US20230002941A1 - Knitting Machine with Extreme Racking and Related Knitted Component - Google Patents
Knitting Machine with Extreme Racking and Related Knitted Component Download PDFInfo
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- US20230002941A1 US20230002941A1 US17/942,904 US202217942904A US2023002941A1 US 20230002941 A1 US20230002941 A1 US 20230002941A1 US 202217942904 A US202217942904 A US 202217942904A US 2023002941 A1 US2023002941 A1 US 2023002941A1
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- Prior art keywords
- knitted component
- needle bed
- knitting machine
- knitting
- double
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Classifications
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04B—KNITTING
- D04B15/00—Details of, or auxiliary devices incorporated in, weft knitting machines, restricted to machines of this kind
- D04B15/38—Devices for supplying, feeding, or guiding threads to needles
- D04B15/54—Thread guides
- D04B15/56—Thread guides for flat-bed knitting machines
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04B—KNITTING
- D04B1/00—Weft knitting processes for the production of fabrics or articles not dependent on the use of particular machines; Fabrics or articles defined by such processes
- D04B1/22—Weft knitting processes for the production of fabrics or articles not dependent on the use of particular machines; Fabrics or articles defined by such processes specially adapted for knitting goods of particular configuration
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04B—KNITTING
- D04B15/00—Details of, or auxiliary devices incorporated in, weft knitting machines, restricted to machines of this kind
- D04B15/10—Needle beds
- D04B15/12—Shogging devices therefor
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04B—KNITTING
- D04B15/00—Details of, or auxiliary devices incorporated in, weft knitting machines, restricted to machines of this kind
- D04B15/38—Devices for supplying, feeding, or guiding threads to needles
- D04B15/48—Thread-feeding devices
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04B—KNITTING
- D04B15/00—Details of, or auxiliary devices incorporated in, weft knitting machines, restricted to machines of this kind
- D04B15/66—Devices for determining or controlling patterns ; Programme-control arrangements
- D04B15/68—Devices for determining or controlling patterns ; Programme-control arrangements characterised by the knitting instruments used
- D04B15/70—Devices for determining or controlling patterns ; Programme-control arrangements characterised by the knitting instruments used in flat-bed knitting machines
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04B—KNITTING
- D04B7/00—Flat-bed knitting machines with independently-movable needles
- D04B7/04—Flat-bed knitting machines with independently-movable needles with two sets of needles
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04B—KNITTING
- D04B7/00—Flat-bed knitting machines with independently-movable needles
- D04B7/30—Flat-bed knitting machines with independently-movable needles specially adapted for knitting goods of particular configuration
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D10—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
- D10B—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
- D10B2403/00—Details of fabric structure established in the fabric forming process
- D10B2403/03—Shape features
- D10B2403/032—Flat fabric of variable width, e.g. including one or more fashioned panels
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D10—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
- D10B—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
- D10B2501/00—Wearing apparel
- D10B2501/04—Outerwear; Protective garments
- D10B2501/043—Footwear
Definitions
- a variety of articles are formed from textiles.
- articles of apparel e.g., shirts, pants, socks, footwear, jackets and other outerwear, briefs and other undergarments, hats and other headwear
- containers e.g., backpacks, bags
- upholstery for furniture e.g., chairs, couches, car seats
- textiles are often formed by weaving or interlooping (e.g., knitting) a yarn or a plurality of yarns, usually through a mechanical process involving looms or knitting machines.
- One particular object that may be formed from a textile is an upper for an article of footwear.
- Knitting is an example of a process that may form a textile. Knitting may generally be classified as either weft knitting or warp knitting. In both weft knitting and warp knitting, one or more yarns are manipulated to form a plurality of intermeshed loops that define a variety of courses and wales. In weft knitting, which is more common, the courses and wales are perpendicular to each other and may be formed from a single yarn or many yarns. In warp knitting, the wales and courses run roughly parallel.
- knitting may be performed by hand, the commercial manufacture of knitted components is generally performed by knitting machines.
- An example of a knitting machine for producing a weft knitted component is a V-bed flat knitting machine, which includes two needle beds that are angled with respect to each other. Rails extend above and parallel to the needle beds and provide attachment points for feeders, which move along the needle beds and supply yarns to needles within the needle beds. Standard feeders have the ability to supply a yarn that is utilized to knit, tuck, and float. In situations where an inlay yarn is incorporated into a knitted component, an inlay feeder is typically utilized.
- FIG. 1 is an illustration showing a perspective view of a knitting machine having extreme racking capability in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 2 is an illustration showing first and second portions of a knitted component being held on needles of a first and second needle bed, respectively, during a knitting process in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 3 is an illustration showing the knitted component of FIG. 2 , where the first and second portions of the knitted component are aligned on the knitting machine after racking at least one needle bed in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 4 is an illustration showing the knitted component of FIGS. 3 - 4 after completion of the knitting process and removal from the knitting machine.
- FIG. 5 is an illustration showing first and second portions of an upper being formed separately on a knitting machine in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 5 A is an illustration showing two needle beds forming a double jersey knit structure in the area indicated in FIG. 5 in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 5 B is an illustration showing two needle beds forming a double jersey knit structure in the area indicated in FIG. 5 in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 6 is an illustration showing the first and second portions of the upper from FIG. 5 after being secured on the knitting machine in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing certain steps of a method of forming a knitted component in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
- One general aspect of the present disclosure includes a method, the method including knitting a first portion of a knitted component on a first region of a knitting machine, knitting a second portion of the knitted component on a second region of the knitting machine, moving the first portion of the knitted component towards the second portion of the knitted component by moving a first needle bed of the knitting machine relative to a second needle bed of the knitting machine, and knitting at least one course with the knitting machine that connects the first portion of the knitted component to the second portion of the knitted component.
- the method may further include transferring at least one loop of the first portion of the knitted component from the second needle bed to the first needle bed prior to moving the first needle bed relative to the second needle bed.
- the method may further include transferring at least one loop of the second portion of the knitted component from the first needle bed to the second needle bed prior to moving the first needle bed relative to the second needle bed.
- the method may further include knitting a third portion of the knitted component after connecting the first portion of the knitted component to the second portion of the knitted component, where the third portion of the knitted component includes at least one double-jersey knit structure.
- the method may further include knitting a fourth portion of the knitted component and connecting the fourth portion of the knitted component to the third portion of the knitted component with a second connection course formed on the knitting machine.
