KNITTED SOCK AND METHOD FOR KNITTING A SOCK

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a knitted sock comprising a toe region, a mid-foot region and a heel region, and optionally a leg region. The sock advantageously comprises a knitted trapezoidal dorsal part and a knitted trapezoidal plantar part which are secured by knitted medial and lateral securing regions, and the knitted trapezoidal plantar and dorsal parts as well as the knitted medial and lateral securing regions extend in the toe region and at least partly in the mid-foot region.

Claims

1. A knitted sock comprising a toe region, a midfoot region and a heel region, wherein said knitted sock comprises a knitted trapezoidal dorsal and a knitted trapezoidal plantar part which are secured by knitted medial and lateral securing regions, and wherein the knitted trapezoidal plantar and dorsal parts and the knitted medial and lateral securing regions extend in the toe region and at least partly in the midfoot region.

2. The knitted sock according to claim 1, wherein the knitted trapezoidal plantar and dorsal parts, and the knitted medial and lateral securing regions extend in the toe region and in the midfoot region of the sock up to the heel region.

3. The knitted sock according to claim 2, wherein the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part is knitted from at least part of the stitches of a tubular portion comprising one or more row(s) of circular stitches and covering all or part of the user's ankle.

4. The knitted sock according to claim 1, wherein the knitted sock comprises at least one dorsal or plantar auxiliary through aperture knitted and having a knitted border.

5. The knitted sock according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the knitted medial and lateral securing regions comprises several knitted through apertures.

6. The knitted sock according to claim 1, wherein the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part is knitted with rows of dorsal stitches that are knitted back and forth, and wherein the knitted trapezoidal plantar part is knitted with rows of plantar stitches that are knitted back and forth.

7. The knitted sock according to claim 1, wherein the knitted trapezoidal plantar part comprises a toe end part, and the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part comprises a toe end part, and wherein the toe end part of the knitted trapezoidal plantar part is knitted continuously with the toe end part of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part.

8. The knitted sock according to claim 1, wherein the knitted trapezoidal plantar part and the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part together form a pocket of substantially trapezoidal shape, arranged to receive at least partly the toes of a foot, and at least partly the midfoot region of the foot.

9. The knitted sock according to claim 1, wherein the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part comprises a distal part and a proximal part, and wherein the number of stitches (a.sub.d) in a row of stitches of the distal part is smaller than the number of stitches (b.sub.d) in a row of stitches of the proximal part (26a).

10. The knitted sock according to claim 1, wherein the number of stitches (k) of any row of stitches (n) knitted in the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part is greater than or equal to the number of stitches (p) in the row of stitches (n+2) knitted after the row of stitches (n) and wherein said knitted trapezoidal dorsal part (20), the numbers n, p and k being integers other than 0.

11. The knitted sock according to claim 1, wherein the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part and the knitted trapezoidal plantar part are symmetrical along a transverse axis of symmetry (T1) passing between the distal end of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part and the distal end of the knitted trapezoidal plantar part.

12. The knitted sock according to claim 1, wherein the knitted sock comprises a knitted trapezoidal lower heel part and a knitted trapezoidal upper heel part which are joined by knitted auxiliary medial and lateral securing regions.

13. The knitted sock according to claim 1, wherein the knitted sock comprises at least one portion knitted with rows of circular stitches, and wherein said knitted portion extends in the midfoot region of the knitted sock.

14. The knitted sock according to claim 1, wherein the knitted trapezoidal plantar and dorsal parts comprise at most 16% by mass of one or more elastomeric yarn(s).

15. A method for knitting a knitted sock comprising a toe region, a midfoot region and a heel region, wherein said method comprises: a step of knitting B a trapezoidal dorsal or plantar part by progressively decreasing the number of knitted stitches per row(s) of stitches; a step C of knitting a trapezoidal plantar or dorsal part from the distal end of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal or plantar part by progressively increasing the number of knitted stitches per row(s) of stitches; a step D of knitting a lateral securing region and a medial securing region which secure the knitted trapezoidal dorsal and plantar parts along their respective lateral and medial edges, the knitting D of said lateral and medial securing regions being carried out progressively during the knitting step C; wherein the knitted trapezoidal dorsal and plantar parts and said knitted medial and lateral securing regions are knitted so as to extend in the toe region and at least partly in the midfoot region of the knitted sock; and wherein said method comprises a step A of knitting an aperture opening out into the foot-receiving volume of the sock.

