Upper with angled tubular knitted structure for footwear

Abstract

An upper for an article of footwear may include a first tubular knit structure, wherein the first tubular knit structure includes a first layer and a second layer, the first layer and the second layer being separable such that a first passage is located between the first layer and the second layer. A second tubular knit structure may be included, wherein the second tubular knit structure includes a third layer and a fourth layer, the third layer and the fourth layer being separable such that a second passage is located between the third layer and the fourth layer. The longitudinal direction of the first tubular knit structure may be at an angle of at least 5 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the second tubular knit structure.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Conventional footwear articles generally include two main elements: an upper and a sole structure. Typically, the upper is secured to the sole structure and forms a void within the footwear article for comfortably and securely receiving the foot. Typically, the sole structure is secured to the lower surface of the upper so as to be positioned between the upper and the ground. For example, in some sports footwear articles, the sole structure may include a midsole and an outsole. The midsole may be formed of a polymer foam material that attenuates ground reaction forces to reduce pressure on the foot and leg during walking, running, and other ambulatory activities. The outsole may be secured to the lower surface of the midsole and may form a ground engaging portion of the sole structure that is formed of a durable and wear-resistant material.

[0002] The upper of a footwear article generally extends over the instep area and toe area of ​​the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around the heel area of ​​the foot, and in some cases, under the foot. Entrance to the void on the interior of the upper is generally provided by an ankle opening in (and / or adjacent to) the heel area of ​​the footwear. A lacing system is often incorporated into the upper to adjust the fit of the upper, thereby facilitating entry and removal of the foot from the void in the upper. In addition, the upper may include a tongue extending below the lacing system to enhance the adjustability of the footwear, and the upper may incorporate other structures, such as, for example, a heel stabilizer, to support and limit movement of the heel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the following drawings and descriptions. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but emphasis is placed on illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. In addition, in the drawings, the same reference numerals represent similar or identical features.

[0004] Figure 1 is an illustration showing a perspective view of an article of footwear having a fastening system incorporating an angled tubular knit structure according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0005] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a knitted component forming at least a portion of an upper for an article of footwear according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 3 is to illustrate the present invention according to certain aspects of the present invention Figure 2 Illustration of a knitted component as it is manipulated into a wearable shape.

[0007] Figure 4 Is to show about Figure 3 Illustration of a cross-sectional view of section 4-4.

[0008] Figure 5is an illustration showing a close-up view of an angled first tubular structure and a second tubular knit structure according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 6 is an illustration showing a close-up view of a incorporated tubular region of a knitted component according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 7 is an illustration showing a close-up view of another aspect of incorporating tubular regions according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 8 is an illustration showing a close-up view of another aspect of incorporating tubular regions according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] Fig. 9 is an illustration showing a knit pattern representing a consolidated tubular knit region in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] Fig.10 is an illustration showing a knit pattern representing a base region having at least one surface feature according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Various aspects are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same elements are generally represented by the same reference numerals. The relationship and function of the various elements of various aspects can be better understood by reference to the following detailed description. However, the various aspects are not limited to those illustrated in the drawings or explicitly described below. It should also be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some cases, details that are not necessary for understanding the various aspects disclosed herein (such as conventional manufacturing and assembly) may be omitted.

[0015] Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to uppers configured for use in articles of footwear and / or other articles, such as articles of apparel. When referring to articles of footwear, the present disclosure may describe basketball shoes, running shoes, cycling shoes, cross-training shoes, soccer shoes, golf shoes, hiking shoes and boots, ski and snowboard boots, rugby shoes, tennis shoes, and / or walking shoes, as well as types of footwear generally considered non-sporting, including, but not limited to, dress shoes, loafers, and sandals.

[0016] Figure 1 is an illustration of an article of footwear 100 having an upper 102, wherein the upper 102 can be formed from any suitable type of textile (e.g., a woven or nonwoven textile) or another suitable material, and in some aspects, the textile can be formed into a knitted component 104 by mechanical manipulation of yarns (as described in more detail below).

[0017] Upper 102 may be secured to sole structure 106. The area where sole structure 106 joins upper 102 may be referred to as biteline 108. Upper 102 may be secured to sole structure 106 using any suitable technique, such as by using an adhesive, stitching, etc. Sole structure 106 may define a bottom surface of a void for receiving and accommodating a user's foot. The void may be accessed through ankle opening 110.

[0018] Upper 102 may include lateral side 112 and medial side 114. Throat area 116 may be included between lateral side 112 and medial side 114, and throat area 116 may be positioned to cover a top (back) surface of a foot during typical use. Midfoot area 118 of upper 102 may be located between heel area 120 and toe area 122. Throat area 116 may be primarily located in midfoot area 118.

[0019] In some aspects, an optional tongue may be at least partially disposed in the throat region 116. The tongue may be any type of tongue, such as a gusseted tongue or a rolled tongue. If the tongue is not included (or combined with the tongue), the outside and inside of the throat region 116 may be joined together. In the depicted example, the tongue 117 is located in the throat region 116, and the tongue 117 is attached to the knitted component 104 after a knitting process (e.g., via non-knitting means, such as stitching or knotting, using adhesives, using clamps or other mechanical fasteners, etc.). Alternatively, the tongue 117 may be knitted integrally with the rest of the knitted component (e.g., as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,448,474 entitled "ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR INCORPORATING AKNITTED COMPONENT WITH ATONGUE", the assignee of which is NIKE, Inc., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference).

