KR101844695B1 - Article of footwear incorporating a knitted component with integrally knit contoured portion - Google Patents

Abstract

The footwear article includes an upper having a knitted component formed of a unitary knit structure. The knitted component has a first edge and a second edge. The knitted component also includes a base portion disposed adjacent the sole structure and configured to be disposed under the foot. The knitted component further includes a heel portion, a forefoot portion, an inner portion, and an outer portion. The knitted component additionally comprises a collar with a rim. The second edge is connected to the first edge at the seam. The seam has a first end and a second end, the first end being generally located in the rim of the collar on one of the inner and outer surfaces of the upper. The second end is spaced from the first end.

Description

Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to an article of footwear having knitted components having an integral knitted fabric profile,

Cross reference of related application

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of US patent application entitled " Articles of Footwear Incorporating A Knitted Component With Integrally Knit Contoured Portion "filed on March 4, 2013, This application is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 13 / 783,900, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Field

The present invention relates to a footwear article, and more particularly to a footwear article having a knitted component having an integral knitted fabric profile.

This section does not necessarily provide prior art but provides background information related to the present invention.

A typical footwear article generally comprises two main elements, an upper and a sole structure. The upper is secured to the sole structure and forms a void therein to securely and comfortably receive the feet. The sole structure is secured to the lower region of the upper so that it is positioned between the upper and the ground. In a running shoe, for example, the sole structure may include a midsole and an outsole. The midsole often includes a polymer foam material that damps ground reaction forces to reduce foot and leg stresses during walking, running, and other ambulatory activities. Additionally, the midsole may include a fluid fill chamber, plate, moderator, or other element that further dampens the force, improves stability, or affects the motion of the foot. The outsole is secured to the lower surface of the midsole and provides a ground engaging portion of the sole structure formed from a durable and wear resistant material such as rubber. The sole structure may also include a sockliner positioned within the cavity and proximate the lower surface of the foot to enhance foot comfort.

The upper generally extends over the foot instep and toe area, along the medial side and lateral side of the foot, below the foot, and around the heel area of the foot. In some footwear items such as basketball shoes and boots, the upper may extend up and around the ankle to provide support or protection of the ankle. Access to the interior cavity of the upper is generally provided by an ankle opening in the heel area of the footwear. The lacing system is often incorporated into the upper to adjust the fit of the upper, thereby allowing entry and removal of the foot from the cavity in the upper. The shoelace system also allows the wearer to modify the specific dimensions of the upper, especially the girth, to accommodate the feet of various dimensions. In addition, the upper may include a tongue extending below the shoelace system to improve the adjustability of the footwear, and the upper may have a heel counter to limit the movement of the heel.

Various material elements (e.g., fabric, polymer foam, polymer sheet, leather, synthetic leather) are typically used to make the upper. In a running shoe, for example, the upper may have multiple layers each containing a variety of connected material elements. By way of example, the material elements may be selected to impart stretch-resistance, wear-resistance, flexibility, breathability, compressibility, comfort, and moisture-wicking to different regions of the upper. To impart different properties to different regions of the upper, the material elements are often cut into the desired shape and then joined together, typically by stitching or adhesive bonding. Moreover, the material elements are often connected in a layered configuration to impart multiple properties to the same area. As the number and type of material elements incorporated in the upper increases, the time and cost associated with carrying, storing, cutting and connecting the material elements may also increase. The waste material from the cutting and sewing process also accumulates to a greater extent as the number and type of material elements incorporated into the upper increases. Moreover, an upper with a greater number of material elements may be more difficult to recycle than an upper formed from fewer types and numbers of material elements. Thus, by reducing the number of material elements used in the upper, the waste may be reduced while increasing the manufacturing efficiency and reproducibility of the upper.

This section provides a general summary of the invention and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

A footwear article comprising a sole structure and an upper joined to the sole structure. The upper comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, and the upper comprises a knitted component formed into a unitary knit structure. The knitted component includes a first edge and a second edge. The knitted component also includes a base portion configured to be disposed adjacent the sole structure and disposed under the foot. The knitted component further includes a heel portion, a forefoot portion, an inside portion, and an outside portion, each of which is formed by a base portion and a single knit structure. The knitted component additionally comprises a collar with a rim, the collar extending from the inside and / or outside. The second edge is connected to the first edge at a seam of the knitted component to cooperatively form a cavity for receiving the base portion, the heel portion, the forefoot portion, the inner portion, and the outer foot portion. The seam has a first end and a second end, the first end being generally located on the rim of the collar on one of the inner and outer surfaces of the upper. The second end is spaced from the first end.

In addition, a knitted component configured to form an upper for a footwear article is disclosed, and the upper is configured to be attached to the sole structure. The knitted component includes a base portion having a first side at least partially defined by a first edge of the knitted component. The base portion is configured to be disposed adjacent the sole structure. The knitted component also includes a base portion and a heel portion and a forefoot portion formed in a single knit structure. Moreover, the knitted component includes an inner portion and an outer portion extending from a second side of the base portion. The second side is opposite from the first side, and one of the inner side and the outer side is at least partially formed by the second edge of the knitted component. The second edge is adapted to be connected to the first edge at the seam such that one of the inner and outer portions is adjacent the first side of the base portion and the other of the inner portion and the outer portion is positioned adjacent the second side of the base portion . Furthermore, the second edge is configured to be coupled to the first edge to cooperatively define a cavity configured to receive the base portion, the heel portion, the forefoot portion, the inner portion, and the outer foot portion.

Further, a method of manufacturing an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes providing a knitted component formed of a unitary knit structure with a base portion having a first side at least partially defined by a first edge of the knitted component, a heel portion and a forefoot portion formed in a single- And an inner portion and an outer portion extending from the second side of the base portion. The second side faces from the first side. Wherein one of the inner and outer sides is at least partially defined by a second edge of the knitted component. The method includes moving the second edge toward the first edge to position one of the inner and outer portions adjacent the first side of the base portion and the other of the inner portion and the outer portion adjacent the second side of the base portion, . The method further comprises connecting the second edge to the first edge at the joint of the knitted component to cooperatively form a cavity configured to receive the base portion, the heel portion, the anterior portion, the inner portion, and the outer foot portion . Moreover, the method includes forming an upper of the article of footwear from a knitted component. The upper comprises an inner surface formed at least partly by the inner portion of the knitted component. The upper also includes an outer surface at least partially defined by the outer portion of the knitted component.

Other areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples of this summary are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and not for all possible embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
1 is a perspective view of an article of footwear according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the article of footwear of Figure 1, with the closure member removed.
Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the article of footwear of Fig. 2;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a knitted component having an inlaid strand of the footwear article of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a top plan view of the knitted component of Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of the knitted component of Figure 4, wherein the footprint is shown in phantom.
7 is a cross-sectional view of a knitted component taken along line 7-7 of FIG.
Figure 8 is a schematic view of a heel portion of a knitted component taken from a perspective view along line 8-8 of Figure 5;
Figure 9 is a detail view of a portion of the knitted component taken from Figure 6;
Figures 10 and 11 are bottom plan views of knitted components, Figure 10 shows the closure member in the unlocked position, and Figure 11 shows the closure member in the locked position.
Figure 12 is a bottom view of a knitted component having an inlaid strand in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 13 and 14 are schematic diagrams of a single-piece knit structure with inlaid strands.
Figs. 15-23 are schematic perspective views of portions of a flat knitting machine shown during the formation of a unitary knit structure with inlaid strands.
24 is a side view of an upper portion of a footwear article including knitted components in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 25 is a bottom view of the upper of Fig. 24; Fig.
26 is a front view of the upper of Fig.
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the upper of FIG. 24; FIG.
Figure 28 is a top view of the knitted component of the upper of Figure 24 showing the interior surface of the knitted component.
Figure 29 is a top view of the knitted component of the upper of Figure 24 showing the outer surface of the knitted component.
Figures 30-32 are perspective views of knitted components that are shown to be gradually assembled into the upper of Figure 24;
Figure 33 is a perspective view of the upper of Figure 24 with the sole structure attached to form a footwear article.
Figure 34 is a perspective view of the upper of Figure 24 attached to a sole structure to form an article of footwear according to an exemplary embodiment.
Figure 35 is a bottom view of the upper of an article of footwear comprising knitted components in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 36 is a rear view of the upper of FIG. 35; FIG.
Figure 37 is a top view of the knitted component of the upper of Figure 35;
Figure 38 is a bottom view of the upper of Figure 35 with attached sole structure.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Exemplary embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The following detailed description and the accompanying drawings disclose various concepts relating to the manufacture of knitted components and knitted components. Knitted components may be used in a variety of products, but footwear articles having one of the knitted components are disclosed by way of example.

General description of goods for footwear

Referring first to Figures 1-3, a footwear article 100 is illustrated in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Footwear 100 generally includes sole structure 110 and upper 120.

The sole structure 110 is secured to the upper 120 and extends between the feet and the ground when the footwear 100 is worn. The sole structure 110 may include a midsole 112 and an outsole 114 stacked together. The midsole 112 may comprise an elastomeric compressible material, a fluid-filled bladder, or the like. Thus, when running, jumping, etc., the midsole 112 can cushion the wearer's foot and dampen impact and other forces. The outsole 114 may be secured to the middle 112 and may comprise a wear resistant material such as rubber or the like. The outsole 114 may also include a tread and other traction enhancement features.

Moreover, the upper 120 may form a cavity 122 for receiving the wearer's foot. In other words, the upper 120 may form an inner surface 121 forming the cavity 122 and the upper 120 may define an outer surface 123 oriented in a direction opposite the inner surface 121 can do. When the wearer's foot is received within the cavity 122, the upper 120 may at least partially surround and encapsulate the wearer's foot.

Many conventional footwear uppers are formed from a number of material elements (e.g., fabric, polymer foam, polymer sheet, leather, synthetic leather) that are connected, for example, by sewing or bonding. In contrast, at least a portion of the upper 120 is formed from a knitted component 116 having a uniform knit structure. The outer boundary of the knitted component 116 may be formed by the peripheral edge 199 shown in Figs. 5 and 6. As described, the knitted component 116 may form at least a portion of the cavity in the upper 120. The knitted component 116 may also form at least some of the outer surface 123 and / or the inner surface 121 of the upper 120.

In some embodiments, the knitted component 116 may form most of the upper 120. Reducing the number of material elements used to form the upper 120 may also reduce waste, while also increasing the manufacturing efficiency and reproducibility of the upper 120. As will be described in greater detail below, the knitted component 116 of the upper 120 of the present invention can reduce waste and increase manufacturing efficiency and reproducibility. Additionally, the knitted component 116 of the upper 120 may have fewer seams or other discontinuities, thereby improving the overall comfort of the footwear 100.