16. The knitting method according to claim 15, wherein the knitting step A is performed before the knitting step B.

17. The knitting method according to claim 15, wherein the trapezoidal dorsal part is knitted with rows of dorsal stitches knitted back and forth, and the trapezoidal plantar part is knitted with rows of plantar stitches knitted back and forth.

18. The knitting method according to claim 15, wherein the knitting step A is a step of circularly knitting an aperture for introducing the foot into the internal foot-receiving volume of the knitted sock.

19. The knitting method according to claim 15, wherein the knitting step A is a step of knitting a dorsal or plantar auxiliary through aperture and opening out into the internal foot-receiving volume of the knitted sock, said aperture extends in the midfoot region of the knitted sock, said aperture being disposed at least partly in the knitted trapezoidal dorsal or plantar part.

20. The knitting method according to claim 19, wherein said method further comprises a step E of circularly knitting an aperture for introducing the foot into the internal foot-receiving volume of the knitted sock, preferably said step E is performed after step A.

21. The knitting method according to claim 15, wherein said method further comprises a step F of circularly knitting a tubular portion comprising rows of circular knitted stitches disposed in the midfoot region or in the leg region.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0266] The present disclosure will be better understood upon reading the following embodiments according to the present disclosure, mentioned without limitation, and illustrated by the figures in which:

[0267] FIG. 1 schematically represents a top view of a first example of a knitted sock according to the present disclosure;

[0268] FIG. 2 schematically represents a substantially flat medial side view of the knitted sock of FIG. 1;

[0269] FIG. 3 schematically represents a medial side view of the knitted sock of FIGS. 1 and 2 disposed on a foot-shaped preform;

[0270] FIG. 4 schematically represents the knitting diagram of the trapezoidal plantar and dorsal parts and of the trapezoidal upper and lower heel parts of the sock represented in FIGS. 1 to 3;

[0271] FIG. 5 schematically represents a lateral side view of a second example of a knitted sock according to the present disclosure disposed on a foot-shaped preform;

[0272] FIG. 6 schematically represents a substantially flat lateral side view of the knitted sock represented in FIG. 5;

[0273] FIG. 7 schematically represents a substantially flat medial side view of a third example of a knitted sock according to the present disclosure;

[0274] FIG. 8 schematically represents a substantially flat top view of the knitted sock of FIG. 7;

[0275] FIG. 9 schematically represents a medial side view of the knitted sock of FIGS. 7 and 8 disposed on a foot-shaped preform;

[0276] FIG. 10 schematically represents a rear view of the knitted sock of FIGS. 7 to 9 disposed on a foot-shaped preform;

[0277] FIG. 11 schematically represents the knitting diagram of the trapezoidal plantar and dorsal parts of the sock represented in FIGS. 7 to 10;

[0278] FIG. 12 schematically represents a fourth example of a medial side view of a knitted sock according to the present disclosure, disposed on a foot-shaped preform;

[0279] FIG. 13 schematically represents one variant of a knitted medial securing region of a fifth example of a knitted sock according to the present disclosure;

[0280] FIG. 14 schematically represents the knitting diagram of the trapezoidal plantar and dorsal parts of the knitted sock.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0281] The first example of a knitted sock 1 represented in FIGS. 1 to 3 comprises a toe region 5, a midfoot region 10 and a heel region 15. This knitted sock 1 comprises a knitted trapezoidal dorsal part 20 and a knitted trapezoidal plantar part 30 which are secured by knitted medial 40 and lateral 50 securing regions. The knitted trapezoidal plantar and dorsal parts 20, 30 and the knitted medial and lateral securing regions 40, 50 extend in the toe region 5 and at least partly in the midfoot region 10, particularly in the midfoot region 10 up to the heel region 15.