[0020] As described above, at least a portion of the upper 102 can be formed by a knitted component (or another suitable textile component). For example, the upper 102 can be formed as an integral single-piece element primarily during a knitting process such as a weft knitting process (e.g., using a knitting flat machine or a knitting circular machine), a warp knitting process, or any other suitable knitting process. That is, the knitting process on the knitting machine can substantially form the knitted structure of the knitted component without requiring significant post-knitting processes or steps. Alternatively, the knitted component 104 can be formed separately as different integral single-piece elements, and then the individual elements are attached (e.g., by stitching).

[0021] Forming the upper 102 with knitted components 104 can give favorable characteristics, including but not limited to a certain degree of elasticity (for example, represented by Young's modulus), breathability, bendability, strength, hygroscopicity, weight, wear resistance and / or its combination. These characteristics can be achieved by selecting a specific single or multi-layer knitted structure (for example, rib knitted structure, single-sided plain knitted structure or double-sided plain knitted structure), by changing the size and tension of the knitted structure, by using one or more yarns formed by specific materials (for example, polyester material, relatively inelastic material or relatively elastic material, such as spandex elastic fiber), by selecting the yarn of specific size (for example, denier) and / or its combination. The weight of the upper 102 and therefore the gross weight of the footwear article 100 can be reduced relative to the alternative parts commonly used in footwear. The knitted components 104 can also provide the desired aesthetic characteristics by combining the yarns with different colors, textures or other visual properties arranged in a specific pattern. The yarns themselves and / or the knitted structure formed by one or more yarns of the knitted component can vary at different locations to provide different knitted portions having different properties (for example, a portion forming the throat area 116 of the knitted component 104 can be relatively elastic, while a portion forming the heel area 120 or another area can be relatively inelastic).

[0022] In some aspects, the knitted component 104 can incorporate one or more materials having properties that change in response to a stimulus (e.g., temperature, humidity, electric current, magnetic field, or light). For example, as described in more detail below, the knitted component 104 can include yarns formed from a thermoplastic polymer material (e.g., polyurethane, polyamide, polyolefin, and / or nylon) that transitions from a solid state to a softened or liquid state when subjected to certain temperatures equal to or above its melting point, and then transitions back to a solid state when cooled. Thermoplastic polymer materials can provide the ability to heat a portion of the knitted component 104 and then cool, thereby forming an area of ​​bonded or continuous material (referred to herein as a "fused area") that exhibits certain advantageous properties, including, for example, a relatively high degree of rigidity, strength, and water resistance.

[0023] In some aspects, the lacing pattern of the footwear article 100 may include a fastening system 123 (which may also be referred to as a "tensioning system") to move the upper 102 between a loosened state and a tightened state (e.g., to adjust the geometry of the upper 102 to tighten the upper 102 around the user's foot). In some aspects, the fastening system 123 can incorporate the lace 126, but can alternatively include other means for manipulating the fastening system 123 (e.g., more advanced tensioning members, such as those involved in systems involving dynamic lacing systems, such as the tensioning members described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 655,769, filed on July 20, 2017, entitled “DYNAMIC LACING SYSTEM,” and / or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 534,702, filed on August 7, 2019, entitled “KNITTED COMPONENT HAVING AKNITTED ANCHORPORTION” (and variations thereof), both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties). Alternatively, it is contemplated that the lace 126 or other tensioning member can be knitted (e.g., secured to the remainder of the knitted component 104 on a knitting machine).

[0024] Figure 2 A top view of the knitted component 104 is shown, for example, as it may appear in a flat state before it is manipulated into a wearable shape. Figure 3 is a side view of knitted component 104 as it is manipulated into a wearable shape (but before the article of footwear is completed), and Figure 4 About Figure 3 Section view of section 4-4 in. Reference Figures 2 to 4 , knitted component 104 may form at least a portion of fastening system 123. As discussed above, fastening system 123 may be operable to tighten and / or otherwise adjust article of footwear 100 around a wearer's foot. While certain variations are contemplated (e.g., such as one or more dynamic lacing systems as mentioned above), in the depicted example, fastening system 123 may be adjusted by manually adjusting a tensioning member, which in this case is lace 126. That is, lace 126 may be manually manipulated (e.g., pulled) and tightened by a user, thereby providing tension to one or more tensile strands 124 extending through lateral side 112 and medial side 114 of knitted component 104.

[0025] To transfer the force / tension to the tensile strand 124, the lace 126 may be threaded through various anchors 132 formed by the tensile strand 124 along the outside of the throat area 116 and the inside of the throat area 116. As shown, the anchors 132 may be defined by coils 150 where the tensile strand 124 changes direction (i.e., such that the tensile strand 124 moves from the bite line 108 ( Figure 1 The tension strand 124 (or strands) may include at least one of a cable, a yarn (e.g., having multiple filaments), a monofilament strand, or any other suitable elongated member without limitation. The tension strand 124 (which may be combined with more than one individual strand) may form a plurality of anchors 132 as shown on each of the lateral side 112 and medial side 114 of the throat area 116 to ensure that the fastening system 123 provides adequate tension.

