IT202300007290A1 - Process for making a textile article using a circular weft knitting machine, and textile article made using this process - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

attached to a patent application for an INDUSTRIAL INVENTION PATENT entitled:

?Process for making a textile article using a circular weft knitting machine, and textile article made using this process?

Field of the found

The present invention relates to a process for producing a textile article using a circular weft knitting machine. The present invention also relates to a textile article obtained using this process.

In particular, the present invention relates to a textile process which provides, on a weft and seamless knitting machine, the insertion of at least one additional thread which is shaved or floated, in which at least a portion of the needles fed with the additional thread creates a terry-type knit. The result is a textile article which presents selected (i.e. ?designed?) terry made with an additional thread.

Background of the finding

The use of circular knitting machines for the production of various types of textile articles, intended for the creation of clothing and textile products of all kinds, is well known. Such textile articles may constitute garments and products that are substantially already completed once they have been created by the textile machine or they may be subjected to subsequent operations and processes, such as cutting, sewing, application of additional portions, packaging, etc.

Circular knitting machines for the production of textile articles comprise at least one needle-holder (cylinder and/or needle plate), on which one or more series of needles are arranged along a circular path (circular needle beds), and devices for controlling the movement of the needles to form the fabric. Lowering sinkers are arranged in radial seats obtained in an annular body (sinker crown) arranged around the needle-holder cylinder and said sinkers cooperate with the needles to form the stitch.

In the production of textile articles on circular knitting machines, it is also known to use various processing techniques that allow for the creation of different types of stitches. For example, the processing may involve the creation of portions of stitches made according to the following technical methods: unloaded needle (smooth stitch loop), out-of-work needle (bridle), retained needle (retained stitch).

Circular knitting machines of the seamless type are illustrated, for example, in documents WO2011042299 and WO2012117352 in the name of the same Applicant.

Summary

In the production of textile articles using seamless circular knitting machines, the Applicant has encountered some limitations and drawbacks.

First, the Applicant noted that known processes allow limited combinations in the obtainable mesh structures, and therefore do not always allow the production of textile articles that have the necessary technical and/or aesthetic characteristics desired. For example, the obtainable designs and patterns are limited and the obtainable aesthetic effect on the textile article may not be satisfactory.

The Applicant also observed that the textile articles obtained with known processes have a quality - from an aesthetic and/or technical point of view - that does not always meet market needs.

Furthermore, the Applicant observed that known processes do not provide the necessary versatility in terms of combinations of knitting structures obtainable on a single textile article.

In this situation, an underlying purpose of the present invention, in its various aspects and/or embodiments, is to propose a process for producing a textile article with a seamless circular weaving machine, and a textile article obtained by means of such a process, which are capable of solving the problems set out above and of overcoming the limitations of the known art.

In particular, the purpose of the present invention is to propose a process for producing a textile article with specific structural characteristics capable of conferring certain technical properties to the article itself.

A further aim of the present invention is to propose a process that allows the creation of a textile article with specific aesthetic and/or comfort and wearability characteristics.

A further aim of the present invention is to propose a process that allows for the production of textile articles characterised by specific sponge-type mesh structures, not found in the known art.

A further aim of the present invention is to propose a process that allows the creation of designs and patterns, even complex and detailed ones, in particular with sponge-type knits, on a single textile article.

A further aim of the present invention is to propose a process that allows the creation of a textile article characterised by a stable structure and not subject to defects or imperfections.

It is also the aim of the present invention to propose a process that allows the production of textile articles in an economically competitive manner.

A further aim of the present invention is to propose a process capable of providing the necessary versatility in terms of combinations of knitted structures obtainable on a single textile article.

A further aim of the present invention is to propose a process that allows specific aesthetic effects to be obtained on a single textile article.

It is also the purpose of the present invention to propose a textile article made on a seamless circular knitting machine in which areas with different properties (both technical and aesthetic) are all present and arranged where needed.

A further aim of the present invention is to create alternative solutions, compared to the known art, in the production of knitted textile articles, and/or to open up new design fields.

These aims, and any other ones, which will become clearer in the following description, are substantially achieved by a process for making a textile article, and by a relative textile article made on a seamless circular knitting machine, according to one or more of the attached claims, as well as according to the following aspects and/or embodiments, variously combined, possibly also with the aforementioned claims.

In a first aspect, the invention concerns a process for producing a textile article using a circular textile machine.

Preferably the process works with a circular weft knitting machine.

Preferably the process works with a circular weaving machine of the seamless type.

In one aspect the process comprises the step of arranging a circular weaving machine comprising at least two feeds or feeds and a needle-holder member supporting a plurality of needles, defining a circular needle bed, operable to take the yarns delivered by said at least two feeds and to form a weft stitch; said needle-holder member being rotatable relative to said at least two feeds and said at least two feeds being arranged in proximity to said needle-holder member.

In one aspect, the circular textile machine comprises a plurality of sinkers, possibly also of a special type, for lowering, operationally associated with said plurality of needles, said plurality of sinkers comprising a certain number of sponge sinkers, i.e. sinkers dedicated to the processing of sponge-type knitting.

In one aspect the process comprises the step of programming said textile machine in such a way as to define a textile article to be made, said textile article: - being composed of a plurality of rows of knitting in succession;

- having a tubular or cylindrical shape, around a central axis; - extending longitudinally with continuity between an initial end, where the production of the mesh begins, and a final end.

In one aspect the process comprises the step of producing weft mesh with said circular weaving machine for making said textile article, in accordance with the aforementioned programming step.

In one aspect, said phase of producing weft stitch comprises, in one or more ranks of said plurality of ranks, the phase of dispensing, in correspondence with said at least two feeds, a first binding thread to produce, with the needles of said needle bed, weft stitch which constitutes the base stitch of the textile article.

In one aspect, said step of producing weft mesh comprises, in one or more ranks of said plurality of ranks, the steps of:

- select at least one ?set (S) of needles? of said circular needle bed intended to collect at least one additional thread;

- within the said set of needles, select at least one "group (G) of sponge needles", i.e. needles selected to operate, through a respective selection, in combination with sponge-type sinkers.

In one aspect, said step of producing weft mesh comprises, in one or more ranks of said plurality of ranks, the step of delivering, at at least one of said two feeds, said additional yarn only to the needles of said set (S) of needles, in such a way as to:

- make a stitch including the additional yarn corresponding to the needles of said set (S) of needles, and

- create a terry-type stitch with the additional yarn corresponding to the said group (G) of terry needles.

In one aspect the method comprises the step of performing an additional thread trimming at least at a beginning and/or an end of said at least one set of needles.

In one aspect the steps of selecting said set of needles, selecting said set of sponge needles and dispensing said additional thread can be performed:

- for a knit rank of said textile article, or

- for several rows of knitting in succession within said textile article, or - for single rows of knitting, or sequences of rows, distinct from each other and distributed variously in said textile article, or

- in alternating rows in said textile article, i.e. one row yes and one row no according to a series repetition, for a given number of times (preferably greater than 1), which creates an alternation of rows in which such phases are performed and rows in which such phases are not performed, or

- in all the rows of stitches that make up the textile article.

In one aspect, the circular weaving machine is configured to:

- allow, in said phase of selecting a set of needles, to operate a selection of needles of any number and angular position, along the needle bed;

- allowing, in said phase of selecting a group of sponge needles, to operate a selection of needles of any number and angular position, within said set of needles, so as to perform sponge stitches - using said additional thread - in any desired position within a course of stitching. In one aspect, said set of needles and, within it the group of sponge needles, operate continuously for more than one course of stitching, preferably for a given number of courses of stitching, or rotations of the needle-holder member, during which the production of stitching, with the needles of said set of needles, uses said additional thread.

In one aspect, said set of needles can be defined as desired for each knitting row, that is, it can include in each row a different grouping of needles from the needle bed, and in the same way, said group of sponge needles can be defined as desired for each knitting row, that is, it can include in each row a different grouping of needles belonging to said set of needles.

In one aspect, the said step of selecting at least one set of needles and the said step of selecting at least one group of sponge needles can be performed for each rank, i.e., the said set of needles and, within it, the said group of sponge needles, can change from rank to rank.

In one aspect, said group of sponge needles comprises (or is composed of) at least one sponge needle within said set of needles, so that within the knitting row - there is always at least one portion of sponge-type stitch made with the additional thread (inserted with shaving). Such at least one portion of sponge-type stitch is combined, if necessary, with one or more portions of smooth stitch and/or floated stitch and/or restrained stitch and/or bridle stitch (missed stitches). Similarly, the solution provides that the additional thread always creates, within the knitting row, at least one portion of sponge-type stitch.

In one possible aspect, in the said phase of selecting a set of needles, the set of needles includes all the needles of the needle bed.

In one aspect, said step of supplying said additional yarn to the needles of said set of needles is performed at both of said at least two feeds. In one aspect, in said step of programming the textile machine, in one or more of the ranks of said plurality of successive knitting ranks said set of needles is not defined, i.e. the set of needles does not include any needle and neither the supply of said additional yarn, nor the creation of a stitch comprising additional yarn, nor the definition of said group of sponge needles to create sponge-type knitting occurs.

In one aspect, in said phase of producing weft knit, the circular textile machine operates in continuous (or unidirectional) motion, that is, with continuous rotations of the needle holder in one direction of rotation; in particular, the circular textile machine operates in continuous (or unidirectional) motion during the production of the rows of knit in which said set of needles and said group of sponge needles are selected.

In one aspect the said set of needles can be constituted by:

- from a single sector of adjacent needles, in succession, along the needle bed, without interruptions (for one or more rows, possibly involving more than one turn of the needle holder); or

- from several needle sectors spaced apart along the needle bed, where each sector is made up of a certain number of contiguous needles (possibly reduced to just one needle).

In essence, the set of needles corresponds to a single sector or is it the sum (union) of several sectors.

In one aspect called sponge needle group:

- corresponds to one or more subgroups of said set of needles; or

- coincides with the said set of needles.

In one aspect the sub-groups that make up the sponge needle group are distinct and separate from each other within the needle set.

In one aspect each of the sub-groups that make up the sponge needle group is made up of a certain number of contiguous needles (possibly reduced to just one needle).

In one aspect said group of sponge needles may comprise only some of the needles of said set of needles or all of the needles of said set of needles.

