Abstract: A tubular knitted body portion, first and second opposed band portions, each of the first and second band portions formed from a segment of respective tubular knitted band portions containing at least some elastic yarns. First and second seams close respective edges of the first and second opposed band portions to each other to define a single band having an elongated shape for being fitted in a stretched condition onto and hugging only the lower portion of the foot with the joined first and second bands positioned on the asymmetrical portion of the foot below the ankle. One of the seams extends along the top of the foot in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the toes. The other of the seams extends along the back of the heel substantially along the longitudinal axis of the Achilles tendon.

Abstract: Yarns consisting essentially of about 85 to 90 weight % hydrophobic fiber and about 10 to 15 weight % hydrophilic fiber can be made into fabrics that exhibit a combination of properties that make them strongly preferred by wearers, as compared even to fabrics made from yarns containing only 5% more, or 5% less, of the hydrophilic fiber. More particularly, these novel yarns yield fabrics capable of quickly absorbing perspiration from a wearer's skin and yet capable of quickly releasing that moisture, resulting in surprising levels of wearer comfort and wearer preference.

Abstract: A protective material from which a protective garment such as is used by motorcyclists is made, and has an outer layer of fibres having a high softening temperature 400.degree. C. and a mass (580 g.m.sup.-2 to 620 g.m.sup.-2) to provide high quality abrasion resistance. The outer layer is preferably two separate sheets one preferably being of Terry Loop knitted fabric, and the other of high tenacity Polyester having a 300 g.m.sup.-2 upwards warp knit permitting high air flow therethrough. An inner layer conveniently of a Polyamide Rachel knit supports an impact attenuating layer preferably made from one of Polyurethane, Polynorbornene, Nitrile/PVC or synthetic rubber. The impact attenuating layer is preferably solid and flexible, is attached to the inner layer between the outer and inner layers.

Abstract: The invention is a garment and a process for making a garment. A garment in accordance with the invention includes a plurality of sewn together prewashed and shrunk knitted pieces each made from cotton yarn and each having a low residual shrinkage after preworking and shrinking; and at least one woven piece of fabric stitched to the plurality of sewn together knit pieces.

Abstract: A protective fabric, and garments made therefrom, having superior resistance to wear and abrasion, as well as good flexibility and stretchability enabling the fabric to be conformed to the structure intended to be protected. The knitted fabric and garments made therefrom comprise a monofilament polymer having a gauge of 0.03 to 0.08 inches interknitted to form a structure of repeated interconnected loops or coils. The structure may be honeycomb-like in appearance. The monofilament polymer may be from a material selected from the group consisting of polyamide, Teflon, polyester or viscose.

Abstract: A method of knitting side-by-side brief blanks (BLK, BLK') in the form of a tube (T) on an electronically controlled circular knitting machine wherein the tube (T) is shaped by needle selection (50) between the brief blanks (BLK, BLK') to form apertures (AP, AP') which provide leg openings (LO, LO') by taking out of action needles (50') which would otherwise knit yarn across the apertures (AP, AP'). At the same time yarn feed (Y2) to the inoperative needles (50') is cut (42, 44) and trapped (46) whereby the apertures (AP, AP') are formed. End portions of the blanks (BLK, BLK') remain interconnected until the tube (T) is slit walewise to provide separate blanks (BLK, BLK') for making up briefs. Since yarn is not knitted across the apertures (AP, AP'), a considerable saving in the use of yarn is effected whilst shaping of leg openings (LO, LO') is facilitated.

Abstract: An athletic band structure having a knitted-in distinct design and a method of manufacturing such a band are described. The athletic bands are knit using a jacquard patterning mechanism to form a patterned tubular structure having one or more individual courses, each of which have adjacent wales knit from visually distinct yarns. The tubular structure is formed into a finished band in one of several ways. In one method of the invention, the patterned tubular structure is folded axially and seamed to form a double layer structure. The seam can then be repositioned to a central portion of the athletic band where it is not visible when the band is worn. In the production of a high performance embodiment of the invention, upper and lower sections of the patterned tubular structure are knit from a specialty yarn such as a wicking or insulating yarn, which results in the completed athletic band having superior moisture absorption capabilities as well as an integrally formed design.