[0282] The knitted trapezoidal dorsal part 20 comprises a medial edge 21 and a lateral edge 22 and the knitted trapezoidal plantar part 30 comprises a medial edge 31 and a lateral edge 32 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The knitted trapezoidal dorsal and plantar parts 20, 30 are secured by knitted medial and lateral securing regions 40, 50, particularly the lateral edge 22 is secured by knitting with the lateral edge 32 along a knitting line (not visible in the figures), and the medial edge 21 is secured by knitting with the medial edge 31 along a knitting line 41. The knitting line 41 (or gore line) advantageously comprises through apertures 42 whose size varies as a function of the tension exerted on the knitted binding yarn(s) 45 extending between the dorsal and plantar parts 20, 30 and of the types of stitches used for the knitted securing.

[0283] The knitting line 41 or medial securing region 40 extends from the toe region 5, through the midfoot region 15 and up to the heel region 15 over a length L.sub.1. The sock 1 has a length L.sub.0 between its front edge and its rear edge. As can be seen in FIG. 2, L.sub.1 is greater than or equal to L.sub.0*0.5, particularly greater than or equal to L.sub.0*0.6.

[0284] The sock 1 also comprises a foot introduction aperture 60 opening out into the foot-receiving volume 70.

[0285] The sock 1 comprises, in the heel region 15, a knitted trapezoidal lower heel part 80 and a knitted trapezoidal upper heel part 90 which are joined by knitted auxiliary medial 100 and lateral securing regions (not visible in the figures). The trapezoidal lower heel part 80 comprises a medial edge 81 and a lateral edge 82, and the trapezoidal upper heel part 90 comprises a medial edge 91 and a lateral edge 92. The lateral edges 82 and 92 are secured by knitting along a knitted line disposed on the lateral side of the sock 1, and the medial edges 81 and 91 are secured by knitting along a knitted line disposed on the medial side of the sock 1.

[0286] The sock 1 may comprise anterior 2 and posterior 4 gripping tabs that are knitted and in knitted connection with the knitted foot introduction aperture 60.

[0287] Advantageously, the knitted trapezoidal plantar part 30 is folded, from the toe region 5, on the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part 20.

[0288] Advantageously, the knitted trapezoidal plantar part 30 comprises a toe end part 35 knitted continuously with the toe end part 25 of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part 20.

[0289] Advantageously, the knitted trapezoidal plantar part 30 and the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part 20 together form a pocket 110 arranged to receive the toes of a foot and the midfoot of the foot, and having substantially a general trapezoid shape.

[0290] The knitted trapezoidal dorsal part 20 extends between a proximal end 26 passing through a large base, and a distal end 28 passing through a small base. The small and large bases are connected by the medial 21 and lateral 22 edges converging towards the distal end 28 (see FIG. 4).

[0291] The shape of the trapezoidal plantar part 30 is reversed relative to the trapezoidal dorsal part 20. The knitted trapezoidal plantar part 30 extends between a proximal end 36 passing through a large base, and a distal end 38 passing through a small base. The small and large bases are connected by the medial 31 and lateral 32 edges converging towards the distal end 38.

[0292] Advantageously, the trapezoidal plantar part 30 and the trapezoidal dorsal part 20 are symmetrical to each other along a transverse axis of symmetry T1 passing between the distal end 28 of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part 20 and the distal end 38 of the knitted trapezoidal plantar part 30, preferably the axis T1 is secant with the longitudinal axis L of the sock 1.

