Articles formed from knitted components and knitting machines

Abstract

The present application relates to articles formed from knitted components and knitting machines. A knitted component can include a knitted element formed from a plurality of courses and a plurality of wales, wherein the plurality of courses includes a first course and the plurality of wales includes a first wale and a second wale. A set of inlaid strands can be included that includes at least a first inlaid strand and a second inlaid strand. A first region and a second region can be included, wherein in the first region, each inlaid strand of the set of inlaid strands extends through at least a portion of the first course, and wherein in the second region, the first inlaid strand extends through the first wale and the second inlaid strand extends through the second wale.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on December 10, 2019, with application number 201980082908.2 and entitled "Knitted component having vertical inserts, method for preparing the knitted component and suitable knitting machine thereof".

[0002] Related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 777,563, filed December 10, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0004] Various articles are formed from textiles. As examples, clothing articles (such as shirts, trousers, socks, footwear, jackets and other outerwear, briefs and other underwear, hats and other headwear), packing materials (such as backpacks and bags), and furnishings for furniture (such as chairs, recliners, and car seats) are typically formed, at least in part, from textiles. These textiles are often formed by weaving or interlacing (e.g., knitting) one or more yarns, usually through mechanical processes involving looms or knitting machines. A specific type of object that can be formed from textiles is the upper of a footwear article.

[0005] Knitting is an example of a process that forms textiles. Knitting can generally be divided into weft knitting and warp knitting. In both weft and warp knitting, one or more yarns are manipulated to form multiple interlocking loops that define various loop rows and wales. In the more common weft knitting, the loop rows and wales are perpendicular to each other and can be formed by a single yarn or multiple yarns. In warp knitting, the loop rows and wales extend generally parallel to each other.

[0006] Although knitting can be done by hand, the commercial manufacture of knitted parts is typically carried out by knitting machines. An example of a knitting machine used to produce weft-knitted parts is the V-bed flat knitting machine, which consists of two needle beds angled relative to each other. A track extends above and parallel to the needle beds, providing attachment points for a yarn feeder that moves along the needle beds and supplies yarn to the needles within them. Standard yarn feeders have the capability to supply yarn for knitting, tucking, and floating. Embedded yarn feeders are typically used when incorporating yarns into knitted parts. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application also involves the following items:

[0008] 1. A knitted component, comprising:

[0009] A knitted element is formed by multiple rows of loops and multiple rows of loops, wherein the multiple rows of loops include a first row of loops and the multiple rows of loops include a first row of loops and a second row of loops;

[0010] A set of embedded stock lines, including at least a first embedded stock line and a second embedded stock line; and

[0011] First and Second Zones

[0012] In the first region, each of the embedded strands in the set extends through at least a portion of the first coil row, and

[0013] In the second region, the first embedded strand extends through the first coil longitudinal section and the second embedded strand extends through the second coil longitudinal section.

[0014] 2. The knitted component according to item 1, wherein in the second region, the first embedded yarn and the second embedded yarn extend vertically through at least a portion of the first loop wale and the second loop wale, respectively.

[0015] 3. The knitted component according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the set of embedded plies further includes a third embedded ply and a fourth embedded ply, wherein the plurality of loop wales further includes a third loop wale and a fourth loop wale, and wherein in the second region, the third embedded ply and the fourth embedded ply extend through at least a portion of the third loop wale and the fourth loop wale, respectively.

[0016] 4. The knitted component according to item 3, wherein in the first region, both the third and fourth embedded strands extend through at least a portion of the first loop row.

[0017] 5. The knitted part according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the first loop wale is adjacent to the second loop wale.

[0018] 6. The knitted part according to any one of the preceding items, wherein at least one loop warp is located between the first loop warp and the second loop warp.

[0019] 7. The knitted part according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the first region is adjacent to the second region.

[0020] 8. The knitted component according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the first region has a first thickness and the second region has a second thickness less than the first thickness.

[0021] 9. The knitted part according to any one of the preceding items, wherein in the second region, the second embedded yarn extends through a portion of the first loop row located between the first loop wale and the second loop wale.