In one aspect, in the case where said group of sponge needles coincides with said set of needles, said additional thread produces only sponge-type stitches, corresponding to each needle of said set of needles.

In one aspect, this shaving operation can take place:

- at the beginning and/or end of said set of needles;

- at the beginning and/or end of one or more sectors of said set of needles;

- at the beginning and/or end of said group of sponge needles, or of one or more sub-groups of said group of sponge needles.

In general, the following can be considered "shaving":

- either the operation of inserting the additional thread, at the said beginning of the set of needles, or of one or more sectors of the set of needles, or of said group of sponge needles or of one or more of its sub-groups;

- either the operation of terminating the supply of additional thread, at the said end of the set of needles, or of one or more sectors of the set of needles, or of said group of sponge needles or of one or more of its sub-groups.

In one aspect:

- this shaving occurs in every position of insertion of the additional wire;

- this shaving occurs in each end position of the additional wire supply.

In one aspect, in the case where said group of sponge needles coincides with said set of needles, and the set of needles is made up of several needle sectors spaced apart along the needle bed, the additional thread is inserted at the beginning of the first needle sector and shaved at the end of the last needle sector, provided that between each needle sector and the next there is not an interval of needles, along the needle bed, equal to or greater than a certain shaving value, in which case instead the additional thread is shaved at the end of the needle sector and re-introduced at the beginning of the next sector. In one aspect, in the case where the additional thread is inserted at the beginning of a needle sector and shaved at the end of a subsequent needle sector or of a series of subsequent needle sectors, the additional thread - between the end of each sector and the beginning of the next sector - is made to float, that is, it is kept suspended forming a connection between two adjacent sectors.

In one aspect the step of performing an additional thread shaving occurs in each rank in which said set of needles is selected, at least at the beginning and at the end of said set of needles, or at the beginning and at the end of a sector or at the beginning and at the end of a succession of several sectors in series (provided that they are not separated from each other by a number of needles greater than said shaving value).

In one aspect, the initial shaving of the additional thread occurs in a certain rank (or turn of the needle holder), in which said set of needles begins to operate, and the final shaving occurs in the next rank (or next turn of the needle holder), or after a number of subsequent ranks (or subsequent turns of the needle holder), when said set of needles finishes operating.

In one aspect, the so-called shaving value corresponds to the number of needles beyond which the additional floating thread, i.e. kept suspended between two sectors, is subjected to shaving, interrupting the connection.

In one aspect, the so-called shaving value corresponds to the number of needles below which the additional thread is not necessarily shaved but can remain floating, that is, kept suspended between two sectors, without interrupting the connection.

In one aspect the said shaving value can be greater than 20 needles or greater than 40 needles or greater than 60 needles or greater than 80 needles or greater than 100 needles or greater than 120 needles.

In one aspect, in the case where said group of sponge needles corresponds to one or more sub-groups of said set of needles, and the set of needles consists of a single sector of needles contiguous along the needle bed, the additional thread is inserted at the beginning of the set of needles and shaved at the end of the set of needles.

In one aspect, in case the additional thread is inserted at the beginning of the needle set and trimmed at the end of the needle set, the additional thread:

- in each needle of the said group of sponge needles, selected for the processing of the sponge, it creates a sponge-type stitch whose binding occurs in combination with the said first binding thread;

- in each needle of the said set of needles not belonging to the sponge needle group, make a smooth stitch together with the first binding thread;

in this way the stitch made with the needles of said set of needles, and with said additional thread, has smooth stitches interspersed with terry stitches.

In a different aspect, in case the additional thread is inserted at the beginning of the needle set and trimmed at the end of the needle set, the additional thread:

- in each needle of the said group of sponge needles, selected for the processing of the sponge, it creates a sponge stitch whose binding occurs in combination with the said first binding thread;

- in the remaining needles of said set of needles, not belonging to the sponge needle group, create a float-type stitch in combination with the first binding thread; in this way the stitch created with the needles of said set of needles, and with said additional thread, presents a float-type stitch interspersed with sponge stitch.

In one aspect, the same additional thread can achieve:

- either terry stitch, in the needles of the said group of terry needles, or plain stitch in the remaining needles of the group of needles, on the same stitch row or on several stitch rows;

- either terry knit, in the needles of the said group of terry needles, or float knit in the remaining needles of the group of needles, on the same row of stitches or on several rows of stitches;

- either terry knit, in the needles of the said terry needle group, or smooth knit and/or floated knit in the remaining needles of the needle group, on the same stitch row or on several stitch rows;

- either terry knit, in the needles of the said terry needle group, or smooth knit and/or floated knit and/or held knit and/or jacquard knit in the remaining needles of the needle set, on the same stitch row or on several stitch rows. In one aspect, in the case where the additional yarn is inserted at the beginning of the needle set and knit at the end of the needle set, the additional yarn:

- create, with a group of the first needles of said set of needles, an initial portion in plain stitch together with the first binding thread;

- in each needle of the said group of sponge needles, selected for the processing of the sponge, create a sponge stitch in combination with the first binding thread;

- create, with a group of the last needles of said set of needles, a final portion in smooth stitch together with the first binding thread;

- in the remaining needles of the said set of needles, not belonging to the sponge needle group and to the said first needles or last needles, create a floated stitch in combination with the first binding thread;

in this way the stitch made with the needles of said set of needles, and with said additional thread, has a smooth initial stitch, a floated stitch interspersed with terry stitch, and a smooth final stitch.

In one aspect, the method provides for a single or double thread textile processing, delivered at said at least one of the two feeds, wherein:

- the stitch made with the needles of the said set of needles is a two-thread stitch, that is, a stitch made using both the first binding thread and the additional thread;

- the stitch made with the remaining needles of the needle bed, not belonging to said set of needles, is a single-thread stitch, i.e. a stitch made using only the first binding thread.

In one aspect, said step of producing weft mesh comprises a step of dispensing, at at least one of said two feeds, a second binding thread to produce, together with said first binding thread, a two-thread weft mesh which constitutes the base mesh of the textile article.

In one aspect, said step of producing weft mesh comprises a step of performing the shaving of one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread, together with the shaving of the additional thread, at least at a beginning and an end of said at least one set of needles.

In one aspect, in the case where said group of sponge needles coincides with said set of needles, and the set of needles is made up of several needle sectors spaced apart along the needle bed, the additional thread is inserted at the beginning of the first needle sector and shaved, together with one between the first binding thread and the second binding thread, at the end of the last needle sector, provided that between each needle sector and the next there is not an interval of needles, along the needle bed, equal to or greater than a certain shaving value, in which case instead the additional thread and one between the first binding thread and the second binding thread are shaved at the end of the needle sector and reintroduced at the beginning of the next sector.

In one aspect, in the case where the additional thread is inserted at the beginning of a needle sector and shaved, together with one between the first binding thread and the second binding thread, at the end of a subsequent needle sector or of a series of subsequent needle sectors, the additional thread and one between the first binding thread and the second binding thread - between the end of each sector and the beginning of the subsequent sector - are made to float, that is, they are kept suspended forming connections straddling two adjacent sectors.

In one aspect, in the case where said group of sponge needles corresponds to one or more sub-groups of said set of needles, and the set of needles consists of a single sector of contiguous needles along the needle bed, the additional thread is inserted at the beginning of the set of needles and trimmed, together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread, at the end of the set of needles.

In one aspect, in case the additional thread is inserted at the beginning of the needle set and shaved, together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread, at the end of the needle set, the additional thread:

- in each needle of the said group of sponge needles, selected for the processing of the sponge, it creates a sponge-type stitch together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread;

- on the remaining needles of the said set of needles, not belonging to the sponge needle group, make a plain stitch together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread, or together with both;

in this way the stitch made with the needles of said set of needles, and with said additional thread, has smooth stitches interspersed with terry stitches.

In a different aspect, in case the additional thread is inserted at the beginning of the needle set and shaved, together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread, at the end of the needle set, the additional thread:

- in each needle of the said group of sponge needles, selected for the processing of the sponge, it creates a sponge-type stitch together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread;

- in the remaining needles of the said set of needles, not belonging to the sponge needle group, create a floated stitch together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread;

in this way the stitch made with the needles of said set of needles, and with said additional thread, has a floated stitch interspersed with terry stitch.

In one aspect, in case the additional thread is inserted at the beginning of the needle set and shaved, together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread, at the end of the needle set, the additional thread:

- in each needle of the said group of sponge needles, selected for the processing of the sponge, it creates a sponge-type stitch together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread;

- in one or more of the needles, of the said set of needles, not belonging to the sponge needle group, make a plain stitch together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread, or together with both;

- in one or more of the needles, of the said set of needles, not belonging to the sponge needle group, it creates a floated stitch together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread, or together with both;

in this way the stitch made with the needles of said set of needles, and with said additional thread, presents smooth stitch and floated stitch variously interspersed with terry stitch.

In one aspect, the method provides for a textile processing with two or three threads, delivered at least one of said two feeds, where:

- the stitch made with the needles of the said set of needles is a two- or three-thread stitch, i.e. a stitch made using both the first binding thread and/or the second binding thread, and the additional thread;

- the stitch made with the remaining needles of the needle bed, not belonging to said set of needles, is a two-thread stitch, i.e. a stitch made using only the first binding thread and the second binding thread, or is a single-thread stitch, i.e. a stitch made using only one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread (i.e. only one of the two binding threads).

In one aspect, the phase of producing weft mesh includes the phases of:

- to supply, at at least one of said two feeds, a further additional thread combined with said additional thread, only to the needles of said set of needles, in such a way as to:

- make a stitch comprising the additional yarn and the further additional yarn corresponding to the needles of said set of needles, and

- create a terry-type stitch with the additional yarn and the additional yarn corresponding to the said group of terry needles;

- perform a shaving of the additional thread at least at one beginning and one end of said at least one set of needles.

In one aspect, the method provides for a three or four-thread textile processing, delivered at least one of said two feeds, where:

- the stitch made with the needles of the said set of needles is a three- or four-thread stitch, i.e. a stitch made using the first binding thread and/or the second binding thread, the additional thread and the further additional thread;

- the stitch made with the remaining needles of the needle bed, not belonging to said set of needles, is a one- or two-thread stitch, i.e. a stitch made using only the first binding thread and/or the second binding thread.

