US20240081466A1 - Upper for Article of Footwear Incorporating a Knitted Butterfly Workpiece - Google Patents
Upper for Article of Footwear Incorporating a Knitted Butterfly Workpiece Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20240081466A1 US20240081466A1 US18/332,092 US202318332092A US2024081466A1 US 20240081466 A1 US20240081466 A1 US 20240081466A1 US 202318332092 A US202318332092 A US 202318332092A US 2024081466 A1 US2024081466 A1 US 2024081466A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lobe
- medial
- lateral
- workpiece
- knitted
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 118
- 210000004744 fore-foot Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 67
- 210000000452 mid-foot Anatomy 0.000 claims description 16
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 210000000474 heel Anatomy 0.000 description 70
- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 description 23
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 11
- 210000003371 toe Anatomy 0.000 description 8
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 210000003423 ankle Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000000459 calcaneus Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010985 leather Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002649 leather substitute Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000001872 metatarsal bone Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000002861 polymer material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000012549 training Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- D04B1/10—Patterned fabrics or articles
- D04B1/102—Patterned fabrics or articles with stitch pattern
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
- A43B1/02—Footwear characterised by the material made of fibres or fabrics made therefrom
- A43B1/04—Footwear characterised by the material made of fibres or fabrics made therefrom braided, knotted, knitted or crocheted
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/02—Uppers; Boot legs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/02—Uppers; Boot legs
- A43B23/0245—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the constructive form
-
- 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
- D04B1/10—Patterned fabrics or articles
-
- 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
-
- 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
- the present embodiments relate generally to an upper for an article of footwear, and, in particular, to an upper for an article of footwear incorporating a knitted butterfly workpiece.
- Conventional articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an upper and a sole assembly.
- the upper is secured to the sole assembly and forms a void within the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot.
- the sole assembly is secured to a lower surface of the upper so as to be positioned between the upper and the ground.
- the materials are conventionally utilized in manufacturing the upper.
- the materials may be selected based upon various properties, including stretch-resistance, wear-resistance, flexibility, air-permeability, compressibility, and moisture-wicking, for example, with each material imparting different properties to the upper.
- a knitted workpiece for incorporation into an upper of an article of footwear includes a collar portion and a throat portion extending from a forward end of the collar portion.
- the knitted workpiece also includes a medial lobe extending from one side of the throat portion and a lateral lobe extending from an opposite side of the throat portion from the medial lobe.
- the collar portion, the throat portion, the medial lobe, and the lateral lobe form a single unified knitted workpiece.
- an upper for article of footwear in another aspect, includes a knitted workpiece disposed in a midfoot region of the upper and at least a portion of a heel region of the upper.
- the upper also includes a forefoot component disposed in a forefoot region of the upper.
- the forefoot component is configured to attach to the knitted workpiece along a first attachment area on a medial side and a second attachment area on a lateral side.
- the upper further includes a heel component disposed in the heel region of the upper.
- the heel component is configured to attach to the knitted workpiece along a third attachment area on the medial side and a fourth attachment area on the lateral side.
- an article of footwear in still another aspect, includes an upper having a knitted workpiece disposed in a midfoot region of the upper and at least a portion of a heel region of the upper; a forefoot component disposed in a forefoot region of the upper, the forefoot component being configured to attach to the knitted workpiece along a first attachment area on a medial side and a second attachment area on a lateral side, and a heel component disposed in the heel region of the upper, the heel component being configured to attach to the knitted workpiece along a third attachment area on the medial side and a fourth attachment area on the lateral side.
- the upper also includes a first reinforcement element disposed over the third attachment area on the medial side, a second reinforcement element disposed over both of the first attachment area on the medial side and the second attachment area on the lateral side, and a third reinforcement element disposed over the fourth attachment area on the lateral side.
- the upper further includes a sole assembly attached to the upper.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of an article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted butterfly workpiece;
- FIG. 2 is a lateral side view of the example embodiment of an article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted butterfly workpiece;
- FIG. 3 is a medial side view of the example embodiment of an article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted butterfly workpiece;
- FIG. 4 is a top down view of the example embodiment of an article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted butterfly workpiece;
- FIG. 5 is a rear view of the example embodiment of an article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted butterfly workpiece;
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a collar portion of an example embodiment of a knitted butterfly workpiece
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a throat portion of an example embodiment of a knitted butterfly workpiece
- FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a medial side of an example embodiment of a knitted butterfly workpiece
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a lateral side of an example embodiment of a knitted butterfly workpiece
- FIG. 10 is an exploded view of components of an example embodiment of an article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted butterfly workpiece;
- FIG. 11 is a representative plan view of an example embodiment of a knitted butterfly workpiece.
- Articles of footwear having an upper incorporating a knitted butterfly workpiece are described herein.
- the knitted butterfly workpiece may be combined with additional components to form the upper.
- the components selected to form the upper may provide a variety of properties to different areas of the article of footwear.
- the techniques of the present embodiments provide an upper for an article of footwear with improved fit and feel to a foot of a wearer.
- directional adjectives are employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments.
- the following directional terms when used in reference to an article of footwear, shall refer to the article of footwear when sitting in an upright position, with the sole facing the ground, that is, as it would be positioned when worn by a wearer standing on a substantially level surface.
- the terms “medial,” “lateral,” “anterior,” “posterior,” and the like are intended to refer to anatomical directions corresponding to a human on whom an article is configured to be placed or worn. For example, “medial” refers to a relative position disposed toward the center of the human body, while “lateral” refers to a relative position disposed away from the center of the human body.
- anterior refers to a relative position closer to the toe of a wearer and “posterior” refers to a relative position closer to the heel of the wearer. In the absence of a wearer, the same directional terms may be used as if the article of footwear is being worn in its expected configuration.
- longitudinal refers to a direction extending a length of an article. In some cases, the longitudinal direction may extend from a forefoot region to a heel region of the article. Also, the term “lateral” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending a width of an article. In other words, the lateral direction may extend between a medial side and a lateral side of an article.
- FIGS. 1 through 11 illustrate an example embodiment of an article of footwear 100 .
- article of footwear 100 also referred to simply as article 100 , is intended to be used with a left foot; however, it should be understood that the following discussion may equally apply to a mirror image of article of footwear 100 that is intended for use with a right foot.
- article 100 may include forefoot region 10 , midfoot region 20 and heel region 30 .
- Forefoot region 10 may be generally associated with the toes and joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges.
- Midfoot region 20 may be generally associated with the arch of a foot.
- heel region 30 may be generally associated with the heel of a foot, including the calcaneus bone.
- article 100 may include medial side 40 and lateral side 50 .
- medial side 40 and lateral side 50 may be opposing sides of article 100 .
- both medial side 40 and lateral side 50 may extend through forefoot region 10 , midfoot region 20 and heel region 30 .
- forefoot region 10 , midfoot region 20 and heel region 30 are only intended for purposes of description and are not intended to demarcate precise regions of article 100 , but rather, to describe relative positions.
- medial side 40 and lateral side 50 are intended to represent generally two sides of an article, rather than precisely demarcating article 100 into two halves.
- forefoot region 10 , midfoot region 20 and heel region 30 , as well as medial side 40 and lateral side 50 can also be applied to individual components of an article, such as a sole assembly and/or an upper.
- Article 100 may include an upper 110 and a sole assembly 120 .
- sole assembly 120 may be configured to provide traction for article 100 .
- sole assembly 120 may attenuate ground reaction forces when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running or other ambulatory activities.
- the configuration of sole assembly 120 may vary significantly in different embodiments to include a variety of conventional or non-conventional structures.
- the configuration of sole assembly 120 can be configured according to one or more types of ground surfaces on which sole assembly 120 may be used. Examples of ground surfaces include, but are not limited to: dirt, concrete, pavement, natural turf, synthetic turf, as well as other surfaces.
- Sole assembly 120 is secured to upper 110 and extends between the foot and the ground when article 100 is worn.
- sole assembly 120 may include different components.
- sole assembly 120 may include an outsole, a midsole, and/or an insole. In some cases, one or more of these components may be optional. Moreover, in some cases, sole assembly 120 may itself be optional.
- Upper 110 may be generally configured to receive and cover a foot.
- upper 110 may incorporate a knitted workpiece 112 .
- knitted workpiece 112 may extend through a majority of midfoot region 20 of upper 110 and at least a portion of heel region 30 .
- knitted workpiece 112 is a single unified knitted workpiece formed of a unified knit composition made by a looping at least one continuous yarn/thread into a plurality of rows that define a shape of knitted workpiece 112 .
- Unified knitted workpiece 112 may be incorporated into upper 110 and may be combined with additional components to form upper 110 of article of footwear 100 . These additional components may include one or more separate workpieces that form portions of upper 110 when combined with unified knitted workpiece 112 .
- knitted workpiece 112 may be combined with a forefoot component 114 and/or a heel component 116 .
- forefoot component 114 extends through a majority of forefoot region 10 of upper 110 and heel component 116 extends through a majority of heel region 30 of upper 110 .
- heel component 116 extends through a majority of heel region 30 of upper 110 .
- Each of forefoot component 114 and heel component 116 are made separately from knitted workpiece 112 and are joined or attached to knitted workpiece 112 to form upper 110 .
- the additional components may also include one or more yarns/threads forming seams through stitching to join portions of unified knitted workpiece 112 together and/or to attach other components, which may be formed separately of similar or dissimilar materials, including forefoot component 114 and/or heel component 116 .
- Additional components may also include structural elements, such as covering layers, substrate layers, reinforcement members, laces, cushioning or padding, overlays, etc. and/or decorative elements, such as designs, logos, pictures, colored overlays or films, etc.
- knitted workpiece 112 may be made of a unified knit composition and the additional components are formed separately of similar or dissimilar materials.
- forefoot component 114 and/or heel component 116 may be made from one or more material elements, including but not limited to textiles, leather, synthetic leather, polymer sheets, and including combinations thereof, that are joined through stitching or bonding, for example. Together, knitted workpiece 112 , forefoot component 114 , and heel component 116 form upper 110 .
- upper 110 may include an opening 118 that provides entry to an interior of upper 110 and/or article 100 .
- knitted workpiece 112 may extend longitudinally from opening 118 through an instep area of upper 110 in a direction towards forefoot region 10 where forefoot component 114 and knitted workpiece 112 are attached.
- upper 110 may include a plurality of reinforcement elements 122 that are located along connection areas of upper 110 where knitted workpiece 112 is attached or joined with forefoot component 114 and/or heel component 116 .
