TWI602520B - Article of footwear incorporating a knitted component with monofilament areas - Google Patents

Description

An article of footwear comprising a woven component having one of a plurality of monofilament areas

Conventional footwear articles generally comprise two main components, an upper and a sole structure. The upper is secured to the sole structure and forms a space within the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. The sole structure is secured to a lower region of the upper for positioning between the upper and the ground. For example, in athletic footwear, the sole structure can include a midsole and an outsole. The midsole typically contains a polymeric foam material that attenuates ground reaction forces to relieve stress on the feet and legs during walking, running, and other walking activities. Additionally, the midsole may comprise a fluid-filled chamber, plate, damper or other element that further attenuates forces, enhances stability, or affects movement of the foot. The outsole is secured to a 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 an insole positioned within the space and adjacent one of the lower surfaces of the foot to enhance footwear comfort.

The upper extends generally over the back and toe regions of the foot, along the inside and outside of the foot, below the foot and around the heel region of the foot. In some articles of footwear, such as basketball footwear and boots, the upper may extend up and around the ankle to provide support or protection for the ankle. In general, the space on the inside of the upper is accessed by one of the ankle openings in one of the heel regions of the footwear. A lacing system is typically incorporated into the upper to adjust the fit of the upper, thereby allowing the foot to enter and extend from the space within the upper. The lacing system also allows the wearer to modify the specific size of the upper (specifically, the circumference) to use The same size adapts to the foot. Additionally, the upper may include one of the tongues extending below the lacing system to enhance the adjustability of the footwear, and the upper may be incorporated into a heel back to limit movement of the heel.

Various material elements (eg, fabrics, polymer foams, polymer sheets, leather, synthetic leather) are conventionally used in the manufacture of uppers. For example, in athletic footwear, the upper may have multiple layers, each layer containing various joined material elements. As an example, the material elements can be selected to impart stretch resistance, abrasion resistance, flexibility, breathability, compressibility, comfort, and moisture wicking properties to different regions of the upper. In order to impart different properties to different regions of the upper, the material elements are typically cut into the desired shape and then joined together typically by stitching or bonding. Furthermore, the material elements are typically joined together in a layered structure to impart multiple properties to the same area. As the number and type of material elements incorporated into the upper increases, the time and expense associated with transporting, storing, cutting, and joining the material components can also increase. Waste from the cutting and stitching process also accumulates to a greater extent as the number and type of material elements incorporated into the upper increases. Moreover, uppers having a greater number of material elements can be more difficult to recycle than uppers formed from fewer types and numbers of material elements. Therefore, by reducing the number of material elements utilized in the upper, waste can be reduced while increasing the manufacturing efficiency and recyclability of the upper.

Various configurations of an article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. One of the woven components of the upper includes one or more monofilament areas. The monofilament regions are formed from a unitary knit construction having the remainder of the knit assembly.

In one aspect, the present invention provides an article of footwear having an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper, the upper comprising a woven component, the woven component comprising: one of the woven components a portion, which is formed by a first yarn, which is a natural or synthetic warp-twist fiber yarn; at least one monofilament region disposed on the braided component, the at least one monofilament region being comprised of a single a wire formation; wherein the at least one monofilament region is formed from a unitary knit construction having the first portion of the braided component such that the braided component is A single piece of components.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an article of footwear having an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper, the upper comprising a woven component, the woven component comprising: a knit element Included as a first yarn, the knit element defining a portion of an outer surface of the upper and an opposing inner surface of the upper, the inner surface defining a space for receiving a foot, the first yarn Is a natural or synthetic warp-twist fiber yarn; and at least one monofilament region consisting of two woven layers, the two woven layers overlapping and at least partially coextensive with each other, each woven layer comprising a monofilament thread; At least one monofilament area is formed from a unitary knit construction having the knit element such that the knit assembly is a one-piece element.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an article of footwear having an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper, the upper comprising a woven component, the woven component comprising: one of the woven components The first part is formed by a first yarn which is a natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn; a second part of the braided component, which is formed by a monofilament thread, wherein the second portion has The first portion of the unitary knit construction is formed such that the knit assembly is a one-piece member; and a pad tensile member extends through the knit assembly, including at least a portion of the first portion and a portion of the second portion .

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent or become apparent to those skilled <RTIgt; All such additional systems, methods, features and advantages are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention and are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

10‧‧‧Forefoot Area

12‧‧‧ midfoot area

14‧‧‧Heel area

16‧‧‧ outside

18‧‧‧ inside

100‧‧‧Shoes/objects

110‧‧‧Sole structure

112‧‧‧ outsole

120‧‧‧ vamp

121‧‧‧ outer surface

122‧‧‧ inner surface

123‧‧‧sole collar

129‧‧‧ stitching

130‧‧‧Weaving components

140‧‧‧ throat opening/ankle opening

150‧‧‧ Instep area

152‧‧‧ tongue part

153‧‧‧lace aperture

154‧‧‧lace

160‧‧‧monofilament area

162‧‧‧ inside the monofilament part

164‧‧‧Forefoot monofilament part

166‧‧‧Outer monofilament part

200‧‧‧ rear inner boundary

202‧‧‧ front inner boundary

204‧‧‧ top inner boundary

206‧‧‧ bottom inner boundary

208‧‧‧Back front foot border

209‧‧‧ Front forefoot boundary

210‧‧‧After the outer boundary

212‧‧‧ Front outer border

214‧‧‧ top outer boundary

216‧‧‧ bottom outer boundary

500‧‧‧ base

600‧‧‧ outer perimeter edge

602‧‧‧ heel edge

700‧‧‧Yarn

701‧‧‧Mono wire

800‧‧‧Shoes/objects

820‧‧‧ vamp

821‧‧‧ outer surface

822‧‧‧ inner surface

823‧‧‧Sole collar

829‧‧‧ stitching

830‧‧‧Weaving components

831‧‧‧Knitted components

832‧‧‧Sheath tensile element

840‧‧‧ throat opening

850‧‧‧ Instep area

852‧‧‧ tongue part

853‧‧‧lace aperture

860‧‧‧monofilament area

862‧‧ ‧ inside the monofilament part

864‧‧‧Forefoot monofilament part

866‧‧‧Outer monofilament part

868‧‧‧Heel monofilament part

900‧‧‧The inner boundary of the rear

902‧‧‧ front inner boundary

904‧‧‧ top inner boundary

906‧‧‧ bottom inner boundary

908‧‧‧Back front foot border

909‧‧‧ Front forefoot border

910‧‧‧ rear outer boundary

912‧‧‧ Front outer border

914‧‧‧ top outer boundary

916‧‧‧ bottom outer boundary

920‧‧‧Top heel border

922‧‧‧ bottom heel border

1200‧‧‧ base

1300‧‧‧Top forefoot perimeter edge

1302‧‧‧Top side perimeter edge

1304‧‧ ‧ inner heel edge

1306‧‧‧Folding point

1310‧‧‧ bottom forefoot perimeter edge

1312‧‧‧ Bottom side perimeter edge

1314‧‧‧ outer heel edge

1400‧‧‧First monofilament thread

1401‧‧‧Second monofilament thread

1402‧‧‧Natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn

1403‧‧‧Natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn

1600‧‧‧First latitude

1602‧‧‧second latitude

1604‧‧‧ third latitude

1606‧‧‧ fourth latitude

1700‧‧‧ Cycle diagram

D1‧‧‧First distance

D2‧‧‧Second distance

D3‧‧‧ third distance

D4‧‧‧ fourth distance

D5‧‧‧ fifth distance

D6‧‧‧ sixth distance

The invention will be better understood by reference to the drawings and description. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, the Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals are used throughout the

1 is an isometric view of one exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear incorporating one of a braided components having a monofilament area; 2 is an inside side view of one exemplary embodiment incorporating an article of footwear having one of the monofilament regions; FIG. 3 is an exemplary implementation incorporating an article of footwear having one of the monofilament regions. 1 is an external side view; FIG. 4 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment incorporating an article of footwear having one of the monofilament regions; FIG. 5 is an article of footwear along the line shown in FIG. A cross-sectional view of one exemplary embodiment; FIG. 6 is a top plan view of one exemplary embodiment of a braided component having a monofilament region; and FIG. 7 is a braided component having a monofilament region including an enlarged view of an exemplary braided structure A top view of an exemplary embodiment; FIG. 8 is an isometric view of one exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear incorporating one of a variety of monofilament regions; FIG. 9 is incorporated with various monofilament regions One of the exemplary embodiments of one of the article of footwear of one of the knitted components; FIG. 10 is an outer side view of an exemplary embodiment incorporating an article of footwear having one of the various monofilament regions; FIG. Department incorporated into various A top view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear of one of the monofilament regions; FIGS. 12A-12C are exemplary implementations of an article of footwear along a different portion of the section line shown in FIG. A cross-sectional view of an example; FIG. 13 is a top plan view of one exemplary embodiment of a knit assembly having various monofilament regions; and FIG. 14 is an illustration of a knit assembly having various monofilament regions including an enlarged view of an exemplary knit structure. a top view of an embodiment; FIGS. 15A-15C are along different portions of the section line according to the embodiment shown in FIG. A cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a braided component; FIG. 16A is an enlarged view of one of an exemplary embodiment of a braided component comprising a tensile element; and FIG. 16B is a braided component comprising a tensile element An enlarged view of one of the alternative embodiments; and Figure 17 is a representation of one of the cycle diagrams for weaving a woven structure.

The following discussion and the accompanying drawings disclose various concepts related to the manufacture of woven components and woven components. While a woven component can be used in a variety of products, an article of footwear incorporating one or more of the woven components is disclosed below as an example. 1 through 17 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear incorporating an woven component that includes one or more monofilament regions formed from a unitary woven construction having the remainder of the woven component. The individual features of any of the braided components described herein may be used in combination or may be provided separately in different configurations for the article of footwear. Additionally, any of these features may be optional and may be included in any particular embodiment of a braided component.