- the first portion of the knitted component may be formed with a first feeder, where the second portion of the knitted component is formed with a second feeder, and where the third portion of the knitted component is formed with at least one of the first feeder and the second feeder.
- the first portion of the knitted component is formed with a first feeder, where the second portion of the knitted component is formed with a second feeder, and where the third portion of the knitted component is formed with a third feeder.
- the at least one course may be formed on both of the first needle bed and the second needle bed.
- movement of the first needle bed is relative to the second needle bed is controlled by a programmed actuator.
- the method may further include using a computing interface to input electronic instructions to the actuator.
- the knitted component may include an upper for an article of footwear, where at least one of the first portion and the second portion forms a tongue.
- the first portion of the knitted component may include a double-jersey knit structure at a location adjacent to the at least one course.
- the second portion of the knitted component may include a double-jersey knit structure at the location adjacent to the at least one course.
- the at least one course may include a connection course, where the location is located immediately adjacent to the connection course in a direction perpendicular the course-wise direction.
- the knitted component may have a first portion and a second portion, where at least one of the first portion and the second portion includes a double-jersey knit structure.
- At least one connection course may secure the first portion to the second portion, where the at least one connection course extends longitudinally in a first direction, where in a flat orientation, the first portion overlaps the second portion at a location immediately adjacent to the connection course in a second direction, and where the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.
- the first portion of the knitted component may include a double-jersey knit structure and the second portion may additionally or alternatively include a double jersey knit structure.
- the connection course may include a double-jersey knit structure.
- the knitted component forms an upper for an article of footwear, where at least one of the first portion and the second portion forms a tongue of the upper.
- the upper may include a knitted component with a first portion and a tongue secured via a connection course of the knitted component, where a forward terminus of the tongue is coextensive with the first portion and overlaps the first portion such that it is covered by the first portion from an external perspective.
- the forward terminus of the tongue includes a double-jersey knit structure.
- An area of the first portion that overlaps the forward terminus of the tongue may additionally or alternatively include a double-jersey knit structure.
- the connection course may additionally or alternatively include a double-jersey knit structure.
- the knitting machine may include a first needle bed with a first plurality of needles, a second needle bed with a second plurality of needles, where the first plurality of needles and the second plurality of needles define an intersection axis.
- the knitting machine may further include an actuator for moving at least one of the first needle bed and the second needle bed in a direction parallel to the intersection axis, where the first needle bed is displaceable relative to the second needle bed, via the actuator, a distance greater than a length containing at least five consecutive needles of the first needle bed.
- the actuator may be capable of moving the first needle bed and the second needle bed relative to a frame member of the knitting machine.
- the first needle bed may be movable relative to the second needle bed, via the actuator, a distance greater than a length containing at least twenty consecutive needles of the first needle bed.
- the actuator may include a motor, and/or the actuator may be operable to move at least one of the first needle bed and the second needle bed while at least one of the first needle bed and the second needle bed performs a knitting process.
- FIG. 1 shows a knitting machine 100 in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
- the knitting machine 100 may include two needle beds (a front or first needle bed 102 and a back or second needle bed 104 ) that are angled with respect to each other (e.g., thereby forming a V-bed).
- the needles of the first needle bed 102 may lay on a first plane
- the needles of the second needle bed 104 may lay on a second plane.
- the first plane and the second plane may be angled relative to each other and meet to form an intersection (or axis) that extends along a majority of a width of the knitting machine 100 .
- the needles each may have a first or neutral position where they are retracted and a second or extended position where they are extended.
- One or more rails 106 may extend above and parallel to the intersection and may provide attachment points for one or more feeders 108 .
- the rails 106 are defined by a track for which a feeder 108 may couple to in a movable manner.
- the rails 106 may be secured to a body 107 , where the body 107 includes a rail 106 on each side (e.g., on two sides as shown) (and where each of the rails 106 are configured to couple to a different feeder 108 ).
- Two rails 106 are included in the depicted embodiment, but more or fewer than two rails 106 may be included.
- the feeders 108 may include a dispensing area 110 located near the intersection and configured to dispense a yarn 112 to at least one of the first needle bed 102 and the second needle bed 104 as it moves along the intersection.
- the knitting machine 100 may include a carriage 114 (also called a cam box) that is movable along the first needle bed 102 and the second needle bed 104 .
- An upper portion 116 of the carriage 114 may include a set of plungers (described in more detail below) that can selectively engage at least one of the feeders 108 such that the feeder 108 that is engaged moves along one of the rails 108 as the carriage 114 moves.
- the carriage 114 may selectively actuate needles of the first needle bed 102 and/or the second needle bed 104 such that the actuated needles move from the default position to the extended position.
- the actuation may be the result of a set of cams (not shown in FIG. 1 ) of the carriage 114 making contact with a butt portion of the needles and forcing the needles to move from the default position to the extended position as the carriage 114 passes. Due to the action of the carriage 114 , the feeder 108 , and the needles, the yarn 112 may be dispensed from the feeder 108 and to the needles of at least one of the first needle bed 102 and the second needle bed 104 .
- the knitting machine 100 may have needle beds that are movable relative to each other.
- the first needle bed 102 and the second needle bed 104 may be movable in a first direction 118 and/or a second direction 120 .
- the first direction 118 and the second direction 120 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis defining the operation or knitting location of the needles of the knitting machine 100 (which may be an intersection point be of needles respectively from the first needle bed 102 and the second needle bed 104 , for example), and therefore also parallel to the course-wise direction (or longitudinal dimension of courses) when the knitting machine is operating.
- Such movement may be referred to as “racking.” While some existing machines are capable of slight racking (e.g., with total displacement of one needle bed relative to the other being up to a distance containing about 3 needles on one of the needle beds), such racking is primarily limited in purpose to calibration and alignment functions during machine setup along with forming knit wedges. By contrast, in the present embodiments, the knitting machine 100 may be capable of racking an extreme amount (e.g., offsetting by the distance containing 10 consecutive needles or more), and such racking may be utilized during knitting to form novel embodiments of knitted components as described in detail below.
- the movement of the first needle bed 102 relative to the second needle bed 104 may be controlled via an actuator 122 .
- the actuator 122 may include an electric motor.
- the electric motor may be controlled, for example, by a computing interface, dials, switches, etc. (not shown in FIG. 1 ).
