Europaisches Patentamt (19) European Patent Office Office europeeneen des brevets £P 0 781 880 A1
(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION
(43) Date of publication: (51) Intel e D04B 1/24 02.07.1997 Bulletin 1997/27
(21) Application number: 96309463.6
(22) Date of filing: 23.12.1996
(84) Designated Contracting States: • Caird, Michael DE FR GB IT Troon, Ayrshire KA10 6AS (GB)
(30) Priority: 28.12.1995 J P 344229/95 (74) Representative: Jackson, Robert Patrick Frank B. Dehn & Co., (71) Applicant: SHIMASEIKI MANUFACTURING, LTD. European Patent Attorneys, Wakayama (JP) 179 Queen Victoria Street London EC4V 4EL (GB) (72) Inventors: • Okuno, Masao Wakayama (JP)
(54) Binding-off method, bound knitted fabric, and CAD apparatus therefor
(57) Each stitch (1 4) of the last course of a front knit- a stitch (13), one stitch interior, of an immediately pre- ted fabric of a tubular knitted fabric is overlapped with a ceding course of the back knitted fabric. Prolongations stitch (1 2), one stitch interior, of an immediately preced- of each stitch of the last course of the front knitted fabric ing course of the front knitted fabric. Each stitch (15) of crosses with prolongations of a stitch of the last course the last course of a back knitted fabric is overlapped with of the back knitted fabric.
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Description ferred again to make one stitch overlap with the other stitch, then a new stitch is formed on the overlapping The present invention relates to binding off fabrics stitches. In this way, the bound portion is prevented from which have been knitted using a flat knitting machine. protruding. In particular, it relates to an arrangement in which at 5 The present invention, at least in its preferred forms, least two needle beds having a large number of needles is intended to provide binding that is capable of reliably are arranged, one in the front and one in the rear, to joining knitted fabrics without generating any gap be- oppose each other, joining knitted fabrics being knitted tween the joined knitted fabrics and to have an excellent on the front and rear needle beds, and binding the joined appearance unknown to the prior art. knitted fabrics together. The present invention further re- 10 A binding-off method according to the present in- lates to knitted fabrics thus bound and a CAD apparatus vention may be performed with a flat knitting machine storing the binding-off method. having a front needle bed and a rear needle bed, each It has been proposed to knit knitted products such of said needle beds having a large number of needles, as sweaters in the form of a tubular knitted fabric com- using a space between said pair of needle beds as a prising a front body and a back body joined together. is trick gap, one of said needle beds being slidable to the According to this method, both a right sleeve and a left right and to the left, and having a yarn feeder for feeding sleeve are knitted simultaneously with both bodies. In a yarn to needles of needle beds to bind two knitted fab- train of courses for joining the sleeves to the bodies, the rics, front one and back one, and each knitted fabric is sleeves are shifted towards the bodies to join the provided with a large number of stitches, each of said sleeves onto the bodies. After that, if necessary, a por- 20 stitches consisting of a loop and prolongations on both tion rangingfromtheshoulderstothe neckwill be knitted sides thereof. as a single tubular knitted fabric, and stitches of the front Viewed from one aspect, the method comprises re- body and stitches of the back body will be joined togeth- peating the following steps a, b and c from at least one er at the shoulders and be bound off. This eliminates side end of each of two knitted fabrics, a front one and needs of sewing operation after the completion of knit- 25 a rear one, towards the interior portions of said two knit- ting. However, a knitted fabric thus knitted must meet ted fabrics: such conditions as wearability that assures it may be worn many times, it must have a neat appearance, and a: forming new stitches in succession to stitches of be comfortable to wear. Thus a knitting method is re- the respective two knitted fabrics, the front one and quired that meets these conditions. In particular, for 30 the rear one; such a knitting technique, it is necessary, for instance, b: transferring said new stitches to opposing needle to join a front body and a back body together at shoul- beds to make the prolongations of said new stitches ders of a sweater and bind off. As such methods of bind- cross each other; and ing, the applicant applied patents for Japanese Provi- c: after that, overlapping said new stitches with in- sional Patent Publication HEI-4-20985S (US 5,456,096) 35 terior stitches of said two knitted fabrics, the front and Japanese Patent Application HEI-7-83695 (US Pat- one and the rear one. ent Application 08/628,107). Here knitting of garments is taken as example, but the need for neat appearance A binding-off method according to the present in- of binding is not limited to garments. vention may also be performed with a flat knitting ma- According to US 5,456,096, a front body and a back 40 chine having at least a first needle bed and a second body are knitted by using a front needle bed and a rear needle bed arranged to oppose each other, one in the needle bed. After that, a yarn feeder that was used in front and the other in the rear, each of said needle beds knitting the front body and a yarn feeder that was used having a large number of needles, using a space be- in knitting the back body are used to repeatedly bind tween said first needle bed and said second needle bed stitches of the front body and those of the rear body 45 as a trick gap, at least either said first needle bed or said while a yarn from one fabric to a corresponding yarn second needle bed being slidable to the right and to the feeder and the other yarn from the other fabric to the left, and having at least a yarn feeder for feeding yarn other corresponding yarn feeder are being kept crossed to needles of the first needle bed and the second needle with each other. In a knitted fabric bound off by this knit- bed is used to bind a first knitted fabric and a second ting method, a front knitted fabric and a back knitted fab- so knitted fabric, each of said knitted fabrics consisting of ric are joined together by crossed yarns. Hence the a large number of stitches, each stitch consisting of a bound portions will not protrude, and the bound portions loop and prolongations on both sides thereof, in each are not stiff. knitted fabric a large number of stitches are arranged in According to US Patent Application 08/628,107, both a direction parallel to and a direction perpendicular when a stitch of a front knitted fabric and a stitch of a 55 to the needle beds, a row of stitches being parallel to back knitted fabric are to be overlapped with each other, the needle beds being defined as a course and a row of each stitch is transferred once onto a needle of an op- stitches being perpendicular to the needle beds being posing needle bed. After that, any one stitch is trans- defined as a wale.
