CN111246765A

CN111246765A - Article of footwear with exterior and interior elements

Info

Publication number: CN111246765A
Application number: CN201880068031.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 托里·J·贝尔; 大卫·E·格雷列维奇
Original assignee: Nike Inc
Current assignee: Nike Inc; Nike Innovate CV USA
Priority date: 2017-10-20
Filing date: 2018-10-18
Publication date: 2020-06-05
Also published as: WO2019079568A1; EP3697244A1; US20190116932A1; EP3697244B1

Abstract

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear. The article of footwear may include an interior element having an upper foot portion and a lower foot portion. The article of footwear may also include an outer element formed at least in part from the first knitted component, the outer element covering a throat area of the inner element. The article of footwear may further include a fastening element secured to the inner element in the throat area, wherein the fastening element is located between the inner element and the outer element, and wherein adjustment of the fastening element adjusts a fit of the inner element when the article of footwear is in use. The article of footwear may also include a sole structure, wherein the sole structure at least partially covers a underfoot portion of the interior element.

Description

Article of footwear with exterior and interior elements

Background

Conventional articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an upper and a sole structure. The upper is generally secured to the sole structure and may form a void within the article of footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. The sole structure is generally secured to a lower surface of the upper so as to be positioned between the upper and the ground. For example, in some articles of athletic footwear, the sole structure may include a midsole and an outsole. The midsole may be formed from a polymer foam material that attenuates ground reaction forces to relieve stresses placed on the foot and leg during walking, running, and other ambulatory activities. An outsole may be secured to a lower surface of the midsole and may form a ground-engaging portion of the sole structure that is formed of a durable and wear-resistant material.

The upper of an article of footwear generally extends over instep and toe areas of the foot, along medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around a heel area of the foot, and in some cases under the foot. Access to the void in the interior of the upper is typically provided through an ankle opening in and/or adjacent to the heel region of the footwear. Lacing systems are often incorporated into the upper to adjust the fit of the upper to facilitate entry and removal of the foot from the void within the upper. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance adjustability of the footwear, and the upper may incorporate other structures, such as, for example, a heel counter (heel counter), to provide support and limit movement of the heel.

Brief summary

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to another embodiment of an article of footwear. The article of footwear may include a first knitted component defining an exterior element that forms an exterior surface of the article of footwear in a throat area, and the first exterior element extends from the throat area to a bite line (biteline) of the article of footwear. The article of footwear may also include a second knitted component defining an interior element, where the interior element includes a collar surrounding an ankle opening that opens into a void of the article of footwear. The article of footwear may also include a fastening element positioned in the throat area between the first knitted component and the second knitted component.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method. The method may include knitting a first knitted component on a flat knitting machine, where the first knitted component forms an exterior element of an article of footwear, the exterior element defining an exterior surface of the article of footwear. The method may also include knitting a second knitted component on the circular knitting machine, where the second knitted component forms an interior element of the article of footwear that defines a void of the article of footwear.

Brief Description of Drawings

Embodiments of the disclosure may be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate like elements.

Fig. 1 is an illustration showing an article of footwear having an inner element and an outer element, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is an illustration showing a knitted component for forming an exterior element of an upper, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exploded view of the article of footwear depicted in FIG. 1.

Fig. 4 is an illustration showing the article of footwear of fig. 3 in an assembled state, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is an illustration showing an exploded view of another embodiment of an article of footwear having an outer element and an inner element, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is an illustration showing the article of footwear of fig. 5 in an assembled state, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Various aspects are described below with reference to the drawings, in which like elements are generally identified by like numerals. The relationship and functioning of the various elements of the aspects may be better understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. However, the aspects are not limited to those illustrated in the figures or described explicitly below. It should also be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and that, in some instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the aspects disclosed herein, such as conventional manufacturing and assembly, may have been omitted.

Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to uppers and/or other articles (such as articles of apparel) configured for use in articles of footwear. When referring to an article of footwear, the present disclosure may describe basketball shoes, running shoes, cycling shoes, cross-training shoes, football shoes, golf shoes, hiking shoes and boots, ski and snowboard boots, soccer shoes, tennis shoes, and/or walking shoes, as well as types of footwear generally considered to be non-athletic, including, but not limited to dress shoes, loafers (loafers), and sandals.