[0022] 10. The knitted component according to any one of the preceding items, wherein a set of embedded strands extends along the first loop row to a first position where the first loop row intersects with the first loop warp, and wherein at the first position, the direction of the first embedded strands changes from extending horizontally through the first loop row to extending vertically through the first loop warp.

[0023] 11. The knitted component according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the set of embedded yarns includes cushioning yarns.

[0024] 12. The knitted component according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the set of embedded ply yarns comprises yarns with higher tensile strength than the yarns forming the knitted element.

[0025] 13. The knitted component according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the set of insert yarns includes a third insert yarn, and wherein in the second region, both the second insert yarn and the third insert yarn extend through the second loop wale.

[0026] 14. A method for manufacturing a knitted part, comprising:

[0027] The first yarn feeder is moved along a first direction to form a first loop row of the knitted component;

[0028] The second yarn feeder is moved to a first position along the first row of coils, such that a set of embedded strands is embedded through the first row of coils in the first direction, the set of embedded strands including a first embedded strand and a second embedded strand.

[0029] Hold the second yarn feeder in the first position; and

[0030] While the second yarn feeder is held in the first position, the first yarn feeder is moved along the first direction such that when an additional row of loops is formed, the first embedded strand and the second embedded strand are respectively embedded through the first and second loop rows extending along the second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0031] 15. The method for manufacturing a knitted part according to item 14 further includes:

[0032] The second yarn feeder is moved to a second position along the third coil row that will be formed later, such that the set of embedded strands extends along the first direction through the second portion of the third coil row.

[0033] The second yarn feeder includes a first outlet for distributing the first embedded yarn and a second outlet for distributing the second embedded yarn.

[0034] 16. A method of manufacturing a knitted part according to any one of items 14 to 15, wherein the first direction is generally horizontal in the knitting process, and wherein the second direction is generally vertical in the knitting process.

[0035] 17. A method of manufacturing a knitted part according to any one of items 14 to 16, wherein the second yarn feeder is movable such that the second yarn feeder can be held in a plurality of fixed positions, each fixed position being associated with embedding the set of embedded ply yarns in a selected set of corresponding wale yarns.

[0036] 18. A method of manufacturing a knitted part according to any one of items 14 to 17, wherein the second yarn feeder includes a plurality of outlets for dispensing a plurality of embedded yarns, and each of the plurality of outlets is configured to dispense at least one embedded yarn, and wherein the second yarn feeder includes a common inlet for receiving each of the plurality of embedded yarns.

[0037] 19. A knitting machine, comprising:

[0038] At least one needle bed;

[0039] A first yarn feeder, movable along the needle bed, is used to distribute a first yarn onto the at least one needle bed to form a knitted element; and

[0040] The second yarn feeder includes multiple outlets for distributing multiple strands of yarn to form horizontal and vertical embedding areas within the knitted element, wherein each of the multiple outlets is configured to distribute at least one strand of yarn.

[0041] 20. The knitting machine according to item 19, wherein the second yarn feeder is configured to move along the needle bed such that each of the plurality of yarns is horizontally embedded within at least a portion of the loop rows of the knitting element. Attached Figure Description

[0042] The present disclosure can be better understood by referring to the following figures and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather the emphasis is on illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in the figures, the same reference numerals denote corresponding parts in different views.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustration of a knitting machine according to certain aspects of this disclosure.

[0044] Figure 2 This illustrates certain aspects of this disclosure. Figure 1 A schematic enlarged front view of a portion of the yarn feeder of a knitting machine.

[0045] Figure 3 It shows the utilization based on certain aspects. Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of a knitting process in which a set of strands of yarn are horizontally embedded in a yarn feeder and pass through the first loop row of the knitting element.

[0046] Figure 4 It shows the utilization based on certain aspects. Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of a knitting process in which the yarn feeder is vertically embedded in the group of strands passing through multiple loops of the knitting element.