The knitted component 116 may also have common characteristics when formed from the same strand, yarn (or type of yarn) or with a similar knitted structure. For example, using the same strand for various portions of the knitted component 116 imparts similar durability, strength, elongation, abrasion resistance, biodegradability, thermal and hydrophobic properties. In addition to physical properties, using the same strand within a plurality of portions of the knitted component 116 may impart common aesthetic or tactile characteristics such as color, gloss, and texture. Using the same knit structure across different portions of the knitted component 116 may also impart common physical and aesthetic properties.

Configure Knitted Components

Figures 4-6 illustrate various embodiments of a knitted component 116 that may be incorporated into a footwear article in a manner similar to the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1-3. The knitted component 116 shown in FIGS. 4-6 is shown separated from the rest of the footwear 100. However, each of the embodiments of the knitted component 116 described herein may be combined with the elements of the footwear 100 described above to form the footwear article 100 with the knitted component 116 .

The knitted component 116 may be a "single knit structure ". As defined herein and when used in the claims, the term "unitary knit structure" means formed as a single knit element through the knitting process. That is, the knitting process forms various features and structures of the knitted component 116 without substantially requiring any significant additional manufacturing steps or processes. A single type of knit structure is preferred because the structure or elements comprise at least one common course (i.e., share a common strand or common yarn) and / or between each portion of the knitted component 116 May be used to form a knitted component having a structure or element comprising at least one stage of connected yarn or other knitted fabric material to include a substantially continuous stage. This configuration provides a single-piece element of a unitary knit structure.

The portion of the knitted component 116 may be connected to one another after the knitting process, but the knitted component 116 is formed and maintained in a unitary knit fabric configuration because it is formed as a single knit fabric element. Moreover, the knitted component 116 may be worn when the other component (e.g., an inlaid strand, a closing element, a logo, a trademark, a placard having management instructions and material information, and other structural elements) is added after the knitting process And are formed and maintained in a single knit fabric configuration.

Figures 4-6 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a knitted component 116 as forming the bulk of the upper 120 of the article of footwear 100. As shown, the knitted component 116 of the upper 120 may include a base portion 124 or a strobel portion or an underfoot portion. In addition, the knitted component 116 may include one or more side portions 126. The base portion 124 may be configured to abut the sole structure 110. For example, the base portion 124 may be attached directly or indirectly to the sole structure 110 such that the base portion 124 rests on the sole structure 110. One or more portions of the base portion 124 (e.g., the periphery of the base portion 124) may be attached to the sole structure 110, while the other portion may be detached or disengaged maintain. Further, the base portion 124 may be configured to extend under the wearer's foot. The side portion (s) 126 may extend from the base portion 124 and be configured to at least partially cover the wearer's foot. The base portion 124 and the side portion (s) 126 may also cooperate to form a cavity 122 for receiving the wearer's foot. Again, the base 124 and side (s) 126 may be formed in a single-piece knit structure as described above.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the side portion 126 of the knitted component 116 includes a heel portion 128, an outer portion 130, an inner portion 132, a forefoot portion 134, And each of which may be formed in the same unitary knit structure as the base portion 124. [ Thus, the knitted component 116 can fit and conform closely to the wearer's foot. Also, due to this configuration, the knitted component 116 can be formed relatively quickly to increase manufacturing efficiency.

6, and as will be described in more detail, the knitted component 116 may include one or more tension strands 158 that are associated with a single knit structure of the knitted component 116 have. For example, the strands 158 may be inlaid within the ends and / or wale of the knitted component 116, as will be described. In addition, the strands 158 may be attached to the inner and / or outer surface of the knitted component 116.

The strand (s) 158 may be disposed within the upper so as to extend across the side and / or under the wearer's foot. The strand (s) 158 may also be operatively associated with a closure member 154, such as a shoe string 155. Thus, straining the shoelace string 155 can then subsequently strain the strand (s) As a result, the strand (s) 158 can provide support to the wearer's foot for increased comfort and better fit.

The illustrated embodiment of upper 120 and footwear 100 is configured to be worn on the left foot of the wearer. It will be appreciated, however, that footwear 100 may be configured to be worn on the right foot and may include features similar to the illustrated embodiment.

The footwear 100 may also be configured as a running shoe. However, footwear 100 may also be applied to a variety of different athletic types, including, for example, baseball, basketball, cycling, footballing, tennis, soccer, training, walking, and hiking boots. The concept may also be applied to footwear types that are generally considered to be non-athletic, including dress shoes, loafer, sandals, and work boots. Accordingly, the concepts disclosed for footwear 100 apply to a wide variety of footwear types.

Exemplary Features of Knitted Components

In the exemplary embodiment shown schematically in Figure 13, the main element of the knitted component 116 is the one that is manipulated to form a plurality of intermeshed loops forming various stages and noses , By a knitting machine) from at least one yarn 1138 or other strands. The yarns 1138 form respective ends and noses in this configuration, but additional yarns may form one or more of the ends and / or nose.

The properties that a particular type of yarn will impart to the area of the knitted component will depend in part on the material forming the various filaments and fibers in the yarn. For example, cotton provides soft hand, natural aesthetics, and biodegradability. Elastane and elongated polyesters provide substantial elongation and restoration, respectively, and elongated polyesters also provide reproducibility. Rayon provides high gloss and water absorption. Wool also provides high water absorption in addition to its insulating properties and biodegradability. Nylon is a durable and wear resistant material with relatively high strength. Polyesters are hydrophobic materials that also provide relatively high durability.

An additional example of a suitable configuration for a portion of the knitted component 116 is shown in Fig. In this configuration, the knitted component 116 includes a yarn 1138 and another yarn 1139 (i.e., a plurality of strands). The yarns 1138 and 1139 cooperatively form a plurality of intermeshed loops that are plated to form a plurality of horizontal ends and vertical noses. That is, the yarns 1138 and 1139 extend parallel to each other. An advantage of this configuration is that the properties of each yarn 1138, 1139 may be present in this region of the knitted component 1130. For example, yarns 1138 and 1139 may have different colors, and the color of yarn 1138 is primarily present on the face of the various stitches of the knitted fabric element 1131, Mainly on the back side of the various sewing parts of the element 1131. As another example, yarn 1139 may be formed from softer and more comfortable yarns with respect to the feet than yarn 1138, yarn 1138 is primarily present on first surface 1136, And is mainly present on the second surface 1137.

Moreover, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the strands 1132 can be incorporated into a single-piece knit structure of the knitted component 116. The strands 1132 may be tensile strand elements that provide support for the knitted component 116. In other words, the tension within the strands 1132 can cause the knitted component 116 to deform, stretch, or otherwise provide support to the wearer's foot during running, jumping, or other movement of the wearer's foot can do. In addition, the strands 158 (described above and described in detail below) of FIG. 6 can be incorporated into a knitted component 116 similar to the strands 1132 of FIGS. 13 and 14.

As described, the strands 1132 can be incorporated or inlaid within a unitary knit structure of the knitted component 116 such that the strands 1132 can be incorporated onto the knitting machine during the knitting process. For example, the strands 1132 can be inlaid within a single type of knit structure such that the strands 1132 can have a course as shown in Figures 13 and 14 and / or one of the wales of the knitted component 116 . As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the strands 1132 are alternating between (a) the rear of a loop formed from yarn 1138 and (b) a yarn 1138 disposed in front of a loop formed from yarn 1138, can do. Indeed, the inlaid strands 1132 are woven through a single knit structure of knit fabric element 1131.

The knitted component may also comprise one or more strands or yarns formed from at least one of a thermosetting polymer material and natural fibers (e.g., cotton, wool, silk). Other yarns or strands may be formed from a thermoplastic polymer material. Generally, the thermoplastic polymer material melts when heated and returns to a solid state when cooled. More specifically, the thermoplastic polymer material transitions from a solid state to a softened or liquid state upon receiving sufficient heat, and then transitions from a softened or liquid state to a solid state when sufficiently cooled. As such, thermoplastic polymer materials are often used to link two objects or elements together. In this case, the yarn may be, for example, (a) part of the yarn to another part of the yarn, (b) yarn and the inlaid strand to each other, or (c) A placard having trademarks, management instructions, and material information) may be used to connect the knitted components. As such, the yarn may be considered a fusible yarn if it may be used to fuse or otherwise connect parts of the knitted component to one another. Moreover, yarns may be considered non-fusible yarns unless they are formed from materials that are generally capable of fusing or otherwise connecting parts of the knitted component to one another. That is, the yarn may be an unfusable yarn, while the other yarn (s) may be a fusible yarn. In some configurations of knitted components, yarns (i.e., non-fusible yarns) may be substantially formed from thermosetting polyester material, and yarns (i.e., fusible yarns) may be formed at least partially from thermoplastic polymer materials .

The use of a plated yarn may impart advantages to the knitted component. When the yarn is heated and fused to the yarn and the inlaid strand, this process may have the effect of strengthening or curing the structure of the knitted component. Furthermore, connecting (a) one part of the yarn to another part of the yarn or (b) the yarn and the inlaid strand to each other has the effect of fixing or locking the relative position of the yarn and the inlaid strand, Thereby imparting flexibility and rigidity. That is, portions of the yarn may not slide relative to each other when fused with the yarn, thereby preventing distortion or permanent elongation of the knitted fabric element due to relative movement of the knitted structure. Another advantage relates to restricting unraveling if a portion of the knitted component is damaged or one of the yarns is broken. Thus, the area of the knitted component may benefit from the use of both fusible and non-fusible yarns of the knitted fabric element.

Additionally, it will be appreciated that the knitted component may have a plurality of zones collectively from a single knit structure. For example, the knitted component may be one of the following: a flat knitted fabric zone, a tubular knitted fabric zone, a 1 x 1 mesh fabric zone, a 2 x 2 mesh fabric zone, a 3 x 2 mesh fabric zone, A 2x2 simulated mesh fabric area, a 2x2 hybrid fabric area, a full gauge knitted fabric area, a ½ gauge knitted fabric area, and the like. Accordingly, knitted component 116 and upper 120 may be constructed in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0233882, published September 20, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Examples of upper and knitted components

Various embodiments of the upper 120 and knitted component 116 will now be described in greater detail. As shown, upper 120 defines a longitudinal direction 125, a lateral direction 127, and a vertical direction 129, which will be used to refer to the different features of upper 120 in the following description. can do.