In one aspect, said phase of making the base stitch of the textile article, with said first binding thread and/or with said second binding thread (if present), involves using all the needles of the needle bed, or only some needles, preferably for each row of said plurality of knitting rows in succession or in alternating rows.

In one aspect, in said stage of setting up a circular knitting machine, the circular knitting machine is structured to allow for a needle-needle selection, that is, it is structured to individually select any needle at will to activate the respective sinker and allow special knitting stitches, and in particular terry-type knitting stitches, to be performed only in certain desired positions of the circular needle bed.

In one aspect, within the scope of said needle-needle selection effected by the textile machine, the execution of special knitting stitches only in certain desired positions occurs in particular thanks to the needle-sinker interaction, i.e. thanks to the interaction between each needle, individually selectable at will, and the respective sinker. In this case, each sinker is individually activable through a direct or indirect action of the respective needle when it is selected.

In an independent aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a textile article made by a process according to one or more of the above aspects.

In the preceding aspects as well as in the detailed description that follows and in the attached claims, each of the technical characteristics introduced with reference to the process for making a textile article, and in particular each of the characteristics relating to the knitted structures, is also applicable analogously to the textile article considered in itself, i.e. as a product made through a process carried out by a circular knitting machine. The technical characteristics conferred to the knitted article through the process of the present invention are reflected in the textile article, i.e. are found in it.

Further features and advantages will become more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a process for making a textile article and of a textile article made on a seamless circular knitting machine, in accordance with the present invention.

Description of the drawings

This description will be set out below with reference to the attached drawings, provided for indicative purposes only and therefore not limiting, in which:

- figure 1 is a photograph showing a first embodiment, of an exemplary type, of a textile article made using the process according to the present invention; the textile article has a tubular shape and is threaded onto a special form (not shown) in such a way as to be well stretched; in particular, figure 1 shows a first half of the 'reverse' of the textile article, i.e. the internal side of the tubular fabric as it is produced by the circular textile machine;

- figure 2 is a further photograph of the textile article according to the first exemplary construction; in particular, a second half of the ?reverse? of the textile article is shown; the tubular textile article, laid out on the form with the ?reverse? visible, is essentially ?flattened? and composed of two sides consisting of the first half (shown in figure 1) and the second half (shown in figure 2);

- figure 3 is a further photograph of the textile article according to the first exemplary realization; in particular, a first half of the "right" side of the textile article is shown, that is, the external side of the tubular fabric as it is produced by the circular textile machine;

- figure 4 is a further photograph of the textile article according to the first exemplary embodiment; in particular, a second half of the ?right? side of the textile article is shown; the tubular textile article, laid out on the form with the ?right? side visible, is essentially ?flattened? and composed of two sides consisting of the first half (shown in figure 3) and the second half (shown in figure 4);

- figure 5 is a photograph showing a second embodiment, of an exemplary type, of a textile article made using the process according to the present invention; the textile article has a tubular shape and is threaded onto a special form (not shown) in such a way as to be well stretched; in particular, figure 5 shows a first half of the 'reverse' of the textile article, i.e. the internal side of the tubular fabric as it is produced by the circular weaving machine;

- figure 6 is a further photograph of the textile article according to the second exemplary embodiment; in particular, a second half of the ?reverse? of the textile article is shown; the tubular textile article, laid out on the form with the ?reverse? visible, is essentially ?flattened? and composed of two sides consisting of the first half (shown in figure 5) and the second half (shown in figure 6);

- figure 7 is a further photograph of the textile article according to the second exemplary embodiment; in particular, a first half of the 'right' side of the textile article is shown, i.e. the external side of the tubular fabric as it is produced by the circular textile machine;

- figure 8 is a further photograph of the textile article according to the second exemplary embodiment; in particular, a second half of the ?right? side of the textile article is shown; the tubular textile article, laid out on the form with the ?right? side visible, is essentially ?flattened? and composed of two sides consisting of the first half (shown in figure 7) and the second half (shown in figure 8);

- figure 9 is a photograph showing a third embodiment, of an exemplary type, of a textile article made using the process according to the present invention; the textile article has a tubular shape and is threaded onto a special form (not shown) in such a way as to be well stretched; in particular, figure 9 shows a first half of the 'reverse' of the textile article, i.e. the internal side of the tubular fabric as it is produced by the circular weaving machine;

- figure 10 is a further photograph of the textile article according to the third exemplary embodiment; in particular, a second half of the ?reverse? of the textile article is shown; the tubular textile article, laid out on the form with the ?reverse? visible, is essentially ?flattened? and composed of two sides consisting of the first half (shown in figure 9) and the second half (shown in figure 10);

- figure 11 is a further photograph of the textile article according to the third exemplary embodiment; in particular, a first half of the ?right? side of the textile article is shown, i.e. the external side of the tubular fabric as it is produced by the circular textile machine;

- figure 12 is a further photograph of the textile article according to the third exemplary embodiment; in particular, a second half of the ?right? side of the textile article is shown; the tubular textile article, laid out on the form with the ?right? side visible, is essentially ?flattened? and composed of two sides consisting of the first half (shown in figure 11) and the second half (shown in figure 12).

Please note that the attached drawings consist, in particular, of actual images depicting actual specimens of textile articles (in accordance with various and different exemplary embodiments) made using the process according to the present invention.

Detailed description

With reference to the figures cited, the number 1 indicates a textile article made with a process in accordance with the present invention.

To carry out the process according to the present invention, a weft knitting machine with at least two feeds or feeds and with a needle-holder member that supports a plurality of needles - defining a needle bed - can be used (preferably but not exclusively) to operate, in a manner known per se, to take the yarns delivered by these feeds and to form the stitch. The needle-holder member is rotatable relative to the aforementioned at least two feeds, and said at least two feeds are arranged in proximity to the needle-holder member.

The circular textile machine for carrying out the process according to the present invention is a circular machine for weft knitting, and of the seamless type.

From a textile technology point of view, the structure of the entire textile machine and the operation of the needle-holder (e.g. the cooperation between needles and threads, etc.) are not described in detail, since they are known in the technical field of the present invention.

According to a first embodiment thereof, the process in accordance with the present invention first of all provides for the preparation of a circular textile machine for weft knitting, and of the seamless type, comprising:

- at least two feeds or drops;

- a needle-holder member supporting a plurality of needles, defining a circular needle bed, operable to take the threads supplied by said at least one feed and to form a weft stitch; the needle-holder member being rotatable relative to the two (or more) feeds and the two (or more) feeds are arranged in proximity to the needle-holder member;

- a plurality of sinkers, possibly also of a special type, operationally associated with the plurality of needles; the plurality of sinkers includes a certain number of sponge sinkers, i.e. sinkers dedicated to the processing of sponge-type mesh.

The procedure therefore involves programming the textile machine in such a way as to define the textile article 1 to be produced, which:

- ? is composed of a plurality of successive mesh ranks;

- has a tubular or cylindrical shape, around a central axis, and extends longitudinally with continuity between an initial end, where the production of the mesh begins, and a final end.

Once textile article 1 has been defined, the process moves on to the weft mesh production phase using the circular textile machine, to then produce the textile article in accordance with the programming phase.

The weft knitting production phase includes, in one or more ranks of the plurality of ranks that make up the textile article 1, the phases of:

- deliver, in correspondence with the above mentioned at least two feeds, a first binding thread to create, with the needles of the needle bed, the weft stitch which constitutes the base stitch of the textile article 1;

- select at least one ?set of needles? S of the needle bed intended to collect at least one additional thread A;

- within this set S of needles, select at least one "group G of sponge needles" G, i.e. needles selected to operate, through a respective selection, in combination with sponge-type sinkers;

- deliver, in correspondence with at least one of the two aforementioned feeds, the additional thread A only to the needles of the needle set S, in such a way as to:

- make a stitch including the additional thread A in correspondence with the needles of the needle set S, and

- make a terry-type stitch with the additional yarn A corresponding to the needles of the terry needle group G.

Examples of textile articles made according to this process are illustrated in figures 1-12, which will be analysed below.

Preferably, the circular knitting machine used to carry out the process is structured to allow for needle-to-needle selection, that is, it is structured to individually select any desired needle and activate its respective sinker, to allow special knitting stitches - and in particular terry-type knitting stitches - to be performed only in certain desired positions.

Preferably, within the above-mentioned needle-to-needle selection carried out by the textile machine, the execution of special stitches only in certain desired positions occurs in particular thanks to the needle-sinker interaction, i.e. thanks to the interaction between each needle, individually selectable at will, and the respective sinker. In this case, each sinker can be activated individually through a direct or indirect action of the respective needle when it is selected. It is therefore a needle-to-needle selection (for each needle individually) which creates a sinker-to-sinker selection.

An example of the embodiment of a "needle-to-needle selection" in a circular textile machine is described in Italian patent application no. 102021000018047, in the name of the same Applicant, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The technical solution described in application no. 102021000018047, which allows needle-needle selection, i.e. the individual selection of any needle at will and the activation of the respective platen, through needle-platen interaction, can be used to implement the process according to the present invention, in its possible embodiments.

Please note that by ?sponge needle? we mean a needle (even of a traditional type) that can be selected in such a way that, in turn, it selects/activates a corresponding sponge-type sinker to perform, with it, a sponge-type knit stitch. Please note that the expression ?set of needles? (reference S) identifies a precise technical characteristic, and in particular a specific grouping/selection of certain needles of the circular needle bed, intended to collect at least the aforementioned additional thread A. The set S of needles is therefore defined by means of a selection/choice operation of certain needles of the needle bed.

Note that the expression "group of sponge needles" (reference G) identifies a precise technical characteristic, and in particular a specific grouping/selection of certain needles within the group S of needles, which operate in combination with sponge-type sinkers to produce sponge-type knitwear. The group G of sponge needles is therefore defined by means of a selection/choice operation of certain needles within said group S of needles.

According to a possible embodiment, the process further comprises the step of performing a shaving of the additional thread A at least at the beginning and/or end of the set S of needles.

