GB1082223A - Elastic yarn and stocking incorporating it - Google Patents

Abstract

A "short-stretch", covered, elastic yarn having an elongation of 100-300% comprises a prestretched elastomeric e.g. segmented polyurethane, multifilament core, of 20-70 denier in its uncovered relaxed state, about which is helically wound at least one low twist ( 1/2 -2 turns per inch) continuous multifilament, thermoplastic covering yarn, e.g. two such yarns spirally wound in opposite directions, of strong, durable, abrasion-resistant material, such as nylon or polypropylene, of not more than 30 denier with a denier per filament of 1-3. The covering yarn is in intimate contact with the core at dead-stretch and the elastic yarn is free of crunodal loops including the core and of covering filament loops larger than 0.03 inch in diameter in the stretch range between dead stretch and 50% of its dead stretch length. A stocking having a tubular, circumferentially stretchable and retractive, non-rib, circular knitted portion extending at least above the knee, e.g. from the ring toe to the shadow welt excluding the heel, and conforming generally to the contour of the human leg, consists primarily of fine non-elastomeric structural yarn, e.g. of rayon, silk, nylon or polypropylene, and incorporates at least one elastic yarn. A major portion of the elastic yarn extends as an inlay in at least every third course of the stitches of the structural yarn. The structural yarn may be knitted in every stitch of the circular portion and the elastic yarn may be knitted at intervals in the same stitches with stitches thereof.