1 through 4 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear 100 (also referred to simply as article 100). In some embodiments, the article of footwear 100 can include a sole structure 110 and an upper 120. Although the article 100 is illustrated as having a general structure suitable for running, the concept associated with the article 100 can be applied to a variety of other athletic footwear types including, for example, soccer shoes, baseball shoes, basketball shoes, cycling shoes, Football shoes, tennis shoes, training shoes, walking shoes and hiking boots. These concepts can also be applied to footwear types that are generally considered non-sports, including sneakers, loafers, sandals and work boots. Thus, the concepts disclosed with respect to object 100 can be applied to a variety of footwear types.

For reference purposes, the article 100 can be divided into three general zones: a forefoot zone 10, a midfoot zone 12, and a heel zone 14, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3. The forefoot region 10 generally includes portions of the article 100 corresponding to the toes and joints connecting the tibia and phalanges. Midfoot The region 12 generally includes a portion of the article 100 corresponding to one of the arcuate regions of the foot. The heel region 14 generally corresponds to the posterior portion of the foot (including the calcaneus). The article 100 also includes an outer side 16 and an inner side 18 that extend through each of the forefoot region 10, the midfoot region 12, and the heel region 14 and correspond to opposite sides of the article 100. More specifically, the outer side 16 corresponds to one of the outer regions of the foot (ie, the surface facing away from the other leg), and the inner side 18 corresponds to one of the inner regions of the foot (ie, facing the other leg) surface). The forefoot region 10, the midfoot region 12 and the heel region 14 and the lateral side 16, the medial side 18 are not intended to divide the precise region of the article 100. In fact, the forefoot region 10, the midfoot region 12 and the heel region 14 and the lateral side 16, the medial side 18 are intended to represent the general region of the article 100 to aid in the discussion below. In addition to the article 100, the forefoot region 10, the midfoot region 12 and the heel region 14 and the outer side 16, the inner side 18 can also be applied to individual components of the sole structure 110, the upper 120, and the like.

In an exemplary embodiment, sole structure 110 is secured to upper 120 and extends between the foot and the ground when the article 100 is worn. In some embodiments, the sole structure 110 can include one or more components including a midsole, an outsole, and/or an insole or insole. In an exemplary embodiment, the sole structure 110 can include an outsole 112 that is secured to one of the lower surfaces of the upper 120 and/or is structurally designed to secure the sole structure 110 to one of the bases of the upper 120. In one embodiment, the outsole 112 may be formed from a wear resistant rubber material that is textured to impart traction. While this configuration for the sole structure 110 provides one example of a sole structure that may be used in conjunction with the upper 120, other conventional or non-conventional structures for the sole structure 110 may be used. Thus, in other embodiments, the features of the sole structure 110 or any sole structure used with the upper 120 may vary.

For example, in other embodiments, sole structure 110 can include a midsole and/or an insole. A midsole may be secured to a lower surface of a shoe upper and in some cases may attenuate ground reaction forces (ie, provide cushioning) when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other walking activities. One of the compressible polymer foam elements (for example, polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer foam) is formed. In other cases, a midsole can A sheet, damper, fluid-filled chamber, shoe last element or motion control component that further attenuates the force, enhances stability, or affects the movement of the foot. In still other cases, the midsole may be formed primarily by a fluid-filled cavity positioned within an upper and positioned to extend below a lower surface of the foot to enhance the comfort of an article.

In some embodiments, upper 120 defines a space within article 100 for receiving and securing a foot relative to sole structure 110. The space is shaped to fit the foot and along one of the outside of the foot, along one of the inside of the foot, above the foot, around the heel and below the foot. Upper 120 includes an outer surface 121 and a pair of inner surfaces 122. However, the outer surface 121 faces outward and away from the article 100, the inner surface 122 facing inward and defining a majority or a substantial portion of the space within the article 100 for receiving the foot. Furthermore, the inner surface 122 can rest against the foot or cover one of the socks. Upper 120 may also include a collar 123 positioned in at least heel region 14 and forming a throat opening 140. The access space is provided by the throat opening 140. More specifically, the foot can be inserted into the upper 120 through the throat opening 140 formed by the collar 123, and the foot can extend from the upper 120 through the throat opening 140 formed by the collar 123. In some embodiments, an instep region 150 extends from the collar 123 and the ankle opening 140 in the heel region 14 over a region corresponding to one of the insteps of the foot in the midfoot region 12 to adjacent the forefoot region 10 An area.

In some embodiments, upper 120 can include a tongue portion 152. The tongue portion 152 can be disposed between the outer side 16 and the inner side 18 of the upper 120 through the instep region 150. In an exemplary embodiment, the tongue portion 152 can be integrally attached to the unitary knit construction having portions of the upper 120 along the outer and inner sides through the instep region 150 and woven by a single piece having portions of the upper 120 The structure is formed. Thus, as shown in the drawings, upper 120 may extend substantially continuously across the instep region between outer side 16 and inner side 18. In other embodiments, the tongue portion 152 can be disconnected along the outer and inner sides through the instep region 150 such that the tongue portion 152 can be between one of the exterior and the interior of the instep region 150. Move inside the opening.

A lace 154 extends through the plurality of lace apertures 153 in the upper 120 and allows the wearer to modify the size of the upper 120 to accommodate the proportion of the foot. In some embodiments, the lace 154 can extend through the lace apertures 153 disposed along the sides of the instep region 150. More specifically, the lace 154 allows the wearer to tighten the upper 120 around the foot, and the lace 154 allows the wearer to loosen the upper 120 to facilitate entry and exit of the foot from the space (ie, through the throat opening) 140). Additionally, the tongue portion 152 of the upper 120 in the instep region 150 extends below the lace 154 to enhance the comfort of the article 100. The shoelace 154 is illustrated in FIG. 1 using the article 100, but the lace 154 may be omitted in FIGS. 2 through 4 for purposes of brevity. In a further configuration, upper 120 may include additional components such as: (a) one of the heel regions 14 in the heel region for enhanced stability; (b) one of the forefoot regions 10, which is protected from wear Material formation; and (c) signs, trademarks and labels with maintenance instructions and material information.

In some embodiments, upper 120 may comprise one or more portions having a monofilament thread (as will be described in more detail below). The monofilament strands can be made of a plastic or polymeric material that is subjected to compression to form a monofilament strand. In general, the monofilament strands can be lightweight and have a high tensile strength, i.e., can maintain a greater degree of pressure prior to failure or breakage of the stretch, thereby providing a greater amount of stretch to one of the uppers 120 or Resistance to the extent. In an exemplary embodiment, the portion of the upper 120 that includes the monofilament strands can be positioned in one or more monofilament regions 160.

In some embodiments, the monofilament area 160 can be positioned on various portions of the upper 120. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more monofilament regions 160 may be positioned in article 100 where upper 120 will rest substantially flat against a portion of one of the wearer's feet within upper 120. In this embodiment, the monofilament area 160 includes a monofilament portion 162 disposed on one of the inner sides 18 of the upper 120 and an outer monofilament portion 166 disposed on the outer side 16 of the upper 120. The inner monofilament portion 162 and the outer monofilament portion 166 can be positioned generally in the midfoot region 12. In some embodiments, the monofilament area 160 can further include a forefoot monofilament portion 164 disposed in front of the instep region 150 in the foot region 10 prior to the upper 120.

In some embodiments, the monofilament area 160 can be in the monofilament area across the upper 120 The 160 is substantially continuous. For example, in one embodiment, the inner monofilament portion 162 can be continuous with the forefoot monofilament portion 164, and the outer monofilament portion 166 can also be continuous with the forefoot monofilament portion 164. With this configuration, the monofilament area 160 can form a substantially continuous strip extending across the forefoot 120 from the outer side 16 across the forefoot region 10 to the medial side 18. In other embodiments, each monofilament area 160 comprising the inner monofilament portion 162, the front foot monofilament portion 164, and/or the outer monofilament portion 166 may be discontinuous with other monofilament regions 160 disposed on the upper 120. In embodiments in which the monofilament area 160 is discontinuous, each monofilament area 160 (eg, inner monofilament portion 162, forefoot monofilament portion 164, and/or outer monofilament portion 166) may be surrounded by the remainder of upper 120 Or external.

Many conventional footwear uppers are formed from a plurality of material elements (eg, fabric, polymer foam, polymer sheet, leather, synthetic leather) joined by stitching or bonding. In contrast, in some embodiments, a majority of the upper 120 is formed from a braided component 130, as will be discussed in greater detail below. For example, the braid assembly 130 can be made through a cross-cutting process and passes through each of the forefoot region 10, the midfoot region 12, and the heel region 14, along both the lateral side 16 and the medial side 18, above the forefoot region 10 and Extending around the heel region 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the braided component 130 substantially forms the entire upper 120, including most or a substantial portion of the outer surface 121 and the inner surface 122, thereby defining a portion of the space within the upper 120. In some embodiments, the braided component 130 can also extend below the foot. However, in other embodiments, a strobel sock or sole-like sheet material is secured to the braid assembly 130 to form a base of the upper 120 that extends below the foot for attachment to the sole structure 110 . Additionally, a suture 129 extends vertically through the heel region 14 (as depicted in FIG. 4) to engage the edge of the braid assembly 130.

Although sutures may be present in the braided component 130, a majority of the braided component 130 has a substantially seamless line structure. Again, the braided component 130 can be formed from a unitary knit construction. As utilized herein, a woven component (e.g., woven component 130) is defined as being formed from a "single woven construction" when formed into a single piece by a knitting process. which is, The weaving process substantially forms the various features and structures of the braided component 130 without the need for significant additional manufacturing steps or procedures. A single woven construction can be used to form a woven component having a structure or element comprising one or more yams, threads or woven wefts, the yarn, thread or other woven material being joined such that the structure or component together comprise at least one The wefts (i.e., sharing a common yarn) and/or the latitudes that are substantially continuous between the structures or elements. Use this configuration to provide a one-piece component in a single braided construction.