- reinforcement elements 122 may be located at a connection area of upper 110 generally between forefoot region 10 and midfoot region 20 where forefoot component 114 and knitted workpiece 112 meet and also at a connection area of upper 110 generally between midfoot region 20 and heel region 30 where heel component 116 and knitted workpiece 112 meet.
- plurality of reinforcement elements 122 may cover and provide reinforcement and/or structural support to the seam or joint at the connection areas where the separate components are joined or attached to form upper 110 .
- plurality of reinforcement elements 122 may also include provisions for tightening or otherwise fastening upper 110 and article 100 to a foot of a wearer.
- article 100 may include a lace or other fastening member that may be used to adjust the fit of upper 110 around a foot of a wearer.
- plurality of reinforcement elements 122 may be provided with a plurality of apertures 124 that are configured to receive a lace for tightening upper 110 .
- FIG. 2 illustrates lateral side 50 of article 100 .
- upper 110 of article 100 extends from a toe end 200 located at a front portion of article 100 to a heel end 202 located at a rear portion of article 100 longitudinally opposite toe end 200 .
- sole assembly 120 extends from toe end 200 to heel end 202 through each of forefoot region 10 , midfoot region 20 , and heel region 30 of article 100 .
- sole assembly 120 includes a lower surface 204 that extends along a bottom of sole assembly 120 .
- lower surface 204 of sole assembly 120 is configured to contact a ground surface when article 100 is worn.
- sole assembly 120 may extend in a vertical direction from lower surface 204 to an upper edge 206 that is adjacent to upper 110 of article 100 .
- upper edge 206 may define a bite line or boundary where upper 110 and sole assembly 120 meet on each side of article 100 (e.g., on medial side 40 and lateral side 50 ).
- article 100 includes plurality of reinforcement elements 122 that are located along connection areas of upper 110 where knitted workpiece 112 is attached or joined with forefoot component 114 and/or heel component 116 .
- plurality of reinforcement elements 122 includes at least a first reinforcement element 208 disposed on lateral side 50 .
- First reinforcement element 208 is located along a connection area where knitted workpiece 112 is attached or joined with heel component 116 .
- First reinforcement element 208 covers and overlays a seam or joint between knitted workpiece 112 and heel component 116 and provides reinforcement and structural support to the connection area joining the separate components.
- first reinforcement element 208 has a generally curving U-shape with a bend 214 separating a first portion 216 that extends vertically along lateral side 50 towards sole assembly 120 and a second portion 218 that extends longitudinally along lateral side 50 in a direction towards heel end 202 .
- Plurality of reinforcement elements 122 may also include a second reinforcement element 210 .
- Second reinforcement element 210 extends across a top portion of upper 110 from lateral side 50 to the opposite medial side 40 . Second reinforcement element 210 is located along a connection area where knitted workpiece 112 is attached or joined with forefoot component 114 . Second reinforcement element 210 covers and overlays a seam or joint between knitted workpiece 112 and forefoot component 114 and provides reinforcement and structural support to the connection area joining the separate components.
- second reinforcement element 210 has a generally curving U-shape with a center portion 220 located approximately in a middle of the top portion of upper 110 separating a first curving portion 222 that extends longitudinally along lateral side 50 in a direction away from toe end 200 before changing direction at a lateral bend 224 and extending downwards towards sole assembly 120 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates medial side 40 of article 100 .
- upper 110 may have a similar arrangement on each of medial side 40 and lateral side 50 .
- upper 110 of article 100 may have an asymmetrical arrangement so that portions of upper 110 on medial side 40 are different from portions of upper 110 on lateral side 50 .
- sole assembly 120 has a substantially similar arrangement on each of medial side 40 and lateral side 50 .
- sole assembly 120 extends in a vertical direction from lower surface 204 to upper edge 206 that is adjacent to upper 110 of article 100 on medial side 40 in a similar manner as on lateral side 50 .
- sole assembly 120 may extend to different heights in the vertical direction on medial side 40 and lateral side 50 of upper 110 .
- plurality of reinforcement elements 122 also includes a third reinforcement element 212 disposed on medial side 40 .
- Third reinforcement element 212 is located along a connection area where knitted workpiece 112 is attached or joined with heel component 116 . With this arrangement, third reinforcement element 212 covers and overlays a seam or joint between knitted workpiece 112 and heel component 116 and provides reinforcement and structural support to the connection area joining the separate components.
- third reinforcement element 212 has a generally curving U-shape with a bend 300 separating a first portion 302 that extends vertically along medial side 40 towards sole assembly 120 and a second portion 304 that extends longitudinally along medial side 40 in a direction towards heel end 202 .
- third reinforcement element 212 is disposed on medial side 40 directly opposite from first reinforcement element 208 on lateral side 50 .
- third reinforcement element 212 and first reinforcement element 208 may be similarly shaped so as to be symmetrical on each of medial side 40 and lateral side 50 .
- the shapes and/or arrangements of third reinforcement element 212 and first reinforcement element 208 on each of medial side 40 and lateral side 50 may be different so as to be asymmetrical on opposite sides of upper 110 .
- second reinforcement element 210 extends across the top portion of upper 110 from medial side 40 to the opposite lateral side 50 .
- Second reinforcement element 210 is located along a connection area where knitted workpiece 112 is attached or joined with forefoot component 114 .
- Second reinforcement element 210 covers and overlays a seam or joint between knitted workpiece 112 and forefoot component 114 and provides reinforcement and structural support to the connection area joining the separate components.
- second reinforcement element 210 has a generally curving U-shape with center portion 220 located approximately in a middle of the top portion of upper 110 separating a second curving portion 306 that extends longitudinally along medial side 40 in a direction away from toe end 200 before changing direction at a medial bend 308 and extending downwards towards sole assembly 120 .
- upper 110 may be formed from a combination of separately or individually manufactured components that are combined to assembly upper 110 .
- upper 110 includes forefoot component 114 , knitted workpiece 112 , and heel component 116 .
- knitted workpiece 112 extends through a majority of midfoot region 20 and a portion of heel region 30 .
- knitted workpiece 112 includes a throat portion 400 and a collar portion 402 .
- Throat portion 400 of knitted workpiece 112 extends forward from opening 118 through an instep area of upper 110 in a direction towards forefoot region 10 where forefoot component 114 and knitted workpiece 112 are attached.
- Collar portion 402 of knitted workpiece 112 extends rearward from throat portion 400 and encircles or surrounds opening 118 .
- collar portion 402 includes a forward end 404 where throat portion 400 begins and is joined along a seam at a rear end opposite forward end 404 .
- a tab 408 may be located at the rear end of collar portion 402 to cover the seam joining the rear edges of collar portion 402 and to assist a wearer when inserting a foot into opening 118 of article 100 .
- throat portion 400 of knitted workpiece 112 extends longitudinally from forward end 404 of collar portion 402 at opening 118 through the instep area of upper 110 to a front end 406 of throat portion 400 in a direction towards forefoot region 10 .
- plurality of reinforcement elements 122 are configured to cover and/or overlay the connection areas between the separate components of upper 110 .
- first reinforcement element 208 and third reinforcement element 212 are configured to cover and reinforce the connection area between knitted workpiece 112 and heel component 116 and second reinforcement element 210 is configured to cover and reinforce the connection area between knitted workpiece 112 and forefoot component 114 . As shown in FIG.
- throat portion 400 is disposed at or adjacent to center portion 220 of second reinforcement element 210 where knitted workpiece 112 and forefoot component 114 are joined or attached to each other.
- throat portion 400 of knitted workpiece is configured to cover an instep of a foot of a wearer of article 100 . In other embodiments, however, a tongue may be provided.
- FIG. 5 is a rear view of the example embodiment of article of footwear 100 including upper 110 incorporating knitted workpiece 112 .
- tab 408 covering the seam joining the two sides of collar portion 402 of knitted workpiece 112 that are joined along the rear of upper 110 is shown.
- an overlay 500 may be disposed over or along a connection area at the rear of upper 110 where collar portion 402 of knitted workpiece 112 and heel component 116 are joined or attached.
- overlay 500 is a thin piece of thermoplastic polymer or similar film-like material that may be attached over the connection area between knitted workpiece 112 and heel component 116 using heat and/or pressure to bond with the surfaces of knitted workpiece 112 and heel component 116 .
- adhesive or other types of attachment may be used, such as stitching.
- collar portion 402 of knitted workpiece 112 may have an asymmetrical arrangement between medial side 40 and lateral side 50 .
- an upper edge 600 of collar portion 402 extends around and encircles opening 118 .
- a notch is provided in upper edge 600 of collar portion 402 to accommodate an ankle of a foot of a wearer.
- upper edge 600 of collar portion 402 includes a lateral notch 602 on lateral side 50 of collar portion 402 and a medial notch 604 on medial side 40 of collar portion 402 .
- lateral notch 602 and medial notch 604 may have an asymmetrical arrangement such that lateral notch 602 and medial notch 604 have different locations in a longitudinal direction (i.e., closer or farther from heel end 202 of article 100 ) and/or have different heights in a vertical direction (i.e., closer or farther from sole assembly 120 ). As shown in FIG. 6 , lateral notch 602 is located closer to heel end 202 of article 100 than medial notch 604 (e.g., lateral notch 602 is located rearward of medial notch 604 ) along a longitudinal direction of upper 110 and article 100 .
- lateral notch 602 extends a distance from upper edge 600 of collar portion 402 towards sole assembly 120 that is greater than a distance that medial notch 604 extends from upper edge 600 (e.g., lateral notch 602 extends downward in the vertical direction farther than medial notch 604 ). That is, lateral notch 602 is closer to sole assembly 120 than medial notch 604 ).
- This asymmetrical arrangement of lateral notch 602 and medial notch 604 on collar portion 402 of knitted workpiece 112 accommodates an ankle of a foot of a wearer.
- lateral notch 602 and medial notch 604 may be different, including configurations where medial notch 604 is closer to heel end 202 and/or is closer to sole assembly 120 than lateral notch 602 .
- lateral notch 602 and medial notch 604 may have a substantially similar arrangement on each of lateral side 50 and medial side 40 so as to be symmetrical.
- knitted workpiece 112 may have a butterfly-like arrangement with portions extending out from throat portion 400 in a lateral direction that form at least a portion of medial side 40 and lateral side 50 of upper 110 .
- FIG. 7 an enlarged view of throat portion 400 of knitted butterfly workpiece 112 is shown.
- throat portion 400 of knitted butterfly workpiece 112 extends longitudinally from forward end 404 of collar portion 402 to front end 406 .
