TWI615104B - Article of footwear incorporating a knitted component for a heel portion of an upper - Google Patents

Abstract

An article of footwear may include an upper and a sole structure fixed to the upper. The upper has a knitted component formed from a unitary woven structure including at least one triangle cloth area positioned in a heel area of the article of footwear. The triangle cloth area provides a contoured configuration for the knitted component. In a manufacturing method, a knitted component may include a first triangle cloth area and a plurality of second triangle cloth areas, wherein the first triangle cloth area is positioned in a heel area of the article of footwear and the second triangle areas The cloth area is positioned adjacent to the sole structure.

Description

Article of footwear having a knitted component for the heel of an upper Cross-reference to related applications

This U.S. patent application is a continuation of the U.S. patent application and claims to be filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on May 14, 2013 and is entitled `` Article Of Footwear Having Heel Portion With Knitted Component. '' No. 13 / 893,712, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Conventional footwear items generally include two main components: an upper and a sole structure. The upper is fixed to the sole structure and forms a gap for comfortably and securely holding one foot inside the footwear. The sole structure is fixed to a lower surface of one of the uppers so as to be positioned between the upper and the ground. For example, in some sports footwear items, the sole structure may include a midsole and an outsole. The midsole may be formed from a polymer foam material that attenuates ground reaction forces to relieve stress on the feet and legs during walking, running, and other walking activities. The outsole is fixed to the lower surface of one of the midsoles and forms a ground-engaging portion of a sole structure formed of a durable and wear-resistant material. The sole structure may also include an insole, which is positioned in the gap and immediately adjacent to a lower surface of the foot to improve footwear comfort.

The upper generally extends above the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the inside and outside of the foot, and around the heel area 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. general An opening in the upper of the shoe is provided by an ankle opening in one of the heel areas of the footwear. A shoelace system is usually incorporated into the upper to adjust the fit of the upper, thereby allowing the foot to protrude into and out of the gap in the upper. The shoelace system also allows the wearer to modify specific dimensions (specifically the circumference) of the upper to fit the foot in different sizes. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends below the lace system to improve the adjustability of the footwear, and the upper may incorporate a heel back to limit the movement of the heel.

Various materials are conventionally used to make uppers. For example, the upper of athletic footwear may be formed from a variety of material elements. Materials can be selected based on a variety of properties, including, for example, tensile resistance, abrasion resistance, flexibility, breathability, compressibility, and moisture wicking. Regarding the exterior of the upper, the toe area and the heel area may be formed from leather, synthetic leather, or rubber materials to impart relatively high abrasion resistance. Leather, synthetic leather, and rubber materials cannot exhibit the required degree of flexibility and breathability for various other areas outside. Thus, for example, other areas of the exterior may be formed from synthetic fabrics. Therefore, the exterior of the upper can be formed from many material elements, each of which imparts different properties to the upper. The middle or center layer of the upper may be formed from a lightweight polymer foam material that provides cushioning and improved comfort. Similarly, the inside of the upper may be formed of a comfortable and moisture-wicking fabric that removes sweat from the area directly surrounding the foot. Various material elements and other components can be bonded or stitched with adhesive. Therefore, the conventional upper is formed of various material elements, each of which imparts different properties to various regions of the footwear.

An article of footwear including a sole structure and an upper coupled to the sole structure is disclosed. The upper includes a lower edge disposed adjacent to one of the sole structures. The upper further includes a collar defining an opening in a gap in the upper. The collar defines an upper edge of the upper that is spaced from the lower edge. The upper includes a forward portion and a heel portion. The heel contains a knitted component of one-piece knitted construction. The knitted component at least partially defines an upper edge and a lower edge of the upper. The braided component includes a first attached to one of the forward portions along a first side Side edge. The knitted component also includes a second side edge attached to a forward portion along a second side.

Furthermore, an article of footwear including a sole structure and an upper coupled to the sole structure is disclosed. The upper includes a forward portion formed by a first component and a heel portion formed by a second component, and the first component is separated from the second component. The forward portion and the heel portion are joined to each other along at least one seam. The heel contains a heel braid component, which is a one-piece braid construction. The heel knit assembly has a first knitted zone associated with a first amount of stretch resistance and a second knitted zone associated with a second amount of stretch resistance. The first amount of tensile resistance of the first knitted zone is greater than the second amount of tensile resistance of the second knitted zone.

In addition, an article of footwear including a sole structure and an upper coupled to the sole structure is disclosed. The upper includes a lower edge disposed adjacent to one of the sole structures. The upper includes a collar defining an opening in a gap in the upper. The collar defines an upper edge of the upper that is spaced from the lower edge. The upper also includes a forward portion, which includes a forward knitted component of a unitary knitted structure. In addition, the upper includes a heel portion that includes a heel knit component of a unitary knit construction. The heel has a first knitted zone, a second knitted zone, and a third knitted zone. The first braided zone is associated with a first amount of stretch resistance, the second braided zone is associated with a second amount of stretch resistance and the third braided zone is associated with a third amount of Stretch resistance is associated. The first amount of stretch resistance is greater than the second amount of stretch resistance, and the second amount of stretch resistance is greater than the third amount of stretch resistance. The third knitted zone portion defines a collar and an upper edge. The first knitted zone portion defines a lower edge. The second knitted zone is surrounded by the first knitted zone and the third knitted zone. The heel knitting component includes a first edge of a forward knitting component joined to an inside of one of the uppers via stitching. The heel knitting component further includes a second edge of a forward knitting component joined to one of the outer sides of the upper via stitching.

The ordinary skilled person will understand or become clear after reviewing the following drawings and detailed description. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention. It is contemplated that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are contained within this description and this summary, are within the scope of the present invention, and are protected by the scope of the following patent applications.

100‧‧‧Footwear / Shoes

101‧‧‧ Forefoot area

102‧‧‧ Midfoot

103‧‧‧ Heel Zone

104‧‧‧ Outside

105‧‧‧ inside

110‧‧‧sole structure / sole assembly

111‧‧‧ midsole

112‧‧‧ outsole

113‧‧‧ insole

115‧‧‧Inner surface

117‧‧‧Gap

119‧‧‧outer surface

120‧‧‧ Upper

121‧‧‧ opening

122‧‧‧ Closing element

123‧‧‧Shoe collar

125‧‧‧ Midsole

130‧‧‧ Braided components

132‧‧‧top edge

140‧‧‧ Tongue

141‧‧‧Stretching line / line

143‧‧‧ Pore

150‧‧‧First knitting component or forward knitting component / knitting component

152‧‧‧Second knitting component or heel knitting component / knitting component

160‧‧‧ lower edge

161‧‧‧Inner border

162‧‧‧ suture

163‧‧‧Inner border

164‧‧‧Seams

166‧‧‧Seam

200‧‧‧ forward part

202‧‧‧ inside part

204‧‧‧outer part

208‧‧‧First U-shaped peripheral edge / edge / first peripheral edge / peripheral edge

