Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This patent application claims priority and benefit from US 63/351,618, filed on June 13, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Field

[0002] Some embodiments are related to the field of clothing.

Background

[0003] Clothing articles and clothes are typically formed of textile material and are worn on the body. Clothes are worn for various purposes, for example, to keep the human body warm in a cold weather, to protect the human body from rough surfaces or insects or plants, to provide a hygienic barrier between the human body and the environment, to protect the human body from ultraviolet radiation, to cover genitals, for social reasons or as fashion, or the like.

Summary

[0004] Some embodiments provide a sock having an integrally-knitted Toe Lock Toes Lock or Toes Locking component, or a Toe Locking or Toes-Region Stabilizing knitted loop Toes-Region stabilizing knitted band or component.

[0005] For example, a sock for covering at least a foot of a human wearer includes: a knitted toes-covering fabric -region, configured to cover toes of the foot; a knitted sole-covering fabric-region, configured to cover a sole of the foot; and a knitted toes-region stabilizing component, located between the knitted toes-covering fabric-region and the knitted solecovering fabric-region. The knitted toes-region stabilizing component is configured to stabilize, and to prevent shifting or slippage of, the knitted toes-covering fabric-region in response to body movements. The knitted toes-region stabilizing component is a knitted band that is formed of a first yarn which is a High-Friction Low-Slippage yarn; the knitted toes- covering fabric -region and the knitted sole-covering fabric -region are knitted of a second, different, yarn. The first yarn has a first friction coefficient relative to human body; the second yarn has a second friction coefficient relative to human body; the first friction coefficient is greater than the second friction coefficient by at least 25 percent.

[0006] Some embodiments provide other and/or additional benefits and/or advantages. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] Figs. 1A and IB are schematic illustrations of a sock, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

[0008] Figs. 2A and 2B are schematic illustrations of another sock, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

[0009] Figs. 3A and 3B are schematic illustrations of another sock, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

[0010] Figs. 4 A and 4B are schematic illustrations of another sock, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

[0011] Figs. 5 A and 5B and 5C are schematic illustrations of another sock, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

[0012] Fig. 6A is a schematic illustration of another sock, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

[0013] Fig. 6B is a schematic illustration of another sock, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

[0014] Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of a Knit Structure which may be used for knitting a sock with a Toes Lock component, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

Detailed Description of Some Demonstrative Embodiments

[0015] The Applicants have realized that a sock, and particularly the sock-region that covers the toes of the foot, may sometimes move or shift of slip, particularly sideways. For example, a person wearing socks within a shoe, may run or may walk or may perform other movements (e.g., jump), which may cause the toe-covering region of the sock to shift or move sideways (e.g., to the right side and/or to the left side, when the front side is the general front direction of the foot), and/or to shift or move back and forth (e.g., cause the main body of the sock to slip forward towards the toes area), rather than staying in place.

[0016] The Applicants have realized that such movement or shifting or slippage of the toes- covering region of the sock, may be undesired to some wearers and/or may cause inconvenience to some wearers; and/or may reduce the ability of the sock (and of the toes- covering region of the sock) to directly touch and cover the toes and to hold the toes and to absorb sweat from the socks; and/or may cause a creation of an “air bubble” within the sock (e.g., an air gap between the sock’s fabric and the toes themselves); and/or may be a nuisance to some wearers, particularly as they engage in athletics or sports; and/or may reduce the athletic performance of the wearer (e.g., by interfering with his/her ability to comfortably and efficiently run or jump).

[0017] The Applicants have realized that it would be beneficial to develop an innovative sock, having a movement-limiting or slippage-limiting component, and particular an integrally- knitted loop or frame or region or strip, located at or near or over or beneath or circulating (at least partially) the toes-base covering region of the sock, or encircling around the toes-base covering region of the sock; or supporting from beneath the metatarsal bones (or at least a portion thereof) and/or the bones that are at the base of the toes of the foot; and such knitted component may assist in preventing or limiting or reducing or constraining such movement or slippage or spatial shifting of the tip sock-region or the toes sock-region.

[0018] Some embodiments provide a knitted sock, having an integrally-knitted Toe Lock tab or an integrally-knitted Toe Lock region or an integrally-knitted Toe Lock frame or an integrally-knitted Toe Lock strip or an integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop or ring or band or other generally-closed and curved knitted component. In some embodiments, the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop is a fully-closed loop, in order to provide the best or highest Toe Locking capability; yet in some other embodiments, optionally, the integrally-knitted Toe Lock is a nonclosed loop or curved strip or curved component, such as an almost-closed loop (e.g., encircling around 90 or 80 percent or at least 75 percent of the entirety of a closed loop), to still provide adequate Toe Locking capability.

[0019] The integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop is located near or around, or circulating near, the tip or the edge of the sock, or located near or at the sock-region that covers the base of the toes of the foot, or located at or near the sock-region that covers the toe-base region of the foot. The integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop may also be referred to as a Toes-Region Movement Stopper or as a Toes-Region Movement Limiter or as a Toes-Region Movement Constrainer or as a Toes-Region Spatial Stabilizer. The integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop may also be referred to as a Sock-Body Slippage Stopper or as a Sock-Body Slippage Limiter or as a Sock- Body Slippage Constrainer. The integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop may also be referred to as a Sock-Body Slide Stopper or as a Sock-Body Slide Limiter or as a Sock-Body Slide Constrainer. [0020] This innovative component prevents or limits or constrains or reduces the movement of the tip of the sock, or of the toes-covering region of the sock; and particularly, it prevents or limits or constrains the sideways movement of the tip of the sock or the toes- covering region of the sock, such as sideways movement or slipping or slippage that is generally perpendicular to the longest axis of the foot or to the longest axis of the sock-portion that covers the foot). [0021] Additionally or alternatively, this innovative component prevents or limits or constrains or reduces the slippage or the sliding of the main body of the sock (e.g., that covers the sole of the foot, or the main region of the foot that is not the toes and not the ankle) forward, or forward and backwards, or back-and-forth, or particularly in a forward slippage or sliding motion towards the toes.

[0022] In some embodiments, as demonstrated in sock 105, the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop has two main parts: an upper part, and a lower part. The lower part of the integrally- knitted Toe Lock loop is knitted beneath the base or beneath the root of the five toes; or, at the bottom-side sock-portion that is beneath the base or beneath the root of the five toes; or, beneath the Metatarsal Bones of the foot; or, at the bottom-side sock-portion that is beneath the Metatarsal Bones of the foot. The upper part of the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop is knitted around the five toes, or is knitted to circulate the five toes, or is knitted at the top-side (or the top-facing side or the upwardly-facing side) of the toes zone of the sock such that it encircles around the five toes as demonstrated in sock 105. In other embodiments, as demonstrated in socks 101, 102, 103 and/or 104, the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop is knitted at other locations of the sock, and/or has other particular structure as shown and as detailed herein.

[0023] The integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop is continuously and/or seamlessly knitted, at its front-side edge or at one or more of its edges, with at least a portion of the knitted toes- region or tip-region or Toes Zone of the sock; such that the Toes Zone of the sock is continuously and seamlessly connected to the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop. Additionally, the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop is continuously and seamlessly knitted, at its rear-side edge or at one or more of its edges, with the knitted main region of the sock that is intended to cover the majority of the foot and/or the sole; such that the sole-covering region of the sock is continuously and seamlessly connected to the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop.

[0024] Reference is made to Figs. 1A and IB, which are schematic illustrations of a sock 101, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. Fig. 1A shows the top side of sock 101; Fig. IB shows the bottom side of sock 101. A curved thick black line indicates the integrally-knitted Toe Lock oval loop. In sock 101, the integrally-knitted Toe Lock oval loop is located across (or circulating) the sock-region that covers the bones of the base of the toes; or across the sock-region that covers the Proximal Phalanx Bones as well as across the sockregion that is beneath the Proximal Phalanx Bones; or circulating at the sock-region that is covering (from above and from below) the Proximal Phalanx Bones. The Applicants have realized that innovatively, this particular location of the integrally-knitted Toe Lock oval loop around (or circulating, or at) the Proximal Phalanx Bones, may provide efficient slippage limitation capabilities to the sock’s main region and/or to the tip-region of the sock.

