clamping portion 120 to the end of the foot covering portion side of the clamping portion 120, knitting from the end of the clamping portion side of the foot covering portion 110 to the end of the toe side of the foot covering portion 110, and finally folding the inner knitted fabric layer 230i back inside the outer knitted fabric layer 230o.

[0113] The method for knitting the rib portions Fi, Fi2, Fo2 is as explained above in the section <Specific knitting method for knee-high socks according to the second embodiment of the present invention>.

[0114] <Features of the Knee-High Socks According to the Third Embodiment of the Present Invention> In the knee-high socks according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the stitches of the outer knitted fabric layer 230o are offset by one stitch in the course direction relative to the stitches of the main body portion 131i of the inner knitted fabric layer 230i. As a result, as shown in Figure 20, the rib portion Fo2 of the outer knitted fabric layer 230o is located at a position corresponding to the groove Gi of the main body portion 131i, and the rib portion Fi of the main body portion 131i is located at a position corresponding to the groove Go2 of the outer knitted fabric layer 230o. As a result, in these knee-high socks, all of the grooves of the inner knitted fabric layer can stretch and contract in the width direction differently from the legwear in which all of the grooves of the outer knitted fabric layer face each other. Therefore, for example, when putting the legwear on the legs, it is expected that the legwear will provide a different sense of stretch and fit than legwear in which all of the grooves of the inner knitted fabric layer face each other. Furthermore, these knee socks can prevent cold air from entering the grooves Gi of the main body 131i from the outside, and can also prevent warm air from escaping to the outside from the grooves Gi of the main body 131i. As a result, these knee socks have excellent heat insulation and heat retention properties.

[0115] <Modifications> (A) In the previous third embodiment, the present invention was applied to knee-high socks, but the present invention may also be applied to over-the-knee socks, leg warmers, stockings, tights, etc., and the present invention may also be applied to arm covers, arm warmers, etc.

[0116] (B) In the knee socks according to the third embodiment, the ridges Fi2 of the opening 232i are formed in positions corresponding to the grooves Gi of the main body 131i, and the grooves Gi2 of the opening 232i are formed in positions corresponding to the ridges Fi of the main body 131i, and the ridges Fi2 of the opening 232i function as closures that close the ends of the grooves Gi of the main body 131i on the opening side. However, the ridges Fi2 of the opening 232i do not necessarily have to function as closures. In other words, the ridges Fi2 of the opening 232i may be formed so that the grooves Gi of the main body 131i and the ridges Fi2 of the opening 232i are connected to each other.

[0117] (C) In the knee socks according to the third embodiment, as shown in Figure 18, the opening portion 232i is knitted one stitch away from the stitches of the main body portion 131i of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i in the course direction, so that a ridge portion Fi2 of the opening portion 232i is formed in a position corresponding to the groove Gi of the main body portion 131i, and a groove Gi2 of the opening portion 232i is formed in a position corresponding to the ridge portion Fi of the main body portion 131i. However, as shown in Figure 21, the opening portion 332i may be knitted two stitches away from the main body portion 131i in the course direction, so that a ridge portion Fi3 of the opening portion 332i is formed in a position corresponding to the groove Gi of the main body portion 131i, and a groove Gi3 of the opening portion 332i is formed in a position corresponding to the ridge portion Fi of the main body portion 131i. Here, as long as the ridge portion Fi3 of the opening portion 332i is formed at a position corresponding to the groove Gi of the main body portion 131i, and the groove Gi3 of the opening portion 332i is formed at a position corresponding to the ridge portion Fi of the main body portion 131i, the number of shifted stitches is not particularly limited and can be set freely.

[0118] In this case, the positional relationship between the grooves Gi and rib portions Fi of the main body portion 131i and the grooves Go3 and rib portions Fo3 of the outer knitted fabric layer 330o is as shown in Fig. 22. This is because, as will be described later, the inner knitted fabric layer is folded back inside the outer knitted fabric layer 330o when knitting knee-high socks.

[0119] Furthermore, as shown in modified example (B), the ridge Fi3 of the opening 332i may be formed so that the groove Gi of the main body 131i and the ridge Fi3 of the opening 332i are in communication with each other.