The knitted component 116 of the upper 120 may include a base portion 124 configured to be disposed under the wearer's foot. The outline of the wearer's foot is shown in Figure 6 so that the base portion 124 is at least generally formed against the wearer's foot. Thus, the base portion 124 may extend continuously below one or more portions of the heel, soles, toes, arches, and / or other lower surfaces of the wearer's foot. In an additional embodiment, base portion 124 may include openings and extend partially or discontinuously below the wearer's foot.

The knitted component 116 may also include various side portions 126 extending from the base portion 124 to the periphery. The side portion 126 may be configured to cover and rest against at least a portion of the wearer's foot. In the illustrated embodiment, the side portion 126 of the knitted component 116 may substantially comprise the base portion 124. [ It is further contemplated that the base portion 124 and the side portion 126 may collectively form the inner surface 121 of the knitted component 116 as well as the outer surface 123 of the knitted component 116 It can be understood.

For example, the side portion 126 may include a heel portion 128 disposed on one end of the base portion 124. The heel portion 128 may also extend upwardly from the base portion 124 in the vertical direction 129, as shown in FIG. The heel portion 128 may be configured to cover over the wearer ' s heel and / or ankle area.

The side portion 126 of the knitted component 116 may also include an outer portion 130 that is disposed forwardly with respect to the heel portion 128, Can extend upwardly from the outer surface of the portion (124). The outer portion 130 may be configured to cover and rest against an outer region of the wearer's foot.

The side portion 126 of the knitted component 116 may include an inner portion 132 that is disposed on the opposite side of the base portion 124 with respect to the outer portion 130 and on the opposite side of the heel portion 128 . The inner portion 132 may extend further upwardly in the vertical direction 129 from the base portion 124, as shown in FIG. The inner portion 132 may be disposed on the opposite side of the base portion 124 in the lateral direction 127. The inner portion 132 may be configured to cover and rest against the inner area or foot of the wearer's foot.

The heel portion 128, the outer portion 130 and the inner portion 132 may collectively form a horseshoe-shaped collar 133 of the upper 120. The collar 133 may provide access to the inside and outside of the cavity 122 of the upper 120. Furthermore, the outer edge 135 of the outer portion 130 and the inner edge 137 of the inner portion 132 can collectively form a throat 131 of the upper 120. The throat 131 may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction 125 or the throat 131 may be disposed at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction 125. [ The throat 131 is also substantially centered on the base portion 124 in the embodiment of Figure 4 but the throat 131 is disposed on one side with respect to the base portion 124 in the lateral direction 127 . The width of the throat 131 may be selectively varied by the closure member 154 to move the outer and inner edges 135,137 toward and away from each other. As a result, the footwear 100 may optionally be strained on the wearer's foot or loosened from the wearer's foot.

Additionally, the side portion 126 of the knitted component 116 may include a forefoot portion 134. The forefoot portion 134 is positioned on the opposite end of the base portion 124 relative to the heel portion 128 as shown in Figure 1 and in the longitudinal direction 125 in front of the outer portion 130 and the inner portion 132 As shown in FIG. In addition, the forefoot portion 134 may be integrally connected to the outer portion 130 or the inner portion 132, and the forefoot portion 134 may be spaced apart from the other. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the forefoot portion 134 is integrally connected to the outer portion 130 and is spaced from the inner portion 132. Accordingly, when the upper 120 is in the disassembled state as shown in FIG. 4, a gap 139 can be formed between the forefoot 134 and the inner portion 132.

In addition, the side portions 126 of the knitted component 116 may include a sidewall portion 136. As shown in FIG. 4, sparse portion 136 may include a curved region 143 and a longitudinal region 145. When the upper 120 is disassembled as shown in Fig. 4, the sparse portion 136 may extend generally forward from the base portion 124, and the curved region 143 may include an inner portion and a front portion In the gap 139. [0064] FIG. The curved region 143 may also be curved such that the longitudinal region 145 extends generally rearward at an angle 143 relative to the inner portion 132 as shown in Fig. The curvature of the curved region 143 can be achieved by having a knit end substantially radiating from the common region 151 as shown in Fig. The common area 151 may be a virtual point spaced from the periphery of the curved area 143 between the spiral part 136 and the inner part 132 or the common area 151 may be a Position. The curved region 143 may be wrapped upwardly to at least partially fill the gap 139 and the longitudinal region 145 of the spiral portion 136 may be curved upwardly May be disposed in the throat 131 of the upper so as to cover the wearer's foot between the inner portion 130 and the inner portion 132. [ Further, when the upper 120 is assembled, the longitudinal region 145 of the bulging portion 136 is detached from the outer portion 130 and / or the inner portion 132 as shown in FIG. 3, .

The base portion 124 and the heel portion 128 may form a heel cavity 148 configured to receive the heel of the wearer's foot (see Figure 6), as shown in Figures 4, 5, . The heel cavity 148 may have an inner surface and / or an outer surface with a three-dimensional curvature. In addition, the heel cavity 148 may have a convex outer surface. Thus, as the heel portion 128 extends from the base portion 124 in the vertical direction 129, the heel portion 128 may be slightly forwardly curved in the longitudinal direction 125. [ Both sides of the heel portion 128 are curved forwardly in the longitudinal direction 125 so as to engage the outer portion 130 and the inner portion 132. As the heel portion 128 extends in the lateral direction 127, can do. Accordingly, the heel cavity 148 conforms to and roughly corresponds to the shape of the wearer's heel and ankle.

4, 5, and 6, the base portion 124 and the forefoot portion 134 can form a forefoot cavity 150 configured to receive the toe and other forehead regions of the wearer's foot (See FIG. 6). The forefoot cavity 150 may have an inner surface and / or an outer surface with a three-dimensional curvature. Also, the forefoot cavity 150 may have a convex outer surface. Thus, as the forefoot portion 134 extends in the vertical direction 129 from the base portion 124, the forefoot portion 134 may be curved backward in the longitudinal direction 125. [ As the forward portion 134 extends in the lateral direction 127, the forward portion 134 can be bent backward in the longitudinal direction 125 and connected to the outer portion 130. [

The three-dimensional curvature of the heel cavity 148 and / or the forefoot cavity 150 may be formed due to the uniform knit structure of the knitted component 116. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the heel portion 128 may include at least two tapered regions 170, 171. The tapered areas 170, 171 may have a boundary 173 that is generally tapered in the lateral direction 127, as indicated by the dashed lines. The tapered regions 170 and 171 each have a plurality of rows of stitches or stitches, but the continuous stitches can have different lengths thereby providing a tapered shape of the border 173. Thus, the tapered regions 170, 171 can have an eye shape, a double pointed oval shape, a biconvex shape, or a crescent shape.

The boundary 173 of the tapered area 170 is also connected to the boundary 173 of the tapered area 171 in a single-piece knit structure to provide a knitted component 116 having a three-dimensional curvature. Which can produce visually distinct distortions along connected boundaries 173. The distortion may be a so-called fully aligned mark extending along a connected border 173 in the knitted component 116.

8, a tapered region extends from the collar 133 to the base portion 124 and a plurality of tapered regions < RTI ID = 0.0 >Lt; / RTI > Accordingly, most of the heel portion 128 can have a three-dimensional curvature. However, the knitted component 116 may include any number of tapered areas 170, 171 on any point of the knitted component 116 to provide a three-dimensional curvature to the knitted component 116 As will be understood by those skilled in the art. In addition, the tapered regions 170, 171 can be oriented in any suitable orientation on the knitted component 116. For example, the forefoot portion 134 may include similarly tapered regions, but such tapered regions may be tapered in the vertical direction 129 in the exemplary embodiment.

The curved region 143 of the spiral portion 136 may also include a plurality of tapered regions that provide curvature in the curved region 143. For example, the curved region 143 may include tapered regions 193, 195 that are integrally knit together and connected together along the boundary 197. Which can produce visually distinct distortions along connected boundaries 197. [ The distortion may be a so-called fully aligned mark extending along a connected boundary 197 in a so-called knitted component 116. Additionally, as described above, the end in the curved region 143 can emit from the common region 151 to provide a two-dimensional curvature.

Further, in some embodiments, the forefoot portion 134 may include a plurality of apertures 152 arranged to assist in increasing the curvature of the forefoot portion 134. [ In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of openings 152 may include one or more rows of through holes. Since the opening 152 reduces the amount of material knitted in these areas of the forefoot 134, the forefoot 134 can be immediately curved backward toward the heel 128.

The knitted component 116 may additionally include at least two edge portions 140, 142 configured to be connected together when assembling the upper 120. It will be appreciated that the first edge portion 140 can be a first longitudinal section of the larger peripheral edge 199 of the knitted component 116 shown in Figs. It will also be appreciated that the second edge portion 142 may be a second longitudinal section of the peripheral edge 199. The edge portions 140 and 142 may be formed at any suitable position along the peripheral edge 199 and / or at any location on the knitted component 116. 5 and 6, the first edge portion 140 may extend along the curved region 143 of the bulging portion 136 and may extend in the transverse direction 127 by way of the base portion 124 as well. The second edge portion 142 may be generally curved along the forefoot portion 134 in the lateral direction 127 and may extend in the vertical direction 129 along the forefoot portion 134 to partially define the gap 139 It can extend downward. The first edge 140 and the second edge 142 may also meet at the notch 141 formed in the base portion 124 as shown in FIG.

As described above, the footwear 100 may further include the closure member 154 shown in Fig. The closure member 154 may selectively secure the upper 120 to the wearer's foot and selectively release the upper 120 from the wearer's foot.

As shown in FIG. 1, the closure member 154 may be a shoelace 155. As such, the outer portion 130 can include one or more outer closure apertures 156, such as through-holes disposed in rows extending along the outer edge 135. The inner portion 132 may include a similar inner closing opening 157 disposed in a row extending along the inner edge 137. The openings 156 and 157 may receive the shoelace strap 155 so that the shoelace strap 155 crosses, zigzag, and alternates between the outer and inner portions 130 and 132.

It will be appreciated that the openings 156 and 157 may be configured differently from the through holes shown in Fig. For example, the openings 156 and 157 may be formed from a hoop, grommet, hooks, or the like removably attached to a component 116 that is constructed and configured to receive a closure member and integrated or knit into the knitted component 116 , And other suitable features.

It will also be appreciated that the closure member 154 may comprise a structure other than a shoelace 155 without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the closure member 154 can be a strap, buckle, pile tape, or other suitable closure member.

6, the upper 120 may include at least one tension strand 158 coupled to the base portion 124 and / or to the side portion 126. As shown in FIG. The strands 158 may be coupled to any portion of the base portion 124 and / or the side portion 126. Additionally, the strands 158 may be coupled to the base portion 124 and / or the side portion 126 in any suitable manner. For example, the strands 158 may be inlaid within the ends and / or noses of the unitary knit structure of the base portion 124 and side portion 126, as will be described. Thus, the strands 153 can correspond to the strands 1132 shown in Figs. 13 and 14 and described above. The strands 158 may also be glued, fastened, perforated, or otherwise bonded to the inner surface 121 or the outer surface 123 of the base portion 124 and / or the side portion 126.