[0293] Preferably, the rows of stitches of the dorsal and plantar parts 20, 30, as well as of the upper and lower heel parts 80, 90, extend along the axis X, and the columns of stitches of the dorsal and plantar parts 20, 30, as well as of the upper and lower heel parts 80, 90, extend along the axis Y, the axes X and Y are substantially perpendicular. Preferably, the knitted sock 1 is obtained by a knitting method comprising the following steps, particularly performed in this order, on a circular knitting machine comprising a circular needle bed: [0294] a step (A) of circularly knitting a portion (p.sub.in) comprising rows of circular knitted stitches to form the aperture 60 for introducing the foot into the foot-receiving volume of the knitted sock 1; [0295] optionally knitting the anterior tab 2 and/or the posterior tab 3, particularly performed during the circular knitting step (A); [0296] a step of putting on hold part of the stitches of the tubular portion (p.sub.in), in particular on the circular needle bed of the knitting machine; [0297] a step (B) of knitting the trapezoidal dorsal part 20, in particular in the way of the arrow F1, by progressively decreasing the number of stitches knitted per rows of stitches, particularly every two rows of stitches. For example, a row of stitches at the level of the proximal end 26 comprises between 80 and 150 stitches, and a row of stitches at the level of the distal end 28 comprises between 30 and 60 stitches.

[0298] Advantageously, the rows of stitches of the trapezoidal dorsal part 20 are knitted from front to back, or that is to say by forming back and forth movements on the needle bed of the knitting machine. A row of stitches is for example knitted from a medial edge 21 to a lateral edge 22 and then the following row of stitches is knitted back from the lateral edge 22 to the medial edge 21. The knitting continues in this way up to the desired length of the dorsal part 20 and according to the degressivity in the number of stitches applied from row to row.

[0299] The knitting step (B) comprises knitting the dorsal part 20 in the continuity of part of the stitches of the tubular portion (p.sub.in), in particular disposed on the needle bed of the circular knitting machine, that is to say stitches that are not on hold on the needle bed. [0300] a step (C) of knitting a trapezoidal plantar part 30 from the distal end 28 of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part 30 by progressively increasing the number of stitches knitted per rows of stitches, particularly every two rows of stitches. Particularly, the rows of stitches of the trapezoidal plantar part 30 are knitted from front to back, that is to say by forming back and forth movements on the needle bed of the knitting machine. A row of stitches is for example knitted from a medial edge 31 to a lateral edge 32 then the following row of stitches is knitted back from the lateral edge 32 to the medial edge 31. The knitting continues in this way up to the desired length of the plantar part 30 and according to the degressivity in the number of stitches applied from row to row. Advantageously, the number of stitches in the rows of stitches at the level of the proximal ends 26 and 36 are similar and the number of stitches in the rows of stitches at the level of the distal ends 28 and 38 are also similar. Preferably, the progression of the increase in the number of stitches per row for the plantar part 30 is carried out so as to form a knitted trapezoidal plantar part symmetrical to the dorsal part 20, so as to fold perfectly against the latter. [0301] a step (D) of knitting a lateral securing region 50 and a medial securing region 40 which secure the trapezoidal dorsal 20 and plantar 30 parts knitted along their respective lateral 22, 32 and medial 21, 31 edges, the knitting of the lateral 50 and medial 40 securing regions being carried out progressively during the step (C) of knitting the trapezoidal plantar part 30. Advantageously, at the end of each row of stitches of the plantar part 30, the edge of the plantar part 30 is knitted or is non-knitted with the corresponding edge of the dorsal part 20. The stitch pattern of the lateral 50 and medial 40 securing regions makes it possible to define the number of through apertures 42, their sizes, and their distribution in the different regions 5, 10, 15 of the sock 1.