209‧‧‧Small second U-shaped peripheral edge / edge / second peripheral edge

210‧‧‧first rear edge / back edge

212‧‧‧Second rear edge

214‧‧‧The first zone / zone

216‧‧‧Second zone / zone

218‧‧‧Third zone / zone

219‧‧‧ inside branch

220‧‧‧ Upper peripheral edge

221‧‧‧ Part I

222‧‧‧Lower peripheral edge

223‧‧‧Part Two

224‧‧‧First side edge / edge

226‧‧‧Second side edge / edge

228‧‧‧The first zone / zone

230‧‧‧Second zone / zone

231‧‧‧ inverted triangle

232‧‧‧Third zone / zone

233‧‧‧Rhombus

250‧‧‧ inner surface

252‧‧‧outer surface

254‧‧‧Mark

320‧‧‧ Upper peripheral edge

328‧‧‧The first zone

330‧‧‧Second Zone

332‧‧‧Zone 3

352‧‧‧Heel Knitting Kit

361‧‧‧Inner boundary / boundary

400‧‧‧Heel Knitting Kit / Knitting Kit

401‧‧‧upper peripheral edge / peripheral edge / edge

402‧‧‧Lower peripheral edge / peripheral edge / edge

403‧‧‧first side edge / edge / side edge

404‧‧‧Second side edge / edge / side edge

405‧‧‧outer surface

406‧‧‧Inner surface

407‧‧‧Central Area

410‧‧‧Triangle cloth

411‧‧‧ weft

412‧‧‧ weft

413‧‧‧ weft

414‧‧‧ weft

415‧‧‧ weft

416‧‧‧ weft

420‧‧‧ around triangle cloth area

431‧‧‧angle

432‧‧‧angle

500‧‧‧ braiding machine

501‧‧‧needle bed

502‧‧‧ needle

503‧‧‧ rail

504‧‧‧line feeder

505‧‧‧ bracket

506‧‧‧ Yarn

507‧‧‧ spool

508‧‧‧ Yarn Guide

509‧‧‧Yarn recovery spring

510‧‧‧Yarn tensioner

600‧‧‧ braided components

602‧‧‧peripheral edge

603‧‧‧side edge

610‧‧‧Heel Knitting Kit

620‧‧‧Triangle cloth

X‧‧‧ vertical axis

V‧‧‧ vertical axis

H‧‧‧horizontal axis

The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but the emphasis is on illustrating the principles of the present invention. In addition, in the drawings, the same element symbols indicate corresponding parts in different views.

FIG. 1 is an external side view of one of the footwear objects according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an internal side view of one of the footwear objects of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a top view of one of the footwear objects of FIG. Fig. 5 is a bottom view of one of the uppers of the article of footwear of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a rear view of one of the uppers of the article of footwear of Fig. 1; Plan view; FIG. 7 is a plan view of an outer surface of a heel knitted component of the upper of the footwear article of FIG. 1; FIG. 8 is an inner surface of a heel knitted component of an upper of the footwear article of FIG. A plan view; FIG. 9 is a plan view of a heel knitting assembly according to an additional embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a plan view of a heel knitting assembly according to an additional embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B 10 is a cross-sectional view of the heel knitted component illustrated in FIG. 10 as defined along section lines 11A-11A and 11B-11B in FIG. 10, respectively; FIG. 12 is a view of a heel knitted component according to an additional embodiment of the present invention. A plan view; FIG. 13 is shown in FIG. 12 as defined along section line 13-13 in FIG. 12 Illustrated A cross-sectional view of one of the heel knitting elements; FIGS. 14A to 14C are plan views of further heel knitting elements according to additional embodiments of the present invention; and FIG. 15 is a shoe incorporating the heel knitting elements depicted in FIGS. 12 and 13. An exploded rear view of one of the similar objects; FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of one of the footwear objects as defined along section line 15-15 in FIG. 14; FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a knitting machine; and FIGS. 18A to 18D are A part of the knitting machine and a schematic front view depicting a knitting procedure for forming one of the heel knitting components depicted in Figs. 10 and 11; Fig. 19 depicts a knitting component for forming the heel knitting components depicted in Figs. A schematic front view of a part of a knitting procedure; and FIG. 20 is a plan view of a knitting assembly according to an additional embodiment of the present invention.

The following discussion and accompanying drawings disclose an article of footwear having an upper including at least one knitted component. The article of footwear is disclosed as having a general configuration suitable for walking or running. The concepts associated with footwear (including uppers) can also be applied to many other types of athletic footwear, including, for example, baseball shoes, basketball shoes, cross training shoes, cycling shoes, football shoes, soccer shoes, shorts Running shoes, tennis shoes and hiking boots. These concepts can also be applied to types of footwear that are generally considered non-sports, including gift shoes, flat shoes, sandals, and work boots. Therefore, the concepts disclosed in this article apply to a wide variety of footwear types.

Footwear configuration

1 to 3 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear 100 (also referred to simply as footwear 100). In some embodiments, the article of footwear 100 may generally include a sole structure 110 and an upper 120.

For reference purposes, the footwear 100 may be divided into three generally along a longitudinal axis X Area: a forefoot area 101, a midfoot area 102 and a heel area 103. The forefoot region 101 generally includes portions of the footwear 100 that correspond to the toes and the joints that connect the metatarsal to the phalanges. The midfoot region 102 generally includes portions of the footwear 100 that correspond to an arch region of the foot. The heel region 103 generally corresponds to the posterior part of the foot (including the calcaneus). The footwear 100 also includes an outer side 104 and an inner side 105 that extend through each of the forefoot region 101, the midfoot region 102, and the heel region 103 and correspond to opposite sides of the footwear 100. More specifically, the outer side 104 corresponds to an outer region of one foot (ie, the surface facing away from the other foot), and the inner side 105 corresponds to an inner region of one foot (ie, the surface facing the other foot). The forefoot area 101, the midfoot area 102 and the heel area 103, and the outer side 104 and the inner side 105 are not intended to delimit the precise area of the footwear 100. Instead, the forefoot area 101, the midfoot area 102 and the heel area 103, and the outer side 104 and the inner side 105 are intended to represent the general area of the footwear 100 to assist in the discussion below. In addition to the footwear 100, the forefoot region 101, the midfoot region 102, the heel region 103, and the outer side 104 and the inner side 105 may also refer to the sole structure 110, the upper 120, and individual elements thereof.

The sole structure 110 may be fixed to the upper 120 and extend between the feet and the ground when the footwear 100 is worn. In some embodiments, the sole structure 110 may generally include a midsole 111 and an outsole 112.