[0025] Reference is made to Figs. 2A and 2B, which are schematic illustrations of a sock

102, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. Fig. 2A shows the top side of sock 102; Fig. 2B shows the bottom side of sock 102. A curved thick black line indicates the integrally-knitted Toe Lock oval loop. In sock 102, the integrally-knitted Toe Lock oval loop is located across (or circulating) the sock-region that covers the bones of the base of the toes; or across the sock-region that covers the Metatarsal Bones as well as across the sock-region that is beneath the Metatarsal Bones; or circulating at the sock-region that is covering (from above and from below) the Metatarsal Bones. The Applicants have realized that innovatively, this particular location of the integrally-knitted Toe Lock oval loop around (or circulating, or at) the Metatarsal Bones, may provide efficient slippage limitation capabilities to the sock’s main region and/or to the tip-region of the sock.

[0026] Reference is made to Figs. 3 A and 3B, which are schematic illustration of a sock

103, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. Fig. 3 A shows the top side of sock 103; Fig. 3B shows the bottom side of sock 103. A curved thick black line indicates the integrally-knitted Toe Lock oval loop. In sock 103, the integrally-knitted Toe Lock oval loop is located across (or circulating) across the sock-region that covers both the Proximal Phalanx Bones and the Metatarsal Bones, as well as across the sock-region that is beneath the Proximal Phalanx Bones and the Metatarsal Bones; or circulating at the sock-region that is covering (from above and from below) the Proximal Phalanx Bones and the Metatarsal Bones; or circulating at the sock-region that is covering (from above and from below) at least a portion of the Proximal Phalanx Bones and also at least a portion of the Metatarsal Bones. In sock 103, the integrally-knitted Toe Lock oval loop is a single, continuous, unified, knitted loop that covers and circulates around at least a portion of the Proximal Phalanx Bones and also at least a portion of the Metatarsal Bones. The Applicants have realized that innovatively, this particular location of the integrally-knitted Toe Lock oval loop around (or circulating, or at) the Proximal Phalanx Bones and the Metatarsal Bones, may provide efficient slippage limitation capabilities to the sock’s main region and/or to the tip-region of the sock.

[0027] Reference is made to Figs. 4A and 4B, which are schematic illustration of a sock

104, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. Fig. 4A shows the top side of sock 104; Fig. 4B shows the bottom side of sock 104. Two separate and distinct and spaced-apart curved thick black line indicate two separate and distinct integrally-knitted Toe Lock oval loops. In sock 104, a first integrally-knitted Toe Lock oval loop is located across (or circulating) the Proximal Phalanx Bones (or across at least a portion of the Proximal Phalanx Bones); and a second, separate, distinct, spaced-apart integrally-knitted Toe Lock oval loop is located across (or circulating) the Metatarsal Bones (or across at least a portion of the Metatarsal Bones). In some embodiments, the first integrally-knitted Toe Lock oval loop is located above and beneath the Proximal Phalanx Bones (or at least a portion of the Proximal Phalanx Bones); and a second, separate, distinct, spaced-apart integrally-knitted Toe Lock oval loop is located above and beneath the Metatarsal Bones (or at least a portion of the Metatarsal Bones). In sock 104, the two integrally-knitted Toe Lock oval loops are two distinct, spaced apart, separate, knitted loops. The Applicants have realized that innovatively, these location of two separate integrally- knitted Toe Lock oval loops, one of which circulating around the Proximal Phalanx Bones, and the other one circulating round the Metatarsal Bones, may provide efficient slippage limitation capabilities to the sock’s main region and/or to the tip-region of the sock.

[0028] Reference is made to Figs. 5A and 5B and 5C, which are schematic illustration of a sock 105, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. Fig. 5A shows a perspective view of the side of sock 105; Fig. 5B shows the top area or the top side of sock 105; Fig. 5C shows the bottom side or the bottom area of sock 105. A curved thick black line indicates the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop, which is implemented as a closed loop which is not oval or which is not necessarily oval.

[0029] In sock 105, the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop is uniquely structured in a manner that is non-symmetrical, such that (i) the top-side portion of the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop (that faces the sky, or faces upwardly), is non-symmetrical relative to (ii) the bottom-side portion of the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop (that faces the ground, or faces downwardly).

[0030] For example, the bottom-side portion of the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop (that faces the ground, or downwardly) is located beneath the Metatarsal Bones; or is located beneath the Proximal Phalanx Bones; or is located beneath both the Proximal Phalanx Bones and the Metatarsal Bones; or is located beneath at least a portion of the Metatarsal Bones and also at least a portion of the Proximal Phalanx Bones. However, the top-side portion of the integrally- knitted Toe Lock loop (that faces the sky, or upwardly) encircles around the five toes: (a) it covers and touches only the side (not the top, not the bottom) of the Great Toe, or it covers and touches only the side (not the top, not the bottom) of the Distal Phalanx of the Great Toe and the Proximal Phalanx of the Great Toe, and it does not touch and does not cover the First Metatarsal bone; then, (b) it continues by covering and touching only the front-side of the three middle toes (the second, the third, and the fourth toes) or of the three Middle Phalanx bones, or by covering only the top-side above the three middle toes or above the three Middle Phalanx bones, and it does not touch and does not cover the second and third and fourth lesser Metatarsal bones; then, (c) it covers and touches only the side (not the top, not the bottom) of the smallest (fifth) Toe, or it covers and touches only the side (not the top, not the bottom) of the Fifth Phalanx (the smallest Phalanx bone), and it does not touch and does not cover the smallest lesser (fifth) Metatarsal bone. For example, the top-side portion of the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop (that faces the sky, or upwardly), connects integrally with the bottom-side portion of the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop (that faces the ground, or downwardly), at the following two locations: (I) at the external side of the connection between the First Metatarsal Bone and the Proximal Phalanx Great Toe bone; and (II) at the external side of the connection between the Fifth (smallest) Metatarsal Bone and the fifth (smallest) Distal Phalanx bone. The Applicants have realized that innovatively, this particular location and structure of the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop, may provide efficient slippage limitation capabilities to the sock’s main region and/or to the tip-region of the sock.

[0031] Reference is made to Figs. 6A and 6B, which are schematic illustration of a sock 106, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. Fig. 6 A shows a perspective view of sock 106; a dark or black stripe of integrally-knitted yarn(s) is encircling, about half of it beneath and about half of it around, the toes zone or toes area or toes region, and locks-in-place or stabilizes the toes zone or toe region or toes area. Optionally, as shown in Fig. 6B, a particular pre-defied logo or slogan or graphical element or textual element, may be integrally knitted in the Toes Lock loop; thereby enabling such Toes Lock loop to provide enhanced utility: to lock-in-place the Toes Zone, and also, to provide a useful indication of the make or model of the sock, or to provide a useful or inspiring slogan or writing (e.g., “Run Fast!”), or the like. In some embodiments, sock 106 as shown in Fig. 6A or in Fig. 6B, may be a particular implementation of sock 105 discussed above and/or show in Figs. 5A or 5B or 5C.

[0032] In some embodiments, the knitting structure of sock 106 and/or sock 105, may optionally be repeated as two strips or two loops, which my be parallel to each other and may be slightly spaced-apart of each other (e.g., 3 or 5 or 8 or 10 or 12 millimeters of space between such two Toes Lock loops).

[0033] In accordance with some embodiments, the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop is knitted from a special yarn, or from a special blend or mixture or combination of yarns, that may be referred to herein as: High-Friction and Low-Slippage (HFLS) Yarn. The term “HFLS Yarn”, as used herein, may include a single yarn, or a single type of yarn; or may include two or more yarns, or a plurality of yarns. [0034] In some embodiments, the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop is knitted exclusively from the HFLS Yarn, such that the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop includes exclusively only the HFLS Yarn and no other yarn(s). In some embodiments, all the other regions or areas or zones of the sock, are knitted from a yarn that is not the HFLS Yarn; or, are knitted from a mixture or blend or combination of two or more yarns such that none of those yarns is an HFLS Yarn.

[0035] In some embodiments, the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop is knitted from a blend or mixture of yarns, such that at least 50.01% of that blend or mixture of yarns is HFLS Yarn, and not more than 49.99% of that blend or mixture of yarns is HFLS Yarn. The percentage ratio may be measured, for example, by yarn count, by fiber count, by thread count, by weight, by volume, by needle count, by feeders count, or by other suitable way to establish or ensure or measure or enforce such ratio.