The strand 158, the knitted component 116 and the upper 120 are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0154256, filed December 18, 2008, and dated June 24, 2010, U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 338,726, entitled " Articles of Footwear Having An Upper Incorporating A Knitted Component, "entitled "Quot; Article of Footwear Incorporating A Knitted Component " filed on September 20, 2012 and entitled " Huffa et al., Published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0233882, Quot ;, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety (collectively referred to herein as an " in-laid strand case "), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. .

The strands 158 may be elongate and flexible. The strands 158 may also include at least one yarn, a cable, a wire, a string, a cord, a filament, a fiber, a thread, a rope, The strands 158 may also be made of any suitable material such as rayon, nylon, polyester, polyacryl, silk, cotton, carbon, glass, aramid (e.g. para- , Aluminum, steel, or other suitable material. The individual filament used in the strand 158 may be formed from a single material (i.e., a mono-component filament) or a plurality of materials (i.e., a bicomponent filament). Similarly, different filaments may be formed from different materials. By way of example, yarns used as strands 158 may comprise filaments, each formed from a common material, and may include filaments formed from two or more different materials, respectively, or formed from two or more different materials, Filament < / RTI > Similar concepts are also applied to threads, cables, ropes, and the like. The thickness (diameter) of the strands 158 may be, for example, in the range of approximately 0.03 millimeters to 5 millimeters. In addition, the strands 158 may have a substantially circular cross-section, an oval cross-section, or any other suitable cross-section.

By way of example, the strands 158 may be formed from bonded nylon 6.6 having a breaking or tensile strength of 3.1 kilograms and a weight of 45 tex. The strands 158 may also be formed from bonded nylon 6.6 with a breaking or tensile strength of 6.2 kilograms and a tex of 45. As another example, the strands 158 may have an enclosure that covers and protects the inner core.

In some embodiments, the strands 158 may have a fixed length (e.g., non-elongatable). Also in some embodiments, the strands 158 may be elastically stretchable.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the strands 158 may comprise a thermoplastic material configured to bond, bond, or fuse to the base portion 124 and / or the side portion 126 of the upper 120. For example, selective application of heat may allow material within the strands 158 to fuse the material of the base portion 124 and / or the side portion 126. The strand 158 may thus be included according to the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0233882, published September 20, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

6, upper 120 may include a single strand 158 that extends continuously between inner portion 132, base portion 124, and outer portion 130. As shown in FIG. have. The strands 158 may also include one or more pivot portions 159, 160. The turning portions 159 and 160 may be turned at 180 degrees or more. The strands 158 may include a plurality of outer pivot portions 159 arranged in a row along the outer edge 135 and the strands 158 may be arranged in a row along the inner edge 137 And a plurality of inner turning portions formed on the inner surface. The strands 158 may also extend linearly between the pairs of turns 159, 160. The strands 158 may include a first end portion 164 disposed adjacent the heel portion 128 and a second end portion 164 disposed adjacent the forward portion 134 166). The strands 158 may also alternately extend and stagger between the outer portion 130 and the inner portion 132.

6 and 7, the knitted component 116 may form a passageway 162 between the inner surface 121 and the outer surface 123. As shown in Figs. The passageway 162 may be formed in any suitable manner. For example, in embodiments where the strands 158 are inlaid within the knitted component 116, the passages 162 may be formed through one or more ends or noses of the knitted component 116. Also, in some embodiments, the inner surface 121 may be formed by a layer of knitted material, the outer surface 123 may be formed by an individual layer of knitted material, and a plurality of strands, , Or monofilament may extend between these layers to provide spacing (e. G., So-called "spacer knit material"). In these embodiments, passageway 162 may be formed between the layers of knitted material and between the plurality of spacer strands. In an additional embodiment, the inner surface 121 and the outer surface 123 may be interconnected sewn surfaces, and the passages 162 may be formed between these surfaces.

The passageway 162 may extend across any portion of the upper 120. 6, the upper 120 may define a plurality of passageways 162 and each passageway 162 may include an outer portion 130, a base portion 124, And the inner portion 132, as shown in Fig. In the illustrated embodiment, each passageway 162 partially traverses the outer portion 130 (the outer passage), partially across the base portion 124 (base portion passageway), the inner portion 132 (The inner passage) so that the passage 162 is continuous between the outer portion 130, the base portion 124, and the inner portion 132. As shown in Fig. It will be appreciated, however, that one or more passageways 162 can be localized and isolated on any portion of upper 120.

7, the strands 158 may be received within one or more of the passageways 162 to extend between the outer portion 130, the base portion 124, and the inner portion 132, You can extend it. The pivot portions 159 and 160 of the strands 158 may also be exposed from the passageway 162. [

The outer pivot portion 159 may extend at least partially around each of the outer closed apertures 156 and the inner pivot portion 160 may extend at least partially around each of the inner closed apertures 157 Lt; / RTI > 1, the shoelace string 155 can be received in each pair of the outer closed opening 156 and the outer pivot portion 159, and the shoelace string 155 can also be received in the inner Can be received within each pair of the closing aperture (157) and the inner pivot portion (160). In other words, each pair of the outer pivoting portion 159 and the outer closing opening 156 can cooperatively receive and support the shoe strap 155, and the inner pivoting portion 160 and the inner closing opening 157 can also receive and support the shoelace strap 155.

In some embodiments, the strands 158 may be loosely and movably received within each passageway 162. For example, the strands 158 may slide longitudinally through the passageway 162. Thus, as shown in FIG. 9, the pivot portions 159, 160 can be pulled closer to the respective closed openings 156, 157. The first and / or second ends 164 and 166 of the strands 158 may be fixed (e.g., fused) to the base portion 124, while the first and / And the remaining portion can be movably held with respect to the base portion 124, the outer portion 130, and the inner portion 132. A portion of the strand 158 between the distal portions 164 and 166 may be fused or otherwise secured to the base portion 124, the outer portion 130 and the inner portion 132. In another alternative embodiment, have.

Accordingly, straining the shoelace string 155 can subsequently increase the tension in the strand 158. [ 10, the tension within the strands 158 may be relatively low when the shoelace string 155 is loosened and in the non-locking position, thereby causing the upper 120 to move away from the wearer's foot < RTI ID = 0.0 & Loosely fit around. However, when the shoelace string 155 is pulled and tensed as indicated by the arrows 174 and 175, the shoelace string 155 is pulled over the pivots 159 and 160 to cause tension in the strand 158 Can be increased. As a result, the strands 158 may pull and fit the upper 120 proximate to the wearer's foot, as indicated by arrows 176, 177, 178, 179 in FIG.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 10 and 11, it will be appreciated that the strands 158 may provide support for various areas on the bottom of the wearer's foot. For example, the strands 158 may be disposed on the arch region 164 configured to be disposed below the arch of the wearer's foot. Thus, the strands 158 within the arch region 164 can support the wearer's arch, particularly when the strands 158 are strained by the shoelace string 155.

It will also be appreciated that in the embodiment shown, the upper 120 may include only one continuous strand 158 to provide such support to the feet. Accordingly, the number of parts of the upper 120 may be relatively small, and the upper 120 may be configured in an efficient manner.

Assembling of footwear

The assembly of the footwear 100, the knitted component 116 and the upper 120 will now be described in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. For clarity, it is assumed that the knitted component 116 and the strand 158 are formed in the decomposition state shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

To begin an exemplary embodiment of the assembly of the upper 120, the outer portion 130 and the inner portion 132 may be moved upward (folded) to the position shown in FIG. The bulb portion 136 can then be rolled up so that the curved region 143 substantially fills the gap 139 and the longitudinal region 145 substantially fills the throat 131. [ As such, the first and second edge portions 140 and 142 may be disposed directly adjacent to each other. Next, the first and second edge portions 140 and 142 may be connected at the joint 144.

The first and second edge portions 140, 142 may be connected at the seam 144 in any suitable manner. For example, the first and second edge portions 140 and 142 may be connected using sewing, adhesive, tape, bonding, welding, fasteners, or other suitable attachment devices.

In some embodiments, the seam 144 may be formed by sewing the edges 140, 142 with the sewing portion 146, as shown in Figs. 1-3. As described above, the upper 120 may be a knitted element having a plurality of stitches, but the stitching portion 146 may be independent of the stitching portion of the knitted element 116. In other words, the sewing portion 146 may be formed using one or more threads, yarns, cables, or other strands attached after the knitted component 116 has been knitted. The sewing section 146 may also be a zigzag sewing section or other suitable sewing section. Additionally, the edge portions 140 and 142 can be brought into contact with each other at the joint 144. For example, the edges 140, 142 can form a butt joint, or the edges 140, 142 can be partially overlapped to form the seam 144. [ In addition, the edges 140, 142 may be slightly spaced from the seam 144 to the beads 144 of adhesive or other material between the edges 140, 142.

Moreover, the seam 144 may extend across any suitable portion of the knitted component 116. [ For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the seam 144 may include a first end 147 disposed in the base portion 124 adjacent the forefoot 134. The seam 144 may also include a second end 149 at the junction of the outer edge 135, the forefoot 134, and the bulb 136. In addition, the seam 144 may extend continuously between the first and second ends 147, 149 in some embodiments. For example, the seam 144 includes a first portion 181 extending from the first end 147 toward the inner portion 132, generally transverse 127, across the base portion 124 . The seam 144 may also include a second portion 183 extending generally in a vertical direction 129 adjacent the forefoot portion 134 across the inner portion 132. The seam 144 may further include a third portion 185 extending generally transversely toward the outer surface 130 and curving backward toward the second end 149. Thus, the seam 144 can extend continuously between the ends 147, 149 to extend from below the wearer's foot, around the inner region of the front of the wearer's paw, to the area above the front of the wearer.

In addition, there may be any number of seams 144 of the knitted component 116. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3, for example, only one of the isolated elements 116 needed to provide the three-dimensional shape shown in FIGS. 1-3 to the knitted component 116 of the upper 120 May be present. This can facilitate manufacturing and reduce the time for assembly of the upper 120.

The seam 144 may also be spaced from the heel portion 128 such that the heel portion 128 is seamless. Thus, even if the heel portion 128 shifts over the wearer's heel, there is no possibility that the relatively smooth, seamless heel portion 128 will rub against the wearer's heel, thereby providing inconvenience to the wearer.