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Viewed from another aspect the method comprises prolongations on both sides thereof, and when stitches the following steps: are crossed with each other or when their prolongations are crossed with each other, two yarns will be crossed (1) forming at least a stitch (14) in succession to a with another two yarns. Accordingly, in comparison with stitch (12A) at one end of a binding area of a first 5 the conventional method of crossing one yarn with an- knitted fabric (10a) ; other yarn, the tensile strength of the bound portion is (2) transferring the stitch (14) formed in the process increased. Further, when crossed stitches of a bound (1) over the trick gap; portion are overlapped with a stitch to be bound, the (3) forming at least a stitch (15) in succession to a stitch to be bound will come above the crossed stitches, stitch (1 3A) at one end of a binding area of a second 10 thus the crossed stitches will be concealed under the knitted fabric (10b) ; stitch to be bound, resulting in a binding of neat appear- (4) transferring the stitch (15) formed in the process ance. In the present specification, arrangement of stitch- (3) over the trick gap in such a way that the stitch es in knitted fabrics is indicated by courses and wales. (15) will cross with the stitch (14); A course is a row of stitches arranged in parallel with (5) overlapping a stitch (12B) of a wale interior to 15is the needle beds during knitting, and a wale is a row of said stitch (1 2A) at one end of the first knitted fabric stitches perpendicular to the needle beds. with the stitch (14); The invention also extends to a CAD apparatus (6) forming a stitch (18) over the double stitches which is designed to generate a binding-off method that overlapped by the process (5); uses a flat knitting machine with a built-in computer, hav- (7) transferring the stitch (1 8) formed by the process 20 ing a front needle bed and a rear needle bed, each of (6) over the trick gap in such a way that the stitch said needle beds having a large number of needles, us- (18) will cross with the stitch (15); ing a space between said at least pair of needle beds (8) overlapping a stitch (13B) of a wale interior to as a trick gap, at least one of said needle beds being said stitch (13A) at one end of the second knitted slidable to the right and to the left, and having at least a fabric with the stitch (15); 25 yarn feeder for feeding yarn to needles of needle beds (9) forming a stitch (19) over the double stitches to bind two knitted fabrics, a front knitted fabric and a overlapped by the process (8); and back knitted fabric. Thus, viewed from a still further as- (10) transferring the stitch (1 9) formed by the proc- pect the invention provides a CAD apparatus which is ess (9) over the trick gap in such a way that the stitch arranged to generate commands for following process- (1 9) will cross with the stitch (18). 30 es:
The temporal sequence of the processes (1) a: to form new stitches subsequent to stitches of through (1 0) is indicated by referring a process that must said two knitted fabrics, the front knitted fabric and precede in defining a subsequent process. Accordingly, the back knitted fabric; if any preceding process is not referred to, the sequence 35 b: to transfer said new stitches to the opposing nee- of some processes may be changed; for example, the dle beds so as to cross the prolongations of said process (3) may be done before the process (2) new stitches with each other; and Preferably, in said process (5) the stitch (12B) is c : after that, to overlap said new stitches with inte- transferred and overlapped with the stitch (14), and in rior stitches of said two knitted fabrics, the front one said process (8) the stitch (1 3B) is transferred and over- 40 and the back one. lapped with the stitch (15). Moreover, preferably, in said processes (1) and (3) two stitches are formed respec- The flat knitting machine is preferably driven by the tively. built-in computer of the flat knitting machine that reads Viewed from a still further aspect, the invention pro- knitting commands stored in a disc, etc. The computer vides a tubular knitted fabric. Such a fabric comprises a 45 of the flat knitting machine may then interpret the knitting front knitted fabric and a back knitted fabric, wherein commands to drive various mechanisms of the flat knit- each stitch of the last course of the front knitted fabric ting machine. The major knitting methods including the is overlapped with a stitch, one stitch interior, of an im- binding-off method are preferably stored as subroutines mediately preceding course of the front knitted fabric, in a CAD apparatus for designing knitted fabrics. A CAD each stitch of the last course of the back knitted fabric so apparatus of this kind is generally provided with a com- is overlapped with a stitch, one stitch interior, of an im- puter and an output device and is capable of writing knit- mediately preceding course of the back knitted fabric, ting commands in a disc, etc. The CAD apparatus typi- and each stitch of the last course of the front knitted fab- cally stores knitting commands concerning major fac- ric crosses with a stitch of the last course of the back tors of knitting, such as tubular knitting, increasing the knitted fabric. 55 number of stitches, decreasing the number of stitches Binding according to the present invention joins a and binding, as subroutines, and outputs knitting com- front knitted fabric and a back knitted fabric by crossing mands by combining subroutines corresponding to var- stitches. Each stitch has a loop at the top end and two ious parts of a knitted fabric designed by a user. The