[0036] In some embodiments, the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop is knitted from a blend or mixture of yarns, such that at least 66.6% of that blend or mixture of yarns is HFLS Yarn, and less than 33.4% of that blend or mixture of yarns is HFLS Yarn. In some embodiments, the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop is knitted from a blend or mixture of yarns, such that at least 75% of that blend or mixture of yarns is HFLS Yarn, and less than 25% of that blend or mixture of yarns is HFLS Yarn. In some embodiments, the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop is knitted from a blend or mixture of yarns, such that at least 75% of that blend or mixture of yarns is HFLS Yarn, and less than 25% of that blend or mixture of yarns is HFLS Yarn. In some embodiments, the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop is knitted from a blend or mixture of yarns, such that at least 80% of that blend or mixture of yarns is HFLS Yarn, and less than 20% of that blend or mixture of yarns is HFLS Yarn. In some embodiments, the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop is knitted from a blend or mixture of yarns, such that at least 85% of that blend or mixture of yarns is HFLS Yarn, and less than 15% of that blend or mixture of yarns is HFLS Yarn. In some embodiments, the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop is knitted from a blend or mixture of yarns, such that at least 90% of that blend or mixture of yarns is HFLS Yarn, and less than 10% of that blend or mixture of yarns is HFLS Yarn. In some embodiments, the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop is knitted from a blend or mixture of yarns, such that at least 95% of that blend or mixture of yarns is HFLS Yarn, and less than 5% of that blend or mixture of yarns is HFLS Yarn. In some embodiments, the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop is knitted from a blend or mixture of yarns, such that at least 98% of that blend or mixture of yarns is HFLS Yarn, and less than 2% of that blend or mixture of yarns is HFLS Yarn. In some embodiments, the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop is knitted from a blend or mixture of yarns, such that at least 99% of that blend or mixture of yarns is HFLS Yarn, and less than 1% of that blend or mixture of yarns is HFLS Yarn. In the above-mentioned implementations, the percentage ratio may be measured, for example, by yarn count, by fiber count, by thread count, by weight, by volume, by needle count, by feeders count, or by other suitable way to establish or ensure or measure or enforce such ratio.

[0037] In some embodiments, all the other regions or areas or portions or zones of the sock, except for the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop, exclude any HFLS Yarn; or do not include any HFLS Yarn.

[0038] In some embodiments, optionally, one or more of the other regions or areas or portions or zones of the sock, which is not the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop, is knitted from a blend or mixture or combination of yarns, which may optionally include HFLS Yarn, but at a percentage ratio that is lower than the percentage ratio of HFLS Yarn in the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop. For example, the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop is knitted from 100% of HFLS Yarn, or from a blend of 75% of HFLS Yarn and 25% of non-HFLS Yarn; and the other regions or portions or areas or zones of the sock, are knitted from a blend of yarns that has less than 75% of HFLS Yarn.

[0039] In some embodiments, percentage of HFLS Yarn in the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop is denoted Pl; for example, Pl may be 100, or 90, or 80, or 75; whereas, the percentage of HFLS Yarn in all the other regions of the socks (except for the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop) is denoted P2; for example, P2 may be 0, or 5, or 10, or 15, or 25. In accordance with some embodiments, Pl is at least two times P2; or Pl is at least three times P2; or Pl is at least four times P2.

[0040] In some embodiments, optionally, the HFLS Yarn is, or consists of, or includes, the yarn known as NANOFRONT (RTM), available from “Teijin Frontier (U.S.A.), Inc.”.

[0041] In some embodiments, the HFLS Yarn is, or consists of, or includes, ultra-fine polyester nanofiber; wherein each fiber has a diameter of up to 1,000 nanometers, or up to 900 nanometers, or up to 800 nanometers, or up to 700 nanometers, or up to 600 nanometers, or up to 500 nanometers, or up to 400 nanometers, or a diameter in the range of 400 to 1,000 nanometers, or a diameter in the range of 500 to 900 nanometers.

[0042] In some embodiments, the HFLS Yarn is, or consists of, or includes, ultra-fine polyester nanofiber; wherein the average diameter of the fiber is 1,000 nanometers, or is 900 nanometers, or is 800 nanometers, or is 700 nanometers, or is 600 nanometers, or is 500 nanometers, or is 400 nanometers, or is in the range of 400 to 1,000 nanometers, or is in the range of 500 to 900 nanometers. [0043] In some embodiments, the HFLS Yarn has the following properties, or some of them, or all of them: It is a yarn that comprises a filament A-l having a single fiber diameter of 10 to 3,000 nanometers, and a fiber A-2 having a single fiber diameter that is greater than the filament A-l, wherein a binder is imparted to the yarn. In some embodiments, the binder comprises a sizing agent and/or an oiling agent. In some embodiments, the application amount of the binder is 0.1 to 15 wt % with respect to the weight of the yarn. In some embodiments, the number of filaments of the filament A-l included in the yarn is at least 500. In some embodiments, the filament A-l is obtained from a sea-island type composite fiber composed of a sea component and an island component by dissolving and removing the sea component. In some embodiments, after combining a sea-island type composite fiber composed of a sea component and an island component with the fiber A-2, the filament A-l is obtained by dissolving and removing the sea component of the sea-island type composite fiber. In some embodiments, the filament A-l is made of polyester fibers; wherein the fiber A-2 is a crimped fiber having a single-fiber diameter of at least 5 micrometer and an apparent crimp rate of not less than 2%. In some embodiments, the crimped fiber is a composite fiber in which two components are laminated in a side-by-side manner or in an eccentric core-sheath manner, or a false twist crimped processed yarn. In some embodiments, the total fineness of the yarn is in the range of 50 to 1,400 dtex (wherein 1 dtex indicates fiber fineness of 1 gram per 10,000 meters). In some embodiments, the yarn is dyed or colored. In some embodiments, the above- mentioned yarn is blended or mixed or combined with another yarn, denoted Yarn B, which is or which includes an elastic fiber. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of (A-l) + (A-2) to B, or the ratio of the total weight of filament A-l and fiber A-2 to the yarn B, is in the range of from 95:5 to 30:70. In some embodiments, the coefficient of friction of a front surface and/or back surface and/or side surface of the yarn (or the blend of yarns) is in the range of 0.4 to 2.5. [0044] In other embodiments, the HFLS Y arn is, or consists of, or includes, a Silicone Y arn or a Silicone-based Yarn or a Silicone-containing Yarn. In some embodiments, the HFLS Yarn is, or consists of, or includes, a yarn known as Silicotex (RTM) available from “Massebeuf Textiles” of France; or a Silicone elastic yarn (e.g., C-Silicotex (RTM) or other); or a Silicone assembled yarn (e.g., A-Silicotex (RTM) or other). In some embodiments, the HFLS Yarn is, or consists of, or includes, a Silica yarn or a Silica-containing yarn or a Silica-based yarn; for example, SILTEX (RTM) silica yarn available from “Mid-Mountain Materials Incorporated” of the USA. In some embodiments, the HFLS Yarn is, or consists of, or includes, a Silicone based yarn such as MURIEL (RTM) or “MURIEL GRIP” available from “LeMur S.R.L.” of Italy. Other suitable yarns may be used. [0045] In some embodiments, the HFLS Yarn is a combination or blend or mixture of two or more yarns; wherein at least one of the yarns provides high friction properties and/or low slippage properties and/or anti-slip properties and/or high-grip properties; whereas at least one of the yarns provides high elasticity properties and/or has high modulus. For example, the HFLS Yarn may include Spandex or Elastane, which may (in some implementations) be capable of stretching 2 or 3 or 4 or even 5 times its idle length.

[0046] In some embodiments, the sock (101, 102, 103, 104, or 105) may be knitted of a yarn using an automated or semi-automated knitting machine. For example, the sock knitting process begins at the collar band, continues to the heel (or ankle) region and then the sole region (the sock-body region). Then, immediately after knitting the sole region of the sock, the knitting machine starts to reciprocally knit the bottom-side (or the bottom region) of the Toes Region of the sock, which is gradually knitted with less and less needles; while for the integrally- knitted Toe Lock loop, all the knitting needles are rising up to take and use the Toe Lock yarns. After several such knitting rows, the knitting machine returns to reciprocally knitting the upper side (or the upper region) of the Toes Region of the sock. Towards the end of the knitting process, the end of the bottom-side of the Toes Region is knitted or connected to the end of the upper-side of the Toes Region.