Although the knitting program can then join portions of the knit assembly 130 to each other (eg, joining the edges of the knit assembly 130 together), the knit assembly 130 is still formed from a unitary knit construction because it is formed as a single piece. Knitting element. Further, when other components (e.g., a shoelace, logo, trademark, label with care instructions and material information) are subsequently added to the knitting program, the braid assembly 130 is still formed from a unitary knit construction.

Knit assembly 130 can incorporate various types of yarns that impart different properties to separate regions of upper 120. That is, one region of the braided component 130 can be formed from a first type of yarn that imparts a first set of properties, and another region of the braided component 130 can be formed from a second type of yarn that imparts a second set of properties. In this configuration, the properties of the upper 120 can be varied by selecting a particular yarn for different regions of the braid assembly 130. The nature of a particular type of yarn that will be imparted to a region of the braided component 130 depends in part on the materials that form the various filaments and fibers within the yarn. For example, cotton provides a soft hand, natural beauty, and biodegradability. Elastic and stretched polyesters each provide significant stretchability and recovery, with stretched polyester also providing recyclability. Rayon provides strong gloss and moisture absorption. In addition to the insulating properties and biodegradability, the wool provides high hygroscopicity. Nylon is a durable and wear resistant material with relatively high strength. The polyester system also provides one of the relatively high durability of hydrophobic materials. In addition to the material, other aspects of the yarn selected for the braided component 130 can also affect the properties of the upper 120. For example, one of the yarns forming the braided component 130 can be a monofilament yarn or a multifilament yarn. The yarn may also comprise separate filaments each formed of a different material. Additionally, the yarn may comprise filaments each formed of two or more different materials, such as having a sheath core knot A filament of yarn or a two-component yarn of two halves formed of different materials. Different degrees of warp and curling and different deniers can also affect the properties of the upper 120. Thus, both the yarn forming the yarn and other aspects of the yarn can be selected to impart various properties to separate regions of the upper 120.

In some constructions of braided component 130, the material from which the yarn is formed may be non-fusible or fusible. For example, a non-fusible yarn can be formed substantially of a thermoset polyester material and the fusible yarn can be formed at least in part from a thermoplastic polyester material. This procedure may have the effect of hardening or rigidifying the structure of the braided component 130 when a fusible yarn is heated and fused to the non-fusible yarn. Further, the portion in which the fusible yarn is joined using the fusible yarn may have the effect of fastening or locking the opposing position of the non-fusible yarn within the braided component 130, thereby imparting stretch resistance and hardness. That is, portions of the non-fusible yarn cannot slide relative to one another when fused to the fusible yarn, thereby preventing the braid assembly 130 from warping or permanently stretching due to relative movement of the braided structure. Another feature of using a fusible yarn in a portion of the braided component 130 is to limit disassembly in the event that one of the braided components 130 becomes damaged or one of the non-fusible yarns is severed. Thus, the region of the braided component 130 can be configured to have both fusible and non-fusible yarns within the braided structure.

In an exemplary embodiment, upper 120 may include a first type of yarn that is woven to form a portion of knitted component 130 other than monofilament area 160. The monofilament area 160 on the upper 120 can be formed by weaving using a monofilament thread to form a braided component 130 having a unitary knit construction using portions of the first type of yarn weave. That is, the monofilament area 160 is formed from a unitary knit construction having the remainder of the knit assembly 130, thereby becoming a one-piece element.

In some embodiments, the braided component 130 can include one or more boundary zones. The boundary zone defines a portion of the braided component 130 in which the yarn is used to weave a braided component 130 that transitions from one yarn type to another. For example, the braid assembly 130 can be converted from a first type of yarn to a monofilament area at one or more boundary zones on the upper 120. One of the domains 160 is a monofilament thread. In an exemplary embodiment, the first type of yarn is converted from a natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn to a monofilament strand at one or more boundary zones associated with each of the monofilament regions 160. In this embodiment, the inner monofilament portion 162 includes a rear inner boundary 200 disposed toward the heel region 14 of the upper 120, wherein a monofilament line forming one of the inner monofilament portions 162 is converted to form the remainder of the braid assembly 130 The first type of yarn. Inner monofilament portion 162 can further include a top inner boundary 204 and a bottom inner boundary 206. In one embodiment, the top inner boundary 204 is positioned along the inner side 18 of the upper 120 and may be spaced apart from the collar 123 and the throat opening 140 by a first distance D1. In one embodiment, the bottom inner boundary 206 is also positioned along the inner side 18 of the upper 120 and may be spaced apart from the sole structure 110 by a second distance D2.

In some embodiments, the front inner boundary 202 can define a front position on the upper 120 of the inner monofilament portion 162. In embodiments where the monofilament area 160 is substantially continuous, the front inner boundary 202 can be simply converted into the forefoot monofilament portion 164. However, in embodiments where each monofilament region 160 is discontinuous, the front inner boundary 202 can define a transition from a monofilament line back to a first yarn type. It should be understood that in such discontinuous embodiments, the forefoot monofilament portion 164 will be defined by another boundary zone in which the yarn is again converted back to the monofilament line.

Continuing along the upper 120, the forefoot monofilament portion 164 can include a posterior forefoot boundary 208 and a anterior forefoot boundary 209. In one embodiment, the posterior forefoot boundary 208 can be positioned forward of the instep region 150 and separated by a third distance D3. Similarly, the front forefoot boundary 209 can be positioned adjacent one of the toe ends of the article 100 and separated by a fourth distance D4. In this embodiment, the outer monofilament portion 166 includes a rear outer boundary 210 disposed toward the heel region 14 of the upper 120, wherein a monofilament line forming one of the outer monofilament portions 166 is converted to form the remainder of the braid assembly 130 The first type of yarn. The outer monofilament portion 166 can further include a top outer boundary 214 and a bottom outer boundary 216. In one embodiment, the top outer boundary 214 is positioned along the outer side 16 of the upper 120 and may be spaced a fifth distance D5 from the collar 123 and the throat opening 140. In one embodiment, the bottom outer boundary 216 is also along the outer side of the upper 120. Positioned and separable from the sole structure 110 by a sixth distance D6.

In various embodiments, the distances associated with the first distance D1, the second distance D2, the third distance D3, the fourth distance D4, the fifth distance D5, and/or the sixth distance D6 may vary. For example, in some cases, the first distance D1 and the fifth distance D5 may vary from 1 cm to 4 cm. In an exemplary embodiment, the first distance D1 and the fifth distance D5 may be about 2 cm to 3 cm. In some cases, the second distance D2 and the sixth distance D6 may vary from 0.1 cm to 1 cm. In an exemplary embodiment, the second distance D2 and the sixth distance D6 may be about 0.25 cm to 0.5 cm. In some cases, the third distance D3 may vary from 1 cm to 4 cm. In one embodiment, the third distance D3 can be from about 2 cm to 3 cm. In some cases, the fourth distance D4 can vary from 2 cm to 6 cm. In one embodiment, the fourth distance D4 can be from about 3 cm to 5 cm. In other cases, the distances associated with the first distance D1, the second distance D2, the third distance D3, the fourth distance D4, the fifth distance D5, and/or the sixth distance D6 may be larger or smaller to provide a change A monofilament area 160 of shape and/or size.

In some embodiments, a front outer boundary 212 can define a front position on the upper 120 of the outer monofilament portion 166. Similar to the front inner boundary 202, in embodiments where the monofilament area 160 is substantially continuous, the front outer boundary 212 can be simply converted into the front foot monofilament portion 164. However, in embodiments where each monofilament region 160 is discontinuous, the front outer boundary 212 can define a transition from a monofilament line back to a first yarn type. It should be understood that in such discontinuous embodiments, the forefoot monofilament portion 164 will be defined by another boundary zone in which the yarn is again converted back to the monofilament line.

In some embodiments, inner monofilament portion 162 and outer monofilament portion 166 may have similar configurations on each of inner side 18 and outer side 16 to be approximately symmetrical. In these embodiments, the first distance D1 and the fifth distance D5 may be approximately equal. Similarly, the second distance D2 and the sixth distance D6 may also be approximately equal. However, in other embodiments, each of the inner side 18 and the outer side 16 can have a monofilament area 160 that differs between the sides. Thus, in other embodiments, Each of the first distance D1 and the fifth distance D5 may be different and/or the second distance D2 and the sixth distance D6 may be different to further position the inner monofilament portion 162 and the outer monofilament portion 166 further away or more Close to the collar 123 and/or the sole structure 110. In still other embodiments, only one of the inner side 18 or the outer side 16 may comprise a monofilament area 160. It should be understood that other configurations of monofilament regions 160 having different sizes, shapes, and/or locations may be configured in accordance with the procedures described herein.

In some embodiments, the monofilament area 160 on the upper 120 may be transparent, translucent, or opaque depending on the nature or nature of the material used to make the monofilament strands that form the respective monofilament area 160. In one embodiment, a single monofilament thread having a diameter of about 0.114 mm can be used to form a monofilament area 160 comprising an inner monofilament portion 162, a front foot monofilament portion 164, and an outer monofilament portion 166. In other embodiments, a monofilament strand having one of a larger or smaller diameter may be used. Additionally, in other embodiments, different monofilament strands may be used for each of the separate monofilament regions 160 on the upper 120 to provide different properties or characteristics to the respective monofilament regions 160.

By incorporating the braided component 130 having the monofilament area 160 into the upper 120 for the article 100, the monofilament area 160 can provide strength, stretch resistance, reduce weight, and/or assist in airflow through the upper 120 to provide breathability of the interior of the article 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the inner monofilament portion 162 and the outer monofilament portion 166 are disposed along the inner side 18 and the outer side 16 of the upper 120 in the midfoot region 12. With this configuration, the inner side 18 and the outer side 16 of the upper 120 can have increased strength and stretch resistance in such areas. Additionally, the structure of inner monofilament portion 162 and outer monofilament portion 166 allows air to easily pass through upper 120 into the interior of article 100. For example, when one of the wearer's feet is placed within the interior of the article 100 along one of the bases 500 of the upper 120, air can be circulated into the upper 120 and recycled out of the upper 120 to assist in providing breathability of the article 100. .

