Patent Application
20250230587
The present disclosure concerns the technical field of knitted socks and methods for knitting the socks, particularly for practicing a sport.
The one-piece knitted socks usually comprise a knitted pocket located at the level of the toes for receiving the toes, then a tubular part receiving the midfoot, and finally a pocket receiving the heel. The pocket receiving the heel or the toes is generally obtained by knitting a trapezoidal upper part and a trapezoidal lower part. The tubular part disposed in the midfoot region, and between the toe and heel pockets, comprises elastic yarns in order to conform to the midfoot area. Indeed, this tubular shape does not correspond to the natural shape of the foot and is therefore not adapted to conform to the foot. It is indeed desired that the knitted socks conform to the foot in order to prevent textile portions of the sock from being loose or forming folds and generating friction with the skin. However, the sock must not be too tight on the foot in order to preserve comfort. These two criteria focused on comfort and fit are opposed, and difficult to satisfy, particularly when the knitted sock is intended to be worn for practicing sports.
There is therefore a need for a one-piece knitted sock that is adjusted to the foot but without tightening it too much, and which avoids the formation of friction areas likely to generate blisters.
At the same time, it is sought that knitted socks are recyclable. To this end, it is necessary to reduce the number of different materials in the knitted sock. Generally, elastic yarns are used to improve the fit of the sock on the foot and improve comfort. These elastic yarns, comprising a core in an elastomeric material, complicate the dyeing of the sock, and are in a different material from the rest of the sock (for example based on polyester or polyamide) which complicates recycling. End-of-life articles comprising elastane-based elastic yarns, being difficult to recycle, are buried or burned.
There is thus a need for a single-piece knitted sock that is easily recyclable, fitted to the foot while preserving comfort and avoiding the formation of friction areas.
The present disclosure relates, according to a first aspect, to a knitted sock, in particular for practicing a sport, comprising a toe region, a midfoot region and a heel region, and optionally a leg region, overcoming the aforementioned problems in that said knitted sock advantageously comprises a knitted trapezoidal dorsal part and a knitted trapezoidal plantar part which are secured by knitted medial and lateral securing regions. Furthermore, the knitted trapezoidal plantar and dorsal parts and the knitted medial and lateral securing regions extend in the toe region and at least partly in the midfoot region.
Advantageously, the trapezoidal dorsal and plantar parts are knitted so as to extend into at least the midfoot region, and possibly up to the boundary of the heel region.
Advantageously, the knitted trapezoidal dorsal and plantar parts together form a knitted pocket, in particular having a substantially trapezoidal general shape, receiving the toes and partly the midfoot region, and possibly the entire midfoot region.
This arrangement makes it possible to obtain a one-piece knitted sock that conforms to the foot, without the formation of folds or the creation of friction areas. The knitted sock according to the present disclosure thus has an ergonomic shape unlike the socks of the state of the art essentially comprising a tubular portion in the entire midfoot region.
Advantageously, it is not necessary to knit one or more elastic yarn(s) in the trapezoidal dorsal and plantar parts so that the knitted pocket conforms to the shape of the foot, which makes it possible to reduce the number of yarns in different materials, and facilitates dyeing.
It has also been observed that the knitted dorsal part is decoupled from the knitted plantar part, and this on the medial and lateral sides of the sock by means of the knitted medial and lateral securing regions independent of the trapezoidal plantar and dorsal parts, which allows the sock to remain correctly positioned on the foot without forming folds while following the movements of the foot. This technical effect is particularly advantageous when the sock is used to practice a sport.
In the present text, it is meant by “toe region of the knitted sock” the region corresponding to the five toes of the foot (particularly corresponding to the phalanges of the foot). The knitted toe region of the knitted sock may cover at least partly, or completely, the five toes of the foot.
In the present text, it is meant by “midfoot region of the knitted sock” the region extending between the toe region and the heel region of the knitted sock, particularly the midfoot region comprises the region corresponding to the metatarsals of the foot, and also comprises the scaphoid, the cuboid and the arch of the foot.
The knitted midfoot region of the knitted sock may cover at least partly, or completely, the metatarsals, the scaphoid, the cuboid and the arch of the foot.
In the present text, it is meant by “heel region of the knitted sock” the region corresponding to the heel of the foot (particularly comprising the calcaneus).
The knitted heel region of the knitted sock may cover at least partly, or completely, the heel.
In the present text, it is meant by “leg region of the knitted sock” the region corresponding to the leg, particularly comprising the malleolus and whose height varies. The height of the leg region is variable, and may extend to mid-height of the leg below the knee, or extend just below the knee, or above the knee.
Preferably, a knitted trapezoidal part (whether plantar or dorsal, or upper or lower when at the level of the heel) comprises a large base and a small base substantially parallel to each other, and connected by lateral and medial sides converging towards the small base.
Preferably, the large base corresponds to a row of knitted stitches comprising x stitches and the small base corresponding to a row of knitted stitches comprising y stitches, y being less than x, still preferably y is less than or equal to 0.7 *x, preferentially y is less than or equal to 0.6 *x, more preferentially y is less than or equal to 0.5 *x, particularly y is less than or equal to 0.4 *x.
