U.S. patent application number 17/141381 was filed with the patent office on 2021-08-12 for reflective knit component.
The applicant listed for this patent is NIKE, Inc.. Invention is credited to Erin C. Stevens.
Application Number | 20210246584 17/141381 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005328932 |
Filed Date | 2021-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210246584 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stevens; Erin C. |
August 12, 2021 |
REFLECTIVE KNIT COMPONENT
Abstract
Aspects herein include a knit component having a non-reflective
portion formed from a first knit segment that is knit with the
first yarn and the second yarn in a plated relationship, where the
first yarn forms the non-reflective portion on a technical face of
the knit component. A reflective portion is formed from a second
knit segment that is knit with the second yarn, where the second
yarn forming the reflective portion is on the technical face of the
knit component. The second knit segment is integrally knit with the
first knit segment along the knit course.
Inventors: |
Stevens; Erin C.; (Portland,
OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NIKE, Inc. |
Beaverton |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005328932 |
Appl. No.: |
17/141381 |
Filed: |
January 5, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62971537 |
Feb 7, 2020 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 23/025 20130101;
D04B 1/12 20130101; A41B 11/001 20130101; A41D 19/0051 20130101;
A41D 1/04 20130101; D10B 2401/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D04B 1/12 20060101
D04B001/12; A41B 11/00 20060101 A41B011/00; A41D 19/00 20060101
A41D019/00; A43B 23/02 20060101 A43B023/02; A41D 1/04 20060101
A41D001/04 |
Claims
1. A knit component comprising: a knit course that is knit with a
first yarn and a second yarn, the knit course comprising: a first
non-reflective portion formed from a first knit segment that is
knit with the first yarn and the second yarn in a plated
relationship, the first yarn forming the first non-reflective
portion on a technical face of the knit component, and a reflective
portion formed from a second knit segment that is knit with the
second yarn, the second yarn forming the reflective portion on the
technical face of the knit component, the second knit segment
integrally knit with the first knit segment along the knit
course.
2. The knit component of claim 1, wherein the first yarn extends
over at least one knit stitch as a float stitch in the reflective
portion.
3. The knit component of claim 1, wherein the first yarn is
positioned at a technical back of the knit component in the
reflective portion.
4. The knit component of claim 1, further comprising a second
non-reflective portion formed from a third knit segment that is
knit with the first yarn and the second yarn in the plated
relationship.
5. The knit component of claim 4, wherein the first non-reflective
portion is spaced apart from the second non-reflective portion by
the reflective portion.
6. The knit component of claim 1, wherein the first non-reflective
portion comprises at least two knit stitches, and wherein the
reflective portion comprises at least two knit stitches.
7. The knit component of claim 6, wherein the at least two knit
stitches of the first non-reflective portion include the second
yarn, and wherein the at least two knit stitches of the reflective
portion include the second yarn.
8. The knit component of claim 7, wherein the at least two knit
stitches of the first non-reflective portion include the first
yarn, and wherein the at least two knit stitches of the reflective
portion do not include the first yarn.
9. A knit component comprising: a knit course that is knit with a
first yarn and a second yarn, the knit course comprising: a first
reflective portion formed from a first knit segment that is knit
with the first yarn and the second yarn in a plated relationship,
the first yarn forming the first reflective portion on a technical
face of the knit component, and a non-reflective portion formed
from a second knit segment that is knit with the second yarn, the
second yarn forming the non-reflective portion on the technical
face of the knit component, wherein the first yarn is positioned on
a technical back of the knit component in the non-reflective
portion, and wherein the second knit segment is integrally knit
with the first knit segment along the knit course.
10. The knit component of claim 9, wherein the first yarn extends
over at least one knit stitch as a float stitch in the
non-reflective portion.
11. The knit component of claim 9, further comprising a second
reflective portion formed from a third knit segment that is knit
with the first yarn and the second yarn in the plated
relationship.
12. The knit component of claim 11, wherein the first reflective
portion is spaced apart from the second reflective portion by the
non-reflective portion.
13. The knit component of claim 9, wherein the first reflective
portion comprises at least two knit stitches, and wherein the
non-reflective portion comprises at least two knit stitches.
14. The knit component of claim 13, wherein the at least two knit
stitches of the first reflective portion include the second yarn,
and wherein the at least two knit stitches of the non-reflective
portion include the second yarn.
15. The knit component of claim 14, wherein the at least two knit
stitches of the first reflective portion include the first yarn,
and wherein the at least two knit stitches of the non-reflective
portion do not include the first yarn.
16. A method of knitting a knit course of a knit component with a
first yarn and a second yarn, the method comprising: knitting a
first knit segment to form a first non-reflective portion of the
knit course by knitting the first yarn and the second yarn in a
plated relationship, the first yarn forming the first
non-reflective portion on a technical face of the knit component;
and knitting a second knit segment to form a reflective portion of
the knit course by knitting one or more knit stitches with the
second yarn, the second yarn forming the reflective portion on the
technical face of the knit component, the second knit segment
integrally knit with the first knit segment.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first yarn extends over at
least one knit stitch as a float stitch in the reflective
portion.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the first yarn is positioned at
a technical back of the knit component in the reflective
portion.
19. The method of claim 16, further comprising knitting a third
knit segment to form a second non-reflective portion by knitting
the first yarn and the second yarn in the plated relationship, the
first yarn forming the second non-reflective portion on the
technical face of the knit component.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein the first non-reflective
portion comprises at least two knit stitches, and wherein the
reflective portion comprises at least two knit stitches.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application, having attorney docket number
351662/190221US02 and entitled "Reflective Knit Component," claims
the benefit of priority of U.S. Prov. App. No. 62/971,537, filed
Feb. 7, 2020, and entitled "Reflective Knit Component." The
entirety of the aforementioned application is incorporated by
reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Aspects herein relate to a knit component with integrally
knit reflective and non-reflective portions.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Typically, creating a pattern of reflective and
non-reflective portions in the same knit course is accomplished by
dropping in and out reflective yarns, requiring, in some instances,
the cutting of the yarns as they enter and exit the knit
course.
SUMMARY
[0004] The following clauses represent example aspects of concepts
contemplated herein. Any one of the following clauses may be
combined in a multiple dependent manner to depend from one or more
other clauses. Further, any combination of dependent clauses
(clauses that explicitly depend from a previous clause) may be
combined while staying within the scope of aspects contemplated
herein. The following clauses are examples and are not
limiting.