- the actuator 122 may comprise a manual input for moving the first needle bed 102 and/or the second needle bed relative to one another.
- the manual input may comprise one or more levers, rotatable shafts, etc. (not shown in FIG. 1 ) for manipulation by an operator.
- the actuator 122 may be operatively connected to the first needle bed 102 and/or the second needle bed 104 by any means suitable for transmitting linear movement, including, for example, one or more shafts, gears, or linkages, and that transmission of the rotational and/or linear movement to the first needle bed 102 and/or the second needle bed 104 may result in rotation of the needle bed(s), linear movement of the needle bed(s), or a combination of both rotation and linear movement of the needle bed(s), as further described below.
- other components of the knitting machine 100 may be designed to accommodate extreme racking movement of at least one of the first needle bed 102 and the second needle bed 104 .
- frame members and walls of the knitting machine 100 e.g., the depicted wall 124
- the first needle bed 102 may be movable/displaceable relative to the second needle bed 104 (through movement of one or more of the beds) for a distance that is equal to, or greater than, the distance containing five consecutive needles on one of the needle beds (e.g., such as a distance greater than or equal to the distance containing at least 10 needles, 20 needles, 50 needles, or even 100 needles or more on a needle bed).
- This racking capability may provide the knitting machine 100 with the ability to form knitted components with enhanced structures relative to previously-known varieties.
- the knitting machine 100 of FIG. 1 may be capable of forming a knitted component 130 having two portions, each with a double-jersey knit structure, that overlap and connect with at least one connection course.
- a first portion 152 of a knitted component 130 may be formed at least partially on a first needle bed 102
- a second portion 154 of the same knitted component 130 may be formed on a second needle bed 104 .
- the first portion 152 and the second portion 154 may be offset (e.g., may be free from overlapping each other). While not shown explicitly in FIG. 2 , one skilled in the art will understand that, since the two portions do not overlap from a front perspective, the first portion 152 and/or the second portion 154 may each be formed on both needle beds 102 , 104 . In other words, the first portion 152 and the second portion 154 shown in FIG. 2 may each have a double-jersey knit structure, herein defined as a knit structure formed using at least one needle from each of two needle beds in a single course.
- first portion 152 and/or the second portion 154 with double-jersey knit structures may utilize the full capacity of two needle beds of the knitting machine 100 , which may provide the ability for each of the knit portions to have a relatively enhanced complexity for providing certain physical and/or visual characteristics (e.g., a relatively strong, inelastic, and durable structure) in addition to inlaid yarns/strands and/or other features not possible or impractical for formation on only one needle bed.
- a single-jersey knit structure is defined herein as a knit structure having a course formed using the needles of only one needle bed.
- the first portion 152 and the second portion 154 of the knitted component 130 may be formed with a common feeder or different feeders.
- a first feeder 108 a (and potentially additional feeders) may be used to form the first portion 152
- a second feeder 108 b (and potentially additional feeders) may be used to form the second portion 154 .
- using different feeders may provide the first portion 152 and the second portion 154 with different characteristics (e.g., by dispensing different yarns from the respective feeders), may reduce knitting time relative to processes using a common feeder, etc.
- the knitting machine 100 may include separate actuation devices for simultaneous operation.
- the feeders of the knitting machine 100 may be individually driven (e.g., via a belt-drive), more than one carriage 114 ( FIG. 1 ) may be included, etc.
- the first portion 152 and/or the second portion 154 may be prepared for being moved via movement of at least one of the needle beds 102 , 104 .
- a transfer technique may be initiated to move all of the loops 136 of the first portion 152 to the first needle bed 102 and/or to move all of the loops 138 of the second portion 154 to the second needle bed 104 .
- this transfer step frees the first portion 152 from the second needle bed 104 (e.g., such that no loops of the first portion 152 are held by needles of the second needle bed 104 ) and also frees the second portion 154 from the first needle bed 102 .
- the second needle bed 104 can move relative to the first portion 152 of the knitted component 130 without pulling on, stretching, distorting, or otherwise interfering with the knit structure of the first portion 152 of the knitted component 130 .
- movement of the first needle bed 102 relative to the second portion 154 of the knitted component 130 is the same.
- the first portion 152 and the second portion 154 can be moved into alignment (e.g., such that they overlap from the front perspective of FIG. 3 ).
- This movement may occur due to movement of the first needle bed 102 relative to the second needle bed 104 .
- Such movement may occur automatically (e.g., via a programmed actuator as described above) or manually (e.g., through user-actuated movement via a hand-crank or other suitable means). While knitting may halt during this movement, it will be appreciated that single-jersey knitting may continue to occur during this movement.
- first portion 152 and the second portion 154 of the knitted component 130 are moved such that they at least partially overlap on the knitting machine 100 (as shown in FIG. 4 ).
- one or more connection courses may be formed to secure the first portion 152 to the second portion 154 .
- the knitting machine 100 may continue to knit the knitted component 130 thereby forming a third portion 140 (which may have a double-jersey knit structure).
- the knitted component 130 may therefore have a first portion 152 and a second portion 154 that overlap in a flat orientation, each having a double-jersey knit structure.
- the first portion 152 and the second portion 154 may form separable layers, where each layer has a double-jersey knit structure. Further, the first portion 152 and the second portion 154 may overlap at a location immediately adjacent to the connection course (at least when in a flat orientation), including in a location immediately adjacent to the connection course 142 in a direction 155 (which is perpendicular the course-wise direction). That is, if the course-wise direction extends along the longitudinal axis of the connection course 142 , the first portion 152 overlaps the second portion 154 at a location 157 that is immediately adjacent to the connection course 152 in the direction 155 , where the direction 155 is perpendicular to the course-wise direction.
- connection course(s) 142 may secure the first portion 152 to the second portion 154 , and in some embodiments may be the terminus of a separate third portion 140 of the knitted component 130 . While not shown, it is contemplated that the process described above may be repeated multiple times to form a knitted component having more than two layers, and/or different areas where each of the different areas has multiple layers. For example, a fourth portion of the knitted component (not shown) may be formed, and the fourth portion of the knitted component may be moved relative to the third portion of the knitted component and then connected to the third portion with a connection course formed on the knitting machine.
- the knitting process described above may be advantageous for forming a variety of knitted components.
