TWM637849U - Article of footwear - Google Patents

Abstract

An article of footwear may include one or more of the following: a knitted component, the knitted component including a plurality of courses; and at least one inlaid strand, where the at least one inlaid strand is inlaid within at least one course of the plurality of courses, and where the at least one inlaid strand includes an exposed portion, the exposed portion at least partially extending through a throat area of the article of footwear when the article of footwear is in a wearable state.

Description

Footwear

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

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

100: Footwear

102: First knitted component

104: sole structure

106: Bite line

108: upper part

110: second knitted component

112: The lower part

115: inside

116: inside

117: outside

118: outside

119: inside

120: Throat area

121: outside

122: Midfoot area

124: heel area

126: Toe area

128: middle part

130: concave valley

132: Embedded strands

134: fastening system

136: First edge

138: second edge

140: The first latitude circle

142: Second latitude circle

144: The third weft circle

146: First position

148: second position

150: Third position

152: Fourth position

154: The first exposed ring

155: The third exposed ring

156: Second exposed ring

158: belt buckle

160: surface fasteners

162: first surface

163: edge

164: second surface

410: knitted parts

416: inside

418: outside

430: valley

432: embedded strands

433: exposed part

436: first edge

438: second edge

446: first position

448: Fourth position

450: second position

452: third position

456: Expose the ring

458: belt buckle

462: first surface

463: edge

464: second surface

502: The first latitude circle

504: Second latitude circle

506: The first multiple knitted weft circles

508: the second multiple knitting weft circles

510: Exposure ring

512: Expose the ring

516: first end

518: second end

566: Textile components

568: Textile Part I

570: Second Textile Part

578:first side

580: second side

582: first side

584: second side

588: second position

590: third position

592: Fourth position

594: fifth position

596:First latitude circle

598:Second weft circle

599: The third latitude circle

602: Textile components

604: The first knitting part

606: The second knitting part

610: The third knitting part

612: First embedded strand

614: second embedded strand

616: The first area

618: Second area

620: first point

622: second point

626: The fourth knitting part

630: end

632: Slack

634: second gap

636: edge

638: Slack end

640: first coil

642: second coil

702: knitted parts

704: First embedded strand

706: second embedded strand

708: belt buckle

802: knitted parts

804: First embedded strand

806: second knitted component

816: inside

818: outside

854: Expose the ring

902: knitted parts

904: First embedded strand

906: second embedded strand

908: Gap

912: first knit portion which may be located on the outside

914: second knit portion that can be located on the inside

1002: knitted parts

1004: First embedded strand

1006: second embedded strand

1026: belt buckle

1102: knitted parts

1104: Additional center knit portion

1106: center embedded strands

1108: First gap

1110: second gap

1112: First embedded strand

1114: second embedded strand

1116: The first belt fastener

1118: the second belt fastener

1202: bra

1203: knitted parts

1204: The first knitting part

1206: The second knitted part

1208: gap

1212: First embedded strand

1214: second embedded strand

1240: First relaxation zone

1246: The first belt fastener

1248: Second belt fastener

1250: outer surface

1252: Base area

1302: Products

1304: The first knitted part

1306: The second knitted part

1312: First embedded strand

1314: second embedded strand

1360: cavity

Examples of aspects herein are described in detail below with reference to the drawings, in which: [FIG. 1] is a diagram illustrating an article of footwear including a knitted component having an adjustable foot in a relaxed configuration according to certain aspects herein. Adjust the tensioning system.

[ FIG. 2 ] is a diagram illustrating the article of footwear of FIG. 1 including a knitted component with an adjustable tensioning system in a tensioned configuration, according to certain aspects herein.

[Fig. 3] is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a knitted component including an adjustable tensioning system according to certain aspects herein.

[Fig. 4] is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a knitted component including an adjustable tensioning system according to certain aspects herein.

[ FIG. 4A ] is a diagram illustrating a portion of a knitted component including the adjustable tensioning system of FIG. 4 , according to certain aspects herein.

[ FIG. 5 ] is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a textile part according to certain aspects herein.

[FIG. 6A] is a diagram illustrating a textile component for an upper according to certain aspects herein, wherein the textile component includes two separate inlaid strands interwoven in the gaps between knitted portions ; some literature translated as "lining line").

[FIG. 6B] is a diagram illustrating the textile component of FIG. 6A in which the slack of the embedded strands between two separate knitted portions has been performed relative to the configuration depicted in FIG. 6A, according to certain aspects herein adjusted.

[FIG. 7] is a diagram showing an embodiment similar to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 to 2 Show.

[ FIG. 8 ] is a diagram showing an embodiment similar to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 to 2 , with some changes as described below.

[ FIG. 9 ] is a diagram showing an embodiment similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6A , with some changes as described below.

[FIG. 10] is a diagram showing another embodiment similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6A, with some changes as described below.

[ FIG. 11 ] is a diagram illustrating another embodiment similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6A , with some changes described below, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[FIG. 12] is a diagram illustrating a fastening system for an article of clothing having two separate inlaid strands joined, interwoven with each other, according to certain aspects herein.

[ FIG. 13 ] is a diagram illustrating a knitted or other textile component forming an adjustable sleeve according to certain aspects herein.

[Cross Reference to Related Application]

Attorney Docket No. 22752.383153/590017US02 for this application, entitled "Knitted Component with Adjustable Tensioning System," which requested a filing on March 5, 5021, entitled "Having Priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/157,385 "Knitted Component with Adjustable Tensioning System." The aforementioned application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This paper describes in detail the subject matter of the present model to satisfy statutory requirements. However However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the authors contemplate that the claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to those described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Furthermore, although the terms "step" and/or "block" may be used herein to refer to various elements of the method employed, these terms should not be construed to imply that the order of the individual steps is explicitly stated herein unless and unless the order of the individual steps is explicitly stated. Any particular order among or between the various steps.

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

1 and 2 are diagrams showing an example of an article of footwear 100 having an adjustable tensioning system in a relaxed (or untensioned) configuration and a tensioned (or tensioned) configuration, respectively. Article of footwear 100 may include first knitted component 102 (or another suitable textile component) that at least partially forms upperfoot portion 108 that is secured to sole structure 104 . The area where sole structure 104 joins first knitted component 102 may be referred to as biteline 106 . First knitted component 102 may be fixedly connected to sole structure 104 using any suitable technique (eg, by using an adhesive, by stitching, etc.). Sole structure 104 may define a bottom surface of a cavity for receiving and accommodating a user's foot, and first knitted component 102 may define sides of the cavity. In some embodiments, first knitted component 102 may be configured to form a seamless bootie/sock or textile upper (e.g., integral needle texture), at least partially forming an upper foot portion 108 and an underfoot portion 112 extending under the foot.

First knitted component 102 may include medial side 115 and lateral side 117 that at least partially form medial side 119 and lateral side 121 of article of footwear 100 , respectively. Throat region 120 of article of footwear 100 may be included between medial side 119 and lateral side 121, and throat region 120 may be positioned to cover the top (back) surface of the foot during typical use. Midfoot region 122 of article of footwear 100 may be located between heel region 124 and toe region 126 . Throat region 120 may be located primarily in midfoot region 122 . In some embodiments, an optional tongue may be disposed at least partially in throat region 120 .

Article of footwear 100 may also include second knitted component 110 that at least partially forms underfoot portion 112 , heel region 124 , medial side 119 , and/or lateral side 121 of article of footwear 100 . 3 and 4 illustrate an embodiment of second knitted component 110 as it may appear after being knitted and manipulated into a wearable shape to form at least a portion of article of footwear 100 . Second knitted component 110 can include inner side 116 , outer side 118 , and intermediate portion 128 disposed between inner side 116 and outer side 118 . In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , when second knitted component 110 is manipulated into a wearable shape, inner side 116 and outer side 118 can be folded upwards and inwards so that between A valley 130 is formed. While second knitted component 110 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 has a relatively symmetrical configuration, in some embodiments, second knitted component 110 may have an asymmetrical configuration (e.g., one of inner side 116 or outer side 118 has a longer length than the other).