[0005] Clause 1. A knit component comprising: a knit course that is
knit with a first yarn and a second yarn, the knit course
comprising: a first non-reflective portion formed from a first knit
segment that is knit with the first yarn and the second yarn in a
plated relationship, the first yarn forming the first
non-reflective portion on a technical face of the knit component,
and a reflective portion formed from a second knit segment that is
knit with the second yarn, the second yarn forming the reflective
portion on the technical face of the knit component, the second
knit segment integrally knit with the first knit segment along the
knit course.
[0006] Clause 2. The knit component according to clause 1, wherein
the first yarn extends over at least one knit stitch as a float
stitch in the reflective portion.
[0007] Clause 3. The knit component according to any of clauses 1
through 2, wherein the first yarn is positioned at a technical back
of the knit component in the reflective portion.
[0008] Clause 4. The knit component according to any of clauses 1
through 3, further comprising a second non-reflective portion
formed from a third knit segment that is knit with the first yarn
and the second yarn in the plated relationship.
[0009] Clause 5. The knit component according to clause 4, wherein
the first non-reflective portion is spaced apart from the second
non-reflective portion by the reflective portion.
[0010] Clause 6. The knit component according to any of clauses 1
through 5, wherein the first non-reflective portion comprises at
least two knit stitches, and wherein the reflective portion
comprises at least two knit stitches.
[0011] Clause 7. The knit component according to clause 6, wherein
the at least two knit stitches of the first non-reflective portion
include the second yarn, and wherein the at least two knit stitches
of the reflective portion include the second yarn.
[0012] Clause 8. The knit component according to clause 7, wherein
the at least two knit stitches of the first non-reflective portion
include the first yarn, and wherein the at least two knit stitches
of the reflective portion do not include the first yarn.
[0013] Clause 9. A knit component comprising: a knit course that is
knit with a first yarn and a second yarn, the knit course
comprising: a first reflective portion formed from a first knit
segment that is knit with the first yarn and the second yarn in a
plated relationship, the first yarn forming the first reflective
portion on a technical face of the knit component, and a
non-reflective portion formed from a second knit segment that is
knit with the second yarn, the second yarn forming the
non-reflective portion on the technical face of the knit component,
wherein the first yarn is positioned on a technical back of the
knit component in the non-reflective portion, and wherein the
second knit segment is integrally knit with the first knit segment
along the knit course.
[0014] Clause 10. The knit component according to clause 9, wherein
the first yarn extends over at least one knit stitch as a float
stitch in the non-reflective portion.
[0015] Clause 11. The knit component according to any of clauses 9
through 10, further comprising a second reflective portion formed
from a third knit segment that is knit with the first yarn and the
second yarn in the plated relationship.
[0016] Clause 12. The knit component according to clause 11,
wherein the first reflective portion is spaced apart from the
second reflective portion by the non-reflective portion.
[0017] Clause 13. The knit component according to any of clauses 9
through 12, wherein the first reflective portion comprises at least
two knit stitches, and wherein the non-reflective portion comprises
at least two knit stitches.
[0018] Clause 14. The knit component according to clause 13,
wherein the at least two knit stitches of the first reflective
portion include the second yarn, and wherein the at least two knit
stitches of the non-reflective portion include the second yarn.
[0019] Clause 15. The knit component according to clause 14,
wherein the at least two knit stitches of the first reflective
portion include the first yarn, and wherein the at least two knit
stitches of the non-reflective portion do not include the first
yarn.
[0020] Clause 16. A method of knitting a knit course of a knit
component with a first yarn and a second yarn, the method
comprising: knitting a first knit segment to form a first
non-reflective portion of the knit course by knitting the first
yarn and the second yarn in a plated relationship, the first yarn
forming the first non-reflective portion on a technical face of the
knit component; and knitting a second knit segment to form a
reflective portion of the knit course by knitting one or more knit
stitches with the second yarn, the second yarn forming the
reflective portion on the technical face of the knit component, the
second knit segment integrally knit with the first knit
segment.
[0021] Clause 17. The method according to clause 16, wherein the
first yarn extends over at least one knit stitch as a float stitch
in the reflective portion.
[0022] Clause 18. The method according to any of clauses 16 through
17, wherein the first yarn is positioned at a technical back of the
knit component in the reflective portion.
[0023] Clause 19. The method according to any of clauses 16 through
18, further comprising knitting a third knit segment to form a
second non-reflective portion by knitting the first yarn and the
second yarn in the plated relationship, the first yarn forming the
second non-reflective portion on the technical face of the knit
component.
[0024] Clause 20. The method of according to any of clauses 16
through 19, wherein the first non-reflective portion comprises at
least two knit stitches, and wherein the reflective portion
comprises at least two knit stitches.
[0025] Clause 21. The method according to clause 20, wherein the at
least two knit stitches of the first non-reflective portion include
the second yarn, and wherein the at least two knit stitches of the
reflective portion include the second yarn.
[0026] Clause 22. The method according to clause 21, wherein the at
least two knit stitches of the first non-reflective portion include
the first yarn, and wherein the at least two knit stitches of the
reflective portion do not include the first yarn.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Examples of aspects herein are described in detail below
with reference to the attached figures, wherein:
[0028] FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a medial and a lateral view,
respectively, of an example knit component having reflective
portions and non-reflective portions in accordance with aspects
herein;
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates an example knit structure of a knit
component having reflective and non-reflective portions in
accordance with aspects herein;
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic depiction of the knit
structure of the knit component of FIG. 3 depicting a technical
face and a technical back in accordance with aspects herein;
[0031] FIG. 5A illustrates a schematic depiction of a position of a
plurality of needles so as to pick up a first yarn in accordance
with aspects herein;
[0032] FIG. 5B illustrates a needle from the plurality of needles
of FIG. 5A picking up the first yarn at a first yarn feeding
station in accordance with aspects herein;
[0033] FIG. 6A illustrates a schematic depiction of a position of
the plurality of needles of FIG. 5A so as to pick up a second yarn
in accordance with aspects herein;
[0034] FIG. 6B illustrates a needle from the plurality of needles
of FIG. 5A picking up the second yarn at a second yarn feeding
station in accordance with aspects herein;
[0035] FIG. 7A illustrates a schematic depiction of a position of
the plurality of needles of FIG. 5A so as to form a knit stitch in
accordance with aspects herein;
[0036] FIG. 7B illustrates a needle from the plurality of needles
of FIG. 5A forming the knit stitch in accordance with aspects
herein;
[0037] FIG. 8 illustrates an example representation of a knit glove
having one or more reflective portions and one or more
non-reflective portions in accordance with aspects herein;
[0038] FIG. 9 illustrates an example representation of a knit shoe
having one or more reflective portions and one or more
non-reflective portions in accordance with aspects herein;
[0039] FIG. 10 illustrates an example representation of a knit
shirt having one or more reflective portions and one or more
non-reflective portions in accordance with aspects herein; and
[0040] FIG. 11 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method of
knitting a knit component having one or more reflective portions
and one or more non-reflective portions in accordance with aspects
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] The subject matter of the present invention is described
with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However,
the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this
disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the
claimed or disclosed subject matter might also be embodied in other
ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar
to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other
present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms "step"
and/or "block" might be used herein to connote different elements
of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as
implying any particular order among or between various steps herein
disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is
explicitly stated.