Abstract: A double layer sweater which is knit simultaneously of two independent layers, one being an inner layer, and the other layer being an outer layer. Joining the two layers together is a polygonal-shaped quilting stitch pattern forming insulating pockets between the layers. Each layer is different and may be comprised of a blend of wool and acrylic yarn in the outer layer and a synthetic wicking enhanced yarn, such as polyester or acrylic, in the inner layer, such that there is a hydrophilic inner layer and a hydrophobic outer layer. The inner layer is comprised of synthetic yarn with enhanced wicking features. The outer layer of yarn is treated in a bath of teflon material such that the teflon-coated yarn produces the hydrophobic outer layer. The sweater has the properties of insulation to provide warmth to the wearer; has a water repellant and stain resistant outer layer.

Abstract: A garment having integrally knit underabdominal and back support panels is described. The garment desirably has a rear panel and a front panel which includes a substantially U-shaped support panel which is more resistant to stretch than the portion of the front panel which the substantially U-shaped panel surrounds, i.e. the abdominal section. The garment can be knit from a single or a pair of circularly knit tubular blanks, and preferably is formed so that the support panels are integrally knit with the garment. The abdominal section desirably has additional courses provided therein, in order to form a pouch area for accommodating the expanded abdominal region of a wearer. The garment also desirably includes an integrally knit back support panel which has a greater resistance to stretch than the abdominal section. In this way, when the garment is worn, the weight of the wearer's expanded abdominal region can be supported and distributed over a greater portion of his or her body.

Abstract: A double layer sock has an inner ply having a foot portion that is undyed and a dyed outer ply covering the inner ply and joined to the inner ply at an upper end of the inner and outer plies. The inner ply is formed of antimicrobial and/or hydrophobic yarns.A method of making a double ply sock includes knitting a singular tubular garment having a first section formed of undyed yarn and a second section of dyed yarn. The undyed section is inserted into the dyed section forming a two-ply construction having an undyed inner ply.

Abstract: A method for producing knitted ready-made garments type waistcoat or jacket includes the step of: knitting a piece of tricot (10) having a rectangular configuration with two long sides (12, 13), two short sides (11) and at least two fold markings (18, 19, 21, 23, 24); folding the piece of tricot in at least two places, substantially in parallel with the short sides (11) for forming the back (14) and side parts (15) of the jacket; forming the remaining parts of the tricot piece at the short sides a divided front (16) with a substantially v-shaped front neck part; making an arm opening at each side part of the tricot piece; knitting each divided front part (16) with two or more fold markings (18, 19, 21, 23, 24), of which at least two of these markings (18, 19) extend substantially from the respective long side and meet each other in a vertex (20) at a distance from the short sides (11) of the tricot piece; and folding each divided front part (16) along the fold markings and is joined together to at least doubl

Abstract: A lower body garment for covering the legs, hips, waist and midriff of the wearer, formed from a tubular sleeve knit of successive yarn courses which includes a waistband, a midriff encircling portion integrally knit with the waistband and leg portions integrally knit with the midriff encircling portion. The leg portions are formed by slitting the tubular sleeve and joining the slit edges to provide a continuous longitudinal leg enclosing seam extending throughout the leg portions. Cuff portions are integrally knit with the leg portions and are also joined by the continuous longitudinal seam. The garment may be made with or without a lining.

Abstract: A double layer sock that has a tubular inner ply having a foot portion and a leg portion merging substantially at the ankle of a wearer. A tubular outer ply surrounds the inner ply and has a foot and a leg portion merging substantially at the ankle of the wearer and aligned with the foot and leg portions of the inner ply. The plies are joined adjacent a top opening in the leg portion and arranged to receive a wearer's foot. A seam joins the plies and is located substantially adjacent the merging of the foot and leg portions to maintain proper alignment of the foot portions of the two plies. Methods of making a two ply sock are also disclosed. Preferably, the seam connecting the plies is knit such that the plies maintain proper alignment with one another.

Abstract: In an underwire brassiere, a generally inelastic and dimensionally stable two-bar warp knitted fabric is provided as a covering for the underwire. One set of warp yarns is knitted in a pattern of coursewise spaced stitches with extended underlaps and another set of warp yarns is knitted in a chain stitch pattern, collectively providing warpwise and coursewise stability and elongation resistance to the fabric. The run-in ratio of the two sets of warp yarns imparts a controlled coursewise inclination to the chain stitches enabling a predetermined degree of walewise elongation for better conformation of the fabric to the underwire in fabrication of the brassiere.