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , when forming article of footwear 100 , second knitted component 110 may be wrapped around at least a portion of first knitted component 102 such that inner side 116 of second knitted component 110 Adjacent to and outside 118 respectively and to The inner side 115 and the outer side 117 of the first knitted component 102 are provided to be slightly covered. Second knitted component 110 can be wrapped around at least a portion of first knitted component 102 such that one or more pairs of corresponding exposed loops (eg, 154 ) are disposed on inner and outer sides 116 and 118 , respectively, of second knitted component 110 . and 156, described below) are aligned with each other. At least a portion of forefoot portion 108 and throat region 120 of first knitted component 102 are received within valley 130 and disposed between medial side 116 and lateral side 118 of second knitted component 110 . Intermediate portion 128 of second knitted component 110 at least partially forms underfoot portion 112 of article of footwear 100 . Inner side 115 of first knitted component 102 and inner side 116 of second knitted component 110 may collectively form inner side 119 of article of footwear 100 . Outer side 117 of first knitted component 102 and outer side 118 of second knitted component 110 may collectively form outer side 121 of article of footwear 100 .

Each of first knitted component 102 and second knitted component 110 may be knitted in a weft knitting process (e.g., using a flat knitting machine or a circular knitting machine), a warp knitting process, or any other suitable knitting process. A one-piece component formed as a whole. That is, the knitting process on the knitting machine may substantially form the knit structure of each of first knitted component 102 and second knitted component 110 without requiring significant post-knitting processes or steps. Alternatively, first knitted component 102 and second knitted component 110 may be formed separately as distinct integral one-piece elements, and the individual elements then attached (eg, by sewing).

Forming the article of footwear 100 from knitted components can impart advantageous properties including, but not limited to, a certain degree of elasticity (as expressed, for example, in Young's modulus), breathability, flex, strength, moisture absorption, weight, abrasion resistance, or its combination. These properties can be adjusted by selecting specific single or multi-ply knit constructions (e.g. rib knit construction, single jersey knit structure or double jersey structure), by varying the size and tension of the knit structure, by using one or more fabrics formed from a particular material (e.g., a polyester material, a relatively inelastic material, or a relatively elastic material such as spandex) yarn, by selecting yarns of a specific size (eg, denier), or a combination thereof. Knitted components can also provide desired aesthetic properties by incorporating yarns of different colors, textures, or other visual properties arranged in specific patterns. The yarns themselves and/or the knit structure formed by one or more yarns of the knitted component can be varied at different locations to provide different knitted parts with different properties.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the second knitted component 110 is formed from at least one yarn that is manipulated (e.g., with a knitting machine) to form various weft loops ( courses; some literature translated as "coil course") and warp circle (wales; some literature translated as "coil wale") multiple intermeshing coils. At least one inlaid strand 132 may extend through at least one of the plurality of weft loops and between individual loops within the second knitted component 110 . Although inlaid strand 132 generally extends along the weft loops within second knitted component 110 , inlaid strand 132 may also extend along the warp loops within second knitted component 110 . Advantages of embedded strands 132 include providing support, stability, and structure. For example, embedded strands 132 help secure second knitted component 110 around the foot, limit deformation in areas of article of footwear 100 (e.g., impart stretch resistance), and integrate with fastening system 134 (e.g., strap) operate in conjunction to enhance the fit of the article of footwear 100, as discussed in more detail below.

In addition to yarns, inlaid strands 132 may have configurations such as filaments (eg, monofilaments), threads, ropes, webbing, cables, or chains. Inlaid strands 132 may be greater in thickness compared to the thickness of the yarns forming second knitted component 110 . in some configurations Centered, inlaid strands 132 may have a significantly greater thickness than the yarns of second knitted component 110 . Although the cross-sectional shape of the embedded strand 132 can be circular, triangular, square, rectangular, or oval, irregular shapes can also be used. Additionally, the material forming inlaid strand 132 may include any material forming the yarns within second knitted component 110, such as cotton, elastane, polyester, rayon, wool, and/or nylon. Inlaid strand 132 may exhibit greater resistance to stretch than second knitted component 110 . Accordingly, suitable materials for embedding strands 132 may include various engineered filaments for high tensile strength applications, including glass, aramids (e.g., para-aramid and meta-aramid). amide), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and/or liquid crystal polymers. As another example, braided polyester threads may also be used as embedded strands 132 .

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 , the inlaid strand 132 can travel from the first edge 136 of the inner side 116 of the second knitted component 110 along the first weft loop 140 toward the second edge of the outer side 118 of the second knitted component 110 . Edge 138 extends into second knitted component 110 . That is, inlaid strand 132 extending through second knitted component 110 may extend at least partially into underfoot portion 112 of article of footwear 100 when incorporated into article of footwear 100 . In other embodiments, inlaid strand 132 may extend into second knitted component 110 from second edge 138 of outer side 118 of second knitted component 110 toward first edge 136 of inner side 116 of second knitted component 110 , and the present Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand how inlaid strands 132 may extend through second knitted component 110 to form exposed (exposed) loops (loops; some documents translate as "loops") (e.g., 154 and 156) (discussed below). ), and interact with the fastening system (eg, 134) to form an adjustable tensioning system in these embodiments.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, embedded strands 132 may be Exit second edge 138 at a location 146, and then re-enter second knitted component 110 at a second location 148, so that the second edge 138 between the first location 146 and the second location 148 can be inlaid by the inlaid strand 132 A first exposed ring 154 is formed thereon. The first position 146 and the second position 148 can be changed as desired and/or when desired such that the size of the first exposed loop 154 can be changed. The embedded strand 132 can then extend toward the inner side 116 along the second weft loop 142, exit the first edge 136 at a third location 150, re-enter the second knitted component 110 at a fourth location 152, and then follow the third The weft loop 144 extends toward the outer side 118 such that a second exposed loop 156 may be formed by the inlaid strand 132 on the first edge 136 between the third location 150 and the fourth location 152 . The third position 150 and the fourth position 152 can be changed as desired and/or when desired such that the size of the second exposed loop 156 can be changed.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 , inlaid strand 132 may be threaded back and forth through second knitted component 110 . That is, inlaid strand 132 may repeatedly exit second knitted component 110 at first edge 136 and second edge 138, respectively, and then re-enter second knitted component 110 at other locations at first edge 136 and second edge 138. , such that a plurality of exposed loops may be formed along the first edge 136 of the inner side 116 and the second edge 138 of the outer side 118, respectively. When second knitted component 110 is in a wearable shape (eg, as shown in FIG. 3 ), each exposed loop (eg, second exposed loop 156 ) disposed on first edge 136 of inner side 116 may correspond to An exposed loop (eg, first exposed loop 154 ) is disposed on and aligned with second edge 138 of outer side 118 . When second knitted component 110 is incorporated into article of footwear 100, as shown in FIGS. on the inner side of the throat region 120, while the second edge disposed on the outer side 118 The exposed loop on 138 (eg, first exposed loop 154 ) may be disposed on the outside of throat region 120 .