[0042] People often seek to wear clothing or apparel having a
reflective material for a variety of reasons, including its ability
to create a unique aesthetic based on its reflective qualities. In
some instances, the reflective qualities may improve a person's
safety. For example, athletes exercising in low light conditions
seek to wear clothing that reflects light so as to alert others to
their presence. Additionally, clothing or apparel that reflects
light in a unique pattern may create a visually appealing
design.
[0043] Conventional methods of knitting clothing or apparel to
create these unique designs with reflective qualities is
time-consuming, among other disadvantages. Typically, creating a
pattern of reflective and non-reflective portions in the same knit
course entails dropping in and out reflective yarns, requiring the
cutting of the yarns as they enter and exit the knit course. This
is especially time-consuming when complex designs are created with
multiple reflective and non-reflective portions in the same knit
course. Further, cutting yarns introduces the risk of the
reflective or non-reflective yarn slipping out of the knit stitch.
This weakens the overall knit structure, increasing the chances
that the knit component may unravel over time.
[0044] At a high level, aspects herein are directed to knit
components having reflective portions and non-reflective portions
formed within the same knit course. The reflective portions and/or
non-reflective portions are integrally knit within the same knit
course by floating a yarn on the technical back of the knit
component. As explained further below, a first yarn and a second
yarn may be knit in a plated relationship in a first knit segment,
where the first yarn forms the technical face of the knit component
and the second yarn forms the technical back of the knit component.
As such, when in an as-worn configuration such that the technical
face is positioned facing outward, the first yarn may be seen while
the second yarn is generally hidden from view. In a second knit
segment, the second yarn may form both the technical face and the
technical back of the knit component while the first yarn is
positioned at the technical back as a float. As such, when in the
as-worn configuration, the second yarn may be seen while the first
yarn is generally hidden from view.
[0045] Reflective portions and non-reflective portions are formed
in the first or second knit segment based on whether a reflective
yarn is used as the first or second yarn. For instance, in aspects
where the first yarn is the non-reflective yarn and the second yarn
is the reflective yarn, the first yarn will form a non-reflective
portion in the first knit segment because the first and second yarn
are knit in a plated relationship and the non-reflective first yarn
is positioned on the technical face of the knit component and
effectively hides the reflective second yarn. A reflective portion
may be formed in the second knit segment as the first yarn is
positioned at the technical back of the knit component as a float.
As such, the second yarn (the reflective yarn) is exposed and forms
the reflective portion on the technical face of the knit
component.
[0046] In other aspects, the first yarn is the reflective yarn and
the second yarn is the non-reflective yarn. The first yarn forms a
reflective portion in the first knit segment because the first and
second yarn are knit in a plated relationship, and the reflective
first yarn is positioned on the technical face of the knit
component. A non-reflective portion may be formed in the second
knit segment as the first yarn is positioned at the technical back
of the knit component as a float and, as such, is generally not
visible on the outer-facing surface of the knit component. Because
the second yarn is visible on the technical face in the second knit
segment, the second yarn (the non-reflective yarn) forms the
non-reflective portion on the technical face of the knit
component.
[0047] Aspects therefore allow a reflective portion and a
non-reflective portion to be formed in the same knit course of the
knit component. Further, the reflective portion and non-reflective
portions may be positioned throughout the knit component to create
an improved aesthetic as well as improved wearer safety and can be
manufactured in an efficient manner. As well, the reflective and
non-reflective portions can be knit without cutting the yarn so as
to produce a stronger knit structure, reducing the risk of the knit
component from unraveling over time.
[0048] Positional terms as used herein such as "front," "back,"
"lateral," "medial," "superior," "inferior," "forefoot," "plantar,"
and the like are with respect to a knit component as described
herein incorporated into an article of apparel being worn as
intended by a wearer standing in an anatomical position. As such,
when the article is, for example, an upper-body garment or a
lower-body garment, the front of the article is configured to cover
a front upper torso area and/or front arm portions or a lower front
torso area and front leg portions respectively of a wearer, and the
back of the article is configured to cover a back upper torso area
and/or back arm portions or a lower back torso area and back leg
portions respectively of the wearer. When the article is, for
instance, a sock or an upper of a shoe, the lateral side is
configured to cover a lateral side of a wearer's foot, the medial
side is configured to cover a medial side of the wearer's foot, the
forefoot and/or instep of the article is configured to cover the
dorsum of the wearer's foot, and the plantar side is configured to
cover the sole of the wearer's foot.
[0049] The term "knit course" as used herein is a predominantly
horizontal row of knitted loops (in an upright fabric as knit)
produced by adjacent needles during the same knitting cycle. The
knit course may include one or more stitch types such as a loop
stitch, a held stitch, a float stitch, a tuck stitch, a transfer
stitch, and the like as these terms are known in the art of
knitting. The term "knit stitch" as used herein refers to a knit
loop formed by a needle during a knitting cycle where the knit
stitch may be interlooped with adjacent knit stitches in example
aspects. The term "technical back" as used herein refers to the
inner side of the fabric or textile as it is being knit. The term
"technical back" may also be defined as the side of the fabric or
textile that contains back loops or purl loops. The term "technical
face" as used herein refers to the outer side of the fabric or
textile as it is being knit. The term "technical face" may also be
defined as the side of the fabric or textile that contains face
loops or weft knit loops. In example aspects, the technical face is
an external-facing surface of the knit component, and the technical
back is an internal-facing surface of the knit component (the
surface configured to be adjacent to a wearer's skin surface). A
"float stitch" or "float" as used herein means a yarn formed from a
missed stitch that floats freely on the technical back of a textile
and that extends from the base of one knitted loop to the base of
the next knitted loop along a knit course.