[0047] Figure 5 It is a plan view illustration showing the knitted structure of a knitted component having horizontally embedded ply yarns and vertically embedded ply yarns according to certain aspects.

[0048] Figure 6 It is a plan view illustration of the knitted structure of a knitted part with cross-hatched horizontal and vertical inserts according to certain aspects.

[0049] Figure 7 It is a schematic plan view illustration of a knitted component having horizontal and vertical embedding areas according to certain aspects.

[0050] Figure 8 It shows that it includes the following: Figure 7 A schematic perspective view of footwear products with knitted components forming the upper. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The various aspects are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same elements are generally denoted by the same reference numerals. A better understanding of the relationships and functions of the various elements in each aspect can be achieved by referring to the following detailed description. However, the 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 unnecessary for understanding the aspects disclosed herein (e.g., conventional manufacturing and assembly) may be omitted.

[0052] Certain aspects of this disclosure relate to uppers and / or other articles configured for use in footwear articles, such as clothing articles. When referring to footwear articles, this 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 footwear types generally considered non-sporting, including but not limited to dress shoes, loafers and sandals.

[0053] One general aspect of this disclosure includes a knitting component comprising: a knitting element having a plurality of loop rows and a plurality of loop warps, wherein the plurality of loop rows includes a first loop row and the plurality of loop warps includes a first loop warp and a second loop warp; a set of insert strands including at least a first insert strand and a second insert strand; and a first region and a second region, wherein in the first region, each insert strand of the set of insert strands extends through at least a portion of the first loop row, and wherein in the second region, the first insert strand extends through the first loop warp and the second insert strand extends through the second loop warp.

[0054] Another general aspect of this disclosure includes a method of manufacturing a knitted part, the method comprising: moving a first yarn feeder along a first direction to form a first loop row of the knitted part; moving a second yarn feeder along the first loop row to a first position such that a set of insert plies are inserted through the first loop row along the first direction, wherein the set of insert plies includes a first insert ply and a second insert ply; holding the second yarn feeder in the first position; and moving the first yarn feeder along the first direction while the second yarn feeder is held in the first position such that, when an additional loop row is formed, the first insert ply and the second insert ply are respectively inserted through a first loop wale and a second loop wale extending along a second direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0055] Another general aspect of this disclosure includes a knitting machine comprising: at least one needle bed; a first yarn feeder movable along the needle bed for distributing a first yarn to the at least one needle bed to form a knitted element; and a second yarn feeder including a plurality of outlets for distributing a plurality of strands to form a horizontal embedding region and a vertical embedding region within the knitted element, wherein each of the plurality of outlets is configured to distribute at least one strand.

[0056] Commercial manufacturing of knitted parts is typically carried out using knitting machines. Figure 1An example of a knitting machine 200 suitable for producing knitted parts is depicted. The knitting machine 200 may include two needle beds 201 that are angled relative to each other and meet to form an intersection extending along a large portion of the width of the knitting machine 200, thus forming a V-shaped bed. Each of the needle beds 201 may include a plurality of individual needles 202 located on a common plane. The knitting machine 200 may also include a first yarn feeder 204 and a multi-ply yarn feeder 220. The first yarn feeder 204 is movable along the needle bed 201 and may have the function of supplying at least a first yarn (e.g., ...). Figure 3 The needle 202 manipulates the first yarn (211) to perform knitting, tucking, and floating. As the first yarn feeder 204 moves along the needle bed 201, a knitted element (e.g., including at least the first yarn 211) can be formed. Figure 3 (knitting element 260 in the middle). The knitting element may include multiple interlocking loops defining multiple horizontal rows of loops and vertical rows of loops.