Preferably, the knitted trapezoidal dorsal, respectively plantar, part comprises a distal end and a proximal end, particularly corresponding to the small base and to the large base respectively defined above.
Preferably, the distal end corresponds to the part furthest from the leg of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal, respectively plantar, part, and the proximal end corresponds to the part closest to the leg of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal, respectively plantar, part.
Preferably, the knitted trapezoidal dorsal, respectively plantar, part comprises a distal part and a proximal part, particularly disposed in the vicinity of the distal end and of the proximal end respectively.
Preferably, the knitted trapezoidal dorsal, respectively plantar, part comprises a medial edge particularly disposed on the medial side of the knitted sock, and a lateral edge particularly disposed on the lateral side of the knitted sock.
Preferably, the medial edge of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part is secured by knitting to the medial edge of the knitted trapezoidal plantar part, particularly in the knitted medial securing region.
Preferably, the lateral edge of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part is secured by knitting to the lateral edge of the knitted trapezoidal plantar part, particularly in the knitted lateral securing region.
Preferably, the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part has substantially the same dimensions as the knitted trapezoidal plantar part, in particular the large base, the small base and the medial and lateral sides of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part have substantially the same dimensions respectively as the large base, the small base and the medial and lateral sides of the knitted trapezoidal plantar part.
Preferably, the knitted trapezoidal dorsal, respectively plantar, part is substantially in a single knitted trapezoid.
In one embodiment, the foot introduction aperture of the knitted sock is knitted and comprises a knitted border, particularly a rib edge a*b, a and b being integers other than 0 with possibly a equal to b.
In one embodiment, the knitted sock comprises one or more yarn(s), in particular one or more spun fiber yarn(s), and/or one or more multifilament yarn(s), and/or one or more monofilament yarn(s).
The yarn(s) of the knitted sock is/are in one or more material(s) chosen from the list comprising: polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate, polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene, polyacrylics, polyamides such as polyamide 6-6 or 6, cotton, viscose, linen, etc.
Preferably, the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part and/or the knitted trapezoidal plantar part each comprise(s) one or more spun fiber yarn(s) and/or one or more multifilament optionally textured yarn(s), in particular which is/are in one or more material(s) chosen from the list comprising: polyesters (such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate) and polyamides.
In one embodiment, the knitted medial, respectively lateral, securing region extends from the distal part of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal, respectively plantar, part into the midfoot region, or extends in the midfoot region and up to the heel region.
In one embodiment, the sock comprises a knitted heel pocket intended to receive all or part of the wearer's heel, in particular extending in the heel region of the sock.
In one embodiment, the knitted medial, respectively lateral, securing region extends from the distal part of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal, respectively plantar, part, up to the knitted heel pocket, particularly the heel pocket comprises knitted upper and lower trapezoidal heel parts and secured along their respective medial and lateral edges by knitting.
Particularly, the heel pocket has a substantially trapezoidal general shape.
Preferably, the sock comprises a longitudinal axis L extending between its front and rear edges, and a transverse axis T extending between the medial and lateral edges of the sock, particularly the axis T is secant to the axis L, more particularly T and L are substantially perpendicular.
In one embodiment, the knitted sock has a length lo extending between its front edge and its rear edge, in particular substantially parallel to its longitudinal axis L, and the knitted medial, respectively lateral, securing region extends over a portion of the length l0 of the sock and has a length l1, l1 is greater than or equal to 0.30*l0 or to 0.40*l0, in particular less than or equal to 0.50*l0.
In another embodiment, l0 is greater than or equal to 0.50*l1 particularly l0 is greater than or equal to 0.70*l1.
Preferably, it is meant by “knitted trapezoidal dorsal part” a part of the knitted sock disposed on the top of the foot when worn, in particular opposite to the plantar part.
Preferably, it is meant by “knitted trapezoidal plantar part” a part of the knitted sock disposed on the underside of the foot when worn, in particular facing the sole of the foot.
In one variant of embodiment, the knitted medial, respectively lateral, securing region extends from the toe region in the midfoot region, possibly up to substantially the heel region, and is substantially rectilinear or curved.
In one variant of embodiment, the medial securing region is substantially curved and the lateral securing region is substantially curved, the medial and lateral securing regions converging towards each other in the vicinity of the proximal part or of the proximal end of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part.
In one variant of embodiment, the knitted medial, respectively lateral, securing region comprises one or more binding yarn(s) knitted both in the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part and in the knitted trapezoidal plantar part, preferably the binding yarn(s) is/are knitted alternately in the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part and in the knitted trapezoidal plantar part and this over the entire length of the medial, respectively lateral, securing region.
Advantageously, the binding yarn(s) form(s) one or more knitted section(s) extending between a medial or lateral edge of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part and the corresponding (medial or lateral) edge of the knitted trapezoidal plantar part.