Further, the total weight of the upper 120 is formed by forming the upper 120 having one or more monofilament regions 160 as compared to an upper formed entirely from a natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn. The amount can be significantly reduced. For example, in one embodiment, one of the sizes 8 for an adult size can weigh about 49 grams when woven with a natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn. In contrast, upper 120 having monofilament area 160 may weigh only 29 grams for a similar size. Thus, the weight reduction associated with the use of a monofilament strand in the upper 120 for the monofilament area 160 can be at least 40% lighter. Additionally, by varying the number, shape, and/or size of the monofilament regions 160 on the upper 120, additional weight reduction can be achieved to reduce the weight by more than 40%.

Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, an illustrative embodiment of a braided component 130 is shown in a planar or flat configuration. In this embodiment, the braided component 130 has a generally Y-shaped configuration profiled by an outer perimeter edge 600. In this embodiment, the outer perimeter edge 600 extends around the braid assembly 130 from the outer side 16 to the inner side 18. The outer perimeter of the braided component 130 also includes a pair of heel edges 602 disposed on each of the outer side 16 and the inner side 18. In an exemplary embodiment, the braided component 130 can further include an inner perimeter edge along one of the collars 123 that will be associated with the throat opening 140 described above and define the throat opening 140. When incorporated into an article of footwear (including article 100), at least a portion of outer perimeter edge 600 and heel edge 602 can rest against one of the upper surfaces of sole structure 110 as base 500 (shown in Figure 5). In other embodiments, the braided component 130 can be joined to a backing or insole attached to one of the sole structures 110. Additionally, the heel edges 602 are joined to each other and extend vertically in the heel region 14 of the article 100 to form a suture 129. In some embodiments of an article of footwear, a material element can cover the suture 129 between the heel edge 602 to reinforce the suture 129 and enhance the aesthetic appearance of the article.

The braid assembly 130 can include an instep region 150 formed from a unitary knit construction having the remainder of the upper 120, as described above. In some embodiments, the instep region 150 includes a plurality of lace apertures 153 disposed in the braid assembly 130. The lace apertures 153 can extend through the braid assembly 130 from the outer surface 121 to the inner surface 122 and are structurally designed to receive a lace (including laces 154). In an exemplary embodiment, the lace apertures 153 can be formed directly into the braided component 130 by weaving. However, in other embodiments, the lace aperture 153 can Additional reinforcing elements added to the braided component 130 are included.

In various embodiments, the braided component 130 can incorporate various types of yarns that impart different properties to separate regions of the upper 120. For example, one region of the braided component 130 can be formed from a first type of yarn that imparts a first set of properties, and another region of the first knitted component 130 can be assigned a second set of properties of the second set. Yarn formation. In this configuration, the properties of the upper 120 can be varied by selecting a particular yarn for different regions of the braid assembly 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the braided component 130 includes a monofilament area 160, as described above. In one embodiment, the monofilament area 160 can include an inner monofilament portion 162, a front foot monofilament portion 164, and/or an outer monofilament portion 166. As described above, the braid assembly 130 is formed from a unitary knit construction such that each of the regions of the braid assembly 130 (including the monofilament region 160) is woven into a single piece of material.

Referring now to Figure 7, an enlarged view of a portion of monofilament area 160 along various boundary zones is illustrated to illustrate a unitary knit construction of braided component 130. As described above, the boundary zone on the braided component 130 defines a portion of the braided component 130 in which the yarn is used to braid a braided component 130 that transitions from one yarn type to another. For example, the braided component 130 can be transitioned from a first type of yarn 700 to one of the monofilament areas 160 to form a monofilament strand 701 at one or more boundary zones on the upper 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the first type of yarn 700 is converted from a natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn to a monofilament strand 701 at one or more boundary zones associated with each of the monofilament regions 160. .

As shown in FIG. 7, at the front forefoot boundary 209 in the foot region 10 prior to the knit assembly 130, the knit assembly 130 is converted from the front foot monofilament portion 164 formed by the monofilament strand 701 to the yarn 700 of the first type. The remainder of the braided component 130. In this embodiment, one of the wales of monofilament strand 701 is joined (e.g., by interlooping) to one of the adjacent latitudes of yarn 700 of the first type. That is, one of the latitudes formed by the woven monofilament thread 701 is substantially continuous with one of the latitudes formed by the woven first type of yarn 700. Using this configuration, the monofilament area 160 can be formed from a unitary knit construction having a braided component 130.

Similarly, adjacent warp of weaving assembly 130 can also be converted from one type of yarn to a different type of yarn at the boundary zone. As shown in FIG. 7, at the top inner boundary 204, the braid assembly 130 transitions from a portion formed by the first type of yarn 700 to an inner monofilament portion 162 formed from the monofilament strand 701. In this embodiment, the warp of the first type of yarn 700 is joined to one of the monofilament strands 701 adjacent to the warp. In one embodiment, the monofilament area 160 can be woven using an intarsia weave technique to transition between yarn types along the boundary zone. For example, the warp of the first type of yarn 700 can be joined to the adjacent warp of the monofilament strand 701 by using intarsia weave construction techniques. Using this configuration, the monofilament area 160 can be formed from a unitary knit construction having a braided component 130.

By forming the braided component 130 having the monofilament area 160 of a unitary knit construction, the monofilament area 160 can be surrounded or circumscribed by the remainder of the braided component 130, thereby subjecting the monofilament area 160 to tensile forces. That is, the first type of yarn 700 can be structurally designed to surround the monofilament area 160 formed by the monofilament strands 701. Since the first type of yarn 700 can have less than one of the inelastic and stretch resistant monofilament strands 701, the braid assembly 130 can be stretched in a portion surrounding the monofilament region 160 such that in the monofilament region A slight tensile force is applied to 160. With this configuration, the tensile force exerted on the monofilament area 160 by the surrounding portion of the braided component 130 can assist in preventing or reducing the single filament region 160 that can create an uncomfortable feeling to one of the wearer's feet. The knots or sharp bends in the thread 701.

In various embodiments, an article of footwear incorporating one of the braided components having different features can be provided. In some embodiments, an article of footwear can be formed on one upper to form a braided component having a different type of monofilament area. The monofilament area can be varied to provide different properties for an upper depending on the desired type and location. For example, in some embodiments, a monofilament area having an inner layer of a natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn can be structurally designed to provide comfort to one of the wearer's feet. 8 through 17 illustrate another illustrative embodiment of an article of footwear 800 (also referred to simply as article 800) having one of a plurality of types of monofilament regions 860. In some embodiments, article of footwear 800 can include a sole structure 110 attached to the above described One of the uppers 820. In an exemplary embodiment, upper 820 can include a plurality of types of monofilament regions 860.

In some embodiments, upper 820 can include a plurality of components that are substantially similar to the components of upper 120 described above. For example, upper 820 can include an outer surface 821 and a pair of inner surfaces 822 that are substantially similar to outer surface 121 and inner surface 122 as described above. The upper 820 can also include a collar 823 that is substantially similar to the collar 123 and that is positioned in at least the heel region 14 and that forms a throat opening 840 that provides access to the interior of the upper 820. Additionally, upper 820 may also include an instep region 850 that is substantially similar to instep region 150 described above.

In some embodiments, the instep area 850 can further include a tongue portion 852 disposed through the instep region 850 between the outer side 16 and the inner side 18 of the upper 820. In an exemplary embodiment, the tongue portion 852 can be substantially similar to the tongue portion 152 described above and can be integrally attached to the portion having the upper 820 along the outside and inside through the instep region 850 The woven construction is formed from a unitary knit construction having portions of upper 820. As with the tongue portion 152, in other embodiments, the tongue portion 852 can similarly be disconnected along the outer and inner sides through the instep region 850 such that the tongue portion 852 can be on one of the opposite sides of the instep region 850. The inside moves between an outside and an inside.

The article 800 can be further used in conjunction with the lace 154 described above, the lace 154 extending through a plurality of lace apertures 853 in the upper 820 and allowing the wearer to modify the size of the upper 820 to accommodate the proportion of the foot. In some embodiments, the lace 154 can extend through the lace apertures 853 disposed along the sides of the instep region 850. In some embodiments, the lace aperture 853 can be a lace receiving component formed from a loop portion of a pad tensile element 832, as will be further described below. More specifically, the lace 154 allows the wearer to tighten the upper 820 around the foot, and the lace 154 allows the wearer to loosen the upper 820 to facilitate entry and exit of the foot from the space (ie, through the throat opening) 840). Additionally, the upper portion 852 of the upper 820 in the instep region 850 extends below the lace 854 to enhance the comfort of the article 800. in The shoe 154 is illustrated in Figure 8 using the article 800, but the lace 154 may be omitted in Figures 9-11 for the sake of brevity. In a further configuration, upper 820 may include additional components such as: (a) one of the heel regions 14 in the heel region, which enhances stability; (b) one of the forefoot regions 10, which is protected from wear Material formation; and (c) signs, trademarks and labels with maintenance instructions and material information.

In some embodiments, upper 820 can include one or more portions having a monofilament strand, as described above. In an exemplary embodiment, upper 820 includes portions of monofilament strands that can be positioned in one or more monofilament regions 860. In this embodiment, the monofilament area 860 can comprise two or more different types of monofilament areas. For example, in one embodiment, different monofilament regions can have different woven structures. In another embodiment, a monofilament strand can be used in combination with one of natural or synthetic warp fiber yarns to form different monofilament regions.