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knitting commands include commands for a flat knitting front shoulder 8a will be referred to as a front knitted machine with a built-in computer to knit the knitted fab- fabric 1 0a and the left back shoulder 8b as a back knitted ric. It is known for a flat knitting machine to be driven by fabric 1 0b, respectively, and the numbers of needles will a built-in computer thereof, the built-in computer reading be reduced in the description than they actually are. The out knitting instructions stored in a disc, etc., and said 5 present invention will be effected with a flat knitting ma- knitting commands are generated by a CAD apparatus chine in which at least two needles beds, for example, that interprets a design drawing of the knitted fabric de- two needle beds or four needle beds, are arranged to signed by a user on the CAD apparatus. oppose to each other, one in the front and one in the Certain embodiments of the invention will now be rear and at least one needle bed, the front needle bed described, by way of example only, and with reference 10 or the rear needle bed, is slidable to the right and to the to the accompanying drawings:- left. In embodiments, a flat knitting machine with two Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a sweater that is knitted needle beds is used, and its rear needle bed alone is by using the binding-off method of the present invention. slidable to the right and to the left. In the embodiments, Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the sweater before the to shaped-knit a tubular knitted fabric on a flat knitting beginning of binding at the shoulders. is machine with two needle beds, needles of odd numbers Fig. 3-1 through Fig. 3-6, Fig. 4-1 through Fig. 4-6, of both the front needle bed and the rear needle bed are and Fig. 5-1 through Fig. 5-6 are knitting course dia- used, for example, for a front knitted fabric, and needles grams of a first embodiment. of even numbers are used, for example, for a back knit- Fig. 6 is a loop diagram of knitted fabrics knitted in ted fabric, as disclosed in Japanese Patent HEI- the first embodiment. 20 3-75656. However, when a flat knitting machine with Fig. 7-1 through Fig. 7-6, Fig. 8-1 through Fig. 8-6, four needle beds is used, such a restraint on needles of Fig. 9-1 through Fig. 9-6, and Fig. 10-1 through Fig. odd numbers and needles of even numbers will not be 10-4 are knitting course diagrams showing a second imposed. embodiment. First, the first embodiment will be described with ref- Fig. 1 1 is a loop diagram of knitted fabrics knitted in 25 erence to the knitting course diagrams of Fig. 3 through the second embodiment. Fig. 5. Knitted fabrics knitted in the embodiment are Fig. 12 is a diagram showing variations of the first shown in Fig. 6. In the course 3-1 of Fig. 3, a yarn feeder embodiment. 1 1 being movable in the longitudinal direction of the front Fig. 1 3 is a diagram showing variations of the sec- and rear needle beds is moved above a trick gap of the ond embodiment. 30 front and rear needle beds to feed yarn from the yarn Fig. 1 shows the state of a sweater 1 to be knitted, feeder 1 1 to needles B, D, F, H and J of the front needle at the time of completion thereof. The sweater 1 is knit- bed F and form stitches that will constitute the final ted by using needles of plural regions of needle beds; course of the front knitted fabric 10a or stitches to be bodies 2 and 3 and a right sleeve and a left sleeve are bound off. This is the state of the sweater 1 shown in knitted in the form of tubular knitted fabrics. After that, 35 Fig. 2. At this point, stitches of the front knitted fabric both the right and left sleeves 4 and 5 are transferred to 10a to be bound off 12E, 12D, 12C, 12B and 12A are the sides of bodies 2 and ,3 and joined to the bodies 2 held on every other needle B, D, F, H and J of the front and 3. When joining of the right and left sleeves 4 and needle bed F, and stitches of the back knitted fabric 1 0b 5 and the bodies 2 and 3 is completed, the front body 2 to be bound off 13E, 13D, 13Band 13Aareheldon every and the back body 3 are joined together, as shown in 40 other needle a, c, e, g and i of the rear needle bed B. Fig. 2, at both ends thereof. The two bodies, however, The stitches of the front knitted fabric 10a are indicated are not joined at the shoulders yet. On needles of a front by a white dot and stitches of the back knitted fabric 1 0b bed F, stitches of a right front shoulder 7a and stitches are indicated by a black dot. In the course 3-2 and after, of a left front shoulder 8a are held with an opening for the front knitted fabric 10a and the back knitted fabric collar 6 being located between the two sets of stitches. 45 1 0b are joined together and bound off. In the course 3-2, On needles of a rear bed B, stitches of a right back the yarn feeder 11 is shifted to the left of the needle J of shoulder 7b and stitches of a left back shoulder 8b are the front needle bed F. Next, in the course 3-3, the stitch held with a back collar 7 corresponding to the opening 12A at one end of the front knitted fabric 10a is trans- for collar 6 being located between the two sets of stitch- ferred onto the needle j of the opposing needle bed B. es. Knitting up to this stage is well known from Japanese so The needle j is immediately exterior to the stitch 1 3A at Patent HEI -4-1 5301. one end of the back knitted fabric 10b. Next, in the The right front shoulder 7a and the right back shoul- course 3-4, the yarn feeder 11 is shifted to the right to der 7b are joined together and bound off and the left feed yarn to the needle j of the rear needle bed B to form front shoulder 8a and the left back shoulder 8b are a stitch 14 over the stitch 12A. The stitch 14 will become joined together and bound off. The knitting of the right 55 a crossed stitch later and belongs to the front knitted shoulder 7 and the knitting of the left shoulder 8 are bi- fabric 1 0a. Next, in the course 3-5, the stitch 1 4 is trans- laterally symmetrical. Hence the binding of the left ferred onto the needle J of the front needle bed F. In the shoulder 8 will be described in the following. The left course 3-6, the rear needle bed B is racked to the right