The exposed loops (eg, first exposed loop 154 and second exposed loop 156 ) may be configured to engage fastening system 134 . The fastening system 134 may be a shoelace, cable system, strap, strand, or any other suitable component having an elongated configuration extendable through an exposed loop. The fastening system 134 may include, for example, any configuration and/or material of the embedded strands 132 (discussed above). Fastening system 134 can extend through and at least partially surround exposed loops disposed on (eg, interwoven with) exposed loops on one of first edge 136 or second edge 138 of second knitted component 110 , on the inside 116 and lateral side 118 extend over valley 130 (and thus extend at least partially over throat region 120 when incorporated into article of footwear 100 ), and extend at least partially through a region disposed on first edge 136 or Another exposed loop on the other of the second edges 138 (which may correspond to and be aligned with the exposed loop interwoven with the fastening system 134). In this arrangement, when second knitted component 110 is incorporated into article of footwear 100 and fastening system 134 is tensioned, the exposed loops and corresponding inlaid strands 132 engaged with fastening system 134 are tensioned to enhance the The fit of article of footwear 100 about the wearer's foot. In this embodiment, inlaid strands 132 cooperate with fastening system 134 to form an adjustable tensioning system, as discussed in more detail below.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. (and thus extend at least partially over the throat region 120 when incorporated into the article of footwear 100), at least partially through the first exposed loop 154, and using any suitable technology Secured to buckle 158 (eg, by use of adhesive, by stitching, etc.). In other embodiments, the fastening system 134 can extend through and at least partially surround the first exposed loop 154 (eg, interweave with the first exposed loop 154), extend over the valley 130 (and thus when bonded to Extends at least partially over the throat region 120 when in the article of footwear 100), extends at least partially through the second exposed loop 156, and is secured to the buckle 158 (eg, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ) . As shown in FIG. 3 , a plurality of fastening systems 134 may be included to engage the exposed loops, each fastening system 134 engaging a corresponding pair of exposed loops disposed on the first edge 136 and the second edge 138 , respectively. In other embodiments, each fastening system 134 can engage any two exposed loops respectively disposed on the first edge 136 and the second edge 138 (for example, the fastening system 134 can engage the first loop on the second edge 138). an exposed ring 156 and a third exposed ring 155 on the first edge 136).

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 , in some embodiments, the buckle 158 can include a first surface 162 and an opposing second surface 164, and the fastening system 134 (eg, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 ) can Secured to the buckle 158 at an edge 163 disposed between a first surface 162 and an opposing second surface 164 . In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , inner side 116 and/or outer side 118 of second knitted component 110 may include surface fasteners 160 . The surface fastener 160 and the second surface 164 of the belt fastener 158 are configured such that the second surface 164 of the belt fastener 158 can be releasably secured to the surface fastener 160 .

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the second surface 164 of the belt fastener 158 may have any desired shape having dimensions smaller than the dimensions of the surface fastener 160 . By pressing the second surface 164 of the belt fastener 158 and the surface fastener 160 together, the second surface 164 of the belt fastener 158 and the surface fastener 160 at least partially overlap such that they are secured together. By changing the size of the second surface 164 of the belt fastener 158 and the surface fastener 160, The size of the overlapping regions can be changed as desired and/or as desired. Fastening system 134 (for example, in FIG. 3) can be tensioned, loosened, or otherwise adjusted as and/or as needed so that the tension and shape of the second knitted component 110 can be adjusted and the article of footwear 100 can be obtained in Desired fit on the wearer's foot. This advantageously allows article of footwear 100 to be worn by different wearers and/or by the same wearer as his/her foot grows.

The length of the fastening system 134 may be varied as desired and/or as desired without departing from the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the length of the fastening system 134 is relatively small such that the strap fastener 158 can be attached to an exposed loop extending through the first edge 136 disposed on the inner side 116 The fastening system 134 of the loop, and can also be directly fixed to the surface fastener 160 (forming the outer surface of the article of footwear 100 ) disposed on the inner side 116 of the second knitted component 110 .

In some embodiments, fastening system 134 is relatively long, as shown in FIG. . For example, the portion of fastening system 134 secured to belt buckle 158 may extend through an exposed loop disposed on second edge 138 of outer side 118 and may wrap upwardly over valley 130 (and thus when coupled to the shoe). Wrapped at least partially on the throat region 120 when in the product 100) and at least partially wrapped on the inner side 116, so that the belt fastener 158 can be fixed to the surface fastener 160 disposed on the inner side 116 of the second knitted component 110 (forming the outer surface of the article of footwear 100). Since the fastening system 134 may exhibit a greater Greater stretch resistance, thus wrapping the fastening system 134 around the throat region 120 can impart additional resistance to at least a portion of the upper foot portion 108 (e.g., including at least a portion of the throat region 120) of the article of footwear 100. Stretchability.

In some embodiments, the inner side 116 and outer side 118 of the second knitted component 110 can each include a surface fastener 160 disposed thereon at a desired location, and the length of the fastening system 134 can be selected such that by adjusting the Tension on the fastening system 134, the belt fastener 158 can be selectively secured to any one of the surface fasteners 160 disposed on the inner side 116 and the outer side 118 of the second knitted component 110 (forming the outer surface of the article of footwear 100) .

Inlaid strand 132 may exhibit greater resistance to stretch than first knitted component 102 and second knitted component 110 . That is, inlaid strand 132 may be less stretched than first knitted component 102 and second knitted component 110 . In some embodiments as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , it is assumed that in both the inner side 116 and the outer side 118 of the second knitted component 110 , portions of the inlaid strand 132 may extend from the throat region 120 to the bite line 106 Inlaid strands 132 may impart stretch resistance to portions of article of footwear 100 between throat region 120 and bite line 106 in both medial side 119 and lateral side 121 of article of footwear 100 . Applying tension to fastening system 134 secured to buckle 158 may apply tension to inlaid strand 132 extending between throat region 120 and bite line 106 , thereby causing the article of footwear 100 to tighten in the throat region 120 . The portion between and bite line 106 is placed against the foot on the medial side 119 and the lateral side 121 of the article of footwear 100 (e.g., causing the medial side 116 of the second knitted component 110 to be placed against the medial side 115 of the first knitted component 102 and/or or cause the outer side 118 of the second knitted component 110 to lie against the outer side 117 of the first knitted component 102).

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , embedded strands 132 Portions may extend into heel region 124 and may impart stretch resistance to portions of article of footwear 100 in heel region 124 . An advantage of this configuration is that the portion of inlaid strand 132 that extends into heel region 124 wraps at least partially around the wearer's heel and helps secure the position of the heel within article of footwear 100 . Applying tension to fastening system 134 secured to strap fastener 158 may apply tension to inlaid strand 132 extending in heel region 124 , causing the portion of article of footwear 100 in heel region 124 to rest against the on the foot. Accordingly, inlaid strands 132 operate as an adjustable fastening system (eg, in conjunction with fastening system 134 ) to enhance the fit of article of footwear 100 .

In use, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , second knitted component 110 included in article of footwear 100 may have a relaxed configuration (eg, as shown in FIG. 1 ) and a tensioned configuration (eg, as shown in FIG. 2 ). . When the article of footwear 100 is in an intermediate position (e.g., when the wearer can place his/her foot into the void as shown in FIG. Relatively low tension. After the wearer has inserted his/her foot into the cavity, the wearer can then pull the buckle 158 fixed to the fastening system 134 toward the inside of the throat region 120 (for example, as shown in FIG. ) while applying tension on fastening system 134 (thus pulling embedded strand 132 through exposed loops, such as exposed loops 156 and 154), which causes inner side 116 of second knitted component 110 to rest against first knitted component 102 The outer side 118 of the second knitted component 110 rests against the outer side 117 of the first knitted component 102 so that the shape of the article of footwear 100 can be adjusted to fit the wearer's foot. After adjusting the article of footwear 100 to the desired fit, the wearer can then secure the strap fastener 158 to the surface fastener in the desired position by pressing the strap fastener 158 and the surface fastener 160 together. 160. Fasten the belt fastener 158 by adjusting the tension on the fastening system 134 and at other desired locations With surface fastener 160, the fit of article of footwear 100 can be easily adjusted.