In one embodiment, the medial, respectively lateral, securing region comprises one or more binding yarn(s) forming one or more knitted knot(s) disposed along the medial, respectively lateral, edge of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part, and along the medial, respectively lateral, edge of the knitted medial part.
This arrangement makes it possible to reinforce the medial and lateral securing regions.
In one embodiment, the medial, respectively lateral, securing region comprises one or more yarn(s) forming tuck stitches in the knitted trapezoidal dorsal, respectively plantar, part.
This arrangement makes it possible to reduce the length of the knitted securing yarn between the joined edges, and to reduce the elasticity. The tuck stitches improve stability and promote retention of the knitted shape.
Advantageously, the length of the sections of knitted binding yarn(s) can vary. The edges of the dorsal and plantar parts can thus be separated by through apertures or be adjoining. In this case, there are no through apertures. It is also possible to combine these two aspects along the length of the securing regions depending on the desired technical effect.
Advantageously, the length of the knitted binding yarn(s) extending between the knitted trapezoidal dorsal and medial parts, and/or the type of stitch formed by the yarn(s), make(s) it possible to bring more or less the medial, respectively lateral, edges closer to each other, and possibly form one or more through aperture(s) whose size varies.
In one variant of embodiment, the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part and/or the knitted trapezoidal plantar part and/or the knitted trapezoidal upper heel part and/or the knitted trapezoidal lower heel part each comprise(s) one or more transverse looped stitch reinforcement strip(s), particularly extending along a direction secant to the longitudinal axis L of the knitted sock.
In one variant of embodiment, the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part comprises one or more looped knitted area(s), and/or the knitted trapezoidal plantar part comprises one or more looped knitted area(s), and/or the knitted trapezoidal upper heel part comprises one or more looped knitted area(s), and/or the knitted trapezoidal lower heel part comprises one or more looped knitted area(s), and/or the knitted leg part comprises one or more looped knitted area(s).
These looped areas locally provide more textile material and can thus ensure a cushioning or reinforcement function.
In the present text, it is meant by “looped knitted areas or looped stitch reinforcement strips” a strip or an area comprising looped stitches, that is to say stitches comprising elongated loops, particularly designated in the state of the art by terry loops.
In one variant of embodiment, the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part, and/or the knitted trapezoidal plantar part, each comprise(s) a first yarn and a second yarn, the first and second yarns are different, particularly by at least one characteristic chosen among: the color, the linear mass (dtex), the composition and the structure (for example according to the number of filaments, the application or non-application of texturing to the yarn).
In one embodiment, the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part and/or the knitted trapezoidal plantar part each comprise(s) a first yarn in a first color and a second yarn in a second color, the first color being different from the second color.
In one variant of embodiment, the knitted trapezoidal upper heel part and/or the knitted trapezoidal lower heel part each comprise(s) a first yarn and a second yarn, the first and second yarns are different, particularly by at least one characteristic chosen among: the color, the linear mass (dtex), the composition (for example the first yarn is made of polyamide 6-6 and the second yarn is made of polyethylene terephthalate), and the structure (for example according to the number of filaments, the application or non-application of texturing to the yarn).
The knitting machine used for knitting the sock according to the present disclosure advantageously makes it possible to knit at least two different yarns for the main trapezoidal knitted foot pocket and/or the trapezoidal knitted heel pocket, which was not possible before. This arrangement makes it possible to give the sock more functionalities (cushioning, comfort, better ergonomics, reduced heating).
In one variant of embodiment, the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part is knitted with rows of dorsal stitches that are knitted back and forth, and the knitted trapezoidal plantar part is knitted with rows of plantar stitches that are knitted back and forth.
Advantageously, a row of stitches of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal, respectively plantar, part is knitted by forming a back and forth movement on a circular knitting machine.
Particularly, a portion knitted back and forth is also referred to in the state of the art as being knitted from front to back, more particularly in contrast to a portion knitted in the round.
A circularly knitted portion comprises rows of stitches that are knitted in the round continuously. The knitting is therefore always done on the same side. In contrast to back and forth knitting, the right side is knitted for example and then the reverse side is knitted back.
In one variant of embodiment, the knitted sock comprises a knitted tubular part with rows of stitches knitted in the round disposed in the midfoot region of the knitted sock, particularly between the knitted trapezoidal dorsal and plantar parts on the one hand and the heel region on the other hand.
In one variant of embodiment, the knitted sock comprises a knitted tubular part with rows of stitches knitted in the round disposed in the leg region.
In one variant of embodiment, the knitted trapezoidal plantar part is folded, in the toe region of the sock, over the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part.
Advantageously, the trapezoidal plantar part is knitted in continuity with the trapezoidal dorsal part, particularly the small base of the trapezoid of the dorsal part is merged or consecutive with the small base of the trapezoid of the trapezoidal plantar part.
In one variant of embodiment, the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part comprises an inner face and an outer face, and the knitted trapezoidal plantar part comprises an inner face and an outer face, and the inner face of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part is disposed facing the inner face of the knitted trapezoidal plantar part.