The midsole 111 may be fixed to one of the lower surfaces of the upper 120 and may be formed of a compressible polymer foam element (e.g., a polyurethane or ethyl acetate foam) when walking, running or otherwise The compressible polymer foam element attenuates ground reaction forces (i.e., provides cushioning) when compressed between the feet and the ground during walking activities. In additional embodiments, the midsole 111 may incorporate a plate, a buffer, a fluid-filled chamber, a shoe last element, or a motion control component, which further weaken the force, enhance stability, or affect the movement of the foot. The midsole 111 may also be mainly formed by a fluid-filled chamber.

The outsole 112 may be fixed to a lower surface of one of the midsoles 111. The outsole 112 may also be formed of a wear-resistant rubber material that is textured to impart traction.

In some embodiments, the sole structure 110 may further include an insole 113. insole Section 113 is shown in FIG. 3. The insole 113 may be located within the upper 120 and may be positioned to extend below a lower surface of one of the feet to improve the comfort of the footwear 100.

Although this configuration of the sole structure 110 provides an example of a sole structure 110 that can be used in conjunction with the upper 120, various other conventional or non-conventional configurations of the sole structure 110 can also be used. Thus, in other embodiments, the characteristics of sole structure 110 or any sole structure used with upper 120 may vary.

The upper 120 will now be discussed generally. The upper 120 may define a gap 117 in the footwear 100 with respect to the sole structure 110 for receiving a foot and fixing the foot. The gap 117 is shaped to receive the foot and extend along one of the feet's outer sides, along the inner side of one of the feet, above the feet and toes, around the heel and below the feet.

The upper 120 may define a collar 130 with an upper edge 132 defining an opening 121. The opening 121 can provide an access for the wearer's foot with a gap 117 and can be positioned at least in the heel region 103.

A tongue 140 may be included in front of the collar 130 and may extend longitudinally toward the forefoot region 101 and between the outer side 104 and the inner side 105. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the tongue 140 may be integrally attached to the forefoot region 101, the outer side 104, and the inner side 105. In other embodiments, the tongue 140 may be separated from the outer side 104 and the inner side 105. Therefore, the tongue 140 is movably received in an open throat area of one of the uppers 120 between the outer side 104 and the inner side 105.

In some embodiments, a closure element 122 for selectively securing the upper 120 to the wearer's foot may also be included. The closure element 122 may be of any suitable type, such as one of the shoelaces shown in the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, the closure element 122 may also include one or more shoe buckles, laces, or other suitable devices for securing the upper 120 to a wearer's foot.

In an exemplary embodiment, the closure element 122 may be configured to interact with the stretch line 141 to assist in securing the upper 120 to a wearer's foot. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper 120 includes a plurality of stretch lines 141, which are drawn from the sole structure 110 along the upper 120 extends upward and back downward to form a looped end to provide an aperture 143 for receiving the closure element 122. A stretch line 141 suitable for use with the upper 120 may include the stretch line and / or stretch elements disclosed in one or more of the following applications: applied on December 18, 2008 and June 2010 U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 338,726, co-owned by Dua et al., Entitled `` Article of Footwear Having An Upper Incorporating A Knitted Component, '' published as U.S. Patent Application No. 2010/0154256 on May 24 and published in 2011 Huffa et al., U.S. Patent Application No. 13 /, filed on March 15, 2014, and published as U.S. Patent Application No. 2012/0233882 on September 20, 2012 and titled "Article Of Footwear Incorporating A Knitted Component" No. 048,514, the entire contents of both applications are incorporated herein by reference.

In this embodiment, the aperture 143 provided by the line 141 is spaced along the axis X and is spaced between the outer side 104 and the inner side 105. Therefore, the closing element 122 extends along the axis X and alternates between the outer side 104 and the inner side 105. By tensioning the closure element 122, the wearer can modify the size of the upper 120 to fit the proportion of the foot. More specifically, the closure element 122 may allow the wearer to tighten the upper 120 around the foot, and the closure element 122 may allow the wearer to relax the upper 120 to facilitate the foot to extend through the opening 121 into and out of the gap 117.

In some configurations, the upper 120 may also extend at least partially below the foot of the wearer. For example, sole structure 110 is removed in FIG. 4 and upper 120 as shown may include a strobel 125 attached to a lower edge 160 along a perimeter. The midsole cloth 125 may be attached via the stitching 162 shown in the illustrated embodiment, via a fastener, via an adhesive, or via another attachment device. Therefore, the midsole cloth 125 extends under the wearer's feet. As mentioned above, the sole structure 110 may include an insole 113 and a midsole 111. In these embodiments, the insole 113 may be laminated over one of the upper surfaces of the midsole cloth 125 in the gap 117 and the midsole 111 may be joined to one of the lower surfaces of the midsole cloth 125.

In a further configuration, the upper 120 may include additional elements. For example, the upper 120 may be Contained in the forefoot region 101 is a toe guard formed of an abrasion resistant material. In addition, the upper 120 may include a logo, a trademark, a symbol, and a sign with maintenance instructions and material information. Those of ordinary skill will understand that the upper 120 may include still further elements without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Many conventional footwear uppers are formed from multiple material elements (e.g., polymer foam, polymer flakes, leather, synthetic leather) that are joined by, for example, stitching or bonding. However, in various embodiments discussed herein, the upper 120 may be formed at least in part by a knitted component 130. The knitted component 130 may extend at least partially through the forefoot region 101, the midfoot region 102, and / or the heel region 103. The knitted component 130 may also extend along the outer side 104, the inner side 105, above the forefoot area 101 and / or around the heel area 103. In addition, the knitted component 130 may at least partially define an outer surface 119 and an opposite inner surface 115 of the upper 120. The inner surface 115 may define at least a portion of the gap 117 in the upper 120, and the outer surface 119 may face a direction opposite to the inner surface 115.

As will be discussed, knitted component 130 can save weight of upper 120 compared to other conventional uppers. Further, in some embodiments, the knitted component 130 may be configured to have different zones with different characteristics. For example, one or more predetermined zones may have more tensile resistance than other zones. In addition, the knitted component 130 can provide aesthetic features and texture to the upper 120. Still further, knitted component 130 may provide advantages in the manufacture of footwear 100. Other advantages attributed to knitted component 130 will be discussed in detail below.

Braided component configuration

In some embodiments, the braided component 130 may include a plurality of braided sub-components that are independently formed to each have a unitary braided construction. Once formed, these knitted components of the unitary knitted construction may be joined together to define at least a portion of the upper 120.

For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, knitted component 130 may include a first knitted component 150 or a forward knitted component 150 and a second knitted component or heel knitted component 152 joined together to collectively define knitted component 130. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 The forward knitting component 150, the heel knitting component 152, and the midsole cloth 125 may be joined together to collectively define the upper 120.