- knitted butterfly workpiece 112 may further include portions that extend laterally outward from sides of throat portion 400 in a direction towards medial side 40 and lateral side 50 .
- knitted butterfly workpiece 112 includes a lateral lobe 700 that extends outward in a lateral direction from one side of throat portion 400 and a medial lobe 702 that extends outward in a lateral direction from the opposite side of throat portion 400 .
- lateral lobe 700 and medial lobe 702 are configured to be joined to separate forefoot component 114 along a front side of lateral lobe 700 and medial lobe 702 and to separate heel component 116 along a rear side of lateral lobe 700 and medial lobe 702 .
- lateral lobe 700 of knitted butterfly workpiece 112 forms at least a portion of upper 110 on lateral side 50 of article 100 and medial lobe 702 of knitted butterfly workpiece 112 forms at least a portion of upper 110 on medial side 40 of article 100 .
- upper 110 is formed by multiple separate components that are joined along connection areas to assemble upper 110 .
- upper 110 is formed by knitted butterfly workpiece 112 that is joined or attached to separate forefoot component 114 and separate heel component 116 along a plurality of connection areas where portions of knitted workpiece 112 meet or abut with portions of forefoot component 114 and/or portions of heel component 116 .
- upper 110 may include provisions for reinforcement at the plurality of connection areas, for example, plurality of reinforcement elements 122 , that are configured to overlay the connection areas and provide reinforcement and structural support to the connection areas on upper 110 .
- first portion 302 of third reinforcement element 212 covers and reinforces a portion of third connection area 802 between medial lobe 702 of knitted workpiece 112 and heel component 116 and second portion 304 of third reinforcement element 212 covers and reinforces a portion of third connection area 802 between collar portion 402 of knitted workpiece 112 and heel component 116 .
- Medial lobe 702 of knitted workpiece 112 is joined with forefoot component 114 at first connection area 800 that extends along a front side of medial lobe 702 .
- Medial lobe 702 of knitted workpiece 112 is joined with heel component 116 at third connection area 802 that extends along a rear side of medial lobe 702 .
- a portion of second reinforcement element 210 is disposed over first connection area 800 and third reinforcement element 212 is disposed over third connection area 802 .
- the reinforcement elements may include a ridge that extends approximately through the middle of each reinforcement element to provide structural rigidity to the reinforcement element.
- second reinforcement element 210 includes a first ridge 804 and third reinforcement element 212 includes a second ridge 814 .
- first ridge 804 and second ridge 814 may be formed by molding the ridge into the material forming the respective reinforcement element, for example, a rigid plastic or polymer material.
- first ridge 804 and second ridge 814 may be a separate element or piece that is attached or bonded to the reinforcement elements, such as a length of metal wire, rigid plastic, or other generally inflexible material to provide structural rigidity to each respective reinforcement element.
- the reinforcement elements may be provided with plurality of apertures 124 , as described above, configured to receive a lace.
- the portion of second reinforcement element 210 on medial side 40 includes a first lace aperture 806 and a second lace aperture 808 that are disposed on one side of first ridge 804 (e.g., located above first ridge 804 ).
- the portion of second reinforcement element 210 on medial side 40 also includes a third lace aperture 810 and a fourth lace aperture 812 that are disposed on an opposite side of first ridge 804 from first lace aperture 806 and second lace aperture 808 (e.g., located beneath first ridge 804 ).
- first lace aperture 806 a force applied to a lace extending through one or more of first lace aperture 806 , second lace aperture 808 , third lace aperture 810 , and fourth lace aperture 812 may be distributed across second reinforcement element 210 on either side of first ridge 804 .
- third reinforcement element 212 includes a fifth lace aperture 816 and a sixth lace aperture 818 that are disposed on one side of second ridge 814 (e.g., located above second ridge 814 ) and a seventh lace aperture 820 and an eighth lace aperture 822 that are disposed on an opposite side of second ridge 814 from fifth lace aperture 816 and sixth lace aperture 818 (e.g., located beneath second ridge 814 ).
- a force applied to a lace extending through one or more of fifth lace aperture 816 , sixth lace aperture 818 , seventh lace aperture 820 , and eighth lace aperture 822 may be distributed across third reinforcement element 212 on either side of second ridge 814 .
- a central portion of throat portion 400 of knitted workpiece 112 is substantially free of lace apertures. That is, as shown in FIG. 8 , an area on knitted workpiece 112 that includes medial lobe 702 located between third reinforcement element 212 and the portion of second reinforcement element 210 on medial side 40 does not include any lace apertures of plurality of apertures 124 .
- medial lobe 702 of knitted workpiece 112 may allow the sides of a foot of a wearer to flex and bulge when article 100 is worn during an activity, such as running or walking.
- FIG. 9 shows an enlarged view of lateral side 50 of knitted butterfly workpiece 112 .
- a portion of second reinforcement element 210 covers and reinforces a second connection area 900 between knitted workpiece 112 and forefoot component 114 and first reinforcement element 208 covers and reinforces a fourth connection area 902 between knitted workpiece 112 and heel component 116 .
- Lateral lobe 700 of knitted workpiece 112 is joined with forefoot component 114 at second connection area 900 that extends along a front side of lateral lobe 700 .
- first portion 216 of first reinforcement element 208 covers and reinforces a portion of fourth connection area 902 between lateral lobe 700 of knitted workpiece 112 and heel component 116 and second portion 218 of first reinforcement element 208 covers and reinforces a portion of fourth connection area 902 between collar portion 402 of knitted workpiece 112 and heel component 116 .
- Lateral lobe 700 of knitted workpiece 112 is joined with heel component 116 at fourth connection area 902 that extends along a rear side of lateral lobe 700 .
- a portion of second reinforcement element 210 is disposed over second connection area 900 and first reinforcement element 208 is disposed over fourth connection area 902 .
- the reinforcement elements may include a ridge that extends approximately through the middle of each reinforcement element to provide structural rigidity to the reinforcement element.
- second reinforcement element 210 includes first ridge 804 and first reinforcement element 208 includes a third ridge 912 .
- Third ridge 912 may be formed in a substantially similar manner as first ridge 804 and/or second ridge 814 , including similar materials, as described above.
- second reinforcement element 210 and/or first reinforcement element 208 may be provided with plurality of apertures 124 , as described above, configured to receive a lace.
- the portion of second reinforcement element 210 on lateral side 50 includes a ninth lace aperture 904 and a tenth lace aperture 906 that are disposed on one side of first ridge 804 (e.g., located above first ridge 804 ).
- the portion of second reinforcement element 210 on lateral side 50 also includes an eleventh lace aperture 908 and a twelfth lace aperture 910 that are disposed on an opposite side of first ridge 804 from ninth lace aperture 904 and tenth lace aperture 906 (e.g., located beneath first ridge 804 ).
- a force applied to a lace extending through one or more of ninth lace aperture 904 , tenth lace aperture 906 , eleventh lace aperture 908 , and twelfth lace aperture 910 may be distributed across second reinforcement element 210 on either side of first ridge 804 .
- first reinforcement element 208 includes a thirteenth lace aperture 914 and a fourteenth lace aperture 916 that are disposed on one side of third ridge 912 (e.g., located above third ridge 912 ) and a fifteenth lace aperture 918 and a sixteenth lace aperture 920 that are disposed on an opposite side of third ridge 912 from thirteenth lace aperture 914 and fourteenth lace aperture 916 (e.g., located beneath third ridge 912 ).
- a force applied to a lace extending through one or more of thirteenth lace aperture 914 , fourteenth lace aperture 916 , fifteenth lace aperture 918 , and sixteenth lace aperture 920 may be distributed across first reinforcement element 208 on either side of third ridge 912 .
- a central portion of throat portion 400 of knitted workpiece 112 is substantially free of lace apertures. That is, as shown in FIG. 9 , an area on knitted workpiece 112 that includes lateral lobe 700 located between first reinforcement element 208 and the portion of second reinforcement element 210 on lateral side 50 does not include any lace apertures of plurality of apertures 124 . With this arrangement, lateral lobe 700 of knitted workpiece 112 may allow the sides of a foot of a wearer to flex and bulge when article 100 is worn during an activity, such as running or walking.
- the reinforcement elements on each of medial side 40 and lateral side 50 are symmetrical. That is, the generally curving U-shape of first reinforcement element 208 on lateral side 50 is substantially similar to the generally curving U-shape of third reinforcement element 212 on medial side 40 . Additionally, the generally curving U-shape of second reinforcement element 210 is symmetrical on either side of center portion 220 . In other embodiments, however, the reinforcement elements may have different or varied shapes, including asymmetrical arrangements between medial side 40 and lateral side 50 of upper 110 .
- FIG. 10 is an exploded view of components of the example embodiment of article of footwear 100 including upper 110 incorporating knitted butterfly workpiece 112 .
- an upper may be formed by a combination of multiple separate components, including at least one knitted workpiece.
- Each of the separate components forming the upper may be configured to provide different or varying properties or characteristics to the upper and the article formed therefrom.
- the components may have different or varying amount of stretch resistance, durability, rigidity, support, comfort, and cushioning, as well as other properties or characteristics, and may be made or formed from different or varying materials.
- upper 110 is formed at least by knitted workpiece 112 , forefoot component 114 , and heel component 116 which are joined or attached together to assemble upper 110 .
- forefoot component 114 is configured to join or attach to knitted butterfly workpiece 112 along a first connection area 800 and a second connection area 900 where front edges of lateral lobe 700 and medial lobe 702 of knitted butterfly workpiece 112 meet or abut with edges of forefoot component 114 .
- Heel component 116 is configured to join or attach to knitted butterfly workpiece 112 along a third connection area 802 and a fourth connection area 902 where rear edges of lateral lobe 700 and medial lobe 702 of knitted butterfly workpiece 112 meet or abut with edges of heel component 116 .
- knitted butterfly workpiece 112 has a lower degree or amount of stretch resistance than forefoot component 114 and/or heel component 116 so that portions of upper 110 in midfoot region 20 primarily formed by knitted butterfly workpiece 112 allow for movement of the foot of the wearer when article 100 is worn.
- knitted butterfly workpiece 112 allows for flex and torsion of upper 110 in midfoot region 20 to accommodate changes in the shape of a foot of a wearer as the foot moves.
- forefoot component 114 and/or heel component 116 may provide a greater degree or amount of stretch resistance so as to provide support and stability to the toes and heel of a foot of a wearer of upper 110 and article 100 .