Preferably, the inner faces are oriented facing the internal volume of the sock.
Preferably, the outer faces are oriented towards the outside of the sock.
In one variant of embodiment, the knitted trapezoidal plantar part comprises a toe end part or distal part, and the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part comprises a toe end part or distal part, and the toe end part or distal part of the knitted trapezoidal plantar part is knitted continuously with the toe end part or distal part of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part.
In one variant of embodiment, the knitted trapezoidal plantar part and the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part together form a pocket, in particular of substantially trapezoidal shape, arranged to receive at least partly the toes of a foot, and at least partly the midfoot of the foot, optionally the entire midfoot.
In one variant of embodiment, the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part comprises a distal part and a proximal part, and the number of stitches (ad) in a row of stitches of the distal part is smaller than the number of stitches (bd) in a row of stitches of the proximal part, particularly the number ad is smaller than or equal to 0.50*bd.
In one variant of embodiment, the knitted trapezoidal plantar part comprises a distal part and a proximal part, and the number of stitches (ap) in a row of stitches of the distal part is smaller than the number of stitches (bp) in a row of stitches of the proximal part, particularly the number ap is smaller than or equal to 0.50*bp.
The numbers ad, bd, aP and bp are determined as a function of the desired dimensions for the pocket receiving the toes and all or part of the midfoot.
Advantageously, the decrease in the number of stitches from the row of stitches comprising a number bd of stitches to reach a number of stitches ad in a given row of stitches is progressive, thus the number of stitches per row of stitches measured on two consecutive rows of stitches and going from the proximal part to the distal part of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part decreases or stagnates but does not increase.
Advantageously, the increase in the number of stitches from the row of stitches comprising a number aP of stitches to reach a number of stitches bp in a given row of stitches is progressive, thus the number of stitches per row of stitches measured on two consecutive rows of stitches and going from the distal part to the proximal part of the knitted trapezoidal plantar part increases or stagnates but does not decrease.
In one variant of embodiment, the number of stitches (k) of any row of stitches (n) knitted in the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part is greater than or equal to the number of stitches (p) in the row of stitches (n+2) knitted after the row of stitches (n) and in the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part, the numbers n, p and k being integers other than 0.
Advantageously, the row of stitches (n+2) is knitted after the row of stitches n, the trapezoidal dorsal part being knitted from its proximal end/proximal part to its distal end/distal part.
In one variant of embodiment, the number of stitches (k′) of any row of stitches (n′) knitted in the knitted trapezoidal plantar part is smaller than or equal to the number of stitches (p′) in the row of stitches (n′+2) knitted after the row of stitches (n) and in the knitted trapezoidal plantar part, the numbers n′, p′ and k′ being integers other than 0.
Advantageously, the row of stitches (n′+2) is knitted after the row of stitches n′, the trapezoidal plantar part being knitted from its distal end/distal part towards its proximal end/proximal part.
In one variant of embodiment, the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part and the knitted trapezoidal plantar part are symmetrical along a transverse axis of symmetry (T1) passing between the distal end of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part and the distal end of the knitted trapezoidal plantar part.
Advantageously, the progression of the decrease in the number of knitted stitches from one row of stitches to another row of stitches in the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part is similar to the progression of the increase in the number of knitted stitches from one row of stitches to another row of stitches in the knitted trapezoidal plantar part. The transverse axis T1 extends from the medial side to the lateral side of the knitted sock, and is transverse to the longitudinal axis (L) of the knitted sock, possibly substantially perpendicular to the axis (L).
In one variant of embodiment, at least one of the knitted medial and lateral securing regions comprises several knitted through apertures, preferably each of the knitted medial and lateral securing regions comprises several knitted through apertures.
Advantageously, the periphery of each through aperture comprises a portion of the knitted lateral, respectively medial, edge of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part, and a portion of the knitted lateral, respectively medial, edge of the knitted trapezoidal plantar part, and optionally one or two knitted sections extending between the lateral, respectively medial, edges of the dorsal and plantar parts.
Preferably, at least one dimension of at least one through aperture, optionally of each of the through apertures, is greater than or equal to 1 mm, particularly greater than or equal to 3 mm, more particularly less than or equal to 8 mm.
The size of the apertures is preferably measured on the foot when the knitted sock is slightly tensioned.
Advantageously, the through apertures disposed on the medial and lateral sides of the knitted sock improve the mobility of the trapezoidal dorsal part relative to the trapezoidal plantar part.
In one variant of embodiment, the knitted medial and lateral securing regions do not comprise through apertures.
In one variant of embodiment, the medial, respectively lateral, edge of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part is in direct contact with the medial, respectively lateral, edge of the knitted trapezoidal plantar part, in particular over all or part of the length of the edges.
Particularly, the medial and lateral securing regions do not in this case comprise through apertures on the area(s) in which the medial or lateral edges are adjoining.
In one variant of embodiment, the knitted sock comprises a knitted trapezoidal lower heel part and a knitted trapezoidal upper heel part which are secured by knitted auxiliary medial and lateral securing regions.