[0047] The sock may be knitted with any Synthetic yarns, such as Nylon and/or Polyester and/or Acrylic and/or Spandex and/or other yarns, and/or man-made or non-natural yarns such as like Viscose and/or Tencel, and/or natural yarns such as Cotton and/or Wool and/or Silk, and/or using a mixture or blend of two or more yarns of the same type or of different types.

[0048] The yarns may include one or more yarns that were spun using a suitable spinning method, for example, spun yarn, Siro spun yarn, Ring spun yarn, compact, filament, or the like. The yarn(s) may have a suitable brightness level and/or color, and/or can be made from any suitable cross-section, and may be pre-dyed or pre-colored, post-dyed or post-colored, dope dyed, yarn dyed or hank dyed, or the like.

[0049] The bottom region and the upper region of the Toes Zone or the Toes Region of the sock, can be knitted via single knitting, and/or pique knitting, and/or rib knitting, and/or Terry knitting, and/or a mixture or combination of two or more different knitting structures or patterns; using one or more knitting selections, for example, 1x1, or 2x1 or 3x1, or 1x2, or 1x3, or other suitable knitting selections, or a mixture or combination of two or more different knitting selections.

[0050] In a demonstrative example, the sock is knitted with Terry knitting only in the upper side of the Toes Region (or the Toes Zone); which finally, after the toe closing, it is folded towards the bottom side for cushioning, while dropping the Terry knitting in the upper side of the Toes Zone in order to assist the spatial stabilization of the Toes Region relative to the toes. [0051 ] The integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop may be knitted from Anti-Slip yarn and/or No Slippage yarn and/or a High-Friction yarn, or from ultra-fine polyester yarn or fiber (e.g., each fiber or filament of the yarn has a diameter in the range of 400 to 1,000 nanometers; or having an average fiber diameter or filament diameter in the range of 400 to 1,000 nanometers), and/or Silicon yarn, and/or high-modulus Spandex or Lycra or Elastane and/or other high-modulus yarns and/or high-elasticity yarn, and may optionally contain other materials (e.g., Synthetic yarns, Polyester, Nylon, Acrylic, and/or natural yarn, cotton, wool, silk, and/or a mixture or combination of yarns of different types).

[0052] The yarns of the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop may include one or more yarns that were spun using a suitable spinning method, for example, spun yarn, Siro spun yarn, Ring spun yarn, compact, filament, or the like. The yarn(s) of the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop may have a suitable brightness level and/or color, and/or can be made from any suitable crosssection, and may be pre -dyed or pre-colored, post-dyed or post-colored, dope dyed, yarn dyed or hank dyed, or the like. The yarns of the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop can be knitted via single knitting, and/or pique knitting, and/or rib knitting, and/or Terry knitting, and/or a mixture or combination of two or more different knitting structures or patterns; using one or more knitting selections, for example, 1x1, or 2x1 or 3x1, or 1x2, or 1x3, or other suitable knitting selections, or a mixture or combination of two or more different knitting selections.

[0053] In some embodiments, the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop may be structured to show a pre-defined logo or mark or slogan or image; for example, via knitting, coloring, dying, bonding, gluing, embossing, and/or other ways to integrate such mark or logo into or onto the yarns or the fabric of the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop.

[0054] In a demonstrative and non-limiting example, the sock may be knitted using a circular sock-knitting machine (e.g., Lonati model GOAL G616DF3, single cylinder), having (for example) 200 needles, having 22 gauge. Other suitable makes and models can be used, with other number of needles and/or gauge values.

[0055] Optionally, a Stitch-By-Stitch knitting system or knitting structure may be used, particularly for closing the Toes Region of the sock, operating and making connection among the sock; which may be connected side-by-side near the circular sock knitting machine. Alternatively, the closing of the Toes Region of the sock may be performed by sewing, bonding, gluing, hand-made linking, manual linking, manual connecting process, manual Toes Region closing process, and/or automated or semi-automated connection process or closure process.

[0056] Reference is made to Fig. 7, which is a schematic illustration of a Knit Structure 700 which may be used for knitting (manually or automatically or semi-automatically, or via computer-controlled machine-based knitting) a sock with a Toes Lock loop, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. The green area indicates that knitting lines in which all the needles (e.g., of a circular sock-knitting machine) are knitting the yarn(s); this is featured, for example, along the main body or main region of the sock (e.g., which covers beneath and above the sole of the wearer). The purple trapezoid regions indicate sock regions in which Reciprocal Knitting is performed, such that the knitting-machine cylinder of needles performs back-and- forth knitting or repeated knitting or two-way knitting. The black regions around those purple trapezoids, indicate regions in which the needles of the knitting machine do not knit; or, indicate regions where none of the needles of the knitting machine performs any knitting. The light-blue stripe indicates a region (which may include several knitting lines, and not only a single knitting line) in which all of the needles of the knitting machine raise upwardly and get the yarn(s) that are intended for performing the knitting of the Toes Lock loop. It is noted that Fig. 7 is only a non-limiting example of a knitting structure that may be utilized to produce or to achieve or to implement the Toes Lock integrally-knitted loop; other suitable knitting structures may be used.

[0057] In some embodiments, the HFLS Yarn, or at least one yarn in a yarn blend or yarn mixture or yarn composition that makes the HFLS Yarn, may include or may have one or more of the following chemical properties and/or physical properties and/or elasticity properties and/or mechanical properties and/or other characteristics as detailed herein:

[0058] The HFLS Yarn may be a yarn including an ultrafine filament, which has excellent handleability and elasticity and from which a high-quality fabric or fiber product can be obtained, as well as a fabric made using the yarn, and a fiber product made using the yarn or the fabric.

[0059] The HFLS Yarn may be a yarn which has superior handling properties and elongation and contraction properties, and with which a high-quality fabric and fiber product can be obtained. The HFLS Yarn may be obtained by imparting a binder to a yarn that includes (i) an ultrafine filament, and (ii) a fiber having a fiber diameter greater than the filament.

[0060] In some implementations of the HFLS Yarn, it includes (or it is formed of): a yarn comprising a filament A-l having a single fiber diameter of 10 to 3,000 nanometers, and a fiber A-2 having a single fiber diameter greater than the diameter of the filament A-l; wherein a binder is imparted to said yarn.

[0061] In some implementations of the HFLS Yarn, the binder is or comprises a sizing agent and/or an oiling agent. In some implementations, the application amount of the binder is 0.1 to 15 wt % with respect to the weight of the yarn. In some implementations, the number of filaments of the filament A-l included in the yarn are at least 500. In some implementations, the filament A-l is obtained from a sea-island type composite fiber, composed of a sea component and an island component (or multiple island components), by dissolving and removing the sea component. After combining a sea-island type composite fiber composed of a sea component and an island component with the fiber A-2, the filament A-l is obtained by dissolving and removing the sea component of the sea-island type composite fiber. In some implementations, the filament A-l can be made of polyester fibers. In some implementations, the fiber A-2 may be a crimped fiber having a single-fiber diameter of at least 5 micrometers, and an apparent crimp rate of at least 2%. In some implementations, the crimped fiber may be a composite fiber in which two components are laminated in a side-by-side manner or in an eccentric core-sheath manner, or a false twist crimped processed yarn. In some implementations, the total fineness of the yarn be in the range of 50 to 1,400 dtex. In some implementations, a fabric obtained using the yarn is provided; such that the the yarn further comprises a yarn B which includes (or which is) an elastic fiber. In some implementations, the weight ratio of: (i) the total weight of filament A-l and fiber A-2, to (ii) the yarn B, is in the range of 95:5 to 30:70. In some implementations, the coefficient of friction of a front surface or back surface of the fabric is in the range of 0.4 to 2.5, or is in the range of 0.5 to 2.0, or is in the range of 0.75 to 01.75.

[0062] In some implementations, the HFLS Yarn may be (or may include) Yarn A, which includes (or which is formed of) (I) a filament having a single-fiber diameter of 10 to 3,000 nanometers, and (II) a fiber A-2 having a single-fiber diameter greater than the diameter of the filament A-l.