- first reinforcement element 208 is configured to cover and reinforce fourth connection area 902 between edges of heel component 116 and lateral lobe 700 of knitted butterfly workpiece 112 on lateral side 50 and third reinforcement element 212 is configured to cover and reinforce third connection area 802 between edges of heel component 116 and medial lobe 702 of knitted butterfly workpiece 112 on medial side.
- Second reinforcement element 210 is configured to cover and reinforce first connection area 800 and second connection area 900 between edges of forefoot component 114 and lateral lobe 700 and medial lobe 702 . Additionally, second reinforcement element 210 covers over front end 406 of throat portion 400 of knitted butterfly workpiece 112 where the edge of throat portion 400 meets or abuts with the top edge of forefoot component 114 . Additionally, as shown in FIG. 10 , an overlay 500 may extend over and cover a connection area at the rear of article 100 where edges of collar portion 402 of knitted butterfly workpiece 112 meets or abuts with a top edge of heel component 116 .
- upper 110 may be configured to join or attach with sole assembly 120 to form article of footwear 100 .
- an upper surface 1000 of sole assembly 120 may be attached to portions of upper 110 , including portions of knitted workpiece 112 , forefoot component 114 , and/or heel component 116 .
- a strobel sock, sockliner, insole, midsole, or other component may be used to join bottom edges of knitted workpiece 112 , forefoot component 114 , and/or heel component 116 to enclose upper 110 and provide a mating surface between upper 110 and upper surface 1000 of sole assembly 120 .
- bottom edges of lateral lobe 700 and/or medial lobe 702 are configured to terminate just past or adjacent to upper edge 206 of sole assembly 120 so that lateral lobe 700 and/or medial lobe 702 do not extend beneath a foot of a wearer of article of footwear 100 when worn.
- knitted workpiece 112 is a single unified knitted workpiece formed of a unified knit composition made by a looping at least one continuous yarn/thread into a plurality of rows that define a shape of knitted workpiece 112 .
- knitted workpiece 112 has a butterfly shape with lateral lobe 700 that extends outward in a lateral direction from one side of throat portion 400 and medial lobe 702 that extends outward in a lateral direction from the opposite side of throat portion 400 . That is, lateral lobe 700 and medial lobe 702 give an appearance of wings extending laterally outward from throat portion 400 to give knitted butterfly workpiece 112 its butterfly-like shape.
- rear edges of collar portion 402 of knitted butterfly workpiece 112 are attached or joined to each other to close and define opening 118 .
- the medial collar rear edge and the lateral collar rear edge joined by a seam 1112 to define opening 118 of collar portion 402 for receiving a foot of a wearer.
- knitted butterfly workpiece 112 includes an outer peripheral edge 1100 that extends around a perimeter of knitted butterfly workpiece 112 .
- outer peripheral edge 1100 extends through front end 406 of an instep area 1102 of throat portion 400 , extends in a direction away from front end 406 and changes direction at a front side edge 1104 of medial lobe 702 .
- Outer peripheral edge 1100 continues from front side edge 1104 along a medial side edge 1106 of medial lobe 702 and changes direction at a rear side edge 1108 of medial lobe 702 .
- Outer peripheral edge 1100 continues from rear side edge 1108 through a medial side edge 1110 of collar portion 402 to the medial collar rear edge where seam 1112 is located.
- outer peripheral edge 1100 extends through a lateral side edge 1114 of collar portion 402 to a rear side edge 1116 of lateral lobe 700 .
- Outer peripheral edge 1110 changes direction at rear side edge 1116 of lateral lobe 700 and extends forwards along a lateral side edge 1118 of lateral lobe 700 .
- Outer peripheral edge 1100 changes direction again at a front side edge 1120 of lateral lobe 700 and continues along to front end 406 of instep area 1102 of throat portion 400 .
- knitted butterfly workpiece 112 has a generally butterfly-like shape, as shown in the Figures. However, it should be understood that other shapes and arrangements of portions of a knitted workpiece (e.g., knitted workpiece 112 ) may be provided in various embodiments.
- portions of knitted butterfly workpiece 112 may have varying amounts or degrees of stretch resistance to provide different stretch zones to knitted butterfly workpiece 112 .
- the stretch resistance of lateral lobe 700 and medial lobe 702 may be different.
- lateral lobe 700 may have a greater amount or degree of stretch resistance than medial lobe 702 (i.e., lateral lobe 700 stretches less than medial lobe 702 ) or medial lobe 702 may have a greater amount or degree of stretch resistance than lateral lobe 700 (i.e., medial lobe 702 stretches less than lateral lobe 700 ).
- a central portion of throat area 400 disposed between lateral lobe 700 and medial lobe 702 may have a different amount or degree of stretch resistance than other portions of knitted butterfly workpiece 112 , such as instep area 1102 , lateral lobe 700 , medial lobe 702 , and/or collar portion 402 .
- the central portion of throat area 400 between lateral lobe 700 and medial lobe 702 may have a greater amount or degree of stretch resistance than one or more of instep area 1102 , lateral lobe 700 , medial lobe 702 , and/or collar portion 402 so that the central portion stretches less than the other portions of knitted butterfly workpiece 112 .
- upper 110 and article 100 may be provided with stretch zones of varying amounts or degrees of stretch resistance in different portions of knitted butterfly workpiece 112 .
Abstract
An article of footwear incorporating an upper formed by a forefoot component, a knitted workpiece, and a heel component is described. Each of the forefoot component, the knitted workpiece, and the heel component are separate from each other and joined along connection areas. Reinforcement elements cover the connection areas. In one embodiment, the knitted workpiece includes a collar portion and a throat portion extending from a forward end of the collar portion. The knitted workpiece also includes a medial lobe extending from one side of the throat portion and a lateral lobe extending from an opposite side of the throat portion from the medial lobe. The collar portion, the throat portion, the medial lobe, and the lateral lobe form a single unified knitted workpiece.
Description
- This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/932,122, filed on Sep. 14, 2022 and entitled “Upper for Article of Footwear Incorporating a Knitted Butterfly Workpiece”, the content of which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- The present embodiments relate generally to an upper for an article of footwear, and, in particular, to an upper for an article of footwear incorporating a knitted butterfly workpiece.
- Conventional articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an upper and a sole assembly. The upper is secured to the sole assembly and forms a void within the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. The sole assembly is secured to a lower surface of the upper so as to be positioned between the upper and the ground.
- Various materials are conventionally utilized in manufacturing the upper. The materials may be selected based upon various properties, including stretch-resistance, wear-resistance, flexibility, air-permeability, compressibility, and moisture-wicking, for example, with each material imparting different properties to the upper.
- There is a need in the art for an article of footwear having an upper that provides a combination of properties for an improved fit and feel to a wearer.
- In one aspect, a knitted workpiece for incorporation into an upper of an article of footwear is provided. The knitted workpiece includes a collar portion and a throat portion extending from a forward end of the collar portion. The knitted workpiece also includes a medial lobe extending from one side of the throat portion and a lateral lobe extending from an opposite side of the throat portion from the medial lobe. The collar portion, the throat portion, the medial lobe, and the lateral lobe form a single unified knitted workpiece.
- In another aspect, an upper for article of footwear is provided. The upper includes a knitted workpiece disposed in a midfoot region of the upper and at least a portion of a heel region of the upper. The upper also includes a forefoot component disposed in a forefoot region of the upper. The forefoot component is configured to attach to the knitted workpiece along a first attachment area on a medial side and a second attachment area on a lateral side. The upper further includes a heel component disposed in the heel region of the upper. The heel component is configured to attach to the knitted workpiece along a third attachment area on the medial side and a fourth attachment area on the lateral side.
- In still another aspect, an article of footwear is provided. The article of footwear includes an upper having a knitted workpiece disposed in a midfoot region of the upper and at least a portion of a heel region of the upper; a forefoot component disposed in a forefoot region of the upper, the forefoot component being configured to attach to the knitted workpiece along a first attachment area on a medial side and a second attachment area on a lateral side, and a heel component disposed in the heel region of the upper, the heel component being configured to attach to the knitted workpiece along a third attachment area on the medial side and a fourth attachment area on the lateral side. The upper also includes a first reinforcement element disposed over the third attachment area on the medial side, a second reinforcement element disposed over both of the first attachment area on the medial side and the second attachment area on the lateral side, and a third reinforcement element disposed over the fourth attachment area on the lateral side. The upper further includes a sole assembly attached to the upper.
- Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the disclosure will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the disclosure, and be protected by the following claims.
- The 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 disclosure. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
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FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of an article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted butterfly workpiece; -
FIG. 2 is a lateral side view of the example embodiment of an article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted butterfly workpiece; -
FIG. 3 is a medial side view of the example embodiment of an article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted butterfly workpiece; -
FIG. 4 is a top down view of the example embodiment of an article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted butterfly workpiece; -
FIG. 5 is a rear view of the example embodiment of an article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted butterfly workpiece; -
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a collar portion of an example embodiment of a knitted butterfly workpiece; -
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a throat portion of an example embodiment of a knitted butterfly workpiece; -
FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a medial side of an example embodiment of a knitted butterfly workpiece; -
FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a lateral side of an example embodiment of a knitted butterfly workpiece; -
FIG. 10 is an exploded view of components of an example embodiment of an article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted butterfly workpiece; and -
FIG. 11 is a representative plan view of an example embodiment of a knitted butterfly workpiece. - Articles of footwear having an upper incorporating a knitted butterfly workpiece are described herein. The knitted butterfly workpiece may be combined with additional components to form the upper. The components selected to form the upper may provide a variety of properties to different areas of the article of footwear. The techniques of the present embodiments provide an upper for an article of footwear with improved fit and feel to a foot of a wearer.
- For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. For purposes of this disclosure, the following directional terms, when used in reference to an article of footwear, shall refer to the article of footwear when sitting in an upright position, with the sole facing the ground, that is, as it would be positioned when worn by a wearer standing on a substantially level surface. The terms “medial,” “lateral,” “anterior,” “posterior,” and the like are intended to refer to anatomical directions corresponding to a human on whom an article is configured to be placed or worn. For example, “medial” refers to a relative position disposed toward the center of the human body, while “lateral” refers to a relative position disposed away from the center of the human body. With respect to footwear, the term “anterior” refers to a relative position closer to the toe of a wearer and “posterior” refers to a relative position closer to the heel of the wearer. In the absence of a wearer, the same directional terms may be used as if the article of footwear is being worn in its expected configuration.
- The term “longitudinal” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending a length of an article. In some cases, the longitudinal direction may extend from a forefoot region to a heel region of the article. Also, the term “lateral” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending a width of an article. In other words, the lateral direction may extend between a medial side and a lateral side of an article.