Advantageously, the trapezoidal lower and upper heel parts form a pocket receiving the heel.
Preferably, the pocket receiving the heel has a general trapezoid shape.
In one variant of embodiment, the trapezoidal lower heel part is knitted from the proximal end of the knitted trapezoidal plantar part, particularly in continuity with the proximal end of the knitted trapezoidal plantar part.
In one variant of embodiment, the proximal end of the knitted trapezoidal upper heel part and the proximal end of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part are adjacent and joined by knitting, particularly by knitting of at least one row of circular knitted stitches.
In one variant of embodiment, the knitted sock comprises at least one portion knitted with rows of circular stitches, and the knitted portion extends in the midfoot region of the knitted sock.
Particularly, the portion knitted with rows of circular stitches is disposed between the toe region and the heel region.
In one variant of embodiment, the knitted sock comprises at least one dorsal or plantar auxiliary through aperture knitted and having a knitted border, particularly extending in the midfoot region of the knitted sock.
Particularly, the auxiliary through aperture has at least one dimension greater than or equal to 10 mm or 20 mm, particularly greater than or equal to 30 mm or 40 mm, in particular less than or equal to 60 mm.
The auxiliary through aperture preferably has a rounded, particularly circular or elliptical, shape.
This auxiliary aperture has the function of improving the comfort, proprioception and ventilation of the sock.
In one embodiment, the auxiliary through aperture comprises one or more row(s) of circular knitted stitches.
Preferably, the knitted sock comprises an aperture for introducing the foot into the foot-receiving volume of the knitted sock different from the auxiliary through aperture.
In one embodiment, the auxiliary through aperture is delimited by a circular knitted border.
In one embodiment, the auxiliary through aperture is disposed in a knitted tubular portion, the knitted tubular portion being disposed in the midfoot region, particularly the tubular portion comprises rows of circular stitches.
Particularly, the knitted tubular portion comprising rows of circular stitches is disposed between the knitted trapezoidal dorsal and plantar parts on the one hand and the heel region on the other hand.
In one variant of embodiment, the knitted trapezoidal plantar and dorsal parts, and the knitted medial and lateral securing regions, extend in the toe region and in the midfoot region up to the heel region.
Advantageously, the entire foot, with the exception of the heel, is housed in the pocket formed by the knitted trapezoidal plantar and dorsal parts.
This arrangement reinforces the advantages described above because they are found on the entire foot, that is to say from the end of the toes up to the ankle: the sock conforms to the foot better and has better ergonomics, the main trapezoidal knitted pocket comprises very little or no elastic yarn(s), the sock is more easily recycled when it does not comprise elastic yarns, this arrangement avoids the formation of folds and therefore generates little or no friction with the foot (which avoids the formation of blisters in particular).
In one variant of embodiment, the knitted trapezoidal plantar and dorsal parts comprise at most 16%, preferably at most (or less than) 10%, more preferably at most 6% or 5%, by mass of one or more elastomeric yarn(s), optionally do not comprise any elastomeric yarn(s).
Particularly, the mass fraction made of elastomeric yarn(s) in the knitted trapezoidal plantar and dorsal parts is greater than or equal to 0%.
Advantageously, it is not necessary to use an elastomeric yarn for the sock to be perfectly adjusted to the shape of the foot thanks to the trapezoidal dorsal and plantar parts extended and covering a large part of the foot.
In the present text, it is meant by “elastomeric yarn” any yarn comprising a natural elastomeric (for example rubber) or synthetic (for example polyurethane, such as spandex or lycra) material.
In one variant of embodiment, the mass fraction made of elastic yarn(s), particularly elastomeric yarn(s), in the knitted trapezoidal plantar and dorsal parts is greater than or equal to 0% and less than or equal to 16%, particularly less than or equal to 10%, more particularly less than or equal to 6% or 5%.
It is meant by “elastic yarn(s)” any yarn having an elongation at break greater than or equal to 50%, particularly greater than or equal to 80%, more particularly greater than or equal to 100%.
The mass fraction made of elastic yarn(s) in the knitted trapezoidal plantar and dorsal parts is the ratio of the total mass made of elastic yarn(s) to the total mass of the knitted trapezoidal plantar and dorsal parts.
The present disclosure relates, according to a second aspect, to a method for knitting a knitted sock, in particular for practicing a sport, comprising a toe region, a midfoot region and a heel region, and optionally a leg region, particularly according to any one of the variants of embodiment with reference to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the method advantageously comprises:
In one embodiment, the knitting step (A) is a step of knitting an aperture for introducing the foot into the foot-receiving volume of the knitted sock, and step (A) takes place before step (B).
In one embodiment, the knitting step (A) is a step of knitting an auxiliary through aperture, particularly as described below, and the knitting step (A) is performed before the step (B) of knitting a knitted trapezoidal dorsal or plantar part or after the step (D).
Preferably, step (C) takes place after step (B).