4 7 EP 0 781 880 A1 8 by two pitches (by two needles), then the stitch 14 is knitted fabric 1 0b are bound. The stitch 1 4 crosses with transferred onto the needle h of the rear needle bed B. the stitch 15, and the stitch 18 crosses with the stitch Next, in the course 4-1, the rear needle bed B is 19. The stitch 14 is overlapped with the stitch 12B, and racked to the left by two pitches, then the stitch 1 3A at the stitch 18 is overlapped with the stitch 12C. In a sim- one end of the back knitted fabric 1 0b being held on the 5 ilar manner, the stitch 15 is overlapped with the stitch needle i of the rear needle bed B is transferred onto the 1 3B, and the stitch 1 9 is overlapped with the stitch 1 3C. needle I of the opposing front needle bed F. Next, in the The stitches 14 and 18 are formed on the rear needle course 4-2, the yarn feeder 11 is shifted to the left to bed B, and the stitches 15 and 19 are formed on the feed yarn to the needle I of the front needle bed F to front needle bed F. Hence the stitches 14, 18, 15 and form a stitch 15 over the stitch 13A. The stitch 15 will 10 1 9 are buried beneath the front knitted fabric or the back become a crossed stitch later and belongs to the back knitted fabric. The stitch 14 and the stitch 15 cross with knitted fabric 10b. Next, in the course 4-3, the stitch 15 each other, and the stitch 1 8 and the stitch 1 9 cross with is transferred from the needle I of the front needle bed each other, and these stitches are pulled in such a di- F onto the needle i of the rear needle bed B. In the rection that these stitches will be buried beneath the course 4-4, the rear needle bed B is racked to the left is front knitted fabric or the back knitted fabric. In addition by two pitches, and the stitch 15 is transferred onto the to them, the stitches 12A-E and the stitches 13A-E are needle G of the front needle bed F. At the time, the stitch pulled towards the back of the knitted fabrics (the back 1 5 is transferred, over the yarns 1 6 and 1 7 between the of the tubular fabric), thus the bound portions will not stitch 1 4 and the stitch 1 2B (illustrated in Fig. 6), to the swell. front needle bed F. As a result, the stitch 1 4 and the stitch 20 When the knitted fabrics are offered as a product 15 will cross with each other. and the bound portions are strained at the time of wear- Next, in the course 4-5, the stitch 1 2B is overlapped ing, the stitches 14, 15, 18 and 1 9 will be pulled in such with the stitch 14. In the course 4-6, the yarn feeder 11 a direction that these stitches will submerge into the is shifted to the right to form a new stitch 1 8. As a result, back of the garment (back of the tubular knitted fabric) the stitch 1 8 is newly formed over the double stitches of 25 and the strained stitches 14, 15, 18 and 19 will not be the stitch 1 4 and the stitch 1 2B. Hence the stitch 1 4 and pulled out to the surface of the garment. The stitches 1 4 the stitch 1 5 are held in a crossed condition. The forma- and 18 are placed beneath the stitches 12B and 12C, tion of the stitch 18 in the course 4-6 results in binding, respectively, and the stitches 15 and 19 are placed be- by one stitch, of the front knitted fabric 10a. Next, in the neath the stitches 13B and 13C, respectively. As a re- course 5-1, the stitch 18 is transferred onto the needle 30 suit, the stitches 12A-E and the stitches 13A-E appear H of the front needle bed F. Further, in the course 5-2, on the surface of the garment, and the stitches 14, 18, the rear needle bed B is racked to the right by two pitch- 1 5 and 1 9 and the crossed portions of these stitches are es, then the stitch 1 8 is transferred again onto the needle located in the back of the garment. Accordingly, no ups f of the rear needle bed B. This is a preparation for cross- and downs are generated in the bound portions, and the ing the stitch 19 of the back knitted fabric 10b with the 35 garment is flat at the bound portions. Furthermore, the stitch 18 of the front knitted fabric. stitches 14 and 15, and the stitches 18 and 19 are Next, in the course 5-3, the stitch 1 3B is transferred crossed with each other, thus the front knitted fabric and onto the needle G of the opposing front needle bed F to the back knitted fabric are joined together by crossing overlap the stitch 13B with the stitch 15. In the course two yarns of each stitch. In comparison with the conven- 5-4, the yarn feeder 1 1 is shifted to the left to feed yarn 40 tional method wherein one yarn of each stitch is crossed to the needle G of the front needle bed F to form a stitch with, the joint of the garment has a greater strength. Fur- 1 9. As a result, the stitch 1 8 is formed over the stitches ther, the stitches are crossed with each other only after 1 4 and 1 2B, the stitch 1 9 is formed over the stitches 1 5 the formation of