[0302] The knitted trapezoidal dorsal 20 and plantar 30 parts and the knitted medial 40 and lateral 50 securing regions are knitted so as to extend in the toe region 5 and in the midfoot region 10 of the knitted sock 1 up to the heel region 15. [0303] a step (G) of knitting a trapezoidal lower heel part 80, particularly from at least part of the stitches of the proximal end 36 of the knitted trapezoidal plantar part 30, by progressively increasing the number of knitted stitches per rows of stitches. Particularly, the rows of stitches of the trapezoidal lower heel part 80 are knitted from front to back, that is to say by forming back and forth movements on the needle bed of the knitting machine between the medial 81 and lateral 82 edges. Preferably, the trapezoidal lower heel part 80 is knitted from a first end 83 to a second end 84, the first end 83 of the trapezoidal lower heel part 80 being in this specific example adjacent to the proximal end 36 of the knitted trapezoidal plantar part 30. [0304] a step (H) of knitting a trapezoidal upper heel part 90, particularly from the second end 84 of the knitted trapezoidal lower heel part 80, by progressively increasing the number of stitches knitted per rows of stitches. The rows of stitches of the trapezoidal upper heel part 90 are knitted equally from front to back, that is to say by forming back and forth movements on the needle bed of the knitting machine between its medial edge 91 and its lateral edge 92. [0305] a step (I) of knitting an additional lateral securing region (not visible in the figures) and an additional medial securing region 100 which secure the knitted trapezoidal upper and lower heel parts 80, 90 according to their respective lateral 82, 92 and medial 81, 91 edges, the knitting of the additional lateral and medial securing regions 100 being carried out progressively during the step of knitting the trapezoidal upper heel part (H). In a similar manner to the knitting of the securing regions 40, 50 for the dorsal and plantar parts 20, 30, at the end of each knitted row of stitches of the upper heel part, the edge of the latter is knitted or non-knitted with the corresponding edge of the lower heel part. [0306] a step of closing the knitted sock by knitting stitches in the continuity of the trapezoidal upper heel part 90 with all or part of the stitches remaining on hold for the tubular portion (p.sub.in).

[0307] Advantageously, the knitted trapezoidal dorsal l part 20 comprises a distal part 28a and a proximal part 26a (see FIG. 4), and the number of stitches (a.sub.d) in a row of stitches of the distal part 28a is smaller than the number of stitches (b.sub.d) in a row of stitches of the proximal part 26a, particularly the number a.sub.d is smaller than or equal to 0.50*b.sub.d. For example, a.sub.d ranges from 40 to 60 stitches per rows of stitches, and b.sub.d ranges from 120 to 150 stitches per rows of stitches.

[0308] Similarly, the knitted trapezoidal plantar part 30 comprises a distal part 38a and a proximal part 36a, and the number of stitches (a.sub.P) in a row of stitches of the distal part 38a is smaller than the number of stitches (b.sub.p) in a row of stitches of the proximal part 36a, particularly the number a.sub.P is smaller than or equal to 0.50*b.sub.p. For example, a.sub.P ranges from 40 to 60 stitches per rows of stitches, and b.sub.p ranges from 120 to 150 stitches per rows of stitches.

[0309] Advantageously, the number of stitches (k) of any row of stitches (n) knitted in the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part 20 is greater than or equal to the number of stitches (p) in the row of stitches (n+2) knitted after the row of stitches (n) in the knitting way according to the arrow F1, the numbers n, p and k being whole numbers other than 0.

[0310] The sock 1 obtained thus comprises a pocket 110 having a substantially trapezoidal shape and extending in the toe 5 and midfoot 10 regions up to the start of the heel region 15. This arrangement makes it possible to obtain a sock conforming to the foot without the formation of folds that could generate friction. In addition, the trapezoidal dorsal part 20 is free to move on the top of the foot, without systematically driving the trapezoidal plantar part 30, which improves comfort by avoiding the formation of folds and allows the sock to conform to the foot despite the movements of the foot, in particular when practicing a sporting activity.

[0311] Advantageously, the shape of the trapezoidal pocket 110 receiving the toes and the midfoot makes it possible not to use elastomeric yarn(s) in the knitted trapezoidal dorsal and plantar parts (20, 30). This arrangement makes it possible to limit the number of different materials in the sock 1.

[0312] The sock 1 thus comprises textile materials that are more compatible with each other if they must be transformed subsequently, which facilitates the recycling of the sock. FIGS. 5 and 6 represent a second example of a knitted sock 200 according to the present disclosure which is similar to the sock 1 except that the knitted sock 200 comprises a leg portion (p.sub.j) knitted after the aperture for introducing the foot 260 into the sock-receiving volume 200.