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an article of footwear 100 having an upper 102, where upper 102 includes two primary elements: an outer element 104 and an inner element 106. As described in more detail below, one or both of the inner element 106 and the outer element 104 may be formed as a textile (textile). While non-woven materials are contemplated for use in any of these elements, for simplicity of description, in the present disclosure, outer element 104 and inner element 106 are described as being formed primarily of textile materials. The textile may be any suitable type of textile (e.g., woven textile or non-woven textile), and in some embodiments, the textile may be formed into a knitted component through mechanical manipulation of the yarns.

As shown, upper 102 may be secured to sole structure 108. The area where sole structure 108 joins upper 102 may be referred to as bite line 116. Upper 102 may be fixedly joined to sole structure 108 using any suitable technique, such as by using an adhesive, by stitching, or the like. Sole structure 108 may define a bottom surface of void 118 for receiving and accommodating a user's foot. The cavity 118 may be accessible through an ankle opening 120, and the ankle opening 120 may be surrounded by a collar 122.

Upper 102 may include a lateral side 110 and a medial side 112. Throat area 114 may be included between lateral side 110 and medial side 112, and throat area 114 may be positioned to cover a vertex (dorsal) surface of the foot during typical use. Midfoot region 124 of upper 102 may be located between heel region 126 and toe region 128. Throat area 114 may be located primarily in midfoot area 124. In some embodiments, an optional tongue may be at least partially disposed in the throat area 114. The tongue may be any type of tongue, such as a lined tongue (padded tongue) or a purse-roll tongue (burrito tongue). If a tongue is not included (or combined with a tongue), the lateral side and the medial side of throat area 114 may be joined together.

As stated above, at least a portion of upper 102 may be formed with a knitted component (or another suitable textile component). In this embodiment, the outer element 104 is formed primarily of the first knitted component 130 and the inner element 106 is formed primarily of the second knitted component 132. Each of knitted

components

130, 132 may be formed as a unitary, one-piece element during a knitting process, such as a weft knitting process (e.g., with a flat knitting machine or a circular knitting machine), a warp knitting process, or any other suitable knitting process. That is, the knitting process on the knitting machine can substantially form the knit structure of the knitted component without requiring a significant post-knitting (post-knitting) process or step. Alternatively, two or more portions of at least one of knitted

components

130, 132 may be respectively formed as different integral one-piece elements and then the respective elements attached (e.g., via sewing).

Forming the outer element 104 and the inner element 106 with respective knitted

components

130, 132 may provide the outer element 104 and the inner element 106 with advantageous properties including, but not limited to, a particular degree of elasticity (e.g., in young's modulus), breathability, flexibility, strength, hygroscopicity, weight, abrasion resistance, and/or combinations thereof. These properties may be achieved by selecting a particular single or multi-layer knit structure (e.g., a rib knit structure, a single jersey knit structure, or a double jersey knit structure), by varying the size and tension of the knit structure, by using one or more yarns formed from a particular material (e.g., a polyester material, a relatively inelastic material, or a relatively elastic material such as an elastic fiber), by selecting a particular size (e.g., denier) of yarn, and/or combinations thereof. The weight of upper 102, and thus the overall weight of article of footwear 100, may be reduced relative to alternative components typically used in footwear. Knitted components 130, 132 (and in particular, first knitted component 130 of exposed outer element 104) may also provide desirable aesthetic characteristics by incorporating yarns having different colors, textures, or other visual properties arranged in a particular pattern. The yarns themselves and/or the knit structure formed by one or more yarns of the knitted component may be varied at different locations to provide different knitted portions with different properties (e.g., the portion forming throat area 114 of first knitted component 130 may be relatively elastic while the portion forming heel area 126 or another area may be relatively inelastic).

In some embodiments, first knitted component 130 and/or second knitted component 132 can include one or more materials having a property that changes in response to a stimulus (e.g., temperature, humidity, electrical current, magnetic field, or light). For example, as described in more detail below, first knitted component 130 may include yarns formed from a thermoplastic polymer material (e.g., polyurethane, polyamide, polyolefin, and/or nylon) that transitions from a solid state to a softened or liquid state when subjected to a particular temperature at or above its melting point and then transitions back to a solid state when cooled. The thermoplastic polymer material may provide the ability to heat and then cool a portion of the first knitted component 130 to thereby form a region of bonded or continuous material (referred to herein as a "fused region") that exhibits certain advantageous properties including, for example, a relatively high degree of stiffness, strength, and water resistance. Similar materials and processes may be used when forming second knitted component 132.