The shoelace strap 155 can then proceed through the outer and inner openings 156 and 157 and the outer and inner swivel portions 159 and 160 as described above. The sole structure 110 may then be attached to the upper 120. Specifically, the midsole 112 may be attached to the outer surface 123 of the base portion 124 and the outsole 114 may be attached to the middlesole 112. In an additional embodiment, an additional insole may be inserted and / or attached to the inner surface 121 of the base portion 124.

Exemplary knitting processes for forming knitted components and upper

The knitted component 116 may be knitted in any suitable orientation. For example, a knitted component 116 may be formed from the heel portion 128 and, at the collar 133, the knitted component 116 is generally oriented toward the front portion 134 in the longitudinal direction 125 ). ≪ / RTI > The front foot cavity 150 may be formed before the sidewall portion 136. Next, a spar part 136 may be formed later. The three-dimensionally curved cavity and the two-dimensionally curved portion of the knitted component 116 (such as the heel cavity 148, the forefoot cavity 150, the curved region 143, and / or other regions) It will also be appreciated that they can be formed into a single piece during the process. Specifically, the sewing portion at the boundaries 173 and 197 can be held by each needle as the subsequent end of the sewing portion is added, and the sewing portion held at the boundaries 173 and 197 can be held at the boundaries 173 and 197, It can be knitted to each sewing part. Also, the strands 158 may be inlaid during this knitting process. This process may also be completed on any suitable machine, such as a flat knitting machine.

Referring now to Figures 15-23, an exemplary automated knitting process for forming a knitted component 116 with strands 158 will be described. For purposes of explanation, a knitted process and a flat knitting machine will be described, but the knitted component 116 and the strand 158 may be formed in other ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, knitted component 116 and strand 158 may be formed according to the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0233882, published September 20, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

15, there is shown a portion of a knitting machine 1200 that includes various needles 1202, rails 1203, a standard feeder 1204, and a combiner feeder 1220. The combined feeder 1220 is fixed to the front side of the rail 1203 while the standard feeder 1204 is fixed to the rear side of the rail 1203. [ The yarn 1206 passes through the combination feeder 1220 and the end of the yarn 1206 extends outwardly from the dispensing tip 1246. Although yarn 1206 is shown, any other strand (e.g., filament, thread, rope, webbing, cable, chain, or yarn) Lt; / RTI > The other yarn 1211 passes through the standard feeder 1204 and forms a portion of the loop 1212 of yarn 1211 that forms part of the knitted component 1260 and forms the uppermost end in the knitted component 1260. [ Is held by a hook located at the end of the needle 1202.

The knitting process described herein relates to the formation of a portion of a knitted component 1260 or a knitted component 1260. Thus, portions of the knitted component 1260 may include the base portion 124, the heel portion 128, the outer portion 130, the inner portion 132, the forefoot 134 ), And / or a bull portion (136). For purposes of explanation, only a relatively small section of knitted component 1260 is shown in the figures for the purpose of illustrating the knitted structure. Moreover, the scale or ratio of the various elements of knitting machine 1200 and knitted component 1260 may be enhanced to better illustrate the knitting process.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a standard feeder 1204 moves along the rail 1203 and a new end is formed in the knitted component 1260 from the yarn 1211. More specifically, the needle 1202 pulls the section of the yarn 1211 through the loop of the previous stage, thereby forming a new stage. The end may be added to the knitted component 1260 by moving the standard feeder 1204 along the needle 1202 so that the needle 1202 operates the yarn 1211 to move the yarn 1211 To form additional loops.

Continuing with the knitting process, the conveyor arm 1240 is now translationally moved from the retracted position to the extended position, as shown in Fig. At the retracted position, the conveyor arm 1240 extends downwardly from the carrier 1230 to guide the dispensing tip 1246 to a position (a) centered between the needles 1202 and (b) at a location below the intersection of the needle beds .

Referring now to FIG. 18, the combination feeder 1220 moves along the rail 1203 and the yarn 1206 is disposed between the loops of the knitted component 1260. That is, yarn 1206 is positioned in front of some loops and behind other loops in an alternating pattern. Furthermore, the yarn 1206 is disposed in front of the loop held by the needle 1202 from one needle bed 1201, and the yarn 1206 is located in the rear of the loop held by the needle 1202 from the other needle bed . Note that the transfer arm 1240 remains in the extended position to inlay the yarn 1206 in the area below the intersection of the needle beds. This effectively positions the yarns 1206 in the end recently formed by the standard feeder 1204 of FIG.

To complete the inlay of yarn 1206 into the knitted component 1260, the standard feeder 1204 moves along the rail 1203, as shown in Figure 19, . By forming a new stage, the yarns 1206 are effectively knit or otherwise integrated into the structure of the knitted component 1260. In this stage, the carrier arm 1240 may also translate from the extended position to the retracted position.

Figures 18 and 19 illustrate the individual movements of the conveyors 1204 and 1220 along the rails 1203. 18 shows a first movement of the combination conveyor 1220 along the rail 1203 and Figure 19 shows a second subsequent movement of the standard conveyor 1204 along the rail 1203, . In many knitting processes, the conveyors 1204 and 1220 may effectively move to simultaneously inlay the yarns 1206 and form new ends from the yarns 1211. However, the combination feeder 1220 moves in front of or ahead of the standard feeder 1204 to position the yarn 1206 prior to the formation of a new end from the yarn 1211.

The general knitting process outlined in the above description may be such that the strands 158 of Figures 1 to 6 are located at the base portion 124, the outer portion 130, and / or the inner portion 132 of the upper 120 And provides an example of how to do it. More specifically, due to the reciprocating action of the carrier arm 1240, the strands 158 may be located in previously formed ends prior to the formation of the new ends.

Continuing with the knitting process, the transfer arm 1240 is now translationally moved from the retracted position to the extended position, as shown in FIG. As shown in Fig. 21, the combination feeder 1220 then moves along the rails 1203, and the yarns 1206 are disposed between the loops of the knitted component 1260. Fig. Which effectively positions the yarn 1206 in the end formed by the standard feeder 1204 shown in Fig. The standard feeder 1204 is moved along the rail 1203 to form a new yarn 1211 from the yarn 1211 to complete the inlaying of the yarn 1206 in the knitted component 1260 Thereby forming an end. By forming a new stage, the yarns 1206 are effectively knit or otherwise integrated into the structure of the knitted component 1260. In this stage, the carrier arm 1240 can also translate from the extended position to the retracted position.

Referring to Fig. 22, yarn 1206 forms a loop 1214 between the two inlaid sections. In the description of the pivots 159 and 160 of Figures 1-6, the strands 158 exit the passageway 162 and then enter another passageway 162 thereby forming the pivots 159 and 160 . Loop 1214 may be formed in a similar manner. That is, a loop 1214 may be formed in which yarn 1206 exits the knitted structure of the knitted component 1260 and then re-enters the knitted fabric structure.

Referring to Figure 23, the combination feeder 1220 moves along the rail 1203 while in the retracted position and forms an end of the knitted component 1260 while in the retracted position. Thus, by reciprocating the conveyor arm 1240 between the retracted and extended positions, the combined conveyor 1220 may feed the yarn 1206 for the purposes of knitting, tucking, floating, and inlay.

Additional embodiments of knitted components and upper

An additional embodiment of the knitted component 116 of the upper 220 is shown in FIG. Knitted component 116 and upper 220 may be substantially similar to knitted component 116 and upper 120 described above, except as noted.

The upper 220 may include an inner portion 232, a base portion 224 and a strand 258 extending alternately across the outer portion 230, similar to the embodiments described above. The strands 258 may also extend through one or more passageways 262. Passageway 262 may be formed on inner portion 132 and outer portion 130 and passageway 262 may be spaced from base portion 224. [

Thus, a longitudinal portion of the strand 258 extending across the base portion 224 can be exposed from the passage 262. These portions of the strands 258 may also be detached from and disengaged from the base portion 224. Thus, in some embodiments, these portions of the strands 258 may be free to attach directly to the sole structure 110.

12, in some embodiments, the passageway 262 may be configured to include a plurality of passageways 252, as shown in Figures 1 to 6, And may be V-shaped so as to be embedded in the additional passage 262 and surrounded.

In some additional embodiments, the knitted components may be connected along various edges configured to converge at different locations on the assembled upper. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper may include a single knit fabric element that extends around the foot and wraps the foot to cover under and over the wearer's foot. Various embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

Additional exemplary embodiments of the upper 320, the knitted component 316, and the footwear article 300, for example, are shown in Figs. 24-34. An exemplary method of the upper 320, the knitted component 316, and the footwear article 300 is also shown. Upper 320 and knitted component 316 may be substantially similar to the embodiments described above, except as described. As shown, the upper 320 may be substantially formed by the knitted component 316, but the upper 320 may include other components 316 in addition to the knitted component 316 without departing from the scope of the present invention. Structure or element.

For reference purposes, upper 320 may be divided into three general areas: forefoot region 311, middle foot region 312, and heel region 314. The forefoot region 311 generally includes a portion of the upper portion 320 corresponding to the anterior portion of the foot, including joints connecting the toes and metatarsal to the phalanges. The middle foot region 312 generally includes a portion of the upper portion 320 that corresponds to the middle portion of the foot, including the arch region. The heel region 314 generally includes a portion of the upper portion 320 that corresponds to the rear portion of the foot, including the heel and the calcaneus bone. The upper 320 includes an outer surface 315 that can extend through the forefoot region 311, middle foot region 312, and heel region 314 and that can correspond to opposite sides of the upper 320, Gt; 317 < / RTI > More specifically, the outer surface 315 may correspond to the outer region of the foot (i.e., the surface facing away from the other foot), and the inner surface 317 may correspond to the inner region of the foot (i.e., . The forefoot region 311, the midsole region 312, the heel region 314, the outer surface 315 and the inner surface 317 are not intended to delineate the precise region of the upper 320. Rather, the forefoot region 311, the midsole region 312, the heel region 314, the outer surface 315, and the inner surface 317 represent the general area of the footwear 320 for assistance in the following description. .

24-27, a knitted component of the upper 320 may include a base portion 324 or a strobing portion or a foot portion. The base portion 324 may, in some embodiments, be similarly shaped to the sole of the foot. In other embodiments, the base portion 324 may have a different shape. The base portion 324 may be configured to be disposed under the wearer's foot as described. In other words, the base portion 324 can be configured to overlap by the sole of the wearer's foot as described.