[0057] The multi-ply yarn feeder 220 can move along the needle bed 201 and can also remain in multiple fixed positions while the first yarn feeder 204 moves along the needle bed 201. The multi-ply yarn feeder 220 may include at least one outlet 282 having a dispensing end 246 configured to supply ply yarn (e.g., ply 206) that can be knitted, tucked, and floated by the needles 202, and to embed the ply yarn 206 within the loop rows and / or wales of the knitting element. The multi-ply yarn feeder 220 is capable of being in a retracted position (position where the dispensing end 246 is above the intersection of the needle bed 201) and an extended position (position where the dispensing end 246 is below the intersection of the needle bed 201, e.g., as shown below the intersection of the needle bed 201). Figure 3 The yarn feeder 220 moves between (as shown). When in the retracted position, the yarn feeder 220 can supply yarn 206 for knitting, tucking, and floating. When in the extended position, the yarn feeder 220 can also insert the yarn 206 horizontally or vertically into the knitted element. For illustrative purposes, the term "vertical" is intended to describe the direction of the inserted yarn relative to the direction of the loops forming the knitted element. In other words, "vertical" is intended to describe the "longitudinal" direction, and "horizontal" is intended to describe the "transverse" direction. That is, the yarn is inserted vertically relative to the generally horizontal knitting direction of the loops forming the rest of the knitted part. In other words, in the knitting process, vertically inserted yarn is positioned generally perpendicular to the rest of the knitted part. For example, when in Figure 1 When knitting on a V-shaped needle bed flat knitting machine of the type shown, the embedded yarn will be positioned substantially vertically relative to the needle bed 201 and the knitting direction forming the knitting element.

[0058] It should be understood that when a knitted component is removed from a knitting machine and used elsewhere (e.g., for the upper of a footwear product), the "vertically" embedded yarn may not be vertical, and the "horizontally" embedded yarn may not be horizontal. Further details of a knitting machine, the translational movement of a multi-ply yarn feeder, and a method of knitting a knitted element with horizontally embedded yarn are depicted and described in U.S. Patent No. 8,839,532, filed March 15, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0059] As shown in the figure, the multi-ply yarn feeder 220 may include a common outlet 289 for receiving multiple plies of yarn to be knitted and / or embedded within a knitting element. The multi-ply yarn feeder 220 may include multiple outlets for distributing the multiple plies received from the common outlet 289. That is, the common outlet 289 can receive all the plies of the multiple plies, and then the plies can be separated to their respective outlets. Each outlet of the multi-ply yarn feeder 220 can distribute at least one ply of the multiple plies. In some embodiments, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the multi-ply yarn feeder 220 may be provided with four outlets 282, 284, 286, and 288. Each of the multiple outlets may have a tubular configuration. Each outlet may be configured to supply ply yarns (e.g., ply yarns 206, 207, 208, or 209) such that multiple ply yarns supplied by all outlets of the multi-ply yarn feeder 220 can form a group of ply yarns. Each ply yarn in this group of ply yarns may be different or the same. The multiple outlets may be spaced apart at substantially uniform distances (e.g., as shown). Figure 2 (As shown), or at least some outlets may be spaced apart at different distances. It should be understood that the number, configuration, and spacing of the outlets of the multi-ply yarn feeder 220 may be changed as desired and / or required without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, by changing the number of outlets included in the multi-ply yarn feeder 220, the number of plies that can be simultaneously embedded in the knitting element can be changed. As another example, the spacing between the outlets can determine the spacing between the corresponding wales of the loops embedded therein, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0060] As discussed in more detail below, the multi-ply yarn feeder 220 is movable along the needle bed 201 such that the group of plies is horizontally embedded together within at least a portion of a single loop row of the knitting element (e.g., as shown below). Figure 3 (As shown). In some embodiments, the multi-ply yarn feeder 220 may also (or alternatively) be configured to remain in a fixed position such that the group of plies extends vertically along the respective loop warp of the knitting element in the fixed position (e.g., as shown). Figure 4(As shown). It should be understood that the multi-strand yarn feeder 220 is movable, so that it can be held in multiple fixed positions, and thus the set of strands can be embedded in a set of corresponding coils in a selected fixed position among the multiple fixed positions.

