Knitted garments having colored regions and textured elements and methods of forming the same

A method of knitting an article of apparel includes knitting a first region using a first yarn of a first color and knitting a second region using a second yarn of a second color that differs from the first color. Knitting the first region and knitting the second region forms at least a portion of a color layout of the article of apparel. The method further includes knitting a textured element into at least one of the first region and the second region with at least one of the first yarn and the second yarn. The textured element has a layout that differs from the color layout.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein generally relate to knitted articles of apparel and methods for knitting articles of apparel. Specifically, embodiments described herein relate to knitted articles of apparel having colored regions and textured elements incorporated into the same article of apparel.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Some embodiments relate to a method of knitting an article of apparel that includes knitting a first region using a first yarn of a first color and knitting a second region using a second yarn of a second color that differs from the first color. Knitting the first region and knitting the second region forms at least a portion of a color layout of the article of apparel. In some embodiments, the method includes knitting a textured element into at least one of the first region and the second region with at least one of the first yarn and the second yarn. In some embodiments, the textured element has a layout that differs from the color layout.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the textured element may include a structural area that contrasts with a structural area of the first region or the second region outside of the textured element.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the method may further include knitting a third region using a third yarn having a third color that differs from the first color and the second color. In some embodiments, knitting the third region forms a portion of the color layout of the article of apparel.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, knitting the first region and knitting the second region may include intarsia knitting.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, knitting the first region and knitting the second region may include knitting using an 18 gauge knitting machine.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, knitting the first region and knitting the second region may include flat knitting.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the first yarn may include a yarn made of polyamide, nylon, elastane, or polyester.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the textured element forms one or more characters, artwork, or graphic elements.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the knitted article may be a shirt, a jacket, pants, leggings, a sports bra, or a shoe upper.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the method may further include knitting a mesh portion, a single jersey portion, or a half Milano portion into at least one of the first region or the second region.

Some embodiments relate to a method of knitting an article of apparel that includes forming a color layout of the article of apparel by knitting a first region using a first yarn, knitting a second region using a second yarn, and knitting a third region using a third yarn. The first yarn, second yarn, and third yarn may each have a different color. The method may also include forming a textural graphic layout by knitting a textured element into at least one of the first region, the second region, and the third region. In some embodiments, the textural graphic layout is different than the color layout.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, knitting the first region, the second region, and the third region may include intarsia knitting.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, knitting the first region, the second region, and the third region may include knitting using an 18 gauge knitting machine.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the textured element is knitted into at least two of the first region, the second region, and the third region.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the textured element comprises a recessed or raised area.

Some embodiments relate to a knitted article of apparel that includes a first knitted region including a first yarn having a first color, a second knitted region including a second yarn having a second color that differs from the first color, and a textured element knitted into at least one of the first knitted region or the second knitted region, wherein the first knitted region and the second knitted region form at least a portion of a color layout, wherein the textured element has a layout that differs from the color layout, and wherein the textured element differs structurally from the first knitted region or the second knitted region.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the first yarn may include a yarn made of polyamide, nylon, elastane, or polyester.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the textured element may form one or more characters, artwork, or graphic elements.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the knitted article is a shirt, a jacket, pants, leggings, a sports bra, or a shoe upper.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the knitted article may further include a mesh portion arranged in at least one of the first knitted region and the second knitted region.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Articles of apparel may be used for both functional and aesthetic purposes. Color and texture may be used to provide a desired aesthetic. Greater variety in visual appearance of articles of apparel may be desired. Embodiments described herein provide greater variety by using a color layout (an arrangement of colored regions with different colors) to provide a particular aesthetic and a separate textural layout (an arrangement of a textured element or structure in a knitted garment) that provides an additional aesthetic. The combination of the color layout and the textural layout provides a particular visual appearance to a knitted article. The layouts may overlap with each other to provide a layered appearance. Thus, the colored graphics from the color layout and the textural graphics from the textural element together provide a unique visual appearance to the knitted article.

A knitted article may include an upper body garment, such as a shirt, a tank top, a jacket, a short-sleeve T-shirt, a long-sleeve T-shirt, a sports bra, etc.; bottoms, such as shorts, leggings, pants, a skirt, etc.; or a footwear component, such as a shoe upper, among others garments and articles. Further, the knitted article may be a portion of a garment, such as a sleeve of a shirt, or a pant leg, among others. Knitted articles may be used as athletic apparel or sportswear.

A knitted article100having a combination of colored regions and textured elements is shown for example atFIG.1. Knitted article100is formed as a long-sleeve shirt inFIG.1. However, it is understood that knitted article100is not limited to a long-sleeve shirt, and knitted article may be formed as any of various garments, including shorts, pants, leggings, t-shirts, jackets, sports bras, and shoe uppers, among others.