[0313] The knitted sock 200 also comprises a knitted trapezoidal dorsal part 220 and a knitted trapezoidal plantar part 230 secured by knitting along their respective medial and lateral edges in medial and lateral securing areas, and trapezoidal lower 280 and upper 290 heel parts secured by knitting along their respective medial and lateral edges in additional medial and lateral securing areas.

[0314] The method for knitting the sock 200 is similar to the method for knitting the sock 1 except that after the knitting step (A), the tubular portion (P.sub.j) is circularly knitted with rows of circular stitches, and that the stitches put on hold are not part of the stitches of the tubular portion for introducing the foot (p.sub.in) but part of the stitches of the tubular leg portion (p.sub.j) in the ankle region 217.

[0315] In FIG. 5, it is observed that the through apertures 242 are visible along the medial and lateral securing regions because those are slightly tensioned on the foot-shaped preform. These apertures 242 facilitate the evacuation of heat and perspiration, which improves comfort.

[0316] The third example of a knitted sock 300 represented in FIGS. 7 to 11 comprises a knitted trapezoidal dorsal part 320 and a knitted trapezoidal plantar part 330 whose respective medial 321, 331 and lateral 322, 332 edges are secured by knitting in medial 340 and lateral 350 securing regions. The sock 300 comprises an aperture for introducing the foot 360 into the volume for receiving the sock 300, and a leg portion (p.sub.j) 370.

[0317] The sock 300 also comprises an auxiliary through aperture 375 which is in this specific example a dorsal auxiliary through aperture, and is disposed at least partly in the trapezoidal dorsal part 320. In this example, the auxiliary through aperture 375 opens out into the foot-receiving volume of the sock 300 and is delimited by a circular knitted border 376. The auxiliary through aperture 375 is in this example substantially rounded and has a width extending between the medial and lateral edges of the order of 40 mm to 50 mm for example.

[0318] The dorsal and plantar parts 320, 330 as well as the medial 340 and lateral 350 securing regions extend in the toe region 305 and partly into the midfoot region 310. The sock 300 comprises a tubular portion 378 (p.sub.mp) comprising rows of circular stitches, and disposed in the midfoot region 310 between the trapezoidal knitted pocket formed by the dorsal and plantar parts 320, 330 and the heel region 315.

[0319] Advantageously, in addition to the advantages cited above concerning the trapezoidal pocket for receiving the toes and partly the midfoot region, the auxiliary through aperture 375 improves the evacuation of heat and perspiration, and improves proprioception when practicing certain sporting activities (dance, fitness, etc.).

[0320] Preferably, the knitted sock 300 is obtained by a knitting method 30 comprising the following steps, particularly performed in this order, on a circular knitting machine, in particular comprising a circular needle bed: [0321] a step (A) of knitting, in particular circularly knitting, the auxiliary through aperture 375 intended to open out into the foot-accommodating volume of the knitted sock 300. [0322] a step (B) of knitting the trapezoidal dorsal part 320 by progressively decreasing the number of stitches knitted per rows of stitches. Particularly, the rows of stitches of the trapezoidal dorsal part 320 are knitted from front to back, that is to say by forming back and forth movements on the needle bed of the knitting machine between the medial 321 and lateral 322 edges. The knitting step (A) is performed before the knitting step (B). [0323] a step (C) of knitting the trapezoidal plantar part 330 from the distal end 328 of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part 320 by progressively increasing the number of stitches knitted per rows of stitches. Particularly, the rows of stitches of the trapezoidal plantar part 330 are knitted from front to back, that is to say by forming back and forth movements on the needle bed of the knitting machine. [0324] a step (D) of knitting the lateral securing region 350 and a medial securing region 340 which secure the knitted trapezoidal dorsal and plantar parts 320, 330 along their respective lateral edges 322, 332 and medial 321, 331 edges, the knitting of the lateral 350 and medial 340 securing regions being carried out progressively during the step of knitting the trapezoidal plantar part (C). The knitted trapezoidal dorsal and plantar parts 320, 330 and the knitted medial 340 and lateral 350 securing regions are knitted so as to extend in the toe region 305 and partly in the midfoot region 310 of the knitted sock 300. [0325] a step (F) of circularly knitting a tubular portion (p.sub.mp) 378 comprising rows of circular knitted stitches to form a midfoot part extending in the midfoot region 310 of the knitted sock 300. The length of the tubular portion (p.sub.mp) 378 is determined by the number of rows of knitted stitches. [0326] a step of putting on hold part of the stitches of the tubular portion (p.sub.mp) 378, particularly those disposed in the dorsal part of the foot, on the needle bed of the knitting machine. [0327] a step (G) of knitting a trapezoidal lower heel part 380 by progressively increasing the number of stitches knitted per rows of stitches, particularly from all or part of the stitches of the tubular portion (p.sub.mp) 378 that have not been put on hold.