[0063] In some implementations, filament A-l (which may be referred to as “nanofiber” or “nano-fiber”), has a single fiber diameter (the diameter of a single fiber) in the range of 10 to 3,000 nanometers; or in the range of 250 to 1,500 nanometers; or in the range of 400 to 800 nanometers. In some implementations, when the single-fiber diameter is smaller than 10 nanometers, the strength of the fiber is reduced, which is not preferable. Conversely, when the single-fiber diameter is greater than 3,000 nanometers, the non-slip performance and/or wiping performance and/or a soft texture may not be obtained, which is not preferable. In some implementations, when the cross-sectional shape of the single fiber has an atypical (or nontypical) cross-section other than a round cross-section, the single fiber diameter is the diameter of a circle circumscribed on such non-circular cross-section. In some implementations, the single-fiber diameter can be measured by photographing the cross-section of the fiber with a transmission electron microscope, or by other means.

[0064] In some implementations, the number of filaments in the filament A-l is not particularly limited, and is preferably at least 500, or is in the range of 1 ,000 to 50,000, or is in the range of 2,000 to 60,000; so as to obtain anti-slip performance, wiping performance, and/or a soft texture.

[0065] In some implementations, the fiber form of the filament A-l is not particularly limited, and may be a spun yarn or may be long fibers (multi-filament yarn). In some implementations, long fibers (multi-filament yarn) may be preferable. The single-fiber cross- sectional shape is not particularly limited, and may be any other suitable cross-sectional shape, such as round, triangular, flat, ring-shaped, or hollow. Furthermore, in some implementations, an air treatment such as an interlacing treatment, Taslan (RTM) processing, or a false twist crimping treatment may be applied.

[0066] In some implementations, as the fiber type of the filament A-l, polyester fibers, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) fibers, polyolefin fibers, or nylon (Ny) fibers may be used or may be preferable.

[0067] In some implementations, the polyester forming the polyester fibers is one or more of: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytrimethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate or a copolymer composed thereof as the main repeating unit and composed of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid such as isophthalic acid and 5- sulfoisophthalic acid metal salt, an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid such as adipic acid or sebacic acid, or a hydroxycarboxylic acid condensate such as epsilon-caprolactone or £ -caprolactone, with a glycol component such as diethylene glycol, trimethylene glycol, tetramethylene glycol, or hexamethylene glycol; or materially recycled or chemically recycled polyester or a polyethylene terephthalate obtained using a biomass, i.e., a biological substance, as a raw material.

[0068] In some implementations, the polyester forming the polyester fibers is one or more of: a polyester obtained using a catalyst containing a specific phosphorus compound and a specific titanium compound, such as: a polyester fabric containing polyester fibers, wherein the polyester polymer forming the polyester fibers is a polymer obtained by poly-condensing an aromatic dicarboxylate ester in the presence of a catalyst containing a titanium compound and a phosphorus compound; wherein the titanium compound is a titanium alkoxide represented by the following formula (Fl), or a compound obtained by reacting the titanium alkoxide with an aromatic poly-carboxylic acid or an anhydride thereof represented by the following formula (F2); or, on the other hand, the phosphorus compound is a compound represented by the following formula (F3), and the concentrations of titanium and phosphorus contained in the polyester polymer simultaneously satisfy the following expressions (El) and (E2); and optionally, the aromatic dicarboxylate ester is a diester obtained by a transesterification reaction between a di-alkyl ester of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid and an aliphatic glycol; and optionally, the polyester is polyethylene terephthalate and/or is a recycled polyester; wherein: and wherein: and wherein: and wherein: 1 S P / Ti S 15 (E1)

10 S P + Ti S 100 (E2)

[0069] In some implementations, the polyester forming the polyester fibers is one or more of: a polymerization starting material, composed of at least one item selected from: an alkylene glycol ester of a bifunctional aromatic carboxylic acid, and a polymer thereof; represented by a titanium compound that is represented by the following formula (Gl) and a titanium compound represented by the following formula (G2); and/or a polyester fabric comprising polyester fibers comprising a polyester polymer obtained by poly-condensation in the presence of a catalyst containing a reaction product with a phosphorus compound; wherein, in some implementations, in formula (Gl), each of the parameters R ¹ and R ² and R ³ and R ⁴ independently represents an alkyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and wherein k represents an integer of 1 or 2 or 3; wherein, optionally, two or three of the R ² groups and/or the R ³ groups may be the same, or may be different from each other; wherein, in formula (G2), the parameter R ⁵ indicates an alkyl group having 2 to 18 carbon atoms or an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms; and wherein n represents 1 or 2; and in some implementations, optionally, the mixing ratio of the titanium compound and the phosphorus compound is in a range of 1.0 to 3.0 as a molar ratio of the phosphorus atoms relative to the titanium atoms; and wherein, optionally, a reaction product reacts the titanium compound in advance with a polyvalent carboxylic acid, represented by the formula (G3), and/or an acid anhydride thereof, in a reaction molar ratio of (2:1) to (2:5); wherein the polyester yarn or fabric is also, or subsequently, reacted with a phosphorus compound; wherein, optionally, in formula (G3), the parameter m represents an integer of 2 or 3 or 4; wherein optionally, the phosphorus compound is a mono-alkyl phosphate; wherein optionally, the polyester is poly-ethylene terephthalate; wherein optionally, the polyester is a recycled polyester; wherein:

(OR ² )

I

(R ‘ O) - (T 1 — O) _k - R ⁴

(O R ³ ) (G1) and wherein: o < ^G2 > and wherein:

(C OOH) _m

[0070] In some implementations of the HFLS Yarn, as the poly arylene sulfide resin forming the polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) fiber, any polyarylene sulfide resin may be used as long as it falls within the category referred to as "polyarylene sulfide resins". In some implementations, as for the polyarylene sulfide resin, for example, p-phenylene sulfide units, m-phenylene sulfide units, o-phenylene sulfide units, phenylene sulfide sulfone units, phenylene sulfide ketone units, phenylene sulfide ether units, diphenylene sulfide units, substituent-containing phenylene sulfide units, or branched structure-containing phenylene sulfide units may be used as constituent units thereof. Among these, 70 mol % or more, particularly 90 mol % or more, of p-phenylene sulfide units are preferably contained, and poly(p-phenylene sulfide) may be used and/or may be more preferable.

[0071] In some implementations, the polyolefin fibers may include polypropylene fibers and polyethylene fibers. In some implementations, the nylon fibers may include nylon 6 fibers and/or nylon 66 fibers, or similar or equivalent fiber(s).

[0072] In some implementations, optionally, a micropore forming agent, a cationic dyeing agent, a color inhibitor, a heat stabilizer, a fluorescent whitening agent, a matting agent, a coloring agent, a moisture absorbent, or inorganic fine particles may be contained alone or in a combination of two or more in the polymer forming the filament A-l. [0073] In some implementations, the method for producing the filament A-l is not particularly limited and may be a method for dissolving and removing the sea component of a sea-island type composite fiber composed of a sea component and an island component, an electro-spinning method, a conventional spinning and stretching method, or the like.

[0074] In some implementations, the fiber form of the fiber A-2 is not particularly limited and may be a spun yarn or may be long fibers (multi-filament yarn). Long fibers (multi-filament yarn) may be particularly preferably to obtain excellent elasticity. In some implementations, the single-fiber cross-sectional shape is not particularly limited and may be any suitable cross- sectional shape, such as round, triangular, flat, or hollow. Furthermore, an air treatment or false twist crimping treatment may be performed.

[0075] In some implementations, as the fiber type of the fiber A-2, polyester fibers, polyethylene sulfide (PPS) fibers, polyolefin fibers, nylon (Ny) fibers, cotton, acrylic fibers, rayon, acetate fibers or the like may be used.

[0076] In some implementations, the total fineness and single-fiber fineness of the fiber A- 2 can be appropriately selected or configured; and the total fineness is preferably in the range of 20 to 200 dtex; and the single-fiber fineness is preferably in the range of 0.5 to 10.0 dtex. In some implementations, the number of filaments is preferably in the range of 1 to 300. In some implementations, the single-fiber diameter is preferably in the range of 5 to 20 micrometers. When the single-fiber diameter is less than 5 micrometers, there may be a risk that the shape retention property of the yarn may be impaired. Conversely, when the single-fiber diameter is greater than 20 micrometers, there may be a risk that a soft texture may not be obtained. When the single-fiber cross-sectional shape is an atypical cross-section other than a round crosssection, the single-fiber diameter may be set to the diameter of a circle circumscribed onto the cross-section. The single-fiber diameter can be measured by photographing the cross-section of the fiber with a transmission electron microscope, or by other means.