[0050] The term "integrally knit" as used herein may mean a textile
or fabric having a yarn from one or more knit courses being
interlooped with one or more knit courses of another area. When
referred to a knit segment, integrally knit may mean a knit segment
of a knit course that precedes or follows another knit segment of
the same knit course where each of the knit segments share a common
yarn. For instance, if a first knit segment is integrally knit with
a second knit segment along a knit course, the first knit course
may precede or follow the second knit course in the course-wise
direction and includes a common yarn with the second knit segment.
The term "plating" as used herein means a knit construction where a
first yarn (e.g., a base yarn) and a second yarn (e.g., a plating
yarn) are knitted in the same knit stitch using, for instance, a
first yarn feeder or base yarn feeder and a second yarn feeder or a
plating yarn feeder.
[0051] The term "reflective" as used herein means may be a material
having one or more reflective characteristics, including, without
limitation, retroreflectivity, specular reflectivity, and diffuse
reflectivity. For the purposes of this disclosure,
"retroreflective" is used to describe a phenomenon wherein a
reflected ray travels along a vector parallel to that of an
incident ray (e.g., originating from a light-emitting source), but
in the opposite direction. In other words, a material is
retroreflective when it reflects light back at its source. Some
examples of retroreflective materials include yarns, tapes, sheets,
strips, and the like, comprising reflective glass beads,
microprisms, lenses, or the like. The term "specular reflectivity"
is used to describe a condition where a reflected ray is reflected
at an angle away from an emitting light source. The reflected ray
may be said to have an angle of reflection relative to a plane
normal to the reflecting surface, the angle of reflection being
equal to an angle of incidence relative to the normal plane. One
common example of a specular reflective material is a mirror; other
examples may include metallic substances, particularly those with a
microscopically smooth surface and/or lustrous appearance, such as
aluminum foil. A material may be said to have diffuse reflectivity
when at least some of the light incident to a rough surface is
reflected in many directions. Many materials are diffuse
reflectors. Examples of materials having diffuse reflective
properties are unadorned textiles, including non-woven textiles,
such as felt, woven textiles, knit textiles, braided textiles, and
the like. A diffuse reflecting material may have a particular
color, in which case all portions of the visible light spectrum
(electromagnetic waves having a wavelength in the range of 380
nm-750 nm) are absorbed by the material except for the particular
color, which is diffusely reflected in many directions due to the
material's uneven surface.
[0052] The term reflective as used herein may refer to either
relative reflectivity or absolute reflectivity. By saying that a
first yarn is relatively reflective it may be understood to mean
that the first yarn has a higher reflectivity relative to a second
yarn. In one example, the reflective yarn would be considered
reflective due to the amount of reflected light being observed at a
particular point being greater than the amount of reflected light
being observed at the same point by a non-reflective yarn. For
example, with respect to a retroreflective material, when a viewer
is within a certain observation angle (e.g., 1 degree) of an
emitting light source (e.g., a white light having a plurality of
wavelengths found within a range extending from 380 nm to 750 nm),
and the incident ray strikes the observed surface within a certain
entrance angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the surface's normal
axis, the reflective material may reflect considerably more light
to the observation point than the non-reflective material. In
another example, if the reflective material had spectrally
reflective properties, an observation point at an angle of
reflection equal to the angle of incidence may experience a
considerable amount of reflected light from the reflective
material, particularly compared to the relatively non-reflective
textile.
[0053] Additionally or alternatively to human perception,
"reflective" may be understood to mean that the reflective yarn
exceeds a threshold of absolute reflectivity. Absolute reflectivity
may be measured using devices that measure an amount of reflected
light, such as spectrophotometers, spectrometers, luxometers, or
any other instrument suitable for detecting an amount/intensity of
reflected waves at a one or more wavelengths. Various standards and
methodologies may be used to determine absolute reflectivity.
[0054] For example, "reflectivity" or "light reflectance value" may
be determined by the quotient of an amount of light reflected by a
material divided by the amount of light received by the material,
determined using the testing procedures set forth in ASTM E1331-15.
A yarn may be considered reflective if it has a reflectivity
greater than or equal to a threshold and considered non-reflective
if it has a reflectivity less than the threshold. In aspects, the
threshold may be 0.25 (25%), 0.5 (50%), 0.75 (75%), or any
desirable threshold between 0.1 (10%) and 0.9 (90%).
[0055] As another example, the reflective yarn may have a higher
coefficient of retroreflection than the non-reflective yarn. The
"coefficient of retroreflection" is another type of standard-based
measurement and is used to specifically quantify a material's
retroreflectivity. A "coefficient of retroreflection" or "R.sub.A"
may be said to be the candela/lux/m.sup.2 for a particular entrance
angle and observation angle, determined in accordance with the
testing, measurement, and analytical procedures defined by the
"Ratio Method" of ASTM E809-08. A yarn may be termed to be
"retroreflective" or "reflective" for the purposes of this
specification if a yarn has an R.sub.A greater than or equal to a
threshold and considered non-reflective if it has a reflectivity
less than the threshold. In aspects, the threshold may be 5, 25,
50, or 100 when measured in dry conditions at a five degree
entrance angle and 0.2 degree observation angle.
