Abstract: An arm warmer is formed from a circularly knitted tubular fabric member made up of a wrist cuff, a tapered arm portion, and a binder portion. The fabric member is knitted with nylon, nylon covered spandex, and wicking yarns of various configurations for the wrist cuff, the arm portion, and the binder portion, to form an arm encompassing sleeve that can be maintained on the arm of the wearer that will provide warmth and increase blood circulation at the commencement of use, and which can be rolled down the arm and maintained thereon in a rolled condition when a sufficient body temperature has been reached.

Abstract: Provided is a high stretch composite elastic waistband that includes a relatively large ratio of drawcord to the relaxed length of an elastic web. The drawcord is fixed to the elastic web in such a way that the drawcord is allowed to move relative to the elastic web to form multiple gathers or drawcord protrusions, such as protruding loops or partial loops, as the elastic web returns to a relaxed size. The drawcord protrusions extend relative to the elastic web. The composite elastic waistband is constructed so that at least a section of the drawcord is capable of being pulled away from the elastic web so that the gathers or protrusions are diminished. Then the elastic web is capable of being stretched and released so that the elastic web contracts and cooperates with the drawcord to form the plurality of gathers or drawcord protrusions. This accumulates excess portions of the drawcord.

Abstract: Method to make elastic knitwear fabric from an elastic or elastomeric thread (11a) and from at least one non elastic thread (11b), the method using a single-section run-proof knitting machine, or Raschel type machine, having a bar of needles (12) moving in alternation and at least a forward bar and a rear bar of guide needles onto which the relative threads which have to be knitted are threaded, the elastic thread (11a) being constituted by an elastic thread known commercially by the name of LYCRA thread, or material similar or comparable to it, with a count between 22 and 80 Dtex; the non elastic thread (11b) being constituted by a multi-filament nylon thread, or material similar or comparable to it, with a count of between 22 and 78 Dtex, where the ratio between the count expressed in Dtex and the filament count is the same or less than two; the knit of the non elastic thread (11b) having a basic pattern with a recurrence equal to four rows (13) of the machine, in which at least three consecutive rows (13)

Abstract: Provided is a high stretch composite elastic waistband that includes a relatively large ratio of drawcord to the relaxed length of the elastic web. The drawcord is fixed to the elastic web in such a way that the drawcord is allowed to oscillate to form multiple drawcord protrusions, such as protruding loops or partial loops, as the elastic web returns to its relaxed size. The drawcord protrusions extend relative to the elastic web. The composite elastic waistband is constructed so that at least a section of the drawcord is capable of being pulled away from the elastic web so that the protrusions are at least partially flattened. Then the elastic web is capable of being stretched and released so that the elastic web contracts and cooperates with the drawcord to form the plurality of drawcord protrusions. This accumulates excess portions of the drawcord. The drawcord is movably attached to the elastic band by connecting stitches so that the drawcord extends in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An elastic web fabric and method for producing the same. The resulting fabric is curl-free and has bi-directional stretch of between about 50-125% stretch in the width direction and 50-200% stretch in the length direction. In the preferred embodiment, the fabric includes a center marker formed from a two-needle shift of two rubber yarns to provide a centering line to aid in assembly of a finished article. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the left top edge of the fabric has about six rubber yarns and the right top edge has about 5 rubber yarns to prevent curling to produce a fabric which is more easily cut and fabricated into the finished article.

Abstract: A self-supporting sock providing for improved blood circulation in the leg of the user, the sock being formed by knitted fabric, the sock being of a height to extend below the knee of the user and having an elastic band at the top having elastic threads therein, the elastic band having a notch formed therein extending in a direction towards the sock heel portion, the notch being substantially the full length of the elastic band.

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: A method of knitting on a full fashion flat bed knitting machine where a face yarn and a plated yarn are used in combination. The method includes knitting an inelastic yarn on the face of the fabric and knitting an elastic yarn on the back of the fabric in plated relationship. Two separate yarn carriers are used to deliver the yarn to the needles where the carries are offset from each other by at least one needle width.