- the capabilities of the knitting machine 100 may be beneficial for forming enhanced uppers configured for use in an article of footwear and/or other articles, such as articles of apparel.
- the disclosure may describe basketball shoes, running shoes, biking shoes, cross-training shoes, football shoes, golf shoes, hiking shoes and boots, ski and snowboarding boots, soccer shoes, tennis shoes, and/or walking shoes, as well as footwear styles generally considered non-athletic, including but not limited to dress shoes, loafers, and sandals.
- a first portion 152 of an upper 150 may be formed in a first location 156 of the knitting machine 100 , as shown.
- a first feeder 160 (at least) may be utilized to form the first portion 152 .
- a second portion 154 of the upper 150 may be formed in a second location 158 of the knitting machine 100 , and a different second feeder 162 (at least) may be used.
- the first portion 152 may form the majority of the outer surface of an upper
- the second portion 154 may form the tongue of the upper.
- a forward terminus of the tongue (e.g., within area 157 ) may be coextensive with the first portion 152 , and may overlap the first portion 152 , such that the forward terminus of the tongue is covered by the first portion 152 from an external perspective.
- Each of the first portion 152 and the second portion 154 may be formed with a double-jersey knit structure utilizing a first set of needles 166 of the first needle bed 102 and a second set of needles 168 of the second needle bed 104 .
- double-jersey knitting may provide an enhanced knit structure with suitable strength, durability, and desirable visual characteristics.
- double jersey knitting may provide the ability for inlaying at least one tensile strand 170 within a course during the knitting process.
- inlaying is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/048,527, filed on Mar. 15, 2011, and patented as U.S. Pat. No. 8,522,577, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. While not shown, the second portion 154 of the upper 150 could also include one or more inlaid strands or other elements.
- first portion 152 and the second portion 154 are formed, all of the outstanding loops of the first portion 152 that are on the second needle bed 104 of the knitting machine may be transferred to the first needle bed 102 (see FIG. 2 , for example). Similarly, all of the outstanding loops of the second portion 154 that are on the first needle bed 102 may be transferred to the second needle bed 104 (similar to as shown in FIG. 2 ). Then, referring to FIG. 6 , the first portion 152 may be moved relative to the second portion 154 such that the first portion 152 and the second portion 154 at least partially overlap from a front perspective. While in FIG.
- connection courses 142 may then be formed on the first needle bed 102 and the second needle bed 104 to secure the first portion 152 and the second portion 154 together. It is contemplated that the connection courses may be formed using the first feeder 160 ( FIG.
- a separate feeder may alternatively be used (such as feeder 163 ), particularly if it is desirable to provide an additional portion or third portion (e.g., a toe area in the depicted example) with yarns of different materials.
- the first portion 152 and the second portion 154 may be secured together on the knitting machine and without necessitating sewing or otherwise attaching the portions together after the knitting process. That is, the knitting process on the knitting machine may substantially secure the two portions together and also may form the remainder of the upper 150 without the need for significant post-knitting processes or steps.
- Such an embodiment may display enhanced strength and durability relative to other embodiments, and substantially completing formation during one process (e.g., on the knitting machine) may increase manufacturing efficiency and/or reduce manufacturing costs, thus lowering the overall cost to consumers. This contrasts with embodiments where two or more portions are formed separately as distinct knitted components and then later secured to each other after knitting.
- FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram that depicts certain steps of a method for forming a knitted component on a knitting machine in accordance with the aspects discussed above. Additional steps may be included (and/or some left out), and therefore the flow diagram of FIG. 7 is not intended to be exhaustive.
- steps 302 and 304 may include knitting a first portion of a knitted component and a second portion of a knitted component. Each of the first portion and the second portion may include a double-jersey knit structure, and formation of the first portion and the second portion may occur simultaneously (e.g., with different feeders in some embodiments).
- each of the first portion and the second portion of the knitted component may be transferred to a respective needle bed such that the needle beds can move relative to one-another without distorting and damaging the two knit portions.
- one of the needle beds of the knitting machine may be moved relative to the other (e.g., “racking”) to align the two knit portions on the knitting machine.
- the first portion and the second portion may be secured, while still on the knitting machine, by knitting at least one connection course.
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Abstract
A method may include knitting a first portion of a knitted component on a first region of a knitting machine, knitting a second portion of the knitted component on a second region of the knitting machine, moving the first portion of the knitted component towards the second portion of the knitted component by moving a first needle bed of the knitting machine relative to a second needle bed of the knitting machine, and knitting at least one course with the knitting machine that connects the first portion of the knitted component to the second portion of the knitted component.
Description
- This application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/709,266, filed Dec. 10, 2019, and titled “Knitting Machine with Extreme Racking and Related Knitted Component,” which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent app. No. 62/777,566, filed Dec. 10, 2018, and titled “Knitting Machine with Extreme Racking and Related Knitted Component,” and both of these aforementioned applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- A variety of articles are formed from textiles. As examples, articles of apparel (e.g., shirts, pants, socks, footwear, jackets and other outerwear, briefs and other undergarments, hats and other headwear), containers (e.g., backpacks, bags), and upholstery for furniture (e.g., chairs, couches, car seats) are often at least partially formed from textiles. These textiles are often formed by weaving or interlooping (e.g., knitting) a yarn or a plurality of yarns, usually through a mechanical process involving looms or knitting machines. One particular object that may be formed from a textile is an upper for an article of footwear.
- Knitting is an example of a process that may form a textile. Knitting may generally be classified as either weft knitting or warp knitting. In both weft knitting and warp knitting, one or more yarns are manipulated to form a plurality of intermeshed loops that define a variety of courses and wales. In weft knitting, which is more common, the courses and wales are perpendicular to each other and may be formed from a single yarn or many yarns. In warp knitting, the wales and courses run roughly parallel.
- Although knitting may be performed by hand, the commercial manufacture of knitted components is generally performed by knitting machines. An example of a knitting machine for producing a weft knitted component is a V-bed flat knitting machine, which includes two needle beds that are angled with respect to each other. Rails extend above and parallel to the needle beds and provide attachment points for feeders, which move along the needle beds and supply yarns to needles within the needle beds. Standard feeders have the ability to supply a yarn that is utilized to knit, tuck, and float. In situations where an inlay yarn is incorporated into a knitted component, an inlay feeder is typically utilized.
- The present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present disclosure.