[0061] refer to Figures 3 to 7 An example of a method for manufacturing a knitted part 262 having a horizontal embedding area and a vertical embedding area using the aforementioned knitting machine 200 is shown. First, as Figure 3 As shown, the first yarn feeder 204 moves along the needle bed 201 and forms a first loop row 203 on the knitting element 260 by yarn 211. Continuing the knitting process, the multi-ply yarn feeder 220 translates from a retracted position to an extended position (such that its distribution end or outlet is below the needle cross), and then moves along the first loop row to a first position 265, such that plies 206, 207, 208, and 209 are placed between the loops of the first portion of the newly formed first loop row 203. In other words, the multiple plies 206, 207, 208, and 209 extend along a first direction 205 (e.g., horizontally) through the first portion 264 of the first loop row 203. Although in this example method the multi-strand yarn feeder 220 stops at the first position 265, it is envisioned that the multi-strand yarn feeder 220 may continue to move through the first coil row 203, such that the strands 206, 207, 208 and 209 extend through the entire length of the first coil row 203.

[0062] refer to Figure 4 After reaching the first position 265, the multi-ply yarn feeder 220 can remain at the first position 265 without moving further along the first loop row 203, while the first yarn feeder 204 continues knitting. As a result, when the multi-ply yarn feeder 220 is held at the first position 265, portions of the ply yarns 206, 207, 208, and 209 extending beyond the first position 265 extend substantially vertically through the multi-ply yarn feeder 220, while the knitted element 260 grows vertically (due to the knitting of the additional loop row). This results in the ply yarns 206, 207, 208, and 209 being vertically embedded within the loop warp of the knitted element 260.

[0063] For example, after completing the first loop row 203, the first yarn feeder 204 can move along the needle bed 201 in a first direction 205 to form a second loop row 212. The loops of the first and second loop rows are at least partially engaged with each other, such that multiple loop warps (e.g., first loop warp 291, second loop warp 292, third loop warp 293, and fourth loop warp 294) are formed and extend substantially perpendicular to the loop rows. Thus, by forming the second loop row 212, the horizontal extensions of the strands 206, 207, 208, and 209 pass through the first loop row 203 and reach a first position 265, partially horizontally embedded in a first region 241 of the structure of the knitting element 260. Figures 5 to 7 Within. Furthermore, by forming the second coil row 212 (and subsequent coil rows) while holding the multi-strand yarn feeder 220 in place, the strands 206, 207, 208, and 209 extend beyond the first position 265 (e.g., in...). Figure 4 The portions of the yarns vertically facing the multi-ply yarn feeder 220 extend along a second direction 215 (e.g., vertically) through the loop warps 291, 292, 293, and 294. That is, the plies 206, 207, 208, and 209 are each vertically embedded in the second region 242 of the structure of the knitting element 260. Figures 5 to 7 The corresponding coil rows 291, 292, 293, or 294 in the yarn feeder 220. It should be understood that the second strand 207 may extend through a portion of the first coil row 203 located between the first coil row 291 and the second coil row 292, the third strand 208 may extend through a portion of the first coil row 203 located between the second coil row 292 and the third coil row 293, and the fourth strand may extend through a portion of the first coil row 203 located between the third coil row 293 and the fourth coil row 294. Depending on the spacing between the multiple outlets of the multi-strand yarn feeder 220, the coil rows 291, 292, 293, and 294 may be adjacent to each other or spaced apart from each other. For example, in some embodiments, at least one coil row is located between the first coil row 291 and the second coil row 292. Furthermore, it is contemplated that more than one strand may extend through a single coil row.