[0077] In some implementations, the fiber A-2 is preferably a crimped fiber. A crimped fiber having single-fiber diameter of 5 micrometers or more (more preferably, 5 to 20 micrometers) and an apparent crimp rate of 2% or more (more preferably 2% to 40%) may be preferable. In some implementations, as such a crimped fiber, a composite fiber in which two components are bonded together in a side-by-side manner or an eccentric core-sheath manner, or a false twist crimped processed yarn may be preferable.

[0078] In some implementations, the composite fiber is a composite fiber in which two components are boned together in a side-by-side or an eccentric core-sheath manner. When the yarn includes not just the filament A-l but also such a composite fiber, in the heat treatment process, the composite fiber takes the form of a three-dimensionally coiled crimp, whereby elasticity is imparted to the yarn, and as a result, elasticity is imparted to a fabric.

[0079] In some implementations, as the two components forming the composite fiber, a combination of polyester and polyester, a combination of polyester and nylon, or the like may be used. In some implementations, a combination of poly-trimethylene terephthalate and polytrimethylene terephthalate, a combination of poly-trimethylene terephthalate and poly-ethylene terephthalate, a combination of poly-ethylene terephthalate and poly-ethylene terephthalate, or the like, may be preferable. In some implementations, the intrinsic viscosities thereof be different from each other. Furthermore, in some implementations, an additive such as an antioxidant, an ultraviolet absorber, a heat stabilizer, a flame retardant, titanium oxide, a coloring agent, or inert fine particles may be included.

[0080] In some implementations, the polyester may be a materially recycled or chemically recycled polyester. Further, a polyester or polylactic acid obtained by using a catalyst containing a specific phosphorus compound and a specific titanium compound, may be used, and/or a stereo-complex polylactic acid may be used. In some implementations, to achieve a further anti-slip effect, an elastic resin such as polyether ester or polyurethane may be used. The polymer may contain, if necessary, one or two or more of: a micropore forming agent, cationic dyeing agent, discoloration prevention agent, heat stabilizer, fluorescent whitening agent, matting agent, coloring agent, moisture absorbent, and inorganic fine particle, in quantities which do not impair the objectives described above.

[0081] In some implementations, the HFLS Yarn includes the filament A-l and the fiber A-2. The weight ratio of the fiber A-2 included in the yarn is preferably in the range from 2 to 40 wt % (more preferably, 4 to 30 wt %, and particularly, 4 to 20 wt %) in order to achieve characteristics and elasticity compatible with the filament A-l.

[0082] In some implementations, the method for combining the filament A-l and the fiber A-2 in the HFLS Yarn is not particularly limited, and may be a composite false twisting method, an air mixing method, a twisting method, and/or a covering method.

[0083] In some implementations, a fiber other than the filament A- 1 and the fiber A-2 such as, for example, a polyurethane fiber or a polyether ester fiber, may be further included in the HFLS Yarn.

[0084] In some implementations, the total fineness of the HFLS Yarn (the product of the single-fiber fineness and the number of filaments) is preferably in the range of 50 to 1 ,400 dtex (more preferably 65 to 800 dtex, and particularly preferably 65 to 400 dtex). In some implementations, when the total fineness is less than 50 dtex, the strength of the yarn may be reduced. Conversely, when the total fineness is greater than 1,400 dtex, when producing a fiber product using the HFLS Yarn, it may be difficult to load the yarn into the production equipment.

[0085] In some implementations, the HFLS Yarn may be dyed or colored, and thus it is not necessary to subject the fabric or fiber product to a dyeing process after a fabric or fiber product produced using the yarn is obtained. In some implementations, the brightness index of the HFLS Yarn after dyeing is preferably in the range of 10 to 90.

[0086] In some implementations, a binder is imparted to the HFLS Yarn. A suitable binder can be used so long as it has convergence properties such that (for example) it can visually be confirmed that single yams are agglomerated in a free yarn state (non-tensioned state). When a binder is not imparted, the handling properties of the yarn are reduced, and a high-quality fabric or fiber product may not be obtained, which is not preferable. In some implementations, in order to obtain excellent convergence properties, the binder includes at least one of a sizing agent and an oiling agent. The binder may be composed of only one of the sizing agent and the oiling agent; or may be composed of both.

[0087] In some implementations, as the sizing agent, PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) or an acrylic-based sizing agent such as a poly-acrylic acid ester, a poly-acrylic acid, a polymethacrylic acid ester, a poly-methacrylic acid, or a polyacrylic acid soda may be used.

[0088] In some implementations, furthermore, a wax or surfactant may be included in the binder. Such waxes may include natural waxes such as carnauba wax, candelilla wax, and Montan wax, and/or synthetic waxes such as polyethylene wax.

[0089] In some implementations, the oiling agent may be or may include, for example, a lubricating oil, mineral oil, “corning oils” such as “LAN-401” (from Nicca Chemical Co., Ltd.) or “Brian C- 1840-1” (from Matsumoto Yushi-Seiyaku Co., Ltd) may be used.

[0090] In some implementations, the amount of solid content of the binder imparted to the HFLS Yarn is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 15 wt % (more preferably: 0.1 to 10 wt %) based on the weight of the HFLS Yarn. In some implementations, when a sizing agent is not imparted to the surface of the yarn or the amount imparted is less than 0.1 wt %, since the yarn includes the ultrafine filament, naps or defects may occur when a fabric or fiber product is manufactured using the yarn, which may cause quality problems. Further, when the amount imparted is greater than 15 wt %, the yarn may become excessively rigid and it would be difficult to produce a fabric or fiber product using such yarn.

[0091] In some implementations, the HFLS Yarn can be produced by, for example, the following production method. First, a sea-island-type composite fiber formed from a sea component and an island component is used (the fiber used in filament A-l). As the sea-island- type composite fiber, the sea-island- type composite fiber multi-filament (number of islands: 100 to 1,500).

[0092] In some implementations, polyester, polyamide, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc., having good fiber forming properties are preferably used as the sea component polymer. For example, as the alkaline aqueous solution readily-soluble polymer, poly-lactic acid, an ultrahigh molecular weight poly-alkylene oxide condensation polymer, a poly-ethylene glycol compound copolymerized polyester, or a copolyester of a poly-ethylene glycol compound and 5-sodium sulfonic acid isophthalic acid is preferable. From them, a poly-ethylene terephthalate- type co-polyester having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.4 to 0.6 obtained by co-polymerizing 6 to 12 mol % of 5-sodium sulfoisophthalic acid and 3 to 10 wt % of polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of 4,000 to 12,000 may be preferable.

[0093] In some implementations, as the polymer of the island component, a polyester such as a fiber-forming poly-ethylene terephthalate, poly-trimethylene terephthalate, poly-butylene terephthalate, poly-lactic acid, or a polyester copolymerized with a third component may be used. One or more of a micropore-forming agent, a cationic dyeing agent, a discoloration preventing agent, a heat stabilizer, a fluorescent whitening agent, a matting agent, a coloring agent, a moisture absorbent, and/or inorganic fine particles may be contained in the polymer, in an amount so as not to impair the objectives detailed above.

[0094] In the sea-island type composite fiber composed of the above-described sea component polymer and island component polymer, during melt spinning, the melt viscosity of the sea component is preferably greater than the melt viscosity of the island component polymer. Furthermore, the diameter of the island component is in the range of 10 to 3,000 nanometers. If the shape of the island component is not a perfect circle, the diameter is determined as the diameter of a circle circumscribed on the cross-section thereof. The seaisland composite weight ratio (sea to island) of the sea-island type composite fiber is preferably in the range of 40:60 to 5:95, or preferably in the range of 30:70 to 10:90.