For clarity, the forward braided component 150 and the heel braided component 152 are shown in FIG. 6 as separated and laid out substantially flat according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the forward knitted component 150 is formed from a monolithic knitted structure, and the heel knitted component 152 is also formed from a monolithic knitted structure.

As used herein, the term "monolithic knit construction" means that the individual components are formed into a one-piece element through a knitting procedure. That is, the knitting procedure essentially forms various features and structures of a single-type knitting structure without requiring a large number of additional manufacturing steps or procedures. A one-piece knitted structure can be used to form a knitted component having a structure or element containing one or more weft loops of yarn or other knitted material, the one or more weft loops being joined such that the structures or elements collectively contain At least one weft (i.e., sharing a common yarn) and / or a substantially continuous weft included between each of the structures or elements. With this configuration, a one-piece element is provided which is a one-piece knitted structure.

As shown in FIG. 6, the forward knitted component 150 may include an inner portion 202, an outer portion 204, and a forward portion 200. A first U-shaped peripheral edge 208, a smaller second U-shaped peripheral edge 209, a first rear edge 210 extending laterally between the edge 208 and the edge 209, and a lateral direction between the edge 208 and the edge 209 One of the extended second rear edges 212 defines the boundary of the forward knitted component 150.

In addition, the heel knitting assembly 152 may include an upper peripheral edge 220, a lower peripheral edge 222, a first side edge 224 extending laterally between the upper peripheral edge 220 and the lower peripheral edge 222, and between the upper peripheral edge 220 and the lower periphery. A second side edge 226 extends laterally between the edges 222. In some embodiments, the edges 224, 226 may be at least partially angled away from each other as the edges 224, 226 extend from the upper peripheral edge 220 to the lower peripheral edge 222.

The forward braid assembly 150 as shown in FIGS. 1-4 may be coupled to a heel braid assembly 152 to define the upper 120. For example, the first rear edge 210 of the forward knitted component 150 may be coupled to the first side edge 224 of the heel knitted component 152 to define a first seam 164 of the upper 120. Also, the second rear edge 212 of the forward knitting component 150 may be coupled to the second side edge 226 of the heel knitting component 152 to define a second seam 242 of the upper 120.

The forward knitted component 150 may be coupled to the heel knitted component 152 along the seams 164 and 166 in any suitable manner. For example, the knitted components 150, 152 may be coupled at the seams 164 and 166 via stitching, via adhesives, via fasteners, or via any other suitable attachment mechanism.

When assembled into the upper 120, the inside portion 202 of the forward knitted component 150 may define a substantial portion of the inside 105 of the upper 120. Also, the forward portion 200 may define a substantial portion of the front foot region 101 of the upper 120. Further, the outboard portion 204 may define a substantial portion of the outboard side 104 of the upper 120. The heel knit component 152 may define a substantial portion of the heel region 103 of the upper 120. Also, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the second peripheral edge 209 and the upper peripheral edge 220 may cooperate to define the upper edge 132 of the upper 120. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the first peripheral edge 208 and the lower peripheral edge 222 may cooperate to define a lower edge 160 of the upper 120. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the first seam 164 may extend from the upper edge to the lower edge 160 on the inside 105 of the upper 120. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the second seam 166 may extend from the upper edge 132 to the lower edge 160 on the outer side 105 of the upper 120.

In some embodiments, the forward knitted component 150 may include a plurality of zones having one or more different physical properties. The boundaries of these zones are indicated by dashed lines in the illustrated embodiment. For example, as best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, the forward weaving assembly 150 may include a first zone 214, a second zone 216, and a third zone 218. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the third zone 218 may be U-shaped and substantially centered between the inner portion 202 and the outer portion 204 adjacent to the second peripheral edge 209. Therefore, as shown in the plan view of FIG. 6, an inner boundary 163 of one of the third zones 218 may be positioned approximately a uniform distance from the second peripheral edge 209 so as to be substantially concentric with the second peripheral edge 209. In addition, the second zone 216 may extend longitudinally forward from the third zone 218 toward the forward portion 200, and the second zone 216 may include an inner branch 219 extending between the forward portion 200 and the inner portion 202. A first portion 221 of one of the first zones 214 extends from the third zone 218, a first rear edge 210, a peripheral edge 208, and a second zone 216. The second portion 223 extends from the third zone Between the zone 218, the second rear edge 212, the peripheral edge 208, and the second zone 216.

The first zone 214, the second zone 216, and the third zone 218 may have one or more different physical properties. For example, the first zone 214 may have a greater or greater amount of tensile resistance than the second zone 216, and the second zone 216 may have a greater or greater amount of tensile resistance than the third zone 218 Stretchability. In other words, the first zone 214 may be more rigid than the second zone 216, and the second zone 216 may be more rigid than the third zone 218. Therefore, the third zone 218 can be easily stretched to allow the wearer's foot to pass through the collar 123 of the shoe upper 120, and the first zone 214 can be more resistant to stretch so that the first zone 214 is the wearer's Feet provide support. In addition, the second zone 216 can be sufficiently stretched to allow the upper 120 to comfortably conform to the wearer's foot.

Likewise, in some embodiments, the heel knit assembly 152 may include a plurality of zones having one or more different physical properties. The boundaries of these zones are indicated by dashed lines in the illustrated embodiment. For example, as best illustrated in FIG. 6, the heel knit assembly 152 may include a first zone 228, a second zone 230, and a third zone 232.

In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the different zones 228, 230, 232 may be associated with different portions of the heel knit assembly 152. By providing zones with different physical properties to different portions of the heel knitted component 152, the fit, comfort, and / or support provided to the upper 120 by the heel knitted component can be changed as needed.

In one embodiment, a third zone 232 may be provided along a peripheral edge of the knitted component 152 associated with the collar 132 and adjacent to the opening 121 of the upper 120. An inner boundary 161 of one of the third zones 232 is shown in dotted lines in FIG. 6 and partially delimits the third zone 232 and the first zone 228 and partially delimits the third zone 232 and the second zone 230. As shown in Figure 6, The third zone 232 may have a substantially constant width and may extend along the upper peripheral edge 220. Therefore, as shown in the plan view of FIG. 6, the inner boundary 161 of the third zone 232 may be positioned at an approximately uniform distance from the upper peripheral edge 220 so as to be substantially concentric with the upper peripheral edge 220.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second zone 230 may be provided along a portion of the braided component 152 corresponding to a heel and / or a portion of an Achilles tendon of a wearer. In this embodiment, the second zone 230 may be positioned approximately in the middle of the braided component 152 in the transverse direction. By providing the second zone 230 with a configuration that imparts various physical properties, the portion of the braided component 152 corresponding to the heel and / or Achilles tendon of a wearer may have a desired fit, comfort, and / Or support.