Preferably, the steps of selecting the needle set S, selecting the sponge needle set G and dispensing the additional thread A can be performed:

- for a knit row of textile article 1, or

- for several rows of knitting in succession within textile article 1, or - for single rows of knitting, or sequences of rows, distinct from each other and distributed variously within textile article 1, or

- in alternating rows in textile article 1, i.e. one row yes and one row no according to a series repetition, for a given number of times (preferably greater than 1), which creates an alternation of rows in which such phases are performed and rows in which such phases are not performed, or

- in all the rows of stitches that make up the textile article 1.

It is evident that the above options for selecting the set S of needles and the group G of sponge needles and for supplying the additional yarn A allow for the definition of a multiplicity of different mesh structures in a given set S of rows, and therefore for obtaining a large variety of technical and aesthetic effects, even very different from each other, within the textile article produced.

The procedure illustrated above is therefore based on a set of technical characteristics:

- the creation of portions of "designed" sponge, i.e. in selection; the various portions of sponge-type mesh, in the different ranks that make up the textile article, can be placed as desired through an appropriate selection, needle by needle, of the sponge-type sinkers;

- the insertion of (at least) one additional thread A which is shaved or floated; - the presence of at least one portion of needles, among those which take the additional thread A, which creates a sponge-type stitch.

The result is a textile article 1 with selected (designed) terry made with an additional thread A (preferably shaved).

In essence, on each of the knitting rows in which the aforementioned set S of needles is defined, there is at least one portion of terry mesh made with the additional thread A, inserted and then shaved, possibly in combination with a smooth mesh and/or a floated mesh and/or a held mesh and/or bridles (missed stitches), also made using the additional thread A, and/or in combination - on the next or adjacent row - with a mesh structure obtained with the three technical ways plus the floated one.

Note that in some ranks a set S of needles (which produce a stitch including the additional yarn A) could be defined without the group G of terry needles being selected within it; in this case the set S still exists but the group G is in fact an empty subset (i.e. it includes zero terry needles). Note also that in certain ranks of the textile article 1 the set S of needles could not be defined; in such ranks therefore the set S and the group G of terry needles do not exist, and the additional yarn A is not used. Some portions of the textile articles exemplarily shown in the figures are composed of ranks of this type, i.e. ranks without the selection of the set S of needles.

The expression ?technical ways? identifies the types of mesh typically obtainable with circular textile machines, i.e. mesh made in the following ways:

- unloaded needle (smooth mesh loop);

- needle out of work (bridle);

- needle held (stitch held).

In one aspect, the circular weaving machine is configured to:

- allow, in the phase of selecting a set S of needles, to operate a selection of needles of any number and angular position, along the needle bed;

- allow, in the phase of selecting a group G of sponge needles, to operate a selection of needles of any number and angular position, within the set S of needles, so as to perform sponge stitches - using the additional thread A - in any desired position within a knitting row. In one aspect, the aforementioned set S of needles and, within it the group G of sponge needles, operate continuously for more than one knitting row, preferably for a given number of knitting rows, or rotations of the needle-holder member, during which the production of knitting, with the needles of the set S of needles, uses the aforementioned additional thread A.

In one aspect, the set S of needles can be defined at will for each knitting rank, that is, it can include in each rank a different grouping of needles from the needle bed, and in the same way the group G of sponge needles can be defined at will for each knitting rank, that is, it can include in each rank a different grouping of needles belonging to the set S of needles.

In one aspect the step of selecting at least one set S of needles and the step of selecting at least one group G of sponge needles can be performed for each rank, i.e. the set S of needles and, within it, the group G of sponge needles, can change from rank to rank.

In this way, considering a succession of rows of knit, the portions of terry-type knit made with the additional thread A occupy certain areas of the textile article; in essence, it is as if the terry areas were drawn (or ?placed?) on the tubular knit that constitutes textile article 1.

Preferably, the group G of sponge needles includes (or is composed of) at least one sponge needle within the group S of needles, so that - within the knitting row - there is always at least one portion of sponge-type stitch made with the additional thread A (inserted with shaving). This at least one portion of sponge-type stitch is combined, if necessary, with one or more portions of smooth stitch and/or floated stitch and/or restrained stitch and/or bridle stitch (missed stitches).

Similarly, the solution requires that the additional thread A always creates, within the knitting row, at least one portion of sponge-type knitting.

In one possible embodiment, in the phase of selecting a set S of needles, the set S of needles can include all the needles of the needle bed.

In a possible implementation of the procedure, the phase of supplying the additional thread A to the needles of the set S of needles is performed in correspondence with both of the aforementioned at least two feeds.

In a possible embodiment, in the phase of programming the textile machine, in one or more of the ranks of the plurality of rows of knitting in succession the set S of needles is not defined, that is, the set S of needles does not include any needle and neither the delivery of the additional yarn A, nor the creation of a sweater including additional yarn, nor the definition of the group G of sponge needles to create a sponge-type sweater take place. In essence, in this case some of the ranks of the textile article 1 may be of the traditional type and not present the knitting structures linked to set S, group G and additional yarn A.

According to the present invention, the set S of selected needles that receive the additional thread A and, within it, the group G of sponge needles can be placed several times in the same row or in several rows or in certain portions of each row of stitches in such a way as to create, overall, a design in which different areas are highlighted (sponge, floated stitch, smooth stitch, retained stitch, bridle).

? You can observe the result in the figures (for example figures 2, 6, 10), and in particular the exemplary writing ?T E R R Y? in sponge mesh T obtained with the additional thread A.

Depending on the programming of the textile machine, it is possible to obtain as a result a design in which areas of terry T are interspersed, both horizontally and vertically, with areas of floated F or smooth L type mesh, all created using the additional thread, inserted and shaved in each course of mesh or in alternate courses or in specific courses.

Preferably, in the weft knitting production phase, the circular knitting machine operates in continuous (or unidirectional) motion, that is, with continuous rotations of the needle holder in one direction of rotation; in particular, the circular knitting machine operates in continuous (or unidirectional) motion during the production of the knitting rows in which the set S of needles and the group G of sponge needles are selected.

Preferably the set S of needles can be made up of:

- from a single SX sector of adjacent needles, in succession, along the needle bed, without interruptions (for one or more rows up to possibly involving more than one turn of the needle holder); or

- from several SX sectors of needles spaced apart along the needle bed, where each SX sector is made up of a certain number of contiguous needles (possibly reduced to just one needle).

In essence, the set S of needles can correspond to a single SX sector or it is the sum (union) of several SX sectors.

Preferably the G group of sponge needles:

- corresponds to one or more subgroups GX of the set S of needles; or

- coincides with the set S of needles.

Preferably the GX subgroups that make up the G group of sponge needles are distinct and separate from each other within the set S of needles.

Preferably each of the GX sub-groups that make up the G group of sponge needles is made up of a certain number of contiguous needles (possibly reduced to just one needle).

Note that in the case where the group G of sponge needles is composed of several subgroups GX, they can belong to (i.e. be placed in) only one of the aforementioned SX sectors of the set S of needles or to different SX sectors.

For example, multiple GX subgroups can be included within the same SX sector of the needle set S or different GX subgroups can be positioned in different SX sectors of the needle set S.

Depending on the embodiment of the process, the group G of sponge needles may include only some of the needles of the set S of needles or all of the needles of the set S of needles.

In the case where the group G of sponge needles coincides with the set S of needles, the additional thread A creates only sponge-type stitches, corresponding to each needle of the set S of needles.

According to different embodiments of the process, the aforementioned shaving operation can take place:

- at the beginning and/or end of the set S of needles;

- at the beginning and/or end of one or more SX sectors of the set S of needles;

- at the beginning and/or end of the G group of sponge needles, or one or more GX subgroups of the G group of sponge needles.

In general, the following can be considered "shaving":

- either the operation of inserting the additional thread A, at the beginning of the set S of needles, or of one or more sectors SX of the set of needles, or of the group G of sponge needles or of one or more of its sub-groups GX;

- either the operation of terminating the supply of the additional thread A, at the end of the set S of needles, or of one or more sectors SX of the set of needles, or of the group G of sponge needles or of one or more of its sub-groups GX.

Note that in both of the above cases (insertion operation and termination operation) the thread, inserted in the first case and removed in the second, appears "shaved" and identifiable as a "tail" (piece of thread remaining connected to the stitch).

Preferably:

- shaving occurs in every insertion position of the additional wire A;

- shaving occurs in every end position of the additional wire supply A.

At each shaving operation, the additional thread A appears in the form of a "tail" or piece of free thread, i.e. "hooked/bound" to the first needle that collected it (at the start of work with the additional thread) or to the last needle that used it (at the end of work with the additional thread); for this reason in both cases the thread appears "shaved". The first needle and last needle refer to the end needles included between the shaving operations, i.e. the end needles of the set/sector/group of sponge needles (even just one needle) that operated with the additional thread A from insertion to the end of dispensing.

The series of needles (possibly even reduced to just one) that is found between the start and the end of a certain delivery of the additional thread A (i.e. between the shaving operations) can correspond to a portion of a rank, or to a rank or to a plurality of ranks in succession (i.e. fractions of a turn of the cylinder, or an internal turn of the cylinder, or several turns of the cylinder).

Preferably, in the case in which the group G of sponge needles coincides with the set S of needles, and the set S of needles is made up of several SX sectors of needles spaced apart along the needle bed, the additional thread A is inserted at the beginning of the first SX sector of needles and shaved at the end of the last SX sector of needles, provided that between each SX sector of needles and the next there is not an interval of needles, along the needle bed, equal to or greater than a certain shaving value; otherwise, however, if the interval of needles is equal to or greater than the shaving value, the additional thread A is shaved (note the reference AR in the figures) at the end of the SX sector of needles and re-introduced at the beginning of the next SX sector.

Preferably, in the case where the additional thread A is inserted at the beginning of a left needle sector and trimmed at the end of a subsequent left needle sector or of a series of subsequent left needle sectors, the additional thread A - between the end of each sector and the beginning of the subsequent sector - is made to float, that is, it is kept suspended forming a connection between two adjacent left sectors.

Preferably, the phase of performing a shaving of the additional thread A takes place in each rank in which the set S of needles is selected, at least at the beginning and at the end of the set S of needles, or at the beginning and at the end of a SX sector or at the beginning and at the end of a succession of several SX sectors in series (provided that they are not separated from each other by a number of needles greater than said shaving value).