Abstract: Material and fabrication costs associated with disposable surgical gowns and like medical garments are significantly reduced by utilizing a circularly-knitted tubular fabric cuff formed predominantly of a single-ply knitted construction with a small annular turned welt presenting a finished outer cuff edge. The circularly-knitted fabric of each cuff comprises a main body having plural body yarns and an elastic yarn formed in needle loops in circumferential courses and axial wales, the turned welt of each cuff comprising a welt beginning course connected to a welt ending course with a plurality of intervening courses therebetween. Preferably, each cuff's main body has an annular region adjacent the welt having courses of alternating needle loops and yarn floats and courses entirely of successive needle loops and an adjacent annular region having courses of alternating needle loops and tuck stitches and courses entirely of successive needle loops.

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 stocking has a top band composed of a 2.times.3 double rib band part knitted to the upper end of a single-ply 4.times.4 positive floater block pattern band part. The 2.times.3 feed is selected for feed 1 elastic yarns of the rib band part, and the 4.times.4 feed is selected for feeds 1 and 3 elastic yarns of the block pattern band part.

Abstract: A method of forming piping at an end of a knitted fabric for a knitted garment by using a flat knitting machine. At a point at which piping is to begin loops which compose the knitted fabric are held on the front or rear needles and the other needles are held empty and elastic yarn is hooked by specified front and rear needles. The piping fabric part is knitted only by the knitting needles on one side or by both the knitting needles on one side and the empty needles on the other side. The loops at the end of this piping fabric part and the previously hooked elastic yarn are joined together to form the piping and then the loops of the joined part are released from the knitting needles using the elastic yarn.

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 knit footee having a body portion and a top portion connected to the body is disclosed. The top portion includes a first top increment comprising a plurality of completed courses and having a tendency to roll outwardly upon itself and a second top increment comprising a plurality of completed courses connected along a common border to the first top increment and to the neck portion. The first top increment has an inner edge connected at the common border to the neck portion and extending downwardly from the inner edge and from the common border over the neck of the body. The second top increment extends upwardly from the border portion and then downwardly to the neck portion forming a loop. The first and second top increments are secured to the neck portion at the common border portion. The second top increment snugly constricts the top portion when in relaxed condition to cause the top portion to grip the lower ankle area of the wearer.

Abstract: Described is a fabric produced from textile threads, more particularly a knitted fabric, for use within the flexion area of articulated bandages. The knitted fabric is incorporated into the articulated bandage (2) in the form of an insert (8). In order to eliminate the formation of creases within the flexion area of the articular bandage, a transverse wave structure is formed on at least one side, which, by the use of an elastic thread arrangement which is incorporated or located underneath a top structure, is elastically pretensioned and stabilized and is connected to the top structure at predetermined intervals or according to a specific rule.

Abstract: This invention relates to a base material for thermobonding interlining, constituted by a fabric or a weft knit of which at least the weft is made of synthetic yarns of large voluminosity, obtained by the air-jet texturization technique from at least two multi-filament yarns, namely a first core yarn for 20 to 40% by weight and a second effect yarn for 60 to 80% by weight, the overfeeding of the core yarn being included between 10 and 25% and overfeeding of the effect yarn at least 70%.

Abstract: The sock is produced as a knitted mesh article and at least in the sock leg has concave holding elements formed as thread bows and which are directed in the direction towards the foot. The height-to-length ratio of the thread bows directed downwardly is selected such that the loops when wearing on the leg and in the case of leg movements serve to produce a movement of the entire mesh article, e.g. sock, in the direction away from the foot. The holding elements are formed as the meshes of a loop plush, in which the loops serving as the holding elements are constituted by the thread bows. This is achieved in simple manner in that at least part of the meshes are formed from a plush thread and a basic thread, whereof the mesh head is directed towards the edge of the sock while the holding elements in the form of loops are directed towards the foot. Thus, the sock can be manufactured as a loop plush.

Abstract: Process for making a sock of the type with two layers. A first course knitted by the needles, and corresponding to the end of the tip of a first layer, is transferred onto the central transfer plate of the machine where it is maintained in standby. Knitting of the first layer is continued, from the tip to the mock-rib edges. Then knitting is continued from the mock-rib edges of the second layer up to the tip, the knitted tubular structure being constantly suspended, by one (circular) end, from the central transfer plate and, by the other circular end, from the needle cylinder in the course of work, thus shaping the two concentric layers engaged in one another. The initial course in standby on the plate is transferred to the needles of the cylinder to effect join of the two layers to form one sole terminal layer.