[0328] Particularly, the rows of stitches of the trapezoidal lower heel part 380 are knitted from front to back, that is to say by forming back and forth movements, on the circular needle bed of the knitting machine. The trapezoidal lower heel part 380 is knitted from a first end 383 to a second end 384 (see FIG. 10), the first end 383 of the trapezoidal lower heel part 380 being adjacent to the proximal end 378a of part of the stitches of the tubular portion (p.sub.mp) 378. [0329] a step (H) of knitting a trapezoidal upper heel part 390 by progressively increasing the number of knitted stitches per rows of stitches, particularly from the second end 384 of the knitted trapezoidal lower heel part 380. Particularly, the rows of stitches of the trapezoidal upper heel part 390 are knitted from front to back. [0330] a step (I) of knitting an additional lateral securing region 400 and an additional medial securing region 405 which secure the knitted trapezoidal upper 390 and lower 380 heel parts along their respective lateral and medial edges, the knitting of the additional lateral and medial securing regions (400, 405) being carried out progressively during the step (H) of knitting the trapezoidal upper heel part 390. [0331] a step of closing the knitted sock 300 by knitting stitches in the continuity of the trapezoidal upper heel part 390 with the stitches on hold for the tubular portion (p.sub.mp) 378. [0332] optionally a step (F) of circularly knitting a tubular portion (P.sub.j) 370 comprising rows of circular knitted stitches to form a leg part extending in the leg region of the knitted sock 300. [0333] a step (E) of circularly knitting an aperture 360 for introducing the foot into the foot-receiving volume of the knitted sock 300.

[0334] It is possible not to knit the tubular portion (P.sub.j) 370 or at a height different from the one represented depending on the desired technical effect. If there is no portion (p.sub.j) 370, the introduction aperture 360 is disposed substantially at the level of the ankle, above or below the malleolus depending on the desired technical effect.

[0335] The method can alternatively begin with knitting the foot introduction aperture and end with knitting the auxiliary through aperture.

[0336] The fourth example of a knitted sock 500 comprises a knitted trapezoidal dorsal part 520 and a knitted trapezoidal plantar part 530 whose medial 521, 531 and lateral edges (not visible in FIG. 12) are secured by knitting in medial 540 and lateral securing regions.

[0337] The dorsal and plantar parts 520, 530 as well as the medial 540 and lateral securing regions extend in the toe region 505 and partly in the midfoot region 510. The sock 500 comprises a tubular portion (p.sub.mp) 578 comprising rows of circular stitches, and disposed in the midfoot region 510 between the trapezoidal knitted pocket formed by the dorsal and plantar parts 520, 530 and the heel region 515.