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FIG. 1 is an illustration showing a perspective view of a knitting machine having extreme racking capability in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2 is an illustration showing first and second portions of a knitted component being held on needles of a first and second needle bed, respectively, during a knitting process in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 3 is an illustration showing the knitted component ofFIG. 2 , where the first and second portions of the knitted component are aligned on the knitting machine after racking at least one needle bed in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 4 is an illustration showing the knitted component ofFIGS. 3-4 after completion of the knitting process and removal from the knitting machine. -
FIG. 5 is an illustration showing first and second portions of an upper being formed separately on a knitting machine in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 5A is an illustration showing two needle beds forming a double jersey knit structure in the area indicated inFIG. 5 in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 5B is an illustration showing two needle beds forming a double jersey knit structure in the area indicated inFIG. 5 in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 6 is an illustration showing the first and second portions of the upper fromFIG. 5 after being secured on the knitting machine in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing certain steps of a method of forming a knitted component in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. - Various aspects are described below with reference to the drawings in which like elements generally are identified by like numerals. The relationship and functioning of the various elements of the aspects may better be understood by reference to the following detailed description. However, aspects are not limited to those illustrated in the drawings or explicitly described below. It also should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and in certain instances details may have been omitted that are not necessary for an understanding of aspects disclosed herein, such as conventional fabrication and assembly.
- One general aspect of the present disclosure includes a method, the method including knitting a first portion of a knitted component on a first region of a knitting machine, knitting a second portion of the knitted component on a second region of the knitting machine, moving the first portion of the knitted component towards the second portion of the knitted component by moving a first needle bed of the knitting machine relative to a second needle bed of the knitting machine, and knitting at least one course with the knitting machine that connects the first portion of the knitted component to the second portion of the knitted component.
- Without limitation, the method may further include transferring at least one loop of the first portion of the knitted component from the second needle bed to the first needle bed prior to moving the first needle bed relative to the second needle bed. Without limitation, the method may further include transferring at least one loop of the second portion of the knitted component from the first needle bed to the second needle bed prior to moving the first needle bed relative to the second needle bed. Without limitation, the method may further include knitting a third portion of the knitted component after connecting the first portion of the knitted component to the second portion of the knitted component, where the third portion of the knitted component includes at least one double-jersey knit structure. Without limitation, the method may further include knitting a fourth portion of the knitted component and connecting the fourth portion of the knitted component to the third portion of the knitted component with a second connection course formed on the knitting machine. The first portion of the knitted component may be formed with a first feeder, where the second portion of the knitted component is formed with a second feeder, and where the third portion of the knitted component is formed with at least one of the first feeder and the second feeder. Alternatively, the first portion of the knitted component is formed with a first feeder, where the second portion of the knitted component is formed with a second feeder, and where the third portion of the knitted component is formed with a third feeder. The at least one course may be formed on both of the first needle bed and the second needle bed. In some embodiments, movement of the first needle bed is relative to the second needle bed is controlled by a programmed actuator. Without limitation, the method may further include using a computing interface to input electronic instructions to the actuator. The knitted component may include an upper for an article of footwear, where at least one of the first portion and the second portion forms a tongue. The first portion of the knitted component may include a double-jersey knit structure at a location adjacent to the at least one course. The second portion of the knitted component may include a double-jersey knit structure at the location adjacent to the at least one course. The at least one course may include a connection course, where the location is located immediately adjacent to the connection course in a direction perpendicular the course-wise direction.
- Another general aspect of the present disclosure includes a knitted component. Without limitation, the knitted component may have a first portion and a second portion, where at least one of the first portion and the second portion includes a double-jersey knit structure. At least one connection course may secure the first portion to the second portion, where the at least one connection course extends longitudinally in a first direction, where in a flat orientation, the first portion overlaps the second portion at a location immediately adjacent to the connection course in a second direction, and where the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.
- Optionally, the first portion of the knitted component may include a double-jersey knit structure and the second portion may additionally or alternatively include a double jersey knit structure. The connection course may include a double-jersey knit structure. In some embodiments, the knitted component forms an upper for an article of footwear, where at least one of the first portion and the second portion forms a tongue of the upper.
- Another general aspect of the present disclosure includes an upper for an article of footwear. The upper may include a knitted component with a first portion and a tongue secured via a connection course of the knitted component, where a forward terminus of the tongue is coextensive with the first portion and overlaps the first portion such that it is covered by the first portion from an external perspective. In some embodiments, the forward terminus of the tongue includes a double-jersey knit structure. An area of the first portion that overlaps the forward terminus of the tongue may additionally or alternatively include a double-jersey knit structure. The connection course may additionally or alternatively include a double-jersey knit structure.
- Another general aspect of the present disclosure relates to a knitting machine. The knitting machine may include a first needle bed with a first plurality of needles, a second needle bed with a second plurality of needles, where the first plurality of needles and the second plurality of needles define an intersection axis. The knitting machine may further include an actuator for moving at least one of the first needle bed and the second needle bed in a direction parallel to the intersection axis, where the first needle bed is displaceable relative to the second needle bed, via the actuator, a distance greater than a length containing at least five consecutive needles of the first needle bed.
- In some embodiments, the actuator may be capable of moving the first needle bed and the second needle bed relative to a frame member of the knitting machine. The first needle bed may be movable relative to the second needle bed, via the actuator, a distance greater than a length containing at least twenty consecutive needles of the first needle bed. The actuator may include a motor, and/or the actuator may be operable to move at least one of the first needle bed and the second needle bed while at least one of the first needle bed and the second needle bed performs a knitting process.