In various embodiments, the second zone 230 may have any suitable shape. In one embodiment, the second zone 230 may have a substantially symmetrical geometry. For example, in this embodiment, the second zone 230 may be a polygon. As shown in FIG. 6, the second zone 230 may include an inverted triangular portion 231 and a diamond-shaped portion 233 configured end-to-end and extending from the third zone 232 toward the lower peripheral edge 222. The second zone 230 may also be substantially symmetrical and centered with respect to the axis X of the upper 120. In addition, the first zone 228 may extend between the third zone 232, the first side edge 224, the lower peripheral edge 222, the second side edge 226, and the second zone 230.

The first zone 228, the second zone 230, and the third zone 232 may have one or more different physical properties. For example, the first zone 228 may have a greater or greater amount of tensile resistance than the second zone 230 and the second zone 230 may have a greater or greater amount of tensile resistance than the third zone 232 Stretchability. In other words, the first zone 228 may be more rigid than the second zone 230, and the second zone 230 may be more rigid than the third zone 232.

In some embodiments, the first zone 228 of the heel knitted component 152 may have a physical property similar to the first zone 214 of the forward knitted component 150. In addition, the second zone 230 of the heel knitting assembly 152 may have similar properties to the second zone 216 of the forward knitting assembly 150 体 性。 Physical properties. In addition, the third zone 232 of the heel braided component 152 may have a physical property similar to the third zone 218 of the forward braided component 150. Thus, for example, the first zones 228, 214 may have substantially the same tensile resistance or rigidity, the second zones 230, 216 may have substantially the same tensile resistance or rigidity, and the third zones 232, 218 may have substantially the same tensile resistance or stiffness.

The different tensile resistances of the zones 214, 216, 218, 228, 230, 232 can be achieved in various ways. For example, in some cases, each zone 214, 216, 218, 228, 230, 232 may have a different stitching pattern. In addition, each zone 214, 216, 218, 228, 230, 232 may contain different types of yarns or threads. More specifically, in one embodiment, the third zone 218, 232 may be formed using a half gauge weave to provide a striped appearance, and one or more elastic yarns such as spandex may be used at least in part A third zone 218, 232 is formed. The second zones 216, 230 may be formed using a full gauge weave and may be formed using one or more elastic yarns such as elastic fibers. In additional embodiments, the second zones 216, 230 may have a grid-type appearance to increase breathability. In addition, the first zones 214, 228 may be formed using a full gauge weave and may include yarns made of a thermoplastic polymeric material. These yarns may be less flexible than the yarns contained in the second and third zones 216, 230 and 218, 232, and after applying heat to the upper 120, these yarns may be partially melted and fused to impart Extra rigidity to the respective zones 214, 228. It will be understood that such thermoplastic yarns may not be present in the second and third zones 216, 230 and 218, 232. It will also be understood that the yarns of each zone 214, 216, 218, 228, 230, 232 can be incorporated and controlled through known intarsia knitting procedures. In addition, it may be formed and incorporated into a zone based on the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 691,316, filed on November 30, 2012 and entitled "Article of Footwear Incorporating a Knitted Component" and jointly owned by Podhajny et al. 214, 216, 218, 228, 230, 232, the entire text of which is incorporated herein by reference.

It will be understood that the knitted component 130 of the upper 120 may save weight on the article of footwear 100. In addition, the knitted component 130 can provide different physical properties at different zones 214, 216, 218, 228, 230, and 232 so that the upper 120 can be comfortable, can provide partial support for the wearer's feet, and can be easily put on and taken off. . In addition, the knitting procedure used to produce the knitting component 130 may reduce waste, may reduce manufacturing time, and / or may provide other manufacturing advantages.

Also, as discussed above, knitted component 130 may be formed from a plurality of sub-components (ie, forward knitted component 150 and heel knitted component 152). Thus, the nature of the knitted component 130 can be highly controlled during manufacturing. For example, it will be understood that the heel region 103 of the upper 120 may be important to provide support to the wearer's heel without uncomfortably sliding or rubbing on the wearer's skin. Accordingly, the heel braid assembly 152 may include a relatively rigid first zone 228 for providing suitable support. The heel knit component 152 may also include a more elastic second zone 230, which may be substantially centered on the heel knit component 152 so that the second zone 230 can comfortably stretch against the wearer's heel And fit. The second zone 230 can also stretch and fit as the wearer's heel flexes during walking, running, and otherwise moving. Therefore, the heel knit assembly 152 can provide an important balance of rigid support and flexure so that a separate heel back may not be needed in the article of footwear 100.

In addition, because the forward knitting component 150 and the heel knitting component 152 are separate and independent and each has a unitary knit construction, portions of the upper 120 may be customized and tuned for a specific use, a specific wearer, or for other purposes. For example, if the heel region 103 of the upper 120 will have a different desired physical property (e.g., be manufactured to be more rigid), the forward knitted component 150 may be joined to a second zone having a second zone that is less than one of the second zones 230. A different heel weave assembly. Alternatively, if the heel region 103 is to be made more flexible, the forward knitted component 150 may be joined to a different heel knitted component having a second zone that is larger than one of the second zones 230.

Manufacturing of knitted components 150, 152 and upper 120 will now be discussed. As mentioned, the knitted components 150, 152 may be formed to have a one-piece, unitary knitted construction. For example, the knitting components 150, 152 may be knitted on a flat knitting machine. Also, in some embodiments, the heel braid assembly 152 may be warped so that the upper peripheral edge 220 is formed first and additional weft loops may be added until the lower peripheral edge 222 is formed. Therefore, the upper peripheral edge 220 may have a neat and trimmed appearance, and finally the original lower peripheral edge 222 may be covered and restricted by the sole structure 110. Likewise, the forward knitted component 150 may be formed such that a second peripheral edge 209 is formed first and a weft loop may be added until the first peripheral edge 208 is formed.

The braided components 150, 152 may then be joined at the seams 164, 166 as discussed above. To facilitate this assembly process, the heel knit component 152 may include a mark 254 that distinguishes between an inner surface 250 of the heel knit component 152 and an outer surface 252 of the heel knit component 152 (such as one shown in FIG. 8 "X "). It should be noted that the outer surface 252 of the heel braid assembly 152 shown in FIG. 7 does not include the indicia 254. Therefore, even if the heel knitting component 152 is substantially symmetrical, the manufacturer can distinguish between the inner surface 250 and the outer surface 252 to assist in orienting the heel knitting component 152 for attachment to the forward knitting component 150.

It should also be noted that the inner surface 250 may partially define the gap 117 of the upper 120 and the outer surface 252 may face outward. Therefore, the indicia 254 as shown in FIG. 8 is less visible to the wearer or others when the upper 120 is fully assembled. However, it will be understood that the outer surface 252 may include a marker 254 instead of the inner surface 250. Also, the mark 254 may be formed by a yarn or thread included in the unitary knitting structure of the heel knitting component 152, or the mark 254 may be a mark independent of the unitary knitting structure of the heel knitting component 152. Further, the indicia 254 may be positioned in any suitable location of the heel knit assembly 152. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the marker 254 may be substantially centered on the heel knit component 152 and may be adjacent to the lower peripheral edge 222.