Preferably, the initial shaving of the additional thread A occurs in a given rank (or turn of the needle holder), in which the set of needles S begins to operate, and the final shaving occurs in the next rank (or next turn of the needle holder), or after a number of subsequent ranks (or subsequent turns of the needle holder), when the set of needles S finishes operating.

Preferably, the above-mentioned shaving value corresponds to the number of needles beyond which the additional floating thread, i.e. kept suspended between two left sectors, is subjected to shaving, interrupting the connection.

Preferably the shaving value corresponds to the number of needles below which the additional thread A is not necessarily shaved but can remain floating, i.e. kept suspended between two left sectors, without interrupting the connection.

Preferably the shaving value can be greater than 20 needles or greater than 40 needles or greater than 60 needles or greater than 80 needles or greater than 100 needles or greater than 120 needles.

Preferably the shaving value is conditioned by the fineness of the textile machine (i.e. the number of needles per inch). Typically as the fineness increases (for example: from fineness E20 to fineness E28) the shaving value increases.

Note that the additional thread A is floated, i.e. kept suspended, when the needles - belonging to the set S of needles - after being unloaded are brought into a floating position, i.e. which does not allow the collection of the additional thread A: the greater the number of needles in floating position, the greater the length of the floating thread, between the last needle that picked it up and the next one that will pick it up.

If the number of needles increases beyond the aforementioned shaving value, the suspended thread is shaved and therefore a portion remains ?hanging? from the last needle that had collected it, forming a ?tail? or piece of free thread at the shaved end.

The floating thread, whether suspended between two positions or shaved to form a piece of thread, remains present inside the knitted tubular.

Preferably, in the case where the group G of sponge needles corresponds to one or more sub-groups GX of the set S of needles, and the set S of needles is made up of a single sector SX of contiguous needles along the needle bed, the additional thread A is inserted at the beginning of the set S of needles and shaved at the end of the set S of needles.

Preferably, in the case where the additional thread A is inserted at the beginning of the set S of needles and trimmed at the end of the set S of needles, the additional thread A:

- in each needle of the G group of sponge needles, selected for the processing of sponge, it creates a sponge-type stitch whose binding occurs in combination with the aforementioned first binding thread;

- in each needle of the set S of needles not belonging to the group G of sponge needles, make a smooth stitch L together with the first binding thread;

in this way the stitch made with the needles of the needle set S, and with the additional thread A, presents smooth stitch L interspersed with terry stitch T.

In this case the set S of needles is a continuous sector of needles, along the needle bed, comprising within it one or more sub-groups GX of needles constituting the group G of sponge needles, and the delivery of the additional yarn A for the entire aforementioned set S of needles creates a smooth stitch L interspersed with sponge stitch T only in correspondence with the needles of the group G of sponge needles.

In a different embodiment, in the case where the additional thread A is inserted at the beginning of the set S of needles and trimmed at the end of the set S of needles, the additional thread A:

- in each needle of the said group G of sponge needles, selected for the processing of the sponge, it creates a sponge stitch T whose binding occurs in combination with the first binding thread;

- in the remaining needles of the set S of needles, not belonging to the group G of sponge needles, create a float-type stitch in combination with the first binding thread; in this way the stitch created with the needles of the set S of needles, and with the additional thread A, presents a float-type stitch interspersed with sponge stitch T.

In this case the set S of needles is a continuous sector of needles, along the needle bed, comprising within it one or more sub-groups GX of needles constituting the group G of sponge needles; the delivery of the additional yarn A for the entire aforementioned set S of needles creates sponge stitch T in correspondence with the needles of the group G of sponge needles, interspersed with float stitch F in the remaining needles of the set S (not belonging to the group G of sponge needles).

In a possible embodiment, in the knitting production phase, the additional yarn A is supplied to the needles of the needle assembly S without interruption for a given number of knitting rows, or rotations of the needle holder, before carrying out the shaving operation. In this case, the aforementioned needle assembly S, and within it the group G of sponge needles, operates for more than one consecutive row using the additional yarn A and without shaving being performed; shaving occurs only at the beginning and at the end, after the completion of the number of consecutive rows.

Please note that, in the context of this description and claims, a "sponge-type" mesh (or T-sponge mesh) means a mesh made with two threads, one thread of which creates the base/binding stitch while the other creates the typical sponge curl.

Please note that, in the context of this description and claims, a “floated” knit is defined as a knit made with two threads, one thread of which creates the basic stitch while the other thread “floats” (i.e. is discarded/floated) on some needles.

In the specific case of this article, the float stitch is made using the first binding thread for the base stitch (or ground) and the additional thread as a floating thread on some adjacent needles.

In the float type of knitting there is adjacency between the needles that collect the binding thread for the basic stitch and needles on which the additional thread floats.

Please note that:

- the processing of the sponge typically involves:

- a first thread guide that delivers the thread that produces the sponge curl;

- a second thread guide that delivers the bottom thread/sponge binding;

- the processing of the float typically involves:

- a first thread guide that delivers the base thread (in this case for the basic stitch);

- a second thread guide that delivers the thread that floats on some needles (in this case the additional thread).

The first thread guide and the second thread guide are located at at least one of the two said feeds.

Preferably, the same additional wire A can realize:

- either terry stitch T, on the needles of the terry needle group G, or plain stitch L on the remaining needles of the needle group S, on the same stitch row or on several stitch rows;

- either terry stitch T, on the needles of the terry needle group G, or float stitch F on the remaining needles of the needle group S, on the same stitch row or on several stitch rows;

- either terry stitch T, in the needles of the terry needle group G, or smooth stitch L and/or floated stitch F in the remaining needles of the needle group S, on the same stitch row or on several stitch rows;

- either terry knit T, on the needles of the terry needle group G, or smooth knit L and/or floated knit F and/or held knit and/or jacquard knit on the remaining needles of the needle group S, on the same stitch row or on several stitch rows.

In one possible exemplary embodiment, in the case where the additional thread A is inserted at the beginning of the set S of needles and trimmed at the end of the set S of needles, the additional thread:

- create, with a group of first needles of the set S of needles, an initial portion in smooth stitch L together with the first binding thread;

- in each needle of the G group of sponge needles, selected for working with sponge, create a T sponge stitch in combination with the first binding thread;

- create, with a group of the last needles of the set S of needles, a final portion in smooth stitch L together with the first binding thread;

- in the remaining needles of the set S of needles, not belonging to the group G of sponge needles and to the said first needles or last needles, create a floated stitch F in combination with the first binding thread;

in this way the stitch made with the needles of the needle set S, and with the additional thread A, has a smooth initial stitch L, a floated stitch F interspersed with a terry stitch T, and a smooth final stitch L.

In a possible exemplary embodiment, the method provides for a textile processing with one or two threads, supplied at said at least one of the two feeds, in which:

- the stitch made with the needles of the needle set S is a two-thread stitch, i.e. a stitch made using both the first binding thread and the additional thread A; - the stitch made with the remaining needles of the needle bed, not belonging to the needle set S, is a single-thread stitch, i.e. a stitch made using only the first binding thread (this stitch is indicated in the figures with the reference P).

The two-thread mesh may include a sponge-type mesh made with the additional thread A.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the step of producing weft mesh may comprise a step of supplying, in correspondence with at least one of said two feeds, a second binding thread to produce, together with the first binding thread, a two-thread weft mesh which constitutes the base mesh of the textile article 1.

Preferably, the step of producing weft stitch comprises a step of performing the shaving of one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread, together with the shaving of the additional thread A, at least at one beginning and one end of the set S of needles.

In this case, the additional thread A and one of the two binding threads are shaved simultaneously, i.e. in the same positions.

Preferably, in the case where the group G of sponge needles coincides with the set S of needles, and the set S of needles is made up of several SX sectors of needles spaced apart along the needle bed, the additional thread A is inserted at the beginning of the first SX sector of needles and shaved, together with one between the first binding thread and the second binding thread, at the end of the last SX sector of needles, provided that between each SX sector of needles and the next there is not an interval of needles, along the needle bed, equal to or greater than a certain shaving value; otherwise, however, if the interval of needles were equal to or greater than the shaving value, the additional thread A and one between the first binding thread and the second binding thread would be shaved (note the reference AR in the figures) at the end of the SX sector of needles and re-introduced at the beginning of the next SX sector.

Preferably, in the case where the additional thread A is inserted at the beginning of a SX needle sector and shaved, together with one between the first binding thread and the second binding thread, at the end of a subsequent SX needle sector or of a series of subsequent SX needle sectors, the additional thread A and one between the first binding thread and the second binding thread - between the end of each sector and the beginning of the subsequent sector - are made to float, that is, they are kept suspended forming connections astride two contiguous SX sectors, provided that the needle intervals, between the contiguous SX sectors, have a value lower than the shaving value.

Preferably, in the case where the group G of sponge needles corresponds to one or more sub-groups GX of the set S of needles, and the set S of needles is made up of a single sector SX of contiguous needles along the needle bed, the additional thread A is inserted at the beginning of the set S of needles and trimmed, together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread, at the end of the set S of needles.

Preferably, in the case where the additional thread A is inserted at the beginning of the set S of needles and shaved, together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread, at the end of the set S of needles, the additional thread A:

- in each needle of the G group of sponge needles, selected for working with sponge, create a sponge-type stitch together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread;

- on the remaining needles of the set S of needles, not belonging to the group G of sponge needles, make plain stitch L together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread, or together with both;

in this way the stitch made with the needles of said set S of needles, and with said additional thread A, presents smooth stitch L interspersed with terry stitch T.

In a different aspect, in case the additional thread A is inserted at the beginning of the set S of needles and shaved, together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread, at the end of the set S of needles, the additional thread A:

- in each needle of the G group of sponge needles, selected for working with sponge, create a sponge-type stitch together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread;

- on the remaining needles of the set S of needles, not belonging to the group G of sponge needles, make a floated stitch F together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread;

in this way the stitch made with the needles of the needle set S, and with the additional thread A, has a floated stitch F interspersed with terry stitch T.

Preferably, in the case where the additional thread A is inserted at the beginning of the set S of needles and shaved, together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread, at the end of the set S of needles, the additional thread A:

- in each needle of the G group of sponge needles, selected for working with sponge, create a sponge-type stitch together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread;

- in one or more of the needles, of the set S of needles, not belonging to the group G of sponge needles, make a plain stitch L together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread, or together with both;

- in one or more of the needles, of the set S of needles, not belonging to the group G of sponge needles, make a floated stitch F together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread, or together with both;

in this way the stitch made with the needles of the needle set S, and with the additional thread A, presents smooth stitch L and floated stitch F variously interspersed with terry stitch T.