[0056] In example aspects, the reflective yarn may include a
micro-slit reflective film twisted with a filament polyester
manufactured by Wuxi Lumiya Textile Co., Ltd. of Jiangsu, China. It
should be appreciated that twisting of the film with the polyester
improves the comfort of the yarn against a wearer's skin and
improves the flexibility of the yarn. Example non-reflective yarns
may include yarns such as polyester, nylon, cotton, wool, or the
like. For instance, non-reflective yarns include a 100% filament
polyester yarn and/or a 100% nylon yarn. The term "about" used
when, for instance, describing numerical ranges means within
.+-.10% of a designated value unless indicated otherwise. Unless
otherwise noted, all measurements provided herein are measured at
standard ambient temperature and pressure (25 degrees Celsius or
298.15 K and 1 bar).
[0057] FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a medial view and a lateral view,
respectively, of an example knit component 100 having reflective
portions 110n and non-reflective portions 120n. While the knit
component 100 is shown in the form of a sock, the knit component
100 may be any knit component such as a shirt, sweater, pants,
shoes, glove, hat, or bag. Additionally, while the knit component
100 is shown in the form of a crew sock, other sock lengths are
contemplated herein such as a leg sock, a quarter sock, an
over-the-calf or executive sock, and the like.
[0058] As illustrated, the knit component 100 includes the one or
more reflective portions 110n and the one or more non-reflective
portions 120n in an alternating pattern. The one or more reflective
portions 110n and the one or more non-reflective portions 120n may
be positioned anywhere on the knit component 100 such as the leg,
welt, sole, or toe area of the sock. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2,
the one or more reflective portions 110n and the one or more
non-reflective portions 120n are positioned on a leg portion 102 of
the knit component 100 to provide good visibility in low light
conditions.
[0059] The one or more reflective portions 110n and the one or more
non-reflective portions 120n may be formed by a plurality of knit
courses. In some example aspects, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
the one or more reflective portions 110n and the one or more
non-reflective portions 120n may extend circumferentially around
the knit component 100, such as the leg portion 102 of the knit
component 100. In other example aspects, the one or more reflective
portions 110n and the one or more non-reflective portions 120n may
extend only partially around the circumference of the knit
component 100, such as partially around the leg portion 102 of the
knit component 100. As described in greater detail below, the one
or more reflective portions 110n and the one or more non-reflective
portions 120n may be formed based on a reflective yarn and a
non-reflective yarn forming a particular knit structure. For
example, the one or more reflective portions 110n and the one or
more non-reflective portions 120n may be formed based on two
different knit segments within a single knit course. By utilizing
these two different types of knit segments throughout the single
knit course, a unique aesthetic may be created in the knit
component 100.
[0060] For instance, FIG. 1 illustrates the one or more reflective
portions 110n and the one or more non-reflective portions 120n
forming a checkerboard pattern in the leg portion 102 of the knit
component 100. The one or more reflective portions 110n are
depicted with a hatch pattern to indicate that light may be
reflected differently than the one or more non-reflective portions
120n. In some aspects, the one or more reflective portions 110n may
have a higher retro-reflective quality than the one or more
non-reflective portions 120n. It should be appreciated that any
pattern or aesthetic may be formed using the one or more reflective
portions 110n and one or more non-reflective portions 120n. For
instance, the one or more reflective portions 110n and the one or
more non-reflective portions 120n may form various shapes (e.g.,
diamonds, circles, stripes, or triangles) of various sizes. Aspects
described herein are not limited to a geometric pattern. For
instance, the one or more reflective portions 110n and the one or
more non-reflective portions 120n may form letters, logos, symbols,
curvilinear designs or objects, and the like.
[0061] Visually appealing patterns or designs can be created based
on a length 112 (e.g., in the coursewise direction) and a height
114 (e.g., in the walewise direction) of either the reflective or
non-reflective portion. For instance, regarding the length 112, the
one or more reflective portions 110n and/or the one or more
non-reflective portions 120n may extend across any number of knit
stitches. Hence, the one or more reflective portions 110n and/or
the one or more non-reflective portions 120n may vary in length in
the coursewise direction. By way of example, each of the one or
more reflective portions 110n and/or the one or more non-reflective
portions 120n may extend between a range of from about one knit
stitch to about forty knit stitches. In some aspects, each of the
one or more reflective portions 110n and/or the one or more
non-reflective portions 120n may extend between a range of from
about one knit stitch to about ten knit stitches. In further
aspects, each of the one or more reflective portions 110n and/or
the one or more non-reflective portions 120n may extend between a
range of from about one knit stitch to about five knit stitches. In
some example aspects the length of the reflective portions 110n
and/or the non-reflective portions 120n may be limited by a length
of a float stitch as explained below. For instance, when float
stitches exceed a certain number of knit stitches, they can snag
and/or be uncomfortable against the wearer's skin. Also, when float
stitches exceed a certain number of knit stitches, they are
typically cut which can increase manufacturing times.
[0062] Regarding the height 114, the one or more reflective
portions 110n and/or the one or more non-reflective portions 120n
may extend across any number of knit courses in the walewise
direction. Hence, the one or more reflective portions 110n and/or
the one or more non-reflective portions 120n may vary in height in
the walewise direction. By way of example, each of the one or more
reflective portions 110n and/or the one or more non-reflective
portions 120n may extend between a range of from about one knit
course to about one hundred knit courses. In additional aspects,
each of the one or more reflective portions 110n or the one or more
non-reflective portions 120n may extend between a range of from
about one knit course to about fifty knit courses. In further
aspects, each of the one or more reflective portions 110n and/or
the one or more non-reflective portions 120n may extend between a
range of from about one knit course to about ten knit courses. In
some aspects, each of the one or more reflective portions 110n
and/or the one or more non-reflective portions 120n may extend
between a range of from about one knit course to about five knit
courses.
[0063] It should be appreciated that the length 112 of a first
reflective portion 110n may be different or the same as the length
112 of a second reflective portion 110n. For example, the first
reflective portion 110n may include a first number of knit stitches
while the second reflective portion 110n may include a second
number of knit stitches. The first number of knit stitches may be
the same, greater, or lesser than the second number of knit
stitches. Likewise, the length 112 of a first non-reflective
portion 120n may be different or the same length 112 of a second
non-reflective portion 120n. For example, a first non-reflective
portion 120n may include a third number of knit stitches while a
second non-reflective portion 120n may include a fourth number of
knit stitches. The third number of knit stitches may be the same,
greater, or lesser than the fourth number of knit stitches. Varying
the length of each reflective and non-reflective portions 110n,
120n may create a unique aesthetic on the technical face (or
technical back if worn in an inside-out configuration) of the knit
component 100. It is also contemplated herein that the length 112
of some or all of the reflective portions 110n may be the same,
greater, or lesser than the length 112 of some or all of the
non-reflective portions 120n. Any and all aspects, and any
variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects
herein.