When belt fastener 158 is secured to surface fastener 160 (eg, when second knitted component 110 is in the taut configuration, as shown in FIG. 2 ), fastening system 134 and embedded strand 132 prevent first knitted component 102 from Stretching continues beyond the predetermined position associated with the stretched position shown in FIG. 2 (after the wearer's foot is placed in the cavity). Fastening system 134 and embedded strand 132 can provide support to first knitted component 102 and second knitted component 110 and allow first knitted component 102 and second knitted component 110 to run, jump, or perform on the wearer's foot. Resists deformation or stretching or otherwise supports the wearer's foot during other movements.

FIG. 4 depicts another embodiment of a knitted component including an adjustable tensioning system 410 , and FIG. 4A depicts a close-up view of a portion of the knitted component of FIG. 4 . Knitted component 410 of FIGS. 4 and 4A may be used in a manner similar to second knitted component 110 of FIG. 3 , and may be similarly combined with article of footwear 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 , except that a buckle is attached to form an exposed The loops are embedded in the strands rather than a separate fastening system. Accordingly, knitted component 410 may have similar characteristics and properties as second knitted component 410 unless otherwise stated. For example, knitted component 410 may include a first edge 436 on inner side 416 and a second edge 438 on outer side 418 .

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A , an inlaid strand 432 , which can be made of any material and has any of the properties described for the inlaid strand 132 , can be moved along the second edge 438 of the outer side 418 at a first location 446 . A weft loop 440 extends into knitted component 410 toward first edge 436 of inner side 416 . That is, inlaid strand 432 extending through knitted component 410 may extend at least partially into an underfoot portion of article of footwear 100 (eg, underfoot portion 112 ) when incorporated into an article of footwear (eg, article of footwear 100 ). in other real In an embodiment, inlaid strand 432 may extend into knitted component 410 from first edge 436 of inner side 416 toward second edge 438 of outer side 418 , and one of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand how inlaid strand 432 may extend through Knitted component 410 also interacts with the exposed loops formed to form the adjustable tensioning system in these embodiments.

4 and 4A, inlaid strand 432 may exit first edge 436 at second location 450 and then re-enter knitted component 410 at a third location 452 on first edge 436 such that The strand 432 forms an exposed loop 456 between the second location 450 and the third location 452 . The second position 450 and the third position 452 can be changed as desired and/or when desired such that the size of the exposed loop 456 can be changed. The inlaid strand 432 may then extend along the second weft loop 442 toward the outer side 418 and exit the second edge 438 at a fourth location 448 .

After exiting fourth position 448, inlaid strand 432 may extend rearward toward first edge 436 of medial side 416, over valley 430 between medial side 416 and lateral side 418 (and thus at least Extends partially over a throat region (eg, throat region 120 of article of footwear 100 ), and then extends through exposed loop 456 . The portion of inlaid strand 432 that extends over valley 430 and through exposed loop 456 is exposed portion 433 that is not inlaid within knitted component 410 . That is, inlaid strand 432 can include an exposed loop on a first side (e.g., inner side 416 or outer side 418) of knitted component 410, and exposed portion 433 of inlaid strand 432 can emerge from a second side (e.g., inner side 416 or outer side 418) of knitted component 410. , lateral 418 or medial 416), extend over valley 430 (and thus at least partially extend over the throat region (eg, throat region 120 of article of footwear 100 ) when incorporated into the article of footwear), and Exposed loops on the first side of knitted component 410 are passed through.

After extending through exposed loop 456 , inlaid strand 432 can extend rearward toward outer side 418 such that at least a portion of inlaid strand 432 extending through exposed loop 456 (eg, exposed portion 433 ) becomes aligned with a portion of inlaid strand 432 extending through exposed loop 456 . The exposed loops 456 are interwoven. Embedded strand 432 (e.g., exposed portion 433) may then extend over valley 430 between inner side 416 and outer side 418 and secured to the buckle using any suitable technique, such as by using adhesive, by stitching, etc. Member 458 (which may have similar features and performance as buckle member 158). In this arrangement, when knitted component 410 is incorporated into an article of footwear (eg, article of footwear 100 ) and a portion of inlaid strand 432 secured to buckle 458 is tensioned (eg, by pulling on buckle 458 ), the exposed loop 456 engaged with the portion of the inlaid strand 432 secured to the buckle 458 is tensioned, so the remaining portion of the inlaid strand 432 is also tensioned to enhance the footwear around the wearer's foot fit. In this embodiment, embedded strands 432 themselves form an adjustable tensioning system, as discussed in more detail below.

As shown in FIG. 4 , a plurality of inlaid strands 432 may be included in knitted component 410, wherein each inlaid strand 432 is moved along the first weft loop 440 and the second weft loop 442 in the same manner as described above. The weft loop extends between an inner side 416 and an outer side 418 . As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of inlaid strands 432 can be spaced apart, wherein each inlaid strand 432 extends along its corresponding weft loop at a desired location such that a plurality of spaced apart exposed loops can be spaced along the inside A first edge 436 of 416 is formed. Each embedded strand 432 is secured to buckle 458 such that the tension on each embedded strand 432 can be adjusted simultaneously by pulling on buckle 458 . The number of inlaid strands 432 included in knitted component 410 and the spacing between them may be varied as desired and/or as desired without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As discussed similarly with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , when knitted component 410 is in a wearable shape (eg, as shown in FIG. 4 ) and incorporated into an article of footwear (eg, article of footwear 100 ), the set An exposed loop (eg, exposed loop 456 ) on first edge 436 of medial side 416 may be disposed on the medial side of a throat region (eg, throat region 120 of article of footwear 100 ) and secured to inlaid strand 432 The strap fastener 458 can be configured to be selectively secured to a surface fastener, similar to the surface fastener 160 of FIGS. at the desired location on , as discussed in more detail below.

Buckle 458 in FIG. 4 may releasably engage surface fasteners in the same manner as described for buckle 158 unless otherwise noted, and therefore all details are not repeated here. For example, inlaid strand 432 may be secured to buckle 458 at edge 463 disposed between a first surface 462 and an opposing second surface 464 of buckle 468 . Second surface 464 of strap fastener 458 may be configured to releasably secure to a surface fastener on the medial or lateral side of the article of footwear, similar to surface fastener 160 . Changing the position of the second surface 464 of the belt fastener 458 relative to the surface fastener and pressing the second surface 464 of the belt fastener 458 and the surface fastener together may cause the embedded strands 432 to be embedded as desired and/or Tensioned, loosened, or otherwise adjusted as needed so that the tension and shape of second knitted component 410 can be adjusted and a desired fit of the article of footwear can be achieved.

Similar to the fastening system 134, the length of the inlaid strand 432 may be varied as desired and/or as desired without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4 , the inlaid strand 432 is relatively long such that the inlaid strand 432 extends through the first edge 436 disposed on the inner side 416 and secured to the exposed portion of the buckle 458 . The portion of the loop can wrap upwards over the valley 430 (and thus when combined When inserted into the article of footwear, it is at least partially wrapped around the throat region (e.g., throat region 120) and at least partially wrapped around the outer side 418, so that the buckle 458 can be secured to the second knitted component 410 (forming the shoe). Surface fasteners on the outside 418 of the product). Because inlaid strand 432 may exhibit greater stretch resistance than first knitted component (eg, first knitted component 102 ) and second knitted component 410, wrapping inlaid strand 432 in the throat region (eg, throat Additional stretch resistance may be imparted to at least a portion of an upperfoot portion, such as upperfoot portion 108 of article of footwear 100 (eg, including at least a portion of throat region 120 ), in the throat region 120).