[0120] (D) In ​​the knee socks according to the third embodiment, as shown in Figure 18, the opening portion 232i is knitted one stitch away from the stitches of the main body portion 131i of the inner knitted fabric layer 130i in the course direction, so that a ridge portion Fi2 of the opening portion 232i is formed in a position corresponding to the groove Gi of the main body portion 131i, and a groove Gi2 of the opening portion 232i is formed in a position corresponding to the ridge portion Fi of the main body portion 131i. However, as shown in Figure 23, by knitting the opening portion 432i at a knitting pitch different from that of the main body portion 131i, a ridge portion Fi4 of the opening portion 432i is formed in a position corresponding to the groove Gi of the main body portion 131i, and a groove Gi4 of the opening portion 432i is formed in a position corresponding to the rib portion Fi of the main body portion 131i. However, in this case, as shown in Figure 23, the position of some of the grooves Gi4 in the opening portion 432i coincides with the position of some of the grooves Gi in the main body portion 131i. This ensures that these knee-high socks are breathable without significantly compromising their insulating and warmth-retaining properties. This means that these knee-high socks can prevent the wearer's legs from becoming sweaty.

[0121] In this case, the positional relationship between the grooves Gi and rib portions Fi of the main body portion 131i and the grooves Go4 and rib portions Fo4 of the outer knitted fabric layer 430o is as shown in Fig. 24. This is because, as will be described later, the inner knitted fabric layer is folded back inside the outer knitted fabric layer 430o when knitting knee-high socks.

[0122] Furthermore, as shown in the above-described modified example (B), the ridge portion Fi4 of the opening portion 432i may be formed so that the groove Gi of the main body portion 131i and the ridge portion Fi4 of the opening portion 432i are in communication with each other.

[0123] (E) In the previous third embodiment, knee-high socks having the inner knitted fabric layer 230i shown in Fig. 17 were given as an example, but knee-high socks having the inner knitted fabric layer 530i shown in Fig. 25 may also be given as an example of an embodiment of the present invention. These knee-high socks are identical to the knee-high socks according to the third embodiment, except that the opening portion 232i in the inner knitted fabric layer 230i of the partial leg-covering portion according to the third embodiment is replaced with a closing portion 533i and an opening portion 532i. For this reason, only the closing portion 533i and the opening portion 532i of the inner knitted fabric layer 530i will be described in detail here.

[0124] When knitting the closing portion 533i, as when knitting the opening portion 232i of the knee-high socks of the third embodiment, the rib portions Fi6 of the closing portion 533i are formed in positions in the course direction that correspond to the grooves Gi of the main body portion 131i, and the grooves Gi6 of the closing portion 533i are formed in positions that correspond to the rib portions Fi of the main body portion 131i. Furthermore, when knitting the opening portion 532i, the rib portions Fi5 of the opening portion 533i are formed in positions in the course direction that correspond to the grooves Gi6 of the closing portion 533i, and the grooves Gi5 of the opening portion 532i are formed in positions that correspond to the rib portions Fi6 of the closing portion 533i. That is, in these knee-high socks, the grooves Gi of the main body portion 131i are closed by the rib portions Fi6 of the closing portion 533i, and the grooves Gi6 of the closing portion 533i are closed by the rib portions Fi5 of the opening portion 532i. Therefore, in these knee socks, the airtightness of the internal space of the groove Gi of the main body portion 131i can be further improved.