The knitted component 316 may also include one or more portions that extend from the base portion 324 adjacent the base portion 324. One or more of these adjacent portions may be integrally connected to the base portion 324 and may be formed in a single-piece knit structure with the base portion 324. [ Furthermore, these adjacent portions may form a cavity 322 in the upper portion 320 for receiving a wearer's foot in cooperation with the base portion 324. [

24-27, the knitted component 316 may include a heel portion 328 that at least partially defines a heel region 314 of the upper portion 320. In one embodiment, have. The knitted component 316 may also include an outer portion 330 that at least partially defines an outer surface 315 of the upper 320. Moreover, the knitted component 316 may include an inner portion 332 that at least partially defines an inner surface 317 of the upper 320. Additionally, the knitted component 316 may include a forefoot portion 334 that at least partially defines the forefoot region 311 of the upper portion 320. The heel portion 328, the outer portion 330, the inner portion 332 and the forefoot portion 334 may be formed in a single knit structure with the base portion 324 in some embodiments.

In addition, the knitted component 316 may include a throat portion 331. The throat portion 331 may be disposed between the outer portion 330 and the inner portion 332. In some embodiments, the throat portion 331 may be integrally attached to the outer portion 330, the inner portion 332, and / or the forefoot portion 334 and formed in a unitary knit fabric configuration therewith. In the illustrated embodiment shown, the component 316 can extend substantially continuously between the outer portion 330, the throat portion 331, and the inner portion 332. The throat portion 331 can be separated from the outer portion 330 and the inner portion 332 so that the throat portion 331 can be separated from the outer portion 330 and the inner portion 332, And includes a movable spoken part within the body.

Moreover, the knitted component 316 of the upper 320 may also include a collar 333 with a rim 313. The rim 313 may form an opening into the cavity 322 in the upper 320. The collar 333 and rim 313 are angled relative to the inner portion 332, the throat portion 331, the outer portion 330, and the heel portion 328, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. Can be continuously extended.

Similar to the embodiment described above with respect to Figures 1-6, the knitted component 316 may include a knitted fabric element 343 formed in a unitary knit structure. In some embodiments, the knit element 343 is substantially similar to the base portion 324, the heel portion 328, the outer portion 330, the inner portion 332, the forefoot portion 334, and / or the throat portion 331 can be formed.

The knitted component 316 may also include one or more tension strands coupled to the knitted fabric element 343. Any suitable number of stretch strands may be present and the strand (s) may extend across any portion of the knit fabric element 343. For example, in some embodiments, the knitted component 316 may include a first tensile strand 358 and a second tensile strand 359. The first tensioning strand 358 may be coupled to the outer portion 330 of the knitted component 316 to be disposed on the outer surface 315 of the upper portion 320. The second tensioning strand 359 may be joined to the inner portion 332 of the knitted component 316 to be disposed on the inner surface 317 of the upper portion 320. The first tensile strand 358 and / or the second tensile strand 359 may also be used in some embodiments in the heel portion 328 of the knitted component 316, the forefoot portion 334, and / or the base portion 324 ) And extend over them.

Moreover, first tensile strand 358 and second tensile strand 359 can be attached to knitted element 343 in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, first tensile strand 358 can be formed in a single-piece knit structure with outer portion 330 and second tensile strand 359 can be formed in a single-piece knit structure with inner portion 332 . For example, portions of the first tensile strand 358 and / or the second tensile strand 359 may be inlaid within at least one end of the knit element 343 and / or the nose. The first tensioning strand 358 and the other portion of the second tensioning strand 359 may be exposed from the knitted fabric element 343 and removed in a different manner. Additional details of the first tensile strand 358 and the second tensile strand 359 will be described in greater detail below in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

In addition, the knitted component 316 may include one or more seams 344, as in the embodiments described above with respect to FIGS. 1-6. The seam 344 may be formed at a location where two or more edges of the knitted component 316 are connected. The seam 344 can be formed in any suitable area of the upper 320 and extend over that area. For example, the seam 344 may include a first end 347 and a second end 349 and the seam 344 may be continuous between the first end 347 and the second end 349 You can extend it. The first end 347 of the seam 344 is generally located on the inner surface 317 or the outer surface 315 of the upper 320 in the rim 313 of the collar 333. In some embodiments, And the second end 349 may be generally disposed in the fore leg region 311 of the upper member 320. [ The seam 344 may also be curved across a different portion of the knitted component 316 as will be described in greater detail below.

As with the embodiments described above with respect to Figures 1-4, the seams 344 can be secured in a variety of ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the seam 344 can be secured using sewing, adhesive, tape, bonding, welding, fasteners, or other suitable attachment devices. In embodiments where the seam 344 is fixed by sewing, such a sewing may be independent of the sewing portion of the knitted component 316. [ Such a sewing can also be a zigzag sewing section or other suitable sewing section. In addition, the edges connected at the seam 344 can butt up against each other. In another embodiment, the edges may overlap one another at the seam 344.

28 and 29, the knit element 343 of the knitted component 316 will now be described in more detail in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The knitted fabric element 343 is shown in a plan view in the disassembled state in Figs. 28 and 29. As shown, the knitted fabric element 343 may be generally asymmetrical. The knit element 343 may also include an inner surface 321 as shown in Fig. 28 and an outer surface 323 as shown in Fig. The knit element 343 may also include a circumferential edge 339. The outer edge 339 may be formed by the first edge 340, the second edge 342, and the rim 313 of the collar 333. The first edge 340 and the second edge 342 may meet at the junction 337. Also, the first edge 340 and the rim 313 may meet at the first corner 335. The second edge 342 and the rim 313 may meet at the second corner 341. The first edge 340 may extend continuously between the abutment 337 and the first corner 335 and the second edge 342 may extend continuously between the abutment 337 and the second corner 341 And the rim 313 may extend continuously between the first corner 335 and the second corner 341. The rim 313 may extend continuously between the first corner 335 and the second corner 341, Furthermore, the first edge 340, the second edge 342, and / or the rim 313 may be curved in some embodiments.

The knitted fabric element 343 may have a single knit configuration to form a base portion 324, an outer portion 330, an inner portion 332, a throat portion 331, a heel portion 328, and a forefoot portion 334 . The first side 390 of the base portion 324 may be formed by the first edge 340 of the knitted fabric element 343. The outer portion 330, the throat portion 331 and the inner portion 332 may extend from the second side 391 of the base portion 324. The second side 391 of the base portion 324 may face the first side 390. 28, the outer portion 330 may extend away from the base portion 324 and away from the first edge 340. As shown in FIG. Furthermore, the throat portion 331 may extend away from the outer portion 330 and away from the base portion 324. The inner portion 332 may extend away from the throat portion 331 and away from the outer portion 330 and the inner portion 332 may terminate at the second edge 342. [

As shown in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 28, the forefoot 334 can be disposed on the knitted fabric element 343 such that the forefoot 334 is attached to a second edge 342 adjacent the abutment 337 As shown in FIG. Also, the forefoot portion 334 can be bounded by the inner portion 332, the outer portion 330, and the throat portion 331. Furthermore, the heel portion 328 may be partially formed by the first edge 340 and partially formed by the rim 313 adjacent the first corner 335.

The inner surface 321 of the knitted fabric element 324 in the heel portion 328 may have a three-dimensional concave curvature as shown in Fig. As such, the heel portion 328 of the knit element 324 can form the heel cavity 348. It will be appreciated that other portions of the knit element 324 may also have a three-dimensional curvature in additional embodiments and may form respective cavities.

28, the collar 333 may extend continuously between the first edge 340 and the second edge 342. The collar 333 may extend continuously between the first edge 340 and the second edge 342, as shown in FIG. Further, the collar 333 may extend from the inner portion 332, the throat portion 331, the outer portion 330, and the heel portion 328.

The knit element 343 may also include two or more regions having different characteristics. For example, some areas of the knit element 343 may have a greater degree of elasticity than other areas due to the density of the stitches in the area, or due to other reasons, due to the type of yarn used in each area have. Further, some portions of the knit element 343 may be substantially continuous, while other regions may include a plurality of openings. For example, as shown in FIG. 28, the base portion 324 may include a plurality of openings 352. The opening 352 may be arranged in a pattern such that the base portion 324 has a mesh-like contour. In some embodiments, the base portion 324 may have a 4 x 4 knit mesh pattern forming an opening 352. 28, the base portion 324 may include a boundary 353 that surrounds the opening 352. In addition, as shown in FIG. The boundary 353 may have a relatively smooth continuous contour. It will be appreciated that the opening 352 may reduce the weight of the knitted fabric element 343. The opening 352 may also reduce the surface area of the base portion 324 that attaches to the sole structure 310. As such, the bending of the base portion 324 and / or the sole structure 310 can be increased. It will also be appreciated that other regions of the knit element 343 may include the openings 352 and / or the boundaries 353 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Moreover, the knitted component 316 may include a first tensile strand 358 and a second tensile strand 359 that are coupled to the knit fabric element 343. Exemplary embodiments of first tensile strand 358 and second tensile strand 359 will now be described in greater detail.

28 and 29, the first tensile strand 358 may include a first end 361 and a second end 363. The first end 361 and the second end 363 may all be disposed adjacent the first edge 340. The first end 361 and the second end 363 may also be spaced apart from one another along the first edge 340. Between the first end 361 and the second end 363 a first tensile strand 358 may extend forward and backward and alternate between the first edge 340 and the throat 331. Thus, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of Figures 28 and 29, the first tensioning strand 358 extends across the base portion 324, the outer portion 330, and the heel portion 328 And can be coupled to these.

More specifically, first tensioning strand 358 may include a plurality of attachment portions 365 attached to knitted fabric element 343 and extending between first edge 340 and throat portion 331. In some embodiments, the attachment portion 365 may be inlaid within the end or nose of the knit element 343 as described above. The attachment portion 365 may extend across the first edge 340. Moreover, the attachment portions 365 can be spaced from each other with respect to the first edge 340. An exemplary first attachment portion is indicated generally at 366 in FIGS. 28 and 9, and a representative second attachment portion is indicated at 368.

The first tensile strand 358 may also include a plurality of exposed portions 367 extending along the first edge 340 and between adjacent pairs of attachment portions 365. The exposed portion 367 can be exposed and removed from the knitted fabric element 343. By way of example, FIGS. 28 and 29 include representative third exposed portions indicated at 364. As shown, the third exposed portion 364 extends continuously between the first attachment portion 366 and the second attachment portion 368. Also, the third exposed portion 364 may extend generally along the first edge 340 between the first attachment portion 366 and the second attachment portion 368.