As with the monofilament area 160 described above, the monofilament area 860 can be positioned on various portions of the upper 820. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more monofilament regions 860 can be positioned on portions of article 800 where upper 820 will be substantially flat against one of the wearers disposed within upper 820 Feet. In this embodiment, the monofilament area 860 includes a monofilament portion 862 disposed on one of the inner sides 18 of the upper 820 and an outer monofilament portion 866 disposed on the outer side 16 of the upper 820. Inner monofilament portion 862 and outer monofilament portion 866 can be positioned generally in midfoot region 12. In some embodiments, the monofilament area 860 can further include a forefoot monofilament portion 864 and a heel monofilament portion 868. The forefoot monofilament portion 864 is disposed in front of the instep region 850 in the foot region 10 prior to the upper 820 and the heel monofilament portion 868 is disposed in the heel region 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the heel monofilament portion 868 can extend substantially continuously around the heel region 14 of the upper 820 between the outer side 16 and the inner side 18.

In some embodiments, the monofilament area 860 can be substantially continuous between the individual filament regions 860 across the upper 820. For example, in one embodiment, the inner monofilament portion 862 can be continuous with the forefoot monofilament portion 864, and the outer monofilament portion 866 can also be continuous with the forefoot monofilament portion 864. Similarly, the outer monofilament portion 866 can be continuous with the heel monofilament portion 868 and The wire portion 862 can also be continuous with at least a portion of the heel monofilament portion 868. Using this configuration, the monofilament area 860 can form a substantially continuous zone extending from the outer side 16 across the forefoot region 10 to the medial side 18 across the forefoot region 820 in the front portion of the article 100 and also in the posterior portion of the article 100. A substantially continuous zone extending across the heel region 820 from the outside across the heel region 14 is formed.

In other embodiments, each monofilament region 860 comprising inner monofilament portion 862, forefoot monofilament portion 864, outer monofilament portion 866, and/or heel monofilament portion 868 can be associated with other monofilaments disposed on upper 820 Area 860 is not continuous. In embodiments where the monofilament regions 860 are discontinuous, each monofilament region 860 can be completely surrounded or circumscribed by the remainder of the upper 820.

The braided component 830 shown in Figures 8-16 can include additional structures or elements as compared to the braided component 130 described above. In an exemplary embodiment, the primary components of braided component 830 are a knit element 831 and a pad tensile element 832. Knit element 831 can be formed from at least one yarn that is manipulated (e.g., using a braiding machine) to form a plurality of intermeshing loops that define various weft and warp turns. That is, the knit element 831 has a structure of a woven fabric. The pad tensile element 832 extends through the knit element 831 and passes between various loops within the knit element 831. While the pad tensile element 832 extends generally along the weft loop within the knit element 831, the pad tensile element 832 can also extend along the warp within the knit element 831. The pad tensile element 832 can impart stretch resistance and, when incorporated into the article 800, operates in conjunction with the lace 154 to enhance the fit of the article 800. In an exemplary embodiment, the pad tensile element 832 can pass through one or more portions of the knit element 831, including portions of one or more monofilament regions 860.

In some embodiments, the pad tensile element 832 can extend upwardly from the sole structure 110 toward the instep region 850 through the knit element 831 in a vertical direction. In an exemplary embodiment, a portion of the pad tensile element 832 can form a loop that acts as one of the lace apertures 853 and can then extend back down from the instep region 850 toward the sole structure 110 in a vertical direction. Additionally, when the article 800 is provided with a lace 154, the pad tensile element 832 can be pulled over the lace 154 The stretch is stretched and the pad tensile element 832 resists stretching in the upper 820. Again, the pad tensile element 832 assists in securing the upper 820 around the foot and operates in conjunction with the lace 154 to enhance the engagement of the item 800. In some embodiments, the pad tensile element 832 can exit the knit element 831 at one or more portions (including along the inside and outside of the instep region 850) to be exposed on the outer surface 821 of the upper 820.

As described above with reference to knitted component 130, knitted component 830 can similarly comprise yarns formed from different materials, including any of the suitable materials used to form one of the yarns described above. In some embodiments, the braided component 830 can further comprise a non-fusible yarn and a fusible yarn as described above. This procedure may have the effect of hardening or rigidening the structure of the braided component 830 when a fusible yarn is heated and fused to the non-fusible yarn. Further, by (a) one portion of a non-fusible yarn is joined to another portion of a non-fusible yarn and/or (b) the non-fusible yarn is joined to the liner tensile member 832 to have a fastening or The effect of the incombustible position of the non-fusible yarn and the pad tensile member 832 is locked, thereby imparting stretch resistance and hardness. That is, portions of the non-fusible yarn are unable to slide relative to each other when fused to the fusible yarn, thereby preventing the knit element 831 from warping or permanently stretching due to relative movement of the woven structure. Additionally, the pad tensile element 832 cannot slide relative to the knit element 831, thereby preventing portions of the pad tensile element 832 from pulling outwardly from the knit element 831. Thus, the region of the braided component 830 can be configured with both fusible and non-fusible yarns within the braided component 831.

In some embodiments, the braided component 830 can comprise a knit element 831 having a plurality of braid layers. The woven layer associated with the woven component 830 can be partially coextensive and the overlapping knit element 831 includes at least one portion of a common yarn or monofilament thread that passes back and forth between the woven layers to engage and interlock the layers to each other. Using this configuration, the woven layers collectively form a single woven fabric formed from a unitary woven construction.

In an exemplary embodiment, knit element 831 can include at least two braid layers that interlock with each other to form a braided component 830 at one or more portions. In one embodiment, a first woven layer can form a majority of the first side of one of the woven components 830, and a second weave The layer can form a majority of the second side of one of the braided components 830. In some embodiments, the first woven layer can be associated with a majority of the outer surface 821 and the second woven layer can be associated with a majority of the inner surface 822. In an exemplary embodiment, the pad tensile element 832 can extend through the first knit layer, a portion of the second knit layer, and/or through the knit element 831 between the first knit layer and the second knit layer. section.

In some embodiments, the braided component 830 can include one or more boundary zones, as described above with reference to the braided component 130. The boundary zone defines a portion of the braided component 830 in which the yarn is used to weave a portion of the braided component 830 that transitions from one yarn type to another. For example, the braided component 830 can be converted from a first type of yarn to a monofilament line forming one of the monofilament areas 860 at one or more boundary zones on the upper 820. Additionally, in embodiments in which the braided component 830 can further have a plurality of braided layers, the boundary zone can transition the yarn type at only one of the first braided layer and the second braided layer, or can be first The yarn type is converted at both the woven layer and the second woven layer. That is, the boundary zone can be applied to the level of the individual braid layers of the knit element 831.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first type of yarn is converted from a natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn to a monofilament strand at one or more boundary zones associated with each of the monofilament regions 860. In this embodiment, the inner monofilament portion 862 includes a rear inner boundary 900 disposed along one of the uppers 18 toward the inner side 18 of the heel region 14, wherein at least one of the inner monofilament portions 862 is formed. The monofilament strands are converted into a first type of yarn in at least one of the knit layers of the knit element 831 used to form the remainder of the knit assembly 830. Inner monofilament portion 862 can further include a top inner boundary 904 and a bottom inner boundary 906. In one embodiment, the top inner boundary 904 is positioned along the inner side 18 of the upper 820 and may be spaced apart from the collar 823 and the throat opening 840 by a first distance D1, and the bottom inner boundary 906 is also along the upper 820 The medial side 18 is positioned and can be spaced apart from the sole structure 110 by a second distance D2 (described above).

In some embodiments, the front inner boundary 902 can define an inner monofilament portion on the upper 820 One of the front positions of 862. In embodiments where the monofilament area 860 is substantially continuous, the front inner boundary 902 can be simply converted into the forefoot monofilament portion 864. However, in embodiments in which the monofilament regions 860 are discontinuous, the front inner boundary 902 can define a transition from the monofilament strand back to the first yarn type used to form the two braid layers of the knit element 831. It should be understood that in such discontinuous embodiments, the forefoot monofilament portion 864 will be defined by another boundary zone in which the yarn is again converted back to the monofilament strand used to form the at least one braid.

Continuing along upper 820, forefoot monofilament portion 864 can include a rear forefoot boundary 908 and a front forefoot boundary 909. In one embodiment, the posterior forefoot boundary 908 can be positioned forward of the instep region 850 and spaced apart by a third distance D3 and the front forefoot boundary 909 can be positioned adjacent one of the toe ends of the article 800 and separated by a fourth distance D4 (at Described above). In this embodiment, the outer monofilament portion 866 includes a rear outer boundary 910 disposed on the outer side 16 of the upper 820 toward the heel region 14, and at least one monofilament strand forming a braid of the outer monofilament portion 866 is converted into A first type of yarn in at least one of the knit layers of the knit element 831 used to form the remainder of the knit assembly 830. The outer monofilament portion 866 can further include a top outer boundary 914 and a bottom outer boundary 916. In one embodiment, the top outer boundary 914 is positioned along the outer side 16 of the upper 820 and may be spaced a fifth distance D5 from the collar 823 and the throat opening 840, and the bottom outer boundary 916 may also be positioned along The outer side 16 of the upper 820 can be spaced apart from the sole structure 110 by a sixth distance D6 (described above).

In some embodiments, a front outer boundary 912 can define a front position on the upper 820 on one of the outer monofilament portions 866. Similar to the front inner boundary 902, in embodiments where the monofilament area 860 is substantially continuous, the front outer boundary 912 can be simply converted into the forefoot monofilament portion 864. However, in embodiments in which the monofilament regions 860 are discontinuous, the front outer boundary 912 can define a transition from the monofilament strand back to the first yarn type used to form the two braid layers of the knit element 831. It should be understood that in such discontinuous embodiments, the forefoot monofilament portion 864 will be defined by another boundary zone in which the yarn is again converted back to the monofilament strand used to form the at least one braid.