Preferably, it is meant by “progressively increasing, respectively decreasing, the number of stitches per row(s) of stitches” that the number of stitches from one row of stitches to the next row of stitches increases, respectively decreases, or is equal. Particularly, the number of rows of stitches on which the increases/decreases in stitches are distributed is determined according to the desired shape of the dorsal or plantar trapezoid.
Preferably, during the knitting step (D), the lateral and medial securing regions are knitted as the trapezoidal plantar (or dorsal) part is knitted, the lateral edge of which is connected by knitting to the lateral edge of the trapezoidal dorsal (or plantar) part and the medial edge of which is connected by knitting to the medial edge of the trapezoidal dorsal (or plantar) part.
Preferably, the knitting method is carried out on a circular knitting machine, for example a knitting machine manufactured by the company Lonati, having the reference 616 DF3.
In one embodiment, the aperture opening out into the foot-receiving volume of the sock is the aperture for introducing the foot into the sock-receiving volume, particularly this foot introduction aperture comprises/is formed by rows of circularly knitted stitches.
In another embodiment, the aperture opening out into the foot-receiving volume of the sock is an auxiliary through aperture, particularly this auxiliary through aperture comprises/is formed by rows of circular knitted stitches. Preferably, in this case, the method further comprises a step of knitting an aperture for introducing the foot into the foot-receiving volume of the sock, more preferably the introduction aperture comprises/is formed by rows of circularly knitted stitches.
In one variant of embodiment, the step (A) of knitting an aperture opening out into the foot-receiving volume is performed before the knitting step (B).
Advantageously, the aperture is an aperture for introducing the foot into the interior volume of the sock.
In one variant of embodiment, the trapezoidal dorsal part is knitted with rows of dorsal stitches knitted back and forth.
In one variant of embodiment, the trapezoidal plantar part is knitted with rows of plantar stitches knitted back and forth.
Advantageously, it is understood that the trapezoidal dorsal, respectively plantar, part is knitted on a circular needle bed by making a back and forth movement for two rows of stitches, which can also be designated in the state of the art by knitting from front to back. Thus, the knitting of the needles back and forth is not carried out by following the entire circumference of the circular needle bed but by knitting on only part of the needles of the circular bed.
In one variant of embodiment, the knitting step (A) is a step of circularly knitting an aperture for introducing the foot into the internal foot-receiving volume of the knitted sock.
In one alternative variant of embodiment, the knitting step (A) is a step of knitting, particularly circularly knitting, a plantar or dorsal auxiliary through aperture, and opening out into the internal foot-receiving volume of the knitted sock, the auxiliary through aperture extends in the midfoot region of the knitted sock.
Preferably, the step (A) of knitting the auxiliary through aperture is performed before the knitting step (B) or after the knitting step (D).
Particularly, the knitting step (A) comprises knitting a knitted border around the periphery of the auxiliary through aperture, in particular the knitted border is closed on itself and/or has a substantially rounded shape.
It is meant by “dorsal auxiliary aperture” that the knitted sock comprises an auxiliary aperture facing the back/top of the foot, and by “plantar auxiliary aperture” that the knitted sock comprises an auxiliary aperture facing the sole/underside of the foot.
In one sub-variant of embodiment, the method further comprises a step (E) of circularly knitting an aperture for introducing the foot into the internal foot-receiving volume of the knitted sock.
Advantageously, the foot introduction aperture is different from the plantar or dorsal auxiliary through aperture.
Preferably, the knitting step (E) is performed after the knitting step (A), in particular after the step (D), particularly after the step of knitting the heel pocket and/or after the step (F) of knitting the tubular midfoot or leg portion.
In one embodiment, the knitting step (E) is performed before the knitting step (A), and before the knitting step (B).
Preferably, in this case, the knitting of the foot introduction aperture is started and the knitting of the auxiliary through aperture is finished.
In one variant of embodiment, the method comprises a step (F) of circularly knitting a tubular portion comprising rows of circular knitted stitches disposed in the midfoot region or in the leg region.
The tubular portion may be disposed between the trapezoidal dorsal and plantar parts and the heel region of the sock, particularly in the midfoot region.
The tubular portion may be disposed between the aperture for introducing the foot into the interior volume of the sock and the heel region, particularly in the leg region.
In one variant of embodiment, the knitting method comprises, particularly in this order:
Preferably, this variant corresponds to a knitted sock in which the medial and lateral securing regions extend in the toe region and in the midfoot region up to the boundary of the heel region.
The knitted sock may comprise a knitted or non-knitted leg part whose height varies according to the final function of the sock.
In one variant of embodiment, the knitting method comprises, particularly in this order:
This variant advantageously corresponds to a knitted sock in which the medial and lateral securing regions extend in the toe region and in the midfoot region.