The second tensile strand 359 may include a first end 371 and a second end 373. The first end 371 and the second end 373 may be disposed adjacent the second edge 342. The first end 371 and the second end 373 may also be spaced apart from each other along the second edge 342. The second tensile strand 359 can also extend forward and backward and alternate between the second edge 342 and the throat portion 331. The second tensile strand 359 has a plurality of spaced apart attachment portions 375 and a respective pair of attachment portions 375 extending transversely to the second edge 342, And a plurality of exposed portions 377 extending along the second edge 343 therebetween. 28 and 29, the second tensile strand 359 can extend across the inner portion 332 and can be coupled thereto. As shown in FIG.

The assembly of knitted component 316, upper 320, and footwear article 300 will now be described. The knitted component 316 may be formed in detail through the knitting process described above. As such, the knitted component 316 may include a knit fabric element 343, a first tensile strand 358, and a second tensile strand 359, as shown in Figs. 28 and 29.

30, the first edge 340 and / or the second edge 342 may be moved toward one another to provide a knitted component 316 having a three-dimensional curvature . For example, in some embodiments depicted in FIGS. 30 and 31, a knitted component 316 may be supported on a support member 369 to facilitate this assembly process. As shown, the support member 369 can be shaped similarly to an anatomical foot and can be referred to as a "last. &Quot; The base portion 324 can be stacked below the support member 369 and the support member 369 can be received within the heel cavity 348 of the knitted component 316. [ In some embodiments, the knitted component 316 may be temporarily secured to the support member 369 along the first edge 340 using a pin or other fastener.

30, the inner portion 332, the forefoot portion 334, and the throat portion 331 are pulled up and on the support member 369 to form a knitted component 316 Substantially surrounds the support member 369. [ In other words, the inner portion 332 can be moved adjacent to the first side 390 of the base portion 324 and the second corner 341 can be moved adjacent to the first corner 335, The second edge 342 may be moved adjacent the first edge 340. As such, the knitted component 316 can form a cavity 322 primarily in the upper portion 320. The second edge 342 may also be temporarily secured to the support member 369 at this location using a pin or other fastener.

Thereafter, a seam 344 may be formed by joining the first edge 340 of the knitted component 316 and the second edge 342. The first edge 340 may be connected to the second edge 342 in any suitable manner, such as sewing, adhesive, fasteners, or other attachment devices. As shown in the embodiment of Fig. 32, for example, the seam 344 is formed by a sewing portion 379. Fig. The sewing portion 379 may be manually included or may be formed automatically. The stitching portion 379 may be included in any suitable pattern such as a cross stitch or other type. Further, the sewing portion 379 may be added in a direction extending from the abutment portion 337 to the rim 313 as shown in Fig. The sewing portion 379 may also be added in the opposite direction in some embodiments.

Once the first edge 340 and the second edge 342 are connected by the stitching portion 379, the knitted component 316 may have a sock shaped configuration, It can substantially cover, accommodate, and enclose the member 369. Also, in this configuration, the knitted component 316 may form an upper 320 for the footwear article 300. In other embodiments, additional bodies, members, logos, tags, or other objects may be added to the knitted component 316 to form the upper 320.

Once the knitted component 316 has been assembled, the first end 347 of the seam 344 is positioned on the inner side of the rim 313 of the collar 333, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. RTI ID = 0.0 > 317 < / RTI > The first corner 335 and the second corner 341 of the knitted fabric element 343 may also meet to form the first end 347 of the seam 344. The first portion 381 of the seam 344 may extend downwardly from the first end 347 toward the inner surface 317 toward the base portion 324 in the vertical direction. The second portion 382 of the seam 344 may extend continuously from the first portion 381 and extend forwardly in the longitudinal direction toward the frontal portion 334. Further, the second portion 382 may be disposed between the inner portion 332 and the base portion 324, and may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional curved. Furthermore, the third portion 383 may extend continuously from the second portion 382 and toward and away from the base portion 324. [ The fourth portion 384 of the seam 344 may extend continuously from the third portion 383 toward the outer portion 330 along the forefoot region 311 in a lateral direction and the fourth portion 384 of the seam 344 The fourth portion 384 may terminate at the second end 349. It is further noted that the abutment 337 can be the second end 348 of the seam 344. [

With this arrangement, an exemplary embodiment of the seam 344 may assist in providing improved comfort and / or fit of the footwear article 300 for the wearer's foot. For example, the first end 347 and the first portion 381 of the seam 344 may extend along the inner surface 317 of the upper 320. In other words, the seam 344 may be spaced from the heel region 314 of the upper 320 and the heel region 314 may be substantially seamless. As such, the upper 320 may be placed closer to the wearer's heel to support it. Also, the upper 320 is less likely to rub against the wearer's heel uncomfortably.

Moreover, the second portion 382 of the seam 344 may have an arcuate curvature configured to substantially nest with the anatomical arch of the wearer's foot. As such, the wearer is less likely to touch the seam 344 directly during walking, running, or jumping. Thus, the upper part 320 can better support the wearer ' s foot, and the upper part 320 is more likely to be comfortable to the wearer.

Additionally, once the upper 320 has been assembled, the sole structure 310 may be attached to the knitted component 316 as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34. The sole structure 310 may be of any suitable type and the sole structure 310 may be laminated and attached on the base portion 324 of the knitted component 316. For example, the sole structure 310 may include one or more features that increase the flexibility of the sole structure 310 and footwear 300. These features may include recesses, grooves, sipes, areas that are thinner than the surrounding area or other openings in the sole structure 310. As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the sole structure 310 may include one or more bending grooves 303 that increase the flexibility of the sole structure 310. The flexure groove 303 may extend between the inner surface 317 and the outer surface 315 in some embodiments.

As described above, the interface 353 of the base portion 324 may provide a suitable surface for attachment to the sole structure 310. The area of the base portion 324 surrounded by the boundary portion 353 may also be attached to the sole structure 310. [ The sole structure 310 may be attached using adhesives, fasteners, or other attachment devices. Additionally, in some embodiments, the sole structure 310 may cover at least a portion of the seam 344. For example, the sole structure 310 may cover a portion of the second portion 382 and the third portion 383 of the seam 344. The seam 344 can be substantially concealed by the sole structure 310 so that the upper 320 is substantially continuous.

Furthermore, as described, the base portion 324 of the upper portion 320 may include one or more openings 352. The area of the base portion 324 between the openings 352 may also be attached to the sole structure 310. [ For example, in the embodiment depicted in Figure 34, the sole structure 310 may be joined to an area between the base portions 324. Further, in some embodiments, the support member 369 may include a surface that is less likely to be joined to the sole structure 310. [ For example, the support member 369 may be at least partially fabricated from TEFLON ^TM or other suitable material that is less likely to bond to the sole structure 310 when the sole structure 310 is attached to the upper 320.

The exposed portion 367 of the first tensile strand 358 and the exposed portion 377 of the second tensile strand 359 can extend along the seam 344, Lt; / RTI > In some embodiments, the stitching portion 379 may retain and hold the exposed portion 367 of the first tensile strand 358 and the exposed portion 377 of the second tensile strand 359. Accordingly, the first tensile strand 358 and the second tensile strand 359 can be retained in predetermined positions relative to the knitted fabric element 343. [

Once the upper 320 is assembled, the attachment 365 of the first extension strand 358 is substantially perpendicular to the attachment 375 and seam 344 of the second extension strand 359, . This alignment can make the upper 320 more aesthetically pleasing because both the outer surface 315 and the inner surface 317 can appear substantially simultaneously. First tensile strand 358 and second tensile strand 359 can also generally support corresponding areas of outer surface 315 and inner surface 317 for greater comfort and performance.

The seam 344 may form a boundary between the inner portion 332 of the knitted component 316 and the base portion 324, as evidenced by the above description. The seam 344 may also form a boundary between the forefoot 334 of the knitted component 316 and the base portion 324. It will be appreciated, however, that the seam 344 can bisect any individual portion of the knitted component 316. For example, the seam 344 may divide the base portion 324 into two or more subdivisions in some embodiments. Similarly, the seam 344 can bisect other portions of the knitted component 316 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Further, the knitted component 316 may be configured such that the seam 344 extends downwardly from the rim 313 toward the base portion 324 at the outer surface 315 of the upper 320, without departing from the scope of the present invention Lt; / RTI > In these embodiments, the heel region 314 may be free of seams. As such, upper 320 may be comfortable to wear and provide support to the wearer ' s heel, as described above.

In some additional embodiments, the knitted component may also be configured such that the joint extends across another area of the upper. For example, one end of the seam may extend along the back surface of the heel in some embodiments. Also, in some embodiments, the tensile strands may be arranged with respect to the sole structure to enhance certain characteristics of the footwear. For example, the tension strands may be arranged with respect to the sole structure to support flexion of the footwear and / or enhance the beauty of the footwear.

For example, additional exemplary embodiments of the footwear article 400 are shown in accordance with the present invention. In some embodiments, the footwear article 400 may be substantially similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 24-34, except as described below.

35 and 36, the upper 420 may include a knitted component 416 having a knitted fabric element 443. The knitted fabric element 443 includes a base portion 424, a heel portion 428, an outer portion 430, an inner portion 432, a forefoot 434 ), A throat portion 431, and a rim 413 can be formed.

36, the seam 444 of the knitted component 416 is located between the outer surface 415 and the inner surface 417 of the upper 420 and the rim of the heel region 414, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 413 < / RTI > The first portion 481 of the seam 444 may extend downwardly from the first end 447 toward the base portion 424. The second portion 482 of the joint 444 may extend longitudinally from the first portion 481 toward the forefoot portion 434 as shown in Fig. The rest of the seam 444 may be similar to the embodiment shown in Figs. 24-34.

Thus, the seam 444 of the knitted component 416 may divide the heel 424 of the knitted component 416 into a plurality of portions in some embodiments. More specifically, the heel portion 424 of the knitted component 416 may include a first portion 487 and a second portion 489 disposed on opposite sides of the seam 444. In other words, the first portion 487 and the second portion 489 may be connected at the seam 444 and cooperate to form the heel portion 424 of the knitted component 416. It will be appreciated that other regions of the knitted component 416 may be similarly split by the seam 444. [

Further, as shown in FIG. 37, the knitted component 416 may include one or more three-dimensional curved surfaces. For example, the first portion 487 of the heel portion 424 may have a respective surface having a three-dimensional curvature, and the second portion 489 may have a surface having a three-dimensional curvature. The degree of curvature may be less than the curvature of the heel cavity 348 shown in Fig. It will also be appreciated that other portions of the knitted component 416 may include a three-dimensional curved surface.