Abstract: The process has: a first step of formation of an elastic border, a second step of formation of a tubular body of knitting starting from the elastic border for a preset number of complete rows, a third step in which a first group of needles and a second group of needles of the machine, which operate on mutually angularly spaced portions of the tubular body, are excluded from working to define a pair of missing portions which constitute the leg apertures of the briefs; the needles excluded from working gradually increase in number for a widening of the missing portions. In the second step, during the knitting of the last complete rows of the tubular body, a preset number of needles, which operate in the mutually angularly spaced regions, and, in the third step, a preset number of needles proximate to the first group and to the second group of needles, are fed with yarn and with elastic thread for the formation of an elastic border around the leg apertures.

Abstract: A turned welt-type knitted waistband for use in pantyhose and like garments, wherein selected periodic courses in an annular region of the inward welt ply have an uncovered elastomer filament in alternate knit and float stitches for partial exposure of the float stitches for intermittent frictional contact with a wearer's body or another undergarment to assist in retaining the waistband place when worn.

Abstract: A security pocket formed at the waistband of a woman's pantyhose or like undergarment for the secure storage of valuables, e.g. a credit card, currency, keys, or identification. The pocket includes an interior flap for retaining such stored items within the pocket. The flap may be knitted with an uncovered elastomer yarn partially exposed at a surface of the flap facing the body of the garment to provide frictional adhering contact therewith for added security.

Abstract: A circular knit garment cuff for use on surgical gowns comprised of a two ply front section, a single ply middle section, and a two ply back section. The front section is knit using two stretchable yarns. The middle section is knit using one stretchable yarn and the back section of the garment cuff is knit using one stretchable yarn. The front section, middle section and back section of the garment cuff are knit together in one continuous knitting step so as to form a single integral garment cuff. The back section of the cuff may then be secured to garment material.

Abstract: A knitted article such as a glove having a wrist cuff includes an edge binding which is activatable by the application of heat thereto to prevent unraveling of the cuff edge. The bound edge is defined by first and second yarn ends which are knitted together, wherein the first yarn includes a heat activatable, thermoplastic outer covering and the second yarn is defined by a nonthermoplastic, elastic material. The first and second yarns are knitted in a manner to form crossover points therebetween. The edge binding is subjected to heat in order to melt the thermoplastic outer covering of the first yarn, thereby joining the first and second yarns at the crossover points. The articles may be formed on conventional, automatic knitting machines. The knitted articles are ejected from the machine and are gravity fed into a heated chamber in order to melt the thermoplastic outer covering of the first yarn, and thereby bind the edge of the article.

Abstract: A tubular knit finger cot having one end closed by a transverse seam and the other end open, the closed end region tapering toward the seam, and resiliently extensile yarn interknit in the region adjacent to the open end to provide an elastic retaining collar.

Abstract: A knitted athletic sock having a double terry cushion area having two sets of terry pile loops of differing sizes and shapes and staggered walewise with respect to one another to provide upstanding support and resist flattening of the terry loops for improved cushioning and moisture absorption. The sock preferably is of a terry construction throughout the entire foot except for a single jersey panel in the front ankle region to resist wrinkling and bunching of the sock in such region when worn. The sock also includes a mock rib elastic cuff having a relatively frequent rib repeat in the front shin area and a relatively infrequent rib repeat in the rear calf area to better accommodate different sizes and shapes of calves while resisting slippage of the cuff and leg portion of the sock along the wearer's leg.

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: The top of the sock is formed of a welt and then three successive rolled stripe increments formed of stripe yarn of different colors and an elastic yarn which is laid in continuously throughout the length of the top. All three striped increments are connected at about a common location to the upper portion of the body by lock stitches.

Abstract: A knitted sock of a length not extending above the knee of the wearer and of a fabric having less than about 105 stitches per square centimeter, the fabric of the sock having an elastic character that varies progressively from the ankle area to the top marginal area in a manner so that the fabric-to-leg pressure at the mid-calf is less than 60% of the pressure at the area of minimum leg circumference.

Abstract: Elastic yarn is incorporated in different manners in two circumferential sections of the ankle and arch portions of the sock to provide compressive force and support to these areas of the wearer. The elastic yarn is incorporated in spaced-apart wales of each course of the ankle and arch portions and is floated inside of plural wales in the rear half of successive courses in the ankle and lower half of the arch to form mock ribs extending around substantially the rear half of the sock. The elastic yarn is incorporated in every other wale of single alternating courses and in the remaining wales of single intervening courses in the front half of the ankle and upper half of the arch to form a diamond pattern extending around substantially the front half of the sock. By incorporating the elastic yarn in two different manners in every course, the proper amount of compressive force and support is provided on the ankle and arch of the wearer.