[0125] In addition, in these knee socks, (a) as shown in Figure 26, the closed portion 533i may be knitted two stitches apart from the stitches of the main body portion 131i in the course direction, and the opening portion 532i may be knitted two stitches apart from the stitches of the closed portion 533i, or (b) as shown in Figure 28, the closed portion 533i may be knitted one stitch apart from the stitches of the main body portion 131i in the course direction, and the knitting pitch of the opening portion 532i may be changed to be different from the knitting pitch of the closed portion 533i, or (c) as shown in Figure 30, the knitting pitch of the closed portion 533i may be changed to be different from the knitting pitch of the main body portion 131i, and the knitting pitch of the opening portion 532i may be changed to be different from the knitting pitch of the closed portion 533i, and the knitting pitch of the closing portion 533i may be knitted. Here, as long as the ridge portion Fi6 of the blocking portion 533i is formed at a position corresponding to the groove Gi of the main body portion 131i, the groove Gi6 of the blocking portion 533i is formed at a position corresponding to the ridge portion Fi of the main body portion 131i, and the ridge portion Fi5 of the opening portion 532i is formed at a position corresponding to the groove Gi6 of the blocking portion 533i, and the groove Gi5 of the opening portion 532i is formed at a position corresponding to the ridge portion Fi6 of the blocking portion 533i, the number of shifted stitches and the knitting pitch are not particularly limited and can be set freely.

[0126] Incidentally, when knitting these knee-high socks, after the opening portion 532i is knitted, the outer knitted layer 530o is knitted from the opening end of the outer knitted fabric layer 530o to the end of the connecting portion side of the outer knitted fabric layer 530o without changing the knitting position or knitting pitch, and when the inner knitted fabric layer 530i is folded back inside the outer knitted fabric layer 530o, in the knitting method (a) described above, The positional relationship between the grooves Go5 and rib portions Fo5 of the outer knitted fabric layer 530o is as shown in Figure 27, and in the knitting method of (b) above, the positional relationship between the grooves Go5 and rib portions Fo5 of the outer knitted fabric layer 530o relative to the positional relationship between the grooves Gi and rib portions Fi of the main body portion 131i is as shown in Figure 29, and in the knitting method of (c) above, the positional relationship between the grooves Go5 and rib portions Fo5 of the outer knitted fabric layer 530o relative to the positional relationship between the grooves Gi and rib portions Fi of the main body portion 131i is as shown in Figure 27. In the cases of (a) and (c) above, as shown in Figure 27, all of the grooves Gi of the main body portion 131i face all of the grooves Go5 of the outer knitted fabric layer 530o, and all of the rib portions Fi of the main body portion 131i face all of the rib portions Fo5 of the outer knitted fabric layer 530o. Therefore, in the above-mentioned cases (a) and (c), it is possible to make it difficult for air to move in the space between the main body portion 131i and the outer knitted fabric layer 530o, which is expected to result in improved heat retention.

[0127] Furthermore, as shown in the above-mentioned modified example (B), the main body portion 131i, the blocking portion 533i and the opening portion 532i may be formed so that the groove Gi of the main body portion 131i, the groove Gi6 of the blocking portion 533i and the groove Gi5 of the opening portion 532i are connected (in such a case, the blocking portion 533i does not function as a blocking portion).

[0128] (F) When knitting the knee-high socks according to the third embodiment, the inner knitted fabric layer was folded inside the outer knitted fabric layer 230o, but a separately knitted outer knitted fabric layer may be sewn to the inner knitted fabric layer. Even in such a case, it is desirable to sew the outer knitted fabric layer to the inner knitted fabric layer so that the purl stitches of the outer knitted fabric layer 230o face the purl stitches of the inner knitted fabric layer. Furthermore, in such a case, there is more freedom in shifting the stitches of the outer knitted fabric layer 230o relative to the inner knitted fabric layer.

[0129] (G) Although not specifically mentioned in the previous third embodiment, the contractile forces of the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer 230o may be adjusted. For example, if the contractile force of the outer knitted fabric layer 230o is made greater than that of the inner knitted fabric layer, the air layer between the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer 230o becomes narrower, improving the fit to the leg. On the other hand, if the contractile force of the outer knitted fabric layer 230o is made smaller than that of the inner knitted fabric layer, the air layer between the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer 230o becomes wider, improving heat retention.

[0130] (H) In the knee socks according to the third embodiment, the inner knitted fabric layer 230i is provided with a main body portion 131i and an opening portion 232i. However, instead of or in addition to this, the outer knitted fabric layer 230o may be provided with a main body portion and an opening portion. Furthermore, when both the inner knitted fabric layer 230i and the outer knitted fabric layer 230o are provided with a main body portion and an opening portion, the positional relationship between the grooves and ribs and the knitting pitch may be changed in each main body portion and / or each opening portion. Furthermore, as shown in the above-mentioned modified example (E), when the inner knitted fabric layer 530i is provided with a main body portion 131i, a closing portion 533i and an opening portion 532i, instead of or in addition to this, the outer knitted fabric layer 530o may be provided with a main body portion, a closing portion and an opening portion, and the positional relationship between the grooves and ribs and the knitting pitch may be changed in each main body portion and / or each closing portion and / or each opening portion.