[0064] The multi-ply yarn feeder 220 continues to be held in a fixed first position 265. As the first yarn feeder 204 knits additional loop rows from the yarn 211 forming the knitting element 260, the knitting component 262 moves downward (and the lengths of the multiple loop warps (e.g., the first to fourth loop warps 291, 292, 293, and 294) increase), such that the group of plies (e.g., the first to fourth plies 206, 207, 208, and 209) are vertically embedded within their respective loop warps (e.g., ...). Figure 5(As shown). As more knitted elements 260 are formed, the length of the vertically embedded portions of the ply yarns 206, 207, 208, and 209 increases. This process (holding the multi-ply yarn feeder 220 (and thus the group of ply yarns 206, 207, 208, and 209) in a fixed first position 265 as additional loops are formed) can be repeated as desired and / or as needed until the vertically embedded portions of the ply yarns 206, 207, 208, and 209 have the desired length. In some embodiments, as Figure 6 As shown, when the first yarn feeder 204 moves along the needle bed 201 to form an additional loop row, while the multi-ply yarn feeder 220 remains in a fixed position to form a vertical insert in the knitted part, another inserting yarn feeder can move horizontally along the additional loop row to form an additional horizontal insert (e.g., using the same method as described above), such that the horizontal and vertical inserts of the cross-shading lines can be formed in the knitted part.

[0065] The advantage of the above method is that a single knitted part (e.g., formed on a knitting machine without significant post-processing steps) can have embedded plies extending in multiple directions. For example, a single knitted part can have areas with vertically embedded plies and horizontally embedded plies as described above, which can provide tensile strength in selected areas and / or specific directions. Furthermore, the multi-ply yarn feeder 220 (with multiple outlets) provides the ability to use the same set of plies to form areas where a single loop row holds more plies than a single loop warp, which is not possible in previously known knitting techniques. For example, when using a multi-ply yarn feeder 220 with four outlets (as described above) and assuming that only one ply is dispensed through each outlet, at least a portion of the loop row can include multiple embedded plies (e.g., four plies horizontally embedded within the loop row in the first region 241). When the yarn is vertically embedded through the corresponding wale, the same multi-ply yarn feeder 220 with the same four plies can provide only one embedded ply for each wale (e.g., one ply is vertically embedded within the wale in the second region 242). This can be achieved in the same process as forming the rest of the one-piece knitted part 262, within the integrally and continuously formed one-piece knitted part 262, without needing to change the yarn feeder and / or the embedded plies during the knitting process to change the orientation of the insert or to provide different numbers of embedded plies for different regions. Furthermore, when it is desired that the knitted part has embedded plies extending in multiple directions, such a knitted part can be formed according to this teaching without needing to cut and then sew different knitted parts together, thus improving manufacturing efficiency, increasing the durability of the finished knitted part, reducing waste and scrap, etc.

[0066] Once the vertical embedding area (e.g., the second area 242) reaches the desired size, the method described above for horizontally embedding a group of yarns within a portion of the loop row of the knitting element 260 and vertically embedding each of that group of yarns within a portion of the loop warp of the knitting element 260 can be repeated to form a knitted component 262 having multiple horizontal embedding areas and multiple vertical embedding areas. For example, as Figure 7 As shown, after forming horizontal embedding regions (e.g., first region 241) and vertical embedding regions (e.g., second region 242), other horizontal embedding regions (e.g., third region 243 and fifth region 245) can be formed by moving the multi-ply yarn feeder 220 along a portion of the respective loop cross, and another vertical embedding region (e.g., fourth region 244) can be formed by holding the multi-ply yarn feeder 220 in a corresponding fixed position as the first yarn feeder 204 moves along the needle bed 201 to form additional loop crosses (similar to as described above). In some embodiments, the horizontal embedding regions (e.g., first region 241) may have a greater thickness than the vertical embedding regions (e.g., second region 242) because in the horizontal embedding regions, the bundle of yarns is clustered together to extend through at least a portion of a single loop cross, while in the vertical embedding regions, the bundle of yarns is separated and only one yarn in the bundle can extend through a single loop cross.

[0067] The dimensions of the vertical and horizontal embedding areas can be changed as desired and / or required by slightly altering the knitting process. For example, the length of the vertical embedding areas (e.g., areas 242, 244) can be changed by altering the length of a portion of the corresponding loop wale (e.g., 302, 306), which will change the number of newly formed loop rows while the multi-ply yarn feeder 220 is held in the corresponding fixed position (e.g., 265, 275). As another example, the width of the horizontal embedding areas (e.g., areas 241, 243) can be changed as desired and / or required by altering the length of a portion of the corresponding loop row (e.g., 300, 304), which will change the length of the portion of the multi-ply yarn feeder 220 that continues along the operation for the corresponding loop row.