[0026] The knitted component 104 may include one or more passages for guiding the tensile strand 124. For example, the knitted component 104 may include one or more tubular knitted structures 134 (e.g., a multi-layer knitted structure formed by a tubular knitting process) or other knitted features incorporated into the fastening system 123. In the depicted aspect, the knitted component 104 includes a first tubular knitted structure 140, a second tubular knitted structure 142, and several other tubular knitted structures positioned and oriented to guide the path of the tensile strand 124. For example, without limitation, a sufficient number of tubular knitted structures 134 may be included so that at least three anchors 132 are present on each side of the shoe throat area 116. For example (and as discussed in more detail below), these tubular knitted structures may be positioned and / or angled (or otherwise oriented) so that the tensile strand 124 distributes force throughout the footwear article to promote footwear performance and user comfort. Although the tubular knit structures 134 are located only on the lateral side 112 and the medial side 114 of the upper 102 in the depicted example, they may also (or alternatively) be located in other areas, such as the heel area 120, the toe area 122, etc. As discussed in more detail below, the corresponding tubular knit structures may be angled relative to each other to enhance force distribution through the upper 102 during use of the footwear.

[0027] like Figures 2 to 3As shown, the tubular knit structure 134 can generally extend longitudinally in a course direction (e.g., in a direction corresponding to the length dimension of the plurality of courses forming the knitted component 104), but can also be oriented at an angle as discussed below. For example, in the depicted aspect, the courses can generally extend from medial to lateral, and the wales can extend from heel to toe. Such an orientation advantageously allows a knitting machine to form the tubular knit structure 134 using tubular knitting, wherein during formation, the longitudinal direction of the tubular knit structure 134 is substantially parallel to the length direction of the needle bed of the knitting machine.

[0028] Optionally, each of the tubular knit structures 134 can have a similar multi-layer construction, but variations are also contemplated. For simplicity, this description discusses a specific multi-layer construction of the first tubular knit structure 140, which can be representative of the other tubular knit structures 134. Figure 4 As shown, the first tubular knitted structure 140 may include a first layer 144 and a second layer 146 (see Figure 4 ). The first passage 136 (which may also be referred to as a pocket or channel) can be located between the first layer 144 and the second layer 146 so that a component can be inserted between the first layer 144 and the second layer 146. In this example, the tensile strand 124 is at least partially located within the first passage 136, for example, between the first layer 144 and the second layer 146. The first layer 144 of the tubular knit structure 134 can be on the first side 190 of the knitted component 104, and therefore on the front surface (e.g., outer surface 194) of the knitted component 104, and the second layer 146 of the tubular knit structure 134 can be on the second side 192 of the knitted component 104, and therefore on the inward-facing surface (e.g., second surface 196) of the knitted component 104.

[0029] The tubular knit structure 134 can be formed using a tubular knitting process, wherein the first layer 144 is formed on a first needle bed of a knitting machine, and wherein the second layer 146 is formed on a second needle bed of a knitting machine (e.g., wherein two needle beds can be used to form the base region 156). Although any suitable tubular knitted construction can be used, the following will be described (e.g., with reference to Figures 9 and 10 ) describes in more detail certain specific examples of suitable knitting techniques.

[0030] Reference again Figures 2 to 3 , may include a second tubular knit structure 142, wherein the second tubular knit structure 142 is adjacent to the first tubular knit structure 140 at at least one location (in this case at the throat area 116). Similar to the first tubular knit structure 140, the second tubular knit structure 142 may include a multi-layer knit structure that defines a second passage 138 for receiving the tensile strand 124. Figure 2As shown, the stretch strand 124 can also extend through the first tubular knit structure 140 and the second tubular knit structure 142. At the location where the stretch strand 124 transitions from the first tubular knit structure 140 to the second tubular knit structure 142, a coil 150 can be formed that can be configured (e.g., sized, shaped, provided with specific friction properties, etc.) to engage the laces (e.g., Figure 1 As discussed above, coil 150 may be considered an "anchor" for use in a fastening system that manually or automatically tightens footwear article 100 around the wearer's foot.

[0031] The first tubular knit structure 140 and / or the second tubular knit structure 142 may extend from the bite line of the upper 102 to the throat area 116 of the upper 102. Such a configuration is advantageous for distributing forces through the article of footwear 100 in an appropriate manner. For example, when the article of footwear 100 is in use, forces may be distributed from the throat area 116 through the tensile strands 124 (e.g., due to engagement with the laces, for example) to the sole structure 106 (e.g., Figure 1 Such force distribution can prevent "hot spots" or high pressure areas and / or wear, and / or otherwise increase the comfort and / or performance of the footwear 100. Additionally or alternatively, the knitted loops and / or other knitted structures of the knitted component 104 can be designed to distribute forces throughout the footwear in a desired manner.

[0032] The stretch strand 124 can be inserted into the first tubular knit structure 140 and / or the second tubular knit structure 142 during the knitting process, such as by utilizing an inlay process. For example, the inlay process can include using an inlay feeder or other mechanical inlay device on the knitting machine (e.g., a combination feeder) to place the stretch strand 124 between two needle beds (e.g., a front needle bed and a rear needle bed) during the knitting process. An example of an inlay process and a combination feeder for implementing such a process is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0145652, published on June 13, 2013, the applicant of which is Nike, Inc., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Optionally, a similar insertion technique as described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 863,660, filed on June 19, 2019 (e.g., may include a yarn feeder located between the two needle beds). Figure 7 The invention relates to a guide element in the combined tubular area 170 shown in FIG. 1 ), the applicant of which is Nike, Inc., and the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0033] Alternatively, the stretch strand 124 may be fed by hand and / or other manual methods (e.g., after knitting is complete) through the first tubular knit structure 140 and / or the second tubular knit structure 142 of the knitted component 104. In addition, it is contemplated that the stretch strand 124 may be attached to the remainder of the knitted component 104 in a different manner (e.g., other than being in a tube), such as by securing the stretch strand 124 directly to the outer surface 194 of the footwear article using an adhesive.