[0131] The above-described modifications may be used alone or in appropriate combinations within a consistent range. The modifications of the second embodiment may also be applied to the knee socks of the third embodiment.

Claims

1. A limb attachment that covers part or all of a limb, comprising: a groove forming section in which at least one first groove extending toward the insertion opening is formed on the inside; and a closing section formed on the insertion opening side of the groove forming section and closing the insertion opening side ends of some or all of the grooves.

2. The limb attachment according to claim 1, wherein at least one second ridge extending toward the insertion opening is formed on the inside of the closing portion, and part or all of the second ridge of the closing portion closes the insertion opening side ends of part or all of the first grooves of the groove forming portion.

3. A limb attachment according to claim 1, wherein the groove forming portion is knitted so as to form the first groove and a first ridge portion adjacent to the first groove, and the closing portion is knitted so as to form a second ridge portion and a second groove adjacent to the second ridge portion at a formation pitch different from the formation pitch of the first groove and the first ridge portion.

4. A limb attachment according to claim 1, wherein the groove forming portion is knitted so as to form the first groove and a first ridge portion adjacent to the first groove, and the closing portion is knitted so as to form a second groove at a position shifted from the position at which the first groove is formed, and the second ridge portion adjacent to the second groove is formed at a position shifted from the position at which the first ridge portion is formed.

5. The limb attachment according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the groove forming portion and the closing portion are knitted using pile sinker knitting.

6. A limb attachment according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the groove forming portion and the closing portion are formed by inserting elastic yarn into the knitted fabric in a skipped stitch manner in pile sinker knitting.

7. The limb attachment according to claim 1, comprising an inner layer and an outer layer disposed on the outside of said inner layer, said groove forming portion and said closing portion being provided in said inner layer.

8. A limb attachment that covers part or all of a limb, comprising: an inner knitted fabric layer having at least one first groove extending towards the insertion opening on the outside and a first rib portion adjacent to the first groove; and an outer knitted fabric layer having at least one second groove extending towards the insertion opening on the inside and a second rib portion adjacent to the second groove, the outer knitted fabric layer being disposed on the outside of the inner knitted fabric layer, wherein the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer are knitted continuously in a tubular shape, the inner knitted fabric layer is folded back inside the outer knitted fabric layer so that its inner surface faces the inner surface of the outer knitted fabric layer, and the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer differ in at least part of their configurations.

9. A limb attachment according to claim 8, wherein the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer are knitted so that all of the second grooves face all of the first grooves, and the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer differ in at least one of the thickness, number, composition and stretchability of the constituent yarns.

10. The limb attachment according to claim 8, wherein the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer are knitted so that at least some of the second grooves do not face the first grooves.

11. The limb attachment according to claim 10, wherein the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer are knitted so that the second grooves and the second ribs are formed at a pitch different from the pitch at which the first grooves and the first ribs are formed.

12. A limb attachment according to claim 10, wherein the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer are knitted so that the second groove is formed at a position offset from the formation position of the first groove, and the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer are knitted so that the second rib portion is formed at a position offset from the formation position of the first rib portion.

13. The limb attachment according to claim 10, further comprising a closing portion formed on the insertion opening side of the inner knitted fabric layer, closing the insertion side ends of some or all of the first grooves.

14. A limb attachment according to claim 13, wherein at least one third ridge extending toward the insertion opening is formed on the inside of the blocking portion, and part or all of the third ridge of the blocking portion closes the end of part or all of the first grooves on the insertion opening side.

15. The limb attachment according to any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer are knitted using pile sinker knitting.

16. The limb attachment according to claim 15, wherein in the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer, the elastic yarn is inserted into the knitted fabric by skipping stitches in pile sinker knitting.

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