Preferably, in the case where the additional thread A is inserted at the beginning of the set S of needles and shaved, together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread, at the end of the set S of needles, the additional thread A:

- make, with a group of first needles of the set S of needles, an initial portion in plain stitch L together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread, or together with both;

- in each needle of the G group of sponge needles, selected for working with sponge, make sponge stitch T together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread;

- make, with a group of the last needles of the set S of needles, a final portion in plain stitch L together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread, or together with both;

- in the remaining needles of the set S of needles, not belonging to the group G of sponge needles and to the said first needles or last needles, create a floated stitch F together with one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread;

in this way the stitch made with the needles of the needle set S, and with the additional thread A, has a smooth initial stitch L, a floated stitch F interspersed with a terry stitch T, and a smooth final stitch L.

In a further possible exemplary embodiment, the method provides for a textile processing with two or three threads, supplied at least one of said two feeds, in which:

- the stitch made with the needles of the needle set S is a two- or three-thread stitch, i.e. a stitch made using both the first binding thread and/or the second binding thread, and the additional thread A;

- the stitch made with the remaining needles of the needle bed, not belonging to the set S of needles, is a two-thread stitch, i.e. a stitch made using only the first binding thread and the second binding thread, or is a single-thread stitch, i.e. a stitch made using only one of the first binding thread and the second binding thread (i.e. only one of the two binding threads).

A further implementation of the process of the present invention (not illustrated in the figures) provides that the phase of producing weft mesh includes the phases of:

- to supply, in correspondence with at least one of said two feeds, a further additional thread combined with the aforementioned additional thread, only to the needles of the set S of needles, in such a way as to:

- make a stitch including the extra yarn and the additional extra yarn corresponding to the needles of the needle set S, and

- make a terry type stitch with the extra yarn and the additional extra yarn corresponding to the group G of terry needles;

- perform a shaving of the additional thread at least at one beginning and one end of the set S of needles.

In this case, the insertion and shaving of the additional thread are combined, that is, they occur in the same positions as the insertion and shaving of the additional thread (as illustrated above).

In a further possible exemplary embodiment, the method provides for a textile processing with three or four threads, supplied at least one of said two feeds, in which:

- the stitch made with the needles of the needle set S is a three- or four-thread stitch, i.e. a stitch made using the first binding thread and/or the second binding thread, the additional thread and the further additional thread;

- the stitch made with the remaining needles of the needle bed, not belonging to the set S of needles, is a one- or two-thread stitch, i.e. a stitch made using only the first binding thread and/or the second binding thread.

Preferably, the phase of making the base stitch of textile article 1, with the first binding thread and/or with the second binding thread (if present), involves using all the needles of the needle bed, or only some needles, preferably for each row of the plurality of knitting rows in succession or in alternating rows.

Preferably, when setting up a circular weaving machine, the circular weaving machine is of the Seamless body-size type.

Preferably, when setting up a circular weaving machine, the needle-holding organ is a needle cylinder.

Preferably the number of sponge sinkers coincides with the plurality of sinkers, i.e. all the sinkers of the textile machine are configured to produce, if selected, sponge-type knitwear.

Preferably each needle of the set S of needles can be selected to be part of said group G of sponge needles, such that:

- each needle of the G needle group operates, through a selection operation, in combination with a respective sponge-type sinker to produce a sponge-type stitch under selection;

- the sponge-type mesh is created in any position desired, based on the selection of the needles that make up, row by row, the needle group G, thus creating a "designed" sponge, i.e. areas of sponge-type mesh having a desired shape within the textile article 1.

Below, with reference to the attached figures 1-12, some actual embodiments of textile articles in accordance with the present invention are described, of an entirely exemplary and non-limiting nature.

These exemplary textile articles (indicated in the figures with the reference number 1) are produced (at least in some of their parts) by means of the process described above, in its various forms of implementation.

Please note that, in the description as well as in the attached claims, the shapes of the areas, portions and designs on the fabric of the textile article refer to the arrangement of the fabric on a plane while, when the article is still arranged on the machine, this surface is tubular.

First of all, as illustrated above, the process of the present invention allows to create all the typical mesh structures of seamless textile machines (smooth, held, discharged, floated, patterns) with the addition of being able to simultaneously create terry mesh in "needle-by-needle selection".

In particular, the sponge being selected may be of the "vanis sponge" type, which requires specific plates appropriately profiled for this purpose for its production.

The peculiarities that characterize this type of vanis? sponge are the following: it is a mesh structure where on the right side (outside of the mesh) the base thread is visible (necessary for tying the sponge curl) while on the reverse side (inside of the mesh) the thread of the sponge curl is visible which remains precisely ?in vanis?? that is, hidden under (or covered) by the base thread.

Note that, by convention:

- the right side of the fabric is the outside of the fabric, that is, the outer side of the tubular fabric as produced by the circular knitting machine;

- the reverse side of the jersey is the inside of the fabric, that is, the inner side of the tubular fabric as produced by the circular knitting machine.

The use of platen-platen selection, after needle-needle selection, allows for the creation of various textile combinations, on the same knitting row, which allow for the obtaining of different types of fabrics and textile articles.

Figures 1-12 show three examples of textile article 1 according to the present invention. In particular:

- figures 1-4 show a first exemplary textile article 1, which presents inside it three ?strips? identified with the numbers ?1?, ?2? and ?3? and obtained with different configurations of the process of the invention;

- figures 5-8 show a second textile article 1 exemplary, which has inside it three ?strips? identified with the numbers ?4?, ?5? and ?6? and obtained with different configurations of the process of the invention;

- figures 9-12 show a third textile article 1 exemplary, which has inside it three ?strips? identified with the numbers ?7?, ?8? and ?9? and obtained with different configurations of the process of the invention.

Furthermore, figures 1-2, 5-6, 9-10 show the reverse side of the stitch, of the respective textile article 1, while figures 3-4, 7-8, 11-12 show the right side of the stitch, of the respective textile article 1.

In further detail, each of the three articles - which has a tubular shape - is threaded onto a special form (not shown) in such a way as to be well stretched; in this condition:

- figure 1 shows a first half of the ?reverse? (inner side) of the first textile article;

- figure 2 shows a second half of the ?reverse? of the first textile article; - figure 3 shows a first half of the ?right? (outer side) of the first textile article;

- figure 4 shows a second half of the ?right? of the first textile article;

- figure 5 shows a first half of the 'wrong side' of the second textile article; - figure 6 shows a second half of the 'wrong side' of the second textile article; - figure 7 shows a first half of the 'right side' of the second textile article;

- figure 8 shows a second half of the 'right' side of the second textile article; - figure 9 shows a first half of the 'wrong' side of the third textile article;

- figure 10 shows a second half of the 'reverse' of the third textile article; - figure 11 shows a first half of the 'right' of the third textile article;

- figure 12 shows a second half of the ?right? of the third textile article.

The two halves (each pair of figures 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, etc.) are continuous with each other and when joined form the knitted tubular fabric produced by the textile machine. In essence, for representation purposes the knitted tubular fabric has been shown in two halves (flattened and stretched out on a special form); this representation is clear and evident for the technician in the field.

Please note that, for ease of representation, the set S of needles, the sectors SX, the group G of sponge needles and the sub-groups GX are indicated in the figures showing the ?right? side of the textile article 1 as produced by the textile machine.

The three textile articles 1 were produced using an exemplary 8-feed knitting machine configured with T-sponge row portions.

The images allow us to appreciate the presence, on successive rows, of portions of sponge mesh T interspersed with portions that present other mesh structures, and in particular sections of smooth mesh L and sections of floated mesh F. The presence of sponge mesh T, together with the other mesh structures, is repeated - row by row - for numerous rows until a design/motif of your choice is created (in this case, for example, a writing ?T E R R Y? in sponge, the aforementioned numbers ?1?, ?2? and ?3? etc. and rectangular portions around some of the letters and numbers created).

The three textile articles 1 (exemplary and not limited to) were all produced with the same three-thread configuration:

- two single white threads for tying the sponge (except in the case of the third textile article 1 where only one of the two white threads makes the tying);

- a colored thread (darker in the figures), which constitutes the aforementioned additional thread A; the colored thread creates, with the group G of sponge needles, a sponge T type stitch, and undergoes the shaving operations (except in the case of the third textile article 1 where also one of the two white threads, together with the colored thread, creates the sponge curls).

The 9 different configurations obtained in the 3 textile articles of figures 1-12 are illustrated below.

First textile article (figures 1-4)

Configuration ?1?

- 2 white threads, which create the bottom by tying the sponge;

- 1 coloured thread, which creates a sponge-type mesh in selection (writing ?T E R R Y? and number ?1?).

Note: note that in this case all the needles in the set S of needles make a T-shaped terry knit with the additional coloured thread A; in practice, the group G of terry needles coincides with the set S of needles. The set S of needles is divided into SX sectors and, in the same way, the group G of terry needles is divided into GX sub-groups (note that the group G is the sum of the GX sub-groups); each GX sub-group corresponds to a SX sector. In concrete terms, for each rank the GX sub-groups (and the SX sectors) correspond to the various terry letters and to the number ?1? (on a white background made with a smooth two-thread knit). Note the coloured threads floating between one letter and the next (i.e. between one GX sub-group and the next).

Configuration ?2?

- 2 white threads, which create the bottom by tying the sponge;

- 1 coloured thread, which creates a smooth L stitch, which can cover the entire length (360?) of the tubular, and a sponge-type T stitch in selection (written ?T E R R Y? and number ?2?).

Note: note that in this case the set S of needles includes, for some rows of stitches, all the needles of the front (note the coloured rectangular stripe); the group G of terry needles, on the other hand, is divided into sub-groups GX: each sub-group GX corresponds to one of the terry letters or to the number "2". The coloured stitch present between the various terry letters (i.e. which forms the background to the letters) is smooth stitch L made with the coloured thread; in practice the needles of the set S not included in the sub-groups GX (which make terry stitch T) are still fed with the additional thread A and make smooth stitch L.