Abstract: A lower body garment for covering the legs, hips, waist and midriff of the wearer, formed from a tubular sleeve knit of successive yarn courses which includes a waistband, a midriff encircling portion integrally knit with the waistband and leg portions integrally knit with the midriff encircling portion. The leg portions are formed by slitting the tubular sleeve and joining the slit edges to provide a continuous longitudinal leg enclosing seam extending throughout the leg portions. Cuff portions are integrally knit with the leg portions and are also joined by the continuous longitudinal seam. The garment may be made with or without a lining.

Abstract: This invention discloses a shirt, bodysuit and teddy having built-in breast cups and/or selected areas of varying cross-stretch in order to provide compressive support for a wearer's body, and methods and blanks for manufacturing such shirts, bodysuits and teddies. In particular, circular knitting operations are used to produce garments having areas of compressive support in the middle torso region, and a greater amount of cross-stretch in the region corresponding to a wearer's breast area. In addition, the garments can include integrally-knit breast cups and a gathered panel located between the breast cups. Shirts made according to the present invention can include a turned welt about their lower or shirttail ends, in order to eliminate the need for hemming the lower shirt portion. Blanks and methods for making the garments are also disclosed, which require only a minimal number of manufacturing operations to be converted into completed garments.

Abstract: This invention discloses a circularly knit brassiere having integrally knit-in support panels and cup fullness. The brassiere is knit on a circular knitting machine, and the support panels have a modified knit structure to provide them with a greater resistance to stretching, particularly in the coursewise direction. The support panels are separated by differentially-shaped breast cups, which can be formed by way of the feeding-in of an additional yarn or yarns to form additional courses in the cup area, or through the provision of a gathered center panel. The entire brassiere is produced in the form of a tubular blank, and portions are cut and removed to define shoulder straps and a neck opening. The straps are seamed together to form a completed brassiere having only a minimal number of seams, and banding or the like may be provided on the arm and neck openings.

Abstract: The invention discloses a legged panty having strategically-located support panels for minimizing the appearance of undesirable body bulges, particularly along a wearer's stomach, hips and thighs. The panty is circularly knit, and the support panels are integrally knit using a modified knit structure to provide these regions with a greater resistance to stretching, particularly coursewise stretching. In a preferred form of the invention, first and second support panels extend vertically along the outer side of the leg portions, to correspond with the outer thigh regions of a wearer. The panty legs are finished via an integrally knit turned welt located at their terminal ends. The panty also desirably includes a U-shaped or anchor shaped support panel about the gluteal crease region in order to provide support for the buttocks, and additional yarn courses provide areas of added fabric fullness, particularly at the regions corresponding to the buttock cheeks.

Abstract: A circular knit one-piece garment blank, lower torso garment, and method of making same having a welt portion and a tubular knit body with front, back and side portions. The front portion contains a spot control area wherein bulkier yarns are included to impart an elastic character throughout the area and to impart the characteristics of a foundation garment to the area.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods of manufacturing brassiere blanks and brassieres, and the brassieres made therefrom. In particular, the methods and brassieres involve circular knitting operations in which a brassiere blank is produced on a circular knitting machine as a cylindrical tube, and thereafter cut and sewn only at the shoulders to produce a brassiere having shoulder straps knit integrally with a front torso portion having a pair of breast cups and a rear torso portion cooperating with the front torso portion in forming a torso encircling portion.

Abstract: A garment suited for a young child comprises cuffs which are devoid of any hem at their distal end and which have hidden side seams. A pouch overlays the cuff at the distal end; the pouch is invertible over the cuff end to enclose an appendage such as a hand or foot of the wearer within the cuff. When the pouch is not inverted, the cuff may be turned back to expose the appendage.

Abstract: A panty garment, panty hose or the like where the garment is formed from first and second adjacent, circularly knit and identically configured tubes each having a first panty section and a second panty section each of which are slit along part of their length at different locations so that when joined at edges thus formed provide a front panty portion made up of substantially all of the first panty sections and a rear panty portion made up of substantially all of the second panty sections, the yarns being knit in each of the sections to permit more vertical stretch in the rear panty section than in the front panty section when the garment is worn.