[0034] In some aspects, the first tubular knit structure 140 can be angled relative to the second tubular knit structure 142. For example, referring to Figure 2 , the first tubular knitted structure 140 and the second tubular knitted structure 142 can be oriented so that they are closer together in or near the throat area 116 than at the bite line 108. The inventors have found that such an aspect is advantageous for creating a more natural force distribution through the upper 102 and reducing hot spots on the user's foot. In addition, due to the better distribution of forces, the components of the footwear article 100 (particularly the components of the fastening system) can be better able to handle specific loads, increasing the overall durability of the footwear article 100 (and / or providing the ability to use different materials, which can reduce the overall weight and / or cost of the footwear article 100). This aspect is also advantageous for providing enhanced aesthetics relative to other aspects.

[0035] Although any suitable angle is contemplated, the first tubular knit structure 140 can be at an angle of between about 5 degrees and about 85 degrees (such as between about 10 degrees and about 45 degrees) relative to the second tubular knit structure 142. The depicted aspect includes an angle of about 35 degrees, and it is contemplated that the angle can vary along the length of the tubular knit structure. Such angle measurements are preferably performed when the footwear article 100 is stationary. In the depicted example (and with reference to Figure 5 , which shows a close-up view of the first tubular knitted structure 140 and the second tubular knitted structure 142), the first tubular knitted structure 140 is located at a first distance 152 from the second tubular knitted structure 142 at the bite line 108 of the upper 102. When the footwear article is stationary, in certain non-limiting example aspects, the first distance can be between about 1 cm and about 5 cm, such as between about 2 cm and about 4 cm, such as about 3 cm. At the throat area 116, the first tubular knitted structure 140 can be located at a second distance 154 from the second tubular knitted structure 142, wherein the second distance 154 is less than the first distance. Without limitation, when the footwear article 100 is stationary, the second distance 154 can be less than about 2 cm, such as less than about 1 cm, and in certain example aspects such as less than about 0.5 cm.

[0036] like Figures 2 to 5As shown, the base region 156 can be located between the first tubular knitted structure 140 and the second tubular knitted structure 142 (and between other tubular knitted structures). Optionally, the base region 156 can vary throughout the knitted component 104 to impart band-like properties (such as elasticity and / or other functional properties) throughout the footwear article 100. Optionally, the base region 156 of the knitted component 104 can include one or more surface features that provide a unique and desired aesthetic and certain functional properties to the upper 102. For example, the base region 156 can include one or more scalloped elements 198. The scallop elements 198 may be similar or identical to the scallop elements described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 429,945, filed on February 10, 2017, entitled "KNITTED ARTICLE WITH AT LEAST ONE SCALLOP ELEMENT AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE", the assignee of which is Nike, Inc., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable texture-related and / or surface-related features in the base region 156 are also contemplated. For example, in some aspects, the base region 156 can include one or more pods that impart functional properties similar and / or the same as those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 054,132, filed on Aug. 3, 2018, and entitled “ARTICLE WITH AT LEAST ONE LAYERED POD,” the assignee of which is NIKE, Inc., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0037] In some aspects, the knit structure within the base region 156 may include a knit wedge or other structure to form an angle between the first tubular knit structure 140 and the second tubular knit structure 142. Figure 5 , a first region 158 of the base region 156 (corresponding to the first distance 152) may include a first number of courses, and a second region 160 of the base region 156 (corresponding to the second distance 154) may include a second number of courses, wherein the first number of courses may be greater than the second number of courses. Such aspects may be created by varying the number of courses over the length of the needle bed over a period of time. For example, the first region 158 and the second region 160 may be completed on a knitting machine in approximately (or exactly) the same amount of time, but the first region 158 may be formed via more active strokes of the knitting yarn feeder (and therefore more courses, and generally more knitting stitches) than the second region 160.

[0038] In some aspects, certain yarns within the tubular structure may also extend through the base region 156. For example, referring to the first tubular knit structure 140 (and it is noted that the same may apply to other tubular regions), at least one layer of the first tubular knit structure 140 may include yarns in common with the base region 156. Other yarns of the first tubular knit structure 140 may not be included in the base region 156. For illustration, again referring to Figure 4 , the first layer 144 of the first tubular knit structure 140 may include a first yarn 162 that is substantially not included in the base region 156, and the second layer 146 of the first tubular knit structure 140 may include a second yarn 164 that is common to the base region 156 (and therefore extends through the base region 156, possibly forming knit loops in the second layer 146 of the first tubular knit structure 140 and in the base region 156). Thus, the connection between the first tubular knit structure 140 and the surrounding base region 156 may be primarily via the second yarn 164.

[0039] Advantageously, by isolating the first yarn 162 on the first layer 144 of the first tubular knit structure 140 (i.e., such that the first yarn 162 does not extend into the base region 156 beyond the loops at the edge of the first tubular knit structure 140), the first yarn 162 can be specifically selected and configured to have a desired surface characteristic without affecting the rest of the structure. In some aspects, the first layer 144 can be formed substantially entirely from the first yarn 162 to enhance this characteristic (although this is optional). For example, in some cases, it may be desirable to use a transparent yarn so that the stretch strands 124 within the tubular knit structure 134 are visible, but an available yarn with the desired aesthetic may not be suitable for inclusion in the base region 156 (e.g., due to having a particular elasticity, an incompatible flexural modulus of the loops within the base region 156, etc.). Furthermore, it may be desirable that the yarn used as the first yarn 162 may be incompatible with certain post-knitting manufacturing processes that affect the base region 156 (eg, heat applied to the base region 156 to activate the fusible yarn may be incompatible with the first yarn 162).