In some embodiments, the inner side 416 and outer side 418 of the second knitted component 410 can each include surface fasteners disposed thereon at desired locations, and the length of the inlaid strand 432 can be selected such that by adjusting the Tension on strand 432, belt fastener 458 may be selectively secured to either of the surface fasteners disposed on inner side 416 and outer side 418.

In addition, since embedded strand 432 is less stretchable than first knitted components, such as first knitted component 102 and second knitted component 410, and since portions of embedded strand 432 can be drawn from both medial and lateral sides 416 and 418, The throat region (e.g., throat region 120) extends to the bite line (e.g., bite line 106), so embedded strands 432 can impart stretch resistance to the article of footwear (e.g., article of footwear 100) located on the footwear. The portion between the throat region and the bite line in both the medial and lateral sides of article 100 is as previously described with respect to FIGS. Similarly, portions of inlaid strand 432 may extend into a heel region of the article of footwear (e.g., heel region 124) and may impart stretch resistance to portions of the article of footwear in the heel region and may similar to those described with respect to Figures 1 through 3 The same manner applies tension to the embedded strand 432 in the heel region, except that the tension is adjusted through the embedded strand 432 rather than the fastening system 134 .

As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, second knitted component 410 may have a relaxed (or neutral) configuration similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 1 and a taut configuration similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 2 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand how the second knitted component 410 shown in FIG. article of footwear 100 between time and time).

FIG. 5 depicts that textile component 566 may include first textile portion 568 , second textile portion 570 , and third textile portion 572 . A gap 574 may be provided between the first textile portion 568 and the second textile portion 570 . Third textile portion 572 is optional. That is, in some embodiments, the textile component 566 can include a first textile portion 568 and a second textile portion 570 that are completely separate, with a gap 574 disposed between and along the first textile portion 568 and the second textile portion 570. The entire length setting. In some embodiments, first textile portion 568 is a knitted portion including first plurality of knitted loops 506 and second textile portion 570 is also a knitted portion including second plurality of knitted loops 508 . In some embodiments, only one of first textile portion 568 and second textile portion 570 is a knitted portion. Gap 574 has no weft loops knitted.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5 , textile component 566 may include at least one strand 576 extending from first textile portion 568 to second textile portion 570 . In some embodiments, where the first textile portion 568 is a knitted portion, at least one strand 576 may be embedded in at least one weft of the first plurality of knitted weft loops 506 Inside the loop, extends through a gap 574 between the first textile portion 568 and the second textile portion 570 and at least partially extends into or is otherwise secured to the second textile portion 570 .

In some embodiments, where both the first textile portion 568 and the second textile portion 570 are knitted portions, the strands 576 may be embedded in the first textile portion 568 and the second textile portion 570 . As shown in FIG. 5 , for example, the inlaid strand 576 can be directed from the first side 578 of the first textile portion 568 toward the first textile along the first weft 596 of the first plurality of knitted wefts 506 at the first location 586 . The second side 580 of the portion 568 extends into the first textile portion 568 . The inlaid strand 576 can then exit the first textile portion 568, extend through the gap 574, from the first side 582 of the second textile portion 570 along the first weft loop 502 of the second plurality of knitted weft loops 508 toward the second The second side 584 of the textile portion 570 extends into the second textile portion 570 . The inlaid strand 576 can exit the second side 584 of the second textile portion 570 at a second location 588 and re-enter the second side 584 at a third location 590 such that between the second location 588 and the third location 590 An exposed ring 510 is formed on the second side 584 of the .

The inlaid strand 576 may then extend along the second weft loop 504 of the second plurality of knitted weft loops 508 toward the first side 582 of the second textile portion 570, exit the first side 582, extend through the gap 574, and enter The second side 580 of the first textile portion 568 . The inlaid strand 576 may then extend toward the first side 578 of the first textile portion 568 along the second weft loop 598 of the first plurality of knitted weft loops 506 . The inlaid strand 576 can then exit the first side 578 at a fourth location 592, re-enter the first side 578 at a fifth location 594, and move along the third weft loop 599 of the first plurality of knitted weft loops 506 toward The second side 580 of the first textile portion 568 extends. available in the fourth position 592 and the fifth Another exposed loop 512 is formed on first side 578 between positions 594 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , embedded strand 576 may pass back and forth through first textile portion 568 , gap 574 , and second textile portion 570 . That is, the inlaid strands 576 can repeatedly exit the second side 584 of the second textile portion 570 and re-enter the second side 584 at another location, so that multiple strands can be formed on the second side 584 of the second textile portion 570. An exposed loop (eg, exposed loop 510). The embedded strand 576 can also repeatedly exit the first side 578 of the first textile portion 568 and re-enter the first side 578 at another location, so that multiple strands can be formed on the first side 578 of the first textile portion 568 Expose the ring. As the inlaid strands 576 repeatedly pass back and forth through the gap 574 from the first textile portion 568 to the second textile portion 570 or from the second textile portion 570 to the first textile portion 568, the plurality of exposed portions 214 of the inlaid strands 576 are disposed at within gap 574 .

Embedded strands 576 may provide stretch resistance to first textile portion 568 and second textile portion 570 . The distance between the fourth location 592 and the fifth location 594 can vary such that the shape and size of the exposed loop 512 can vary, and the distance between the second location 588 and the third location 590 can vary such that the exposed loop 510 The shape and size can vary. The spacing between the first weft loop 596, the second weft loop 598 and the third weft loop 599 of the first plurality of knitted weft loops 506 and/or the first weft loops 502 and 599 of the second plurality of knitted weft loops 508 can be varied. The spacing between the second weft loops 504 to achieve a desired density of embedded strands 576 in the textile component 566 to achieve the desired stretch resistance at desired locations.

Can be adjusted by manipulating the first end 516 and/or the second end 518 of the embedded strand 576 (eg, by pulling the first end 516 and the second end 518 outward from the respective first side 578 and second side 584 ). Stretch resistance of the textile component 566 until the desired Tension is exerted on inlaid strand 576 (and thus textile component 566). The portions of the embedded strands 576 extending outward from the first side 578 of the first textile portion 568 and the second side 584 of the second textile portion 570 may then be embedded using any suitable technique (e.g., by using an adhesive, by sewing etc.) are respectively connected to the textile parts 566 in a fixed manner.

In this way, textile component 566 is formed into a self-contained component with the desired stretch resistance that can be incorporated into a variety of products for personal and industrial purposes. For example, textile component 566 may be used in an article of footwear (similar to article of footwear 100 of FIGS. Textile portion 570 is secured to a second side (e.g., lateral or medial) of the article of footwear, and exposed portion 214 extends over the throat area of the article of footwear to provide support, stability, and support to the article of footwear at desired locations. sex and structure. As another example, textile component 566 may be used in other types of clothing (e.g., shirts, pants, socks, jackets, and underwear), athletic equipment (e.g., golf bags, baseball and soccer gloves, and soccer restraining structures), containers (eg, backpacks and bags), and upholstery (eg, chairs, sofas, and car seats). As another example, textile component 566 may be used for bed covers (eg, sheets and blankets), table covers, towels, flags, tents, canvas, and parachutes. As another example, textile component 566 may be used as a technical textile for industrial use, including structures for automotive and aerospace applications, filtration materials, medical textiles (e.g., bandages), geotextiles for embankment reinforcement, Agrotextiles for crop protection, and industrial clothing for protection or insulation from heat and/or radiation.