[0064] It should also be appreciated that the height 114 of a first
reflective portion 110n may be different or the same as the height
114 of a second reflective portion 110n. For example, the first
reflective portion 110n may include a first number of knit courses
while the second reflective portion 110n may include a second
number of knit courses. The first number of knit courses may be the
same, greater, or lesser than the second number of knit courses.
Likewise, the height 114 of a first non-reflective portion 120n may
be different or the same as the height 114 of a second
non-reflective portion 120n. For example, a first non-reflective
portion 120n may include a third number of knit courses while a
second non-reflective portion 120n may include a fourth number of
knit courses. The third number of knit courses may be the same,
greater, or lesser than the fourth number of knit courses. It is
additionally contemplated herein that the height 114 of some or all
of the reflective portions 110n may be the same, greater, or lesser
than the height 114 of some or all of the non-reflective portions
120n. By varying the height 114 of the reflective and
non-reflective portions 110n, 120n, a unique aesthetic may be
created on the technical face (or technical back if worn in an
inside-out configuration) of the knit component 100.
[0065] FIG. 3 illustrates a technical face of an example knit
structure 300 of a knit component, such as the knit component 100.
The knit structure 300 includes one or more reflective portions
310n and non-reflective portions 320n on the technical face of the
knit structure 300, similar to the one or more reflective portions
110n and non-reflective portions 120n of the knit component 100.
The reflective portions 310n and the non-reflective portions 320n
may be formed by one or more knit segments such as a first knit
segment 312 and a second knit segment 322. The knit segments may be
knit with a first yarn 302 (which may be a body yarn) and a second
yarn 304 (which may be a plating yarn). For clarity, the second
yarn 304 is illustrated as having a single hatch.
[0066] As stated, the first knit segment 312 and/or the second knit
segment 322 may form the reflective portions 310n and/or the
non-reflective portions 320n. While the first knit segment 312 and
the second knit segment 322 are illustrated as each having two knit
stitches, the first knit segment 312 and the second knit segment
322 may include any number of knit stitches.
[0067] The first knit segment 312 and the second knit segment 322
may have different knit structures so as to create the reflective
portions 310n and the non-reflective portions 320n. As illustrated
in FIG. 3, the first knit segment 312 forms the non-reflective
portion 320n while the second knit segment 322 forms the reflective
portion 310n. However, in alternative aspects, it is contemplated
that the first knit segment 312 forms the reflective portion 310n
while the second knit segment 322 forms a non-reflective portion
320n, as described in greater detail below.
[0068] The first knit segment 312 includes one or more knit
stitches of the first yarn 302 and the second yarn 304 that are
knit in a plated relationship. The first yarn 302 forms the
technical face of the knit structure 300 and the second yarn 304
forms a technical back of the knit structure 300. As illustrated,
the second knit segment 322 includes one or more knit stitches of
the second yarn 304. The second yarn 304 may thus form both the
technical face of the knit structure 300 at certain areas of the
knit structure 300 and the technical back of the knit structure 300
at other areas of the knit structure 300. As described in greater
detail in reference to FIG. 4, the first yarn 302 may form a float
stitch and be positioned at the back of the one or more knit
stitches created by the second yarn 304 in the second knit segment
322.
[0069] In general, the reflective portions 310n and the
non-reflective portions 320n can be formed using a reflective yarn
as either the first yarn 302 or the second yarn 304. In a first
example, the first yarn 302 is a non-reflective yarn and the second
yarn 304 is a reflective yarn. When the first yarn 302 is a
non-reflective yarn, the non-reflective portion 320n is formed on
the technical face of the first knit segment 312 based on one or
more knit stitches being knit with the non-reflective first yarn
302. In this example, the non-reflective first yarn 302 hides or
covers the plated reflective second yarn 304 in the first knit
segment 312. The reflective portion 310n is formed on the technical
face of the second knit segment 322 based on one or more knit
stitches being knit with the reflective second yarn 304. As
explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 4, the
non-reflective first yarn 302 forms a float stitch and is
positioned at the technical back of the knit structure 300 in the
second knit segment 322. Because the non-reflective first yarn 302
is positioned on the technical back of the knit structure 300 in
the second knit segment 322, the reflective second yarn 304 is
exposed on the technical face of the knit structure 300. In this
way, reflective and non-reflective portions may be formed in a
single knit course without requiring further manufacturing steps
(e.g., dropping yarns in/out or cutting the yarns). This may reduce
the manufacturing time and produce a stronger knit structure. It
should be appreciated that, in some aspects, the one or more knit
stitches of the second knit segment 322 do not include the first
yarn 302. For example, as stated, the first yarn 302 may float
along the technical back created by the one or more knit stitches
of the second knit segment 322 formed using the second yarn
304.
[0070] In a second alternative example, in some aspects, the first
yarn 302 is a reflective yarn and the second yarn 304 is a
non-reflective yarn. In such aspects, a reflective portion, such as
reflective portion 310n, is formed on the technical face of the
first knit segment 312 based on the reflective first yarn 302 being
knit in one or more knit stitches on the technical face of the knit
structure 300 and hiding or covering the non-reflective second yarn
304. In the non-reflective second knit segment 322, the reflective
first yarn 302 transitions to the technical back of the knit
structure 300 as a float thus exposing the non-reflective second
yarn 304 which is knit in one or more knit stitches to form the
technical face of the second knit segment 322
[0071] FIG. 4 is a schematic depiction of the knit structure 300 of
FIG. 3 depicting a technical face 330 and a technical back 340 of
the knit structure 300. The first and second knit segments 312, 322
of FIG. 4 correspond to the first and second knit segments of 312,
322 of FIG. 3.
[0072] The first knit segment 312 is formed by knit stitches that
are knit with the first yarn 302 and the second yarn 304 in a
plated relationship. The first yarn 302 forms the technical face
330 of the knit structure 300 and the second yarn 304 forms the
technical back 340 of the knit structure 300. The second knit
segment 322 is formed by one or more knit stitches that are knit
with the second yarn 304. As such, the second yarn 304 may include
knit stitches on both the technical face 330 and the technical back
340 of the knit structure 300. In the second knit segment 322, the
first yarn 302 is a float and is positioned at the technical back
of the one or more knit stitches that are knit with the second yarn
304. As shown, the first yarn 302 floats across two of the knit
stitches formed using the second yarn 304, although longer float
lengths are contemplated herein. It should be appreciated that, in
some aspects, the first and second knit segments 312, 322 further
include a third yarn 320 that is laid in. The laid in third yarn
320 may provide additional stability to a resulting knit
component.