In some embodiments, inner monofilament portion 862 and outer monofilament portion 866 can have similar configurations on each of inner side 18 and outer side 16 to approximate symmetry, as described with reference to knitted assembly 130 above. In these embodiments, the first distance D1 and the fifth distance D5 may be approximately equal. Similarly, the second distance D2 and the sixth distance D6 may also be approximately equal. However, in other embodiments, each of the inner side 18 and the outer side 16 can have a monofilament area 860 that differs between the sides. Therefore, in other embodiments, each of the first distance D1 and the fifth distance D5 may be different and/or the second distance D2 and the sixth distance D6 may be different to the inner monofilament portion 862 and the outer monofilament. Portion 866 is further positioned further away from or closer to collar 823 and/or sole structure 110. In still other embodiments, only one of the inner side 18 or the outer side 16 may comprise a monofilament area 860. It should be understood that other configurations of monofilament regions 860 having different sizes, shapes, and/or locations may be configured in accordance with the procedures described herein.

Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the braided component 830 can further include a boundary zone associated with the heel monofilament portion 868. In this embodiment, the heel monofilament portion 868 can include a top heel boundary 920 and a bottom heel boundary 922. The top heel border 920 can be spaced from the collar 823 and throat opening 840 in the heel region of the upper 820, and the bottom heel border 922 can be spaced from the sole structure 110. In some embodiments, the top heel boundary 920 can be spaced from the collar 823 substantially similar to one of the top inner boundary 904 and/or the top outer boundary 914, and the bottom heel boundary 922 can be spaced from the sole structure 110 substantially Similar to one of the bottom inner boundary 906 and/or the bottom outer boundary 916. In other embodiments, the spacing of the top heel boundary 920 and/or the bottom heel boundary 922 can vary.

As described above, in some embodiments, the braided component 830 can comprise a plurality of types of monofilament regions 860 having different configurations. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, monofilament region 860 can comprise a first type of monofilament region formed from two woven layers having monofilament strands and having a monofilament strand and natural or synthetic warp fiber The two braid layers of the yarn form one of the second type of monofilament regions. In an exemplary embodiment, a first type of monofilament area 860 can be placed along each of the outer side 16 and the inner side 18 (ie, having two monofilament lines) Woven layers). In this embodiment, inner monofilament portion 862 and/or outer monofilament portion 866 can be a monofilament region of the first type. That is, inner monofilament portion 862 and/or outer monofilament portion 866 can comprise a first woven layer formed from a first monofilament strand and a second woven layer formed from a second monofilament strand.

In an exemplary embodiment, the portion of the knit assembly 830 that abuts the toe and heel when structurally designed to place the toe and heel of one of the wearer's feet in the upper 820 can form a second type of single Silk region 860, i.e., two braid layers having a braid formed from a monofilament strand and a braid formed from natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn. In this embodiment, the forefoot monofilament portion 864 and/or the heel monofilament portion 868 can be a second type of monofilament region. That is, the forefoot monofilament portion 864 and/or the heel monofilament portion 868 can comprise a first woven layer formed from a monofilament strand and a second woven layer formed from a natural or synthetic warp conjugated fiber yarn.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second woven layer formed by the monofilament strands in the forefoot monofilament portion 864 and/or the heel monofilament portion 868 can be associated with the outer surface 821 of the upper 820, and the forefoot monofilament portion 864 and The second woven layer formed from natural or synthetic warp-twisted fiber yarns in the heel monofilament portion 868 can be associated with the inner surface 822 of the upper 820. For example, in one embodiment, in the forefoot monofilament portion 864 and/or the heel monofilament portion 868, the second woven layer associated with the inner surface 822 can be made from a polymer yarn. Using this configuration, the second woven layer having the polymeric yarns provides a smooth and soft inner surface 822 for a foot disposed on one of the uppers 820 by a wearer. Additionally, the second woven layer can provide protection to the foot from sharp edges or curved portions of the first woven layer formed by the monofilament strands in the forefoot monofilament portion 864 and/or the heel monofilament portion 868.

In another embodiment, in the forefoot monofilament portion 864 and/or the heel monofilament portion 868, the second woven layer associated with the inner surface 822 can be made from a combination of one of a polymeric yarn and a fusible yarn. Using this configuration, the portion of the fusible yarn associated with the second woven layer can be structurally designed to assist in the placement of the forefoot monofilament portion 864 and/or the heel monofilament portion when heated. 868 is disposed in a position within the braided component 830 (as described above).

By incorporating a braided component 830 having different types of monofilament areas 860 into the upper 820 for article 800, the monofilament area 860 can provide strength, stretch resistance, weight reduction, and/or assist in airflow. The upper 820 is passed to provide breathability to the interior of the article 800 (as described above). Additionally, by varying the two woven layer configurations of the monofilament area 860, the upper 820 can provide comfort to one of the wearer's feet while providing such features. Referring to Figures 12A-12C, a cross-sectional view of an article 800 having an upper 820 incorporating a braided component 830 having different types of monofilament regions 860 is illustrated.

FIG. 12A shows a cross-sectional view of one of the previous foot regions 10 presented across the upper 820. In this embodiment, the forefoot monofilament portion 864 is disposed along the top of one of the uppers 820. In an exemplary embodiment, the forefoot monofilament portion 864 can be one of the second types of monofilament regions 860 described above. In this embodiment, the forefoot monofilament portion 864 includes two woven layers comprising a first woven layer formed by a monofilament line associated with the outer surface 821 of the woven component 830 and associated with the inner surface 822. A natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn forms one of the second woven layers. In some embodiments, the second woven layer of the forefoot monofilament portion 864 can be made from the same yarn as the remainder of the knit element 831 that forms the woven component 830.

With this configuration, when one of the wearer's feet is placed inside the article 800 along one of the bases 1200 of the upper 820, air can circulate into the upper 820 and circulate out of the upper 820 to assist in providing the article 800 with breathability. And the forefoot monofilament portion 864 can include a softer woven layer along one of the inner surfaces 822 to provide a comfortable feel to the foot.

FIG. 12B shows a cross-sectional view of one of the midfoot regions 12 presented across the upper 820. In this embodiment, the inner monofilament portion 862 and the outer monofilament portion 866 are disposed in the midfoot region 12 along each of the inner side 18 and the outer side 16 of the upper 820. In an exemplary embodiment, inner monofilament portion 862 and/or outer monofilament portion 866 can be a monofilament region 860 of the first type described above. In this embodiment, the inner monofilament portion 862 and/or the outer monofilament portion 866 comprise two woven layers comprising a first monofilament strand formed in association with the outer surface 821 of the woven component 830. A first woven layer and a second woven layer formed by a second monofilament line associated with the inner surface 822. With this configuration, the inner side 18 and the outer side 16 of the upper 820 can have increased strength and stretch resistance in such areas.

FIG. 12C shows a cross-sectional view of one of the heel regions 14 presented across the upper 820. In this embodiment, the heel monofilament portion 868 is disposed along the outer side 16 and the inner side 18 of the upper 820. In an exemplary embodiment, the heel monofilament portion 868 can be a monofilament region 860 of the second type described above. In this embodiment, the heel monofilament portion 868 can have a structure substantially similar to one of the forefoot monofilament portions 864, including a first woven layer formed from a monofilament strand associated with the outer surface 821 of the woven component 830 and A second braid formed from a natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn associated with inner surface 822. In some embodiments, the second woven layer of the heel monofilament portion 868 can be made from the same yarn as the remainder of the knit element 831 that forms the woven component 830.

Additionally, in this embodiment, portions of the pad tensile element 832 are shown as extending through the braided component 830 (including the knit element 831) and through the monofilament area 860 (eg, the heel monofilament portion 868).

Referring now to Figures 13 and 14, an illustrative embodiment of a braided component 830 is shown in a planar or flat configuration. As described above, the braided component 830 includes a knit element 831 and a pad tensile element 832. In this embodiment, the braided component 830 can have a long elliptical offset structure with a top forefoot perimeter edge 1300, a top side perimeter edge 1302, a pair of heel edges (including an inner heel edge 1304 and An outer heel edge 1314), a bottom side perimeter edge 1312, and a bottom forefoot perimeter edge 1310 are contoured. Additionally, the knit element 831 has a first side that forms one of the portions of the outer surface 821 of the upper 820 and one of the portions of the inner surface 822 that can form the upper 820, thereby defining a space within the upper 820. At least part of it. In many structural aspects, the pad tensile element 832 can extend through a portion of the knit element 831 (including portions of the monofilament area 860) between the first side and the second side of the knit element 831.

As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the pad tensile element 832 repeatedly extends from the top side perimeter edge 1302 toward the instep region 850 (where one of the pad tensile elements 832 forms a loop that acts as one of the lace apertures 853 And return to the top side perimeter edge 1302. The pad tensile element 832 can follow a similar path on the opposite side of the braided component 830. In this embodiment, the pad tensile element 832 repeatedly extends from the bottom side perimeter edge 1312 toward the instep region 850 (where one portion of the pad tensile element 832 forms a loop that acts as one of the lace apertures 853) and returns To the bottom side perimeter edge 1312. In some embodiments, portions of the pad tensile element 832 can be angled rearwardly and extend to the inner heel edge 1304 and/or the outer heel edge 1314. Additionally, as the pad tensile element 832 extends toward or away from the top side perimeter edge 1302 and/or the bottom side perimeter edge 1312, the pad tensile element 832 can pass through one or more monofilament regions of the braid component 830 860 (containing portions of inner monofilament portion 862 and/or outer monofilament portion 866). Similarly, as the pad tensile element 832 extends toward or away from the inner heel edge 1304 and/or the outer heel edge 1314, the pad tensile element 832 can also pass through the forefoot monofilament portion 864 and/or the heel monofilament portion 868. Part of it.