-
FIG. 1 shows aknitting machine 100 in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. Theknitting machine 100 may include two needle beds (a front orfirst needle bed 102 and a back or second needle bed 104) that are angled with respect to each other (e.g., thereby forming a V-bed). The needles of thefirst needle bed 102 may lay on a first plane, and the needles of thesecond needle bed 104 may lay on a second plane. The first plane and the second plane may be angled relative to each other and meet to form an intersection (or axis) that extends along a majority of a width of theknitting machine 100. The needles each may have a first or neutral position where they are retracted and a second or extended position where they are extended. In the neutral position, an end of the needles is spaced from the intersection, and in the extended position, the needles pass through the intersection. The needles, needle beds, and intersection are described in additional detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/048,540, patented as U.S. Pat. No. 9,060,570, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. - One or
more rails 106 may extend above and parallel to the intersection and may provide attachment points for one or more feeders 108. Herein, therails 106 are defined by a track for which a feeder 108 may couple to in a movable manner. Therails 106 may be secured to abody 107, where thebody 107 includes arail 106 on each side (e.g., on two sides as shown) (and where each of therails 106 are configured to couple to a different feeder 108). Tworails 106 are included in the depicted embodiment, but more or fewer than tworails 106 may be included. The feeders 108 may include adispensing area 110 located near the intersection and configured to dispense ayarn 112 to at least one of thefirst needle bed 102 and thesecond needle bed 104 as it moves along the intersection. - The
knitting machine 100 may include a carriage 114 (also called a cam box) that is movable along thefirst needle bed 102 and thesecond needle bed 104. Anupper portion 116 of thecarriage 114 may include a set of plungers (described in more detail below) that can selectively engage at least one of the feeders 108 such that the feeder 108 that is engaged moves along one of the rails 108 as thecarriage 114 moves. As thecarriage 114 moves along thefirst needle bed 102 and thesecond needle bed 104, thecarriage 114 may selectively actuate needles of thefirst needle bed 102 and/or thesecond needle bed 104 such that the actuated needles move from the default position to the extended position. The actuation may be the result of a set of cams (not shown inFIG. 1 ) of thecarriage 114 making contact with a butt portion of the needles and forcing the needles to move from the default position to the extended position as thecarriage 114 passes. Due to the action of thecarriage 114, the feeder 108, and the needles, theyarn 112 may be dispensed from the feeder 108 and to the needles of at least one of thefirst needle bed 102 and thesecond needle bed 104. - In some embodiments, the
knitting machine 100 may have needle beds that are movable relative to each other. For example, thefirst needle bed 102 and thesecond needle bed 104 may be movable in afirst direction 118 and/or asecond direction 120. Thefirst direction 118 and thesecond direction 120 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis defining the operation or knitting location of the needles of the knitting machine 100 (which may be an intersection point be of needles respectively from thefirst needle bed 102 and thesecond needle bed 104, for example), and therefore also parallel to the course-wise direction (or longitudinal dimension of courses) when the knitting machine is operating. Such movement may be referred to as “racking.” While some existing machines are capable of slight racking (e.g., with total displacement of one needle bed relative to the other being up to a distance containing about 3 needles on one of the needle beds), such racking is primarily limited in purpose to calibration and alignment functions during machine setup along with forming knit wedges. By contrast, in the present embodiments, theknitting machine 100 may be capable of racking an extreme amount (e.g., offsetting by the distance containing 10 consecutive needles or more), and such racking may be utilized during knitting to form novel embodiments of knitted components as described in detail below. - The movement of the
first needle bed 102 relative to thesecond needle bed 104 may be controlled via anactuator 122. In some embodiments, theactuator 122 may include an electric motor. The electric motor may be controlled, for example, by a computing interface, dials, switches, etc. (not shown inFIG. 1 ). Alternatively, theactuator 122 may comprise a manual input for moving thefirst needle bed 102 and/or the second needle bed relative to one another. For example, the manual input may comprise one or more levers, rotatable shafts, etc. (not shown inFIG. 1 ) for manipulation by an operator. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that theactuator 122 may be operatively connected to thefirst needle bed 102 and/or thesecond needle bed 104 by any means suitable for transmitting linear movement, including, for example, one or more shafts, gears, or linkages, and that transmission of the rotational and/or linear movement to thefirst needle bed 102 and/or thesecond needle bed 104 may result in rotation of the needle bed(s), linear movement of the needle bed(s), or a combination of both rotation and linear movement of the needle bed(s), as further described below. - In some embodiments, other components of the
knitting machine 100 may be designed to accommodate extreme racking movement of at least one of thefirst needle bed 102 and thesecond needle bed 104. For example, frame members and walls of the knitting machine 100 (e.g., the depicted wall 124) may be removed (e.g., with reference to existing machine), moved, may include openings for receiving a needle bed (e.g., opening 126), and/or may be otherwise redesigned such that they do not inhibit movement of theneedle beds first direction 118 and/or thesecond direction 120. Thus, in certain embodiments, thefirst needle bed 102 may be movable/displaceable relative to the second needle bed 104 (through movement of one or more of the beds) for a distance that is equal to, or greater than, the distance containing five consecutive needles on one of the needle beds (e.g., such as a distance greater than or equal to the distance containing at least 10 needles, 20 needles, 50 needles, or even 100 needles or more on a needle bed). - This racking capability may provide the
knitting machine 100 with the ability to form knitted components with enhanced structures relative to previously-known varieties. For example, theknitting machine 100 ofFIG. 1 may be capable of forming aknitted component 130 having two portions, each with a double-jersey knit structure, that overlap and connect with at least one connection course. To illustrate, and referring toFIG. 2 , afirst portion 152 of aknitted component 130 may be formed at least partially on afirst needle bed 102, and asecond portion 154 of the sameknitted component 130 may be formed on asecond needle bed 104. During initial formation of thefirst portion 152 and thesecond portion 154 of the knittedcomponent 130, thefirst portion 152 and thesecond portion 154 may be offset (e.g., may be free from overlapping each other). While not shown explicitly inFIG. 2 , one skilled in the art will understand that, since the two portions do not overlap from a front perspective, thefirst portion 152 and/or thesecond portion 154 may each be formed on bothneedle beds first portion 152 and thesecond portion 154 shown inFIG. 2 may each have a double-jersey knit structure, herein defined as a knit structure formed using at least one needle from each of two needle beds in a single course. Thus, the formation of thefirst portion 152 and/or thesecond portion 154 with double-jersey knit structures may utilize the full capacity of two needle beds of theknitting machine 100, which may provide the ability for each of the knit portions to have a relatively enhanced complexity for providing certain physical and/or visual characteristics (e.g., a relatively strong, inelastic, and durable structure) in addition to inlaid yarns/strands and/or other features not possible or impractical for formation on only one needle bed. A single-jersey knit structure, by contrast, is defined herein as a knit structure having a course formed using the needles of only one needle bed. - The