these stitches is completed. Hence, in and 1 3B, and the stitch 1 4 and the stitch 1 5 is kept in a contrast with the case of crossing yarns, the yarn is not crossed condition. In this way, the back knitted fabric 45 pulled out of the yarn feeder 11 during crossing. As a 10b is bound by one stitch. Next, in the course 5-5, the result, the knitted fabrics are pulled to each other, leav- stitch 1 9 is transferred onto the needle g of the rear nee- ing no gap between the knitted fabrics. dle bed B. Then, in the course 5-6, the rear needle bed A second embodiment will be described With refer- B is racked to the left by two pitches, then the stitch 1 9 ence to Fig. 7 through Fig. 10. The fabrics knitted is is transferred onto the needle E of the front needle bed so shown in Fig. 11. It is common to the first embodiment F. As a result, the stitch 1 8 and the stitch 1 9 are crossed and the second embodiment that binding is effected by with each other. In the subsequent courses, the knitting using crossed stitches 1 4, 1 5, 1 8, 1 9, 35, 38, 40 and 42. of the course 4-5 through the course 5-6 is repeated to It is also common to the first and second embodiments join and bind the front knitted fabric 10a and the back that the crossed stitches 14, 18, 35 and 40 of the front knitted fabric 1 0b by one stitch at a time. 55 knitted fabric are formed on the rear needle bed B and Knitted fabrics bound by the above-mentioned the crossed stitches 15, 19, 38 and 42 of the back knitted processes are shown in Fig. 6. Stitches 12A-E of the fabric are formed on the front needle bed F. In the first front knitted fabric 10a and stitches 13A-E of the back embodiment, the crossed stitches 14, 15, 18 and 19
5 9 EP 0 781 880 A1 10 were overlapped with the stitches to be bound 12A-E 36B and 36C but with the intermediate stitches 39, 41 , and 1 3A-E. In contrast to it, in the second embodiment, 43 and 44. On this point the second embodiment differs intermediate stitches 34, 39 and 43 are formed above from the first embodiment. Next, in the course 9-3, the the stitches to be bound 33A-E, and intermediate stitch- yarn feeder 31 is shifted to the left to feed yarn to a nee- es 37, 41 and 44 are formed above the stitches to be 5 die h of the rear needle bed B to form a stitch 40 above bound 36A-E. These intermediate stitches 34, 39, 43, the double stitch; the stitch 40 will be crossed later. As 37, 41 and 44 are not crossed. Then the crossed stitches a result, the stitches of the front knitted fabric are re- 35 and 40 are overlapped with the intermediate stitches duced by one stitch from the state of the course 7-1 , and 39 and 43, and the crossed stitches 38 and 42 are over- one stitch is bound. Then, in the course 9-4 and the lapped with the intermediate stitches 41 and 44. The 10 course 9-5, knitting similar to that of the course 7-6 and second embodiment will be described in the following. the course 8-1 is done to prepare for crossing of stitches. First, in the course 7-1 and the course 7-2, in a similar Next, in the course 9-6, the yarn feeder 31 is shifted manner to the first embodiment, a yarn feeder 31 is shift- to the right to form an intermediate stitch 41 , by means ed to the right to form stitches to be bound 33A, 33B, of a needle g of the rear needle bed B, above the stitch 33C, 33D and 33E of a front knitted fabric 32a, then the is 36B. Next, in the course 10-1, the stitch 31 is transferred yarn feeder 31 is shifted to the left. Next, in the course onto the needle G of the front needle bed F to overlap 7- 3, the yarn feeder 31 is reversed and shifted to the the stitch 31 with the stitch 38 and form a double stitch. right to feed yarn to a needle J of a front needle bed F Next, in the course 10-2, the yarn feeder 31 is shifted to on which a stitch 33A being at one end of the front knitted the left to feed yarn to the needle G of the front needle fabric is being held to form an intermediate stitch 34 20 bed F and form a stitch 42 above the double stitch; the above the stitch 33A. Next, in the course 7-4, the stitch stitch 42 will be crossed later. As a result, the stitch 35 34 is transferred onto a needle j of the opposing rear following the stitches 33A and 34 and the stitch 38 fol- needle bed B. Next, the yarn feeder 31 is reversed and lowing the stitches 36A and 37 are held in a crossed shifted to the left of the needle J to feed yarn to the nee- condition. The stitches of the back knitted fabric 32b are dle j of the rear needle bed B and form a stitch 35 which 25 also decreased by one stitch from the state of the course will be crossed later. In the course 7-6 and the course 7-1 . Then, in the course 1 0-3 and the course 1 0-4, knit- 8- 1, knitting similar to that of the course 3-5 and the ting similar to that in the course 9-4 and the course 9-5 course 3-6 of the first embodiment is made, and the is made. As a result, binding of one stitch is completed stitch 35 is transferred to the needle h of the rear needle in both the front knitted fabric 32a and the back knitted bed B. 30 fabric 32b. Then, knitting of the course 9-1 through the Next, in the course 8-2, the yarn feeder 31 is shifted course 10-4 is repeated to join the front knitted fabric to the right to feed yarn to a needle i of the rear needle 32a and the back knitted fabric 32b and bind one stitch bed B on which 17 a stitch 36A being at one end of the at a time; the bound stitch is disconnected from the nee- back knitted fabric 32 is being held to form an interme- dle bed. diate stitch 37 above a stitch 36A. Next, in the course 35 Knitted fabrics bound by the above-mentioned 8-3, the