- Terms such as “up,” “down,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and the like should be understood in the context of the particular article in question. For example, an article may be oriented around defined X, Y, and Z axes, with the X axis corresponding to the longitudinal direction and the Y axis corresponding to the lateral direction. In those examples, the X-Y plane will define horizontal, with up being defined as the positive Z direction and down being defined as the negative Z direction. Furthermore, the term “vertical” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction generally perpendicular to the X-Y plane and/or the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in cases where an article is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of an article, such as an upper and/or a sole structure.
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FIGS. 1 through 11 illustrate an example embodiment of an article offootwear 100. For clarity, the following detailed description discusses on example embodiment, in the form of a running shoe, but it should be noted that the techniques described herein could be applied to any form of an article of footwear including, but not limited to: sneakers, training shoes, yoga shoes, soccer shoes, football shoes, basketball shoes, baseball shoes, rugby shoes, other types of sports shoes, casual shoes, hiking boots, as well as other kinds of footwear. As shown inFIGS. 1 through 11 , article offootwear 100, also referred to simply asarticle 100, is intended to be used with a left foot; however, it should be understood that the following discussion may equally apply to a mirror image of article offootwear 100 that is intended for use with a right foot. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 through 11 , for purposes of reference,article 100 may includeforefoot region 10,midfoot region 20 andheel region 30.Forefoot region 10 may be generally associated with the toes and joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges.Midfoot region 20 may be generally associated with the arch of a foot. Likewise,heel region 30 may be generally associated with the heel of a foot, including the calcaneus bone. In addition,article 100 may includemedial side 40 andlateral side 50. In particular,medial side 40 andlateral side 50 may be opposing sides ofarticle 100. Furthermore, bothmedial side 40 andlateral side 50 may extend throughforefoot region 10,midfoot region 20 andheel region 30. - It will be understood that
forefoot region 10,midfoot region 20 andheel region 30 are only intended for purposes of description and are not intended to demarcate precise regions ofarticle 100, but rather, to describe relative positions. Likewise,medial side 40 andlateral side 50 are intended to represent generally two sides of an article, rather than precisely demarcatingarticle 100 into two halves. In addition,forefoot region 10,midfoot region 20 andheel region 30, as well asmedial side 40 andlateral side 50, can also be applied to individual components of an article, such as a sole assembly and/or an upper. -
Article 100 may include an upper 110 and asole assembly 120. In some embodiments,sole assembly 120 may be configured to provide traction forarticle 100. In addition to providing traction,sole assembly 120 may attenuate ground reaction forces when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running or other ambulatory activities. The configuration ofsole assembly 120 may vary significantly in different embodiments to include a variety of conventional or non-conventional structures. In some cases, the configuration ofsole assembly 120 can be configured according to one or more types of ground surfaces on whichsole assembly 120 may be used. Examples of ground surfaces include, but are not limited to: dirt, concrete, pavement, natural turf, synthetic turf, as well as other surfaces. -
Sole assembly 120 is secured to upper 110 and extends between the foot and the ground whenarticle 100 is worn. In different embodiments,sole assembly 120 may include different components. For example,sole assembly 120 may include an outsole, a midsole, and/or an insole. In some cases, one or more of these components may be optional. Moreover, in some cases,sole assembly 120 may itself be optional. -
Upper 110 may be generally configured to receive and cover a foot. In some embodiments, upper 110 may incorporate aknitted workpiece 112. In an example embodiment, knittedworkpiece 112 may extend through a majority ofmidfoot region 20 of upper 110 and at least a portion ofheel region 30. In one embodiment, knittedworkpiece 112 is a single unified knitted workpiece formed of a unified knit composition made by a looping at least one continuous yarn/thread into a plurality of rows that define a shape of knittedworkpiece 112. Unifiedknitted workpiece 112 may be incorporated into upper 110 and may be combined with additional components to form upper 110 of article offootwear 100. These additional components may include one or more separate workpieces that form portions of upper 110 when combined with unifiedknitted workpiece 112. - For example, in some embodiments, knitted
workpiece 112 may be combined with aforefoot component 114 and/or aheel component 116. In one embodiment,forefoot component 114 extends through a majority offorefoot region 10 of upper 110 andheel component 116 extends through a majority ofheel region 30 of upper 110. Each offorefoot component 114 andheel component 116 are made separately from knittedworkpiece 112 and are joined or attached to knittedworkpiece 112 to form upper 110. - The additional components may also include one or more yarns/threads forming seams through stitching to join portions of unified
knitted workpiece 112 together and/or to attach other components, which may be formed separately of similar or dissimilar materials, includingforefoot component 114 and/orheel component 116. Additional components may also include structural elements, such as covering layers, substrate layers, reinforcement members, laces, cushioning or padding, overlays, etc. and/or decorative elements, such as designs, logos, pictures, colored overlays or films, etc. Other techniques, such as bonding using adhesives, heat, and/or pressure, or overmolding may be used to attach components to upper 110, including knittedworkpiece 112 and/or other workpieces, such asforefoot component 114 and/orheel component 116, to form upper 110. - As described above, knitted
workpiece 112 may be made of a unified knit composition and the additional components are formed separately of similar or dissimilar materials. In an example embodiment,forefoot component 114 and/orheel component 116 may be made from one or more material elements, including but not limited to textiles, leather, synthetic leather, polymer sheets, and including combinations thereof, that are joined through stitching or bonding, for example. Together, knittedworkpiece 112,forefoot component 114, andheel component 116 form upper 110. - In some embodiments, upper 110 may include an
opening 118 that provides entry to an interior of upper 110 and/orarticle 100. In an example embodiment, knittedworkpiece 112 may extend longitudinally from opening 118 through an instep area of upper 110 in a direction towardsforefoot region 10 whereforefoot component 114 and knittedworkpiece 112 are attached. - In addition, upper 110 may include a plurality of
reinforcement elements 122 that are located along connection areas of upper 110 where knittedworkpiece 112 is attached or joined withforefoot component 114 and/orheel component 116. In an example embodiment,reinforcement elements 122 may be located at a connection area of upper 110 generally betweenforefoot region 10 andmidfoot region 20 whereforefoot component 114 and knittedworkpiece 112 meet and also at a connection area of upper 110 generally betweenmidfoot region 20 andheel region 30 whereheel component 116 and knittedworkpiece 112 meet. In some embodiments, plurality ofreinforcement elements 122 may cover and provide reinforcement and/or structural support to the seam or joint at the connection areas where the separate components are joined or attached to form upper 110. - In some embodiments, plurality of
reinforcement elements 122 may also include provisions for tightening or otherwise fastening upper 110 andarticle 100 to a foot of a wearer. Although not shown in the present embodiments, some embodiments ofarticle 100 may include a lace or other fastening member that may be used to adjust the fit of upper 110 around a foot of a wearer. For example, plurality ofreinforcement elements 122 may be provided with a plurality ofapertures 124 that are configured to receive a lace for tightening upper 110. -
FIG. 2 illustrateslateral side 50 ofarticle 100. In an example embodiment, upper 110 ofarticle 100 extends from atoe end 200 located at a front portion ofarticle 100 to aheel end 202 located at a rear portion ofarticle 100 longitudinally oppositetoe end 200. In one embodiment,sole assembly 120 extends fromtoe end 200 to heel end 202 through each offorefoot region 10,midfoot region 20, andheel region 30 ofarticle 100. As shown inFIG. 2 ,sole assembly 120 includes alower surface 204 that extends along a bottom ofsole assembly 120. In an example embodiment,lower surface 204 ofsole assembly 120 is configured to contact a ground surface whenarticle 100 is worn. In one embodiment,sole assembly 120 may extend in a vertical direction fromlower surface 204 to anupper edge 206 that is adjacent to upper 110 ofarticle 100. In some cases,upper edge 206 may define a bite line or boundary where upper 110 andsole assembly 120 meet on each side of article 100 (e.g., onmedial side 40 and lateral side 50). - In an example embodiment,
article 100 includes plurality ofreinforcement elements 122 that are located along connection areas of upper 110 where knittedworkpiece 112 is attached or joined withforefoot component 114 and/orheel component 116. As shown inFIG. 2 , plurality ofreinforcement elements 122 includes at least afirst reinforcement element 208 disposed onlateral side 50.First reinforcement element 208 is located along a connection area whereknitted workpiece 112 is attached or joined withheel component 116.First reinforcement element 208 covers and overlays a seam or joint betweenknitted workpiece 112 andheel component 116 and provides reinforcement and structural support to the connection area joining the separate components. - In one embodiment,
first reinforcement element 208 has a generally curving U-shape with abend 214 separating afirst portion 216 that extends vertically alonglateral side 50 towardssole assembly 120 and asecond portion 218 that extends longitudinally alonglateral side 50 in a direction towardsheel end 202. - Plurality of
reinforcement elements 122 may also include asecond reinforcement element 210.Second reinforcement element 210 extends across a top portion of upper 110 fromlateral side 50 to the oppositemedial side 40.Second reinforcement element 210 is located along a connection area whereknitted workpiece 112 is attached or joined withforefoot component 114.Second reinforcement element 210 covers and overlays a seam or joint betweenknitted workpiece 112 andforefoot component 114 and provides reinforcement and structural support to the connection area joining the separate components. - In one embodiment,
second reinforcement element 210 has a generally curving U-shape with acenter portion 220 located approximately in a middle of the top portion of upper 110 separating a first curvingportion 222 that extends longitudinally alonglateral side 50 in a direction away fromtoe end 200 before changing direction at alateral bend 224 and extending downwards towardssole assembly 120. -