[0040] From a manufacturing efficiency perspective, this unique feature of separating the first yarn 162 from the base region 156 is advantageous in allowing one yarn type to be simply replaced with another yarn type (as the first yarn 162) without requiring reprogramming of the knitting machine to account for the yarn change when knitting the base region 156 (which is typically required when replacing one yarn type with another yarn type). Therefore, it is contemplated that a consumer can customize a footwear article having a specific appearance (e.g., color, transparency, etc. of the top layer of the tubular knitted structure) and / or functional properties determined by the first yarn 162, and the customized footwear article can be quickly formed on the knitting machine without requiring extensive reprogramming of the corresponding knitting machine.

[0041] First yarn 162 and second yarn 164 may be the same yarn type or different yarn types. For example, first yarn 162 may be a monofilament yarn, a high tenacity yarn (e.g., a yarn having a tenacity of at least 5 g / D, such as at least 10 g / D, 20 g / D or higher), etc. In some aspects, second yarn 164 may preferably be a polyester yarn, which the inventors have found to be suitable for forming the inner surface of the footwear article and primarily forming base region 156. Alternatively, first yarn 162 and second yarn 164 as depicted may represent multiple strands of yarn (e.g., second yarn 164 as shown in the figures may represent multiple strands of the same or different yarn types, such as one or more strands of polyester yarn combined with one or more strands of a fusible yarn configured for heat treatment).

[0042] Figure 6 Shows Figure 2 A close-up perspective view of area 6 is shown. Figure 6 As shown, the first tubular knit structure 140 and the second tubular knit structure 142 can optionally be merged at at least one location (i.e., brought together so that there is no space between them). In the depicted example, the first tubular knit structure 140 and the second tubular knit structure 142 are merged near or inside the throat area 116, so that a merged tubular area 170 is formed. Similar to the first tubular knit structure 140 and / or the second tubular knit structure 142, the merged tubular area 170 may include a tubular knit structure having multiple separable layers (e.g., wherein a first layer 172 of the merged tubular area 170 is formed on a first needle bed, wherein a second layer 174 of the merged tubular area 170 is formed on a second needle bed, and wherein a cavity / pocket between the first layer 172 and the second layer 174 forms a cavity 176 for receiving the stretch strand 124).

[0043] The first layer 172 of the combined tubular region 170 may be combined with the first layer 144 ( Figure 4) (and similarly the first layer of the second tubular knit structure 142), and the second layer 174 of the merged tubular region 170 may be continuous with the second layer 146 ( Figure 4 ) (and similarly the second layer of the second tubular knit structure 142). In addition, the cavity 176 formed by the merged tubular region 170 can be directly connected to the first passage 136 of the first tubular knit structure 140 and the second passage 138 of the second tubular knit structure 142 (i.e., forming a continuous passage). Therefore, the same (continuous) tensile strand 124 can extend through each of the first passage 136 of the first tubular knit structure 140, the cavity 176 of the merged tubular region 170, and the second passage 138 of the second tubular knit structure 142.

[0044] In some aspects, the opening 178 can provide access to the cavity 176 of the incorporated tubular region 170. For example, the opening 178 can be a location where the first layer 172 and the second layer 174 of the incorporated tubular region 170 terminate (in the throat area 116) without connecting at the edges so that the cavity 176 can be directly accessed. Advantageously, the opening 178 can allow the coils 150 of the tensile strands 124 to extend beyond the edges 180 of the first layer 172 and / or the second layer 174, thereby providing space for engagement with laces and / or other tensioning members. Advantageously, such aspects can facilitate quick and efficient installation (e.g., lacing) of laces, for example.

[0045] Figure 7 Shown with Figure 6 A similar aspect, but wherein the coil 150 of the tensile strand 124 is retained within the cavity 176 of the incorporated tubular region 170. When a tensioning member (such as a lace 126) is included, it can extend into the cavity 176 of the incorporated tubular region 170 so that it reaches the coil 150. From an external perspective (e.g., when the footwear article 100 is in use), the coil 150 can be invisible, and / or the arrival of the lace 126 to the incorporated tubular region 170 can be visually apparent. For example, such an aspect may be advantageous in terms of protecting the tensile strand 124 from wear and / or unique and eye-catching visual characteristics. It is also contemplated that when the performance of the footwear article 100 involves certain friction-related properties of the tensile strand 124 (e.g., lubrication), such an aspect may protect the tensile strand 124 from losing such properties.

[0046] In order to facilitate Figure 7In the aspect of lacing the lace 126 (or otherwise installing the fastening system components), the first layer 172 and / or the second layer 174 can be sufficiently elastic so that the user can move them sufficiently to cause engagement between the lace 126 and the coil 150. Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated that the tensile strand 124 can be pulled out of the cavity 176 during lacing (e.g., via stretchability and / or another type of elongation or displacement of the tensile strand 124).