first portion 152 and thesecond portion 154 of the knittedcomponent 130 may be formed with a common feeder or different feeders. For example, referring toFIG. 1 andFIG. 2 , afirst feeder 108 a (and potentially additional feeders) may be used to form thefirst portion 152, and asecond feeder 108 b (and potentially additional feeders) may be used to form thesecond portion 154. Advantageously, using different feeders may provide thefirst portion 152 and thesecond portion 154 with different characteristics (e.g., by dispensing different yarns from the respective feeders), may reduce knitting time relative to processes using a common feeder, etc. If multiple feeders are used simultaneously, theknitting machine 100 may include separate actuation devices for simultaneous operation. For example, the feeders of theknitting machine 100 may be individually driven (e.g., via a belt-drive), more than one carriage 114 (FIG. 1 ) may be included, etc. - After formation of the
first portion 152 and thesecond portion 154 of the knittedcomponent 130, thefirst portion 152 and/or thesecond portion 154 may be prepared for being moved via movement of at least one of theneedle beds loops 136 of thefirst portion 152 to thefirst needle bed 102 and/or to move all of theloops 138 of thesecond portion 154 to thesecond needle bed 104. As would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, this transfer step frees thefirst portion 152 from the second needle bed 104 (e.g., such that no loops of thefirst portion 152 are held by needles of the second needle bed 104) and also frees thesecond portion 154 from thefirst needle bed 102. Importantly, since after such a transfer step, thesecond needle bed 104 can move relative to thefirst portion 152 of the knittedcomponent 130 without pulling on, stretching, distorting, or otherwise interfering with the knit structure of thefirst portion 152 of the knittedcomponent 130. The same is true of movement of thefirst needle bed 102 relative to thesecond portion 154 of the knittedcomponent 130. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , once thefirst portion 152 and thesecond portion 154 are formed and their loops transferred to the respectivefirst needle bed 102 andsecond needle bed 104, thefirst portion 152 and thesecond portion 154 can be moved into alignment (e.g., such that they overlap from the front perspective ofFIG. 3 ). This movement may occur due to movement of thefirst needle bed 102 relative to thesecond needle bed 104. Such movement may occur automatically (e.g., via a programmed actuator as described above) or manually (e.g., through user-actuated movement via a hand-crank or other suitable means). While knitting may halt during this movement, it will be appreciated that single-jersey knitting may continue to occur during this movement. - Once the
first portion 152 and thesecond portion 154 of the knittedcomponent 130 are moved such that they at least partially overlap on the knitting machine 100 (as shown inFIG. 4 ), one or more connection courses may be formed to secure thefirst portion 152 to thesecond portion 154. Then, theknitting machine 100 may continue to knit theknitted component 130 thereby forming a third portion 140 (which may have a double-jersey knit structure). Once knitting is complete, and referring toFIG. 5 , theknitted component 130 may therefore have afirst portion 152 and asecond portion 154 that overlap in a flat orientation, each having a double-jersey knit structure. When in such a flat orientation, thefirst portion 152 and thesecond portion 154 may form separable layers, where each layer has a double-jersey knit structure. Further, thefirst portion 152 and thesecond portion 154 may overlap at a location immediately adjacent to the connection course (at least when in a flat orientation), including in a location immediately adjacent to theconnection course 142 in a direction 155 (which is perpendicular the course-wise direction). That is, if the course-wise direction extends along the longitudinal axis of theconnection course 142, thefirst portion 152 overlaps thesecond portion 154 at a location 157 that is immediately adjacent to theconnection course 152 in thedirection 155, where thedirection 155 is perpendicular to the course-wise direction. - The connection course(s) 142 may secure the
first portion 152 to thesecond portion 154, and in some embodiments may be the terminus of a separatethird portion 140 of the knittedcomponent 130. While not shown, it is contemplated that the process described above may be repeated multiple times to form a knitted component having more than two layers, and/or different areas where each of the different areas has multiple layers. For example, a fourth portion of the knitted component (not shown) may be formed, and the fourth portion of the knitted component may be moved relative to the third portion of the knitted component and then connected to the third portion with a connection course formed on the knitting machine. - The knitting process described above, made possible by the
knitting machine 100 ofFIG. 1 having extreme racking capability, may be advantageous for forming a variety of knitted components. For example, the capabilities of theknitting machine 100 may be beneficial for forming enhanced uppers configured for use in an article of footwear and/or other articles, such as articles of apparel. When referring to articles of footwear, the disclosure may describe basketball shoes, running shoes, biking shoes, cross-training shoes, football shoes, golf shoes, hiking shoes and boots, ski and snowboarding boots, soccer shoes, tennis shoes, and/or walking shoes, as well as footwear styles generally considered non-athletic, including but not limited to dress shoes, loafers, and sandals. - To illustrate, and referring to
FIG. 5 andFIGS. 5A-5B , afirst portion 152 of an upper 150 may be formed in afirst location 156 of theknitting machine 100, as shown. A first feeder 160 (at least) may be utilized to form thefirst portion 152. Similarly, asecond portion 154 of the upper 150 may be formed in asecond location 158 of theknitting machine 100, and a different second feeder 162 (at least) may be used. In the depicted example (which is non-limiting), thefirst portion 152 may form the majority of the outer surface of an upper, and thesecond portion 154 may form the tongue of the upper. When thesecond portion 154 forms a tongue, a forward terminus of the tongue (e.g., within area 157) may be coextensive with thefirst portion 152, and may overlap thefirst portion 152, such that the forward terminus of the tongue is covered by thefirst portion 152 from an external perspective. - Each of the
first portion 152 and thesecond portion 154 may be formed with a double-jersey knit structure utilizing a first set of needles 166 of thefirst needle bed 102 and a second set ofneedles 168 of thesecond needle bed 104. Advantageously, using two needle beds (i.e., double-jersey knitting) may provide an enhanced knit structure with suitable strength, durability, and desirable visual characteristics. Further, double jersey knitting may provide the ability for inlaying at least onetensile strand 170 within a course during the knitting process. One example of inlaying is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/048,527, filed on Mar. 15, 2011, and patented as U.S. Pat. No. 8,522,577, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. While not shown, thesecond portion 154 of the upper 150 could also include one or more inlaid strands or other elements. - Once the