As shown in FIG. 4, once the knitted components 150, 152 are joined at the seams 164, 166, the midsole cloth 125 can be attached to the lower edge 160. Then, the sole assembly 110 may be attached as discussed above.

Referring now to FIG. 9, an alternate embodiment of a heel knit assembly 352 is illustrated according to additional teachings of the present invention. The heel knit assembly 352 may be substantially similar to the embodiments discussed above. For example, similar to the embodiments discussed above, the heel knit assembly 352 may include It includes a first zone 328, a second zone 330 and a third zone 332. However, the heel knitting component 352 may define an inner boundary 361 that demarcates the third zone 332 from the first zone 328 and the second zone 330 differently from the embodiment of FIG. 7. To be more specific, although the inner boundary 161 is positioned at an approximately uniform distance from the upper peripheral edge 220 in the embodiments of FIGS. 6 to 8, the curvature of the boundary 361 may be reversed relative to the upper peripheral edge 320 so that the inner boundary Parts of 361 may be spaced at different distances from the upper peripheral edge 320. For example, the portion of the inner border 361 that is closer to the second zone 330 may be spaced a greater distance from the upper peripheral edge 320 than the other portions. Therefore, in the plan view of FIG. 9, the width of the third zone 332 between the upper peripheral edge 320 and the inner boundary 361 may be changed across the third zone 332. This may allow the heel knitting component 352 to more closely fit the wearer's heel for added comfort and support.

In summary, the footwear 100 may provide several advantages. The footwear 100 can be comfortably worn. Footwear 100 may provide support for a wearer's foot. The footwear 100 can also flex with the foot of the wearer and flexibly fit the foot of the wearer. The physical properties can be changed across different regions of footwear 100 to further improve performance.

Braided component with gores

Various braided structures including triangles can be incorporated into forward braided component 150, heel braided component 152, or other braided components to impart a contoured (eg, circular, non-planar, or other three-dimensional) configuration. In addition to shaping or contouring the knitted component during the knitting process of forming the knitted component, a triangle cloth can also provide the advantages of improving the comfort of the footwear 100 and increasing the overall manufacturing efficiency of the footwear 100.

An example of a heel knitting assembly 400 including a triangle cloth is depicted in FIGS. 10, 11A, and 11B. The heel knitting assembly 400 has an upper peripheral edge 401, a lower peripheral edge 402, a first side edge 403 extending between the upper peripheral edge 401 and the lower peripheral edge 402, and between the upper peripheral edge 401 and the lower peripheral edge 402. Extend one of the second side edges 404. The heel braid assembly 400 defines an outer surface 405 and an opposite inner surface 406.

The knitted structure of the heel knitting assembly 400 incorporates a triangle cloth region 410, which includes a triangle cloth giving a contoured configuration, as depicted in FIGS. 11A and 11B. The gusset 410 is formed with a single knitted structure together with the rest of the heel knitted component 400. In addition, the gusset 410 has a substantial portion (i.e., at least 50%) of a distance centered in the heel knit component 400 and extending through the peripheral edge 401 and the peripheral edge 402 but further to the heel knit component 400 One of the smaller or larger configurations may be a generally triangular shape. In this position, the portion of the heel knit assembly 400 that includes the gusset region 410 corresponds to the position of the wearer's heel and Achilles tendon. The triangle cloth area 410 provides a round shape for the heel knitting component 400, which can improve the comfort of the footwear 100 and increase the overall manufacturing efficiency of the footwear 100.

Triangle region 410 is positioned at least partially in a central region 407 of heel knitting component 400, which is positioned centrally or spaced inwardly from edges 401 to 404 and includes a center of heel knitting component 400. Triangle area 410 is depicted as having a generally triangular shape caused by weaving a series of weft loops of decreasing length and then weaving a series of weft loops of increasing length to insert a triangle cloth into the heel knit assembly 400. Referring to FIG. 10, one pair of weft loops 411 and 416 in the triangle cloth region 410 has a relatively long length, and one pair of weft loops 412 and 415 in the triangle cloth region 410 has a length shorter than one of the weft loops 411 and 416. In addition, one of the weft loops 413 and 414 in the triangle cloth area 410 has a length shorter than one of each of the weft loops 411, 412, 415, and 416. Therefore, a substantially triangular shape of the triangle cloth region 410 is formed by weaving weft loops of different lengths in the central region 407. Note that weft loops 411 to 416 are selected for example purposes and the triangle cloth area 410 may have many other weft loops, some of which are positioned between individual weft loops 411 to 416 or elsewhere. Additional details regarding the process of forming the triangle 410 will be discussed in more detail below.

As discussed above and depicted in the drawings, the configuration of the gusset 410 provides one example suitable for use with the footwear 100. In other configurations of the heel knitting assembly 400, the triangle cloth area 410 may have various other shapes, including diamond, square, rectangular, oval, round, or not. Regular shape, depending on the particular weaving method used to form the triangle 410. In a further configuration, the size or position of the gusset region 410 may be significantly changed to provide specific features (eg, three-dimensional regions) for the heel knitted component 400 or other areas of the heel knitted component 400. The orientation of the triangular area 410 can also be changed. A structure similar to the triangle cloth area 410 can also be incorporated into the forward knitting component 150 to give a three-dimensional area.

FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 depict another structure of a heel braid assembly 400 including a plurality of peripheral triangle fabric regions 420 distributed along or adjacent to the lower peripheral edge 402 and on the opposite sides of the triangle fabric region 410. shape. That is, a first portion of the peripheral triangle cloth region 420 is positioned on one side of the triangle cloth region 410 and a second portion of the peripheral triangle cloth region 420 is positioned on an opposite side of the triangle cloth region 410. The peripheral gusset region 420 forms a series of gussets along one common edge of the heel knit assembly 400 (ie, the lower peripheral edge 402).

Compared with the triangular area 410, the peripheral triangular area 420 is relatively small and can extend through less than one-third of the distance between the peripheral edge 401 and the peripheral edge 402, but can also extend through a smaller distance. The distance between the peripheral edge 401 and the peripheral edge 402 is less than 20%, 15%, or 10%. In some configurations, the triangle cloth area 410 may be at least twice, at least three times, or more than four times the area of each of the surrounding triangle cloth areas 420. One of the advantages of incorporating the perimeter gusset 420 into the heel knit assembly 400 is related to circular, non-planar, or other three-dimensional configurations. More specifically, the peripheral gusset 420 may impart greater curvature to the heel knit component 400 than the individual gusset 410, as depicted by comparing FIGS. 11A and 13. In addition, the combination of each of the triangle cloth area 410 and the surrounding triangle cloth area 420 can further give a contoured configuration to the area of the heel knitting component 400 adjacent to the lower peripheral edge 420. Like the triangle cloth area 410, the peripheral triangle cloth area 420 may be formed by weaving a series of weft loops of decreasing length and then weaving a series of weft loops of increasing length to insert the triangle cloth into the heel knitting assembly 400.