Abstract: A bathing wear is made of a net-like knitted fabric printed with contrasting bright colors, composed of 73% nylon and 27% of a polyurethane elastomer. The knitted fabric has a multiplicity of hexagonal mesh openings, which are aligned in rows in three directions. This bathing wear allows about two-thirds of the incident UV radiation of the sun to pass and thus gives rise to full body tanning, without being transparent however even when wet. In addition, the bathing wear is quick-drying and fits the body elastically.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods of manufacturing brassiere blanks and brassieres, and the brassieres made therefrom. In particular, the methods and brassieres involve circular knitting operations in which a brassiere blank is produced on a circular knitting machine as a cylindrical tube, and thereafter cut and sewn only at the shoulders to produce a brassiere having shoulder straps knit integrally with a front torso portion having a pair of breast cups and a rear torso portion cooperating with the front torso portion in forming a torso encircling portion.

Abstract: A holding apparatus for holding a urine bag on a user's leg, especially the thigh, has a first knitted hose part, a second knitted hose part of the same diameter which is connected to the first hose part via a continuous connecting region. The first hose part is positioned onto a leg. The second hose part is folded upwardly onto the first knitted hose part to secure the urine bag on the leg. Also, a separating region, in the connecting region, enables the passage of an outlet of the urine bag when the knitted hose parts are in a folded condition.

Abstract: Fiber with unique elastic properties comprising copolymer, of ethylene and comonomer, having density in the range of about 0.86 to about 0.93 g/cm.sup.3, MWD in the range of about 2 to about 3.5, melt index in the range of about 4 to about 1000, and SDBI less than about 25.degree. C.

Abstract: In the process for producing a fully fashioned flat fabric for a garment equipped with sleeves, first one of two body part, for example front parts (10), and additionally the two sleeves (11, 12) are knitted with separate yarn guides (A, B, C) to the completion of the sleeves. Subsequently, further knitting is carried out only with the yarn guide (A) for the front part (10), the end edges (11a, 12a) of the sleeves (11, 12) being tied stitch by stitch, by transfer, to the further formed body parts of the fabric. Thus the two sleeves (11, 12) are brought out of their original position parallel to the front part (10) into a desired transverse position in the finished flat fabric.

Abstract: A beautiful finished fabric of high quality wherein stitch loops of a connection are not bent opposedly to each other, and a method for producing such fabric. By using a flat knitting machine having needle beds arranged in a pair in front and in the rear, parts constituting an article of clothing are knitted separately and connected to a part on the other side. Stitch loops located on the outermost boundary side of one-side part are overlapped with stitch loops of one of second to fourth wales from the boundary side of the other-side part.

Abstract: A knit fabric with improved machine working loss and dimensional stability has an elastic combination yarn of 10% to 70% elongation incorporated into the fabric. The combination yarn comprises spandex which amounts to 0.2 to 3.5% of the fabric weight.

Abstract: Moisture control characteristics are imparted to the sock of the present invention by body yarn knit in successive courses throughout the leg and foot. A hydrophobic yarn is knit in plated relationship with the body yarn in partial courses extending throughout the sole, and hydrophilic yarn is knit in plated relationship with the body yarn in partial courses extending throughout the instep whereby moisture generated by the foot of the wearer is wicked and transported from the sole and into the instep to be evaporated therefrom. Cut free ends extend from the endmost stitch loops in wales along the juncture of the sole and the instep while cut free ends of the hydrophilic yarn extend from endmost stitch loops in wales along the juncture of the sole and instep so that the endmost stitch loops at opposite ends of the partial courses of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic yarns are formed in adjacent wales and are not knit in plated relationship with each other in the same courses.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel mesh structure with high resistance in particular to piercing and tearing.The object of the invention is a novel mesh structure with high resistance in particular to piercing and to tearing, characterized in that it comprises a knit structure, the texture of which is formed of an entirety of forward meshes comprising a quilting stitch, two cylindrical reverses and a flat weft, repeated every eight drops, with the threads constituting the knit being formed of polyaramide fibers.The invention is useful in the fashioning of clothing, linings or walls for protective and/or safety purposes.