Figures 6A and 6B illustrate another embodiment of a textile component 602, spun Textile component 602 may be a knitted component (eg, formed on a knitting machine as described above). Textile component 602 may have any suitable features described in this specification. As shown, the textile component 602 can include a first knitted portion 604 and a second knitted portion 606, wherein the first knitted portion 604 and the second knitted portion 606 are separated such that there is a gap 608 therebetween (eg, similar to gap 574 discussed above with respect to FIG. 5). While textile component 602 may be used in any suitable application, it is contemplated that textile component 602 may form at least a portion of an upper of an article of footwear. For example, first knitted portion 604 and second knitted portion 606 may form the medial and lateral sides of the upper, while third knitted portion 610 may form at least one of a toe region and a heel region of the upper. Gap 608 may be located in the throat area of the upper (eg, a tongue may then be attached or knitted with the depicted portion).

For example, when textile component 602 is a knitted component, gap 608 may be devoid of knitted loops such that an opening is formed between first knitted portion 604 and second knitted portion 606 . Optionally, the third knitted portion 610 may connect the first knitted portion 604 and the second knitted portion 606 via a plurality of knit loops (e.g., when the first knitted portion 604, the second knitted portion 606, and the third knitted portion 610 are in when formed together on a knitting machine). For example, first knitted portion 604 may be connected to third knitted portion 610 via at least one common knit structure (eg, a set of intermeshing knit loops). Similarly, second knit portion 606 may be connected to third knit portion 610 via at least one common knit structure (eg, a set of intermeshing knit loops).

Textile component 602 may include at least one embedded strand. For example, FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment with a first embedded strand 612 and a second embedded strand 614 , but in other embodiments, one or more of the embedded strands 612 and 614 may be excluded. No. An embedded strand 612 may be at least partially embedded within first knitted portion 604 . The embedding of inlaid strands into knitted components and the resulting Certain methods in at least one weft turn of the structure, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Optionally, first inlaid strand 612 may be inlaid through only a portion of the cross-section of first knitted portion 604 . As shown in FIG. 6A , first inlaid strand 612 may be inlaid through first region 616 of first knitted portion 604 . For example, the first region 616 may be formed from a double jersey with knitted loops on both sides of the first inlaid strand 612 (e.g., the sides facing the front and back of the textile component from the perspective of FIG. 6A ), such that the second An inlaid strand 612 is positioned between the front and rear surfaces of a first region 616 of the first knitted portion 604 . In a different location (eg, adjacent to the second region 618 of the first knitted portion 604 ), the first inlaid strand 612 may not be inlaid but exposed outside of the knit loops. Moving from being inlaid (as in the first region 616) to not being indented (as in the second region 618) can be accomplished by transferring the stitches from one needle bed to another during the inlaying process (e.g., such that No coils are located on one side of the first inlaid strand 612 along its non-embedded length). Accordingly, the first inlaid strand 612 may extend from a first point 620 to a second point 622 when inlaid. Instead, first inlaid strand 612 may be exposed, free to move, and accessible elsewhere relative to the remainder of textile component 602 . Advantageously, the locations at which the first inlay strands are inlaid may be selected during product design to achieve a particular function (eg, to provide the textile component 602 with a designed force distribution).

Optionally, the first inlaid strand 612 can be coupled to the fourth knitted portion 626 (which may, for example, be used as a buckle, such as buckle 158 of FIGS. 1-2 ). In some embodiments (including the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6A ), first inlaid strand 612 is also embedded through knitted weft loops of fourth knit portion 626 (e.g., where fourth knit portion 626 is formed in the different needles of the knitting machine of the knitted part 604). Advantageously, fourth knitted portion 626 may be secured to first inlaid strand 612 after the knitting process (increasing durability of textile component 602 as well as manufacturing efficiency). It is contemplated that this inlaid orientation may allow fourth knit portion 626 to slide along first inlaid strand 612 (eg, allowing fourth knit portion 626 to be adjusted in size). Additionally or alternatively, at least one end 630 of the first inlaid strand 612 may be movable to adjust the slack of the first inlaid strand 612 . In particular, slack 632 between first knitted portion 604 and fourth knitted portion 626 (which may be in second gap 634 ) may be controlled. Advantageously, such control may allow adjustment of the length of the band formed, for example, from first inlaid strand 612 and fourth knitted portion 626 . To illustrate, FIG. 6B shows the embodiment of FIG. 6A where slack portion 632 has been shortened by displacement (eg, pulling) of end 630 . Although not shown in FIGS. 6A-6B , an actuator (eg, a clamp or other operable fastener) may be included to achieve the appropriate amount of slack within the first embedded strand 612 relative to the fourth Knit portion 626 secures end 632 of first inlaid strand 612 . Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the ends 630 of the first inlaid strand may be secured to the fourth knitted portion 626 via stitching, adhesive, staples, pins, or another additional fastener.

The second inlaid strand 614 may have any of the characteristics discussed above with respect to the first inlaid strand 612 (eg, it may mirror the characteristics of the first inlaid strand 612). However, the second inlaid strand 614 has certain characteristics that differ from those of the first inlaid strand 612 . For example, the second inlaid strand 614 is substantially embedded through to form the second knitted portion All of some weft circles of 606. That is, the inlaid portion of the second inlaid strand 614 extends substantially across the cross-sectional length of the second knitted portion 606 in the weft direction. Additionally, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A-6B , the second inlaid strand 614 is not associated with a buckle (although a buckle may be included with the second inlaid strand 614 in other embodiments) . Instead, second inlaid strand 614 immediately exits and re-enters the weft loop of second knitted portion 606 at edge 636 . In this embodiment, adjustment of the second inlaid strand 614 may be performed by, for example, manipulating the slack end 638 of the second inlaid strand 614 .

As shown in FIGS. 6A-6B , first inlaid strand 612 may engage second inlaid strand 614 within gap 608 . In this particular embodiment, a set of first coils 640 is formed from the first inlaid strands 612 , where the first inlaid strands 612 change direction in the gap 608 . Similarly, a set of second coils 642 is also formed from the second inlaid strands 614 , where the second inlaid strands 614 change direction in the gap 608 . The two sets of coils are joined such that they are interwoven and in particular such that the first inlaid strand 612 extends through the second coil 642 and such that the second inlaid strand 614 extends through the first coil 640 . As a result (and removing some or all of the slack), pulling on the first inlaid strand 612 (and/or the first knitted portion 604) transfers force to the second inlaid strand 614 (and/or the second knitted portion 606), and vice versa. Of course.

Advantageously, such embodiments may create a system for securing textile component 602 and/or tensioning textile component 602 when used with an article of footwear, clothing, or other article. For example, if gap 608 is located in the throat region of an upper of an article of footwear (eg, article of footwear 100 ), first inlaid strand 612 and second inlaid strand 614 may combine to form a fastening system for the article of footwear. (eg, possibly replacing typical shoelaces). In such an embodiment, pull the buckle (in this case, the fourth pin knitted portion 626) may be the only action required to draw textile component 602 tight around the wearer's foot, for example.

FIG. 7 depicts an example knitted component 702 for use in an article of footwear, such as article of footwear 100 of FIGS. 1-2 . Knitted component 702 of FIG. 7 is similar to textile component 602 of FIGS. 6A and 6B . Additionally, knitted component 702 includes several of the aspects discussed above, particularly aspects such as those incorporated in FIGS. 1-3 . As shown, knitted component 702 includes a first inlaid strand 704 extending through knitted component 702 and forming an underfoot portion such that once incorporated into the article of footwear, first inlaid strand 704 will at least partially Stretch under one foot. Knitted component 704 also includes a second inlaid strand 706 embedded through a buckle 708, which is similar to buckle 162 shown above in FIGS. 1-2. Similar to certain buckles described herein (e.g., the buckle formed by fourth knitted portion 626 of FIG. The second embedded strand 706. As discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1-3 , the first inlaid strand 704 is joined to the second inlaid strand 706 via interweaving such that pulling on the second inlaid strand 706 transfers force to the first inlaid strand 704 (and thus through the underfoot portion of knitted component 702).