Configuration ?3?

- 2 white threads, which create the bottom by tying the sponge;

- 1 coloured thread, which creates smooth stitch L, ?floated stitch? F and sponge stitch T in selection (writing ?T E R R Y? and number ?3?).

Note: this configuration is similar to number 2, with the difference that the colored stitch between the various sponge letters (i.e. which acts as a background to the letters) and around the number ?3? is a floated F stitch made with colored yarn; in practice the needles of set S, not included in the sub-groups GX which make the letters and the number ?3? in sponge mesh T, are still fed with the additional yarn A and make a floated F stitch. Note that between the letter ?Y? and the number ?3? and beyond the number ?3? there are portions of smooth stitch L made with colored yarn and with needles belonging to set S (but not to group G). In configuration 3 the set S of needles never includes all the needles of the needle bed (the colored rectangular stripe is not present).

Second textile article (figures 5-8)

Configuration ?4?

- 1 white thread, which creates the bottom by tying the sponge;

- 1 white thread, which creates the binding of the sponge;

- 1 coloured thread, which creates smooth L stitch and sponge T stitch in selection (writing ?T E R R Y? and number ?4? surrounded by smooth L stitch).

Note: this configuration is similar to number 1, with the difference that one of the two white threads, after having created the sponge binding (together with the first white thread), is also shaved/floated together with the additional thread A. For each rank the GX subgroups correspond to the various sponge letters and to the number ?1? (on a white background created with a smooth single-thread mesh). Note that both the colored thread and the white thread (the latter which creates the sponge binding) are floating between one letter and the next (i.e. between one GX subgroup and the next).

Configuration ?5?

- 1 white thread, which creates the bottom by tying the sponge;

- 1 white thread, which creates the binding of the sponge and can cover the entire length (360?) of the tubular;

- 1 coloured thread, which creates a smooth stitch, which can cover the entire length (360?) of the tubular, and a sponge T stitch in selection (written “T E R R Y” and number “5?”).

Note: this configuration is similar to number 2, with the difference that one of the two white threads, after having made the binding of the sponge (together with the first white thread), is also shaved together with the additional thread A. In this case the set S of needles includes, for some rows of stitches, all the needles of the front (note the coloured rectangular stripe). The coloured stitch present between the various sponge letters (i.e. which acts as a background to the letters) is a smooth stitch L made with the coloured thread and with both white threads.

Configuration ?6?

- 1 white thread, which creates the bottom by tying the sponge;

- 1 white thread, smooth/floated, which creates smooth stitch L and floated stitch F and the tying of the sponge;

- 1 coloured thread, which creates smooth stitch L, floated stitch F and sponge stitch T in selection (writing ?T E R R Y? and number ?6? surrounded by smooth stitch L and with a floated stitch F background).

Note: this configuration is similar to number 3, with the difference that one of the two white threads, after having created the sponge binding (together with the first white thread), is also shaved/floated together with the additional thread A. The colored stitch present between the various sponge letters (i.e. which forms the background to the letters) and around the number ?6? is a floated F type stitch and you can see the colored thread and one of the two white threads floating; while the one around the letters and the number 6 (constituting a sort of ?edge?) is a smooth L stitch. Note that between the letter ?Y? and the number ?6? and beyond the number ?6? there are portions of smooth L stitch made with the colored thread and with both white threads.

Third textile article (figures 9-12)

Configuration ?7?

- 1 white thread, which creates the bottom by tying the sponge;

- 1 white thread, which creates a selection of T-shaped terry knit (like colored thread);

- 1 coloured thread, which creates a T-shaped terry mesh in selection (writing ?T E R R Y? and number ?7?).

Note: this configuration is similar to number 4, with the difference that in this case also one of the two white threads creates sponge in selection like the additional colored thread A.

Configuration ?8?

- 1 white thread, which creates the bottom by tying the sponge;

- 1 white thread, which creates the sponge and smooth stitch and can cover the entire length (360?) of the tubular (like the colored thread);

- 1 coloured thread, which creates a selected T terry mesh, which can cover the entire length (360?) of the tubular, and a smooth L mesh (written “T E R R Y” and number “8?”).

Note: this configuration is substantially similar to number 5, but in the negative: the letters of the writing "T E R R Y" and the number "8" are in smooth mesh L while the background between the letters is in sponge mesh T. Also in this case the set S of needles includes, for some rows of stitches, all the needles of the front (note the coloured rectangular stripe in sponge mesh T).

Configuration ?9?

- 1 white thread, which creates the bottom by tying the sponge;

- 1 white thread, which makes smooth mesh L, floated mesh F and sponge mesh T in selection (like colored thread);

- 1 coloured thread, which creates smooth stitch L, float stitch F and sponge stitch T in selection (in sponge the writing ?T E R R Y? and the number ?9?). Note: this configuration is similar to number 6, with the difference that in this case one of the two white threads also creates smooth stitch L, float stitch F and sponge stitch T in selection like the additional coloured thread A.

As can be observed in the exemplary embodiments of the figures, the textile articles obtained according to the present invention have ?areas? (shaped zones) differentiated by type of knit (terry knit, floated knit, smooth knit, etc.), and the pattern designed means that each course can cross/intersect, along its development, several different areas. This is because several different portions can be defined simultaneously on the course (in particular, terry knit T combined with smooth knit L or floated knit F). Therefore, for example, a course can ?cross? terry areas alternating with areas of floated knit, smooth knit, etc., based on the pattern defined.

Similarly, it can be said that different areas (for example an area in a sponge mesh type T and an area in a float mesh type F) have one or more ranks in common, that is, they share portions of the same ranks.

The present invention achieves important advantages.

First of all, the invention allows to overcome the drawbacks of the known art. The Applicant has first verified that the textile articles according to the invention have a high quality, significant technical qualities and valuable aesthetic characteristics.

The Applicant has verified that the process according to the invention allows to obtain textile articles with traditional knitted structures and enriched by portions of sponge mesh that define designed motifs.

Furthermore, the process according to the present invention allows to obtain textile articles with traditional knitted structures and enriched by portions of reinforced knitted fabric, obtained by inserting an additional thread into a portion (set S) of selected needles of the needle bed, where part of these needles (also selectable) create a sponge-type knitted fabric always with the same additional thread.

Furthermore, the process according to the present invention allows to obtain textile articles in which the specific combinations of traditional knitted structures allow to structure the product with three-dimensional knitted portions with differentiation of the consistency/thickness of the three-dimensional knitted areas, also thanks to the use of different types and/or quantities of yarns that are used in producing the knitted structures.

The process according to the present invention allows, thanks to the possibility of defining at will - rank by rank - the group G of sponge needles within the set S, to "place" in the textile article areas of sponge mesh T in accordance with a specific design. The areas of sponge mesh T, interspersed with other areas of different mesh (for example floated mesh F and/or smooth mesh L and/or mesh with slugs), can allow for obtaining a localized thickening of the fabric produced, and therefore to provide a specific three-dimensionality to certain areas and portions of the textile article.

The Applicant has also verified that the process according to the invention allows:

- provide the necessary versatility in terms of combinations of knitting structures achievable on a single textile article;

- create a textile article with specific structural characteristics capable of conferring certain technical properties to the article itself;

- create a textile item with specific aesthetic and/or comfort and wearability characteristics;

- create a textile article characterised by a stable structure and not subject to defects or imperfections;

- produce textile articles in an economically competitive manner;

- create designs and patterns, even complex and detailed ones, on a single textile item;

- obtain specific aesthetic effects on a single textile item;

- create alternative solutions, compared to the known technique, in the production of knitted textile articles, and open new design fields in the development of textile articles made with seamless circular machines.

Claims (15)