In another variant of embodiment, the knitting method comprises, particularly in this order:
In one variant of embodiment, the knitting method comprises, particularly in this order:
The present disclosure concerns, according to a third aspect, a shoe upper comprising the knitted sock according to any one of the variants and/or embodiments according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, and/or comprising a knitted sock obtained by the knitting method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure. Advantageously, the upper comprises at least one sock comprising one or more at least partly heat-melted yarn(s), in particular the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part and/or the knitted trapezoidal plantar part and/or the heel pocket each comprise(s) one or more heat-melted yarn(s).
The heat-melted yarn(s) is/are one or more thermofusible yarn(s) at least partly having undergone a thermoforming or thermocompression process for shaping and possibly molding the upper.
The present disclosure also concerns, according to a fourth aspect, a footwear article comprising a sole assembly and a shoe upper according to a third aspect of the present disclosure.
The present disclosure will be better understood upon reading the following embodiments according to the present disclosure, mentioned without limitation, and illustrated by the figures in which:
The first example of a knitted sock 1 represented in
The knitted trapezoidal dorsal part 20 comprises a medial edge 21 and a lateral edge 22 and the knitted trapezoidal plantar part 30 comprises a medial edge 31 and a lateral edge 32 (see
The knitting line 41 or medial securing region 40 extends from the toe region 5, through the midfoot region 15 and up to the heel region 15 over a length L1. The sock 1 has a length L0 between its front edge and its rear edge. As can be seen in
The sock 1 also comprises a foot introduction aperture 60 opening out into the foot-receiving volume 70.
The sock 1 comprises, in the heel region 15, a knitted trapezoidal lower heel part 80 and a knitted trapezoidal upper heel part 90 which are joined by knitted auxiliary medial 100 and lateral securing regions (not visible in the figures). The trapezoidal lower heel part 80 comprises a medial edge 81 and a lateral edge 82, and the trapezoidal upper heel part 90 comprises a medial edge 91 and a lateral edge 92. The lateral edges 82 and 92 are secured by knitting along a knitted line disposed on the lateral side of the sock 1, and the medial edges 81 and 91 are secured by knitting along a knitted line disposed on the medial side of the sock 1.
The sock 1 may comprise anterior 2 and posterior 4 gripping tabs that are knitted and in knitted connection with the knitted foot introduction aperture 60.
Advantageously, the knitted trapezoidal plantar part 30 is folded, from the toe region 5, on the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part 20.
Advantageously, the knitted trapezoidal plantar part 30 comprises a toe end part 35 knitted continuously with the toe end part 25 of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part 20.
Advantageously, the knitted trapezoidal plantar part 30 and the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part 20 together form a pocket 110 arranged to receive the toes of a foot and the midfoot of the foot, and having substantially a general trapezoid shape.
The knitted trapezoidal dorsal part 20 extends between a proximal end 26 passing through a large base, and a distal end 28 passing through a small base. The small and large bases are connected by the medial 21 and lateral 22 edges converging towards the distal end 28 (see
The shape of the trapezoidal plantar part 30 is reversed relative to the trapezoidal dorsal part 20. The knitted trapezoidal plantar part 30 extends between a proximal end 36 passing through a large base, and a distal end 38 passing through a small base. The small and large bases are connected by the medial 31 and lateral 32 edges converging towards the distal end 38.
Advantageously, the trapezoidal plantar part 30 and the trapezoidal dorsal part 20 are symmetrical to each other along a transverse axis of symmetry T1 passing between the distal end 28 of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part 20 and the distal end 38 of the knitted trapezoidal plantar part 30, preferably the axis T1 is secant with the longitudinal axis L of the sock 1.
Preferably, the rows of stitches of the dorsal and plantar parts 20, 30, as well as of the upper and lower heel parts 80, 90, extend along the axis X, and the columns of stitches of the dorsal and plantar parts 20, 30, as well as of the upper and lower heel parts 80, 90, extend along the axis Y, the axes X and Y are substantially perpendicular. Preferably, the knitted sock 1 is obtained by a knitting method comprising the following steps, particularly performed in this order, on a circular knitting machine comprising a circular needle bed:
Advantageously, the rows of stitches of the trapezoidal dorsal part 20 are knitted from front to back, or that is to say by forming back and forth movements on the needle bed of the knitting machine. A row of stitches is for example knitted from a medial edge 21 to a lateral edge 22 and then the following row of stitches is knitted back from the lateral edge 22 to the medial edge 21. The knitting continues in this way up to the desired length of the dorsal part 20 and according to the degressivity in the number of stitches applied from row to row.
The knitting step (B) comprises knitting the dorsal part 20 in the continuity of part of the stitches of the tubular portion (pin), in particular disposed on the needle bed of the circular knitting machine, that is to say stitches that are not on hold on the needle bed.
The knitted trapezoidal dorsal 20 and plantar 30 parts and the knitted medial 40 and lateral 50 securing regions are knitted so as to extend in the toe region 5 and in the midfoot region 10 of the knitted sock 1 up to the heel region 15.