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a knitted component 802 for an article of footwear, similar to knitted component 702 of FIG. 7 , except in which the embedded strands are joined to each other in a different manner. Knitted component 802 includes a first inlaid strand 804 and a second knitted component 806 . Second inlaid strand 806 is joined to loops (eg, exposed loops 854 ) of first inlaid strand 804 on both sides (eg, inner side 816 and outer side 818 ) of knitted component 804 . For example, this embodiment may be adapted for use with certain types of fastening systems incorporated into articles of footwear.

Figure 9 shows an embodiment of an upper formed from a knitted component 902, the knitted Part 902 is similar to textile part 602 shown in FIGS. 6A-6B (with certain differences). For example, knitted component 902 includes first and second inlaid strands 904, 906 that are similar to first and second inlaid strands 612, 614, respectively, of FIG. 6A. Each of first inlaid strand 904 and second inlaid strand 906 are embedded through the weft loops of knitted component 902 such that when incorporated into the upper, first inlaid strand 904 will be on the outside and second inlaid strand The strand 906 will be on the inside (or vice versa). As shown, the first inlaid strand 904 and the second inlaid strand 906 are separated in a gap defined by at least two knit portions (eg, a first knit portion 912 which may be located on the outside and a second knit portion 914 which may be located on the inside). 908 to join each other. Gap 908 may be located in a throat region of the upper such that first inlaid strand 904 and second inlaid strand 906 may join in the throat region. Pulling on at least one of the first inlaid strand 904 and the second inlaid strand 906 may tighten the upper around the foot (as described in more detail above).

As with all embodiments described herein, certain variations are possible (such as adapting the first inlaid strand 904 (or the two inlaid strands depicted in FIG. 9 ) so that it functions similarly to that shown in FIGS. 6A-6B . shown first embedded strand 612). Figure 10 depicts such an example. In FIG. 10, knitted component 1002 having first inlaid strand 1004 and second inlaid strand 1006 is similar to knitted component 902 of FIG. After passing through the exposed loop of the first inlaid strand 1004, it can be secured to a buckle 1026, similar to the fourth knitted portion 626 of FIG. 6A.

11 depicts another example of an embodiment in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 11 depicts knitted component 1102 for an upper of an article of footwear, such as article of footwear 100 . Knitted component 1102 is similar to knitted component 902 of FIG. This is similar to textile component 602 of FIG. Optionally, central knitted portion 1104 may at least partially form a tongue of the upper. In this embodiment, first gap 1108 and second gap 1110 are formed on the medial and lateral sides of the throat region of the upper. First inlaid strand 1112 and second inlaid strand 1114 each engage central inlaid strand 1106 in first gap 1108 and second gap 1110 , respectively. For example, the exposed loop formed by the first inlaid strand 1112 may pass through the one or more exposed loops of the central inlaid strand 1106 in the first gap 1108 while the exposed loop formed by the second inlaid strand 1114 One or more exposed loops of strand 1106 may be embedded through the center in second gap 1110 .

Optionally, and as shown, first inlaid strand 1112 may be secured to (eg, embedded through) first buckle member 1116 and second inlaid strand 1114 may be secured to (eg, embedded through) Second buckle 1118 . Adjusting one or both buckles tightens the upper around the foot with enough flexibility to ensure a snug (and otherwise decent) fit. Additionally or alternatively, the centrally inlaid strand 1106 may be adjustable (eg, by pulling on the coil or free end of the centrally inlaid strand 1106 ) for added customization of the fit.

As noted above, certain aspects of the present disclosure may be used in articles other than those incorporated into articles of footwear. FIG. 12 shows an example of a related aspect as used, for example, in a bra 1202 . As shown, bra 1202 may be formed at least in part from knitted component 1203 . In this case, for example, all fabric portions of bra 1202 are knitted.

For example, bra 1202 may be adjusted by adjusting at least one of first inlaid strand 1212 and second inlaid strand 1214 . As shown, the first embedded strand 1212 is inlaid through first knit portion 1204 and second inlaid strand 1214 is inlaid through second knit portion 1206 . First inlaid strand 1212 includes first slack region 1240 extending between first knit portion 1204 and first buckle member 1246, and second inlaid strand 1214 includes between second knit portion 1206 and second buckle member. A second slack region 1242 extends between 1248 . Optionally, first buckle member 1246 and/or second buckle member 1248 may be knitted (eg, with corresponding inlaid strands embedded therethrough), but this is not required. For example, first buckle member 1246 and/or second buckle member 1248 may be secured to outer surface 1250 of base region 1252 of bra 1202 . Thus, during user adjustment, the first buckle 1246 and/or the second buckle 1248 can be pulled until a sufficient tightness/fit is achieved, and then at least one of the buckle 1246 and 1248 can be secured in place.

Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6B , the embodiment of FIG. 12 includes gaps 1208 in which embedded strands are interwoven. In particular, first inlaid strand 1212 includes a loop in gap 1208 that engages a corresponding loop of second inlaid strand 1214 . Thus, pulling on the first fastener 1246 transfers force to the second embedded strand 1214 (and vice versa). While such an embodiment facilitates an increased degree of adjustability, it is also contemplated that during normal use, the user may only adjust one of the first inlaid strand 1212 and the second inlaid strand 1214 since only the first One of the buckle 1246 and the second buckle 1248 is sufficient.

Similar systems could be incorporated into other types of articles (eg, other articles of clothing). As shown in FIG. 10, a similar sleeved article 1302 includes a first inlaid strand 1312 and a second inlaid strand 1314 embedded through a first knit portion 1304 and a second knit portion 1306, respectively. Pulling the first embedded strand 1312 and the second embedded strand 1314 At least one may cause article 1302 to change its geometry (eg, reduce its diameter), thereby tensioning article 1302 , for example, around an object within cavity 1360 formed by article 1302 . Article 1302 may be or may be incorporated within any suitable device. As non-limiting examples, article 1302 may be an adjustable sleeve for a shirt or other article of clothing, a medical or athletic device for creating compression around an appendage (arm, leg, finger, etc.), a sock, or an article other than clothing.

The following terms represent example aspects of the concepts contemplated herein. Any of the following terms may be combined by multiple subordination to depend on one or more other terms. Furthermore, any combination of dependent clauses (clauses that explicitly depend on a preceding clause) may be combined while remaining within the scope of the aspects contemplated herein. The following terms are illustrative and not restrictive in nature.

Clause 1: An article of footwear comprising: a knitted component including a plurality of weft loops; and at least one inlaid strand, wherein the at least one inlaid strand is embedded in the plurality of weft loops within at least one weft loop, and wherein the at least one embedded strand comprises an exposed loop on a first side of the knitted component and an exposed portion at least partially from the second side of the knitted component Extending over the throat region and through the exposed loop on the first side.

Clause 2: The article of footwear according to Clause 1, further comprising a buckle secured to an end of the at least one inlaid strand.

Clause 3: The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 1 to 2, wherein the strap fastener is configured to releasably attach to a surface fastener on an outer surface of the article of footwear.

Clause 4: The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, which wherein the exposed loop is located on the medial or lateral side of the throat region of the article of footwear.

Clause 5: The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein after extending through the exposed loop, the exposed portion of the at least one inlaid strand emerges from the The first side extends at least partially rearwardly over the throat region to the second side of the knitted component.

Clause 6: The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein an end of the exposed portion of the at least one inlaid strand is secured to a buckle, and wherein the buckle is Configured to releasably attach to a surface fastener on the second side of the knitted component.

Clause 7: The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the at least one inlaid strand extends at least partially through an underfoot portion of the article of footwear.

Clause 8: The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the at least one inlaid strand extends at least partially through a heel region of the article of footwear.