Abstract: The single-ply decorative simulated lace edge of the sock of the present invention is formed by successively knitting first and second groups of tuck stitch loops each extending over multiple courses and while forming the second group of tuck stitch loops in spaced-apart wales which are offset relative to the wales in which the first group of tuck stitch loops are formed. The offset groups of tuck stitch loops cause the fabric to be drawn inwardly and the plain stitch loops therebetween are deformed inwardly to provide a checkerboardlike decorative pattern of alternating depressed fabric areas and tuck stitch loops. The first group of tuck stitch loops also draws the selvage makeup inwardly in those wales in which the tuck stitch loops are formed and provides a scalloped lower edge on the decorative edge portion.

Abstract: The nonroll selvage of the crew or athletic sock includes a plurality of rounds of polyurethane elastic yarn and a single course of plain stitch loops knit solely of a stretchable yarn to form single yarn stretchable stitch loops alternately positioned in front of and behind the rounds of polyurethane elastic yarn. The stretchable yarn connecting the upper ends of adjacent stitch loops of this single course passes over and surrounds the rounds of polyurethane elastic yarn in contracted condition so that the rounds of polyurethane elastic yarn are drawn together and held closely against the first course of the portion of the leg adjacent the nonroll selvage to provide a small upstanding bead extending around the upper end of the sock.

Abstract: A knit construction having a repeating six-course, two wale pattern in which the six courses include four courses comprising alternating knit and tuck stitches and two courses comprising alternating knit and float stitches, and each of the wales includes the knit stitches of two of the courses of alternating knit and tuck stitches and one of the courses of knit and float stitches, the tuck stitches of the other two of the courses of knit and tuck stitches, and the float stitches of the other of the courses of knit and float stitches.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making mesh tights or panty-hose, with seam and elastic belt incorporated therein, and to tights obtained thereby. Over the height of the elastic belt, in a strip of about 2 cm width on either side of the slit made for joining two hose elements by a seam, an elastic yarn is knitted with one needle out of two, on the needles of the strip with the exception of the central needle, then the basic yarn is knitted on all the needles of the circular machine used, the hose elements are slit along the wale of the central needle and are joined by a seam.

Abstract: This sock is particularly adapted for wear with western type boots and includes an upper leg portion knit with stretchable yarn having wear-resistant characteristics and a lower leg portion knit with nonstretchable yarn having moisture wicking characteristics. Elastic yarn is incorporated in predetermined repeating courses throughout the entire leg and cooperates with the stretchable yarn in the upper leg portion to provide resiliency for firmly supporting the leg of the sock on the leg of the wearer and cooperates with the moisture wicking characteristics of the yarn in the lower leg portion to remove moisture from the leg of the wearer. The upper and lower leg portions are of substantially the same length and are joined together at substantially the medial portion of the enlarged calf area of the leg of the wearer so that the upper edge of the western boot engages the upper wear-resistant portion of the leg of the sock.

Abstract: Elastomeric yarn is incorporated in regularly repeated certain courses throughout the leg and foot portion of the sock. The certain courses in which the elastomeric yarn is incorporated in the foot portion are closer together than the certain courses in which the elastomeric yarn is incorporated in the leg portion so that the density of elastomeric yarn is greater in the foot portion than the density of the elastomeric yarn in the leg portion. The greater density of elastomeric yarn in the foot portion provides a snug fit, provides greater compressive support in the foot portion than in the leg portion, and aids in the stimulation of blood flow from the foot and up the leg of the wearer.

Abstract: The body bulge controlling portion of the panty hose has elastic yarn incorporated therein to provide a medium amount of compressive force against the body of the wearer and is positioned between portions of the panty hose having a relatively great amount of compressive force and a relatively small amount of compressive force. The compressive force against the body is thereby varied in a stepped or gradual manner so as to eliminate or minimize the abrupt outward bulging of the underlying portion of the body of the wearer. In one embodiment of the panty hose, the body bulge controlling portion is positioned between a panty girdle portion with a great amount of compressive force and the sheer legs which include very little if any compressive force. In another embodiment, the bulge controlling portion is positioned between the elastic waistband and the upper portion of the panty of the panty hose.