Knitted article100includes colored regions, and may include a first region120of a first color and a second region122of a second color. In some embodiments, knitted article100may include multiple first regions120or multiple second regions122. Knitted article100is formed so as to have two or more regions or blocks of color. First region120may be adjacent to second region122. For example, a first region having a first color may be a lower half of a garment, and a second region having a second color may be an upper half of the garment. In some embodiments, a first region having a first color may be a back portion of a garment, and a second region having a second color may be a front portion of a garment. Other regions may also be used. In some embodiments, the regions are defined by the boundaries between different colors. Other than a change in color, there may not be a visible boundary between regions (e.g., knitted article100may be seamless between different regions).

In some embodiments, knitted article100may further include a third region124of a third color as shown inFIG.1. Further, knitted article100may include fourth, fifth, or additional colored regions as desired to form an article100with a desired appearance. The colored regions may form a color layout126, thus providing a particular visual appearance to knitted article100. Color layout126may refer to a design or arrangement of colors. For example, color layout126may be made up of two or more regions of different colors and defined by the shape and/or location of each of the colored regions.

In some embodiments, knitted article100further includes a textured element180. In some embodiments, knitted article100may include multiple textured elements180. Textured element180may include a structural area that contrasts with, and differs from, a structural area of the knitted article outside of textured element180. For example, textured element180may include a knit pattern that differs from a knit pattern of an area of knitted article outside of textured element180. Textured element180can be visually distinguished from a structural area outside of textured element180, such as an area around or adjacent to textured element180. In some embodiments, textured element180may be raised or recessed relative to a remainder of knitted article100. In such embodiments, knitted article100may include an elastic yarn, such as an elastane yarn, which may be used to provide textured element180with a raised or recessed structural area. In some embodiments, textured element180may be formed from the same yarn or yarns used to form colored regions120,122,124of knitted article100.

In some embodiments, textured element180may include text, such as characters, including letters and numbers, for example, as discussed below forFIG.2. In this way, textured element180may spell a word or phrase. Textured element180may alternatively or additionally include artwork or graphic elements, such as a flower, a star, or a logo, among various others. Textured element180may be arranged in any of various patterns, such as one or more stripes (which may be linear or non-linear) or waves. Further, textured element180may be arranged on various portions of knitted article100. For example, textured element180may be arranged on arm104of an upper body garment, such as a shirt or jacket, as shown for example inFIG.1. Textured element180may extend along a length of the arm104of the shirt or jacket, such as along a length of the upper arm and/or the lower arm.

The arrangement and/or location of textured element180may form a layout186(e.g., a design or arrangement of texture) for textured element180, thus providing a particular visual appearance to knitted article100. Layout186may give a textural graphic separate from the graphic provided by color layout126. In some embodiments, layout186is disposed over color layout126(e.g., a portion of layout186overlaps with a portion of color layout126). Layout186may differ from color layout126. For example, in some embodiments, a pattern of the textured element(s)180do not correspond to the pattern of the colored regions120,122,124. For example, a textured element180may extend across borders between colored regions120,122,124, instead of corresponding to the borders between colored regions120,122,124(seeFIG.1). As another example, if the colored regions120,122,124are formed as horizontal stripes, the textured180element may be formed as a vertical stripe or diagonal stripe, among various other patterns. InFIG.1, an arm104of article100includes colored regions120,122,124extending generally longitudinally along a length of arm104, and textured element180is arranged diagonally so as to extend from an outer side of arm104to an inner side of arm104(and also to extend diagonally on torso102), such that textured element180crosses colored regions120,122,124. Thus, the colored graphics from color layout126and the textural graphics from textural element180together provide a unique visual appearance to the knitted article100.

In some embodiments, as shown for example inFIG.2, a knitted article200may be formed as a sports bra. Similar to knitted article100, knitted article200includes a first region220of a first color and a second region222of a second color. In some embodiments, knitted article400may further include a third region224of a third color. Colored regions220,222,224are formed into a color layout226. Knitted article200may also include a textured element280. As discussed above, textured element280may include characters282, which may be letters and/or numbers. Textured element280may comprise a layout286. In some embodiments, layout286forms one or more words made of characters282. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.3, textured element180may be formed as a recessed area or tunnel182relative to adjacent portions184of knitted article. However, in some embodiments, textured element180may instead be formed as a raised area. Textured element180may be arranged on at least one colored region of knitted article100, and may be arranged on multiple colored regions. Any of the textured elements (e.g., textured element280) discussed herein may have similar features as textured element180.