Moreover, as in the embodiment of Figs. 24-34, first tension strand 458 and second tension strand 459 may include one or more portions that are substantially aligned with opposite sides of the seam 444 . For example, portions 465 of the first tensile strands 458 and portions 475 of the second tensile strands 459 may be substantially aligned across the seams 444. Other portions of the first tensile strand 458 may similarly align with respective portions of the second tensile strand 459 across the seam 444. [

The first tensile strand 458 and the second tensile strand 459 may also be disposed at predetermined positions relative to the sole structure 410. For example, as shown in FIG. 38, the bending grooves 403 may overlap and be aligned vertically with portions of the first tensile strand 458 and portions 475 of the second tensile strand 459 . As such, flexure groove 403 can provide increased flexibility to footwear 400 and first and second tensile strands 458 and 459 can be provided in the region above flexure groove 403 Thereby providing increased support. Moreover, this alignment can improve the aesthetics of the footwear 400.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. The individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are not generally limited to a particular embodiment but may be used in selected embodiments, if applicable, interchangeably, and not specifically shown or described. These individual elements or features may also be modified in a number of ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as departures from the present invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

100: Footwear 110: Sole structure
112: Middle 114: Outsole
116: knitted component 120: upper
121: inner surface 122:
123: outer surface 124: base portion

Claims (29)

Footwear goods:
Sole structure; And
An upper portion coupled to the sole structure,
Wherein the upper comprises a medial side and a lateral side, the upper comprising a knitted component formed in a unitary knit structure, the knitted component comprising a first edge and a second edge, And a second edge, the knitted component comprising:
A base portion configured to be disposed adjacent to and below the foot structure;
A heel portion, a forefoot portion, an inside portion, and an outside portion formed by the base portion and the single knit structure, respectively; And
A collar extending from at least one of the inner side and the outer side and having a rim,
, ≪ / RTI >
Wherein the second edge is connected to the first edge at one seam of the knitted component to receive the base portion, the heel portion, the front foot portion, the inner portion, and the outer foot portion To form a joint to form a joint,
The seam having a first end and a second end, the first end being located in the rim of the collar on one of the inner and outer sides of the upper, and the second end being spaced from the first end Footwear goods. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the seam comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion extending downwardly from the first end toward the base portion, the second portion extending continuously from the first portion And extends toward the front foot portion. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the upper comprises a forefoot region formed at least partially by the forefoot of the knitted component,
The second end of the seam being located in the forefoot region adjacent the outer surface,
Wherein the seam further comprises a third portion and a fourth portion,
Wherein the first portion extends downwardly from the first end toward the base portion and the second portion continuously extends from the first portion toward the forehead region between the base portion and the inner portion, 3 part extending continuously upwardly away from the base part from the second part and the fourth part extending continuously from the third part along the forehead area and ending at the second end of the seam Footwear goods. 4. The article of footwear of claim 3, wherein the second portion of the seam has an arcuate curvature configured to overlap with an anatomical arch of the foot contained within the cavity. 2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the upper comprises a pawl region formed at least partially by a forefoot of the knitted component, and a second end of the joint is located in the forefoot region. The knitted fabric of claim 1, wherein the knitted component comprises a knit fabric element and a tensile strand formed in a unitary knit configuration with the knit fabric element, the knit fabric element comprising a base portion, a heel portion, Said inner portion and said outer portion, said tensile strand comprising a first portion extending along said knit fabric element towards said seam, said tensile strand comprising a second portion aligned with said seam Footwear goods. 7. The knitted fabric of claim 6 wherein said first portion is inlaid within said knit fabric element and said second portion is exposed from said knit fabric element and wherein said tension strand further comprises a third portion that is inlaid within said knit fabric element And the second portion continuously extends between the first portion and the third portion. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the knitted component comprises a knit fabric element, a first tensile strand formed of a single knit structure with the knit fabric element, and a second tensile strand formed of a single knit structure with the knit fabric element, Wherein the tensile strand comprises a first portion extending transversely to the seam and the second tensile strand comprises a second portion extending transversely to the seam, Wherein the first portion and the second portion are disposed on opposite sides of the seam, wherein the first portion and the second portion are aligned. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the sole structure comprises a flex groove, the first portion and the second portion are longitudinally aligned with one another, And is aligned in a vertical direction. The article of footwear of claim 1 wherein the base portion includes a plurality of openings and the base portion includes a continuous boundary surrounding the plurality of openings. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the knitted component further comprises a throat area formed between the inner portion and the heel portion, wherein the throat region is located on both the outer and inner surfaces of the upper And wherein the article is integrally attached to the article and is formed in a single-piece knitted fabric configuration. A knitted component configured to form an upper for a footwear article configured to be attached to a sole structure comprising:
A base portion having a first side at least partially defined by a first edge of the knitted component, the base portion being configured to be disposed adjacent to the sole structure;
A heel portion and a front leg portion formed as a unitary knitted fabric structure with the base portion; And
The inner side portion and the outer side portion extending from the second side surface of the base portion, the second side surface facing from the first side surface, and one of the inner side portion and the outer side portion is formed by the second edge of the knitted component The inner and outer sides being at least partially formed
The second edge positioned adjacent one of the inner side and the outer side adjacent the first side of the base portion and the other of the inner side and the outer side adjacent the second side of the base portion And wherein the second edge is configured to be connected to the first edge at one joint to position the base, the heel, the front foot, the inner portion, The second edge being configured to be coupled to the first edge to cooperatively define a second edge. 13. The knitted component of claim 12, wherein at least one of the heel portion and the forefoot portion comprises a surface having a three-dimensional curvature forming a cavity. 14. The knitted component of claim 13, wherein the heel comprises a surface having a three-dimensional curvature for forming a heel cavity. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a collar having a rim configured to define an opening into the cavity, wherein the first edge and the second edge are configured to be connected at a first end of the seam, Is disposed in the rim of the collar. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising a knitted fabric element and a stretch strand, wherein the knit fabric element forms the base portion, the forefoot portion, the heel portion, the inner portion, and the outer portion, Wherein the tension strand comprises a first portion extending along the knit element towards one of the first and second edges and wherein the tension strand comprises a first portion extending from the first edge to the first edge, And a second portion that is aligned with one of the second edges. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first portion is inlaid within the knit fabric element, the second portion is exposed from the knit fabric element, and the tensioning strand further comprises a third portion that is inlaid within the knit fabric element, And the second portion is disposed between the first portion and the third portion. 13. The method of claim 12 further comprising a knit fabric element, a first tensile strand, and a second tensile strand,
Wherein the knitted fabric element defines the base portion, the forefoot portion, the heel portion, the inner portion and the outer portion,
Wherein the first tensile strand and the second tensile strand are formed in a unitary knit structure with the knitted fabric element,
Wherein the first tensile strand comprises a first portion extending transversely to the first edge and the second tensile strand comprises a second portion extending transversely to the second edge, And said second portion is configured to be disposed on opposite sides of said seam and aligned with each other. CLAIMS What is claimed is:
Knitting a knitted component formed of a unitary knit structure,
A base portion having a first side at least partially defined by a first edge of the knitted component;
A heel portion and a front leg portion formed as a unitary knitted fabric structure with the base portion; And
An inner portion extending from the second side surface of the base portion,
Wherein the second side is opposite from the first side and one of the inner and outer sides is formed at least partially by a second edge of the knitted component, To do;
The second edge being positioned adjacent the first side of the base portion and the other of the inner portion and the outer portion adjacent the second side of the base portion, Moving towards the first edge;
And a second joint configured to connect the second edge to the first edge at one seam of the knitted component and to receive the base portion, the heel portion, the front foot portion, the inner portion, To cooperatively form; And
Forming an upper of the article of footwear from the knitted component, wherein the upper comprises an inner surface formed at least partially by the inner portion of the knitted component, the upper portion of the outer portion of the knitted component Forming an upper which also comprises at least a partially formed outer surface
≪ / RTI > 20. The method of claim 19, wherein knitting the knitted component comprises forming a collar of the knitted component, the collar including a rim,
Connecting said second edge to said first edge includes causing said rim to form an opening into said cavity, said seam having a first end and a second end, Wherein the first end is located in the rim of the collar on one of the inner and outer surfaces and the second end is spaced from the first end. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein knitting the knitted component comprises forming a collar of the knitted component, the collar including a rim,
Wherein forming the upper comprises forming the upper to include a heel region between the inner and outer sides of the upper,
Connecting said second edge to said first edge includes causing said rim to form an opening into said cavity, said seam having a first end and a second end, Wherein said first end is located at a rim of said collar on said heel region between an inner side and an outer side and said second end is spaced from said first end. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the inner portion is at least partially defined by a second edge of the knitted component, and the outer portion is adjacent a second side of the base portion. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising attaching the sole structure to the knitted component such that the sole structure is adjacent the base portion of the knitted component. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein connecting the second edge to the first edge in the seam comprises forming a seam having a first end, a first portion, and a second portion, Wherein the first portion extends downwardly from the first end toward the base portion and the second portion continuously extends from the first portion toward the forehead portion. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein connecting the second edge to the first edge in the seam
Forming a forefoot region of the upper in at least a portion of the forefoot of the knitted component;
Forming a second end of the seam in the forefoot region adjacent the outer surface; And
Forming seams in the first portion, the second portion, the third portion, and the fourth portion
Wherein the first portion extends downwardly from the first end toward the base portion and the second portion extends continuously from the first portion toward the forehead between the base portion and the inner portion , The third portion extending continuously from the second portion upwardly away from the base portion and the fourth portion extending continuously from the third portion along the forefoot region and extending from the second end of the seam And terminating the process. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein connecting the second edge to the first edge in the seam comprises forming a second portion of the seam having an arcuate curvature configured to overlap with an anatomical arch of the foot contained within the cavity ≪ / RTI > 20. The method of claim 19, wherein knitting the knitted component comprises knitting a knitted component having a knit element and a tensioned strand formed of a single knit structure with the knit element, the knit element comprising: Wherein said step of forming said heel portion, said front foot portion, said inner portion, and said outer portion, and connecting said second edge to said first edge at said seam, 1 < / RTI > portion of the tensile strand and aligning the second portion of the tensile strand with the seam. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein knitting the knitted component
Inlaying a first portion of the tensile strand within the knit fabric element;
Leaving the second portion of the tensile strand with the sieve exposed from the knit fabric element; And
Inlaying a third portion of the tensile strand within the knit fabric element
Wherein the second portion continuously extends between the first portion and the third portion. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein knitting the knitted component comprises: providing a knitted fabric element, a first stretch strand formed of a single knit structure with the knit fabric element, and a second stretch strand formed of a single- Wherein connecting the second edge to the first edge in the seam comprises aligning a first portion of the first tensile strand with a second portion of the second tensile strand Wherein the first portion of the first tensile strand and the second portion of the second tensile strand are disposed on opposite sides of the seam and extend transverse to the seam.

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