stitch 37 is transferred onto a needle 1 of the processes are shown in Fig. 11. Stitches 35 and 40 opposing front needle bed F. Further, in the course 8-4, formed in succession to the front knitted fabric 32a are the yarn feeder 31 is reversed and shifted to the left to crossed with stitches 38 and 42 formed in succession feed yarn to the needle I of the front needle bed F to to the back knitted fabric 32b. When the crossed stitches form a stitch 38 that will be crossed later. Then, in the 40 35, 38, 40 and 42 are overlapped with the intermediate course 8-5 and in the course 8-6, knitting similar to that stitches 39, 41 , 43 and 44, they are overlapped in such of the course 4-3 and the course 4-4 of the first embod- a way that the stitches 39, 41 , 43 and 44 will take upper iment will be made, and the stitch 38 will be transferred positions. Further, as the intermediate stitches 34, 37, onto a needle G of the front needle bed F. As a result, 39, 41 , 43 and 44 are formed, stitches will concentrate the stitch 35 formed in succession to the stitch 34 being 45 at the binding portions. This prevents the knitted fabrics in the final course of the front knitted fabric and the stitch from growing transparent at the bound portions. 38 formed above the stitch 37 of the back knitted fabric The first embodiment and the second embodiment are crossed with each other. are typical examples. There are a large number of var- Next, in the course 9-1 , the yarn feeder 31 is shifted iations according to, for example, the needle bed used to the right to feed a needle H of the front needle bed F so to form crossed stitches, the direction of yarn feeding to form an intermediate stitch 41 above the stitch 36B. when crossed stitches are formed, and the number of Next, in the course 9-2, the stitch 41 is transferred onto yarn feeders used (one or two). The major variations are a needle h of the opposing rear needle bed B and over- shown in Fig. 1 2 and Fig. 1 3. Fig 1 2 shows variations of laps the stitch 41 with the stitch 38 to form a double the first embodiment wherein crossed stitches are over- stitch. As shown in the course 7-3 through the course 55 lapped with stitches to be bound. Fig. 13 shows varia- 7-5 and the course 9-1 through the course 9-3, in the tions of the second embodiment wherein one or plural second embodiment, the crossed stitches 35, 40, 38 rows of intermediate stitches are formed in succession and 42 are not overlapped with the stitches 33B, 33C, to the stitches to be bound and the crossed stitches are
6 11 EP 0 781 880 A1 12 overlapped with the row of intermediate stitches. Re- ment; two kinds of knitting method and three kinds of garding the quality of knitted fabrics shown in the dia- shifting direction of the yarn feeder or feeders are com- grams, 5 indicates the highest quality. Regarding the bined to have a total of six variations. The second em- knitting rank, 5 indicates the easiest knitting. bodiment is a combination of the knitting method Y-2 and In Fig. 12, there are versions according to two knit- 5 the yarn feeder shifting direction 0. There are two knit- ting methods: stitches 1 4 and 1 8 are formed on the rear ting methods X-2 and Y-2, and both methods form inter- needle bed B and stitches 1 5 and 1 9 are formed on the mediate stitches before knitting of the knitting methods front needle bed F (Y-1 ); stitches 1 4 and 1 8 are formed X-1 and Y-1; they perform knitting of X-1 and Y-1 only on the front needle bed F and stitches 15 and 19 are after forming intermediate stitches. Thus other portions formed on the rear needle bed B (X-1 ). There are three 10 of X-2 and Y-2 except formation of intermediate stitches versions L, M and N according to the shift direction of are common to the knitting methods X-1 and Y-1. On the yarn feeder 11 at the time of formation of stitches the other hand, there are three kinds of yarn feeder shift- 14, 15, 18 and 19. Hence a total of six patterns are ing direction O, P and Q. The yarn feeder shifting direc- shown in Fig. 12. In the following, the description will be tion O is a pattern wherein as shown in the course 7-3, centered around the knitting of the stitch 18. The first is a stitch 34 is formed above a stitch 33A by shifting a embodiment is a combination of the knitting method Y- yarn feeder 31 to the right or the direction opposite to 1 and the yarn feeder shift direction L. According to this the advancing direction of binding, and in the course 7-4, knitting method, as shown in the course 4-5, stitches are the stitch 34 is transferred onto a needle of the rear nee- overlapped with each other by, first starting from a state dle bed, and in the course 7-5, a crossed stitch 35 which where in a stitch is held on the needle H of the front 20 is to be overlapped with an intermediate stitch 39 is needle bed and a stitch is held on the needle h of the formed by shifting the yarn feeder 31 in the advancing rear needle bed, and transferring the stitch on the nee- direction of binding. The yarn feeder shifting direction P dle H of the front needle bed onto the rear needle bed, is the reverse of O and is a pattern wherein in a course and in the course 4-6, a stitch 1 8 is formed above a dou- corresponding to the course 7-3 in which the stitch 34 ble stitch by a needle of the rear needle bed, Next, in 25 is formed above the stitch 33A, a stitch 34 is formed by the course 5-1 , the stitch 18 is transferred from the rear shifting the yarn feeder in the advancing direction of needle bed to the front needle bed, and in the course binding, and in a course corresponding to the course 5-2, the