[0047] Figure 8 One aspect of incorporating tubular region 170 is shown, wherein opening 186 extends through first layer 172 and / or second layer 174, and wherein opening 186 is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, and positioned) to receive lace 126 (or other tensioning member). As shown, tensile strand 124 can extend around opening 186 such that lacing of lace 126 causes engagement between lace 126 and tensile strand 124. In this aspect, opening 178 ( Figure 6 Rather than Figure 8 104) is not required. The opening 186 in the knitted component 104 can be formed by any suitable process. In some aspects, a piece of the knitted component 104 can be cut, punched out or otherwise removed to form the opening 186. In other aspects, the opening 186 can be formed by a specific structure of the knitted component 104. For example, during a knitting process on a knitting machine having at least one needle bed, one or more needles of the needle bed can be skipped while forming certain rows of loops of the knitted component 104, thereby forming a gap, and the gap can ultimately define the opening 186. Other suitable knitting structures can be used additionally or alternatively to form the opening 186. When the opening 186 is formed by a specific knitting structure rather than removing a portion of the knitted component 104 by cutting, punching or other methods, the opening 186 is referred to as "knitted formed" in the present disclosure.

[0048] Other suitable aspects are also contemplated. For example, in certain variations, a lace or other tensioning member may extend through a channel or passageway of a tubular knit structure similar to those disclosed herein, such that a separate anchor is not required. Additionally or alternatively, certain tubular knit structures may have different lengths (e.g., terminate before reaching a bite line and / or throat area of ​​an upper), may extend in different directions (e.g., extend substantially longitudinally along an upper), may be located in different areas (e.g., in a toe area, a heel area, in an underfoot area), etc.

[0049] Figures 9 and 10 is a diagram illustrating an example knitting diagram representative of a knitting process for forming the different portions of the knitted component 104 discussed above. Fig. 9 For example, Figure 2A diagram of the knitting process of the knitted area 9 is shown. Fig.10 shows that in the base region (e.g., similar to Figure 2 These figures are non-limiting, and one or both of these figures may be modified in an appropriate manner to accommodate changes in other aspects of the knitted component.

[0050] like Fig. 9 As shown, the first yarn 262 can form a first layer of the first tubular knit structure 240 and the second tubular knit structure 242 (e.g., similar to Figure 4 144). The first tubular knit structure 240 and the second tubular knit structure 242 are each shown as being formed of a tubular knit construction (e.g., wherein yarn on the first needle bed 302 is not looped on the needles of the second needle bed 304, and vice versa). The first tubular knit structure 240 and the second tubular knit structure 242 can be separated by a base region 256, which is a region where yarn is looped on both the front and rear needle beds (e.g., such that a cavity or passage formed between the needle beds is traversed by such yarn).

[0051] exist Fig. 9 , a merged tubular region 270 may be formed, wherein the merged tubular region 270 includes a tubular structure. As shown, there is no base region 256 between the merged tubular regions 270. In other words, the base region 256 ends before reaching the merged tubular region 270, and thus the passages of the first tubular knit structure 240 and the second tubular knit structure 242 are continuous with the cavity located within the merged tubular region 270.

[0052] As discussed above, the first yarn 262 can be isolated from the base region 256. In fact, in this example, the first yarn 262 is looped only on one of the two needle beds (e.g., the first yarn 262 is looped only on the needles of the first needle bed 302), and it never reaches any needle of the second needle bed 304. Therefore, the first yarn 262 in this example is only located in a single layer (e.g., similar to the first layer 144 discussed above) and is excluded elsewhere. In contrast, the second yarn is looped on the needles of both needle beds (at least in the base region 256). Advantageously, such an aspect allows the first yarn 262 to be replaced with a yarn type without the need to redesign and / or reprogram the base region 256 and / or other parts of the knitted component to account for the new yarn type (as discussed above).

[0053] Having described various aspects of the subject matter, an additional disclosure is provided below that includes certain aspects consistent with the originally filed claims located at the end of this specification.

[0054] A first aspect includes an upper for an article of footwear, the upper comprising one or more of: a first tubular knit structure, wherein the first tubular knit structure comprises a first layer and a second layer, the first layer and the second layer being separable such that a first passage is located between the first layer and the second layer; and a second tubular knit structure, wherein the second tubular knit structure comprises a third layer and a fourth layer, the third layer and the fourth layer being separable such that a second passage is located between the third layer and the fourth layer. The first tubular knit structure may extend from a bite line of the upper to a throat area of ​​the upper, wherein the second tubular knit structure extends from the bite line of the upper to the throat area of ​​the upper, and wherein a longitudinal direction of the first tubular knit structure is at an angle of at least 5 degrees relative to a longitudinal direction of the second tubular knit structure. Embodiments may include one or more of the following aspects in the following paragraphs.

[0055] The first portion of the stretch strand may extend through the first passageway, and the second portion of the stretch strand may extend through the second passageway. The coil of the stretch strand may be located between the first portion of the stretch strand and the second portion of the stretch strand, wherein the coil is configured to engage with a tensioning member of the fastening system. The coil may extend from an opening that provides access to a cavity in the throat region of the upper that incorporates the tubular region. Alternatively, the coil may be located within a cavity in the throat region of the upper that incorporates the tubular region.

[0056] The first tubular knit structure and the second tubular knit structure may be merged in or adjacent to the throat area of ​​the upper.

[0057] The first tubular knit structure may be a first distance from the second tubular knit structure at a bite line of the upper, wherein the first tubular knit structure is a second distance from the second tubular knit structure at a throat area of ​​the upper, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

[0058] The knitted base region may be located between the first tubular knit structure and the second tubular knit structure. The knitted base region may include a first number of courses in a first region adjacent to the throat region, wherein the knitted base region includes a second number of courses adjacent to the bite line, and wherein the first number of courses is greater than the second number of courses to produce an angled orientation of the first tubular knit structure relative to the second tubular knit structure.