[0068] Furthermore, the multi-ply yarn feeder 220 can be configured to dispense various different plies (e.g., filaments, threads, ropes, webbing, cables, chains, or yarns), and by including various yarn types in a set of plies embedded within the knitting component 260, the knitting component 262 can impart various characteristics to different areas. In some embodiments, a cushioning yarn may be provided within the set of plies such that the amount or degree of cushioning in the first region 241 is greater than that in the second region 242. In some embodiments, the embedded plies may have high tensile strength, thereby reducing vertical tensile strength in the vertical embedded region and horizontal tensile strength in the horizontal embedded region. In some embodiments, varying yarn types may be included within the set of plies to provide desired and / or required characteristics to specific areas of the knitting component. It should also be understood that the characteristics of the horizontal and vertical embedded regions can be similarly altered by changing the number of plies supplied by the multi-ply yarn feeder 220. For example, by including a greater number of yarns (e.g., cushioning yarns) in the group of strands, the amount or degree of cushioning in the horizontal and vertical embedding areas can be similarly increased.

[0069] When the knitted component 262 is incorporated into the upper of a footwear product (e.g., as...), Figure 8As shown, different types of embedded yarns can be selected to impart different tensile strength, abrasion resistance, flexibility, breathability, compressibility, comfort, color, and moisture absorption to different areas of the knitted component 262, thereby giving different areas of the upper appropriate characteristics and benefits. For example, the upper may include embedded cushioning areas with different levels of cushioning / stiffness at selected locations relative to the skeletal structure and other anatomical structures of the wearer's foot to provide cushioning protection and / or stability for the wearer's foot. For example, cushioning areas with lower relative stiffness during compression may be positioned where impact loads are most likely to be experienced during walking and similar activities. Cushioning areas with higher relative stiffness during compression may be positioned where impact loads are less likely and where greater drag is needed to stabilize walking motion. Different areas of the upper may require different levels of cushioning. By using the above method, the knitted component 262 may be provided with multiple horizontal embedded areas to provide a higher level of cushioning and multiple vertical embedded areas to provide a lower level of cushioning, and their respective positions may be predetermined according to the specific needs of the wearer. In addition, different areas of the upper may require different degrees or orientations of stretchability. For example, certain parts of footwear (e.g., the heel area) may experience concentrated forces during typical use, thus requiring a single strand of yarn in that location to provide high strength and / or tensile strength. If the forces are distributed more over a larger area, other areas (e.g., the inner and / or outer sides of the footwear) can be reinforced, and therefore multiple separate insert strands can be more effective. By using the method described above, the knitted component 262 may be provided with one or more horizontal insert areas to handle concentrated forces, and multiple vertical insert areas to provide a lower degree of tensile strength in the vertical direction while distributing forces over specific areas. These corresponding locations can be predetermined based on the specific needs of one or more wearers according to the design of the footwear.

[0070] While various embodiments of this disclosure have been described, this disclosure is not limited except as provided in the appended claims and their equivalents. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations and modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the advantages described herein are not necessarily the only advantages of this disclosure, and it is not necessarily expected that every embodiment of this disclosure will achieve all the described advantages.

Claims

1. An article formed from a knitted component, said knitted component comprising: A knitted element is formed by multiple rows of loops and multiple rows of loops, wherein the multiple rows of loops include a first row of loops and the multiple rows of loops include a first row of loops and a second row of loops; A set of embedded stock lines, including at least a first embedded stock line and a second embedded stock line; as well as First and Second Zones In the first region, each of the set of embedded strands extends through at least a portion of the first coil row. In the second region, the first embedded strand extends through the first coil longitudinal section and the second embedded strand extends through the second coil longitudinal section. In the second region, the second embedded strand extends through a portion of the first coil row located between the first coil row and the second coil row, and The product in question is a footwear product or a clothing product.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein in the second region, the first embedded strand and the second embedded strand extend vertically through at least a portion of the first coil longitudinal row and the second coil longitudinal row, respectively.