The pad tensile element 832 can exhibit greater stretch resistance than the knit element 831. That is, the pad tensile element 832 can be stretched less than the knit element 831. Assuming that the plurality of sections of the pad tensile element 832 extend through the knit element 831, the pad tensile element 832 can impart stretch resistance to the upper 820 between the instep area 850 and a lower area adjacent the sole structure 110. part. Again, subjecting the lace 154 to tension can impart a pulling force to the pad tensile element 832, thereby directing the portion of the upper 820 between the instep region 850 and the lower region against the foot. Additionally, assuming that the plurality of sections of the pad tensile element 832 extend toward the inner heel edge 1304 and/or the outer heel edge 1314, the pad tensile element 832 can impart stretch resistance to the upper 820 in the heel region 14. section. Again, subjecting the lace 154 to tension can direct a portion of the upper 820 in the heel region 14 against the foot. For example, the pad tensile element 832 can assist in positioning the monofilament area 860 along the outer side 16 and the inner side 18 of the upper 820 to rest flat against one of the wearer's feet. As such, the pad tensile element 832 and the lace 154 operate together to enhance the object The cooperation of 800.

Knit element 831 can incorporate any of the various types of yarns described above for braid assembly 130. In some embodiments, the structure of the pad tensile element 832 can vary significantly. In addition to the yarn, the pad tensile element 832 can also have a structure of, for example, a filament (eg, a filament), a string, a string, a belt, a cable, or a chain. The thickness of the pad tensile element 832 can be greater than the yarn forming the knit element 831. In some constructional aspects, the pad tensile element 832 can have a thickness that is substantially greater than one of the yarns of the knit element 831. Although the cross-sectional shape of the pad tensile member 832 may be circular, a triangular, square, rectangular, elliptical or irregular shape may also be utilized. Further, the material forming the pad tensile element 832 can comprise any of the materials used for the yarns in the knit element 831, such as cotton, elastane, polyester, rayon, wool, and nylon. As mentioned above, the pad tensile element 832 can exhibit greater stretch resistance than the knit element 831. As such, suitable materials for the pad tensile element 832 can include a variety of engineered filaments for high tensile strength applications, including glass, aromatic polyamines (eg, for aromatic polyamines and meta-aromatic poly-polymers). Guanidine), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and liquid crystal polymer. As another example, a woven polyester thread can also be used as the liner tensile element 832.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0233882 to Huffa et al. One of the other ways to position the pad tensile element within a knit element is discussed.

In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the perimeter edges of the braided component 830 can be joined to form the upper 820. In this embodiment, the braid assembly 830 can be folded at a fold point 1306 between the top forefoot perimeter edge 1300 and the bottom forefoot perimeter edge 1310 to place the top forefoot perimeter edge 1300 and the bottom forefoot perimeter edge 1310 In contact with each other. Similarly, the top side perimeter edge 1302 can be placed in contact with the bottom side perimeter edge 1312, and the paired heel edges (the inner heel edge 1304 and the outer heel edge 1314) can be placed in contact with each other. touch. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner heel edge 1304 and the outer heel edge 1314 can be joined along a suture 829 that is disposed along the inner side 18 of the upper 820 in the heel region 14. Additionally, the suture 829 can further extend and join the top forefoot perimeter edge 1300 and the bottom forefoot perimeter edge 1310 and the top side perimeter edge 1302 and the bottom side perimeter edge 1312 to form the upper 820.

Referring now to Figure 14, an enlarged view of a portion of a knit assembly, including knit element 831 and different types of monofilament regions 860, is illustrated to illustrate a unitary knit construction of knit assembly 830. As described above, the monofilament area 860 of the braided component 830 can comprise a plurality of types of monofilament areas 860 having different configurations. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, monofilament region 860 can comprise a first type of monofilament region formed from two woven layers having monofilament strands and having a monofilament strand and natural or synthetic warp fiber The two braid layers of the yarn form one of the second type of monofilament regions. In this embodiment, inner monofilament portion 862 and/or outer monofilament portion 866 can be a monofilament region of the first type. That is, inner monofilament portion 862 and/or outer monofilament portion 866 can comprise a first woven layer formed from a first monofilament strand 1400 and a second woven layer formed from a second monofilament strand 1401. Thus, as seen in Figure 15B, this first type of monofilament area 860 comprises a woven layer formed of monofilament strands on both outer surface 821 and inner surface 822 of upper 820.

In this embodiment, the forefoot monofilament portion 864 and/or the heel monofilament portion 868 can be a second type of monofilament region. That is, the forefoot monofilament portion 864 and/or the heel monofilament portion 868 can comprise a first woven layer formed from monofilament strands 1400 and a second woven layer formed from a natural or synthetic warp twisted fiber yarn 1403. In an exemplary embodiment, as seen in FIG. 15A, a first woven layer formed from monofilament strands 1400 can be associated with outer surface 821 of woven component 830 and formed from natural or synthetic warp twisted fiber yarns 1403. The second woven layer can be associated with the inner surface 822.

Additionally, in embodiments in which the pad tensile element 832 extends through the portion of the woven component 830 that includes the monofilament area 860, the pad tensile element 832 can be positioned outside of the upper 820. Between surface 821 and inner surface 822. As shown in FIG. 15C, the pad tensile element 832 is formed of a first woven layer formed from a monofilament line associated with the outer surface 821 and a natural or synthetic warp yam fiber associated with the inner surface 822. The two braid layers extend through the heel monofilament portion 868. In some structural aspects, portions of the pad tensile element 832 are visible through one or both of the surfaces. In other embodiments, portions of the pad tensile element 832 can rest against one of the outer surface 821 and/or the inner surface 822, or the knit element 831 can form a notch or aperture through which the pad tensile element 832 can pass. Or pores.

In the remainder of the weaving assembly 830 that does not include the monofilament area 860, the knit element 831 can have a similar double knit structure. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, a portion of the knit element 831 can comprise a first knit layer formed from a first natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn 1402 and a second natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn. Line 1403 forms one of the second woven layers. In an exemplary embodiment, the first woven layer formed from the first natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn 1402 can be associated with the outer surface 821 of the woven component 830 and from the second natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn. The second woven layer formed by 1403 can be associated with inner surface 822. In an exemplary embodiment, the same second natural or synthetic warp twisted fiber yarn 1403 can be used to weave the second type of monofilament area 860 and the braided component 830 also includes the remainder of the second natural or synthetic warp twisted fiber yarn 1403. section.

By forming a braided component 830 having a monofilament region 860 of a unitary knit construction, the monofilament region 860 can be surrounded or circumscribed by the remainder of the braided component 830, thereby subjecting the monofilament region 860 to tensile forces, as referenced above to the braided component. 130 described. With this configuration, the tensile force exerted on the monofilament area 860 by the surrounding portion of the braided component 830 can assist in preventing or reducing the single filament region 860 that can create an uncomfortable feeling to one of the wearer's feet. Kink or sharp bending in the thread.

Referring now to Figure 16A, the braid assembly 830 is illustrated as including a portion of the inner monofilament portion 862. In this embodiment, the pad tensile element 832 extends through the knit element 831 and the inner monofilament portion 862. In an exemplary embodiment, the braided component 830 is at the bottom inner boundary 906 Portions may be converted from monofilament strands 1400 forming inner monofilament portion 862 to natural or synthetic warp twisted fiber yarns 1402 forming the remainder of knit element 831, as described above. As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 16A, one of the first latitudes 1600 of the woven component 830 and the fourth latitude 1606 of the woven component 830 are converted from the monofilament line 1400 forming the inner monofilament portion 862 at the bottom inner boundary 906 to Natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn 1402. In one embodiment, one of the second weft ring 1602 and the third weft ring 1604 of the braided component 830 also includes a cushion tensile element 832. In this embodiment, the second weft ring 1602 and the third weft ring 1604 are also converted from the monofilament strand 1400 to the natural or synthetic warp-twisted fiber yarn 1402 or another different type of yarn at the bottom inner boundary 906, as in the first A latitude circle 1600 and a fourth latitude circle 1606.

In an exemplary embodiment, as the pad tensile element 832 extends through the knit element 831, the second and second latitudes 1602 and 1604 may correspond to the pad tensile element 832. Using this configuration, the pad tensile element 832 can extend through the monofilament strand 1400 in the inner monofilament portion 862 and continue to extend through the natural or synthetic warp-twist fiber yarn 1402 in the remainder of the knit element 831. Thus, as the pad tensile element 832 extends through the remainder of the knit element 831 beyond the monofilament portion 862, the natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn 1402 can substantially surround a portion of the pad tensile element 832. With this configuration, the pad tensile element 832 can be hidden when viewed from the outer surface 821 of the braided component 830 outside of the monofilament area 860.

In other embodiments, the braided component 830 includes one or more weft loops that can extend along the braided component 831 beyond the remainder of the monofilament region 860. Referring now to Figure 16B, the braid assembly 830 is illustrated as including one of the portions of one of the inner monofilament portions 862. As with Figure 16A, pad tensile element 832 extends through knit element 831 and inner monofilament portion 862. However, in this embodiment, one or more of the latitudes formed by a monofilament thread (e.g., monofilament strand 1400) as described above may extend further through the inner monofilament portion 862 along with the liner tensile element 832. Knit element 831.

In an exemplary embodiment, portions of the braided component 830 at the bottom inner boundary 906 can be converted from the monofilament strands 1400 forming the inner monofilament portion 862 to forming the remainder of the braided component 831. A portion of the natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn 1402, as described above. As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 16B, one of the first latitudes 1600 of the woven component 830 and the fourth latitude 1606 of the woven component 830 are converted from the monofilament line 1400 forming the inner monofilament portion 862 at the bottom inner boundary 906 to Natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn 1402. In one embodiment, one of the second latitude 1602 and the third latitude 1604 of the woven component 830 does not transition from the monofilament strand 1400 to the natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn 1402 or another different at the bottom inner boundary 906. Type of yarn. Alternatively, the second latitude ring 1602 and the third latitude ring 1604 continue to be formed by the same monofilament strand 1400 forming the inner monofilament portion 862 in a substantially continuous manner.