In FIGS. 11A and 13, a vertical axis V and a horizontal axis H are superimposed on the heel knitting assembly 400. An angle 431 indicates the deflection of the heel knitting assembly 400 from the vertical axis V. similar Ground, an angle 432 indicates the deflection of the heel knitting assembly 400 from the horizontal axis H. In the absence of the triangular area 410, the angle 431 will be substantially zero in each of FIGS. 11A and 13. It is assumed that the gusset 410 imparts contouring or curvature, however, the heel knit assembly 400 is deflected away from the vertical axis V and the angle 431 is greater than zero. In the absence of the peripheral triangle 420, the angle 432 will be substantially zero in FIGS. 11A and 13. It is assumed that the peripheral triangle area 420 imparts contouring or curvature, however, the angle 432 is smaller in FIG. 13 than in FIG. 11A. That is, the curvature of the heel knitting component 400 due to the peripheral triangle cloth area 420 brings the portion of the heel knitting component 400 adjacent to the lower peripheral edge 402 close to the horizontal axis H.

The gusset 410 and the perimeter gusset 420 each assist in imparting a contoured configuration to the heel knit assembly 400. Assuming that the triangle cloth area 410 extends through most of a distance between the peripheral edge 401 and the peripheral edge 402, the triangle cloth area 410 may be mainly responsible for giving the overall circular shape to the heel knitted component 410, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. As described in. Assuming the peripheral gusset 420 is positioned along the lower peripheral edge 402, the peripheral gusset 420 may be primarily responsible for giving a more round shape to the area of the heel knit component 410 adjacent to the lower peripheral edge 402. Therefore, the triangle cloth area 410 and the surrounding triangle cloth area 420 operate together to form a circular, non-planar or other three-dimensional configuration to specify the area of the heel knitting component 400.

The peripheral gusset region 420 effectively bends or contours the portion of the heel knit component 400 adjacent to the lower peripheral edge 402 to facilitate attachment of the heel knit component 400 to one of the upper surface of the forward knit component and sole structure 110 or one of the other Or both. In some configurations, the contoured configuration in the heel knit assembly 400 forms approximately parallel to the upper surface of the sole structure 110 and can be used in place of the midsole cloth 125 to facilitate attachment of the heel knit assembly 400 to one of the sole structures 110. Lips. In addition, in some configurations, the lower region of the forward knitting component 150 may include a triangle cloth region similar to the peripheral triangle cloth region 420 to continue extending the lip around the periphery of the upper 120 and facilitate attachment of the upper 120 To the sole structure 110. In some cases, this structure may be used with midsole cloth 125 or another midsole cloth socks or this structure may be used instead of a midsole cloth 125.

A further configuration of one of the heel knitting components 400 is depicted in FIG. 14A, in which the triangle cloth area 410 extends inwardly from the upper peripheral edge 401 and into an area corresponding to the central area 407. Referring to FIG. 14B, the heel knitting component 400 has a general shape of the heel knitting component 152 and incorporates a triangle cloth area 410 into this shape. FIG. 14C depicts another configuration of the heel braid assembly 400 as having a U-shaped configuration. Therefore, various aspects related to the position of the triangle cloth area 410 and the overall shape of the heel knitting assembly 400 can be significantly changed.

The manner by which the heel knit assembly 400 is incorporated into the footwear 100 is depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16. Although the overall shape of the heel knitting component 400 is different from the shape of the heel knitting component 152, the heel knitting component 400 may be incorporated into the footwear 100 in a similar manner. More specifically, the first rear edge 210 of the forward knitted component 150 may be coupled to the first side edge 403 of the heel knitted component 400 and the second rear edge 212 of the forward knitted component 150 may be coupled to the first knitted edge 400 of the heel knitted component 400. Both sides edges 404. In addition, the lower peripheral edge 402 may be fixed to the upper surface of one of the midsole cloth 125 or the sole structure 110. In some configurations, the shape and position of the first rear edge 210 and the second rear edge 212 of the forward knitted component 150 may be modified to engage the side edge 403 and the side edge 404. Although the heel knit assembly 400 and the forward knit assembly 150 are depicted as being secured to the midsole cloth 125, the midsole cloth 125 may not be present in some configurations of the footwear 100.

When incorporated into footwear 100, the gusset region 410 extends upward in the heel region 103 and extends through the sole structure 110 and the edge 132 above the opening 121 (eg, an ankle opening of the upper 120). Most of the distance. In this position, the convex configuration in the inner surface 406 contacts and conforms to the wearer's heel and Achilles tendon area. Assuming that the circular shape of the heel knitting component 400 can better fit the contour of the wearer's foot than a flat knitting component, the heel knitting component 400 can improve the comfort of the footwear 100. When incorporated into the footwear 100, the peripheral triangle cloth region 420 is positioned in the heel region 103 and immediately adjacent to the interface between the sole structure 110 and the upper 120. In this position, the circular shape of the heel knitting component 400 adjacent to the lower peripheral edge 404 fits the shape of one of the upper surfaces of the midsole 111. Assume that there are three One or both of the corner cloth area 410 and the surrounding triangle cloth area 420 also shape the heel knitting component 400 during the knitting process, then the number of shaping processes that occur before or during the continuous process of forming the footwear 100 is reduced. This increases the overall manufacturing efficiency of the footwear 100.

Weaving mechanism shape

Although weaving can be performed by hand, commercial manufacturing of knitted components is generally performed by knitting machines. An example of a knitting machine 500 suitable for producing any of the knitted components 150, 152, and 400 is depicted in FIG. The knitting machine 500 has a configuration of a V-shaped flat knitting machine for the purpose of example, but the knitting components 150, 152, and 400 or the knitting components 150, 152, and 400 can be produced on other types of knitting machines.

The knitting machine 500 includes two needle beds 501 that are angled relative to each other thereby forming a V-shaped bed. Each of the needle beds 501 includes a plurality of individual needles 502 located on a common plane. That is, the needle 502 from one needle bed 501 is located on a first plane, and the needle 502 from another needle bed 501 is located on a second plane. The first plane and the second plane of the two needle beds 501 are angled relative to each other and intersect to form an intersection that extends along most of the width of the knitting machine 500. As is known in this form of knitting machine, the needles 502 each have a first position in which they are retracted and a second position in which they are extended. In this first position, the needle 502 is spaced from the intersection of the first plane and the second plane. However, in this second position, the needle 502 passes through the intersection of the first plane and the second plane.