3. The article of claim 1, wherein the set of embedded strands further comprises a third embedded strand and a fourth embedded strand, wherein the plurality of coil rows further comprises a third coil row and a fourth coil row, and wherein in the second region, the third embedded strand and the fourth embedded strand extend through at least a portion of the third coil row and the fourth coil row, respectively.

4. The article of claim 3, wherein in the first region, both the third and fourth embedded strands extend through at least a portion of the first coil row.

5. The article of manufacture according to any one of claims 1 and 4, wherein the first coil row is adjacent to the second coil row.

6. The article of claim 1 or 4, wherein at least one coil row is located between the first coil row and the second coil row.

7. The article of claim 1 and 4, wherein the first region is adjacent to the second region.

8. The article of claim 1 or 4, wherein the first region has a first thickness and the second region has a second thickness less than the first thickness.

9. The article of manufacture according to any one of claims 1 and 4, wherein the set of embedded strands extends along the first coil row to a first position where the first coil row intersects with the first coil longitudinal row, and wherein in the first position, the direction of the first embedded strands changes from extending horizontally through the first coil row to extending vertically through the first coil longitudinal row.

10. The article of claim 1 or 4, wherein the set of embedded strands comprises cushioning yarn.

11. The article of claim 1 or 4, wherein the set of embedded strands comprises yarns with higher tensile strength than the yarns forming the knitted element.

12. The article of claim 1, wherein the set of embedded strands includes a third embedded strand, and wherein in the second region, both the second embedded strand and the third embedded strand extend through the second coil longitudinal section.

13. A knitting machine configured to manufacture knitted parts forming articles according to any one of claims 1-12, said knitting machine comprising: At least one needle bed; A first yarn feeder, movable along the needle bed, is used to distribute a first yarn onto the at least one needle bed to form a knitted element; as well as The second yarn feeder includes multiple outlets for distributing multiple strands of yarn to form horizontal and vertical embedding areas within the knitted element, wherein each of the multiple outlets is configured to distribute at least one strand of yarn.

14. The knitting machine of claim 13, wherein the second yarn feeder is configured to move along the needle bed such that each of the plurality of yarns is horizontally embedded within at least a portion of the loop rows of the knitting element.

15. The knitting machine according to claim 13, wherein, The knitting machine is configured to: The first yarn feeder is moved along a first direction to form a first loop row of the knitted component; The second yarn feeder is moved along the first row of coils to a first position, such that a set of embedded strands are embedded through the first row of coils in the first direction, the set of embedded strands including a first embedded strand and a second embedded strand. Hold the second yarn feeder in the first position; as well as While the second yarn feeder is held in the first position, the first yarn feeder is moved along the first direction such that when an additional row of loops is formed, the first embedded strand and the second embedded strand are respectively embedded through the first and second loop rows extending along the second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

16. The knitting machine according to claim 15, wherein, The knitting machine is also configured to: The second yarn feeder is moved to a second position along the third coil row that will be formed later, such that the set of embedded strands extends along the first direction through the second portion of the third coil row. The second yarn feeder includes a first outlet for distributing the first embedded yarn and a second outlet for distributing the second embedded yarn.

17. The knitting machine according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the first direction is generally horizontal in the knitting process, and wherein the second direction is generally vertical in the knitting process.

18. The knitting machine of claim 15 or 16, wherein the second yarn feeder is movable such that the second yarn feeder can be held in a plurality of fixed positions, each fixed position being associated with embedding the set of embedded ply yarns within a selected set of corresponding wale yarns.

19. The knitting machine of claim 15 or 16, wherein the second yarn feeder includes a plurality of outlets for distributing a plurality of embedded yarns, and wherein each of the plurality of outlets is configured to distribute at least one embedded yarn, and wherein the second yarn feeder includes a common inlet for receiving each of the plurality of embedded yarns.

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