1. Process for making a textile article (1) using a circular weft knitting machine, the process comprising the phases of: - prepare a circular textile machine with the following characteristics: - ? a circular weft knitting machine; - ? a circular textile machine of the seamless type; - the circular textile machine comprises at least two feeds or feeds and a needle-holder supporting a plurality of needles, defining a circular needle bed, operable to take the threads supplied by said at least two feeds and to form a weft stitch; said needle-holder being rotatable relative to said at least two feeds and said at least two feeds being arranged in proximity to said needle-holder; - the circular textile machine comprises a plurality of sinkers, possibly also of a special type, for lowering, operationally associated with said plurality of needles, said plurality of sinkers comprising a certain number of sponge sinkers, i.e. sinkers dedicated to the processing of sponge-type knitwear; - program said textile machine in such a way as to define a textile article (1) to be produced, said textile article: - being composed of a plurality of rows of mesh in succession; - having a tubular or cylindrical shape, around a central axis, and extending longitudinally with continuity between an initial end, where the production of the mesh begins, and a final end; - produce weft mesh with said circular textile machine to make said textile article (1), in accordance with the aforementioned programming phase; - wherein said step of producing weft mesh comprises, in one or more ranks of said plurality of ranks, the steps of: - to deliver, in correspondence with said at least two feeds, a first binding thread to create, with the needles of said needle bed, a weft stitch which constitutes the base stitch of the textile article (1); - select at least one ?set (S) of needles? of said circular needle bed intended to collect at least one additional thread (A); - within said set (S) of needles, select at least one "group (G) of sponge needles", i.e. needles selected to operate, through a respective selection, in combination with sponge-type sinkers; - deliver, at at least one of said two feeds, said additional thread (A) only to the needles of said set (S) of needles, in such a way as to: - make a stitch including the additional thread (A) in correspondence with the needles of said set (S) of needles, and - make a terry type stitch with the additional thread (A) in correspondence with the needles of said set (G) of terry needles. 2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: - performing a trimming of the additional thread (A) at least at a start and/or an end of said at least one set (S) of needles, and/or where the steps of selecting said set (S) of needles, selecting said group (G) of sponge needles and dispensing said additional yarn (A) can be performed: - for one knit row of said textile article (1), or - for several rows of knitting in succession within said textile article (1), or - for single rows of knitting, or sequences of rows, distinct from each other and distributed variously in said textile article (1), or - in alternating rows in the said textile article (1), i.e. one row yes and one row no according to a series repetition, for a given number of times, preferably greater than 1, which creates an alternation of rows in which such phases are performed and rows in which such phases are not performed, or - in all the rows of stitches that make up the textile article (1). 3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the circular textile machine is configured to: - allow, in said phase of selecting a set (S) of needles, to operate a selection of needles of any number and angular position, along the needle bed; - allow, in said phase of selecting a group (G) of sponge needles, to operate a selection of needles of any number and angular position, within said set (S) of needles, in such a way as to perform sponge stitches (T) - using said additional thread (A) - in any desired position within a knitting row, and/or in which said set (S) of needles and, within it, the group (G) of sponge needles, operate continuously for more than one knitting row, preferably for a given number of knitting rows, or rotations of the needle holder, during which the production of knitting, with the needles of said set (S) of needles, uses said additional thread (A). 4. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said set (S) of needles is defined at will for each knitting row, i.e. it can comprise in each row a different grouping of needles from the needle bed, and similarly said group (G) of sponge needles can be defined at will for each knitting row, i.e. it can comprise in each row a different grouping of needles belonging to said set (S) of needles, and/or wherein said step of selecting at least one set (S) of needles and said step of selecting at least one group (G) of sponge needles can be performed for each row, i.e. said set (S) of needles and, within it, said group (G) of sponge needles, can change from row to row, and/or wherein, in said step of producing weft knitting, the circular textile machine operates in continuous motion, i.e. with continuous rotations of the needle holder in one direction of rotation; in particular, the circular textile machine operates in continuous motion during the production of the rows of knit in which said set (S) of needles and said group (G) of sponge needles are selected. 5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said group (G) of sponge needles comprises at least one sponge needle within said set (S) of needles, so that - within the knitting row - at least one portion of sponge-type stitch (T) made with the additional yarn (A) is always present, such at least one portion of sponge-type stitch (T) possibly combining with one or more portions of smooth stitch (L) and/or floated stitch (F) and/or restrained stitch and/or bridle stitch, and/or wherein, in said step of selecting a set (S) of needles, the set (S) of needles comprises all the needles of the needle bed, and/or wherein said step of delivering said additional yarn (A) to the needles of said set (S) of needles ? performed in correspondence with both of said at least two feeds, and/or in which said group (G) of sponge needles includes at least one sponge needle in said set (S) of needles, in such a way that - within at least two consecutive or alternate rows of knitting, i.e. a yes row and a no row - at least one portion of sponge-type knitting (T) is present, and/or in which, in said phase of programming the textile machine, in one or more of the rows of said plurality of successive rows of knitting, said set (S) of needles is not defined, i.e. the set (S) of needles does not include any needle and neither the supply of said additional yarn (A), nor the creation of knitting comprising additional yarn, nor the definition of said group (G) of sponge needles to create sponge-type knitting (T) occurs. 6. Process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said set (S) of needles is constituted by: - from a single sector (SX) of adjacent needles, in succession, along the needle bed, without interruptions (for one or more rows up to possibly involving more than one turn of the needle holder); or - from several sectors (SX) of needles spaced apart along the needle bed, where each sector (SX) is made up of a certain number of contiguous needles, possibly reduced to just one needle, and/or where said group (G) of sponge needles: - corresponds to one or more subgroups (GX) of said set (S) of needles; or - coincides with said set (S) of needles, and/or in which the sub-groups (GX) that make up the group (G) of sponge needles are distinct and separate from each other within the set (S) of needles, and/or in which each of the sub-groups (GX) that make up the group (G) of sponge needles is made up of a certain number of contiguous needles, possibly reduced to a single needle. 7. A process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said shaving operation can take place: - at the beginning and/or end of said set (S) of needles; - at the beginning and/or end of one or more sectors (SX) of said set (S) of needles; - at the beginning and/or end of said group (G) of sponge needles, or of one or more sub-groups (GX) of said group (G) of sponge needles, and/or in which it is considered ?shaving?: - either the operation of inserting the additional thread (A), at the beginning of the set (S) of needles, or of one or more sectors (SX) of the set (S) of needles, or of the said group (G) of sponge needles or of one or more of its sub-groups (GX); - either the operation of terminating the supply of the additional thread (A), at the said end of the set (S) of needles, or of one or more sectors (SX) of the set (S) of needles, or of said group (G) of sponge needles or of one or more of its sub-groups (GX). 8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said shaving occurs in each position of insertion of the additional thread (A) and in each position of termination of the delivery of the additional thread (A), and/or wherein in correspondence with each shaving operation, the additional thread (A) is presented in the form of a ?tail? or piece of free thread, i.e. ?hooked/bound? to the first needle that collected it, at the start of processing with the additional thread (A), or to the last needle that used it, at the end of processing with the additional thread (A), in both cases the thread being ?shaved?, and/or wherein the first needle and last needle are intended to be the end needles included between the shaving operations, i.e. the end needles of the set/sector/group of sponge needles that has operated with the additional thread (A) from insertion to the end of the delivery, and/or in which the series of needles that is found between the start and the end of a certain delivery of the additional thread (A), i.e. between the shaving operations, can correspond to a portion of a rank, or to a rank or to a plurality of ranks in succession, or fractions of a turn of the cylinder, or an internal turn of the cylinder, or several turns of the cylinder. 9. Method according to any of the preceding claims wherein, in the case in which said group (G) of sponge needles coincides with said set (S) of needles, and the set (S) of needles is made up of several sectors (SX) of needles spaced apart along the needle bed, the additional thread (A) is inserted at the beginning of the first sector (SX) of needles and shaved at the end of the last sector (SX) of needles, provided that between each sector (SX) of needles and the next there is not an interval of needles, along the needle bed, equal to or greater than a given shaving value; otherwise, however, if the interval of needles is equal to or greater than the shaving value, the additional thread (A) is shaved at the end of the sector (SX) of needles and reintroduced at the beginning of the next sector (SX); and/or wherein, in the case in which the additional thread (A) is inserted at the beginning of a sector (SX) of needles and shaved at the end of a subsequent sector (SX) of needles or of a series of subsequent sectors (SX) of needles, the additional thread (A) - between the end of each sector and the beginning of the subsequent sector - is made to float, that is, it is kept suspended forming a connection between two contiguous sectors (SX). 10. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the step of performing a shaving of the additional thread (A) takes place in each rank in which said set (S) of needles is selected, at least at the beginning and at the end of said set (S) of needles, or at the beginning and at the end of a sector (SX) or at the beginning and at the end of a succession of several sectors (SX) in series, provided that not separated from each other by a number of needles greater than said shaving value, and/or in which the initial shaving of the additional thread (A) occurs in a given rank or turn of the needle holder, in which said set (S) of needles begins to operate, and the final shaving occurs in the next rank or next turn of the needle holder, or after a number of subsequent ranks or subsequent turns of the needle holder, when said set (S) of needles finishes operating, and/or in which said shaving value corresponds to the number of needles beyond which the additional thread (A) floated, i.e. kept suspended between two sectors (SX), is subjected to shaving, interrupting the connection, and/or in which said shaving value corresponds to the number of needles below which the additional thread (A) is not necessarily shaved but can remain floated, i.e. kept suspended between two sectors (SX), without interrupting the connection, and/or in which said shaving value is greater than 20 needles or greater than 40 needles or greater than 60 needles or greater than 80 needles or greater than 100 needles, and/or where said shaving value is conditioned by the fineness of the textile machine, and typically increases as the fineness increases. 11. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the same additional thread (A) can achieve: - either terry stitch (T), in the needles of said group (G) of terry needles, or plain stitch (L) in the remaining needles of the group (S) of needles, on the same row of stitches or on several rows of stitches; - either terry stitch (T), in the needles of said group (G) of terry needles, or float stitch (F) in the remaining needles of the group (S) of needles, on the same row of stitches or on several rows of stitches; - either terry stitch (T), in the needles of said group (G) of terry needles, or smooth stitch (L) and/or floated stitch (F) in the remaining needles of the group (S) of needles, on the same row of stitches or on several rows of stitches; - either terry knit (T), in the needles of said group (G) of terry needles, or smooth knit (L) and/or floated knit (F) and/or held knit and/or jacquard knit in the remaining needles of the group (S) of needles, on the same row of knit or on several rows of knit, and/or wherein each needle of said set (S) of needles can be selected to be part of said group (G) of sponge needles, such that: - each needle of said group (G) of needles operates, through a selection operation, in combination with a respective sponge-type sinker to produce sponge-type stitch (T) under selection; - the sponge-type mesh (T) is created in any position desired, based on the selection of the needles that make up, rank by rank, said group (G) of needles, thus creating a "designed" sponge, i.e. areas of sponge-type mesh (T) having a desired shape within the textile article (1). 12. A process according to any of the preceding claims wherein, in said knitting production step, the delivery of said additional yarn (A) to the needles of said needle set (S) occurs without interruption for a given number of knitting rows, or rotations of the needle holder, before carrying out the shaving operation, and/or in which the aforementioned set (S) of needles, and within it the group (G) of sponge needles, operates for more than one consecutive row using the additional thread (A) and without shavings being performed, the shaving taking place only at the beginning and at the end, after the completion of the number of consecutive rows. 13. A process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said step of producing weft mesh comprises the steps of: - to supply, in correspondence with at least one of said two feeds, a further additional thread combined with said additional thread (A), only to the needles of said set (S) of needles, in such a way as to: - create a stitch comprising the additional thread (A) and the further additional thread corresponding to the needles of said set (S) of needles, and - create a terry type stitch (T) with the additional thread (A) and the further additional thread corresponding to said set (G) of terry needles; - perform a shaving of the additional thread at least at one start and one end of said at least one set (S) of needles, and/or in which the insertion and shaving of the additional thread are combined, i.e. they occur in the same positions as the insertion and shaving of the additional thread (A). 14. Textile article (1) made by a process according to any of the preceding claims. 15. Textile article (1) made by means of a circular weft knitting machine, of the seamless type and equipped with a circular needle bed and sinkers, the textile article (1) being composed of a plurality of successive knitting rows and comprising, in one or more rows of said plurality of rows: - stitch comprising an additional thread (A) made only in correspondence with the needles of a "set (S) of needles" of said circular needle bed; - sponge type mesh (T) comprising the additional thread (A) made only in correspondence with the needles of a group (G) of sponge needles, chosen within said set (S) of needles, where the needles of said group (G) of sponge needles are selected to operate, through a respective selection, in combination with sponge type sinkers.