FIG. 3 illustratesmedial side 40 ofarticle 100. In an example embodiment, upper 110 may have a similar arrangement on each ofmedial side 40 andlateral side 50. In other embodiments, upper 110 ofarticle 100 may have an asymmetrical arrangement so that portions of upper 110 onmedial side 40 are different from portions of upper 110 onlateral side 50. In addition, in this embodiment,sole assembly 120 has a substantially similar arrangement on each ofmedial side 40 andlateral side 50. For example, as shown inFIG. 3 ,sole assembly 120 extends in a vertical direction fromlower surface 204 toupper edge 206 that is adjacent to upper 110 ofarticle 100 onmedial side 40 in a similar manner as onlateral side 50. However, in other embodiments,sole assembly 120 may extend to different heights in the vertical direction onmedial side 40 andlateral side 50 of upper 110. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , plurality ofreinforcement elements 122 also includes athird reinforcement element 212 disposed onmedial side 40.Third reinforcement element 212 is located along a connection area whereknitted workpiece 112 is attached or joined withheel component 116. With this arrangement,third reinforcement element 212 covers and overlays a seam or joint betweenknitted workpiece 112 andheel component 116 and provides reinforcement and structural support to the connection area joining the separate components. - In one embodiment,
third reinforcement element 212 has a generally curving U-shape with abend 300 separating afirst portion 302 that extends vertically alongmedial side 40 towardssole assembly 120 and asecond portion 304 that extends longitudinally alongmedial side 40 in a direction towardsheel end 202. In an example embodiment,third reinforcement element 212 is disposed onmedial side 40 directly opposite fromfirst reinforcement element 208 onlateral side 50. In some cases,third reinforcement element 212 andfirst reinforcement element 208 may be similarly shaped so as to be symmetrical on each ofmedial side 40 andlateral side 50. In other cases, the shapes and/or arrangements ofthird reinforcement element 212 andfirst reinforcement element 208 on each ofmedial side 40 andlateral side 50 may be different so as to be asymmetrical on opposite sides of upper 110. - As shown in
FIG. 3 ,second reinforcement element 210 extends across the top portion of upper 110 frommedial side 40 to the oppositelateral side 50.Second reinforcement element 210 is located along a connection area whereknitted workpiece 112 is attached or joined withforefoot component 114.Second reinforcement element 210 covers and overlays a seam or joint betweenknitted workpiece 112 andforefoot component 114 and provides reinforcement and structural support to the connection area joining the separate components. In one embodiment,second reinforcement element 210 has a generally curving U-shape withcenter portion 220 located approximately in a middle of the top portion of upper 110 separating asecond curving portion 306 that extends longitudinally alongmedial side 40 in a direction away fromtoe end 200 before changing direction at amedial bend 308 and extending downwards towardssole assembly 120. - Referring now to
FIG. 4 , a top down view ofarticle 100 and upper 110 is shown. In some embodiments, upper 110 may be formed from a combination of separately or individually manufactured components that are combined to assembly upper 110. In an example embodiment, upper 110 includesforefoot component 114, knittedworkpiece 112, andheel component 116. In this embodiment, knittedworkpiece 112 extends through a majority ofmidfoot region 20 and a portion ofheel region 30. - In an example embodiment, knitted
workpiece 112 includes athroat portion 400 and acollar portion 402.Throat portion 400 of knittedworkpiece 112 extends forward from opening 118 through an instep area of upper 110 in a direction towardsforefoot region 10 whereforefoot component 114 and knittedworkpiece 112 are attached.Collar portion 402 of knittedworkpiece 112 extends rearward fromthroat portion 400 and encircles or surroundsopening 118. In an example embodiment,collar portion 402 includes aforward end 404 wherethroat portion 400 begins and is joined along a seam at a rear end oppositeforward end 404. In one embodiment, atab 408 may be located at the rear end ofcollar portion 402 to cover the seam joining the rear edges ofcollar portion 402 and to assist a wearer when inserting a foot into opening 118 ofarticle 100. - In this embodiment,
throat portion 400 of knittedworkpiece 112 extends longitudinally fromforward end 404 ofcollar portion 402 at opening 118 through the instep area of upper 110 to afront end 406 ofthroat portion 400 in a direction towardsforefoot region 10. In some embodiments, plurality ofreinforcement elements 122 are configured to cover and/or overlay the connection areas between the separate components of upper 110. For example,first reinforcement element 208 andthird reinforcement element 212 are configured to cover and reinforce the connection area betweenknitted workpiece 112 andheel component 116 andsecond reinforcement element 210 is configured to cover and reinforce the connection area betweenknitted workpiece 112 andforefoot component 114. As shown inFIG. 4 ,front end 406 ofthroat portion 400 is disposed at or adjacent to centerportion 220 ofsecond reinforcement element 210 where knittedworkpiece 112 andforefoot component 114 are joined or attached to each other. In an example embodiment,throat portion 400 of knitted workpiece is configured to cover an instep of a foot of a wearer ofarticle 100. In other embodiments, however, a tongue may be provided. -
FIG. 5 is a rear view of the example embodiment of article offootwear 100 including upper 110 incorporating knittedworkpiece 112. In this embodiment,tab 408 covering the seam joining the two sides ofcollar portion 402 of knittedworkpiece 112 that are joined along the rear of upper 110 is shown. In some embodiments, anoverlay 500 may be disposed over or along a connection area at the rear of upper 110 wherecollar portion 402 of knittedworkpiece 112 andheel component 116 are joined or attached. In this embodiment,overlay 500 is a thin piece of thermoplastic polymer or similar film-like material that may be attached over the connection area betweenknitted workpiece 112 andheel component 116 using heat and/or pressure to bond with the surfaces of knittedworkpiece 112 andheel component 116. In other embodiments, adhesive or other types of attachment may be used, such as stitching. - Referring now to
FIG. 6 , an enlarged view ofcollar portion 402 of knittedworkpiece 112 is shown. In some embodiments,collar portion 402 of knittedworkpiece 112 may have an asymmetrical arrangement betweenmedial side 40 andlateral side 50. For example, as shown inFIG. 6 , anupper edge 600 ofcollar portion 402 extends around and encirclesopening 118. On each ofmedial side 40 and lateral side 50 a notch is provided inupper edge 600 ofcollar portion 402 to accommodate an ankle of a foot of a wearer. In this embodiment,upper edge 600 ofcollar portion 402 includes alateral notch 602 onlateral side 50 ofcollar portion 402 and amedial notch 604 onmedial side 40 ofcollar portion 402. - In one embodiment,
lateral notch 602 andmedial notch 604 may have an asymmetrical arrangement such thatlateral notch 602 andmedial notch 604 have different locations in a longitudinal direction (i.e., closer or farther fromheel end 202 of article 100) and/or have different heights in a vertical direction (i.e., closer or farther from sole assembly 120). As shown inFIG. 6 ,lateral notch 602 is located closer to heel end 202 ofarticle 100 than medial notch 604 (e.g.,lateral notch 602 is located rearward of medial notch 604) along a longitudinal direction of upper 110 andarticle 100. - Additionally, in this embodiment,
lateral notch 602 extends a distance fromupper edge 600 ofcollar portion 402 towardssole assembly 120 that is greater than a distance thatmedial notch 604 extends from upper edge 600 (e.g.,lateral notch 602 extends downward in the vertical direction farther than medial notch 604). That is,lateral notch 602 is closer tosole assembly 120 than medial notch 604). This asymmetrical arrangement oflateral notch 602 andmedial notch 604 oncollar portion 402 of knittedworkpiece 112 accommodates an ankle of a foot of a wearer. In other embodiments, however, the arrangement oflateral notch 602 andmedial notch 604 may be different, including configurations wheremedial notch 604 is closer to heelend 202 and/or is closer tosole assembly 120 thanlateral notch 602. In still other embodiments,lateral notch 602 andmedial notch 604 may have a substantially similar arrangement on each oflateral side 50 andmedial side 40 so as to be symmetrical. - In some embodiments, knitted
workpiece 112 may have a butterfly-like arrangement with portions extending out fromthroat portion 400 in a lateral direction that form at least a portion ofmedial side 40 andlateral side 50 of upper 110. Referring now toFIG. 7 , an enlarged view ofthroat portion 400 ofknitted butterfly workpiece 112 is shown. In this embodiment,throat portion 400 ofknitted butterfly workpiece 112 extends longitudinally fromforward end 404 ofcollar portion 402 tofront end 406. In some embodiments,knitted butterfly workpiece 112 may further include portions that extend laterally outward from sides ofthroat portion 400 in a direction towardsmedial side 40 andlateral side 50. - In an example embodiment,
knitted butterfly workpiece 112 includes alateral lobe 700 that extends outward in a lateral direction from one side ofthroat portion 400 and amedial lobe 702 that extends outward in a lateral direction from the opposite side ofthroat portion 400. In some embodiments,lateral lobe 700 andmedial lobe 702 are configured to be joined toseparate forefoot component 114 along a front side oflateral lobe 700 andmedial lobe 702 and toseparate heel component 116 along a rear side oflateral lobe 700 andmedial lobe 702. With this arrangement,lateral lobe 700 ofknitted butterfly workpiece 112 forms at least a portion of upper 110 onlateral side 50 ofarticle 100 andmedial lobe 702 ofknitted butterfly workpiece 112 forms at least a portion of upper 110 onmedial side 40 ofarticle 100. - As described above, in some embodiments, upper 110 is formed by multiple separate components that are joined along connection areas to assemble upper 110. For example, in an example embodiment, upper 110 is formed by
knitted butterfly workpiece 112 that is joined or attached to separateforefoot component 114 andseparate heel component 116 along a plurality of connection areas where portions of knittedworkpiece 112 meet or abut with portions offorefoot component 114 and/or portions ofheel component 116. In some embodiments, upper 110 may include provisions for reinforcement at the plurality of connection areas, for example, plurality ofreinforcement elements 122, that are configured to overlay the connection areas and provide reinforcement and structural support to the connection areas on upper 110. - Referring now to
FIG. 8 , an enlarged view ofmedial side 40 ofknitted butterfly workpiece 112 is shown. In this embodiment, a portion ofsecond reinforcement element 210 covers and reinforces afirst connection area 800 betweenknitted workpiece 112 andforefoot component 114 andthird reinforcement element 212 covers and reinforces athird connection area 802 betweenknitted workpiece 112 andheel component 116. In particular,first portion 302 ofthird reinforcement element 212 covers and reinforces a portion ofthird connection area 802 betweenmedial lobe 702 of knittedworkpiece 112 andheel component 116 andsecond portion 304 ofthird reinforcement element 212 covers and reinforces a portion ofthird connection area 802 betweencollar portion 402 of knittedworkpiece 112 andheel component 116. -
Medial lobe 702 of knittedworkpiece 112 is joined withforefoot component 114 atfirst connection area 800 that extends along a front side ofmedial lobe 702.Medial lobe 702 of knittedworkpiece 112 is joined withheel component 116 atthird connection area 802 that extends along a rear side ofmedial lobe 702. As shown inFIG. 8 , a portion ofsecond reinforcement element 210 is disposed overfirst connection area 800 andthird reinforcement element 212 is disposed overthird connection area 802. - In some embodiments, the reinforcement elements may include a ridge that extends approximately through the middle of each reinforcement element to provide structural rigidity to the reinforcement element. For example, as shown in