[0073] As illustrated, in aspects where the first yarn 302 is the
non-reflective yarn and the second yarn 304 is the reflective yarn,
the non-reflective portion 320n is formed in the first knit segment
312 and the reflective portion 310n is formed in the second knit
segment 322. Alternatively, in aspects where the first yarn 302 is
the reflective yarn and the second yarn 304 is the non-reflective
yarn, a reflective portion is formed in the first knit segment 312
and a non-reflective portion is formed in the second knit segment
322.
[0074] FIG. 5A is a schematic depiction of a plurality of needles
502n of, for instance, a circular knitting machine. During a
knitting cycle, a portion of the plurality of needles 502n, such as
needles 502a and 502b are positioned so as to receive the first
yarn 302. For instance, the needles 502a, 502b may be moved to a
first position 506 so as to pick up the first yarn 302. Turning
briefly to FIG. 5B, the needle 502a is illustrated as picking up
the first yarn 302 at a first yarn feeding station 508.
[0075] Returning to FIG. 5A, a portion of the plurality of needles
502n, such as needles 502c and 502d may be positioned so they do
not receive the first yarn 302. For instance, the needles 502c,
502d may be in a second position 504 so as to not receive the first
yarn 302. Because the first yarn 302 is not picked up by the
needles 502c, 502d, the first yarn 302 forms a float as indicated
by reference numeral 514. Accordingly, only a portion of the
needles 502n may pick up the first yarn 302 after passing through
the first yarn feeding station 508.
[0076] FIG. 6A is a schematic depiction of a position of the
plurality of needles 502n during the same knitting cycle. During
the knitting cycle, for example, the needles 502a, 502b, 502c, and
502d are moved to the second position 504 so as to receive the
second yarn 304. Accordingly, the needles 502a, 502b will now hold
both the first yarn 302 and the second yarn 304 with the second
yarn 304 in back of the first yarn 302, while the needles 502c,
502d will hold only the second yarn 304. Turning briefly to FIG.
6B, the needle 502a is illustrated as picking up the second yarn
304 at a second yarn feeding station 510. As shown, the needle 502a
already holds the first yarn 302.
[0077] FIG. 7A is a schematic depiction of a position of the
plurality of needles 502n during the same knitting cycle of FIGS.
5A and 6A. After receiving the first yarn 302 and/or the second
yarn 304, the one or more needles 502n may be moved to a third
position 512 to form a knit stitch of a knit component. For
instance, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, the needle 502a may be moved
in a downward motion 702 to a knockover or rest position. The
needles 502a, 502b holding the first and second yarns 302, 304 may
form a knit stitch where the first yarn 302 is in a plated
relationship with the second yarn 304. As such, the first yarn 302
may form the technical face of the knit component while the second
yarn 304 may form the technical back of the knit component. The
needles 502c, 502d holding the second yarn 304 may form a knit
stitch while the first yarn 302 is floated.
[0078] It should be appreciated that the needles 502a, 502b that
picked up both the first and second yarns 302, 304 may form the
knit stitches of a first knit segment, such as the first knit
segment 312 of FIGS. 3-4. In aspects described above where the
first yarn 302 is the non-reflective yarn and the second yarn 304
is the reflective yarn, a non-reflective portion may be formed in
the first knit segment. In alternative aspects, where the first
yarn 302 is the reflective yarn and the second yarn 304 is the
non-reflective yarn, a reflective portion may be formed in the
first knit segment.
[0079] As stated, needles that picked up the second yarn 304 and
not the first yarn 302 such as the needles 502c, 502d may form a
knit stitch while the first yarn 302 is floated. Hence, the needles
including the second yarn 304 and not the first yarn 302 may form
the knit stitches of a second knit segment, such as the second knit
segment 322 of FIGS. 3-4. In aspects where the first yarn 302 is
the non-reflective yarn and the second yarn 304 is the reflective
yarn, a reflective portion may be formed in the second knit
segment. In alternative aspects, where the first yarn 302 is the
reflective yarn and the second yarn 304 is the non-reflective yarn,
a non-reflective portion may be formed in the second knit
segment.
[0080] The particular knit stitch formed in combination with
whether the reflective yarn is the body yarn or the plating yarn
allows for efficient manufacturing of knit components having
reflective portions and non-reflective portions in a single knit
course. This provides a high degree of freedom in knitting unique
designs and patterns that have reflective characteristics. For
instance, a knitting program may control the position of the one or
more needles 502n throughout each knitting cycle so as to vary the
length and/or position of the reflective and non-reflective
portions in the knit component so as to create distinctive
reflective designs and patterns in any location of the knit
component.
[0081] FIG. 8 illustrates an example representation of a knit glove
800 including one or more reflective and non-reflective portions
810n, 820n in accordance with aspects herein. The knit glove 800 is
similar to the knit component 100 of FIG. 1. For instance, the knit
glove 800 includes reflective portions 810n similar to the
reflective portions 110n of FIG. 1. Additionally, the knit glove
800 includes non-reflective portions 820n similar to the
non-reflective portions 120n of FIG. 1.
[0082] The knit glove 800 may have a glove body 802 having a
plurality of regions, such as a wrist region 804, a mid-hand region
806, and a finger region 808. In some aspects, one or more knit
courses extend circumferentially around the glove body 802 in the
wrist region 804, the mid-hand region 806, or the finger region
808. In some aspects, the one or more knit courses in the wrist
region 804 may have a knit structure similar to the knit structure
300 described in reference to FIG. 3. As such, the one or more knit
courses in the wrist region 804 may include a first knit segment
similar to the first knit segment 312 and a second knit segment
similar to the second knit segment 322. Based on the whether a
reflective yarn is used as the first yarn or the second yarn,
reflective portions 810n and non-reflective portions 820n may be
integrally knit into the knit glove 800. It should be appreciated
that the location of the reflective portions 810n and
non-reflective portions 820n is an example location. The reflective
portions 810n and non-reflective portions 820n may be formed in any
region of the knit glove 800, including the mid-hand region 806 or
the finger region 808.