[0338] Preferably, the knitted sock 500 is obtained by a knitting method comprising the following steps, particularly performed in this order, in particular on a circular knitting machine comprising a circular needle bed: [0339] a step (E) of circularly knitting the aperture 560 for introducing the foot into the foot-receiving volume of the knitted sock 500. [0340] optionally a step (F) of circularly knitting a tubular portion (p.sub.j) 570 comprising rows of circular knitted stitches to form a leg part extending in the leg region of the knitted sock. [0341] optionally a step of putting on hold part of the stitches of the tubular portion (p.sub.mp) 570. [0342] a step (H) of knitting a trapezoidal upper heel part 590 by progressively decreasing the number of stitches knitted per rows of stitches, particularly from part of the stitches of the tubular portion (p.sub.j) 570, particularly not left on hold. The rows of stitches of the trapezoidal upper heel part 590 are knitted from front to back from a first end to a second end. [0343] a step (G) of knitting a trapezoidal lower heel part 580 by progressively increasing the number of stitches knitted per rows of stitches, particularly from the second end of the trapezoidal upper heel part 590. The rows of stitches of the trapezoidal lower heel part 580 are knitted from front to back. The trapezoidal lower heel part 580 is knitted from a first end to a second end, the first end of the trapezoidal lower heel part being adjacent to the second end of the trapezoidal upper heel part. [0344] a step (I) of knitting an additional lateral securing region and an additional medial securing region which secure the knitted trapezoidal upper and lower heel parts 580, 590 along their respective lateral and medial edges, the knitting of the additional lateral and medial securing regions being carried out progressively during the step of knitting the trapezoidal lower heel part (G). [0345] a step (F) of circularly knitting a tubular portion (p.sub.mp) 578 comprising rows of circular knitted stitches to form a midfoot part extending in the midfoot region of the knitted sock. Particularly, the tubular portion (p.sub.mp) 578 is obtained by knitting at least part of the stitches of the tubular portion 570 and at least part of the stitches of the trapezoidal lower heel part 580. [0346] a step (B) of knitting a trapezoidal back part 520 by progressively decreasing the number of stitches knitted per rows of stitches. Particularly, the rows of stitches of the trapezoidal dorsal part 520 are knitted from front to back, that is to say by forming back and forth movements on the circular needle bed of the knitting machine. The back part 520 is knitted from part of the stitches of the tubular portion (p.sub.mp) 578. [0347] a step (C) of knitting a trapezoidal plantar part 530 from the distal end 528 of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part 520 by progressively increasing the number of knitted stitches per rows of stitches. Particularly, the rows of stitches of the trapezoidal plantar part 530 are knitted from front to back, that is to say by forming back and forth movements on the circular needle bed of the loom. [0348] a step (D) of knitting a lateral securing region and a medial securing region 540 which secure the knitted trapezoidal dorsal and plantar parts 520, 530 along their respective lateral and medial edges, the knitting of the lateral and medial securing regions being carried out progressively during the step of knitting the trapezoidal plantar part (C). [0349] a step of closing the knitted sock 500 by knitting stitches in the continuity of the trapezoidal plantar part 530 with the corresponding stitches of the tubular portion (p.sub.mp) 578.

[0350] FIG. 13 represents one variant of a medial securing region 640 of an exemplary sock 600. This medial securing region 640 comprises through apertures 642, and is reinforced by at least one binding yarn 650 knitted in the knitted trapezoidal dorsal and plantar parts 620, 630 and extending between those in the medial region 640. This binding yarn is knitted at the end of a row of one stitch of the plantar part 630 with one or more stitch(es) of the corresponding row of stitches of the dorsal part 650 by forming one or more blocking stitch(es), such as one or more knot(s). The same arrangement can be applied to the lateral securing region.

[0351] FIG. 14 represents the knitting diagram of the knitted trapezoidal dorsal part 630 and of the knitted trapezoidal plantar part 620 comprising rows of stitches knitted with a first yarn having a first color alternating with rows of stitches knitted with a second yarn having a second color. Blocking stitches 635, such as knots, are made between the medial edge 631 and the medial edge 621 to be secured together, every two rows of stitches. Similarly, the lateral edge 622 is secured by knitting to the lateral edge 632 by blocking stitches such as knots. This mode of binding the edges together makes it possible to reinforce and therefore improve the strength of the medial and lateral securing regions.