A pair of rails 503 extend above the intersection of the needle bed 501 and parallel to the intersection of the needle bed 501 and provide attachment points for the multiple thread feeders 504. Due to the action of a holder 505, the thread feeder 504 moves along the rail 503 and the needle bed 501, thereby supplying the yarn to the needle 502. In FIG. 17, a yarn 506 is provided to one of the thread feeders 504 through a spool 507. More specifically, the yarn 506 extends from the spool 507 to various yarn guides 508, a yarn recovery spring 509, and a yarn tensioner 510 before entering the yarn feeder 504. Although not depicted, additional spools 507 may be utilized to provide yarn to other thread feeders 504.

Manufacturing process

One of the manufacturing procedures for using the knitting machine 500 to form the configuration of the heel knitting assembly 400 depicted in FIG. 10 will now be discussed. Initially, as depicted in FIG. 18A, a portion of the heel knit assembly 400 is formed by a knitting machine 500. During the formation of this portion of the heel knit assembly 400, the thread feeder 504 repeatedly moves along the rail 503 and the various weft loops are formed by at least yarns 506. More specifically, the needle 502 pulls sections of the yarn 506 through a loop of a previous weft loop, thereby forming another weft loop. It should be noted that although the heel knit assembly 400 is depicted as being formed from a yarn 506, additional yarns may be incorporated into the heel knit assembly 400 from a further thread feeder 504.

As depicted in Figure 18B, the knitting machine 500 now begins the process of forming a triangle cloth region 410 by weaving a series of weft loops of decreasing length. More specifically, a weft loop 411 is formed, a weft loop 412 having a smaller length is formed after the weft loop 411, and then a weft loop having one or less length is formed after each of the weft loop 411 and the weft loop 412 413. When the weft loops 411, 412, and 413 having decreasing lengths are respectively formed, portions of the previously formed weft loops may be held on the needle 502.

As the manufacturing process continues, as depicted in FIG. 18C, the knitting machine 500 forms the rest of the triangle cloth area 410 by weaving a series of weft loops of increasing length. More specifically, a weft loop 414 is formed, a weft loop 415 having a larger length is formed after the weft loop 414, and then a weft loop having an even greater length is formed after each of the weft loop 414 and the weft loop 415. 416. When the weft loops 414, 415, and 416 having increasing lengths are respectively formed, portions of the previously formed weft loops held on the needle 502 are now engaged with the weft loops 414 to 416.

Based on the above discussion, the knitting machine 500 knits a first series of weft loops (eg, weft loops 411 to 413) having a decreasing length and then knits a second series of weft loops (eg, weft loops 414 to 416) ) To form a triangle cloth area 410 by inserting a triangle cloth into the heel knitting assembly 400 to form a triangle cloth area 410. After forming the gusset 410, the knitting procedure continues as depicted in FIG. 18D and forms a substantial portion of the remaining of the heel knit assembly 400.

The general procedures discussed above for forming the triangular area 410 may also be employed to form each of the peripheral triangular areas 420. Referring to FIG. 19, the knitting machine 500 is depicted as forming a configuration of the heel knitting assembly 400 depicted in FIG. 12. Like the triangle cloth area 410, the peripheral triangle cloth area 420 may be knitted by a series of weft loops having a decreasing length and then weaving a series of weft loops having an increasing length in and along each of the peripheral triangle cloth regions 420 The edge 402 is formed by forming a triangle cloth adjacent to the lower peripheral edge 402.

In addition to forming the knitted heel component 400, other knitting components or a combination of knitting components may be formed using the knitting machine 500. Referring to FIG. 20, for example, a knitted component 600 is depicted as including a forward knitted component 150 and another heel knitted component 610 formed from a unitary knitted structure. That is, the combination of the forward knitting component 150 and the heel knitting component 610 is formed into a one-piece element through a knitting procedure. In this configuration, a peripheral edge 602 extends continuously from the forward knitting component to the heel knitting component 610 and can be fixed to the midsole cloth 125 or the sole structure 110. Further, one side edge 603 of the heel knitting component 610 may be joined to the rear edge 210 of the forward knitting component 150 to form the opening 121 when the knitting component 600 is incorporated into the footwear 100. In addition, the heel knitted component 610 includes a triangle cloth area 620. Therefore, substantially all of the upper 120 including a triangle cloth in the triangle cloth area 620 can be formed by a single knitting structure through a single knitting procedure.

Although various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive, and one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except by considering the scope of the accompanying patent applications and their equivalents. Various modifications, combinations, and changes can be made within the scope of the accompanying patent application. As used in the scope of a patent application, "any of ..." when referring to a previous claim is intended to mean either (i) any claim or (ii) any two or more of the references referred to combination.

400‧‧‧Heel Knitting Kit / Knitting Kit

401‧‧‧upper peripheral edge / peripheral edge / edge

402‧‧‧Lower peripheral edge / peripheral edge / edge

403‧‧‧first side edge / edge / side edge

404‧‧‧Second side edge / edge / side edge

405‧‧‧outer surface

407‧‧‧Central Area

410‧‧‧Triangle cloth

411‧‧‧ weft

412‧‧‧ weft

413‧‧‧ weft

414‧‧‧ weft

415‧‧‧ weft

416‧‧‧ weft

Claims (6)

An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure fixed to the upper at a lower peripheral edge. The upper includes a knitted component formed by a single-type knitted structure, and the knitted component includes at least one triangle. A cloth area, the at least one triangle cloth area is positioned in a heel area of the article of footwear and extends vertically through most of a distance between the sole structure and an ankle opening of the upper, and a plurality of A second triangle cloth area; at least one of the plurality of second triangle cloth areas is one of an inner side and an outer side of the first triangle cloth area, and the other of the plurality of second triangle cloth areas One is the other on the inner side and the outer side of the first triangle cloth area; and each of the plurality of second triangle cloth areas vertically extends from the lower peripheral edge of the upper. For example, the article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one triangle cloth area and the plurality of second triangle cloth areas includes a first series of weft loops having a decreasing length and a second series of increasing lengths. Weft loop. For example, the article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the at least one triangle cloth area includes a first triangle cloth area and a plurality of second triangle cloth areas, and the first triangle cloth area is larger than each of the second triangle cloth areas. The article of footwear of claim 3, wherein the at least one triangle cloth area extends through a substantial portion of a distance between opposite peripheral edges of the knitted component, and the plurality of second triangle cloth areas extend through less than the Equal to one third of this distance between opposite peripheral edges. The article of footwear according to claim 3, wherein the second triangle cloth areas form a series of triangle cloth along a common edge of the knitted component. The article of footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper comprises One of the at least one forefoot region is a forward knitted component, the forward knitted component and the knitted component are joined together and form a substantial portion of the upper.