first portion 152 and thesecond portion 154 are formed, all of the outstanding loops of thefirst portion 152 that are on thesecond needle bed 104 of the knitting machine may be transferred to the first needle bed 102 (seeFIG. 2 , for example). Similarly, all of the outstanding loops of thesecond portion 154 that are on thefirst needle bed 102 may be transferred to the second needle bed 104 (similar to as shown inFIG. 2 ). Then, referring toFIG. 6 , thefirst portion 152 may be moved relative to thesecond portion 154 such that thefirst portion 152 and thesecond portion 154 at least partially overlap from a front perspective. While inFIG. 6 , only one needle bed moves (e.g., moving thefirst portion 152 from thefirst location 156 to the second location 158), both needle beds may move, and/or only the other needle bed may move. Once the components of the upper 150 are in their desired positions, one ormore connection courses 142 may then be formed on thefirst needle bed 102 and thesecond needle bed 104 to secure thefirst portion 152 and thesecond portion 154 together. It is contemplated that the connection courses may be formed using the first feeder 160 (FIG. 5 ) and/or thesecond feeder 162, but a separate feeder may alternatively be used (such as feeder 163), particularly if it is desirable to provide an additional portion or third portion (e.g., a toe area in the depicted example) with yarns of different materials. - Advantageously, the
first portion 152 and thesecond portion 154 may be secured together on the knitting machine and without necessitating sewing or otherwise attaching the portions together after the knitting process. That is, the knitting process on the knitting machine may substantially secure the two portions together and also may form the remainder of the upper 150 without the need for significant post-knitting processes or steps. Such an embodiment may display enhanced strength and durability relative to other embodiments, and substantially completing formation during one process (e.g., on the knitting machine) may increase manufacturing efficiency and/or reduce manufacturing costs, thus lowering the overall cost to consumers. This contrasts with embodiments where two or more portions are formed separately as distinct knitted components and then later secured to each other after knitting. -
FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram that depicts certain steps of a method for forming a knitted component on a knitting machine in accordance with the aspects discussed above. Additional steps may be included (and/or some left out), and therefore the flow diagram ofFIG. 7 is not intended to be exhaustive. Referring toFIG. 7 ,steps steps step 310, one of the needle beds of the knitting machine may be moved relative to the other (e.g., “racking”) to align the two knit portions on the knitting machine. Finally, instep 312, the first portion and the second portion may be secured, while still on the knitting machine, by knitting at least one connection course. - The present disclosure encompasses any and all possible combinations of some or all of the various aspects described herein. It should also be understood that various changes and modifications to the aspects described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.
Claims (13)
1. A knitted component, comprising:
a first portion and a second portion, wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion
includes a double-jersey knit structure; and
at least one connection course securing the first portion to the second portion, wherein the at least one connection course extends longitudinally in a first direction,
wherein in a flat orientation, the first portion overlaps the second portion at a location immediately adjacent to the connection course in a second direction,
wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.
2. The knitted component of claim 1 , wherein in the location, the first portion includes the double-jersey knit structure and the second portion includes the double jersey knit structure.
3. The knitted component of claim 2 , wherein the connection course includes the double-jersey knit structure, and wherein the knitted component forms an upper for an article of footwear.
4. The knitted component of claim 3 , wherein the first portion of the knitted component is one of a medial side or a lateral side of the knitted component.
5. The knitted component of claim 3 , wherein the second portion of the knitted component is a tongue portion of the knitted component.
6. The knitted component of claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the knitted component is knitted with a first feeder, and wherein the second portion of the knitted component is knitted with a second feeder.
7. The knitted component of claim 1 , further comprising a third portion of the knitted component, wherein the third portion of the knitted component includes at least one double-jersey knit structure.
8. An upper for an article of footwear, comprising:
a knitted component comprising a first portion and a tongue secured with a connection course of the knitted component,
wherein a forward terminus of the tongue is coextensive with the first portion and overlaps the first portion such that it is covered by the first portion from an external perspective.
9. The upper of claim 8 , wherein the forward terminus of the tongue includes a double-jersey knit structure, and wherein an area of the first portion that overlaps the forward terminus of the tongue includes the double-jersey knit structure.
10. The upper of claim 9 , wherein the connection course includes a double-jersey knit structure.
11. The upper of claim 9 , further comprising a second portion including the double-jersey knit structure.
12. The upper of claim 11 , wherein the first portion of the knitted component is one of a medial side or a lateral side of the knitted component.
13. The upper of claim 12 , wherein the second portion of the knitted component is a tongue portion of the knitted component.
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US17/942,904 US20230002941A1 (en) | 2018-12-10 | 2022-09-12 | Knitting Machine with Extreme Racking and Related Knitted Component |
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US11441249B2 (en) * | 2018-12-10 | 2022-09-13 | Nike, Inc. | Knitting machine with extreme racking and related knitted component |
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DE2938388A1 (en) | 1979-09-22 | 1981-04-02 | Schaffhauser Strickmaschinenfabrik, Schaffhausen | DEVICE FOR OFFSET THE NEEDLE BEDS OF FLAT KNITTING MACHINES |
US7222504B2 (en) | 2003-04-21 | 2007-05-29 | Shima Seiki Mfg., Ltd. | Method for joining knitted fabrics |
US7774956B2 (en) * | 2006-11-10 | 2010-08-17 | Nike, Inc. | Article of footwear having a flat knit upper construction or other upper construction |
US9060570B2 (en) | 2011-03-15 | 2015-06-23 | Nike, Inc. | Method of manufacturing a knitted component |
US8522577B2 (en) | 2011-03-15 | 2013-09-03 | Nike, Inc. | Combination feeder for a knitting machine |
US8448474B1 (en) * | 2012-02-20 | 2013-05-28 | Nike, Inc. | Article of footwear incorporating a knitted component with a tongue |
DE102013207155B4 (en) * | 2013-04-19 | 2020-04-23 | Adidas Ag | Shoe upper |
US8973410B1 (en) * | 2014-02-03 | 2015-03-10 | Nike, Inc. | Method of knitting a gusseted tongue for a knitted component |
EP3090083B1 (en) | 2014-03-04 | 2018-05-09 | Knitmaster LLC | Methods of making knitted shoe components |
CN115568661A (en) * | 2016-04-01 | 2023-01-06 | 耐克创新有限合伙公司 | Article with knitted component and method of manufacturing the article |
US11186930B2 (en) * | 2018-05-17 | 2021-11-30 | Fabdesigns, Inc. | System and method for knitting shoe uppers |
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US11441249B2 (en) * | 2018-12-10 | 2022-09-13 | Nike, Inc. | Knitting machine with extreme racking and related knitted component |
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