Additional configurations for color layout126and layout186that may be used in knitted articles are shown, for example, inFIGS.4-6. In some embodiments, layout186of texture element180may comprise one or more stripes, which may be formed by raised or recessed areas. Layout186may extend across three colored regions120,122,124. The different patterns of color layout126and layout186may form a layered aesthetic, as shown inFIGS.4-6. Alternative configurations may also be used.

Knitted article100may be knitted using two or more yarns, as shown for example inFIG.7. Knitted article100may include a first yarn110for knitting first region120, and a second yarn112for knitting second region122. First yarn110may have a first color and second yarn112may have a second color. First color may be different from second color. For example, first color may be white, and second color may be gray. Any of various combinations of colors may be used as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. First region120and second region122may meet at a border131.

In some embodiments, knitted article100may further include a third yarn having a third color that is different from the first color or second color. Thus, knitted article100may further include a third region124of the third color (seeFIG.1) that differs from the first and second colors. For example, first region120may be white, second region122may be gray, and third region124may be black. Third region124may be adjacent to first region120, the second region122, or both. Third region124is separated from each of first and second regions120,124by a border131. In some embodiments, the first, second and third regions120,122,124may form the entire knitted article100(e.g., no other regions are present).

Knitted article100may include performance specific yarn (e.g., to achieve a particular characteristic or function of knitted article100). For example, knitted article100may include yarn made from polyamide, nylon, elastane, polyester, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, first yarn110, second yarn112, and/or a third yarn may be made from polyamide, nylon, elastane, polyester, or a combination thereof. Each yarn may be dyed so as to have a particular color. In some embodiments, the yarn may be dope dyed yarn.

In some embodiments, knitted article100may be flat knitted using a flat knitting machine. In some embodiments, knitted article100may be knitted using an 18 gauge knitting machine. Gauge refers to the number of needles (and correspondingly stitches) in one inch width of the machine needle bed. Increasing the gauge, and thus the needles (and stitches) per inch, increases the fineness of the knitted article. In some embodiments, knitted article100may be knit using a 14 gauge knitting machine. However, the visual effect of the combined colored regions and textured regions may be diminished at gauges lower than 14 gauge. Increased gauge allows for formation of finer, more precise patterns.

In some embodiments, knitted article100or a portion thereof may be formed by intarsia knitting as shown inFIG.7. Intarsia is a knitting color technique that facilitates knitting blocks of color. Each color block (e.g., colored region120,122,124) is formed with a separate yarn of a particular color. Unlike other knitting techniques, the yarn for a particular color block is only located within the region of that color block rather than being floated across the back of the garment.

The knitting machine may have a yarn feeder associated with each color block. During knitting, each yarn feeder moves across the machine such that it feeds yarn only to those needles that will form the associated color block. For example, there may be a yarn feeder associated with colored region120that feeds yarn110to those needles that are located in the machine at a place that can form the desired shape of colored region120. There may be a separate yarn feeder associated with colored region122that feeds yarn112to those needles that are located in the machine at a place that can form the desired shape of colored region122. Additional yarn feeders may be used (e.g., for colored region124).

Each region120,122,124may include a plurality of courses128each having a plurality of stitches129. One course128may extend across two or more regions120,122,124, as shown, for example, inFIG.7. One course128may include more stitches in region120(or regions122,124) than another course128in the same region. For example, the upper courses128have more stitches in region120than the lower courses128in region120. Thus, the motion of yarn feeders may change from course to course such that it feeds yarn (e.g., yarn110) to more or fewer needles of the knitting machine. Thus, in some embodiments, color layout126may be determined by the yarn feeders of the knitting machine.

The knitting machine may include one or more motorized carriers to control the needles during knitting. Thus, the motorized carrier(s) control the type of knitting stitches used to form knitted article100by controlling the needle movement. In some embodiments, layout186of textured element(s)180may be determined by the programming of the motorized carrier(s). For example, a different knitting stitch may be used in particular locations to form textured element180. In some embodiments, textured element180may be formed with one or more of single jersey, half Milano, pique, rib, and/or mesh knitting stitches to provide textured element180with a contrasting structural area. Other knitting stitches may also be used to form textured element180.

In some embodiments, the knitting program to form knitted article100is separated into two parts, including (1) defining color layout126with the yarn feeder placement, and (2) defining textured element180(and its layout186) with the programming of the carrier to form knitting stitches. Thus, color layout126may differ from layout186, and the two different layouts may provide a layered aesthetic for knitted article100.

In some embodiments, textured element180may be knitted simultaneously as colored regions120,122,124are knitted (for example as described above), such that a knitted article100having colored regions and textured elements may be formed in a single process. Alternatives to intarsia knitting may also be used. For example, in some embodiments, knitted article100may include colored regions or blocks formed by jacquard knitting.