Clause 9: The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the at least one inlaid strand comprises a material having a greater tensile strength than a material forming the plurality of weft loops of the knitted component. extensible material.

Clause 10: An article of footwear comprising: a knitted component comprising a plurality of weft loops; at least one inlaid strand, wherein the at least one inlaid strand is embedded in at least one of the plurality of weft loops. Within a weft loop, the at least one embedded strand includes an exposed loop on at least one of a medial or lateral side of a throat region of the article of footwear; a fastening system, the fastening system at least partially extends through the to at least one of said exposed loops embedded in a strand; and a buckle secured to an end of said fastening system and configured to be releasably attached to an end located on said article of footwear. Surface fasteners on the outer surface.

Clause 11: The article of footwear according to Clause 10, wherein the fastening system extends at least partially through the throat region of the article of footwear.

Clause 12: The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 10 to 11, wherein the surface fastener is located on a medial or lateral side of the article of footwear.

Clause 13: The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 10 to 12, wherein the at least one inlaid strand comprises a material having a greater tensile strength than a material forming the plurality of weft loops of the knitted component. extensible material.

Clause 14: The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 10 to 13, wherein the at least one inlaid strand comprises a first exposed loop on the first side of the knitted component and a loop on the knitted A second exposed loop on the second side of the component, wherein the fastening system interweaves with and extends through the first exposed loop.

Clause 15: The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 10 to 14, wherein an end of the fastening system extending through the second exposed loop is secured to a strap fastener, and wherein the strap A fastener is configured to releasably attach to a surface fastener on the second side of the knitted component.

Clause 16: The article of footwear according to any one of clauses 10 to 14, wherein an end of the fastening system extending through the second exposed loop is secured to a strap fastener, and wherein the strap A fastener is configured to releasably attach to a surface fastener on the first side of the knitted component.

Clause 17: A textile component comprising: a first textile portion comprising a first plurality of knitted weft loops; a second textile portion; and at least one strand drawn from the The first textile portion extends to the second textile portion, wherein the at least one strand is embedded within at least one weft loop of the first plurality of knitted weft loops, and wherein the at least one strand Extending across the entire gap extending between said first textile portion and said second textile portion, said gap excluding knitted weft loops.

Clause 18: The textile component of Clause 17, wherein the second textile portion comprises a second plurality of knitted weft loops, and wherein the at least one strand is embedded in the second plurality of knitted weft loops At least one latitude circle.

Clause 19: A textile component according to any one of clauses 17 to 18, wherein said at least one strand is formed on a first side of said first textile portion or a second side of said second textile portion and wherein said at least one strand includes at least one exposed portion located in said gap.

Clause 20: A textile component according to any one of clauses 17 to 18, wherein said at least one strand forms a first exposed loop on a first side of said first textile portion and a first exposed loop on said first textile portion. A second exposed loop on the second side of the second textile portion.

Clause 21: A textile component comprising: a first knitted portion; a first strand at least partially embedded through said first knitted portion; a second knitted portion wherein said second knitted portion spaced from the first knitted portion such that a gap is between the first knitted portion and the second knitted portion; and a second strand at least partially embedded through the first knitted portion Two knitted parts, which wherein the first strand forms a first loop between the first knitted portion and the second knitted portion, wherein the second strand is formed between the first knitted portion and the second knitted portion forming a second coil, wherein the first strand extends through the second coil, and wherein the second strand extends through the first coil.

Clause 22: The textile component of clause 21, wherein the first strand is at least partially embedded through a third knit portion, wherein the slack portion of the first strand is located between the first knit portion and the Between the third knitted part.

Clause 23: A textile component according to any one of clauses 21 to 22, wherein a free end of said first strand is movable relative to said third knitted portion to adjust said first knitted portion and said The slack portion between the third knitted portions.

Clause 24: A textile component according to any one of clauses 21 to 23, wherein said third knitted portion is fixable relative to at least one of said first knitted portion and said second knitted portion such that It forms a buckle.

Clause 25: The textile component according to any one of clauses 21 to 24, wherein the textile component is incorporated into an upper of an article of footwear.

Clause 26: The textile component of any one of Clauses 25, wherein the gap is located in or adjacent to a throat region of the upper.

Clause 27: A textile component according to any one of clauses 21 to 26, further comprising a third strand joining the second strand in a second gap, wherein the second strand is located at In the throat area of the upper.

Clause 28: The textile component according to any one of clauses 21 to 27, wherein the textile component at least partially forms an article of clothing.

Clause 29: The textile component of Clause 28, wherein the article of clothing is a bra.

Clause 30: The textile component of Clause 28, wherein the article of clothing is a sleeve.

Aspects of the disclosure have been described with the intention of being illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of accomplishing the improvements described above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It is understood that certain features and subcombinations are useful and can be used without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated to be within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need to be performed in the particular order described.

100: Footwear

102: First knitted component

104: sole structure

106: Bite line

108: upper part

110: second knitted component

112: The lower part

115: inside

116: inside

117: outside

118: outside

119: inside

120: Throat area

121: outside

122: Midfoot area

124: heel area

126: Toe area

132: Embedded strands

154: First exposed coil

156: second exposed coil

158: belt buckle

160: surface fasteners

164: second surface

Claims (16)

An article of footwear comprising: a knitted component including a plurality of weft loops; and at least one inlay thread, wherein the at least one inlay thread is embedded in at least one of the plurality of weft loops , and wherein the at least one inlay thread includes an exposed loop on a first side of the knitted component and an exposed portion at least partially in the throat region from a second side of the knitted component extending up and through the exposed loop on the first side. The article of footwear according to claim 1, further comprising a belt fastener secured to an end of the at least one inlay thread. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the buckle is configured to releasably attach to a surface fastener on an outer surface of the article of footwear. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the exposed loop is located on an inner side or an outer side of the throat region of the article of footwear. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein after extending through the exposed loop, the exposed portion of the at least one backing thread is at least partially rearward from the first side of the knitted component over the throat region extending to the second side of the knitted component. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein an end of the exposed portion of the at least one backing thread is secured to a belt fastener, and wherein the belt fastener is configured to be releasably attached to the knitted component A surface fastener on the second side of the The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the at least one gusset thread extends at least partially through an underfoot portion of the article of footwear. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the at least one liner extends at least partially through a heel region of the article of footwear. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the at least one inlay thread comprises a material having greater stretch resistance than a material forming the plurality of weft loops of the knitted component. An article of footwear comprising: a knitted component comprising a plurality of weft loops; at least one inlay thread, wherein the at least one inlay thread is embedded in at least one of the plurality of weft loops, The at least one backing thread includes an exposed loop on at least one of a medial side or a lateral side of a throat region of the article of footwear; a fastening system extending at least partially through the The exposed loop of the at least one backing thread; and a belt fastener secured to an end of the fastening system and configured to releasably attach to an exterior of the article of footwear A surface fastener on a surface. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the fastening system extends at least partially through the throat region of the article of footwear. The article of footwear according to claim 10, wherein the surface fastener is located on an inner side or an outer side of the article of footwear. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the at least one inlay thread comprises a material having a greater resistance to stretch than a material forming the plurality of weft loops of the knitted component. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the at least one inlay thread includes a first exposed loop on a first side of the knitted component and a second exposed loop on a second side of the knitted component. An exposed loop, wherein the fastening system interweaves with the first exposed loop and extends through the second exposed loop. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein an end of the fastening system extending through the second exposed loop is secured to a belt fastener, and wherein the belt fastener is configured to releasably attach to a A surface fastener on the second side of the knitted component. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein an end of the fastening system extending through the second exposed loop is secured to a belt fastener, and wherein the belt fastener is configured to releasably attach to a A surface fastener on the first side of the knitted component.

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