Abstract: A decorative surface for the exposed welt of a footlet-type sock is formed by knitting a plurality of successive courses of an elastic yarn and a synthetic or natural yarn in plated relationship. Each of the courses includes stitches formed and cast off in selected wales thereof separated by at least two successive float stitches, whereby the combination of the elastic yarn and the aforementioned knitting technique cause relatively wide bands or walewise ribs of raised or high relief fabric separated by relatively narrow bands of base fabric which exhibits a low relief area.

Abstract: This sock is provided with an outwardly rolled decorative upper edge (13) which is integrally knit with the sock to provide the appearance of a simulated overedge stitch and is formed on a conventional type of circular hosiery knitting machine without requiring extensive modification. The formation of the simulated shell overedge stitch on the knitting machine eliminates the separate step of sewing on an overedge shell stitch, as has been the prior practice. The decorative upper edge is formed of a substantially inelastic yarn (I), a stretchable yarn (S), and an elastic yarn (E). These three yarns are knit in plated relationship in stitch loops in spaced apart wales (W-1 and W-5) of a plurality of successive courses (C-5 through C-8) with the spaced wales being spaced apart by at least two intervening wales (W-2, W-3 and W-4). The inelastic yarn (I) and the elastic yarn (E) float across the intervening wales while the stretchable yarn (S) forms tucks extending across the intervening wales.

Abstract: A knit footlet sock having a roll top foot receiving portion. The top has four courses of elastic make-up followed by four courses of body yarn with elastic inlaid in 1.times.1 fashion, then eight courses of a bulky stitch of ornamental yarn, followed by a number of courses similar to those immediately preceeding the ornamental yarn. The eight courses of ornamental yarn are knitted in every fourth wale on the outside of the sock with the yarn floated on the inside and includes tuck stitches of elastic intermediate the knit stitches. The bulky courses tend to roll the fabric outwardly away from the ankle and prevents slipping of the sock into a low cut shoe. A method of manufacturing the top of the sock is also disclosed.

Abstract: The exposed welt of a footlet-type sock is divided by knit construction into a rear portion and a front portion. The rear portion, which is substantially the rear half, is of a substantially freely and outwardly rolled construction. The rolled rear portion is not tacked down and encircles the lower ankle area when emplaced on the foot. The remainder or front portion includes an upper edge which is tacked down in a controlled folded construction. The rear portion is thus left free to roll upon itself into a relatively heavy, thick mass of material. The front portion, on the other hand is folded across the instep of the wearer minimizing the thickness of material beneath the shoe tongue. The rear half is a knitted fabric formed with a combination of body yarn and elastic yarn. The elastic yarn forms the backing fabric for the body yarn, which itself is formed into terry loops.

Abstract: A method of knitting a stocking especially adapted for athletic use, and the stocking so produced. The stocking includes a top 3.times.1 mock-rib portion, with spandex being knit in every fourth wale, an ankle and instep portion, a heel portion and a toe portion. The ankle and instep portion has a 1.times.1 mock rib with spandex being knit in every other wale, and with terry loops having a first density formed on the interior of the ankle and instep portion. A heel portion is provided free of spandex and including terry loops of a second density greater than the first density, the second density being obtained by randomly introducing an auxiliary terry yarn through a different yarn finger than that through which the main terry yarn is introduced, in the heel portion. The toe portion is free of mock ribbing and has terry loops formed on the interior thereof having the first density.

Abstract: One embodiment of this tube sock includes clearly defined and distinct tuck stitch type mock ribs completely arund the leg and in the instep. In another embodiment, the tuck stitch type mock ribs are formed around the front of the leg while the usual type of plain stitch mock ribs are formed around the rear of the leg. In both embodiments, the sock is of a medium or dess weight so that the sock may be comfortably worn with dress shoes and includes very long and fine terry loops in the heel and sole area to provide the sock with cushion and comfort characteristics of the type normally provided in heavy weight athletic type socks. Both embodiments of the sock are provided with partial additional or extra courses of elastic yarn in the heel area to provide the heel with additional stretch to provide a better fit on the heel of the wearer.

