Seamless Knit Footwear with Elongated Stitch Restraining Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foot-covering garments face limitations in size extension due to closed-loop elastic edges, which restrict the use of natural fibers like cotton and lead to uncomfortable elastic edges at the toe and heel portions, causing friction issues.
Innovation Solution
A knit foot-covering garment with restraining edges composed of elongated stitches at the middle portion, which are less extensible and provide a comfortable fit without the need for elastic edges at the toe and heel, allowing for larger sizes and improved pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If closed-loop elastic edges are used at toe and heel portions, then the garment can be held securely on the foot, but the garment length is limited and cannot accommodate large sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The garment is divided into distinct functional zones: toe portion with elastic edge for secure fit, middle portion without elastic edge for extended length and comfort, and heel portion with elastic edge for anchoring. This segmentation allows the garment to achieve both secure fit and extended length for large sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the garment have different structural qualities: the toe and heel portions contain elastic edges for elasticity and secure holding, while the middle portion is constructed without elastic edges to provide extended length, comfort, and flexibility for larger foot sizes.
2Length of moving object
If elastic material is used to extend garment size, then large sizes can be accommodated, but the selection of usable yarns is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The garment structure separates the elastic function (confined to toe and heel portions) from the main body (middle portion). This allows the middle portion to use natural fibers like cotton without elastic properties, while the toe and heel portions use elastic yarns for secure fit, thus expanding yarn selection versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Elastic properties are applied locally only where needed (toe and heel portions) rather than throughout the entire garment. This enables the use of natural, non-elastic fibers for the majority of the garment length, significantly broadening the range of usable yarns including cotton, wool, and other natural fibers.
3Reliability
If elastic edge is provided at partial upper foot region, then the garment remains fitted during movement, but the elastic edge causes discomfort and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic edge is extracted from the middle portion (partial upper foot region) and relocated exclusively to the toe and heel portions. This removes the source of discomfort and friction from the middle portion while preserving the fit-stabilizing function at the critical anchor points (toe and heel).
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic edge is applied selectively only at the toe and heel portions where it provides fit stability without causing discomfort. The middle portion, which contacts the sensitive upper foot region, is constructed without elastic edge to minimize friction and maximize comfort during movement.
4Length of moving object
If free edges are provided at middle portion, then the garment can be extended for large sizes, but the edges bend and create thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic edge is removed from the middle portion, allowing the edges to remain free and unconfined. This enables the middle portion to extend freely for large sizes without the constraining effect of elastic edges, while the free edges naturally lie flat without bending or creating unwanted thickness.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a seamless knit foot-covering garment (1), as well as a method for manufacturing thereof on circular machines for hosiery and knitwear. The foot covering garment comprises a heel portion (4), a toe portion (2), a middle portion (3) located between the heel portion (4) and the toe portion (2) and an opening (5) between said heel portion (4), said middle portion (3) and said toe portion (2). The toe portion (2) and the heel portion (4) being aligned along a longitudinal direction. The garment is seamlessly knitted as a whole. At the opening (5) the middle portion (3) ends with right and left restraining edges (6, 6') comprising a plurality of specific stitches (7) of at least one main thread, named elongated stitches, each of them having a longitudinal extent in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the total longitudinal extent in the longitudinal direction of at least two stitches (8) of said at least one main thread in the remaining middle portion (3).