rear needle bed is racked by two pitches, then 7-5, the yarn feeder 31 is shifted to the right or the di- the stitch 18 is transferred from the front needle bed F rection opposite to the advancing direction of binding to to the rear needle bed B. On the other hand, according 30 form a stitch 35. The yarn feeder shifting direction Q is to the knitting method X-1 , in place of the course 4-6, a a pattern wherein different yarn feeders are used to knit stitch is formed above a double stitch by a needle of the a front knitted fabric 32a and a back knitted fabric 32b, front needle bed F, and the formed stitch is not subjected respectively. to the transfer of the course 5-1, and as shown in the Many variations of the method of implementing this course 5-2, the formed stitch is directed transferred to 35 invention are conceivable. One important thing is that the rear needle bed B. As explained above, there are crossed stitches 14, 18, 15, 19, 35, 40, 38 and 42 are two patterns of knitting method, the knitting method X- used and the crossed stitches of the fabrics 1 0a and 32a 1 and the knitting method Y-1 , according to which stitch are crossed with the crossed stitches of the back knitted of two stitches, one on the front needle bed and the other fabrics 10b and 32b. It is also that the crossed stitches on the rear needle bed, is transferred. The shift direction 40 1 4, 1 8, 1 5, 1 9, 35, 40, 38 and 42 are overlapped in such L of the yarn feeder 1 1 is a pattern wherein the yarn feed- a way that they are beneath the stitches 12B, 12C, 39, er 1 1 is shifted to the right when a stitch of the front knit- 43, 13B, 13C, 41 and 44, and that stitches 18, 19, 40 ted fabric 1 0a is formed, and the yarn feeder 1 1 is shifted and 42 are formed above these double stitches. In the to the left when a stitch of the rear knitted fabric 10b is embodiments, examples of knitting with a flat knitting formed. The shift direction M of the yarn feeder is oppo- 45 machine with two beds were described, but knitting is site to it, and is a pattern wherein the yarn feeder is shift- also possible with a flat knitting machine with four beds. ed to the left when to knit the front knitted fabric 10a, In this case, the needles of even numbers B, D, F, H and and the yarn feeder is shifted to the right to knit the rear J of the front needle bed F are substituted by needles knitted fabric 1 0b. The shift direction N of the yarn feeder of a front lower needle bed, the needles of odd numbers is a pattern wherein the yarn feeder 11 is shifted to the so A, C, E, G and I of the front needle bed F are substituted left to form a stitch on one knitted fabric, then, before a by needles of a front upper needle bed, the needles of stitch is formed on the other knitted fabric, the yarn feed- even numbers b, d, f, h and j of the rear needle bed B er 11 is shifted to the right of a needle on which next are substituted by needles of the rear lower needle bed, stitch is formed; thus stitches of both the front knitted and the needles of odd numbers a, c, e, g and i of the fabric 10a and the rear knitted fabric 10b are knitted by 55 rear needle bed are substituted by needles of a rear up- shifting the yarn feeder 11 in the advancing direction of per bed. With regard to transfer in the course 3-6, the bound stitches. course 4-4, the course 8-1, the course 8-6, etc., the Fig. 13 shows variations of the second embodi- stitches 14, 15, 35 and 38 may be transferred onto any
7 13 EP 0 781 880 A1 14 needles of the opposing upper bed where they will not wale, the method comprising the following steps:- disturb advance or retreat of any needles of the lower bed which will be advanced later. In the embodiments, 1. forming at least a second stitch (14) in suc- stitches 14, 18, 15, 19, 35, 40, 41 and 42 were trans- cession to a first stitch (12A) at one end of a ferred in the advancing direction of binding to cross the 5 binding area of a first knitted fabric (1 0a); stitches, but these stitches may be crossed by shifting 2. transferring the second stitch (14) formed in them in the direction opposite to the advancing direction step 1 over the trick gap; of binding. 3. forming at least a fourth stitch (15) in succes- sion to a third stitch (1 3A) at one end of a bind- 10 ing area of a second knitted fabric (10b); Claims 4. transferring the fourth stitch (15) formed in step 3 over the trick gap in such a way that the 1 . A binding-off method for use with a flat knitting ma- fourth stitch (15) will cross with the second chine having at least a front needle bed and a rear stitch (14); needle bed, each of said needle beds having a large is 5. overlapping a fifth stitch (12B) of a wale in- number of needles, having a space between said terior to said first stitch (12A) at one end of the needle beds for use as a trick gap, at least one of first knitted fabric with the second stitch (14); said needle beds being slidable to the right and to 6. forming a sixth stitch (18) over the stitches the left, and having a yarn feeder for feeding yarn overlapped by step 5; to needles of the needle beds the method being 20 7. transferring the sixth stitch (18) formed by used to bind two knitted fabrics, a front one and a step 6 over the trick gap in such a way that the back one, the knitted fabrics being provided with a sixth stitch (18) will cross with the fourth stitch large number of stitches, each of said stitches com- (15); prising a loop and prolongations on both sides 8. overlapping a seventh stitch (1 3B) of a wale thereof, the method comprising 25 interior to said third stitch (13A) at one end of repeating