FIG. 8 ,second reinforcement element 210 includes afirst ridge 804 andthird reinforcement element 212 includes asecond ridge 814. In some cases,first ridge 804 andsecond ridge 814 may be formed by molding the ridge into the material forming the respective reinforcement element, for example, a rigid plastic or polymer material. In other cases,first ridge 804 andsecond ridge 814 may be a separate element or piece that is attached or bonded to the reinforcement elements, such as a length of metal wire, rigid plastic, or other generally inflexible material to provide structural rigidity to each respective reinforcement element. - In some embodiments, the reinforcement elements, including
second reinforcement element 210 and/orthird reinforcement element 212, may be provided with plurality ofapertures 124, as described above, configured to receive a lace. In this embodiment, the portion ofsecond reinforcement element 210 onmedial side 40 includes afirst lace aperture 806 and asecond lace aperture 808 that are disposed on one side of first ridge 804 (e.g., located above first ridge 804). The portion ofsecond reinforcement element 210 onmedial side 40 also includes athird lace aperture 810 and afourth lace aperture 812 that are disposed on an opposite side offirst ridge 804 fromfirst lace aperture 806 and second lace aperture 808 (e.g., located beneath first ridge 804). With this arrangement, a force applied to a lace extending through one or more offirst lace aperture 806,second lace aperture 808,third lace aperture 810, andfourth lace aperture 812 may be distributed acrosssecond reinforcement element 210 on either side offirst ridge 804. - Additionally, in this embodiment,
third reinforcement element 212 includes afifth lace aperture 816 and asixth lace aperture 818 that are disposed on one side of second ridge 814 (e.g., located above second ridge 814) and aseventh lace aperture 820 and aneighth lace aperture 822 that are disposed on an opposite side ofsecond ridge 814 fromfifth lace aperture 816 and sixth lace aperture 818 (e.g., located beneath second ridge 814). With this arrangement, a force applied to a lace extending through one or more offifth lace aperture 816,sixth lace aperture 818,seventh lace aperture 820, andeighth lace aperture 822 may be distributed acrossthird reinforcement element 212 on either side ofsecond ridge 814. - In some embodiments, a central portion of
throat portion 400 of knittedworkpiece 112, includingmedial lobe 702, is substantially free of lace apertures. That is, as shown inFIG. 8 , an area on knittedworkpiece 112 that includesmedial lobe 702 located betweenthird reinforcement element 212 and the portion ofsecond reinforcement element 210 onmedial side 40 does not include any lace apertures of plurality ofapertures 124. With this arrangement,medial lobe 702 of knittedworkpiece 112 may allow the sides of a foot of a wearer to flex and bulge whenarticle 100 is worn during an activity, such as running or walking. -
FIG. 9 shows an enlarged view oflateral side 50 ofknitted butterfly workpiece 112. In this embodiment, a portion ofsecond reinforcement element 210 covers and reinforces asecond connection area 900 betweenknitted workpiece 112 andforefoot component 114 andfirst reinforcement element 208 covers and reinforces afourth connection area 902 betweenknitted workpiece 112 andheel component 116.Lateral lobe 700 of knittedworkpiece 112 is joined withforefoot component 114 atsecond connection area 900 that extends along a front side oflateral lobe 700. In particular,first portion 216 offirst reinforcement element 208 covers and reinforces a portion offourth connection area 902 betweenlateral lobe 700 of knittedworkpiece 112 andheel component 116 andsecond portion 218 offirst reinforcement element 208 covers and reinforces a portion offourth connection area 902 betweencollar portion 402 of knittedworkpiece 112 andheel component 116. -
Lateral lobe 700 of knittedworkpiece 112 is joined withheel component 116 atfourth connection area 902 that extends along a rear side oflateral lobe 700. As shown inFIG. 9 , a portion ofsecond reinforcement element 210 is disposed oversecond connection area 900 andfirst reinforcement element 208 is disposed overfourth connection area 902. - As described above, in some embodiments, the reinforcement elements may include a ridge that extends approximately through the middle of each reinforcement element to provide structural rigidity to the reinforcement element. For example, as shown in
FIG. 9 ,second reinforcement element 210 includesfirst ridge 804 andfirst reinforcement element 208 includes athird ridge 912.Third ridge 912 may be formed in a substantially similar manner asfirst ridge 804 and/orsecond ridge 814, including similar materials, as described above. - In some embodiments,
second reinforcement element 210 and/orfirst reinforcement element 208 may be provided with plurality ofapertures 124, as described above, configured to receive a lace. In this embodiment, the portion ofsecond reinforcement element 210 onlateral side 50 includes aninth lace aperture 904 and atenth lace aperture 906 that are disposed on one side of first ridge 804 (e.g., located above first ridge 804). The portion ofsecond reinforcement element 210 onlateral side 50 also includes aneleventh lace aperture 908 and atwelfth lace aperture 910 that are disposed on an opposite side offirst ridge 804 fromninth lace aperture 904 and tenth lace aperture 906 (e.g., located beneath first ridge 804). With this arrangement, a force applied to a lace extending through one or more ofninth lace aperture 904,tenth lace aperture 906,eleventh lace aperture 908, andtwelfth lace aperture 910 may be distributed acrosssecond reinforcement element 210 on either side offirst ridge 804. - Additionally, in this embodiment,
first reinforcement element 208 includes athirteenth lace aperture 914 and afourteenth lace aperture 916 that are disposed on one side of third ridge 912 (e.g., located above third ridge 912) and afifteenth lace aperture 918 and asixteenth lace aperture 920 that are disposed on an opposite side ofthird ridge 912 fromthirteenth lace aperture 914 and fourteenth lace aperture 916 (e.g., located beneath third ridge 912). With this arrangement, a force applied to a lace extending through one or more ofthirteenth lace aperture 914,fourteenth lace aperture 916,fifteenth lace aperture 918, andsixteenth lace aperture 920 may be distributed acrossfirst reinforcement element 208 on either side ofthird ridge 912. - In some embodiments, a central portion of
throat portion 400 of knittedworkpiece 112, includinglateral lobe 700, is substantially free of lace apertures. That is, as shown inFIG. 9 , an area on knittedworkpiece 112 that includeslateral lobe 700 located betweenfirst reinforcement element 208 and the portion ofsecond reinforcement element 210 onlateral side 50 does not include any lace apertures of plurality ofapertures 124. With this arrangement,lateral lobe 700 of knittedworkpiece 112 may allow the sides of a foot of a wearer to flex and bulge whenarticle 100 is worn during an activity, such as running or walking. - In some embodiments, the reinforcement elements on each of
medial side 40 andlateral side 50 are symmetrical. That is, the generally curving U-shape offirst reinforcement element 208 onlateral side 50 is substantially similar to the generally curving U-shape ofthird reinforcement element 212 onmedial side 40. Additionally, the generally curving U-shape ofsecond reinforcement element 210 is symmetrical on either side ofcenter portion 220. In other embodiments, however, the reinforcement elements may have different or varied shapes, including asymmetrical arrangements betweenmedial side 40 andlateral side 50 of upper 110. -
FIG. 10 is an exploded view of components of the example embodiment of article offootwear 100 including upper 110 incorporatingknitted butterfly workpiece 112. According to the techniques of the present embodiments described herein, an upper may be formed by a combination of multiple separate components, including at least one knitted workpiece. Each of the separate components forming the upper may be configured to provide different or varying properties or characteristics to the upper and the article formed therefrom. For example, the components may have different or varying amount of stretch resistance, durability, rigidity, support, comfort, and cushioning, as well as other properties or characteristics, and may be made or formed from different or varying materials. - In an example embodiment, upper 110 is formed at least by
knitted workpiece 112,forefoot component 114, andheel component 116 which are joined or attached together to assemble upper 110. As shown inFIG. 10 ,forefoot component 114 is configured to join or attach toknitted butterfly workpiece 112 along afirst connection area 800 and asecond connection area 900 where front edges oflateral lobe 700 andmedial lobe 702 ofknitted butterfly workpiece 112 meet or abut with edges offorefoot component 114.Heel component 116 is configured to join or attach toknitted butterfly workpiece 112 along athird connection area 802 and afourth connection area 902 where rear edges oflateral lobe 700 andmedial lobe 702 ofknitted butterfly workpiece 112 meet or abut with edges ofheel component 116. - In some embodiments,
knitted butterfly workpiece 112 has a lower degree or amount of stretch resistance thanforefoot component 114 and/orheel component 116 so that portions of upper 110 inmidfoot region 20 primarily formed byknitted butterfly workpiece 112 allow for movement of the foot of the wearer whenarticle 100 is worn. For example,knitted butterfly workpiece 112 allows for flex and torsion of upper 110 inmidfoot region 20 to accommodate changes in the shape of a foot of a wearer as the foot moves. In such embodiments,forefoot component 114 and/orheel component 116 may provide a greater degree or amount of stretch resistance so as to provide support and stability to the toes and heel of a foot of a wearer of upper 110 andarticle 100. - As shown in
FIG. 10 , additional components may be attached or joined with knittedworkpiece 112,forefoot component 114, andheel component 116 as part of upper 110 and/orarticle 100. For example, as described above, reinforcement elements may be disposed over one or more of the connection areas between the separate components forming upper 110. In this embodiment,first reinforcement element 208 is configured to cover and reinforcefourth connection area 902 between edges ofheel component 116 andlateral lobe 700 ofknitted butterfly workpiece 112 onlateral side 50 andthird reinforcement element 212 is configured to cover and reinforcethird connection area 802 between edges ofheel component 116 andmedial lobe 702 ofknitted butterfly workpiece 112 on medial side. -
Second reinforcement element 210 is configured to cover and reinforcefirst connection area 800 andsecond connection area 900 between edges offorefoot component 114 andlateral lobe 700 andmedial lobe 702. Additionally,second reinforcement element 210 covers overfront end 406 ofthroat portion 400 ofknitted butterfly workpiece 112 where the edge ofthroat portion 400 meets or abuts with the top edge offorefoot component 114. Additionally, as shown inFIG. 10 , anoverlay 500 may extend over and cover a connection area at the rear ofarticle 100 where edges ofcollar portion 402 ofknitted butterfly workpiece 112 meets or abuts with a top edge ofheel component 116. - In an example embodiment, upper 110 may be configured to join or attach with
sole assembly 120 to form article offootwear 100. For example, as shown inFIG. 10 , anupper surface 1000 ofsole assembly 120 may be attached to portions of upper 110, including portions of knittedworkpiece 112,forefoot component 114, and/orheel component 116. In some cases, a strobel sock, sockliner, insole, midsole, or other component may be used to join bottom edges of knittedworkpiece 112,forefoot component 114, and/orheel component 116 to enclose upper 110 and provide a mating surface between upper 110 andupper surface 1000 ofsole assembly 120. In an example embodiment, bottom edges oflateral lobe 700 and/ormedial lobe 702 are configured to terminate just past or adjacent toupper edge 206 ofsole assembly 120 so thatlateral lobe 700 and/ormedial lobe 702 do not extend beneath a foot of a wearer of article offootwear 100 when worn. - Referring now to