In some embodiments, as shown for example inFIG.8, a knitted article400may be formed as a sports bra. Similar to knitted article100, knitted article400includes a first region420of a first color and a second region422of a second color. In some embodiments, knitted article400may further include a third region424of a third color.

In the illustrated embodiment, colored regions are formed with a color layout426in which third region424has a diamond shape, second region422surrounds third region424and is also generally diamond-shaped, and first region420surrounds second region422and makes up the remainder of knitted article400. A different color layout may be used in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, knitted article400may further include a textured element480. The arrangement and/or location of textured element480may form a layout486(e.g., a design or arrangement of texture) for textured element480, thus providing a particular visual appearance to knitted article400. In some embodiments, textured element480may be formed as a mesh portion490. Mesh portion490may be knitted into first region420, as shown inFIG.8. However, in alternate embodiments, mesh portion490may be incorporated into various regions of article400or may span multiple colored regions420,422,424. Mesh portion490may be formed in layout486that differs from color layout426. For example inFIG.8, mesh portion490is shown as having a triangular shape. Thus, colored regions420,422,424are formed in color layout426with a first pattern (e.g., diamond shapes), and mesh portion490is formed in layout486with a second pattern (e.g., a triangular pattern).

Mesh portion490may be formed by a knitting pattern as shown for example inFIG.9. Mesh portion490of knitted article400includes a series of stitch positions491and open stitch positions492resulting in an opening or aperture in knitted article400at a location of an open stitch position492. Stitch positions491and open stitch positions492may alternate, or open stitch positions492may occur at a regular interval, such as by having an open stitch position492every two stitch positions, every three stitch positions, etc. Further, each course may include open stitch positions492. Alternatively, as shown for example inFIG.9, a first course496may lack open stitch positions and an adjacent, second course498may include open stitch positions492. In this way, mesh portion490includes openings to provide increased air flow and breathability. This may help to keep the wearer cool while wearing a knitted article400having a mesh portion490. Further, mesh portion490may allow a portion of a wearer's skin or a base layer beneath knitted article400to show through the open stitch positions formed by mesh portion490to provide a desired aesthetic appearance.

In some embodiments, as shown for example inFIG.10, a knitted article600may be formed as a pair of leggings. Similar to knitted articles100,400, knitted article600includes colored regions, such as a first region620of a first color, a second region622of a second color, and a third region624of a third color. In the illustrated embodiment, colored regions are formed with a color layout626in which first region620is arranged on a front portion of the thigh portion614of knitted article600, and second region622is arranged along a side portion of knitted article600adjacent first region620. Second region622may extend from a waistband610of knitted article600toward a knee portion612. Third region624is arranged adjacent second region622and covers a remainder of knitted article600, e.g., third region624covers a rear portion of thigh614of knitted article600and a calf or lower leg portion616of knitted article600. However, in alternate embodiments, different regions may be arranged in different patterns on knitted article600to provide a desired appearance.

Knitted article600may further include a textured element680. The arrangement and/or location of textured element680may form a layout686(e.g., a design or arrangement of texture) for textured element680, thus providing a particular visual appearance to knitted article600. In the illustrated embodiment, textured element680includes stripes that extend along an outer side of each leg of the leggings and the stripes extend from waistband610toward an ankle portion618of article600. Stripes overlap each of first, second and third regions620,622,624. Thus, colored regions are formed in color layout626with a first pattern, whereas textured element680is formed in layout686with a second pattern (e.g., stripes) that does not correspond to the first pattern.

In some embodiments, a knitted article as described herein may be formed by a method700as shown inFIG.11. A first yarn having a first color may be used to knit a first region of the knitted article at operation710. First yarn may be knitted using an 18 gauge flat knitting machine. A second yarn having a second color that differs from the first color may be used to knit a second region of the knitted article at operation720. In this way, the knitted article may include regions or blocks of different colors. In some embodiments, additional yarns may be used to knit additional regions, such as a third yarn used to knit a third region. The regions may be knit simultaneously. For example, each course may knit a portion of each region.

A textured region is knit into colored regions of knitted article at operation730. Textured region may include a pattern that differs from a pattern of colored regions so as to provide additional visual interest. Thus, textured element may include a layout or pattern that is distinct from the layout or pattern of colored regions and that is not consistent with the pattern or layout of colored regions. Textured region may be knit into knitted article while colored regions are being knit, i.e., simultaneously with knitting of colored regions. In this way, a knitted article having colored regions and textured elements can be produced in a single process (e.g., without additional or subsequent processing steps). Once knitted article is knit, knitted article may be formed into a desired garment, such as by joining portions of knitted article to one another, jointing knitted article with other articles, or by performing finishing operations. For example, a knitted article may be one leg for leggings. The knitted article may be joined with a second knitted article that is the other leg of the leggings to form a final garment.