Advantageously, the knitted trapezoidal dorsal l part 20 comprises a distal part 28a and a proximal part 26a (see
Similarly, the knitted trapezoidal plantar part 30 comprises a distal part 38a and a proximal part 36a, and the number of stitches (aP) in a row of stitches of the distal part 38a is smaller than the number of stitches (bp) in a row of stitches of the proximal part 36a, particularly the number aP is smaller than or equal to 0.50*bp. For example, aP ranges from 40 to 60 stitches per rows of stitches, and bp ranges from 120 to 150 stitches per rows of stitches.
Advantageously, the number of stitches (k) of any row of stitches (n) knitted in the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part 20 is greater than or equal to the number of stitches (p) in the row of stitches (n+2) knitted after the row of stitches (n) in the knitting way according to the arrow F1, the numbers n, p and k being whole numbers other than 0.
The sock 1 obtained thus comprises a pocket 110 having a substantially trapezoidal shape and extending in the toe 5 and midfoot 10 regions up to the start of the heel region 15. This arrangement makes it possible to obtain a sock conforming to the foot without the formation of folds that could generate friction. In addition, the trapezoidal dorsal part 20 is free to move on the top of the foot, without systematically driving the trapezoidal plantar part 30, which improves comfort by avoiding the formation of folds and allows the sock to conform to the foot despite the movements of the foot, in particular when practicing a sporting activity.
Advantageously, the shape of the trapezoidal pocket 110 receiving the toes and the midfoot makes it possible not to use elastomeric yarn(s) in the knitted trapezoidal dorsal and plantar parts (20, 30). This arrangement makes it possible to limit the number of different materials in the sock 1.
The sock 1 thus comprises textile materials that are more compatible with each other if they must be transformed subsequently, which facilitates the recycling of the sock.
The knitted sock 200 also comprises a knitted trapezoidal dorsal part 220 and a knitted trapezoidal plantar part 230 secured by knitting along their respective medial and lateral edges in medial and lateral securing areas, and trapezoidal lower 280 and upper 290 heel parts secured by knitting along their respective medial and lateral edges in additional medial and lateral securing areas.
The method for knitting the sock 200 is similar to the method for knitting the sock 1 except that after the knitting step (A), the tubular portion (Pj) is circularly knitted with rows of circular stitches, and that the stitches put on hold are not part of the stitches of the tubular portion for introducing the foot (pin) but part of the stitches of the tubular leg portion (pj) in the ankle region 217.
In
The third example of a knitted sock 300 represented in
The sock 300 also comprises an auxiliary through aperture 375 which is in this specific example a dorsal auxiliary through aperture, and is disposed at least partly in the trapezoidal dorsal part 320. In this example, the auxiliary through aperture 375 opens out into the foot-receiving volume of the sock 300 and is delimited by a circular knitted border 376. The auxiliary through aperture 375 is in this example substantially rounded and has a width extending between the medial and lateral edges of the order of 40 mm to 50 mm for example.
The dorsal and plantar parts 320, 330 as well as the medial 340 and lateral 350 securing regions extend in the toe region 305 and partly into the midfoot region 310. The sock 300 comprises a tubular portion 378 (pmp) comprising rows of circular stitches, and disposed in the midfoot region 310 between the trapezoidal knitted pocket formed by the dorsal and plantar parts 320, 330 and the heel region 315.
Advantageously, in addition to the advantages cited above concerning the trapezoidal pocket for receiving the toes and partly the midfoot region, the auxiliary through aperture 375 improves the evacuation of heat and perspiration, and improves proprioception when practicing certain sporting activities (dance, fitness, etc.).
Preferably, the knitted sock 300 is obtained by a knitting method 30 comprising the following steps, particularly performed in this order, on a circular knitting machine, in particular comprising a circular needle bed:
Particularly, the rows of stitches of the trapezoidal lower heel part 380 are knitted from front to back, that is to say by forming back and forth movements, on the circular needle bed of the knitting machine. The trapezoidal lower heel part 380 is knitted from a first end 383 to a second end 384 (see
It is possible not to knit the tubular portion (Pj) 370 or at a height different from the one represented depending on the desired technical effect. If there is no portion (pj) 370, the introduction aperture 360 is disposed substantially at the level of the ankle, above or below the malleolus depending on the desired technical effect.
The method can alternatively begin with knitting the foot introduction aperture and end with knitting the auxiliary through aperture.
The fourth example of a knitted sock 500 comprises a knitted trapezoidal dorsal part 520 and a knitted trapezoidal plantar part 530 whose medial 521, 531 and lateral edges (not visible in
The dorsal and plantar parts 520, 530 as well as the medial 540 and lateral securing regions extend in the toe region 505 and partly in the midfoot region 510. The sock 500 comprises a tubular portion (pmp) 578 comprising rows of circular stitches, and disposed in the midfoot region 510 between the trapezoidal knitted pocket formed by the dorsal and plantar parts 520, 530 and the heel region 515.
Preferably, the knitted sock 500 is obtained by a knitting method comprising the following steps, particularly performed in this order, in particular on a circular knitting machine comprising a circular needle bed:
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR2207049 | Jul 2022 | FR | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2023/068752 | 7/6/2023 | WO |