In this embodiment, as the pad tensile element 832 extends through the knit element 831, the second latitude 1602 and the third latitude 1604 woven using the monofilament strand 1400 may correspond to the pad tensile element 832. Using this configuration, the pad tensile element 832 can extend through the monofilament strand 1400 in the inner monofilament portion 862 and through the remainder of the knit element 831. Thus, as the pad tensile element 832 extends through the knit element 831 to the remainder of the inner monofilament portion 862, the monofilament strand 1400 can substantially surround a portion of the pad tensile element 832. In other embodiments, one or more of the monofilament strands may be in each monofilament area 860 (including inner monofilament portion 862, forefoot monofilament portion 864, outer monofilament portion 866, and/or heel monofilament portion 868). The outer extension extends to correspond to and corresponds to the path of the liner tensile element 832 through the braided component 830. Additional strength and support may be provided to the pad tensile element 832 by enclosing or surrounding the pad tensile element 832 using the monofilament strand 1400.

In some embodiments, a second type of monofilament region 860 can be woven using a plurality of notches woven structures formed in a woven layer formed from natural or synthetic warp fiber yarns during the knitting process (ie, having A woven layer formed by a monofilament thread and two woven layers of a woven layer formed of natural or synthetic warp fiber yarns). This configuration may further provide breathability to the interior of upper 820 while still providing a comfortable feel to one of the wearer's feet along inner surface 822.

One suitable weave structure for forming a second type of monofilament area 860 comprises a 1x1 Reverse mesh-like woven structure or 2x2 reverse mesh-like structure. An inverted mesh-like woven structure is on the second woven layer (as compared to a mesh woven structure (including a first woven layer and a second woven layer) that can be used to form a hole that extends completely through a woven element ( That is, a gap is formed in the layer associated with the inner surface 822 of the upper 820. An illustrative embodiment of a cycle diagram 1700 for knitting a reverse 2x2 mesh structure is illustrated. In this embodiment, the cycle diagram 1700 illustrates a sequence of stitches and movements performed by a knitting machine (e.g., a flat knitting machine) to form one of the portions of the monofilament area 860 that is made into the second type. 2x2 imitation mesh structure. As shown in Figure 17, the spaced points represent the needle of a knitting machine and the illustrated steps represent the direction of movement of a yarn or thread between the needles of one of the front bed and one of the back beds of one of the knitting machines. .

As shown in FIG. 17, the monofilament strand 1400 can be used to braid the monofilament area 860 associated with the first knit layer of the outer surface 821 of the upper 820, while the natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn 1403 can be used to braid the monofilament area 860. A second braid associated with the inner surface 822 of the upper 820. The second knit layer comprises a plurality of tuck stitches performed using natural or synthetic warp twisted fiber yarns 1403 as compared to the first knit layer. In this embodiment, the width or gap in the second woven layer is associated with 2 stitches to form a reverse 2x2 mesh-like structure. For example, such a reverse 2x2 mesh structure can be used to form one or more of the previous foot monofilament portion 864 and/or heel monofilament portion 868 described above. However, in other embodiments, a larger or smaller braided structure may be provided by correlating the gap to a greater number or smaller number of needles. For example, a reverse 3x3 mesh structure can be formed by increasing the gap to 3 pins, and a reverse 1x1 mesh structure can be formed by reducing the gap to a single needle.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a braided structure that can be used with a braided component 830 to form one of the portions of the monofilament region 860. The mesh woven structure, mesh-like woven structure, and other suitable weaving used in the present embodiment are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0233882 to Huffa et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Structures and accompanying cycle diagrams for weaving such woven structures.

While the invention has been described with respect to the embodiments of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive, and many more embodiments and embodiments within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the scope of the appended claims and the equivalents thereof. Further, various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the appended claims.

10‧‧‧Forefoot Area

12‧‧‧ midfoot area

14‧‧‧Heel area

16‧‧‧ outside

18‧‧‧ inside

100‧‧‧Shoes/objects

110‧‧‧Sole structure

112‧‧‧ outsole

120‧‧‧ vamp

121‧‧‧ outer surface

122‧‧‧ inner surface

123‧‧‧sole collar

130‧‧‧Weaving components

140‧‧‧ throat opening/ankle opening

150‧‧‧ Instep area

152‧‧‧ tongue part

153‧‧‧lace aperture

154‧‧‧lace

160‧‧‧monofilament area

162‧‧‧ inside the monofilament part

164‧‧‧Forefoot monofilament part

Claims (36)

An article of footwear having an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper, the upper comprising a woven component, the woven component comprising: a first portion of the woven component, comprising a first yarn Forming, the first yarn is a natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn; at least one monofilament region disposed on the braided component, the at least one monofilament region being formed by a monofilament thread; wherein the at least one monofilament The region is formed from a unitary knit construction having the first portion of the knit assembly such that the knit assembly is a one-piece member; wherein the at least one monofilament region is substantially surrounded by the first portion of the knit assembly, and wherein the surround A first portion of the braided component of the at least one monofilament region is configured to subject the monofilament region to a tensile force. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein at least one of the latitudes of the first yarn is substantially continuous with at least one of the latitudes of the monofilament strand. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the woven component comprises a plurality of monofilament regions, each monofilament region being formed from the monofilament strand. The article of footwear of claim 3, wherein the plurality of monofilament regions comprises a monofilament portion disposed on one of the inner sides of the upper and an outer monofilament portion disposed on an outer side of the upper. The article of footwear of claim 4, wherein the plurality of monofilament regions further comprises a forefoot monofilament portion disposed in one of the forefoot regions of the upper. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein at least one of the inner monofilament portion and the outer monofilament portion are continuous with the forefoot monofilament portion. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein at least one of the inner monofilament portion and the outer monofilament portion are discontinuous from the forefoot monofilament portion. The article of footwear of claim 1, further comprising a pad tensile element extending through at least one of the first portion and the at least one monofilament region. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein the pad tensile element extends through both the first portion of the knit assembly and the at least one monofilament region. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the at least one monofilament region comprises two knit layers formed from a unitary knit construction, the two knit layers overlapping and at least partially coextensive with each other. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein one of the monofilament regions is associated with an outer surface of one of the uppers and one of the monofilament regions is associated with one of the upper portions surface. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the first woven layer and the second woven layer are each formed from a monofilament thread. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the first woven layer is formed from the monofilament strand; and wherein the second woven layer is formed from the first yarn. An article of footwear having an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper, the upper comprising a woven component, the woven component comprising: a knit element comprising a first yarn, the knit element Defining a portion of an outer surface of the upper and an opposing inner surface of the upper, the inner surface defining a space for receiving a foot, the first yarn being a natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn And at least one monofilament region consisting of two woven layers overlapping and at least partially coextensive with each other, each woven layer comprising a monofilament thread; wherein the at least one monofilament region has the knit element The single weave construction is formed such that the braided component is a one-piece component. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the braided component comprises a plurality of monofilament regions. The article of footwear of claim 15, wherein the plurality of monofilament regions comprise at least one monofilament region of a first type and at least one monofilament region of a second type. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein the monofilament region of the first type comprises a first monofilament thread associated with the outer surface of the upper and one of the inner surfaces associated with the upper Monofilament thread. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein the monofilament region of the second type comprises a first monofilament thread associated with the outer surface of the upper and one of the inner surfaces associated with the upper or natural Synthetic warp fiber yarn. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn of the second type of monofilament area is the first yarn. The article of footwear of claim 15 wherein the plurality of monofilament regions comprises a monofilament portion disposed on one of the inner sides of the upper and an outer monofilament portion disposed on an outer side of the upper. The article of footwear of claim 20, wherein the plurality of monofilament regions further comprises a forefoot monofilament portion disposed in one of the forefoot regions of the upper and a heel monofilament disposed in one of the heel regions of the upper At least one of the parts. The article of footwear of claim 21, wherein the plurality of monofilament regions are continuous between two or more of the plurality of monofilament regions. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein a first woven layer of the monofilament region is associated with the outer surface of the upper and a second woven layer of the monofilament region is associated with the inner portion of the upper surface. The article of footwear of claim 23, wherein the first woven layer comprises the monofilament strand. The article of footwear of claim 23, wherein the second woven layer comprises a monofilament thread and one of a natural or synthetic warp fiber yarn. The article of footwear of claim 14, further comprising a pad tensile element extending through at least one of the knit element and the monofilament area. The article of footwear of claim 26, wherein the pad tensile element extends through both the knit element and the monofilament region of the knit assembly. An article of footwear having an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper, the upper comprising a woven component, the woven component comprising: a first portion of the woven component, comprising a first yarn Forming, the first yarn is a natural or synthetic warp-twist fiber yarn; a second portion of the braided component formed from a monofilament strand, wherein the second portion is formed from a unitary braided configuration having the first portion, The braided component is a one-piece component; and a cushioning stretcher element extends through the braided component, including at least a portion of the first portion and a portion of the second portion. The article of footwear of claim 28, wherein the first portion comprises at least a portion of an inner surface of one of the uppers and wherein the second portion comprises at least a portion of an outer surface of the upper. The article of footwear of claim 28, wherein the first portion comprises a majority of the braided component; and wherein the first portion surrounds the second portion. The article of footwear of claim 28, wherein the knit assembly further comprises a knit element and at least one monofilament area; and wherein the knit element comprises the first portion; and wherein the at least one monofilament region comprises the second portion. The article of footwear of claim 31, wherein the braided component comprises a plurality of monofilament regions. The article of footwear of claim 32, wherein the plurality of monofilament regions are disposed on one of the inside of the upper, one of the outer sides of the upper, one of the forefoot portions of the upper, and at least two of the heel portions of the upper On. The article of footwear of claim 32, wherein the plurality of monofilament regions are continuous with each other across the upper. The article of footwear of claim 32, wherein the plurality of monofilament regions comprise different types of monofilament regions, comprising: a first type of monofilament region comprising two woven layers formed from the monofilament strands, the two a plurality of braid portions extending and overlapping; and a second type of monofilament region comprising a first braid formed from the monofilament strand and a second braid formed from the first yarn, the first The woven layer and the second woven layer portion are coextensive and overlapping. The article of footwear of claim 35, wherein at least one of the first type of monofilament area and the second type of monofilament area of the second type of filaments comprise the same monofilament strand.