Fig. 2 is an illustration showing a first knitted component 130 (i.e., forming the outer element 104 of fig. 1), which first knitted component 130 may display the illustrated appearance after being formed on the knitting machine, but before being folded or otherwise oriented into a wearable shape. To form first knitted component 130 into a wearable shape, lateral heel portion 136 and medial heel portion 138 may be joined (e.g., via stitching), which may occur before, during, or after first knitted component 130 is attached with another component of the article of footwear (and possibly with the aid of a foot-shaped last). Other shapes of the first knitted component 130 are also contemplated. For example, in some embodiments, one of lateral heel portion 136 and medial heel portion 138 may wrap around the entire heel and join to the other edge of first knitted component 130 on the opposite respective side (e.g., medial heel portion 138 may not be present and lateral heel portion 136 may wrap around and join on the medial side). Any other suitable shape and folding/forming method may be used.

First knitted component 130 may be formed as a continuous and unitary one-piece element using any suitable knitting process. In certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments, first knitted component 130 is formed using a flat-knitting process (e.g., by weft or warp knitting on a multi-bed flat knitting machine). In the present disclosure, a knitting structure formed on a flat knitting machine is referred to as a "flat-knitting structure". A person skilled in the art can generally identify the knitting structure of a flat knitting machine when examining the structural characteristics of a sample.

In particular, it may be advantageous to form the first knitted component 130 on a flat knitting machine having two needle beds, thereby enhancing the ability to form complex knit structures having desired characteristics. For example, a double bed flat knitting machine may be capable of producing a variety of double plain knit structures that provide a variety of characteristics. In this context, "double plain knit structure" is generally defined as any knit structure formed on two needle beds and utilizing at least one needle from each bed, including, but not limited to, all rib knit structures, 1x1, 2x1, and 3x1 rib structures, double rib knit structures (interlock knit structures), wicker/bead knit structures (half and full card knit structures), quad/tri-flat structures (half and full mill structures), and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, a double jersey full interlock structure may be used that may provide a relatively low elasticity to first knitted component 130 compared to certain other knitted components, particularly when first knitted component 130 is formed from a relatively stiff/inelastic yarn.

Forming the first knitted component 130 on a double bed flat knitting machine may also allow for the incorporation of certain features that are more difficult or impossible to implement on other types of machines. For example, the first knitted component 130 may be formed with an embedded component (inleidcomponent), such as embedded tensile strands for added stiffness described in U.S. patent application publication No. 2015/0359290, U.S. patent application publication No. 2014/0237861, and U.S. patent No. 9,145,629, which are incorporated in their entirety herein. Additionally or alternatively, the flat knitting machine may provide the ability to form a first knitted component having a multi-layer knit structure such that an exterior surface of the first knitted component 130 has different characteristics than an interior surface thereof. As one example, the outer surface 140 of the first knitted component 130 may include fused regions formed from heat treated yarns comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer material (such as thermoplastic polyurethane), while the inner surface is formed from a softer material (such as polyester). Similar features and several related advantages are described in U.S. patent application publication No. 2017/0245582, which is incorporated in its entirety herein. The use of a double bed flat knitting machine may also provide the ability to form the first knitted component 130 with complex visual patterns and other visual effects due to the types of double-sided plain and other knitting structures available, which is particularly desirable because the first knitted component 130 may form a visible surface of the exterior of the article of footwear.

In some embodiments, different regions of the first knitted component 130 may have different characteristics. The different characteristics may be provided by using different knitting structures, different yarn types, by treating the zones in different ways after knitting (e.g., by heat treating some zones and not heat treating other zones), or a combination thereof. For example, the first region 142 located in the throat area 114 and/or collar 122 may be highly elastic due to the use of elastic knit structures and/or the use of relatively elastic yarns. Advantageously, the first textile member 130 may be stretchable around the top (back) surface of the foot in a desired manner to provide a comfortable fit (and, as described below, to enable the first textile member to stretch around the fastening system). The other zones may be formed to be less elastic. For example, second region 144 in heel region 126 of first knitted component 130 may have a relatively low elasticity to provide structural integrity in heel region 126. Other regions, such as third region 146 in midfoot region 124, may have an elasticity that is different than the elasticity of first region 142 and/or second region 144. The relative elasticity of the zones (and also the relative elasticity of the different knitted components) can be determined by applying a known tension to the various zones (or components) (e.g., on a tensiometer) and then measuring the degree of stretch or displacement. For example, a zone or component is said to be twice as elastic when it stretches twice as much as another zone or component under the same tension (e.g., 20 pounds).