[0059] The first layer may include a first yarn, wherein the first yarn is not included in a knitted base area.

[0060] Additional aspects relate to an upper for an article of footwear, the upper comprising one or more of: a first tubular knitted structure, wherein the first tubular knitted structure comprises a first layer and a second layer, the first layer and the second layer being separable such that a first passage is located between the first layer and the second layer; and a second tubular knitted structure, wherein the second tubular knitted structure comprises a third layer and a fourth layer, the third layer and the fourth layer being separable such that a second passage is located between the third layer and the fourth layer. The first tubular knitted structure may extend from a bite line of the upper to a throat area of ​​the upper, wherein the second tubular knitted structure extends from the bite line of the upper to the throat area of ​​the upper, wherein a knitted base area is located between the first tubular knitted structure and the second tubular knitted structure at a position adjacent to the bite line, and wherein the first tubular knitted structure and the second tubular knitted structure are merged at a merged tubular area located in or adjacent to the throat area of ​​the upper. Embodiments may include one or more of the following aspects in the following paragraphs.

[0061] A first portion of the stretch strand may extend through a first passage, wherein a second portion of the stretch strand extends through a second passage, wherein a coil of the stretch strand is located between the first portion of the stretch strand and the second portion of the stretch strand, and wherein the coil is configured to engage a tensioning member of a fastening system. The coil may extend from an opening that provides access to a cavity in a throat region of the upper that incorporates the tubular region. Alternatively, the coil may be located within a cavity in a throat region of the upper that incorporates the tubular region.

[0062] The knitted base region may include a first number of rows of loops in a first area adjacent to the throat region, wherein the knitted base region includes a second number of rows of loops adjacent to the bite line, and wherein the first number of rows of loops is greater than the second number of rows of loops to produce an angled orientation of the first tubular knit structure relative to the second tubular knit structure.

[0063] The first layer may include a first yarn, wherein the first yarn is not included in a knitted base area.

[0064] Additional aspects relate to an upper for an article of footwear, the upper comprising one or more of: a first tubular knitted structure, wherein the first tubular knitted structure comprises a first layer and a second layer, the first layer and the second layer being separable such that a pocket is located between the first layer and the second layer; and a knitted base region positioned adjacent to the first tubular knitted structure on at least one side of the first tubular knitted structure. The first layer of the first tubular knitted structure may comprise a first yarn, wherein the second layer of the first tubular knitted structure comprises a second yarn, and wherein the first yarn is substantially not included in the knitted base region. Embodiments may include one or more of the following aspects in the following paragraphs.

[0065] The first yarn and the second yarn may comprise different yarn types.

[0066] The second yarn may be knitted within the knitted base area.

[0067] The first yarn may comprise a monofilament yarn, and wherein the second yarn comprises a polyester yarn.

[0068] Although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, the present disclosure is not limited except in accordance with the appended claims and their equivalents. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that various changes and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. In addition, the advantages described herein are not necessarily the only advantages of the present disclosure, and it is not necessarily expected that each embodiment of the present disclosure will achieve all of the advantages described.

Claims

1. A shoe upper for a footwear product, comprising: a first tubular knit structure, wherein the first tubular knit structure comprises a first layer and a second layer, the first layer and the second layer being separable such that a first passageway is located between the first layer and the second layer; and a second tubular knitted structure, wherein the second tubular knitted structure comprises a third layer and a fourth layer, the third layer and the fourth layer being separable such that a second passageway is located between the third layer and the fourth layer, wherein the first tubular knitted structure extends from a bite line of the upper to a throat area of ​​the upper, wherein the second tubular knitted structure extends from the bite line of the upper to the throat area of ​​the upper, wherein the first tubular knitted structure and the second tubular knitted structure are merged at a merged tubular region located in or adjacent to the throat area of ​​the upper, wherein the merged tubular region comprises a tubular knitted structure having a plurality of separable layers, and a cavity formed by the merged tubular region is in direct communication with the first passage of the first tubular knitted structure and the second passage of the second tubular knitted structure, and Wherein the longitudinal direction of the first tubular knitted structure is at an angle of at least 5 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the second tubular knitted structure.

2. The upper for an article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein a first portion of the tensile strand extends through the first passageway, and wherein a second portion of the tensile strand extends through the second passageway.

3. An upper for an article of footwear according to claim 2, wherein the coil of the stretch strand is located between the first portion of the stretch strand and the second portion of the stretch strand, and wherein the coil is configured for engagement with a tensioning member of a fastening system.

4. An upper for an article of footwear according to claim 3, wherein the coil extends from an opening providing access to a cavity of the incorporated tubular region in the throat area of ​​the upper.

5. An upper for an article of footwear according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the coil is located inside a cavity of the incorporated tubular area in the throat area of ​​the upper.

6. An upper for a footwear article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first tubular knitted structure is at a first distance from the second tubular knitted structure at the bite line of the upper, wherein the first tubular knitted structure is at a second distance from the second tubular knitted structure at the throat area of ​​the upper, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

7. An upper for a footwear article according to claim 5, wherein the first tubular knitted structure is a first distance from the second tubular knitted structure at the bite line of the upper, wherein the first tubular knitted structure is a second distance from the second tubular knitted structure at the throat area of ​​the upper, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

8. An upper for an article of footwear according to any one of claims 1-4 and 7, wherein a knitted base region is located between the first tubular knitted structure and the second tubular knitted structure.

9. The upper for an article of footwear according to claim 5, wherein a knitted base region is located between the first tubular knit structure and the second tubular knit structure.