Abstract: A tubular circularly-knitted cuff member including a plurality of integrally knit alternating coursewise rib portions and intermediate coursewise connecting portions, each rib portion having a set bulky terry yarn and stretchable low denier ground yarn knitted in plated terry stitch construction with an elastic yarn inlaid in alternate stitches to produce a radially-outward rounded terry loop surface and each connecting portion having the ground yarn in a single jersey stitch construction with the elastic yarn inlaid alternately therein. The cuff member is stretchable axially between a relaxed condition with the rib portions closely axially adjacent one another and the connecting portions generally not visible and an extended condition with the rib and connecting portions elongated to space the rib portions axially apart. A method of knitting the cuff member is also disclosed.

Abstract: A seat cover comprises a knitting of a three-dimensional structure conforming in its external shape to that of a seat and including at least main portions, side portions and welt portions integrally knit into a one-piece form. The knitting further includes integrally knit portions covering overhang portions and corner portions of the seat and/or rear and bottom portions of a front back of the seat.

Abstract: Indigo dyed cotton yarn suitable for producing indigo dyed cotton knitwear, and method of producing it, comprising passing a cotton rope consisting of a plurality of yarn threads through a plurality of baths of indigo dyed liquor, allowing the dye to oxidize by exposure to air between each bath, and winding each of the said yarn thread separately to provide an indigo dyed yarn in a form suitable for knitting. The threads are wound onto individual spools, which may be rotated on a common shaft, or by individual motors. The indigo-dyed knitted cotton fabric produced shows the fading by abrasion, rather than washing out, normally associated with denim.

Abstract: A stretchable knitted article of predominately terry loop construction, e.g., an athletic headband, with a design printed thereon, includes a knitted fabric of single jersey construction the reverse side of which has a predominant terry loop region bordering an integrally knit smaller reverse-side plain jersey region. The plain jersey region is oriented in the article for coursewise stretching such that the sinker loop and needle loop crests of the yarn thereof are substantially the only visible yarn portions in both the stretched and unstretched conditions of the article. The design is printed on the plain region whereby it maintains its definition and continuity of appearance when stretched in ordinary use.

Abstract: An athletic sweatband generally consisting of a continuous band of material disposable about the wrist, head or ankle of a user, the band having an interior compartment communicable with the exterior of the band through an opening in the band, and an article container disposed in the band compartment having an opening communicable with the band opening.

Abstract: The cap includes a crown knit of body yarn stitches with a lower edge forming a band adapted to engage the head of the wearer. A visor extends throughout a minor portion of the band and elastic yarn is incorporated with the body yarn stitches in the major portion of the band to draw the head band into resilient engagement with the head of the wearer. The elastic yarn may be incorporated in the band by being knit in spaced courses and spaced wales to cause the body yarn stitches in the major portion of the band to be drawn together and form mock ribs therein.

Abstract: The band is of the type commonly known as a "sweatband" adapted to be worn around the wrist or head when playing tennis and other sports. The band is knit with at least some moisture absorbent yarn and is completely formed on a circular knitting machine. The band includes inner and outer integrally knit plies and is usually provided with terry loops extending outwardly from each ply. The inner ply includes first and second sections with adjacent edges joined together with an integrally knit narrow connector tab including twice as many wales as the inner and outer plies.

Abstract: A cuffless sock is provided which has a permanently rolled top portion adapted to encircle the lower ankle area of the wearer and which is knitted in such a way that the rolled top portion has an inherent tendency to roll upon itself. The rolled top portion is tacked to the body portion of the sock at spaced apart points at the sides of the foot receiving opening to hold the top portion in its rolled condition while permitting the untacked front and rear portions of the top to conform to varying configurations and heights of the upper edge of different shoes with which the sock is to be worn. The front and rear portions of the rolled top are preferably provided with terry loops while the opposite side portions are devoid of terry loops to be substantially smaller than the front and rear rolled top portions.

Abstract: A knitted structure and method of making same which includes simultaneously knitting two concentric tubes and interconnecting the tubes by knitting to produce seams which define a garment of juxtaposed portions of the two tubes. Each concentric tube includes a plurality of feeds per course knitted separately on the dial and cylinder needles, respectively, of a circular knitting machine.