The zones of the first knitted component 130 may also or alternatively vary in some property other than elasticity. For example, in some embodiments, certain regions may have different surface characteristics than other regions. Referring to fig. 2, a third zone 146 in midfoot region 124 may be formed of a material that provides a desired grip/friction with the surface of a ball (e.g., a soccer ball). Such a surface may be provided by forming a fused region at third zone 146. One example of a fused region for its desired surface characteristics is described in U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 62/502,362, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exploded view of article of footwear 100 depicted in fig. 1. As shown, outer element 104 has been folded into a wearable shape (e.g., by securing medial heel portion 138 to lateral heel portion 136 at seam 148), although it is noted that the forming process does not necessarily have to be completed prior to assembling first knitted component 130 with second knitted component 132. In some embodiments, the thread (or other object) used to form seam 148 may additionally be secured to second knitted component 132 in heel region 126, thus providing a connection point between first knitted component 130 and second knitted component 132. Other connections between first knitted component 130 and second knitted component 132 are also contemplated, and in some embodiments, first knitted component 130 and second knitted component 132 may not be directly connected at all (e.g., where first knitted component 130 and/or second knitted component 132 are removable, or where they are indirectly connected through sole structure 108, for example).

First knitted component 130 and second knitted component 132 can be formed separately using different knitting processes. For example, the first knitted component 130 can be formed on a flat knitting machine (which is described in more detail above with reference to fig. 2), while the second knitted component 132 can be formed on a circular knitting machine (as described in more detail below). Advantageously, and particularly when a relatively rigid double-sided plain weave structure is used to form first knitted component 130, at least one area of first knitted component 130 may be less elastic than an area of second knitted component 132. Further, on average, the entirety of first knitted component 130 is less elastic in at least one direction (and possibly all directions) than the entirety of second knitted component 132. This may be advantageous for providing a resilient and soft inner member 106, which inner member 106 may be more suitable for contact with the user's foot (e.g., for comfort), while also providing a relatively rigid and protective outer member 104.

Second knitted component 132 can include an upper foot portion 150 and a lower foot portion 152. Underfoot portion 152 may be located on a bottom side of second knitted component 132 (e.g., when article of footwear 100 is placed on the ground in a typical orientation), and thus underfoot portion 152 may be associated with a plantar surface of the foot (also known as the sole or bottom of the foot). In some embodiments, the underfoot portion 152 of the second knitted component 132 may contact the wearer's foot (or sock) when the foot is placed in the void, and it is therefore contemplated that the material and knit structure used to form the underfoot portion 152 may be selected for softness, flexibility, elasticity, and other comfort-related properties. In other embodiments, a second element (such as a cushion insert) may be placed on top of the underfoot portion 152. Second knitted component 132 can also include an upper foot portion 150 on a top side thereof, where upper foot portion 150 is associated with an instep surface of the foot (also known as a top surface of the foot). Thus, a single course in forefoot portion 153 of second knitted component 132 may wrap around the entire perimeter of the user's forefoot.

The circular/tubular configuration of second knitted component 132 can be achieved by knitting second knitted component 132 using a circular knitting machine. The circular knitting machine may have a plurality of needles arranged in a circular pattern such that when the yarn feeder moves around the circular pattern as it feeds yarn to the needles, the circular knitting machine forms a tubular structure having a perimeter that surrounds a cavity (which may correspond to cavity 118 surrounded by second knitted component 132). Without being limited to the following examples, specific examples of knitting processes that may be used on a circular knitting machine include wide tube circular knitting (wide tube circular knitting), narrow tube circular knitting (narrow tube circular knitting), single knit circular knitting (single knit circular knit jacquard), double knit circular knitting (double knit circular knit jacquard), and similar knitting processes. It is envisaged that some circular knitting machines may be able to form a knitting structure similar to the double plain structure described above, but not all circular knitting machines are able to form a double plain structure. In this context, when a circular knitting machine is used to form a knitted structure, the knitted structure is referred to as a "circular-knit structure". Circular knitting structures can generally be identified by those skilled in the art when examining the structure of a sample.

Any of the above-described circular knitting processes (or other suitable circular knitting processes), or a combination of more than one process, may be used to form second knitted component 132. If second knitted component 132 is initially formed as a tubular structure having two open ends, one end may be closed by forming a seam 148 (e.g., by sewing, using an adhesive, etc.). The other opening may remain open to form an ankle opening 120 to provide access to the cavity 118.