following steps a, b and c from at the second knitted fabric with the fourth stitch least one side end of each of the knitted fabrics to- (15); wards the interior portions of the knitted fabrics: 9. forming an eighth stitch (19) over the stitches overlapped by step 8; and a: forming new stitches in succession to stitch- 30 1 0. transferring the eighth stitch (1 9) formed by es of the respective two knitted fabrics; step 9 over the trick gap in such a way that the b: transferring said new stitches to opposing eighth stitch (1 9) will cross with the sixth stitch needle beds to make the prolongations of said (18) new stitches cross each other; and c: after that, overlapping said new stitches with 35 3. A binding-off method as claimed in claim 2, wherein interior stitches of said two knitted fabrics. in step 5, a fifth stitch (1 2B) is transferred and over- lapped with the second stitch (14), and in step 8, a 2. A binding-off method for use with a flat knitting ma- third stitch (1 3B) is transferred and overlapped with chine having at least afirst needle bed and a second the fourth stitch (15). needle bed arranged to oppose each other, one in 40 the front and the other in the rear, each of said nee- 4. A binding-off method as claimed in claim 2 or 3, dle beds having a large number of needles, having wherein, in steps 1 and 3 two stitches are formed, a space between said first needle bed and said sec- respectively. ond needle bed for use as a trick gap, at least one of said first needle bed or said second needle bed 45 5. A tubular knitted fabric comprising a front knitted being slidable to the right and to the left, and having fabric and a back knitted fabric, each stitch of the a yarn feeder for feeding yarn to needles of the first last course of the front knitted fabric being over- needle bed and the second needle bed, the method lapped with a stitch, one stitch interior, of an imme- being used to bind a first knitted fabric and a second diately preceding course of the front knitted fabric, knitted fabric, each of said knitted fabrics consisting so each stitch of the last course of the back knitted fab- of a large number of stitches, each stitch comprising ric being overlapped with a stitch, one stitch interior, a loop and prolongations on both sides thereof, the of an immediately preceding course of the back knit- knitted fabrics each having a large number of stitch- ted fabric, and each stitch of the last course of the es arranged in both a direction parallel to and a di- front knitted fabric crossing with a stitch of the last rection perpendicular to the needle beds, a row of 55 course of the back knitted fabric. stitches being parallel to the needle beds being de- fined as a course and a row of stitches being per- 6. A CAD apparatus being designed to generate a pendicular to the needle beds being defined as a binding-off method for use with a flat knitting ma-
8 15 EP 0 781 880 A1 chine with a built-in computer, having at least a front needle bed and a rear needle bed, each of said nee- dle beds having a large number of needles, using a space between said pair of needle beds as a trick gap, at least one of said needle beds being slidable s to the right and to the left, and having a yarn feeder for feeding yarn to needles of needle beds to bind two knitted fabrics, a front knitted fabric and a back knitted fabric, said CAD apparatus being arranged to generate commands for the following: 10
a: to form new stitches subsequent to stitches of said two knitted fabrics, front knitted fabric and back knitted fabric; b: to transfer said new stitches to the opposing 15 needle beds so as to cross the prolongations of said new stitches with each other; and c: after that, to overlap said new stitches with interior stitches of said two knitted fabrics, front one and back one. 20
A binding off method for use with flat knitting ma- chine comprising:
providing a front knitted fabric on a front needle 25 bed and a rear knitted fabric on an opposing rear needle bed; and repeating the following steps from one end of the knitted fabrics to- wards the interior thereof: forming new stitches on the front knitted fabric 30 and the rear knitted fabric; transferring the new stitches to opposing nee- dle beds such that the prolongations of the new stitches cross each other; and subsequently, overlapping the new stitches 35 with interior stitches of the knitted fabrics.
40
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Patent Number European EUROPEAN SEARCH REPORT Application Office EP 96 30 9463
DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT Citation of document with indication, where appropriate, Relevant CLASSIFICATION OF THE Category of relevant passages to claim APPLICATION (lnt.CI.6) D,A US 5 456 096 A (MITSUM0T0 ET AL) D04B1/24
D,A, EP 0 737 768 A (SHIMA SEIKI MANUFACTURING, P LTD)
EP 0 468 687 A (SHIMA SEIKI MANUFACTURING, LTD)
TECHNICAL FIELDS SEARCHED Unl.CI.fi) D04B
The present search report has been drawn up for all claims Place of search Date of completion of the search THE HAGUE 18 April 1997 Van Gelder, P CATEGORY OF CUED DOCUMENTS theory or principle underlying the invention earlier patent document, but published on, or X : particularly relevant if taken alone after the filing date Y : particularly relevant if combined with another document cited in the application document of the same category document cited for other reasons A : technological background O : non-written disclosure : member of the same patent family, corresponding P : intermediate document document
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