FIG. 11 , a representative plan view of an example embodiment of knittedworkpiece 112 is shown in isolation from the other components of upper 110. In an example embodiment, knittedworkpiece 112 is a single unified knitted workpiece formed of a unified knit composition made by a looping at least one continuous yarn/thread into a plurality of rows that define a shape of knittedworkpiece 112. In this embodiment, knittedworkpiece 112 has a butterfly shape withlateral lobe 700 that extends outward in a lateral direction from one side ofthroat portion 400 andmedial lobe 702 that extends outward in a lateral direction from the opposite side ofthroat portion 400. That is,lateral lobe 700 andmedial lobe 702 give an appearance of wings extending laterally outward fromthroat portion 400 to giveknitted butterfly workpiece 112 its butterfly-like shape. - In one embodiment, rear edges of
collar portion 402 ofknitted butterfly workpiece 112 are attached or joined to each other to close and defineopening 118. In an example embodiment, the medial collar rear edge and the lateral collar rear edge joined by aseam 1112 to define opening 118 ofcollar portion 402 for receiving a foot of a wearer. - As shown in
FIG. 11 , knittedbutterfly workpiece 112 includes an outerperipheral edge 1100 that extends around a perimeter ofknitted butterfly workpiece 112. In this embodiment, outerperipheral edge 1100 extends throughfront end 406 of aninstep area 1102 ofthroat portion 400, extends in a direction away fromfront end 406 and changes direction at afront side edge 1104 ofmedial lobe 702. Outerperipheral edge 1100 continues fromfront side edge 1104 along amedial side edge 1106 ofmedial lobe 702 and changes direction at arear side edge 1108 ofmedial lobe 702. Outerperipheral edge 1100 continues fromrear side edge 1108 through amedial side edge 1110 ofcollar portion 402 to the medial collar rear edge whereseam 1112 is located. - Continuing from the lateral collar rear edge of
collar portion 402 on the opposite side ofseam 1112, outerperipheral edge 1100 extends through alateral side edge 1114 ofcollar portion 402 to arear side edge 1116 oflateral lobe 700. Outerperipheral edge 1110 changes direction atrear side edge 1116 oflateral lobe 700 and extends forwards along alateral side edge 1118 oflateral lobe 700. Outerperipheral edge 1100 changes direction again at afront side edge 1120 oflateral lobe 700 and continues along tofront end 406 ofinstep area 1102 ofthroat portion 400. - The example embodiment of
knitted butterfly workpiece 112 has a generally butterfly-like shape, as shown in the Figures. However, it should be understood that other shapes and arrangements of portions of a knitted workpiece (e.g., knitted workpiece 112) may be provided in various embodiments. - In some embodiments, portions of
knitted butterfly workpiece 112 may have varying amounts or degrees of stretch resistance to provide different stretch zones toknitted butterfly workpiece 112. In one embodiment, the stretch resistance oflateral lobe 700 andmedial lobe 702 may be different. For example,lateral lobe 700 may have a greater amount or degree of stretch resistance than medial lobe 702 (i.e.,lateral lobe 700 stretches less than medial lobe 702) ormedial lobe 702 may have a greater amount or degree of stretch resistance than lateral lobe 700 (i.e.,medial lobe 702 stretches less than lateral lobe 700). - In another embodiment, a central portion of
throat area 400 disposed betweenlateral lobe 700 andmedial lobe 702 may have a different amount or degree of stretch resistance than other portions ofknitted butterfly workpiece 112, such asinstep area 1102,lateral lobe 700,medial lobe 702, and/orcollar portion 402. For example, the central portion ofthroat area 400 betweenlateral lobe 700 andmedial lobe 702 may have a greater amount or degree of stretch resistance than one or more ofinstep area 1102,lateral lobe 700,medial lobe 702, and/orcollar portion 402 so that the central portion stretches less than the other portions ofknitted butterfly workpiece 112. With this arrangement, upper 110 andarticle 100 may be provided with stretch zones of varying amounts or degrees of stretch resistance in different portions ofknitted butterfly workpiece 112. - While various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.
Claims (19)
1-10. (canceled)
11. An upper for article of footwear, comprising:
a knitted workpiece formed of a unified knit composition disposed in a midfoot region of the upper and at least a portion of a heel region of the upper, the knitted workpiece comprising:
a collar portion;
a throat portion extending from a forward end of the collar portion to a front end of the knitted workpiece;
a medial lobe extending from one side of the throat portion;
a lateral lobe extending from an opposite side of the throat portion from the medial lobe;
the medial lobe including a front side facing towards the front end of the knitted workpiece and a rear side opposite the front side;
the lateral lobe including a front side facing towards the front end of the knitted workpiece and a rear side opposite the front side;
a heel component formed as a separate workpiece from the knitted workpiece, the heel component disposed in the heel region of the upper, wherein the heel component is joined to the rear side of the medial lobe of the knitted workpiece at a seam along a first attachment area and to the rear side of the lateral lobe of the knitted workpiece at a seam along a second attachment area;
a first reinforcement element disposed over the seam along the first attachment area between the medial lobe and the heel component; and
a second reinforcement element disposed over the seam along the second attachment area between the lateral lobe and the heel component.
12. The upper according to claim 11 , wherein the first reinforcement element and the second reinforcement element include a plurality of apertures for receiving a lace.
13. The upper according to claim 12 , wherein the first reinforcement element and the second reinforcement element each include a ridge extending through a middle of the reinforcement element.
14. The upper according to claim 13 , wherein at least two lace apertures of the plurality of apertures are located above the ridge of each reinforcement element; and
wherein at least two apertures of the plurality of apertures are located beneath the ridge of each reinforcement element.
15. The upper according to claim 11 , further comprising:
a forefoot component disposed in a forefoot region of the upper, the forefoot component attached to the front side of the medial lobe along a third attachment area and to the front side of the lateral lobe along a fourth attachment area.
16. The upper according to claim 15 , further comprising:
a third reinforcement element disposed over both of the third attachment area between the medial lobe and the forefoot component and the fourth attachment area between the lateral lobe and the forefoot component.
17. The upper according to claim 16 , wherein the third reinforcement element is further disposed over the front end of the throat portion of the knitted workpiece and the forefoot component.
18. An article of footwear, comprising:
an upper, the upper including:
a knitted workpiece formed of a unified knit composition disposed in a midfoot region of the upper and at least a portion of a heel region of the upper, the knitted workpiece comprising:
a collar portion;
a throat portion extending from a forward end of the collar portion to a front end of the knitted workpiece;
a medial lobe extending from one side of the throat portion;
a lateral lobe extending from an opposite side of the throat portion from the medial lobe;
the medial lobe including a front side facing towards the front end of the knitted workpiece and a rear side opposite the front side;
the lateral lobe including a front side facing towards the front end of the knitted workpiece and a rear side opposite the front side;
a heel component formed as a separate workpiece from the knitted workpiece, the heel component disposed in the heel region of the upper, wherein the heel component is joined to the rear side of the medial lobe of the knitted workpiece at a seam along a first attachment area and to the rear side of the lateral lobe of the knitted workpiece at a seam along a second attachment area;
a first reinforcement element disposed over the seam along the first attachment area between the medial lobe and the heel component; and
a second reinforcement element disposed over the seam along the second attachment area between the lateral lobe and the heel component; and
a sole assembly attached to the upper.
19. The article of footwear according to claim 18 , further comprising:
a forefoot component disposed in a forefoot region of the upper, the forefoot component attached to the front side of the medial lobe along a third attachment area and to the front side of the lateral lobe along a fourth attachment area.
20. The article of footwear according to claim 19 , further comprising:
a third reinforcement element disposed over both of the third attachment area between the medial lobe and the forefoot component and the fourth attachment area between the lateral lobe and the forefoot component.
21. The upper according to claim 11 , wherein the medial lobe and the lateral lobe are symmetrical.
22. The upper according to claim 11 , wherein the knitted workpiece includes an outer peripheral edge comprising:
a front side edge on the front side of the medial lobe;
a medial side edge of the medial lobe;
a rear side edge on the rear side of the medial lobe;
a medial side edge of the collar portion;
a lateral side edge of the collar portion;
a rear side edge on the rear side of the lateral lobe;
a lateral side edge of the lateral lobe; and
a front side edge on the front side of the lateral lobe.
23. The upper according to claim 22 , wherein the outer peripheral edge changes direction at the front side edge on the front side of the medial lobe and the front side edge on the front side of the lateral lobe.
24. The upper according to claim 23 , wherein the outer peripheral edge changes direction at the rear side edge on the rear side of the medial lobe and the rear side edge on the rear side of the lateral lobe.
25. The article of footwear according to claim 18 , wherein the medial lobe and the lateral lobe are symmetrical.
26. The article of footwear according to claim 18 , wherein the knitted workpiece includes an outer peripheral edge comprising:
a front side edge on the front side of the medial lobe;
a medial side edge of the medial lobe;
a rear side edge on the rear side of the medial lobe;
a medial side edge of the collar portion;
a lateral side edge of the collar portion;
a rear side edge on the rear side of the lateral lobe;
a lateral side edge of the lateral lobe; and
a front side edge on the front side of the lateral lobe.
27. The article of footwear according to claim 26 , wherein the outer peripheral edge changes direction at the front side edge on the front side of the medial lobe and the front side edge on the front side of the lateral lobe.
28. The article of footwear according to claim 27 , wherein the outer peripheral edge changes direction at the rear side edge on the rear side of the medial lobe and the rear side edge on the rear side of the lateral lobe.
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US18/332,092 US11937662B1 (en) | 2022-09-14 | 2023-06-09 | Upper for article of footwear incorporating a knitted butterfly workpiece |
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US18/332,092 US11937662B1 (en) | 2022-09-14 | 2023-06-09 | Upper for article of footwear incorporating a knitted butterfly workpiece |
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WO2024057090A1 (en) | 2024-03-21 |
US20240081465A1 (en) | 2024-03-14 |
US11937662B1 (en) | 2024-03-26 |
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