As shown in fig. 3, article of footwear 100 may include fastening system 154 secured to internal element 106. As depicted, the fastening system 154 may be located in the throat area 114 of the inner element 106. Any suitable type of fastening system may be used, such as the depicted lace 157 (i.e., shoelace), cable tensioning system (shown in fig. 5-6), and/or any other suitable device. The fastening system 154 may be adjustable such that when tightened, it pulls the inner element 106 around the foot, thereby securing the foot in the void 118 and providing a comfortable fit.

The inner member 106 may include a set of openings 156 for receiving a fastening system, although other suitable members may alternatively be used. The opening 156 may be formed by any suitable process. In some embodiments, a portion (piece) of second knitted component 132 may be cut, punched out, or otherwise removed after the knitting process to form opening 156. In other embodiments, opening 156 can be formed by a particular knit structure of second knitted component 132. For example, during a knitting process on a knitting machine having at least one needle bed, one or more needles of the needle bed may be skipped when forming certain courses, such that a cavity is formed, and the cavity may eventually define the opening 156. Other suitable knit structures may additionally or alternatively be used to form the opening 156. When opening 156 is formed of a particular knit construction, rather than by removing a portion of second knitted component 132 by cutting, punching, or other methods, opening 156 is referred to in this disclosure as "knit-formed". Although not shown, the outer member 104 may also have an opening to provide additional access to the fastening system 154 for a user.

Still referring to fig. 3, sole structure 108 may include an optional midsole 158 and an outsole 160, although any other sole structure is contemplated. The outer member 104 may be secured to the sole structure at the bite line 116 by sewing, using an adhesive, or by any other suitable device or method. The internal element 106 may be secured at the bite line 116 and/or at a top surface 161 of the sole structure 108 (and it is noted that the top surface 161 need not be a top surface of the midsole 158, but may alternatively be a surface of another sole structure component). For example, in some embodiments, to achieve a high degree of direct contact and engagement, a majority of underfoot portion 152 may be adhered to surface 161 of sole structure 108 using an adhesive. In other embodiments, it may be advantageous for at least one region of underfoot portion 152 to remain free (e.g., movable) relative to a top surface of sole structure 108 to reduce friction between sole structure 108 and the user's foot. Although not shown, additional elements (e.g., cushioning elements) may be placed between underfoot portion 152 and sole structure 108 and/or between midfoot portion 150 and outer element 104.

Fig. 4 is an illustration of article of footwear 100 shown in an assembled or as-worn state. For illustrative purposes, the outer element 104 is shown as transparent in FIG. 4. As depicted, the outer element 104 may cover the fastening system 154. That is, the fastening system 154 may be between the outer member 104 and the inner member 106. Advantageously, fastening system 154 may not interfere with or otherwise affect the properties of exterior surface 140 of article of footwear 100. This may be particularly advantageous where the external element 104 is given surface characteristics for a particular activity, for example for kicking a ball. For example, when article of footwear 100 is a shoe designed for playing soccer, a user may advantageously possess an exterior surface 140 that has the desired characteristics of contacting a soccer ball even at throat area 114. Additionally or alternatively, the fastening system 154 may be protected by the outer element 104 to prevent inadvertent release (e.g., due to loosening or release of a shoelace knot). This feature may allow this embodiment to be suitable for situations where maintaining tightness and/or proper fit is important (e.g., when article of footwear 100 is used in a manufacturing or construction environment).

Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exploded view of another embodiment of an article of footwear 200. Article of footwear 200 is similar to article of footwear 100 described above, but for fastening system 254. As shown, the fastening system 254 may be a cable tensioning system having a cable 262 (which may be any suitable elongate material portion and may be similar or identical to the strap 157 described above with reference to fig. 3). The cable 262 may be disposed through the opening 256 of the inner member 206. When tightening the fastening system 254, the cable may be pulled taut and the fastener 264 may be used to lock under tension. The fastener 264 may have a button, switch, or other activator so that a user can select whether it is in a locked or unlocked state. To lock under tension, the fastener can be moved toward the inner member 206 and then locked at a particular position relative to the cable 262 (e.g., such that when locked, the fastener is fixed relative to the cable 262). To loosen the fastening system 254, the fastener may be moved along the cable 262 away from the inner member 206.

This embodiment may be particularly advantageous because it does not require much space (and therefore it may easily fit between the outer element 204 and the inner element 206 without creating too much volume), and because it is relatively easy to adjust (thus reducing the effect of interference due to hand contact with the outer element 204 during fastening). For example, one hand of the user may be used to pull the outer member 204 apart to create a space, and the other hand of the user may be inserted into the space to adjust the fastening system 254. Other suitable fastening systems are also contemplated.

Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating the article of footwear 200 of fig. 5 in an assembled or wearable state. As shown, the fastening system 254 may be completely covered or substantially covered. The fastening system 254 is depicted as extending beyond the outer member 204, but in other embodiments the cable 262 may be too short to extend as far. As explained above, the outer element 204 may have different regions with different characteristics. Focusing on the first region 242, it may be advantageous for the first region 242 to have a relatively high elasticity (at least when compared to other regions of the outer member 204) to enhance user access to the fastening system 254. For example, when a user pulls tongue portion 266 to separate outer element 204 from inner element 206, first region 242 (which may be in throat region 214) may deform, thus providing room or space for fastening system 254 to operate.

All of the structures and methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms, specific aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein. The present disclosure is an example of the principles of the disclosure and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular aspects shown. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, use of the terms "a" or "an" is intended to include "at least one" or "one or more". For example, "yarn (a yarn)" is intended to include "at least one yarn" or "one or more yarns".

Any ranges given in absolute terms or in approximate terms are intended to encompass both, and any definitions used herein are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the disclosure are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all subranges (including all fractional and integer values) subsumed therein.

Moreover, the present disclosure encompasses any and all possible combinations of some or all of the various aspects described herein. It should also be understood that various changes and modifications to the aspects described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An article of footwear, comprising:

an inner element having an upper foot portion and a lower foot portion, the upper foot portion having a throat area;

an outer element formed at least in part from a first knitted component, the outer element covering the throat area of the inner element;

a fastening system secured to the inner element in a throat area, wherein the fastening system is located between the inner element and the outer element, and wherein adjustment of the fastening system adjusts a fit of the inner element when the article of footwear is in use; and

in the structure of the sole of a shoe,

wherein the sole structure at least partially covers the underfoot portion of the inner element.

2. The article of footwear recited in claim 1, wherein the interior element includes a second knitted component having a circular knit structure.

3. The article of footwear recited in claim 2, wherein the courses of circular knit structure extend around an entire perimeter of a forefoot region of the interior element.

4. The article of footwear recited in claim 1, wherein a first area of the first knitted component has a first elasticity, wherein a second area of the first knitted component has a second elasticity, wherein the first elasticity is greater than the second elasticity, and wherein the first area is located in the throat area of the article of footwear.

5. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the fastening system includes a cable secured to the inner element and a fastener slidable along the cable in an unlocked state.

6. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the underfoot portion of the inner element contacts a top surface of the sole structure.

7. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the interior element includes a plurality of openings for securing to the fastening system.

8. The article of footwear recited in claim 7, wherein the opening is a knit-formed opening.

9. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the outer element extends from the throat area to a bite line of the article of footwear.

10. An article of footwear, comprising:

a first knitted component defining an exterior element that forms an exterior surface of the article of footwear in a throat area and extends from the throat area to a bite line of the article of footwear;

a second knitted component defining an interior element, wherein the interior element includes a collar surrounding an ankle opening that opens into a cavity of the article of footwear; and

a fastening system positioned in the throat area between the first knitted component and the second knitted component.

11. The article of footwear recited in claim 10, wherein the courses of the second knitted component extend around an entire perimeter in a forefoot region of the interior element.

12. The article of footwear recited in claim 10, wherein a first area of the first knitted component has a first elasticity, wherein a second area of the first knitted component has a second elasticity, wherein the first elasticity is greater than the second elasticity, and wherein the first area is located in the throat area of the article of footwear.

13. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the fastening system includes a cable secured to the inner element and a fastener slidable along the cable in an unlocked state.

14. The article of footwear recited in claim 10, wherein the second knitted component includes an upper foot portion and a lower foot portion.

15. The article of footwear recited in claim 14, wherein the underfoot portion of the second knitted component contacts a top surface of a sole structure.

16. The article of footwear recited in claim 10, wherein the interior element includes a plurality of openings for securing to the fastening system.

17. The article of footwear recited in claim 16, wherein the opening is a knit-formed opening.

18. The article of footwear recited in claim 10, wherein an average elasticity of the first knitted component is less than an average elasticity of the second knitted component.

19. A method, comprising:

knitting a first knitted component on a flat knitting machine, wherein the first knitted component forms an exterior element of an article of footwear, the exterior element defining an exterior surface of the article of footwear; and

knitting a second knitted component on a circular knitting machine, wherein the second knitted component forms an interior element of an article of footwear that defines a cavity of the article of footwear.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: securing a fastening system to the second knitted component in a throat area, and covering the fastening system with the first knitted component.