[0083] FIG. 9 illustrates an example representation of a knit upper
900 of a shoe including one or more reflective and non-reflective
portions 910n, 920n in accordance with aspects herein. The knit
upper 900 is similar to the knit component 100 of FIG. 1. For
instance, the knit upper 900 may include reflective portions 910n
similar to the reflective portions 110n of the knit component 100
of FIG. 1. In addition, the knit upper 900 may include
non-reflective portions 920n similar to the non-reflective portions
120n of the knit component 100 of FIG. 1.
[0084] As illustrated, in some aspects, the knit upper 900 may
include a toe region 908, a forefoot region 912, a throat region
914, and a heel region 916 which each including one or more
reflective portions 910n and non-reflective portions 920n. The
reflective portions 910n and the non-reflective portions 920n may
be formed by the one or more knit courses having a knit structure
similar to the knit structure 300 described in reference to FIG. 3.
As such, the one or more knit courses of the knit upper 900 may
include a first knit segment similar to the first knit segment 312
and a second knit segment similar to the second knit segment 322.
Based on the whether a reflective yarn is used as the first yarn or
the second yarn, reflective portions 910n and non-reflective
portions 920n may be integrally knit into the knit upper 900. It
should be appreciated that the location of the reflective portions
910n and the non-reflective portions 920n is an example location.
The reflective portions 910n and the non-reflective portions 920n
may be formed in any region of the knit upper 900. Additionally or
alternatively, although the reflective and non-reflective portions
910n, 920n are shown as extending throughout the knit upper 900,
they may be localized to one or more discrete areas, such as an
area of the toe region 908, forefoot region 912, throat region 914,
and/or heel region 916.
[0085] FIG. 10 illustrates an example representation a knit shirt
1000 including one or more reflective portions 1010n and
non-reflective portions 1020n in accordance with aspects herein.
Although shown in the form of a long-sleeve shirt, it is
contemplated herein that the garment may assume other forms such as
a short-sleeved shirt, a pullover, a hoodie, a jacket, and the
like. The knit shirt 1000 may include a body region 1002, a chest
region 1004, a shoulder region 1006, and a sleeve region 1008.
[0086] The knit shirt 1000 is similar to the knit component of FIG.
1. For instance, the knit shirt 1000 may include reflective
portions 1010n similar to the reflective portions 110n of the knit
component 100 of FIG. 1. In addition, the knit shirt 1000 may
include non-reflective portions 1020n similar to the non-reflective
portions 120n of the knit component 100 of FIG. 1.
[0087] As illustrated, the sleeve region 1008 includes the
reflective portions 1010n and the non-reflective portions 1020n.
The reflective portions 1010n and the non-reflective portions 1020n
may be formed by the one or more knit courses having a knit
structure similar to the knit structure 300 described in reference
to FIG. 3. As such, the one or more knit courses of the knit shirt
1000 may include a first knit segment similar to the first knit
segment 312 and a second knit segment similar to the second knit
segment 322. Based on the whether a reflective yarn is used as the
first yarn or the second yarn, reflective portions 1010n and
non-reflective portions 1020n may be integrally knit into the knit
shirt 1000. It should be appreciated that the location of the
reflective portions 1010n and the non-reflective portions 1020n is
an example location. The reflective portions 1010n and the
non-reflective portions 1020n may be formed in any region of the
knit shirt 1000. Although not shown, it is contemplated here that
the reflective and non-reflective portions may be incorporated into
other knit articles such as lower-body garments (pants, shorts),
articles of headwear, as well as articles such as totes, backpacks,
duffle bags and the like.
[0088] FIG. 11 provides a flow diagram of an example method 1100 of
knitting a knit component, such as the knit component 100 of FIG.
1, in accordance with aspects herein. In example aspects, it is
contemplated herein that the knit component may be knit on a
circular knit machine. It is also contemplated herein that the knit
component may be knit on a two-bed flat knit machine.
[0089] At block 1110, a first knit segment, such as the first knit
segment 312 of FIG. 3, is knit to form a first non-reflective
portion, such as the non-reflective portion 320n of FIG. 3, of the
knit course. In some aspects, the first non-reflective portion is
knit by knitting a first yarn, such as the first yarn 302 of FIG.
3, and a second yarn, such as the second yarn 304 of FIG. 3, in a
plated relationship. In some aspects, the first yarn is a
non-reflective yarn and the second yarn is a reflective yarn. The
first yarn may thus form the first non-reflective portion on a
technical face of the knit component.
[0090] While not shown, in alternative aspects, the first knit
segment may be knit to form a reflective portion of the knit
course. For example, the first yarn may be a reflective yarn and
the second yarn may be a non-reflective yarn. Because the first
yarn is knit in plated relationship with the second yarn, the first
yarn may form a reflective portion on the technical face of the
knit component.
[0091] At block 1120, a second knit segment, such as the second
knit segment 322 of FIG. 3, is knit to form a reflective portion,
such as the reflective portion 310n of FIG. 3 of the knit course.
For instance, one or more knit stitches of the second knit segment
may be knit with the second yarn. It should be appreciated that the
one or more knit stitches of the second knit segment may not be
knit with the first yarn, which may instead be positioned at a
technical back as float. Additionally, the second knit segment may
be integrally knit with the first knit segment. As stated, in some
aspects, the second yarn may be the reflective yarn. In such
aspects, the second yarn may form the reflective portion on the
technical face of the knit component.
[0092] While not shown, in alternative aspects, the second knit
segment may be knit to form a non-reflective portion of the knit
course. For example, the second yarn may be a non-reflective yarn.
The second yarn may thus form a non-reflective portion on the
technical face of the knit component.
[0093] While not illustrated, the method may include knitting a
third knit segment to form a second non-reflective portion and/or a
second reflective portion. For instance, in aspects where the first
yarn is a non-reflective yarn, the first yarn and the second yarn
may be knit in a plated relationship, where the first yarn forms
the second non-reflective portion on the technical face of the knit
component. In aspects where the first yarn is a reflective yarn,
the first yarn forms the second reflective portion on the technical
face of the knit component in the third knit segment. The knit
course may thus be knit to alternate between reflective and
non-reflective portions.
[0094] Aspects of the present disclosure have been described with
the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative
aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do
not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop
alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0095] It will be understood that certain features and
subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without
reference to other features and subcombinations and are
contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed
in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order
described.
* * * * *