Abstract: Circumferential adjustment is provided in a generally wedge-shaped insert sewn into a slit extending downwardly in the upper thigh engaging portion of the elastic stocking and the insert is divided longitudinally along the medial portion to provide first and second insert panels. A strip of hooked fasteners is sewn to the free edge of one of the insert panels for holding the panels in circumferentially adjusted overlapping relationship. Spaced-apart lines of walewise extending special stitch loops are provided on the insert panels to indicate the amount of overlap of the insert panels.

Abstract: A one-piece seamless unidirectional rotary knitted anti-embolism stocking comprises a seamless tubular body integrally knitted and having varying lengths of yarn in the courses thereof resulting in a varying cross section such that the circumferential tension of the stocking decreases from the toe end to the upper end thereof. Specifically, constant cross section portions are interconnected by transition portions of gradually varying cross section in a pattern to produce on the wearer's leg a pressure which decreases substantially uniformly from the ball of the foot to the top of the stocking. Each end of the tubular body has a two-ply welt portion, and a heel patch is inlaid in the foot portion of the tubular body. The toe end of the tubular body terminates in a toe portion which is folded back on itself and seamed at the side edges of the fold.

Abstract: The outwardly turned two-ply waist band is integrally knit with the upper end of the single-ply panty portion of the panty hose to simulate the appearance of a sewn on elastic waist band of the type usually employed in panty hose and the like. The outer lower edge of the waist band is provided with a tab or free edge portion which covers the connecting or transfer stitch loops joining the lower edge portion of the outer ply to the inner ply of the waist band.

Abstract: A stocking, and the method of manufacturing it, that is single thickness throughout the length thereof, yet does not roll at the top under normal use. For a knee-high stocking, a top section about 7-11 courses wide is formed of only elastic yarn, jersey stitched. The first few courses (or more) of the top section have x wales therein, where x is an integer greater than 1, while a mock ribbed section of the stocking just below the top section has 2 x wales therein. Loops are received by alternate needles of 2x needles of a conventional circular knitting machine during the second course and are held during knitting of subsequent courses so that wale contraction of the top section of the stocking occurs after removal of the stocking from the knitting machine.

Abstract: Process for forming a panty-hose with a continuous rotational motion of the needle cylinder, in a circular hosiery machine.After forming a first leg portion, the body porton is formed by going on knitting along a needle arc, by cyclically activating and disactivating, along two semiarcs, variable needle arcs by anchoring the produced partial courses to the continuous ones, thus forming two about disc shaped areas - front and rear - and an arcuated and tapered knit; after closure of said disc shaped areas, working is resumed to form the second leg portion.

Abstract: A circular knit therapeutic stocking in which bare elastomeric yarn is knit in selected courses and wales with a non-elastomeric yarn in other selected courses and wales in the welt, boot and foot portions of a stocking to provide a retractive or compressive force of graduating degrees as required with a circumferential heel-instep band of lesser retractive or compressive force, and a closed toe area in which stretchable fabric with minimal retractive forces is integrally knit to the foot portion of the stocking whereby the bare elastomeric yarns are buried or concealed by the knitted non-elastomeric yarns and in which a welt panel of flexible and relatively non-stretchable material is secured in the welt portion of the stocking to be positioned on the inner upper thigh of the leg of a wearer.

Abstract: A knitted garment wherein a walewise extending free edge consists of a folded over edge portion automatically produced during knitting of the garment. Such folded over edge portions may finish the leg openings of briefs, or the waist opening of one-piece tights. The invention includes a preliminary seamless tubular blank which, when slit and opened out, provides a final blank for making-up into briefs. The preliminary blank has a visible cutting line extending from end to end and at opposite sides of which are provided two automatically produced folded over edge portions -- initially side-by-side. The folded over edge portions are folded by contraction of floats of yarn which extend coursewise over a number of knitted loops in spaced courses of the fabric margin.

Abstract: This sock is characterized by a stayup cuff including an outwardly turned welt intergrally knit with the top of the leg of the sock and a single-ply edge portion having an upper edge integrally knit with the lower edge of the outwardly turned welt and with the top of the leg portion of the sock. The single-ply edge portion is adapted to extend down over the covers the upper edge of the boot to aid in preventing the sock from being drawn down into the boot and to aid in preventing the entry of dirt, snow and the like into the boot. The outwardly turned welt extending upwardly above the single-ply edge portion snugly engages the leg of the wearer and aids in preventing the entry of dirt, snow and the like inside of the upper edge of the sock.