[0095] In some implementations, such a sea-island type composite fiber can be produced by, for example, the following method. Melt spinning is carried out using the above sea component polymer and island component polymer. As the spinneret used for melt spinning, a spinneret having a hollow pin group or fine hole group for forming an island component can be used. The extruded sea island-type composite fiber is solidified by air cooling, and is preferably melt-spun at 400 to 6,000 meters per minute, and then wound. The undrawn yarn thus obtained may be made into a composite fiber (drawn yarn) having desired strength, elongation and heat shrinkage characteristics through a separate stretching step; or alternatively, a method in which the undrawn yarn is pulled onto a roller at a constant speed without winding, and wound after the drawing process has been performed may be used. In such sea-island type composite fiber, the single-fiber fineness, the number of filaments, and the total fineness are within the ranges of a single-fiber fineness of 0.5 to 10.0 dtex, the number of filaments of 5 to 75, and a total fineness of 30 to 170 dtex.

[0096] In some implementations, next, a yarn is produced using the sea-island type composite fiber, fiber A-2, and optionally other fibers (such as A-3, and A-4, and so forth). To ensure that the sea-island type composite fiber is exposed to the surface of the yarn, a method can be used for arranging the sea-island type composite fiber in the outermost layer and arranging the other fibers in the middle layer as the three-layer structure of the yarn, or for producing the yarn by arranging the sea-island type composite fiber in the sheath part and arranging the fiber A-2 in the core part. At that time, an air mixing fiber processing machine, false twist crimping machine and/or covering machine may be used. Furthermore, when making the yarn into a fiber product such as a woven or knitted fabric, a twisting of 500 twists per meter (or less) may be further applied.

[0097] In some implementations, the yarn is then treated with an alkaline aqueous solution. By dissolving and removing the sea component of the sea-island type composite fiber with the alkaline aqueous solution, the filament A-l having a single-fiber diameter of 10 to 3,000 nanometer is formed from the sea-island type composite fiber. As the conditions for treatment with the alkaline aqueous solution, it is preferable to treat at a temperature of 55 to 98 degrees Celsius, using an NaOH aqueous solution having a concentration of 1 to 4%.

[0098] In some implementations, the yarn may be subjected to a dyeing process before and/or after dissolution and removal with the alkali aqueous solution. Further, brush treatment, water repellant treatment, and ultraviolet shielding may be performed, and various agents for imparting properties such as an antistatic agent, antibacterial agent, deodorant, insect repellent, phosphorescent agent, retroreflective agent, or negative ion generating agent may be applied.

[0099] In some implementations, after the sea component of the sea-island type composite fiber is dissolved and removed with the alkaline aqueous solution, and a yarn comprising a filament A-l having a single-fiber diameter of 10 to 3,000 nanometers and a fiber A-2 is obtained, the binder is imparted to the yarn and dried if necessary, whereby the HFLS Yarn is obtained.

[00100] In some implementations, the process for dissolving and removing the sea component of the sea-island type composite fiber with an alkaline aqueous solution may be performed before combining the sea-island type composite fiber and the fiber A-2; or may be performed after combining the sea-island type composite fiber and the fiber A-2.

[00101] In some implementations, the HFLS Yarn thus obtained includes an ultrafine filament and is excellent in handleability and elasticity. A high-quality fabric or fiber product can be obtained with this yarn.

[00102] In some implementations, a fabric can be made from the HFLS yarn by weaving, knitting, or braiding the HFLS Yarn. Such fabric may be composed of only the yarn (yarn A), or may be composed of the yarn (yarn A) and a different yarn. A yarn (yarn B) comprising elastic fibers is preferably used as the different yarn. The yarn (yarn A) and yarn B may be combined and included in a fabric as a composite yarn; or, the yarn (yarn A) and yarn B may be combined or interlaced to be included in the fabric. In some implementations, the yarn B may be composed of only elastic fibers or may be composed of elastic fibers and non-elastic fibers.

[00103] In some implementations, for example, a core-sheath type composite yarn in which an elastic fiber is disposed in a core part and a non-elastic fiber is disposed in a sheath part may be used. A core-sheath type composite yarn, or an FTY (Filament Twisted Yarn), can be used; in which, for example, an elastic fiber such as a polyamide fiber, a polyurethane fiber, or a polyester fiber is arranged in a core part and covered with a sheath part such as a polyester fiber or a nylon fiber. When elastic fibers are not included in the fabric, the elasticity of the fabric may be reduced, and the comfort of the fabric obtained therewith as socks may be reduced. Furthermore, cotton may be used as yarn B to prevent the accumulation of moisture in shoes.

[00104] In some implementations, the total fineness of yam B is in the range of 10 to 800 dtex (or preferably in the range of 20 to 500 dtex). When the total fineness is less than 10 dtex, sufficient elasticity may not be obtained and there may be a risk that comfortable socks cannot be obtained therewith. Furthermore, when the total fineness exceeds 800 dtex, elasticity may become excessive and there may be a risk that shape retention as a fabric cannot be obtained. [00105] In some implementations, the weight ratio (A-l + A-2) to B, of the total weight of the filament A-l and the fiber A-2 (the weight of the yarn A) to the yarn B, is in the range from 30:70 to 95:5. When the proportion of (A-l + A-2) is smaller than this range, there may be a risk that a sufficient anti-slip effect cannot be obtained. Conversely, when the proportion of yarn B is smaller than this range, since the woven or knitted fabric has insufficient elasticity, the comfort of socks obtained using the fabric may be reduced.

[00106] In some implementations, the yarn A is exposed on both the front surface and the back surface of the fabric. By exposing the yarn A (the filament A-l) to the skin, excellent frictional force with the skin can be obtained, whereby the socks (or the Toes Region thereof) do not slip or move or slip, and the wearing comfort improves. Furthermore, by exposing the yarn A (the filament A-l) outwardly, excellent frictional force with the shoes can be obtained, whereby the socks do not slip and wearing comfort improves.

[00107] In some implementations, the textile weave and textile knit of the fabric are not particularly limited. Examples of weft knitting structure include a plain stitch, rib stitch, double-sided stitch, pearl stitch, tuck stitch, floating stitch, half-cardigan stitch, lace stitch, split-hair stitch or the like. As the warp stitch structure, a single derby stitch, single atlas stitch, double cord stitch, half stitch, half base stitch, satin stitch, half tricot stitch, fleece stitch, jacquard stitch or the like may be used. As the textile weave, a three -foundation weave such as a plain weave, a twill weave, a sateen weave, a derivative weave, a single-duplex structure such as a warp double-weave or a weft double-weave, or a velvet weave may be used. However, the fabric is not limited thereto. The layer thereof may be a single layer or a multilayer of two or more layers.

[00108] In some implementations, the coefficient of friction of the front surface or back surface of the fabric is 0.4 to 2.5 (or 0.5 to 2.3). When the coefficient of friction is less than 0.4, there may be a risk that sufficient slip prevention cannot be obtained. Furthermore, when the coefficient of friction exceeds 2.5, since the frictional resistance becomes excessive, it may be difficult to put on or remove shoes. The coefficient of friction is a static coefficient of friction, measured (for example) in accordance with the method of ASTM DI 894-95.

[00109] In some implementations, such fabric is subjected to soaping (scouring) to remove the binder adhering to the yarn A, whereby excellent anti-slip performance, wiping performance, a soft texture and the like is obtained. Furthermore, since the fabric is produced using the above-mentioned yarn, it is excellent in processability and high in quality.

[00110] Melt Viscosity - non-limiting examples:

[00111] After the drying treatment, the polymer is loaded into the orifice set an extruder melting temperature for spinning. After melting and holding therein for five minutes, the polymer is extruded with loads of several levels and the shear rates and melt viscosities are plotted. The plots are smoothly connected to form a shear rate-melt viscosity curve and the melt viscosity at a shear rate of 1,000 second ¹ is measured.

[00112] Dissolution Rate - non-limiting examples:

[00113] A multi-filament having a total fineness of 84 dtex / 24 fil can be produced by spinning a yarn from the sea and island components at a spinning speed of 1,000 to 2,000 meters per minute, with an extrusion die at 0.3 (p with 0.6 L x 24 H. Further, the multi-filament can be stretched so that the residual elongation was in the range of 30 to 60%. The rate of weight reduction cam be calculated from the dissolution time and dissolution amount at a bath ratio of 100 at a temperature sufficient for dissolution in each solvent.