10. The upper for an article of footwear according to claim 6, wherein a knitted base region is located between the first tubular knit structure and the second tubular knit structure.

11. An upper for an article of footwear according to claim 8, wherein the knitted base area includes a first number of courses of stitches in a first area adjacent to the throat area, wherein the knitted base area includes a second number of courses of stitches adjacent to the bite line, and wherein the first number of courses of stitches is greater than the second number of courses of stitches to produce an angled orientation of the first tubular knit structure relative to the second tubular knit structure.

12. An upper for an article of footwear according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the knitted base area includes a first number of rows of stitches in a first area adjacent to the throat area, wherein the knitted base area includes a second number of rows of stitches adjacent to the bite line, and wherein the first number of rows of stitches is greater than the second number of rows of stitches to produce an angled orientation of the first tubular knit structure relative to the second tubular knit structure.

13. An upper for a footwear article according to claim 8, wherein the first layer of the first tubular knitted structure includes a first yarn that is substantially not included in the knitted base area, and the second layer of the first tubular knitted structure includes a second yarn that is shared with the knitted base area.

14. An upper for a footwear article according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the first layer of the first tubular knitted structure includes a first yarn that is substantially not included in the knitted base area, and the second layer of the first tubular knitted structure includes a second yarn that is shared with the knitted base area.

15. A shoe upper for a footwear article, comprising: a first tubular knit structure, wherein the first tubular knit structure comprises a first layer and a second layer, the first layer and the second layer being separable such that a first passageway is located between the first layer and the second layer; and a second tubular knitted structure, wherein the second tubular knitted structure comprises a third layer and a fourth layer, the third layer and the fourth layer being separable such that a second passageway is located between the third layer and the fourth layer, wherein the first tubular knitted structure extends from a bite line of the upper to a throat area of ​​the upper, wherein the second tubular knitted structure extends from the bite line of the upper to the throat area of ​​the upper, wherein a knitted base region is located between the first tubular knitted structure and the second tubular knitted structure at a location adjacent to the bite line, and wherein the first tubular knitted structure and the second tubular knitted structure are merged at a merged tubular area located in the throat area of ​​the upper or adjacent to the throat area of ​​the upper, wherein the merged tubular area comprises a tubular knitted structure having a plurality of separable layers, and the cavity formed by the merged tubular area is directly connected to the first passage of the first tubular knitted structure and the second passage of the second tubular knitted structure.

16. An upper for a footwear article according to claim 15, wherein a first portion of the stretch strand extends through the first passage, and wherein a second portion of the stretch strand extends through the second passage, wherein a coil of the stretch strand is located between the first portion of the stretch strand and the second portion of the stretch strand, and wherein the coil is configured for engagement with a tensioning member of a fastening system.

17. An upper for an article of footwear according to claim 16, wherein the coil extends from an opening providing access to a cavity of the incorporated tubular region in the throat area of ​​the upper.

18. An upper for an article of footwear according to claim 16, wherein the coil is located within a cavity of the incorporated tubular region in the throat area of ​​the upper.

19. An upper for an article of footwear according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the knitted base area includes a first number of rows of stitches in a first area adjacent to the throat area, wherein the knitted base area includes a second number of rows of stitches adjacent to the bite line, and wherein the first number of rows of stitches is greater than the second number of rows of stitches to produce an angled orientation of the first tubular knit structure relative to the second tubular knit structure.

20. An upper for an article of footwear according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the first layer comprises a first yarn, and wherein the first yarn is not included in the knitted base region.

21. The upper for an article of footwear according to claim 19, wherein the first layer includes a first yarn, and wherein the first yarn is not included in the knitted base area.

22. A shoe upper for a footwear article, comprising: a first tubular knitted structure, wherein the first tubular knitted structure comprises a first layer and a second layer, the first layer and the second layer being separable such that a pocket is located between the first layer and the second layer; a knitted base region positioned adjacent to the first tubular knit structure on at least one side of the first tubular knit structure; as well as a second tubular knitted structure, wherein the second tubular knitted structure comprises a third layer and a fourth layer, the third layer and the fourth layer being separable such that the pocket is located between the third layer and the fourth layer, wherein the first layer of the first tubular knitted structure comprises a first yarn, wherein said second layer of said first tubular knitted structure comprises a second yarn, wherein said first yarn is substantially not included in a base region of said knitting, wherein the first tubular knitted structure extends from a bite line of the upper to a throat area of ​​the upper, wherein the second tubular knitted structure extends from the bite line of the upper to the throat area of ​​the upper, and wherein the first tubular knitted structure and the second tubular knitted structure are merged at a merged tubular area located in the throat area of ​​the upper or adjacent to the throat area of ​​the upper, wherein the merged tubular area comprises a tubular knitted structure having a plurality of separable layers, and the cavity formed by the merged tubular area is directly connected to the pocket of the first tubular knitted structure and the pocket of the second tubular knitted structure.

23. The upper for an article of footwear according to claim 22, wherein the first yarn and the second yarn comprise different yarn types.

24. An upper for an article of footwear according to any one of claims 22 to 23, wherein the second yarn is knitted in a base area of ​​the knitting.

25. An upper for an article of footwear according to any one of claims 22 to 23, wherein the first yarn comprises a monofilament yarn, and wherein the second yarn comprises a polyester yarn.

26. The upper for an article of footwear according to claim 24, wherein the first yarn comprises a monofilament yarn, and wherein the second yarn comprises a polyester yarn.

27. An article of footwear comprising a sole structure and an upper according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

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