[00114] Single-Fiber Diameter - non-limiting examples:

[00115] After photographing the fabric with an electron microscope, the single fiber diameter of five fibers can be measured and the average value can be determined.

[00116] Apparent Crimp Rate - non-limiting examples:

[00117] The crimped fiber A-2 only is removed from the yarn and the length (L0) under a load of 0.222 gram/dtex and the length (LI) after an elapsed time of one minute under a load of 2 mg/dtex are measured, and the apparent crimp rate is calculated using the following formula:

Apparent Crimp Rate (%) = 100 x [ (L0 - LI) / L0]

[00118] Binder Application Amount - non-limiting examples:

[00119] Approximately 2 grams of yarn is wound on a Hank winder, frilly dried at 105 degrees Celsius for 2 hours; allowed to cool for 2 hours in a desiccator containing silica gel; and the weight (Wl) is measured. Thereafter, the yarn is treated for 1 hour at 98 degrees Celsius, in an aqueous solution to which 4 gr/L of soda ash, 2 gr/L of a surfactant, and 2 gr/L of sodium tripolyphosphate were added. The treated yarn is fully dried at 105 degrees Celsius for 2 hours, allowed to cool for 2 hours in a desiccator containing silica gel, and the weight (W2) is measured. The binder application amount is calculated by the following Formula:

Binder Application Amount (%) = 100 x ( W1 - W2 ) / Wl

[00120] The above discussion was of some possible implementations of the HFLS Yarn, which can be used in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Other suitable yarn(s) can be used, having similar or equivalent properties.

[00121] Some embodiments provide a method comprising: manufacturing a sock for a human wearer, by continuously and/or seamlessly knitting a sock having multiple sock regions; by starting to knit at a collar region of the sock, then knitting the ankle / heel region of the sock, then knitting the sole region of the sock, then knitting seamlessly and continuously the integrally-knitted Toe Lock loop from an HFLS Yarn, and then knitting the toes region of the sock; and then closing or bonding or sewing or folding-bonding the front-side tip of the knitted sock. [00122] Some embodiments provide a system for knitting such sock and/or for performing such method; for example, using a circular multiple-needle knitting machine or sock knitting machine, and/or using a needle-by-needle programmable knitting machine.

[00123] Some embodiments may be implemented by using a machine or an automated or semi-automatic production line, which may comprise, for example: cutting unit, welding unit, bonding unit, sewing unit, ultrasonic operations unit, ultrasonic cutting unit, gluing unit, folding unit, connection-creating unit, conveyor belt, robotic arm, control unit, workstation; as well as suitable hardware components and/or software components, for example, processor to execute code, memory unit, storage unit, input unit (keyboard, mouse, touch-screen), output unit (screen, touch-screen), modems, transceivers or transmitters or receivers, wireless and/or wired communication links and/or transceivers or transmitters or receivers, power sources, Operating System (OS) and suitable applications, or the like.

[00124] Some embodiments provide a sock for covering at least a foot of a human wearer, the sock comprising: a knitted toes-covering fabric-region, configured to cover toes of the foot; a knitted sole-covering fabric -region, configured to cover a sole of the foot; a knitted toes- region stabilizing component, located between the knitted toes-covering fabric-region and the knitted sole-covering fabric-region. The knitted toes-region stabilizing component is configured to stabilize, and to prevent shifting or slippage of, the knitted toes-covering fabricregion in response to body movements.

[00125] In some embodiments, the knitted toes-region stabilizing component is a knitted band that is formed of a first yarn which is a High-Friction Low-Slippage yarn; the knitted toes-covering fabric -region and the knitted sole-covering fabric-region are knitted of a second, different, yarn; wherein the first yarn has a first friction coefficient relative to human body; wherein the second yarn has a second friction coefficient relative to human body; wherein the first friction coefficient is greater than the second friction coefficient by at least 25 percent.

[00126] In some embodiments, the knitted toes-region stabilizing component is a knitted band that is formed of a first blend of yarns which comprises a first yarn which is a High- Friction Low-Slippage yarn; wherein the knitted toes-covering fabric-region and the knitted sole-covering fabric-region are knitted of a second, different, blend of yarns which excludes said first yarn; wherein the first yarn has a first friction coefficient relative to human body; wherein the second yarn has a second friction coefficient relative to human body; wherein the first friction coefficient is greater than the second friction coefficient by at least 25 percent.

[00127] In some embodiments, the knitted toes-region stabilizing component is a knitted band that is formed of a first yarn which is a High-Friction Low-Slippage yarn; wherein the knitted toes-covering fabric -region and the knitted sole-covering fabric-region are knitted of a second, different, yarn; wherein the first yarn has a first modulus of elasticity; wherein the second yarn has a second modulus of elasticity; wherein the first modulus of elasticity is greater than the second modulus of elasticity by at least 25 percent.

[00128] In some embodiments, the knitted toes-region stabilizing component is a knitted band that is formed of a first blend of yarns which comprises a first yarn which is a High- Friction Low-Slippage yarn; wherein the knitted toes-covering fabric-region and the knitted sole-covering fabric-region are knitted of a second, different, blend of yarns which excludes said first yarn; wherein the first yarn has a first modulus of elasticity; wherein the second yarn has a second modulus of elasticity; wherein the first modulus of elasticity is greater than the second modulus of elasticity by at least 25 percent.

[00129] In some embodiments, the High-Friction Low-Slippage yarn is formed of: a first yarn A-l, comprising at least 500 filaments, wherein each filament having a single fiber diameter of 10 to 3,000 nanometers; a fiber A-2, having a single fiber diameter that is greater than a total diameter of the first yarn A-l; a binding agent that binds together the first yarn A- 1 and the fiber A-2.

[00130] In some embodiments, the fiber A-2 is a crimped fiber having a single-fiber diameter of 5 to 20 micrometers and a crimp rate of 2 to 40 percent.

[00131] In some embodiments, the High-Friction Low-Slippage yarn contains Silicone polymers.

[00132] In some embodiments, the High-Friction Low-Slippage yarn comprises: a core yarn that is formed of polyester and/or cotton, coated by a coating of Silicone and polyolefin, wherein 25 to 75 percent of a weight of said coating is Silicone.

[00133] In some embodiments, the High-Friction Low-Slippage yarn comprises: a core yarn that is formed of polyester and/or cotton, coated by a coating of Silica or Silicon Dioxide.

[00134] In some embodiments, the High- Friction Low-Slippage yarn comprises an ultrafine polyester yarn formed of a plurality of discrete filaments having an average filament diameter in a range of 400 to 1,000 nanometers.

[00135] In some embodiments, the High-Friction Low-Slippage yarn comprises a synthetic polyether-polyurea copolymer fiber capable of expanding its length by at least 400 percent without breaking.

[00136] In some embodiments, the knitted toes-region stabilizing component encircles: (i) a front-side of foot toes of the human wearer, and (ii) beneath a particular region of a sole of the human wearer, wherein said particular region has a distance, from a furthest front end of the sock, of 20 to 40 percent of an entire length of the sole of the sock. For example, it traverses the sock perpendicularly to the longest dimension (the length) of the sole of the sock; at a distance (measured from the furthest front point of the sole of the sock) of approximately 20 or 25 or 30 or 33 or 35 or 40 percent of the entire length of the sole of the sock. In some embodiments, the knitted toes-region stabilizing component is structured to have a width in a range of 5 to 20 millimeters; or in a range of 8 to 16 millimeters.

[00137] In some embodiments, the knitted toes-region stabilizing component is a continuous knitted element that continuously and seamlessly connects with the knitted toes-covering fabric-region and with the knitted sole-covering fabric -region.

[00138] In some embodiments, the knitted toes-region stabilizing component is a continuous knitted element that continuously and seamlessly traverses: at a bottom side of the sock, beneath and across metatarsal bones; and at an upper side of the sock, over and across phalanx bones.

[00139] In some embodiments, (i) the knitted toes-region stabilizing component, and (ii) the knitted toes-covering region, and (iii) the knitted sole-covering region are knitted, are a continuous and seamless knitted garment that excludes any seams.

[00140] Functions, operations, components and/or features described herein with reference to one or more embodiments, may be combined with, or may be utilized in combination with, one or more other functions, operations, components and/or features described herein with reference to one or more other embodiments, or vice versa.

[00141] While certain features of some embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents may occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all such modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents.